bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute‐phase response in chronic urticaria
Authors: Kasperska‐Zajac A. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe patterns of acute‐phase response (APR) biomarkers differ upon various inflammatory conditions. Little information is available on the systemic inflammatory response in urticaria/angio‐oedema. It has been shown that concentrations of circulating APR biomarkers, IL‐6 and C‐reactive protein (CRP), are elevated more in severe chronic urticaria (CU) than in patients showing milder urticarial symptoms. It is not clear whether the increase of IL‐6 and CRP is merely an epiphenomenon or may contribute to the pathogenesis of CU. It is tempting to speculate that mediators of APR may enhance urticarial inflammation. In addition, there is some association between APR and activation of coagulation/fibrinolysis in CU. It is well known that even slight elevation in CRP baseline concentration is enough to produce significant increase in cardiovascular risk. In this light, one should ask whether CU patients, in particular those showing stronger systemic inflammatory response and long‐lasting course are more vulnerable to the cardiovascular events. Apart from highly troublesome symptoms and low quality of life, CU may then involve some remote, serious systemic consequences. Taken together, CU can be identified as a mast cell‐ and basophil‐dependent inflammatory disorder of the skin, which is accompanied by APR. Characterization of APR in CU may appear essential for an insight into the activity of this disease and for assessment of the inflammation degree. Moreover, measurement of these biomarkers might be particularly relevant while assessing CU patients demanding an anti‐inflammatory or immunosuppressive therapy. This review summarizes information regarding APR in the course of urticaria/angio‐oedema.
Evaluating the illness perception questionnaire on patients with chronic kidney disease in Sweden
Authors: Pagels Agneta , Söderquist Birgitta Klang , Heiwe Susanne 
Published: November 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 474–484Evaluating the illness perception questionnaire on patients with chronic kidney disease in SwedenBackground:  The Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ‐R) measures illness perception according to the Common Sense Model of Self‐Regulation. Illness perception relates to coping, health management, treatment outcomes and health‐related quality of life. IPQ‐R has been used in many contexts. However, there is yet no Swedish version evaluated for validity, reliability and usability in the context of a Swedish, adult population with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).Objectives:  To evaluate usability and psychometric properties of a Swedish translation of IPQ‐R on a group of adults in different stages of CKD.Methods: Usability evaluation was carried out through cognitive interviews and psychometrics was assessed by internal consistency, test‐retest, inter‐correlations, correlations to health‐related quality of life and coping and testing for concurrent validity.Results:  Content validity was strongly supported, but an uncertainty assessing symptoms attributed to CKD was indicated. All dimensions showed internal consistency, except the treatment control dimension. The IPQ‐R showed good stability over time except the personal control dimension. Most IPQ‐R dimensions distinguished illness representations between groups of different disease stages and symptom burden. The most supported IPQ‐R dimensions for inter‐correlations and convergent validity were identity, timeline cyclical, consequences and emotional representations.Conclusions:  The evaluation of the Swedish version of IPQ‐R on patients with CKD showed support for construct validity, except for the dimensions controllability, illness coherence and timeline, which were less supported. These dimensions should therefore be interpreted with care in CKD patients. There is a need to capture uncertainty regarding illness identity. IPQ‐R should be interpreted with care in earlier stages of CKD or if few symptoms are reported. IPQ‐R may be applicable and useful as a tool in nursing practice to support healthy behaviour as well as assessing clinical interventions in patients with CKD.
The N‐terminal region of the dopamine D2 receptor, a rhodopsin‐like GPCR, regulates correct integration into the plasma membrane and endocytic routes
Authors: Cho DI , Min C , Jung KS , Cheong SY , Zheng M , Cheong SJ , Oak MH , Cheong JH , Lee BK , Kim KM 
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEFunctional roles of the N‐terminal region of rhodopsin‐like GPCR family remain unclear. Using dopamine D2 and D3 receptors as a model system, we probed the roles of the N‐terminal region in the signalling, intracellular trafficking of receptor proteins, and explored the critical factors that determine the functionality of the N‐terminal region.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHThe N‐terminal region of the D2 receptor was gradually shortened or switched with that of the D3 receptor or a non‐specific sequence (FLAG), or potential N‐terminal glycosylation sites were mutated. Effects of these manipulations on surface expression, internalization, post‐endocytic behaviours and signalling were determined.KEY RESULTSShortening the N‐terminal region of the D2 receptor enhanced receptor internalization and impaired surface expression and signalling; ligand binding, desensitization and down‐regulation were not affected but their association with a particular microdomain, caveolae, was disrupted. Replacement of critical residues within the N‐terminal region with the FLAG epitope failed to restore surface expression but partially restored the altered internalization and signalling. When the N‐terminal regions were switched between D2 and D3 receptors, cell surface expression pattern of each receptor was switched. Mutations of potential N‐terminal glycosylation sites inhibited surface expression but enhanced internalization of D2 receptors.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSShortening of N‐terminus or mutation of glycosylation sites located within the N‐terminus enhanced receptor internalization but impaired the surface expression of D2 receptors. The N‐terminal region of the D2 receptor, in a sequence‐specific manner, controls the receptor's conformation and integration into the plasma membrane, which determine its subcellular localization, intracellular trafficking and signalling properties.
BRAF V600E mutation does not predict recurrence after long‐term follow‐up in TNM stage I or II papillary thyroid carcinoma patients
Authors: PELTTARI HANNA , SCHALIN‐JÄNTTI CAMILLA , AROLA JOHANNA , LÖYTTYNIEMI ELIISA , KNUUTILA SAKARI , VÄLIMÄKI MATTI J. 
Published: November 2011

Pelttari H, Schalin‐Jäntti C, Arola J, Löyttyniemi E, Knuutila S, Välimäki MJ. BRAF V600E mutation does not predict recurrence after long‐term follow‐up in TNM stage I or II papillary thyroid carcinoma patients. APMIS 2012; 120: 380–6.The BRAF V600E mutation may serve as a marker of disease recurrence in well‐differentiated papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Our aim was to study if TNM stage I or II PTC patients, with and without recurrence after long‐term follow‐up would differ in BRAF status. BRAF status was retrospectively determined in tumour tissue from a cohort of low‐risk PTC patients (n = 461) with and without recurrence after 16 years of follow‐up. Initial treatment was total thyroidectomy (TTE) and radioiodine remnant ablation (RRA). Forty‐six patients (9.9%) experienced disease recurrence. BRAF mutation was positive in 66% (17/26) of patients with and 68% (17/25) without recurrence (p = NS). Fifty per cent of BRAF positive and 53% of BRAF negative patients experienced disease recurrence (p = NS). Time to recurrence was 52 (range 18–144) and 36 (range 16–71) months, respectively (p = NS). Primary tumour size, nodal metastasis and local infiltration at presentation did not differ between BRAF positive and negative patients (2.0 vs 2.2 cm, 21% vs 35% and 6% vs 12%, respectively, all p = NS). Taken together, BRAF V600E is common in Finnish patients with low‐risk PTC but does not predict recurrence after long‐term follow‐up after initial treatment with TTE and RRA.
Effects of strontium ranelate on osseointegration of titanium implant in osteoporotic rats
Authors: Li Yunfeng , Li Xudong , Song Guodong , Chen Kan , Yin Guozhu , Hu Jing 
Published: November 2011

AbstractObjectivesPrevious studies have demonstrated the dual effects of strontium ranelate (SR) on osteoporotic and undisturbed bone. However, reports of its effect on titanium implant osseointegration in osteoporotic bodies were limited. This study was designed to investigate the effects of SR on osseointegration of titanium implant in ovariectomized rats.Material and methodsTwelve weeks after bilateral ovariectomy in female Sprague‐Dawley rats, each animal received two titanium implants in the distal metaphysis of femur. All rats were then randomly divided into two groups: Control and SR (625 mg/kg/day). Twelve weeks after implantation, serum levels of osteocalcin (OCN) and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) 5b, implant osseointegration and peri‐implant trabecular microarchitecture were analyzed by histomorphometry, micro‐computerized tomography (micro‐CT), and biomechanical test.ResultsCompared with control, SR treatment increased serum levels of OCN by 29.2%, and decreased the levels of TRAP 5b by 25.5% in serum analysis; SR treatment increased percent bone volume by 63.1% and percent osseointegration by 48.3% in micro‐CT assessment, and increased bone area density by 55.6% and bone‐to‐implant contact by 49.0% in histomorphometry; SR treatment also increased the maximal push‐out force by 117.7% and the ultimate shear strength by 103.5% in push‐out test.ConclusionsStrontium ranelate treatment could improve titanium implant osseointegration in osteoporotic rats.
Immediate implant placement in molar regions: a 12‐month prospective, randomized follow‐up study
Authors: Urban Thomas , Kostopoulos Lambros , Wenzel Ann 
Published: November 2011

AbstractObjectives:To evaluate marginal bone changes radiographically and clinically around immediately placed implants in molar regions associated with three bone regenerative techniques 12 months after loading.Methods:Ninety‐two patients received an implant after random allocation to a bone reconstruction method of remaining peri‐implant bone defects using either Autologous bone (AB) chips, Ossix membrane (OM) or a combinations of AB chips and OM. After 4 months of healing, a re‐entry surgery was performed to connect a healing abutment. A screw‐retained crown was mounted 4–6 weeks afterwards. Seventy‐six patients attended a follow‐up visit 12 months after loading. Marginal bone level was assessed radiographically before re‐entry surgery and at the 12‐month follow‐up; probing pocket depth (PPD) and probing defect depth (PDD) at the implant platform level without the mounted crown were assessed after and just before crown delivery respectively and at the 12‐month follow‐up.Results:Fifteen implants were judged as failures at re‐entry surgery, and one patient died before follow‐up. A statistically significant bone loss was seen in the three groups after 12 months (average 0.48 mm), but no significant differences were found among the groups. Likewise, no differences in PPD or PDD could be found between the groups. An average bone loss of 0.48 mm was recorded at the 12‐month follow‐up examination resulting in an average peri‐implant bone level of approximately 1.1 mm related to an average PPD of 3.1 mm and an average PDD of 1.3 mm.Conclusions:After 12 months of loading, no significant differences in peri‐implant bone level were observed after the use of three bone regenerative techniques in connection with immediately placed implants in molar regions.
Fatigue resistance and failure mode of adhesively restored custom implant zirconia abutments
Authors: Oderich Elisa , Boff Luís Leonildo , Cardoso Antônio Carlos , Magne Pascal 
Published: November 2011

AbstractObjectivesThis study assessed the fatigue resistance and failure mode of porcelain and composite resin crowns and onlays bonded to premolar custom zirconia implant abutments.Materials and methodsSixty standardized zirconia implant abutments were milled (NeoShape) according to two different restoration designs (onlay or crown). Using Cerec 3, the corresponding onlays and crowns were fabricated either in ceramic (Paradigm C) or composite resin (Paradigm MZ100), resulting in four experimental groups (n = 15). The fitting surfaces of the abutments were airborne‐particle abraded and cleaned. The intaglio surfaces of the restorations were HF‐etched and silanated (Paradigm C) or airborne‐particle abraded and silanated (Paradigm MZ100). Following insertion of the abutments into a Morse taper implant (Titamax CM), all restorations were bonded with a zirconia primer (Z‐Prime Plus), adhesive resin (Optibond FL), and a preheated light curing composite resin (Filtek Z100). Cyclic isometric chewing (5 Hz) was simulated, starting with a load of 50N (5000×), followed by stages of 200N, 400N, 600N, 800N, 1000N, 1200N, and 1400N (25,000× each). Samples were loaded until fracture or to a maximum of 180,000 cycles. The four groups were compared using the life table survival analysis (Logrank test at P = 0.05).ResultsAll composite resin onlays and crowns survived (100% survival rate), while ceramic ones fractured at an average load of 1347N and 1280N, respectively, (survival rate of 46.7% and 20%) with a significant difference in survival probability (P < 0.0001). Fractures consisted in partial or total failure of the restoration only (no abutment failure, no screw loosening).ConclusionsComposite resin onlays and crowns bonded to custom zirconia implant abutments presented a significant higher survival rate when compared to ceramic onlays and crowns.
How long does protection last? – In vivo fluorescence confocal laser scanning imaging for the evaluation of the kinetics of a topically applied lotion in an everyday setting
Authors: Sattler E. , Kästle R. , Arens‐Corell M. , Welzel J. 
Published: November 2011

BackgroundConfocal laser scanning microscopic imaging is well established as a helpful diagnostic tool in dermatology. With a new generation of multi‐wave laser confocal microscopes now, in addition to the reflection mode, examinations with fluorescent agents are possible in vivo and ex vivo. Gathering details on the physical, chemical and kinetic features of different fluorophores in different vehicles in healthy skin in vivo will be of interest for therapeutic as well as cosmetic dermatology.ObjectivesObjective of this study was to determine the kinetics of the protective function of a topically applied, fluorescent‐containing lotion in a 24 h everyday setting in healthy volunteers using fluorescence confocal laser scanning microscopy imaging.Material and methodsFifteen volunteers received a standardized application of a sodium fluoresceine containing lotion. At several time points of a 24 h interval confocal laser imaging in the multi‐wave mode was performed. Fluorescence was measured by a semiquantitative score and by one based on the intensity of light.ResultsCLSM images in the depths of the stratum corneum and of the upper epidermis of all 15 panelists showed a detectable fluorescence after 30 min and 4 h and after 24 h, a partial fluorescence was still visible in 10 of 15 persons. Similar results were achieved using a semiquantitative score and by measuring the intensity of light.ConclusionSodium fluoresceine as a safe and efficient fluorophore for in vivo fluorescence CLSM was able to visualize the kinetics of a topically applied protective lotion and was able to be detected for up to 4 h in all panelists and even up to 24 h in two‐thirds of the healthy volunteers showing the long duration of the fluorescence on the skin surface, even in an everyday setting.
Cardiac biomarkers in neonatal hypoxic ischaemia
Authors: Sweetman D , Armstrong K , Murphy JFA , Molloy EJ 
Published: November 2011

AbstractFollowing a perinatal hypoxic–ischaemic insult, term infants commonly develop cardiovascular dysfunction. Troponin‐T, troponin‐I and brain natriuretic peptide are sensitive indicators of myocardial compromise. The long‐term effects of cardiovascular dysfunction on neurodevelopmental outcome following perinatal hypoxic ischaemia remain controversial. Follow‐up studies are warranted to ensure optimal cardiac function in adulthood.Conclusion:  Cardiac biomarkers may improve the diagnosis of myocardial injury, help guide management, estimate mortality risk and may also aid in longterm neurodevelopmental outcome prediction following neonatal hypoxic‐ischaemia.
Correlation of serum oestrogen with salivary calcium in post‐menopausal women with and without oral dryness feeling
Authors: Singh Ravinder , Pallagatti Shambulingappa , Sheikh Soheyl , Singh Balwinder , Arora Gagandeep , Aggarwal Amit 
Published: November 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00580.x

Correlation of serum oestrogen with salivary calcium in post‐menopausal women with and without oral dryness feelingObjective:  The aim of this study was to verify the association between salivary calcium and serum oestrogen levels with oral dryness in post‐menopausal women. Also, the correlation between these variables was evaluated.Methods:  A case‐control study was carried out on 60 selected menopausal women with and without oral dryness feeling (30 as case and 30 as control) conducted in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Maharishi Markandeshar University, Mullana, India. Paraffin‐stimulated saliva samples were obtained by expectoration. Salivary calcium concentrations were assessed colorimetrically using Arsenazo III reaction. The serum oestrogen concentration was measured using ELISA. Statistical analysis of Student’s t‐test and Pearson correlation was used.Results:  There was significant difference in mean values of both salivary calcium concentration and serum oestrogen between case and control groups. The result obtained also showed that an inverse correlation was found between salivary calcium concentration and serum oestrogen levels in both the groups and in total sample size.Conclusion:  Oral dryness in post‐menopausal women is associated with high levels of salivary calcium and low levels of serum oestrogen. The concentrations of salivary calcium and serum oestrogen are inversely correlated in post‐menopausal women, regardless of the presence or absence of oral dryness.
Histo‐blood group gene polymorphisms as potential genetic modifiers of the development of coronary artery lesions in patients with Kawasaki disease
Authors: Yamamura K. , Ihara K. , Ikeda K. , Nagata H. , Mizuno Y. , Hara T. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryAbnormal immunological responses to certain microbial agents may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease (KD). The association studies between histo‐blood group genes (Lewis and ABO blood types) and various types of infectious diseases or vasculopathy have been carried out based on the fact that glycosylated antigens could directly mediate microbial infections. We attempted to clarify the role of blood type antigens in the development of KD and coronary artery lesions in KD patients. The subjects included 164 KD patients enrolled from 1998 to 2003 (1st group), 232 patients from 2004 to 2009 (2nd group), and 223 healthy children and 118 patients with growth hormone deficiency as controls. The genotyping of the FUT2 and FUT3 genes, and ABO genotypes, was determined with the TaqMan SNP assay and allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction. No significant differences were observed in the genotypes and allele frequencies of the FUT2 and FUT3 genes between the groups. The frequency of the BB blood genotype was significantly higher in KD patients with coronary artery lesions in the 1st and 2nd groups than in the controls (17% and 14% vs. 5%, P = 0.0020). This is the first report to investigate the roles of ABO and Lewis blood types in the development of KD, and in the formation of coronary artery lesions in KD patients. These data suggest that the ABO blood type may play a role in the development of coronary artery lesions in KD patients.
Air‐breathing Behavior of the Jeju Fish Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus in Amazonian Streams
Authors: de Lima Filho João Alves , Martins Jhany , Arruda Rafael , Carvalho Lucélia Nobre 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe breathing behavior of the jeju fish Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus has been the focus of several studies in recent decades. Few of these studies, however, have described how the fish's air breathing functions in natural environments. We examined changes in the behavior of H. unitaeniatus during daily variations in the dissolved‐oxygen (DO) content of the water in Amazonian streams. We recorded the mean time intervals between instances when the fish breached the water surface to take in atmospheric air and the variation in the DO concentrations. We also observed the number of individual fish that breached the surface together as well as their territory‐forming behavior. We recorded the individual and collective anti‐predator strategies in the presence of a potential predator, experimentally testing the capacity of H. unitaeniatus to recognize the shape of a predator. The results indicated that as the DO concentration decreased, the individuals of H. unitaeniatus tended to breach the water surface at shorter time intervals, which increased their exposure to predators. To minimize the risks from this longer exposure time, the species tends to adopt anti‐predator strategies individually or as a group. In well‐lit locations, the fish recognized the predator's silhouette, left their territory and took a longer time to return. We provide an original contribution to the understanding of the anti‐predatory tactics of the species by describing the behavior of group formation and territory definition as a tool to maximize efficiency in the defense against predators, a behavior that until now was an unknown strategy for this species.
Pulsations in M dwarf stars
Authors: Rodríguez-López C. , MacDonald J. , Moya A. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
We present the results of the first theoretical non-radial, non-adiabatic pulsational study of M dwarf stellar models with masses in the range 0.1–0.5 M⊙. We find the fundamental radial mode to be unstable due to an ε mechanism, caused by deuterium (D) burning for the young 0.1 and 0.2 M⊙ models, by non-equilibrium He3 burning for the 0.2 and 0.25 M⊙ models of 104 Myr and by a flux-blocking mechanism for the partially convective 0.4 and 0.5 M⊙ models once they reach the age of 500 Myr. The periods of the overstable modes excited by the D burning are in the range 4.2–5.2 h for the 0.1 M⊙ models and is of the order of 8.4 h for the 0.2 M⊙ models. The periods of the modes excited by He3 burning and flux blocking are in the range 23–40 min. The more massive and oldest models are more promising for the observational detection of pulsations as their ratio of instability e-folding time to age is more favourable.