bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bidimensional measurement of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a simple method to predict outcomes
Authors: Lee C.‐C. , Ho H.‐C. , Su Y.‐C. , Lee M.‐S. , Hsiao S.‐H. , Hwang J.‐H. , Hung S.‐K , Chou P. , Lee C.‐C. 
Published: February 2009

Objectives:  To determine whether the standard techniques of measuring tumour size could be applied to the measurement of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.Study design:  A retrospective review of case notes from the Buddhist Tzu Chi Dalin General Hospital archives was performed.Settings:  The Buddhist Tzu Chi Dalin General Hospital is a teaching hospital in Taiwan.Participants:  All patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma were included.Main outcome measures:  Ninety‐eight patients with newly diagnosed nasopharyngeal carcinoma were treated with high‐dose radiotherapy and chemotherapy were enrolled in this study. Computed tomography‐derived primary tumour volume, bidimensional measurement and unidimensional measurement were recorded. Intrarater reliability was measured. To examine the validity of various measurements, we estimated the Spearman’s correlation co‐efficients between those measurements and the gold standard value (primary tumour volume measurement with summation of area techniques). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed and Kaplan–Meier survival curves constructed.Results:  There was a significant association between primary tumour volume and bidimensional measurement with respect to tumour size at diagnosis (Spearman’s correlation co‐efficient = 0.845, P < 0.001). Using age, gender, chemotherapy status and T‐stage as covariate, bidimensional measurement remained an independent prognostic factor for any relapse [Hazard ratio = (HR) 1.066; P = 0.029], and overall survival (HR = 1.097; P = 0.007). Patients with small bidimensional measurement (<10 cm2) had better prognosis and fewer recurrences.Conclusions:  When using simple measurement to evaluate nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the bidimensional measurement may be used to measure size at diagnosis. Patients with small bidimensional measurement had better prognosis and fewer recurrences. Bidimensional measurement may be further considered to improve the current staging system.
Reduced Activity of CD13/Aminopeptidase N (APN) in Aggressive Meningiomas Is Associated with Increased Levels of SPARC
Authors: Mawrin Christian , Wolke Carmen , Haase Daniela , Krüger Sabine , Firsching Raimund , Keilhoff Gerburg , Paulus Werner , Gutmann David H. , Lal Anita , Lendeckel Uwe 
Published: February 2009

AbstractMeningiomas are the second most common brain tumors in adults, and meningiomas exhibit a tendency to invade adjacent structures. Compared with high‐grade gliomas, little is known about the molecular changes that potentially underlie the invasive behavior of meningiomas. In this study, we examined the expression and function of the membrane alanyl‐aminopeptidase [mAAP, aminopeptidase N (APN), CD13, EC3.4.11.2] zinc‐dependent ectopeptidase in meningiomas and meningioma cell lines, based on its prior association with tumor invasion in colorectal and renal carcinomas. We found a significant reduction of APNmRNA and protein expression, as well as enzymatic activity, in high‐grade meningiomas. While meningioma tumor cell proliferation was not affected by either pharmacologic APN inhibition or siRNA‐mediated APN silencing, APN pharmacologic and siRNA knockdown significantly reduced meningioma cell invasion in vitro. Next, we employed pathway‐specific cDNA microarray analyses to identify extracellular matrix and adhesion molecules regulated by APN, and found that APN‐siRNA knockdown substantially increased the expression of secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC)/osteonectin. Finally, we demonstrated that SPARC, which has been previously associated with meningioma invasiveness, was increased in aggressive meningiomas. Collectively, these results suggest that APN expression and enzymatic function is reduced in aggressive meningiomas, and that alterations in the balance between APN and SPARC might favor meningioma invasion.
Estimating species diversity in a guild of Neotropical skippers (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) with artificial lures is a sampling problem
Authors: DEVRIES PHILIP J. , AUSTIN GEORGE T. , MARTIN NOLAND H. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract.

Butterflies are frequently used to investigate Neotropical diversity, but the family Hesperiidae is almost never employed as a focal group. Sampling Hesperiidae with artificial lures has been used to assist in species richness estimates of males that use bird droppings as a resource, but its effectiveness for estimating total hesperiid site diversity is unknown.
This study characterises species richness and abundance in a diverse assemblage of Hesperiidae sampled at artificial lures. Sampled and estimated richness among taxonomic subsets were compared to the known site richness. These comparisons are used to assess artificial lures as a method for sampling total richness of Hesperiidae. We tested for potential differences in attraction in lures placed with and without the presence of army ant swarms.
Five years of intermittent sampling with lures recovered 65% of the known Hesperiidae species richness at the study site. We found the subfamilies were differentially attracted to lures, where 86% of Eudaminae, 56% of Hesperiinae and 55% of Pyrginae species known from the site were recovered by lures. Species accumulation and taxonomic diversity differed among lures placed alone, and those placed in the presence of army ants.
Our results suggest that sampling with artificial lures can be used to estimate diversity of Neotropical Eudaminae and a few tribes of Hesperiinae at some sites. Available evidence indicates that Hesperiidae feeding at bird droppings is predominately a Neotropical phenomenon. Finally, we conclude that estimating diversity in Neotropical Hesperiidae will require long‐term studies that use multiple sampling techniques.
New Fossil Palaeontinids from the Middle Jurassic of Daohugou, Inner Mongolia, China (Insecta, Hemiptera)
Authors: WANG Ying , REN Dong 
Published: February 2009

Abstract:Two new genera and species of fossil Palaeontinidae are described from Daohugou Village, Inner Mongolia, China: Cladocossus undulatus gen. et sp. nov. and Cricocossus paradoxus gen. et sp. nov. Both new genera are described based on well‐preserved forewings. This discovery confirms the high diversity of palaeontinids during the Middle Jurassic. Both specimens have interesting modal structures which are new to Palaeontinidae: M five‐branched and M3 with two branches. Based on this character, wing structural characteristic is discussed.
Evolution of Dentary Diastema in Iguanodontian Dinosaurs
Authors: KUBOTA Katsuhiro , KOBAYASHI Yoshitsugu 
Published: February 2009

Abstract:The dentary diastema of iguanodontians has been considered to be related to its unique jaw mechanism for herbivorous adaptation. The dentary and diastema lengths of iguanodontians were measured and compared to elucidate the evolution of iguanodontian diastema. A gap in ratios between most non‐hadrosaurid iguanodontians and hadrosaurids was observed, suggesting that all non‐hadrosaurid iguanodontians, expect forOuranosaurus nigeriensisandProtohadros byrdi, lack a diastema or have a short diastema, although some other taxa have been considered to have a long diastema in previous studies. In non‐hadrosaurid iguanodontians, some large‐sized forms, such asIguanodon bernissartensis, Shuangmiaosaurus gilmorei, and possiblyEolambia caroljonesa, had a short diastema through ontogeny, whereasOuranosaurus nigeriensisandProtohadros byrdideveloped a long diastema convergently. The development of a long diastema of hadrosaurine hadrosaurids may be different from that of lambeosaurine hadrosaurids. Some hadrosaurunes (Edmontosaurus annectens, Edmontosaurus regalis, andSaurolophus angustirostris) may have developed a long diastema in the subadult stage and showed little elongation of dentary diastema through ontogeny. Lambeosaurines (Corythosaurus casuariusandLambeosaurus lambei) tend to have a short diastema in the embryonic and subadult stages, and an elongated diastema from the subadult to adult stages.
Variations of Microbial Communities and the Contents and Isotopic Compositions of Total Organic Carbon and Total Nitrogen in Soil Samples during Their Preservation
Authors: TAO Qianye , LI Yumei , WANG Guo'an , QIAO Yuhui , LIU Tung‐Sheng 
Published: February 2009

Abstract:Semi‐sealed preservation of soil samples at different moisture of 4% and 23%, respectively, was simulated to observe the variations of soil microbial communities and determine the contents and isotopic compositions of the total organic carbon and total nitrogen on the 7th and 30th day, respectively. The results show that during preservation, the quantity of microbial communities tended to increase first and then decrease, with a wider variation range at higher moisture (23%). At the moisture content of 23%, the microbial communities became more active on the 7th day, but less after 30 days, and their activity was stable with little fluctuation at the moisture content of 4%. However, there were no significant changes in the contents and isotopic compositions of the total organic carbon and total nitrogen. During preservation, the responses of soil microbes to the environment are more sensitive to changes in the total nitrogen and organic carbon contents. It is thus suggested that the variations of microbial communities have not exerted remarkable impacts on the isotope compositions of the total nitrogen and total organic carbon.
Self‐ligating brackets in orthodontics: do they deliver what they claim?
Authors: Miles PG 
Published: February 2009

AbstractSelf‐ligating brackets have enjoyed recent popularity in the orthodontic marketplace with various claims made including faster ligation, lower friction, faster treatment, less pain, waking up the tongue, and fewer appointments. Although various designs of self‐ligating brackets have been available for many years they have only recently surged in popularity on the back of these claims but what evidence is there to support these claims? This review article examines the current available evidence regarding treatment duration, influence on archform, and the speed of tying and untying self‐ligating brackets compared with conventional brackets and methods of ligation.
The effect of periodontal therapy on serum TNF‐α and HbA1c levels in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Dağ A , Fırat ET , Arıkan Ş , Kadiroğlu AK , Kaplan A 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground:  To determine the effect of non‐surgical periodontal therapy on serum TNF‐α and HbA1c levels in poorly and well‐controlled type 2 diabetic patients.Methods:  In total, 45 patients were enrolled in the study; 30 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with periodontitis (15 with poorly controlled diabetes, HbA1c ≥ 7%, group 1A and 15 with well‐controlled diabetes, HbA1c < 7%, group 1B) and 15 patients that were systemically healthy with periodontitis (group 2). The plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, clinical attachment loss, gingival bleeding index, HbA1c value, and circulating TNF‐α concentration were measured at baseline and three months after the non‐surgical periodontal therapy.Results:  All periodontal parameters and serum TNF‐α levels were significantly decreased three months after the non‐surgical periodontal therapy compared to the baseline values in all groups. The HbA1c values were significantly decreased only in well‐controlled diabetic patients. We found no significant differences in the periodontal parameters or TNF‐α levels at baseline and after three months between the two groups.Conclusions:  Although non‐surgical periodontal therapy eliminates local/systemic infection and inflammation via decreases in TNF‐α, it is insufficient for significantly reducing HbA1c levels without strict glycaemic control in poorly controlled diabetic patients in a short time period.
Load transfer characteristics of unilateral distal extension removable partial dentures with polyacetal resin supporting components
Authors: Jiao T , Chang T , Caputo AA 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground:  To photoelastically examine load transfer by unilateral distal extension removable partial dentures with supporting and retentive components made of the lower stiffness polyacetal resins.Methods:  A mandibular photoelastic model, with edentulous space distal to the right second premolar and missing the left first molar, was constructed to determine the load transmission characteristics of a unilateral distal extension base removable partial denture. Individual simulants were used for tooth structure, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. Three designs were fabricated: a major connector and clasps made from polyacetal resin, a metal framework as the major connector with polyacetal resin clasp and denture base, and a traditional metal framework I‐bar removable partial denture. Simulated posterior bilateral and unilateral occlusal loads were applied to the removable partial dentures.Results:  Under bilateral and left side unilateral loading, the highest stress was observed adjacent to the left side posterior teeth with the polyacetal removable partial denture. The lowest stress was seen with the traditional metal framework. Unilateral loads on the right edentulous region produced similar distributed stress under the denture base with all three designs but a somewhat higher intensity with the polyacetal framework.Conclusions:  The polyacetal resin removable partial denture concentrated the highest stresses to the abutment and the bone. The traditional metal framework I‐bar removable partial denture most equitably distributed force. The hybrid design that combined a metal framework and polyacetal clasp and denture base may be a viable alternative when aesthetics are of primary concern.
Influence of changing the chewing region on mandibular movement
Authors: Hashii K , Tomida M , Yamashita S 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground:  In the shortened dental arch condition, little is known of how patients adapt their jaw function during mastication to the new oral environment. This study aimed to investigate the changes in mandibular movements when the chewing region was changed from the first molar to the first premolar.Methods:  Thirty clinical residents with natural dentitions were recruited. The subjects were asked to chew a piece of beef jerky using either the first molar or the first premolar on the preferred chewing side. Three‐dimensional trajectories of lower incisors and both condyles were analysed using a jaw movement tracking device with six degrees of freedom during the period between the onset and offset of electromyographic bursts from the masseter and anterior temporal muscles.Results:  The closing angle of the lower incisors for first premolar chewing was narrower in comparison with that for first molar chewing (p < 0.05). The lengths of the condylar trajectories and the maximum velocities of the condylar movement for first premolar chewing were smaller and slower, respectively, in comparison with those for first molar chewing (both sides; p < 0.01).Conclusions:  The mandibular movement during mastication might be changed to adapt the premolar chewing because of a loss of posterior occlusal supports.
Life‐threatening complications associated with acute monocytic leukaemia after dental treatment
Authors: Koulocheris P , Metzger MC , Kesting MR , Hohlweg‐Majert B 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIt is highly recommended to conduct a prophylactic check for any dental problems on patients who suffer from leukaemia before chemotherapy begins. Bacteraemia caused by oral microflora may be very dangerous for patients with haematological malignancies. However, it should be noted that the prophylactic process itself might bring about life‐threatening complications if there is only a short interval between dental treatment and the beginning of chemotherapy, or if the dental treatment is too aggressive. We present a case where this prophylactic procedure produced life‐threatening complications for a patient with acute myeloid leukaemia.
Static bone cavity in the condylar neck and mandibular notch of the mandible
Authors: Minowa K , Kobayashi I , Matsuda A , Ohmori K , Kurokawa Y , Inoue N , Totsuka Y , Nakamura M 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis study presents the radiographic findings of two cases of static bone cavity in the inferior aspect of the condylar neck and mandibular notch of the mandible. On plain CT, a soft tissue mass was observed in each cavity. The submandibular gland and the other glands were not found in each cavity. On contrast‐enhanced CT, the soft tissue in the cavity in the inferior aspect of the condylar neck had marked linear enhancement and dilated vasculature structure was observed in the cavity. On the contrast‐enhanced MRI, the soft tissue in the cavity of the mandibular notch had marked enhancement and flow void was detected in the cavity. In the inferior aspect of the condylar neck, the cavity size had enlarged radiographically over a period of three years. Vascular lesions were found in the cavity located in the inferior aspect of the condylar neck and mandibular notch of the mandible by both CT and MRI. The vascular lesion might explain the enlargement of the static bone cavity.
An unusual healing of a replanted permanent lateral incisor
Authors: Arrow P 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground:  Continued development and healing of an immature permanent tooth root was reported to have occurred. The continued viability of Hertwig’s root sheath was thought to be necessary and responsible. Continued development of a tooth root separate from the body of the tooth was reported, but the initiation and development associated with a replanted tooth was not observed.Methods:  A 9‐year‐old boy sustained an avulsion injury to his upper right lateral incisor. The tooth was replanted within 5–10 minutes of the incident and was splinted approximately 30 minutes after the injury, and then monitored for 2.25 years.Results:  The periodontal tissues healed well. Root development was arrested with calcific deposit evident in the pulp canal. A radio‐opaque structure, apical to the tooth root, was seen to develop on the radiograph 11 weeks after the initial trauma. The opaque mass continued to develop over the next two years of observation.Conclusions:  Immature permanent tooth roots show remarkable reparative powers. Clinicians need to be vigilant and close continued monitoring of traumatized immature teeth is recommended.
Primes with an average sum of digits
Authors: Drmota Michael , Mauduit Christian , Rivat Joël 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe main goal of this paper is to provide asymptotic expansions for the numbers#{p≤x:p prime,sq(p)=k} forkclose to ((q−1)/2)logqx, wheresq(n) denotes theq-ary sum-of-digits function. The proof is based on a thorough analysis of exponential sums of the form$\sum _{p\le x} e(\alpha s_q(p))$(where the sum is restricted topprime), for which we have to extend a recent result by the second two authors.
Analytical Study of Vibration Isolation Between a Pair of Flexible Structures
Authors: Zheng G. T. , Tu Y. Q. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
The problem of flexible structure vibration isolation on a flexible foundation is analytically investigated by simplifying the vibration isolation as single axis isolation, which can be realized by a proper design, and the problem of the whole spacecraft vibration is taken as an example for the application as both the spacecraft (isolated structure) and the launch vehicle (foundation) are flexible structures. A numerical example of the whole spacecraft vibration isolation is also provided for further explaining those conclusions derived from the analytical studies. It is found from the study that the isolator’s damping is important for attenuating the vibration and that weakening the isolator’s stiffness has the same effect as increasing its damping. However, a weaker stiffness means a weaker coupling among the structures and may magnify the vibration at some resonant frequencies, which are close to those of individual structures. The coupling effect of the structure’s flexibility on the isolation may be significant in some cases and a coupling analysis is essential for ensuring the isolation performance. Because of the importance of the isolator’s damping in reducing the vibration transmissibility and the vibration of the coupled structure, it is more appropriate to describe the vibration isolation of the flexible structure as vibration attenuation.
Development of an Immunochromatographic Test for Rapid Serodiagnosis of Human Pythiosis
Authors: Krajaejun Theerapong , Imkhieo Srisurat , Intaramat Akarin , Ratanabanangkoon Kavi 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT

Human pythiosis is an emerging and life-threatening infectious disease caused by the fungus-like organism
Pythium insidiosum
. High rates of morbidity and mortality for patients with pythiosis are exacerbated by the lack of early diagnosis and an effective treatment. Here, we developed and evaluated an immunochromatographic test (ICT) for the diagnosis of human pythiosis, in comparison to a standard serological test of immunodiffusion (ID). Culture filtrate antigen of
P. insidiosum
was used to detect human anti-
P. insidiosum
antibody. Sheep anti-human immunoglobulin G-colloidal gold conjugate was used to generate an ICT signal. Thirty-three sera from patients with vascular (
n
= 27), ocular (
n
= 4), and cutaneous (
n
= 2) pythiosis and 181 control sera from healthy blood donors (
n
= 100), as well as patients with a variety of infectious (
n
= 56) and noninfectious (
n
= 25) diseases, were included in the test evaluation. The turnaround time for generating a result by the ICT was less than 30 min, while that for ID was ∼24 h. Based on the results for all sera of pythiosis patients and the control groups, the ICT showed 88% sensitivity and 100% specificity and ID showed 61% sensitivity and 100% specificity. By both tests, false-negative results for sera from all ocular pythiosis patients were obtained. In addition, the ID test yielded false-negative results for sera from eight patients with vascular pythiosis and one patient with cutaneous pythiosis. It was concluded that the ICT is a rapid, user-friendly, and reliable serological test for the early diagnosis of vascular and cutaneous pythiosis.
Frequency of Missed Cases of Probable Acute West Nile Virus (WNV) Infection when Testing for WNV RNA Alone or WNV Immunoglobulin M Alone
Authors: Prince Harry E. , Calma Jan , Pham Tiffany , Seaton Brent L. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT

To estimate the frequency of missed cases of acute West Nile virus (WNV) infection if only WNV RNA or immunoglobulin M (IgM) testing is requested, we measured IgM in specimens negative for RNA and vice versa. Whereas 6 (5.5%) of 110 RNA-negative sera were IgM positive, only 3 (1.0%) of 299 IgM-negative sera were RNA positive (
P
< 0.05). Similarly, 11 (7.8%) of 141 RNA-negative cerebrospinal fluid specimens (CSF) were IgM positive, but 0 (0%) of 118 IgM-negative CSF were RNA positive (
P
< 0.05). WNV infections may be missed if only RNA or IgM testing is requested, with a higher frequency of missed cases if only RNA testing is requested.