bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New records of subtidal benthic marine algae from Wake Atoll, Central Pacific
Authors: Tsuda Roy T. , Fisher Jack R. , Vroom Peter S. , Abbott Isabella A.
Published: January 2010

The marine flora of Wake Atoll is phytogeographically interesting because the atoll is a small (6.5 km2) isolated coral reef structure located in the central Pacific between the north-western Hawaiian Islands and the Marshall Islands. Eighty-one of the 103 species of subtidal marine benthic algae collected in October 2005 and April–May 2007 during two NOAA cruises to Wake Atoll represent new records for the atoll. Previously published collections include five species collected in December 1841 during the US Exploring Expedition, 35 additional species representing collections made in June 1998 by US Fish and Wildlife personnel, and incidental specimens collected by various biologists and deposited in the Herbarium Pacificum of the Bishop Museum, Honolulu. The 121 species of marine benthic algae now documented from Wake Atoll contain components from the Hawaiian Islands and Marshall Islands, but show a closer resemblance to those of the Hawaiian Archipelago.
The shift from OV to VO and an analytic tendency of languages
Authors: Gawelko Marek
Published: January 2010

Some linguists discovered the importance of the shift from OV to VO order to the development of the Indo-European languages. A question arises whether the shift OV > VO has only affected the development of some categories or, maybe, also the analytic tendency of the Indo-European languages. A comparison of some features permitting the differentiation of languages on a synthetic – analytic scale in Latin (with an OV order) and in Polish (with a VO order) would contribute towards the solution of this problem: Latin is only a little more synthetic than Polish. The complex problem why Polish is only a little more analytic still awaits explanation.
Buchbesprechung
Authors: Retzlaff Steffen
Published: January 2010

SRUBAR, HELENA, Ambivalenzen des Populären. Pan Tau und Co. in Ost und West. Konstanz: UVK, 2008, 400 S. 24 Abb. ISBN 3867640475, 978-3867640473
The cognitive-behavioral aspects of the personality of politicians
Authors: Resch Mária , Bella Tamás
Published: January 2010

A politikusok személyiségének kutatásánál nem a pszichopatológia és ezáltal egy bizonyos betegség diagnosztizálása a feladat, hanem azon jellemzők, karakterisztikus jegyek beazonosítása és kognitív funkciók, attitűdök vizsgálata, amelyek hatással lehetnek a vezetőképességre, befolyásolhatják a vezetési és tárgyalási stílust, valamint az illető egy esetleges krízis alatt meghozott döntéseit. Alapvetően kétféle megközelítés létezik arra vonatkozóan, hogy a személyiség szerepet játszik-e a politikában: Az egyik a vezető politikusi személyiség projekciójának tekinti a politikai eseményeket, a másik teljesen negálja a személyiség jelentőségét. Az első irányzathoz kapcsolódva, a jelen dolgozat célja a politikus személyiségének közvetlen és közvetett módszerekkel történő vizsgálatai közül az utóbbihoz kapcsolódó kognitív és behaviorális jegyek meghatározása. A közvetett vizsgálatok között a beszédek és interjúk elemzése (pszicholingvisztika), a metakommunikatív jegyek tükröződése és az életrajzi adatok pszichológiai feldolgozása (pszichobiográfia) szerepel. A vezető politikus karaktere fontos az arculatépítés, a kampánymunka és a pártok versenye, „életben maradása” szempontjából.
Role of iron metabolism-regulator hepcidin in perinatal iron homeostasis
Authors: Balogh Ádám , Bősze Szilvia , Horváti Kata , Mező Gábor , Kéki Sándor , Nagy Lajos , Bokodi Géza , Szabó Miklós , Vásárhelyi Barna
Published: January 2010

A hepcidin egy nemrégiben felfedezett, defenzin típusú peptid, amely központi szerepet játszik a vasháztartás szabályozásában. A hepcidin csökkenti a vastranszportban szerepet játszó molekulák expresszióját, így gátolja a vas gastrointestinalis rendszerből való felszívódását, makrofágokból való felszabadulását, csökkentve ezzel a szérum vasszintjét. A hepcidin vasháztartásban betöltött szerepének tisztázása segíthet a gyulladásos és krónikus betegségekben bekövetkező anémia pontosabb megértésében. Munkánk kezdetén a hepcidin kimutatására alkalmas, kereskedelmi forgalomban elérhető módszer nem állt rendelkezésre. Célunk volt egy, a vizelethepcidin kimutatására alkalmas módszer kidolgozása, valamint hogy ezen módszer segítségével vizsgáljuk a hepcidin jelentőségét a perinatalis vasháztartásban. Munkánk során a natív, emberi hepcidin aminosav-szekvenciájának megfelelően állítottunk elő peptidszármazékokat, amelyek közül az 1-7 peptidszármazékról igazoltuk, hogy alkalmas lehet a natív hepcidin standard helyettesítésére immunreakción alapuló módszerek fejlesztésekor. Kidolgoztunk egy, az emberi vizelethepcidin mennyiségi meghatározására alkalmas, lézerdeszorpciós tömegspektrometriás, szemikvantitatív módszert, amelyben az általunk szintetizált acetil-1-25 peptidszármazékot mint hepcidinszerű belső standardot elsőként alkalmaztuk. Kidolgoztunk a vizelet tisztítására és a vizelethepcidin koncentrálására alkalmas, szilárd fázisú extrakción alapuló módszert. Az általunk kidolgozott módszerrel elsőként mértük egészséges újszülöttek vizelethepcidin-szintjét, valamint egy kereskedelmi forgalomban elérhető módszerrel a szérumprohepcidin-szintjét. Kimutattuk, hogy az érett újszülöttek korai adaptációja során a szérumprohepcidin-szint nem változik, a vizelethepcidin viszont szignifikánsan nő. A szérumprohepcidin- és a vizelethepcidin-szintek egymással nem mutattak összefüggést. Kimutattuk, hogy az érett újszülöttek vasháztartásának korai adaptációja során a szérumprohepcidin-szintek kizárólag a vörösvérsejtek átlagos hemoglobinkoncentrációjával, míg a vizelethepcidin-szintek a szérumvasszinttel és teljes vaskötő kapacitással mutattak összefüggést. Kimutattuk, hogy az érett újszülöttek vasháztartásának korai adaptációja során a köldökzsinórvér-mintákban az alacsonyabb szérumprohepcidin-szintek esetén szabad vas jelenléte igazolható. Összefoglalva: Eredményeink alapján elmondhatjuk, hogy a hepcidinnek valószínűleg szerepe van az újszülöttek korai, a vasháztartást érintő adaptációjában, azonban további vizsgálatok szükségesek ahhoz, hogy ezt az összefüggést biztosan megállapíthassuk.
Master sportsmen. Health status and life expectancies of physically active elderly
Authors: Apor Péter , Rádi Attila
Published: January 2010

A nagyobb fittséggel (aerob kapacitással) rendelkező személyek életkilátásai jobbak a fizikailag inaktívakéihoz képest. Ebben szerep jut a fiatalkorban végzett sportolásnak, van szerepe a genetikai alkatnak, de számos megfigyelés tanúsítja, hogy a döntő tényező a rendszeres fizikai aktivitás. Ez bármely életkorban elkezdhető, és nagyon idős korban is előnyökkel jár a tevékeny, minőségi élet megnyújtásában, az önálló életvitelre képesség megtartásában.
Electrochemotherapy of melanoma cutaneous metastases
Authors: Kis Erika , Szegesdi Ilona , Ócsai Henriette , Gyulai Rolland , Kemény Lajos , Oláh Judit
Published: January 2010

Az elektrokemoterápia daganatok bőráttéteinek palliatív kezelésére alkalmas eljárás, amelynek során nagy energiájú elektromos impulzusok hatására a sejtek membránja áteresztővé válik olyan anyagok, így kemoterapeutikumok számára, amelyek egyébként nem vagy csak kismértékben kerülnének a sejt belsejébe, ezáltal megnövelve azok citotoxikus hatását.
Módszer:
Klinikánkon 7, előrehaladott melanomában szenvedő beteg 81 bőráttétének elektrokemoterápiás kezelését végeztük el. A beavatkozásokat altatásban, intravénás bleomycin adásával végeztük. Az átlagos követési idő 218 nap volt.
Eredmények:
A kezelés hatására 25%-ban észleltünk teljes, míg 43%-ban részleges remissziót. A kezelt metasztázisok 26%-ánál nem történt változás, míg 6%-ban a tumor növekedett.
Következtetések:
Eredményeink alátámasztják azokat az irodalmi adatokat, amelyek szerint az elektrokemoterápia egyszerűen kivitelezhető, hatásos módszer a melanoma többszörös bőráttéteinek palliatív kezelésére. Az új eljárás kevés mellékhatással jár, és javítja a betegek életminőségét.
Osteogenesis in an In Vitro Coculture of Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts and Human Microvascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Neeley Wendell W. , Carnes David L. , Cochran David L.
Published: January 2010

Background:Periodontal bone healing is a complex process involving many cells and processes that must function flawlessly for proper healing to occur. The exact progenitor cells that contribute to this process are not fully characterized. Periodontal fibroblasts and pericytes were postulated to be potential osteoprogenitor cells. This study describes a viable coculture model for the in vitro study of osteogenesis.

Methods:Human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC) and human periodontal ligament (HPDL) fibroblasts were cocultured in a layered model and monitored for the development of runt‐related transcription factor 2 (runx2) and desmin expression by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Conditions shown to be osteogenic (bone morphogenetic protein [BMP]‐2 and enamel matrix derivative [EMD]) were compared to a control coculture that was unstimulated.

Results:The HMVEC migrated into a layer of collagen containing only HPDL cells as monitored by fluorescent labeling. runx2 and desmin expressions were increased in stimulated cocultures in week 2 compared to controls. At week 3, the unstimulated control cocultures developed the expression of runx2 and desmin, and the cocultures that were stimulated with EMD and BMP‐2 achieved significantly higher levels of these factors than any of the other conditions.

Conclusions:Signs of osteogenesis were present in the cocultures in unstimulated and stimulated conditions. However, in the stimulated condition, osteogenic markers were increased at earlier time points. As such, this model may provide a good method for the study of specific cellular processes that may lead to osteogenesis and eventually for understanding the regeneration of periodontal bone in vivo.
Association of Single Nucleotide Gene Polymorphism at Interleukin‐1β +3954, −511, and −31 in Chronic Periodontitis and Aggressive Periodontitis in Dravidian Ethnicity
Authors: Shete Abhijeet Rajendra , Joseph Rosamma , Vijayan Neetha N. , Srinivas Lekshmy , Banerjee Moinak
Published: January 2010

Background: Interleukin (IL)‐1β gene polymorphisms are considered a potential risk factor for periodontal disease. The aim of this study is to identify the association of IL‐1β gene polymorphisms with chronic periodontitis and aggressive periodontitis in a Malayalam‐speaking Dravidian population from South India.

Methods: The case‐control study consisted of 43 patients with chronic periodontitis and 54 patients with aggressive periodontitis as cases, and the control group consisted of 101 healthy subjects. All subjects were genotyped for IL‐1β +3954, −511, and −31 loci by polymerase chain reaction amplification followed by restriction enzyme digestion and gel electrophoresis. Genotype, allele, and haplotype analyses were done.

Results: Analyses for allele and genotypes showed a high frequency of the C allele and CC genotype for single nucleotide polymorphism IL‐1β +3954 in the group with chronic periodontitis and no difference for patients with aggressive periodontitis compared to controls (P <0.05). Haplotype analysis showed that IL‐1β −31 and −511 were in strong linkage disequilibrium in all groups. The IL‐1β −31 allele T was in linkage with allele T of IL‐1β +3954 in the control group.

Conclusions: In the Malayalam‐speaking Dravidian population, allele C of IL‐1β +3954 appeared to be an important risk factor for chronic periodontitis. The IL‐1β −31 allele T was in linkage with allele T of IL‐1β +3954 in the control group. No gene polymorphisms were found in patients with aggressive periodontitis. More studies with a larger sample size involving the entire cluster of the IL‐1β gene are necessary to determine the exact role of IL‐1β gene polymorphisms in periodontal disease.
Adipokines and Inflammatory Mediators After Initial Periodontal Treatment in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Kardeşler Levent , Buduneli Nurcan , Çetinkalp Şevki , Kinane Denis F.
Published: January 2010

Background: This study was performed to evaluate the effects of initial periodontal treatment on clinical periodontal measurements, glycemic control, and systemic inflammatory mediator levels in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic periodontitis.

Methods: Thirteen well‐controlled (glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] <7%) and 12 poorly controlled (HbA1c ≥7%) patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic periodontitis and 15 systemically healthy patients with chronic periodontitis were enrolled. Blood samples were collected at baseline from all patients and 1 and 3 months after the initial periodontal treatment from patients with diabetes. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, C‐reactive protein (CRP), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, adiponectin, and leptin were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: The study groups showed similar improvements in clinical periodontal variables at all evaluation times (P <0.05). HbA1c levels in the poorly controlled group with diabetes decreased significantly at 3 months after completion of the initial periodontal treatment (P <0.05), whereas no significant changes were evident in the well‐controlled group. There were insignificant decreases in TNF‐α and CRP levels (P >0.05). IL‐6 levels decreased in well‐controlled patients with diabetes and in the systemically healthy group (P <0.05). Adiponectin levels increased in the systemically healthy group (P <0.05). Leptin levels increased at 1 month in well‐controlled patients with diabetes (P <0.05).

Conclusions: Within the limits of this study, patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic periodontitis exhibited similar clinical periodontal improvements as their systemically healthy counterparts. Initial periodontal treatment appeared to improve glycemic control in poorly controlled patients with diabetes. Decreases in levels of IL‐6, TNF‐α, CRP, and leptin and an increase in adiponectin levels after periodontal therapy may be a function of glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
The Effect of Photodynamic Therapy for Periodontitis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Azarpazhooh Amir , Shah Prakesh S. , Tenenbaum Howard C. , Goldberg Michael B.
Published: January 2010

Background: The purpose of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for periodontitis in adults as a primary mode of treatment or as an adjunct to non‐surgical treatment of scaling and root planing (SRP) compared to a conventional non‐surgical SRP treatment.

Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, other relevant databases, and the International Pharmaceutical Abstracts were searched from their inception until May 2009 for randomized controlled trials of PDT compared to a placebo, no intervention, or non‐surgical treatment in an adult population. Data on changes in clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth, gingival recession, and full‐mouth plaque or bleeding scores were extracted and meta‐analyzed, and the pooled mean difference (MD) was reported.

Results: Five studies were included in this review. These studies had a small sample size for some of the performed analysis with a moderate to high risk of biases. There were clinical heterogeneities among included studies. PDT as an independent treatment or as an adjunct to SRP versus a control group of SRP did not demonstrate statistically or clinically significant advantages. Combined therapy of PDT + SRP indicated a probable efficacy in CAL gain (MD: 0.34; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.05 to 0.63) or probing depth reduction (MD: 0.25 mm; 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.45 mm).

Conclusions: PDT as an independent treatment or as an adjunct to SRP was not superior to control treatment of SRP. Therefore, the routine use of PDT for clinical management of periodontitis cannot be recommended. Well‐designed clinical trials are needed for proper evaluation of this therapy.
Spontaneous Pigmentation of Non‐Pigmented Palatal Tissue After Periodontal Surgery
Authors: Holtzclaw Dan , Toscano Nicholas J. , Tal Haim
Published: January 2010

Background: A 22‐year‐old African American female was referred for augmentation of keratinized gingiva around implants at the right and left maxillary second premolar sites. Presurgical evaluation revealed generalized melanosis of the buccal gingiva and a lack of keratinized tissue around implants at sites #4 and #13. No pigmentation was noted on the palatal tissues.

Methods: Thick free gingival grafts were harvested bilaterally from the non‐pigmented palate and secured to the recipient sites with bioabsorbable sutures. Hemostasis was achieved at the palatal donor sites with moistened gauze, and an acrylic stent was delivered for patient comfort.

Results: Both palatal donor sites healed with spontaneous pigmentation. The pigmentation intensified with time but resulted in no adverse outcome.

Conclusions: Post‐surgical healing in patients with gingival pigmentation is not entirely predictable, as multiple studies have demonstrated widely inconsistent results in regards to gingival pigmentation upon healing. When performing periodontal plastic surgery in patients with pigmented oral tissues, it is important to discuss all possible outcomes, including spontaneous pigmentation.
Evaluation of Stress Induced by Implant Type, Number of Splinted Teeth, and Variations in Periodontal Support in Tooth‐Implant–Supported Fixed Partial Dentures: A Non‐Linear Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Lin Chun‐Li , Wang Jen‐Chyan , Chang Shih‐Hao , Chen Shiang‐Ting
Published: January 2010

Background: This study investigated the biomechanical interactions in tooth‐implant–supported fixed partial dentures (FPDs) with variations in periodontal support, implant system, number of splinted teeth, and load type using the non‐linear finite element (FE) approach.

Methods: The section contours of the alveolar bone, abutment teeth, and prosthesis were acquired using computed tomography (CT) and micro‐CT to construct the FE models with normal periodontal support (NPS) and compromised periodontal support (CPS) containing one‐ and two‐piece implants splinted to the first and second premolars. Realistic interface conditions within the implant system were simulated using frictional contact elements. The main effects for each level of investigated factors in terms of stress values and dissimilar mobility of natural teeth and the implant were computed for all models.

Results: Analytic results indicated that the load condition was the predominant factor affecting stress developed in the implant, bone, and prosthesis. Additionally, the oblique occlusal forces increased the stress values relative to that of axial analogs. A splinted system with a two‐piece implant increased stress on the bone and decreased stress on the prosthesis compared to that of the one‐piece implant. The splinted system with a CPS only slightly increased implant stress on the bone compared to that of the splint system with NPS. Splinting an additional tooth did not significantly impact stress values for the tooth‐implant–supported FPD.

Conclusions: A one‐piece structure implant may be better than that of a two‐piece structure implant in decreasing bone stress when a natural tooth is planned to connect with an implant. The factors of periodontal support and number of splinted teeth only slightly influenced stress in tooth‐implant–supported FPDs.
Accuracy of Two Stereolithographic Guide Systems for Computer‐Aided Implant Placement: A Computed Tomography‐Based Clinical Comparative Study
Authors: Arısan Volkan , Karabuda Z. Cuneyt , Özdemir Tayfun
Published: January 2010

Background: Stereolithographic surgical guides provide significant benefits during the simultaneous placement of multiple implants with regard to the final prosthetic plan. However, deviation from the planning poses a significant risk. Deviations of implants that were placed by bone‐, tooth‐, and mucosa‐supported stereolithographic surgical guides were examined in this study.

Methods: After enrolling 54 eligible patients, 294 implants were planned on cone‐beam computerized tomography CB(CT)‐derived images. Sixty guides, both single‐ and multiple‐type, were produced using two commercial systems. Mucosa‐supported guides were fixed with osteosynthesis screws. Implants were inserted, and at the end of osseointegration period, a new CB(CT) scan was performed. Preoperative planning was merged with the new CB(CT) data to identify the deviations between the planned and placed implants for each support type and manufacturer. The Kruskal‐Wallis and Mann‐Whitney U tests were used for comparison (P <0.05).

Results: There were no damage‐related complications in any critical anatomy. Implants that were placed by bone‐supported guides had the highest mean deviations (5.0° ± 1.66° angular, and 1.70 ± 0.52 mm and 1.99 ± 0.64 mm for implant shoulder and tip, respectively), whereas the lowest deviations were measured in implants that were placed by mucosa‐supported guides (2.9° ± 0.39° angular, and 0.7 ± 0.13 mm and 0.76 ± 0.15 mm for implant shoulder and tip, respectively).

Conclusions: Computer‐aided planning and manufacturing surgical guides in accordance with CB(CT) images may help clinicians place implants. Rigid screw fixation of a single guide incorporating metal sleeves and a special drill kit further minimizes deviations.
Dietary‐Induced Hyperparathyroidism Affects Serum and Gingival Proinflammatory Cytokine Levels in Rats
Authors: Lütfioğlu Müge , Sakallioğlu Umur , Sakallioğlu E. Eser , Diraman Emine , Çiftçi Gülay , Tutkun Ferda
Published: January 2010

Background:Poor diet and inadequate nutrition are suggested to affect the periodontium as well as impair the systemic health. This study investigated the systemic and periodontal effects of dietary‐induced hyperparathyroidism (dHPT) by evaluating serum and gingival proinflammatory cytokine levels.

Methods:Twenty‐four Sprague‐Dawley rats were used in the study. dHPT was induced in 12 rats by calcium/phosphorus imbalance, and 12 rats were fed a standard diet (SD). Afterward, endotoxin‐induced periodontitis was induced on the right mandibular molar teeth (mmt). Four study groups were created: dHPT + mmt without periodontitis (group 1), dHPT + mmt with periodontitis (group 2), SD + mmt with periodontitis (group 3), and SD + mmt without periodontitis (group 4). Interleukin (IL)‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay to evaluate the proinflammatory cytokine profiles. Serum cytokines were analyzed in the blood samples collected prior to periodontitis induction, whereas gingival cytokines were analyzed in the gingival supernatants of the four groups.

Results:Serum cytokines were higher in dHPT rats than in SD rats (P<0.001), with a positive correlation between parathormone and the cytokines (P<0.001). Gingival cytokines were highest in group 2 and lowest in group 4 (group 2 > group 3 > group 1) (P<0.001). There was a positive correlation between parathormone and the gingival cytokines in group 1 (P<0.001 for IL‐1β;P<0.01 for TNF‐α).

Conclusion:The results suggested that increased serum proinflammatory cytokine production may be a complication of dHPT, and this may affect healthy and diseased periodontia by increasing gingival proinflammatory cytokine levels.
Microbiologic Testing and Outcomes of Full‐Mouth Scaling and Root Planing With or Without Amoxicillin/Metronidazole in Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Cionca Norbert , Giannopoulou Catherine , Ugolotti Giovanni , Mombelli Andrea
Published: January 2010

Background: It has been suggested that use of systemic antibiotics should be limited to patients with specific microbiologic profiles. The main purpose of the present analysis was to study whether microbiologic testing before therapy was of value in predicting which patients would specifically benefit from adjunctive amoxicillin and metronidazole, given in the context of full‐mouth scaling and root planing (SRP) within 48 hours.

Methods: This was a 6‐month, single‐center, double‐masked, placebo‐controlled, randomized longitudinal study. Fifty‐one patients received full‐mouth periodontal debridement, performed within 48 hours; then, 25 subjects received metronidazole, 500 mg, and amoxicillin, 375 mg, three times a day for 7 days, and 26 received a placebo (control group). Pooled microbiologic samples were taken from the deepest pocket at baseline in each quadrant before and 6 months after treatment. Six periodontal pathogens were quantified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Forty‐seven patients were followed for 6 months. After treatment, test subjects had a substantially lower mean number of persisting sites with probing depth >4 mm and bleeding on probing than did control subjects (0.4 versus 3.0; P = 0.005; month 6). Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (previously Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans) could not be detected in the antibiotic group after treatment. However, in the placebo group, three of six subjects positive for A. actinomycetemcomitans continued to be positive. Lower frequencies were also noted in the test group for Porphyromonas gingivalis (P = 0.013) and Tannerella forsythia (previously T. forsythensis) (P = 0.007). However, even subjects testing negative for A. actinomycetemcomitans at baseline had a significantly better primary clinical outcome if they received the active drugs. The presence of six putative periodontal pathogens (A. actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum spp., P. gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Treponema denticola, and T. forsythia) quantified prior to therapy was not correlated with the outcome of full‐mouth SRP with or without amoxicillin and metronidazole.

Conclusion: Excellent clinical results in the antibiotics group were obtained regardless of the presence or absence of six classic periodontal periopathogens prior to treatment.
Subgingival Plaque Removal Using a New Air‐Polishing Device
Authors: Moëne Raphaël , Décaillet Fabien , Andersen Elene , Mombelli Andrea
Published: January 2010

Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety, patient acceptance, and short‐term microbiologic effect of a new air‐polishing device in subjects in maintenance care with residual pockets ≥5 mm.

Methods: This was an examiner‐masked, randomized, split‐mouth clinical trial. A new disposable nozzle, allowing the subgingival application of amino acid glycine powder at a limited pressure, was compared to scaling and root planing (SRP) in 50 subjects with residual pockets during the maintenance phase. After removing supragingival deposits, the spray was applied for 4 to 5 seconds in all sites ≥5 mm in the test quadrant, whereas SRP was used in the control quadrant. Microbiologic samples were taken from one treated test and one control site 2 days before and 7 days after treatment. Total bacterial counts and the counts of six periodontal pathogens were determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results: No adverse event was noted in any subject for the test or control treatment. Using a visual analog scale, the patients perceived the test treatment to be significantly less painful/uncomfortable than the hand instrumentation (P <0.001). Significantly less time was used by the operator for the test procedure (P <0.001). The reduction in bleeding on probing was significant for the treated sites in the test and control quadrants (P = 0.019 and P <0.001, respectively), but traditional SRP reduced the bleeding tendency significantly more than air polishing (P = 0.045). The differences in the total bacterial load and the counts of six periodontal pathogens between the test and control sites did not reach statistical significance. The longitudinal reduction was significant in control sites for total bacteria load (P <0.001), Porphyromonas gingivalis (P = 0.01), Treponema denticola (P <0.001), and Tannerella forsythia (previously T. forsythensis) (P <0.001).

Conclusion: Subgingival air polishing with a new device was safe (no adverse events were noted), perceived to be more acceptable by the patients, and was more time‐efficient than SRP; however, on a microbiologic level, it was not superior to conventional SRP.
Relationships Among Gingival Crevicular Fluid Biomarkers, Clinical Parameters of Periodontal Disease, and the Subgingival Microbiota
Authors: Teles Ricardo , Sakellari Dimitra , Teles Flavia , Konstantinidis Antonis , Kent Ralph , Socransky Sigmund , Haffajee Anne
Published: January 2010

Background: The objectives of this study were to measure levels of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) biomarkers and subgingival bacterial species in periodontally healthy subjects and subjects with periodontitis to explore the relationships among these biomarkers, the subgingival microbiota, and the clinical parameters of periodontal disease.

Methods: Clinical periodontal parameters were measured at six sites per tooth in 20 subjects with periodontitis and 20 periodontally healthy subjects. GCF and subgingival plaque samples were obtained from the mesio‐buccal aspect of every tooth. GCF levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐8 and matrix metalloproteinase 8 were measured using checkerboard immunoblotting, and the levels of 40 bacterial taxa were quantified using checkerboard DNA‐DNA hybridization. A subset of “clinically healthy” sites from each group was analyzed separately. The significance of the differences between groups was determined using the unpaired t test or the Mann‐Whitney test. Correlations among immunologic, microbiologic, and clinical data were determined using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient.

Results: There were positive correlations among mean clinical parameters, mean levels of the three biomarkers, and the proportions of orange and red complex species (P <0.05). Clinically healthy sites from subjects with periodontitis had higher levels of IL‐1β and IL‐8 and higher proportions of orange and red complex species (P <0.05) than clinically healthy sites from periodontally healthy subjects. Red complex species were positively associated with the expression of all biomarkers (P <0.05), whereas purple and yellow complex species had negative correlations with IL‐1β and IL‐8 (P <0.05).

Conclusions: Clinically healthy sites from subjects with periodontitis have higher levels of GCF biomarkers and periodontal pathogens than clinically healthy sites from periodontally healthy subjects. Different microbial complexes demonstrated distinct associations with specific GCF biomarkers.
Literacy and Learning across Transnational Online Spaces
Authors: Lam Wan Shun Eva
Published: January 2010

This article reviews the emerging research literature on literacy in transnational migrant contexts and extends research in this area through an-depth study of how two immigrant teenagers navigated online media across countries to participate in a domain of interest, which included online forum discussion of philosophy and websites related to global Japanese animation and manga (graphic novels). In particular, it examines how the transnational affiliation and frame of reference of the youth affect their literacy development and knowledge making in these interest-based communities. Data consisted of observations, interviews, screen recordings, and think-aloud demonstrations by the youth of how they participated in the online communities. The analyses examine how the youth participated in the specialist language of their domain of interest and, in the case of one of them, how multiple languages were used to gather diverse sources of information and media content distributed across Internet sites in his native and adopted countries. Implications are drawn for an understanding of literacy in transnational migrant contexts as involving knowledge making with people and textual artifacts in distributed networks that reach across national boundaries.
Integration of a Case-Based Online Module into an Undergraduate Curriculum: What is Involved and is it Effective?
Authors: Howlett David , Vincent Tim , Gainsborough Nicola , Fairclough Jil , Taylor Nick , Cohen Jon , Vincent Richard
Published: January 2010

Numerous studies have been undertaken demonstrating that online learning is an effective teaching tool, working best when combined with more conventional teaching methods. There is a paucity of data both examining the longitudinal blending of an e-module with more conventional modes of curriculum delivery and also relating to the time and financial costs involved in successful delivery of such a module. The study reported in this article was performed over an academic year in a cohort of 101 year 5 medical students. It demonstrates that there are significant set-up costs involved in designing and implementing an online module, although these costs will diminish following initial set-up. Surveys performed throughout the year demonstrated consistently high levels of student satisfaction, with appreciation of the educational benefits provided by e-learning. Successful clinician engagement and effective IT support are essential ingredients to success. Future research is likely to focus on outcome evaluations of e-learning and how it may affect learner knowledge, skills or attitudes.
Forough Goes West
Authors: Darznik Jasmin
Published: January 2010

This essay explores the legacy of Iranian poet Forough Farrokhzad (1935–1967) in the Iranian American diaspora. At once political and poetic, particular and universal, Farrokhzad’s oeuvre has in recent years become a vital coordinate for a number of contemporary Iranian American women exploring issues of gender, faith, social justice, and human rights across historical and cultural boundaries. I argue that the imaginative recovery of Farrokhzad by Iranian immigrant women writers and artists not only complicates the West’s frequently reductive contemporary representations of Middle Eastern women, but marks a bold and evolving interface between modernist Iranian literature and contemporary Iranian immigrant literature. Works discussed in depth include the photographs and films of Shirin Neshat and Maryam Habibian’s play Forugh’s Reflecting Pool.
Immodest Modesty
Authors: Al-Qasimi Noor
Published: January 2010

This article examines how the phenomenon of the ‘abaya-as-fashion is accommodated by the hegemonic order of Islamic patriarchy in the region of the Arab Gulf states. The traditional ‘abaya, or body veil commonly worn by national women across the Arab Gulf, is juxtaposed against contemporary manifestations that have emerged in the context of fashion over the past ten years. It is proposed that, although the ‘abaya-as-fashion presents a case of resistance and deviation from its original form, consent by the hegemonic order lies within the ultimate preservation of the ‘abaya’s essential qualities (long and black). Thus, in its reappropriation, the ‘abaya-as-fashion notably disrupts its primary signification without ever fully displacing it, thereby constituting a form of passive resistance. This article interrogates the manner in which the ‘abaya-as-fashion stands in contingent relation to the hegemonic order of Islamic patriarchy.
A Modern Master of Islamic Calligraphy and Her Peers
Authors: Simonowitz David
Published: January 2010

In the Islamic world, an important body of biographical material traces the chains of transmission of calligraphic instruction over many centuries. Although there is comparatively little documentation on women who have practiced calligraphy, scattered references do mention female masters. Nevertheless, one can rarely associate a female master with an extant piece of calligraphy. This article provides an introduction to the person and work of Hilal Kazan, a Turkish female master calligrapher who holds traditional authorizations to practice. Such authorizations accord a prestige that has few parallels in Western societies. Kazan is, in a sense, a living national treasure. The study situates Kazan and other Muslim women in a genealogical tree of master calligraphers. It suggests furthermore that some of these women are akin to religious scholars. Finally, the study demonstrates that there is room for women to advance in this traditional Islamic discipline and that further research is merited.
Acknowledgement: Vol.3 2009
Authors: Sharma Krishna
Published: January 2010

DOI: 10.3126/init.v3i0.2421 The Initiation Vol.3 2009
Population Status and Distribution of Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) in Nepal
Authors: Thapaliya Bishnu P , Khadka Madhav , Kafley Hemanta
Published: January 2010

Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), biological treasure of the Indian subcontinent now restricts its existence in few big river systems of India and Nepal only. Innumerable threats posed to Gharial and its natural habitat led to extinction of the species from Bhutan, Burma and Pakistan and almost extinct from Bangladesh. Despite of the concerted Gharial conservation effort of Nepal and India since midtwentieth century, the species finds its status as Critically Endangered on the IUCN 2007 Red list. Realizing the fact that a basic step in any conservation plan involving mega herpetofauna is to estimate its population status and structure and its geographic distribution, Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Nepal held Gharial census on January-February 2008. The census estimated a total of 81 Gharials in Nepal. Out of total Gharial recorded during the census, 70 Gharials were recorded through direct sighting while 11 were based on indirect observations. Factors responsible for decreasing Gharial population were flood and dam construction, habitat destruction and decline in food quality & quantity. Over fishing, use of gill nets and river poisoning adversely affected the quality and quantity of fishes that serve as main food for Gharial. Contradictory to the past findings decreasing Gharial population was not attributed to the illegal egg collection and poaching of male Gharial for "Ghara". Deliberate killing was only found to take place in case the animal got entrapped in fishing nets. We conclude that Gharial should receive high conservation priority in future too. Efforts to restore the population through artificial breeding have much to do for maintaining present population. However, declining population, despite of several Gharial releases, should be addressed through more detailed scientific study. Census should be based on direct sighting through extensive field observation. Gharial release should precede scientific field study for assessing habitat suitability and follow with intensive monitoring program. The emphasis should be given for preparing specific Gharial Conservation Action Plan for regulating conservation activities to help conserve Gharial in Nepal. Key Words: Gharial conservation, Population status, Captive breeding, Threats DOI: 10.3126/init.v3i0.2422 The Initiation Vol.3 2009 p.1-11
Conservation Status and Population Density of Himalayan Serow (Capricornis sumatraensis) in Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal
Authors: Aryal Achyut
Published: January 2010

Himalayan Serow ‘Capricornis sumatraensis' population is isolated in a small patch of the southern part of Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) with a population density of 1.17 individual/km2 and a population sex ratio of 1:1.6(Male: Female). A strong correlation was found between population (y) and pellets density (x) (y=0.011x-0.2619, R2-0.97). The major problems in the Serow habitat were habitat fragmentation & land use change, conflict between predator and villager, livestock grazing and poaching. The study was successful in providing information on the present status of Himalayan Serow in the ACA Key Words: Population density, Sex ratio, Fragmentation, Conservation, Threats   DOI: 10.3126/init.v3i0.2423 The Initiation Vol.3 2009 p.12-19
Climate Change and its Increasing Impacts in Nepal
Authors: Karki Madhav , Mool Pradip , Shrestha Arun
Published: January 2010

There is a general agreement that Climate Change impacting Nepal rather disproportionately compared to its size and its own meagre contribution of the green house gases. However, given its location between two rapidly growing economies of India and China, Nepal cannot escape the rapidly increasing influence of climate and global changes. The rapidly retreating glaciers (average retreat of more than 30 m/year), rapid rise in temperature (>0.06°C), erratic rainfalls and increase in frequency of extreme events such as floods and drought like situation are some of the effects Nepal is facing during the last few years. Most of the big rivers of Nepal are glacier-fed and its main resources of water and hydroelectricity will be seriously affected due to the ongoing changes in glacier reserves, snowfall and natural hazards. Nepal has to prepare itself to try and mitigate these effects if possible and if not adapt to them to reduce their impacts on our lives and livelihoods. Nepal is largely a mountainous country and current indications are that the mountain regions are more vulnerable due to increased warming trends as well as extreme changes in altitude over small distances. These alarming trends not only make Nepal's major sectors of economy such as agriculture, tourism and energy more vulnerable but also endanger the health, safety and wellbeing of Nepali people. Biodiversity - the other important resources of Nepal is also being affected as invasive species will spread fast and useful medicinal, food and nutrition related plants may disappear. Climate change is becoming already dangerous to our survival and we have to do everything possible to prevent it being catastrophic to us. The globally accepted strategy to contain disastrous climate change impacts is Adaptation and Mitigation. For a least developed country such as Nepal, adaptation should be the priority. Nepal is currently preparing National Action Plan on Adaptation (NAPA) which should be made as comprehensive and topical as possible. Well coordinated, quick and serious implementation of NAPA will be extremely important to mitigate and adapt to the growing impacts of climate change in Nepal. Nepal's central location in the Himalaya portends the fact that it is the prime target country of climate change impacts and calls for it to play a leadership role at least in showing political will and playing a responsible role in global events such as the COP-15 at Copenhagen.   DOI: 10.3126/init.v3i0.2425 The Initiation Vol.3 2009 p.30-37
Climate Change: Major Initiatives and Opportunities in Nepal
Authors: Uprety Batu K
Published: January 2010

DOI: 10.3126/init.v3i0.2504 The Initiation Vol.3 2009 p.128-134
The effect of initial microstructure and processing temperature on microstructure and texture in multilayered Al/Al(Sc) ARB sheets
Authors: Quadir Md. Zakaria , Al-Buhamad Oday , Lau Kai D. , Quarfoth Ryan , Bassman Lori , Munroe Paul R. , Ferry Michael
Published: January 2010

A commercial purity Al alloy and an Al-0.3Sc (wt.%) alloy, the latter in either the supersaturated or artificially aged condition, were accumulative roll bonded at either 200 or 350°C to high strain to generate sheet materials consisting of 32 or 64 alternating layers of Al and Al(Sc). The microstructure and texture of the processed materials were investigated mainly using electron backscattered diffraction scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The deformation microstructure and texture of these two alloy combinations were strongly influenced by both the initial heat treatment condition of the Al(Sc) alloy whereby large-scale shear bands were generated during rolling when a dispersion of fine Al3Sc particles is present in the Al(Sc) layers. The effect of initial microstructure and processing temperature affected the subsequent recrystallization microstructure and texture of the Al/Al(Sc) composite during annealing at 350°C. Here, the Al(Sc) layers remain unrecrystallized in all materials with the Al layers undergoing continuous and discontinuous recrystallization after low and high temperature ARB, respectively. The lack of recrystallization in the Al(Sc) layers generated an alternating recrystallized/recovered microstructure in all materials.
An atom probe characterisation of grain boundaries in an aluminium alloy processed by equal-channel angular pressing
Authors: Sha Gang , Ringer Simon P. , Duan Zhi Chao , Langdon Terence G.
Published: January 2010

The segregation of solute elements at the grain boundaries of an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy processed by equal-channel angular pressing was characterised using three-dimensional atom probe tomography. The results show that Mg and Cu segregate strongly to the grain boundaries but Zn shows no clear segregation and even becomes depleted near the boundaries. Trace elements such as Zr, Cr, Si and Mn show no clear segregation at the grain boundaries. An increase in the number of passes leads to a decrease in the grain size but there is no clear effect on the levels of solute segregation at the boundaries. The significant segregation of certain major alloying element at the boundaries of ultrafine-grained alloys implies that the less super-saturation solutes in the matrix will be available for precipitation with a decrease in the average grain size.
The nature of grain refinement in equal-channel angular pressing: a comparison of representative fcc and hcp metals
Authors: Figueiredo Roberto B. , Langdon Terence G.
Published: January 2010

Equal-channel angular pressing is an effective tool for producing exceptional grain refinement in bulk polycrystalline metals. Typically, processing in this way refines the grains to the submicrometer level in a wide range of metals but recent experiments have established that the mechanism of grain refinement is different in fcc and hcp metals. Specifically, the refining of grains in aluminum involves the introduction of elongated bands of cells or subgrains and the subsequent evolution of this structure into an array of ultrafine grains whereas in magnesium the limited number of slip systems leads to the formation of new grains along the existing grain boundaries. Because of these limitations, magnesium alloys are especially susceptible to the production of materials having bimodal grain distributions.
Softening of high purity aluminum and copper processed by high pressure torsion
Authors: Edalati Kaveh , Ito Yuki , Suehiro Kenichiro , Horita Zenji
Published: January 2010

High purity Al (99.99 wt.%) and high purity Cu (99.99 wt.%) were processed using high pressure torsion. The mechanism for unusual softening in Al after the resultant intense plastic straining was investigated. The pure Cu was used to simulate a thermal effect on the hardness behavior and microstructural evolution after processing. This simulation consists of processing and subsequently keeping the pure Cu at the temperature equivalent to room temperature for pure Al. It is shown that the softening of the processed Cu occurs by static recrystallization. It is then suggested that the softening in Al should be due to recovery and/or recrystallization. Whereas the softening in Cu occurs rather slowly, it is very quick in Al and it may even be dynamic during processing by high pressure torsion.
Processing by severe plastic deformation:an ancient skill adapted for the modern world
Authors: Valiev Ruslan Z. , Xia Kenong , Langdon Terence G.
Published: January 2010

The processing of bulk solids through the application of severe plastic deformation has now become a well-established procedure for achieving grain refinement to the submicrometer or even the nanometer level. Several basic techniques are currently in place but most attention has been devoted to the procedures of equal-channel angular pressing, high-pressure torsion and accumulative roll-bonding. This paper presents an introductory overview of processing by severe plastic deformation including historical developments and recent new advances in the processing technology. Special emphasis is placed on the move towards the commercialization of the severe plastic deformation approach.