bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minor changes in calculated creatinine clearance and anion‐gap are associated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate‐containing highly active antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Winston A , Amin J , Mallon PWG , Marriott D , Carr A , Cooper DA , Emery S
Published: January 2006

Background

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Tenofovir DF, TDF), the first nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor approved for the treatment of HIV disease, has been associated with renal dysfunction in isolated cases. The aim of this study was to assess changes in renal parameters in individuals receiving TDF‐ and non‐TDF‐containing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Methods

All individuals on HAART attending our clinic were included in the analysis. Time‐weighted changes in serum creatinine, calculated creatinine clearance (CCrCl) and anion‐gap were assessed for individuals on TDF‐ and non‐TDF HAART.

Results

Of 948 individuals on HAART, 290 (31%) and 618 (65%) were on TDF‐ and non‐TDF HAART, with 40 (4%) having ceased TDF HAART. Baseline values for serum creatinine, CCrCl and anion‐gap were similar for those on TDF‐ and non‐TDF HAART. In a multivariate analysis, statistically significant differences were observed in time‐weighted change from baseline in anion‐gap and CCrCl between individuals on TDF‐ and non‐TDF HAART [mean difference in change between groups: anion‐gap 0.78 mmol/L (standard error, 0.19) and CCrCl−6.80 (standard error 2.2); P=0.005 and P=0.032, respectively] after adjusting for baseline anion‐gap and CCrCl, respectively. Two cases of TDF‐associated renal failure were observed.

Conclusion

Overt renal failure with TDF HAART is rare. However, subtle but statistically significant changes in anion‐gap and CCrCl were observed which were associated with TDF HAART. These parameters may be of use in monitoring individuals on HAART.
Microsatellite loci for the Australian field cricket Teleogryllus oceanicus and their cross‐utility in Teleogryllus commodus
Authors: BEVERIDGE MAXINE , SIMMONS LEIGH W.
Published: January 2006

Microsatellite loci were isolated from the Australian field cricket Teleogryllus oceanicus. Seven polymorphic loci were found with an observed number of alleles ranging from eight to 17 and observed heterozygosities between 0.26 and 0.94. One locus was found to be X‐linked. These seven loci were also tested for amplification and polymorphism in the congeneric species Teleogryllus commodus. The loci will be used for paternity studies in these species.
Development and mapping of a public reference set of SSR markers in Lolium perenne L.
Authors: JENSEN LOUISE BACH , MUYLLE HILDE , ARENS PAUL , ANDERSEN CLAUS H. , HOLM PREBEN BACH , GHESQUIERE MARC , JULIER BERNADETTE , LÜBBERSTEDT THOMAS , NIELSEN KLAUS K. , RIEK JAN DE , ROLDÁN‐RUIZ ISABEL , ROULUND NIELS , TAYLOR CHRIS , VOSMAN BEN , BARRE PHILIPPE
Published: January 2006

We report on the characterization and mapping of 76 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for Lolium perenne. These markers are publicly available or obtained either from genomic libraries enriched for SSR motifs or L. perenne expressed sequence tag (EST) clones. Four L. perenne mapping populations were used to map the SSR markers. A consensus linkage map of the four mapping populations containing 65 of the SSR markers is presented, together with primer information and a quality score indicating the usefulness of the SSR marker in different populations. The SSR markers identified all seven L. perenne linkage groups.
Isolation and characterization of 10 microsatellite loci in the Ponerinae ant Pachycondyla luteipes (Hymenoptera; Formicidae)
Authors: TAKAHASHI J. , KIKUCHI T. , OHNISHI H. , TSUJI K.
Published: January 2006

We developed 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Ponerinae ant Pachycondyla luteipes using the magnetic particle method. Nine of the 10 loci tested were highly polymorphic, having four to eight alleles in P. luteipes with expected heterozygosity of 0.38–0.73, and also appeared to be applicable to other related species such as Pachycondyla chinensis. These loci can be used to test the hypotheses on the population genetic structures, such as if this ant is unicolonial or not.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from chub Leuciscus cephalus (Pisces: Cyprinidae)
Authors: LARNO VALÉRIE , LAUNEY SOPHIE , DEVAUX ALAIN , LAROCHE JEAN
Published: January 2006

Twelve microsatellite markers were isolated from chub Leuciscus cephalus Linné, 1766 (Cyprinidae), a freshwater fish widely distributed in Europe. We assessed the level of genetic diversity for these loci in 24 individuals sampled in the Rhone river watershed. Nine loci were polymorphic, displaying from two to 13 alleles per locus with expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.160 to 0.887. Simultaneous migration of different polymerase chain reaction products was developed for routine analysis of L. cephalus populations.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellites in the woody shrub, Calothamnus quadrifidus (Myrtaceae)
Authors: ELLIOTT C. P. , BYRNE M.
Published: January 2006

Microsatellite loci were developed for genetic analysis of the bird pollinated woody shrub Calothamnus quadrifidus. A genomic library was constructed and screened with dinucleotide and trinucleotide repeat sequences. Ten dinucleotide microsatellite markers were developed, and polymorphism in a population of C. quadrifidus was investigated for six of these markers, which showed an average of 12.7 alleles per locus. Mendelian inheritance of the loci was confirmed through analysis of open pollinated progeny arrays of 10 plants. These loci will be used to study gene flow patterns between isolated populations of this species in southwest Western Australia.
Isolation and characterization of two dinucleotide and four tetranucleotide polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Iberian midwife toad Alytes cisternasii
Authors: GONÇALVES H. , PEREIRA R. , ROWE G. , BEEBEE T. , FERRAND N.
Published: January 2006

The Iberian midwife toad Alytes cisternasii is an endemic species of the southwestern and central parts of the Iberian Peninsula. Allozyme analysis of Iberian midwife toads indicated no inter‐ or intrapopulation variation and a more sensitive method is required to quantify genetic differentiation and gene flow between populations of this species. We describe here the development of primers for the amplification by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of six polymorphic microsatellite loci in A. cisternasii.
Isolation of polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite markers for the black‐bellied seedcracker (Pyrenestes ostrinus)
Authors: DELANEY KATHLEEN SEMPLE , PIRES DEBRA , HOLDER KAREN , BARDELEBEN CAROLYNE , SMITH THOMAS
Published: January 2006

We have isolated 10 polymorphic microsatellite markers for the black‐bellied seedcracker (Pyrenestes ostrinus) from genomic libraries enriched either for (AAGG)n or (ATCT)n repetitive elements and characterized them in 39 individuals. The number of alleles ranged from two to 27 per locus with the observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.38 to 0.94. These markers will be useful for analysis of questions concerning parentage and population genetic structure.
Sixteen microsatellite loci from Halesia tetraptera (Styracaceae)
Authors: MEEROW ALAN W. , ROH MARK S. , SCHNELL RAYMOND J.
Published: January 2006

Sixteen microsatellite loci isolated from Halesia tetraptera are described. All 16 are polymorphic, with four to 13 alleles across 15–19 members of a single half‐sib family. Heterozygosity ranged from 0.067 to 1. One locus departs significantly from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in our test family. The test population shows significant heterozygote deficiency at this and two other loci. Thirteen loci exhibit significant linkage disequilibrium. These loci will be utilized in paternity analyses of geographically diverse half‐sib families.
A set of microsatellite markers for an endangered arboreal marsupial, Leadbeater's possum
Authors: HANSEN B. D. , SUNNUCKS P. , BLACKET M. , TAYLOR A. C.
Published: January 2006

Leadbeater's possum is a small, cryptic nongliding petaurid, which is threatened by habitat loss due to the collapse of large hollow‐bearing trees and ongoing timber production in Victoria's central highlands. The recent decline of this species and the difficulties faced by researchers collecting field data has prompted the development of a suite of polymorphic microsatellite markers for application to the continuing conservation of the Leadbeater's possum.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the threatened brook lamprey Lethenteron sp. N
Authors: TAKESHIMA H. , YOKOYAMA R. , NISHIDA M. , YAMAZAKI Y.
Published: January 2006

A microsatellite‐enriched genomic library was obtained for the threatened brook lamprey, Lethenteron sp. N, and from it 16 dinucleotide markers were successfully isolated and characterized. These markers were found to have between 1 and 6 alleles with heterozygosity ranging from zero to 0.79. Cross‐species amplification was successful, with eight loci amplifying products in the counterpart cryptic species, Lethenteron sp. S, as well as 15 loci in Lethenteron japonicum. One out of 10 primer pairs previously reported also amplified products in all the three species.
Development of new polymorphic microsatellite markers for the New World screw‐worm Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
Authors: TORRES TATIANA TEIXEIRA , DE AZEREDO‐ESPIN ANA MARIA LIMA
Published: January 2006

In this report, we describe the development of seven new polymorphic microsatellite markers for Cochliomyia hominivorax, a parasitic insect pest of primary agricultural and veterinary importance throughout the Neotropics. The number of alleles found ranged from 3 to 13 per locus, with the expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.4220 to 0.9045. The across‐taxa amplification of some of these new microsatellite loci was successful in four additional Calliphoridae species. In combination with the 10 polymorphic microsatellite markers previously described, the markers developed here should provide a high resolution for assessing the fine‐scale genetic structure of New World screw‐worms.
Development of microsatellite markers for mango (Mangifera indica L.)
Authors: DUVAL M. F. , BUNEL J. , SITBON C. , RISTERUCCI A. M.
Published: January 2006

Microsatellite markers for mango (Mangifera indica L.) were developed using a genomic library enriched for (GA)n and (GT)n dinucleotide repeats. A subset of 41 positive clones was sequenced and primers were designed. Twenty‐eight primer pairs produced polymorphic amplification products for a diversity sample including 15 mango cultivars and two accessions from the related species Mangifera laurina and Mangifera applanata. Nineteen simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci with clear scorable patterns were chosen to study diversity in the mango germplasm bank of Guadalupe (FWI). The number of alleles ranged from three to 13 with observed levels of heterozygosity ranging from 0.059 to 0.857.
Isolation of polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite markers for the masked flowerpiercer Diglossa cyanea
Authors: BARDELEBEN CAROLYNE , GRAY MELISSA M.
Published: January 2006

We have isolated 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers for the masked flowerpiercer Diglossa cyanea from a genomic library enriched for (AAGG)n repetitive elements. The number of alleles ranged from eight to 16 per locus with the observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.64 to 1.00. These markers will be useful for analysis of questions concerning population genetic structure and models of speciation.
Eleven new highly polymorphic microsatellite loci in the yellow croaker,Pseudosciaena crocea
Authors: AN H. S. , CHO K. C. , PARK J. Y.
Published: January 2006

We developed 11 new microsatellite markers inPseudosciaena croceaby screening an enriched genomic library using nonradioactive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. All loci were found to be polymorphic with an average of 14.9 alleles per locus (range four to 30). The mean observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.86 (range 0.57–1.00) and 0.90 (range 0.62–0.98), respectively. Four loci showed significant Hardy–Weinberg disequilibrium. The high variabilities revealed in this study suggest that these microsatellite loci should provide useful markers for population genetic studies ofP. crocea.
Isolation of polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite markers for the skink Mabuya affinis
Authors: BARDELEBEN CAROLYNE , MOORE RACHAEL L. , GRAY MELISSA M.
Published: January 2006

We isolated 10 polymorphic microsatellite markers for the skink Mabuya affinis from genomic libraries enriched for (AAGG)n and (AAAG)n repetitive elements. The number of alleles ranged from eight to 13 per locus with the observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.60 to 0.92. These markers will be useful for analysis of questions concerning population genetic structure and models of speciation.
Isolation and characterization of novel dinucleotide repeat microsatellites in the Jamaican click beetlePyrophorus plagiophthalamus(Coleoptera: Elateridae)
Authors: VELEZ S. , FEDER J. L.
Published: January 2006

We report 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Jamaican click beetle,Pyrophorus plagiophthalamus. A survey of 36 individuals from three populations in Jamaica showed that these are highly variable, with three to 17 alleles per locus. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.250 to 0.917, and mean heterozygosity from 0.601 to 0.747. Most loci were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, although excess of homozygotes was observed in four tests (out of 20), suggesting the possibility of null alleles. Significant linkage disequilibrium was observed for only one pair. These newly developed markers will be useful in understanding the population structure of click beetles in Jamaica, and in identifying possible selective factors responsible for bioluminescent colour variation.
Ten polymorphic microsatellite markers developed in the masson pine moth Dendrolimus punctatus Walker (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae)
Authors: JI YA‐JIE , HUA YUE‐PING , LIU YU‐DI , LIU HUA‐TAO , SHI CHENG‐MIN , LI DIAN‐MO , ZHANG DE‐XING
Published: January 2006

A set of 10 polymorphic di‐ and trinucleotide microsatellite loci were developed for the forestry pest insect, masson pine moth, Dendrolimus punctatus Walker. The expected heterozygosity at these loci ranges from 0.285 to 0.859, and the observed allele numbers from five to 19. Cross species amplification of these loci in four other congeneric pine moth species indicates variable levels of loci conservation and thus cross‐applicability. Therefore, the microsatellite loci reported here should be useful for population genetic and other related studies in the masson pine moth and other closely related species.
Development of polymorphic markers for Cirsium arvense, Canada thistle, and their amplification in closely related taxa
Authors: SLOTTA TRACEY A. BODO , FOLEY MICHAEL E. , HORVATH DAVID
Published: January 2006

Suppression of invasive Canada thistle, Cirsium arvense, with biological control agents has stalled because introduced agents were not host‐specific. To aid in the development of more effective management strategies, molecular markers are needed to examine the genetic structure of Canada thistle populations. Microsatellite (simple sequence repeat) markers were developed and intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were tested for North American populations. An average of nine polymorphic alleles per microsatellite locus and 11 per ISSR locus were detected. These will be used to examine the genetic structure of C. arvense in the northern Great Plains and their transferability to endemic Cirsium spp.
Isolation and characterization of 12 tetra‐repeated microsatellite loci from the Formosan grass lizard (Takydromus formosanus)
Authors: LIN SI‐MIN , WANG CHAO‐JUN , HSU YU‐CHENG , LUE KUANG‐YANG , LI SHOU‐HSIEN
Published: January 2006

Twelve tetra‐repeated microsatellite loci were developed for the island‐endemic grass lizard Takydromus formosanus (Squamata: Lacertidae). We characterized these loci by genotyping 51 individuals sampled from six localities. The number of alleles per locus ranged between 12 and 23, whereas the observed heterozygosity ranged between 0.686 and 0.941. None of these loci showed gametic disequilibrium or sex linkage. With such high polymorphism, we believe that these loci should be suitable for fine‐scaled analysis of population structure, hybridizations or individual identification of grass lizards.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers in Fraser fir (Abies fraseri)
Authors: JOSSERAND S. A. , POTTER K. M. , JOHNSON G. , BOWEN J. A. , FRAMPTON J. , NELSON C. D.
Published: January 2006

We describe the isolation and characterization of 14 microsatellite loci from Fraser fir (Abies fraseri). These markers originated from cloned inserts enriched for DNA sequences containing tandem di‐ and tri‐nucleotide repeats. In total, 36 clones were selected, sequenced and evaluated. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers for 14 of these sequences consistently produced simple PCR profiles and were found to be polymorphic among 13 Fraser fir samples. In addition, more than half of these loci were found to amplify a wide range of samples from several Abies taxa.
Six microsatellite loci from the deep‐sea coral Corallium lauuense (Octocorallia: Coralliidae) from the islands and seamounts of the Hawaiian archipelago
Authors: BACO A. R. , CLARK A. M. , SHANK T. M.
Published: January 2006

Gorgonian octocorals are among the dominant deep‐sea benthic taxa of many seamounts. Seamount fauna are threatened by destructive fisheries practices, yet little is known about the physical and biological processes that maintain species on seamounts. Few informative molecular markers have been found in deep‐water corals or in gorgonian octocorals. Here we report the characterization of six highly polymorphic microsatellite loci for the deep‐sea precious coral Corallium lauuense from Hawaii using enriched genomic DNA libraries. These loci are being used to examine gene flow and stock structure among seamount and island populations to better understand dispersal and connectivity of seamount species.
Characterization of 35 microsatellite loci in the Pacific lion‐paw scallop (Nodipecten subnodosus) and their cross‐species amplification in four other scallops of the Pectinidae family
Authors: IBARRA ANA M. , PETERSEN JESSICA L. , FAMULA THOMAS R. , MAY BERNIE
Published: January 2006

Four microsatellite‐enriched DNA libraries yielded 35 microsatellite loci from 100 primer pairs designed for Pacific lion‐paw scallop, Nodipecten subnodosus. The number of alleles ranged from four to 28. Three of the 35 loci were not in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and linkage disequilibrium was found for one pair of loci. These microsatellites will be used to analyse the population structure of the species in Mexico's Baja Peninsula to propose management strategies for scallop aquaculture development. Twenty‐six primer pairs cross‐amplified in Nodipecten nodosus, whereas none (Argopecten ventricosus) or few cross‐amplified in the Argopecten species.
Characterization of 12 microsatellite markers in Serranus cabrilla (Pisces: Serranidae)
Authors: CARRERAS‐CARBONELL J. , MACPHERSON E. , PASCUAL M.
Published: January 2006

The commercial comber Serranus cabrilla is widely distributed in the Atlanto‐Mediterranean region, inhabiting a great variety of habitats and depths. We developed primers for 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci to analyse the genetic structure between comber populations and between their colour morphs in order to establish correct fisheries management. Characterization of 25 individuals from Columbretes Islands (Spain) showed an average large number of alleles (9.5 ± 1.3) and observed heterozygosity (0.657 ± 0.06). Only two loci showed significant departure from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. We found no evidence of linkage disequilibrium between pairs of loci. We rejected for primer design one clone with a microsatellite within the transposable element TX_FR2.
PRIMER NOTE. Using the incomplete genome of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Amanita bisporigera to identify molecular polymorphisms in the related Amanita phalloides
Authors: ADAMS RACHEL I. , HALLEN HEATHER E. , PRINGLE ANNE
Published: January 2006

We describe the cross‐genomic isolation of 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and one variable microsatellite from five loci for the death cap mushroom Amanita phalloides. Microsatellite repeats were identified by searching the partial Amanita bisporigera genome. Flanking primers were designed for 25 of these microsatellite loci and tested for cross‐amplification in A. phalloides. One locus contained an interrupted, compound microsatellite, and four loci contained one to six SNPs. These results demonstrate the usefulness of even an incomplete genome to identify molecular markers for population studies in nonmodel organisms.
Genome‐wide assessment of tandem repeat markers for biogeographical analyses of the corn smut fungus, Ustilago maydis
Authors: MUNKACSI A. B. , KAWAKAMI S. , PAN J. J. , LEE K. , STOXEN S. , HANG J. , MAY G.
Published: January 2006

It has been postulated that the fungus Ustilago maydis followed its host maize around the world. In order to understand the biogeography of this fungus relative to its host, we used a bioinformatics approach to develop 86 tandem repeat markers useful for population studies of U. maydis. We characterized repeat motifs between two and 155 nucleotides using 36 isolates from USA, Mexico and South America. Our data suggested that (i) repeat motif length does not predict the number of alleles for that locus, and (ii) that the more polymorphic markers can resolve differences in a small geographical area.
Practical use of GPS‐localization of Feral PigeonsColumba liviain the urban environment
Authors: ROSE EVA , HAAG‐WACKERNAGEL DANIEL , NAGEL PETER
Published: January 2006

Feral PigeonsColumba livialive in almost every city in the world and are often a problem because of their large numbers. Knowledge of the spatial use of the city by Pigeons is important for population control management. Previous studies have given contradictory results concerning the urban area used by Pigeons and their feeding strategies. We used the global positioning system (GPS) to investigate the spatial use of urban habitats by Feral Pigeons in Basel, Switzerland. The total ranges of the subpopulations varied between 32.9 and 306.3 ha and overlapped partially. The total ranges of individual Feral Pigeons varied between 2.9 and 150.6 ha. Pigeons from a single loft had one or two main feeding places and up to 33 other places that they used for occasional feeding or for resting. Individual Pigeons visited up to ten different locations. Our study shows that Feral Pigeons have individual feeding strategies and are flexible enough to adapt to different urban environments. Therefore, we must contradict the view that Feral Pigeons are dependent on intentional feeding by humans and are unable to fly more than a few hundred metres. Our results are important for Pigeon control management, biomonitoring projects using Feral Pigeons as indicators of pollution and the study of disease transmission. Pigeon control management based on killing has only a local and temporary effect, because Pigeon subpopulations are interconnected. Pigeons from other areas will replace removed individuals. Biomonitoring projects usually assume that Pigeons show a limited mobility. Our study reveals that this is not a generally valid assumption. Because Pigeon subpopulations are connected, diseases can be spread over an entire urban area. This is of human concern, as seven infectious diseases have been shown to be transmitted from Feral Pigeons to humans.
Risk Assessment of Listeria monocytogenes: Impact of Individual Cell Variability on the Exposure Assessment Step
Authors: Francois K. , Devlieghere F. , Uyttendaele M. , Debevere J.
Published: January 2006

Recently, the lag phase research in predictive microbiology is focusing more on the individual cell variability, especially for pathogenic microorganisms that typically occur in very low contamination levels, like Listeria monocytogenes. In this study, the effect of this individual cell lag phase variability was introduced in an exposure assessment study for L. monocytogenes in a liver pâté. A basic framework was designed to estimate the contamination level of pâté at the time of consumption, taking into account the frequency of contamination and the initial contamination levels of pâté at retail. Growth was calculated on pâté units of 150 g, comparing an individual‐based approach with a classical population‐based approach. The two different protocols were compared using simulations. If only the individual cell lag variability was taken into account, important differences were observed in cell density at the time of consumption between the individual‐based approach and the classical approach, especially at low inoculum levels, resulting in high variability when using the individual‐based approach. Although, when all variable factors were taken into account, no significant differences were observed between the different approaches, allowing the conclusion that the individual cell lag phase variability was overruled by the global variability of the exposure assessment framework. Even in more extreme conditions like a low inoculum level or a low water activity, no differences were created in cell density at the time of consumption between the individual‐based approach and the classical approach. This means that the individual cell lag phase variability of L. monocytogenes has important consequences when studying specific growth cases, especially when the applied inoculum levels are low, but when performing more general exposure assessment studies, the variability between the individual cell lag phases is too limited to have a major impact on the total exposure assessment.
Synthesis and Growth Kinetics of Monodispersive Indium Hydrate Particles
Authors: Lin Sung‐En , Wei Wen‐Cheng J.
Published: January 2006

Nano‐ or submicron In(OH)3 and In2O3 particles of different morphologies were synthesized from a nitrate solution by a homogeneous precipitation process. By using X‐ray diffractometer, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission and scanning electron microscopes, and inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry, the properties of particle growth were analyzed. The results indicated that the kinetics of the hydrolysis reaction of In3+ was a zero‐order reaction with an activation energy of 128 kJ/mol, which implied that the reaction was controlled by the decomposition kinetic of urea additive. The growth anisotropic of particles, pH value of reaction solutions, residual In3+ concentration relative to aging time with different temperatures and starting concentrations were reported in this study. Calcination of the hydrate to form In2O3 particles between 300° and 900°C did not greatly change the morphologies of the particles.
Biaxial Strength of a ZrO2/(Ni+Al2O3) Nanocomposite
Authors: Tuan Wei‐Hsing , Liu Shi‐Ming , Ho Chan‐Ju , Yang Tsong‐Jen
Published: January 2006

Previous studies demonstrated that the strength of zirconia (ZrO2) could be enhanced or reduced by respectively adding micrometer‐sized alumina (Al2O3) or nickel (Ni) particles. In the present study, 5 vol% micrometer‐sized Al2O3 particles and 1 vol% nanometer‐sized Ni particles are incorporated into the ZrO2 matrix, which is subsequently densified by pressureless sintering. The biaxial strength of the ZrO2/(Ni+Al2O3) nanocomposite is nearly double that of the monolithic ZrO2. The increase in strength correlated with a reduction in the critical flaw size and not with any change in toughness, which may be a result of grain boundary strengthening.
In Situ Coating Carbon Nanotubes with Wurtzite ZnS Nanocrystals
Authors: Shan Yan , Gao Lian
Published: January 2006

A new wet‐chemical method to coat multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) with wurtzite ZnS nanocrystals was developed. The method involved modification of MWNTs with polyethyleneimine or sodium dodecyl sulfate, and reflux of modified MWNTs, ZnCl2, and thiourea in ethylene glycol solution at 150°C. The composites were investigated by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and UV‐visible absorption spectrum. The results showed that MWNTs were coated with a layer of ZnS nanoparticles with a size of 6 nm, and their electronic structure was not destroyed after coating with ZnS. The MWNTs/ZnS composites showed a slight blue shift because of the quantum size effect.
In situ Fabrication of a Dense/Porous Bi‐layered Ceramic Composite using Freeze Casting of a Ceramic–Camphene Slurry
Authors: Koh Young‐Hag , Jun In‐Kook , Sun Jong‐Jae , Kim Hyoun‐Ee
Published: January 2006

Dense/porous bi‐layered ceramic composites were fabricated in situ by freeze casting a ceramic/camphene slurry with a low solid content (φ=20 vol%). The warm slurry was prepared at 55°C by ball milling and cast into a mold at 25°C, where the top surface of the cast body was exposed to air to allow for the controlled evaporation of molten camphene. This simple method produced a high solid content with negligible camphene (φ>50 vol%) on the top layer, while maintaining a low solid loading with solidified camphene (φ∼20 vol%) in the inner region. The sintered sample showed a dense 125‐μm‐thick ceramic layer on a highly porous layer with a thickness of ∼1.7 mm and three‐dimensionally interconnected pore channels that were representative of entangled dendritic growth of the solidified camphene.
Effect of Oxygen Partial Pressure on the Dielectric Properties and Microstructures of Cofired Base‐Metal‐Electrode Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors
Authors: Feng Qiquan , McConville Caspar J. , Edwards Doreen D. , McCauley Daniel E. , Chu Mike
Published: January 2006

The dielectric properties, dopant distributions, and microstructures of BaTiO3‐based multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) sintered in H2–N2–H2O atmospheres with

=10−7.5 Pa (BMX‐7.5) and

=10−9.5 Pa (BMX‐9.5) were studied, and the effects of oxygen partial pressures were analyzed. Dielectric measurements showed that BMX‐7.5 had a lower dielectric constant at temperatures above 20°C, but a higher dielectric constant at temperatures below 10°C when compared with BMX‐9.5. The coexistence of core–shell and core grains was observed in bright field (BF) transmission electron microscopy images in both types of capacitors. Triple‐point and grain boundary phases were observed more frequently in BMX‐9.5 than in BMX‐7.5, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometer point‐by‐point analysis revealed that these second phases contained high concentrations of dopants such as Si, Y, and Ca. The dopant concentration in the shell regions in BMX‐7.5 was higher than that in similar regions in BMX‐9.5. Smeared and twisted grain boundaries with fringes observed in both types of MLCCs indicated that the shell regions in both samples were formed either by diffusion of foreign ions into BaTiO3 or by crystallization of grain boundary and triple‐point liquid phases. It was deduced that the partial pressure of oxygen in the sintering atmosphere influenced the microstructures, dopant distributions, and core–shell ratios of the grains in these materials.
Atomic Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy of the Microstructure of Ordered Ba(Cd1/3Ta2/3)O3 Perovskite Ceramics
Authors: Sun J. , Liu Shaojun , Newman N. , Smith David J.
Published: January 2006

Microstructures of ordered Ba(Cd1/3Ta2/3)O3 perovskite dielectric ceramics with and without a boron additive have been observed by atomic resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The selected area electron diffraction and lattice image show a well‐ordered structure with hexagonal symmetry (lattice constants of a∼5.8 Å and c∼7.1 Å) in the ordered Ba(Cd1/3Ta2/3)O3 with a boron additive, which is similar to those in ordered Ba(Zn1/3Ta2/3)O3 and Ba(Mg1/3Ta2/3)O3 ceramics. Ordered domains with a twin crystallographic relationship and high‐density domain interfaces induced by ordering were observed in the ordered Ba(Cd1/3Ta2/3)O3 without a boron additive sintered at a relatively high temperature. Atomic resolution TEM further revealed the conservative twin boundaries along (001) and (110) planes and non‐conservative antiphase boundaries with a projected displacement vector of the type [001] in the ordered Ba(Cd1/3Ta2/3)O3 without a boron additive. Finally, the energetics of different domain interfaces are discussed with the interfacial structures in ordered Ba(Cd1/3Ta2/3)O3 ceramics revealed by an electron microscope.
Stepped care vs. matched care for mood and anxiety disorders: a randomized trial in routine practice
Authors: Van Straten A. , Tiemens B. , Hakkaart L. , Nolen W. A. , Donker M. C. H.
Published: January 2006

Objective:  The effectiveness of two versions of stepped care [with either brief therapy (BT) or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as a first step] is studied in comparison with the traditional matched care approach (CAU) for patients with mood and anxiety disorders.

Method:  A randomized trial was performed in routine mental health care in 12 settings, including 702 patients. Patients were interviewed once in 3 months for 18–24 months (response rate 69%).

Results:  Overall, patients’ health improved significantly over time: 51% had achieved recovery from the DSM‐IV disorder(s) after 1 year and 66% at the end of the study. Respectively, 50% and 60% had ‘normal’ SCL90 and SF36 scores. Cognitive behavioural therapy and BT patients achieved recovery more often than CAU patients (ORs between 1.26 and 1.48), although these results were not statistically significant.

Conclusion:  Stepped care, with BT or CBT as a first step, is at least as effective as matched care.
Reducing the bias of probing depth and attachment level estimates using random partial‐mouth recording
Authors: Beck James D. , Caplan Daniel J. , Preisser John S. , Moss Kevin
Published: January 2006

Abstract –  Objectives:  To evaluate the bias and precision of probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) estimates of random and fixed partial examination methods compared with full‐mouth examinations.

Methods:  PD and CAL were calculated on six sites for up to 28 teeth (considered to be the gold standard with no bias) and three fixed‐site selection methods (FSSMs) that resulted in a partial examination of sites: the Ramfjord method, and the NIDCR methods used in NHANES I, and NHANES 2000. Finally, seven random‐site selection methods (RSSMs) were created by sampling the following number of sites: 84, 42, 36, 28, 20, 15, 10 and 6. To compare bias and precision of the methods we calculated percent relative bias and relative error.

Results:  Estimates of means, standard deviations (SD), relative bias and relative error for RSSMs were almost identical to the full‐mouth examination, but SDs increase slightly when fewer than 28 sites were sampled and relative bias and error increase for methods sampling fewer than 20 sites. The FSSMs had very low relative error, but much higher relative bias indicating underestimation. The FSSM with the smallest bias and error was the Ramfjord method, but the Random 36 method had less bias and less relative error. The NHANES 2000 method was the FSSM with the lowest bias and relative error for estimates of Extent Scores (percent of sites ≥3, 4, 5, or 5 mm PD or CAL) but random methods sampling fewer sites performed just as well. Both FSSMs and RSSMs underestimated prevalence, especially prevalence of less frequently occurring conditions, but most RSSMs were less likely to underestimate prevalence than the FSSMs.

Conclusion:  The promise of reducing bias and increasing precision of the estimates support the continued development and examination of RSSMs.
Assessing oral health‐related quality of life in general dental practice in Scotland: validation of the OHIP‐14
Authors: Fernandes Marcelo José , Ruta Danny Adolph , Ogden Graham Richard , Pitts Nigel Berry , Ogston Simon Alexander
Published: January 2006

Abstract –  Objectives:  To validate the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)‐14 in a sample of patients attending general dental practice.

Methods:  Patients with pathology‐free impacted wisdom teeth were recruited from six general dental practices in Tayside, Scotland, and followed for a year to assess the development of problems related to impaction. The OHIP‐14 was completed at baseline and at 1‐year follow‐up, and analysed using three different scoring methods: a summary score, a weighted and standardized score and the total number of problems reported. Instrument reliability was measured by assessing internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Construct validity was assessed using a number of variables. Linear regression was then used to model the relationship between OHIP‐14 and all significantly correlated variables. Responsiveness was measured using the standardized response mean (SRM). Adjusted R2s and SRMs were calculated for each of the three scoring methods. Estimates for the differences between adjusted R2s and the differences between SRMs were obtained with 95% confidence intervals.

Results:  A total of 278 and 169 patients completed the questionnaire at baseline and follow‐up, respectively. Reliability – Cronbach's α coefficients ranged from 0.30 to 0.75. Alpha coefficients for all 14 items were 0.88 and 0.87 for baseline and follow‐up, respectively. Test–retest coefficients ranged from 0.72 to 0.78. Validity – OHIP‐14 scores were significantly correlated with number of teeth, education, main activity, the use of mouthwash, frequency of seeing a dentist, the reason for the last dental appointment, smoking, alcohol intake, pain and symptoms. Adjusted R2s ranged from 0.123 to 0.202 and there were no statistically significant differences between those for the three different scoring methods. Responsiveness – The SRMs ranged from 0.37 to 0.56 and there was a statistically significant difference between the summary scores method and the total number of problems method for symptomatic patients.

Conclusions:  The OHIP‐14 is a valid and reliable measure of oral health‐related quality of life in general dental practice and is responsive to third molar clinical change. The summary score method demonstrated performance as good as, or better than, the other methods studied.
Caries and fluorosis in 6‐ and 9‐year‐old children residing in three communities in Iran
Authors: Meyer‐Lueckel H. , Paris S. , Shirkhani B. , Hopfenmuller W. , Kielbassa A. M.
Published: January 2006

Abstract –  Objectives:  The aim of this study was to investigate the caries and fluorosis prevalence among 6‐ and 9‐year‐old students in three communities in Iran with varying urbanization and fluoride in piped water.

Methods:  Data were obtained from 523 dental examinations of 6‐ and 9‐year olds in an upper middle class district in Teheran (T) (0.3 mg F/l), the city of Semnan (S) (1.3 mg F/l), and the village Dibaj (D) (0.2 mg F/l).

Results:  Children in the naturally fluoridated town showed slightly higher dmfs/dfs (SD) values for both 6‐year olds [S: 9.1 (9.2), T: 7.2 (7.4), D: 7.1 (6.1)] and 9‐year olds [S: 6.0 (6.2), T: 4.4 (4.2), D: 5.0 (4.7)], whereas the mean dmft/dft values as well as the numbers of caries‐free children were comparable. A lower prevalence of dental restorations was reported for both Semnan and Dibaj compared with Teheran. A higher prevalence of fluorosis [Tooth Surface Index of Dental Fluorosis (TSIF) 3–7] was observed in the naturally fluoridated town compared with the low‐fluoridated communities.

Conclusions:  The ingestion of naturally fluoridated water (1.3 mg F/l) seemed to have a negligible effect on caries prevalence, but resulted in higher prevalence of dental fluorosis. It is emphasized that the study population was not adjusted for socioeconomic status, availability of dental care nor for exposures to other sources of fluoride. Nevertheless, it can be concluded that caries prevalence in Iran is quite low compared with that in other countries in the Middle East and that the elevated fluoride levels in the drinking water in Semnan may contribute to the development of mild to severe fluorosis.
Evaluating the role of dental behaviour in oral health inequalities
Authors: Sanders Anne E. , Spencer A. John , Slade Gary D.
Published: January 2006

Abstract –  Objective:  The aim of this study was to describe differences in dental attendance and dental self‐care behaviour between socioeconomic groups and to investigate the extent to which the socioeconomic gradient in oral health was explained by these behaviours.

Methods:  We used data from a representative sample of adults in Australia, surveyed by telephone interview and by self‐complete questionnaire. The dependent variables were self‐reported missing teeth and the social impact of oral conditions evaluated with the 14‐item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14). Socioeconomic position was measured at the small‐area level. We conducted bivariate analysis using one‐way analysis of variance and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) and adjusted for the effect of age. After adjusting for age, dental behavioural variables were entered individually into multivariate linear regression models.

Results:  Data were obtained for 3678 dentate adults aged 18–91 years. Missing teeth and OHIP‐14 scores followed a social gradient with poorer adults experiencing poorer outcomes. Routine dental attendance and diligent dental self‐care were associated with inverse monotonic gradients in missing teeth (P < 0.05) and OHIP‐14 scores (P < 0.05). Although adults living in areas with the least disadvantage had a preventive dental attendance orientation, no socioeconomic pattern was found for dental self‐care. In multivariate analysis, the slope of the socioeconomic gradient [β estimate for Index of Relative Socioeconomic Disadvantage (IRSD)] in missing teeth was not significantly attenuated by either dental attendance or dental self‐care. For OHIP‐14 scores, the slope of the socioeconomic gradient was significantly attenuated by dental visiting, but not by dental self‐care and not by the combined effect of both behaviours.

Conclusion:  The commonly held view that the poor oral health of poor people is explained by personal neglect was not supported in this study.
Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome: a disease of protein trafficking and organelle function
Authors: Wei Maria L.
Published: January 2006

The Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is a collection of related autosomal recessive disorders which are genetically heterogeneous. There are eight human HPS subtypes, characterized by oculocutaneous albinism and platelet storage disease; prolonged bleeding, congenital neutropenia, pulmonary fibrosis, and granulomatous colitis can also occur. HPS is caused primarily by defects in intracellular protein trafficking that result in the dysfunction of intracellular organelles known as lysosome‐related organelles. HPS gene products are all ubiquitously expressed and all associate in various multi‐protein complexes, yet HPS has cell type‐specific disease expression. Impairment of specialized secretory cells such as melanocytes, platelets, lung alveolar type II epithelial cells and cytotoxic T cells are observed in HPS. This review summarizes recent molecular, biochemical and cell biological analyses together with clinical studies that have led to the correlation of molecular pathology with clinical manifestations and led to insights into such diverse disease processes such as albinism, fibrosis, hemorrhage, and congenital neutropenia.
Shoulder pain – a common problem in world‐class badminton players
Authors: Fahlström Martin , Yeap Joo Seng , Alfredson Håkan , Söderman Kerstin
Published: January 2006

Badminton is a sport that requires a lot of over‐shoulder motion, with the shoulder in abduction/external rotation. This questionnaire study on 188 international top‐level badminton players during the World Mixed Team Championships showed that previous or present shoulder pain on the dominant side was reported by 52% of the players. Previous shoulder pain was reported by 37% of the players and on‐going shoulder pain by 20% of the players. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of shoulder pain between men and women. The majority of the shoulder pain had started gradually. The pain was usually associated with shoulder activity, and stiffness was a common, associated symptom. Furthermore, the shoulder pain was associated with consequences such as sleeping disturbances, changes in training and competition habits, and it also affected activities of daily living. The majority of the players had sought medical advice and had been given different kinds of treatment. The study showed that shoulder pain is a common and significant problem in world‐class badminton players, and the consequences are most likely of importance for their training and playing capacity.
Muscle fiber type I influences lipid oxidation during low‐intensity exercise in moderately active middle‐aged men
Authors: Turpeinen J.‐P. , Leppävuori J. , Heinonen O. J. , Kaila K. , Salo J. , Lilja M. , Kesäniemi Y.A.
Published: January 2006

The simultaneous effects of body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity, and muscle fiber characteristics on lipid oxidation at basal state and during exercise were studied in a population‐based group (n=70) of middle‐aged men. Body composition, oxygen uptake, and lipid oxidation were determined in a volitional maximal exercise test, physical activity with a questionnaire, muscle fiber characteristics with muscle biopsy, and resting metabolic rate and lipid oxidation at basal state with indirect calorimetry.

In regression analysis, type I muscle fibers contributed significantly to lipid oxidation at basal state (r=0.30, r2=0.07, P<0.05) and during low‐intensity exercise (r=0.35, r2=0.10, P<0.05). ANOVA revealed 7.7% (P=0.268) lower lipid oxidation at basal state, 14% (P<0.05) lower lipid oxidation in low‐intensity exercise, and 10.5% (P=0.088) lower lipid oxidation in moderate‐intensity exercise in muscle fiber tertile I (type I muscle fiber count 28.8%) compared with muscle fiber tertile III (type I muscle fiber count 71.4%).

In conclusion, the muscle fiber distribution contributed significantly to lipid oxidation during low‐intensity exercise in moderately active middle‐aged men.
Research of stimulants and anabolic steroids in dietary supplements
Authors: Baume N. , Mahler N. , Kamber M. , Mangin P. , Saugy M.
Published: January 2006

The purpose of this study was to analyze the composition of 103 dietary supplements bought on the internet. The supplements were dispatched in four different categories according to their announced contents [creatine, prohormones, “mental enhancers” and branched chain amino acids (BCAA)]. All the supplements were screened for the presence of stimulants and main anabolic steroids parent compounds. At the same time, the research was focused on the precursors and metabolites of testosterone and nandrolone.

The study pointed out three products containing an anabolic steroid, metandienone, in a very high amount. The ingestion of such products induced a high quantity of metandienone metabolites in urines that would be considered as a positive antidoping test. The results have also shown that one creatine product and three “mental enhancers” contained traces of hormones or prohormones not claimed on the labels and 14 prohormone products contained substances other than those indicated by the manufacturer. The oral intake of the creatine product revealed the presence of the two main nandrolone metabolites (19‐norandrosterone and 19‐noretiocholanolone) in urine.