bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral health–related quality of life – associations with oral health and conditions in Swedish 70‐year‐old individuals
Authors: Stenman Ulrika , Ahlqwist Margareta , Björkelund Cecilia , Hakeberg Magnus
Published: June 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00495.x

Oral health–related quality of life – associations with oral health and conditions in Swedish 70‐year‐old individuals

Objective:  The aim of this study was to evaluate oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) in relation to different chronic oral conditions and perception of oral health among elderly individuals. Background: Health‐related quality of life is important to assess and understand the impact of different diseases and conditions on individuals’ well‐being.

Material and methods:  Randomly selected 70‐year‐old individuals (N = 561) were included in this analysis. They were clinically examined and answered a questionnaire. Variables used were perceived oral health, satisfaction with appearance of teeth, problems with chewing and dry mouth, burning mouth syndrome, dental anxiety and dental visiting habits. To measure the participants′ perception of the impact of oral conditions on their well‐being, the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14) was used.

Results:  The OHIP‐14 distribution of sum of scores showed a floor effect but revealed acceptable psychometric properties with regard to reliability and validity. Multivariable logistic regression revealed three highly predictive variables for individuals with high OHIP‐14 scores: using dentures, having chewing problems and being dissatisfied with appearance of teeth.

Conclusion:  Use of dentures, having chewing problems and being dissatisfied with appearance of teeth are associated with high OHIP‐14 sums, indicating strong influence on OHRQoL.
Edentulism and dental caries in Victorian nursing homes
Authors: Hopcraft Matthew S. , Morgan Michael V. , Satur Julie G. , Wright F. A. Clive
Published: June 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00510.x

Edentulism and dental caries in Victorian nursing homes

Objectives:  The aim of this project was to investigate edentulism and dental caries in nursing home residents in Victoria, Australia.

Background:  The Australian population is ageing with a growing number of people living in nursing homes. These residents are at increased risk for dental caries, have more teeth present now than at any time in the past 50 years and often have difficulty maintaining adequate oral hygiene.

Materials and methods:  Clinical dental examinations were conducted at 31 nursing homes in Melbourne and regional Victoria between May 2005 and June 2006. A total of 510 residents were examined out of 1345 eligible participants. Socio‐demographic and medical history was collected via questionnaire.

Results:  Just over half of the residents were dentate (53.9%), and dentate residents had a mean of 14.4 teeth present and 2.66 untreated decayed teeth. Residents who required total assistance with oral hygiene had more decayed teeth and fewer filled teeth than residents who did not require assistance.

Conclusions:  Nursing home residents in Victoria are retaining an increasing number of natural teeth and have more tooth surfaces at risk for dental caries. Untreated dental caries was a significant problem for residents, particularly for those who are dependent on others for their daily oral hygiene care.
Sirenomelia with a de novo balanced translocation 46,X,t(X;16)(p11.23;p12.3)
Authors: Kurosawa Kenji , Tanoshima‐Takei Miki , Yamamoto Toshiyuki , Ishikawa Hiroshi , Masuno Mitsuo , Tanaka Yukichi , Yamanaka Michiko
Published: June 2011

We report a female fetus with sirenomelia with 46,X,t(X;16)(p11.23;p12.3) de novo. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with bacterial artificial chromosomes were employed for narrowing down the breakpoint regions. On chromosome 16, the breakpoint was mapped in the region of RP11‐453F10 (19 920 640–20 118 153 bp from 16pter). On chromosome X, the breakpoint was mapped in the region of RP11‐794A15 (47 333 744–47 524 066 bp from Xpter). This is the first case report of sirenomelia associated with translocations. The abnormal phenotype, associated with a balanced translocation, was caused by deletion or breakage of dosage‐sensitive genes of the breakpoint, disruption of an imprinted gene, or uniparental disomy. Although the parental origin of normal 16 and der(16) remained undetermined, this case will provide insight into the pathogenetic mechanism of sirenomelia.
Alternations of phospholipid profile in placenta of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rat
Authors: Hasegawa Mina , Tanaka Katsuhiro , Komori Masayuki , Takenaka Shigeo
Published: June 2011

Phospholipids have important roles in many biological processes, but their role in fetal malformation in pregnancy in diabetes is unclear. Metabolic fingerprinting of placental phospholipids in pregnant streptozotocin‐induced type 1 diabetic rats was performed using Fourier transform‐ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Some of the fetuses from the pregnant diabetic rats exhibited ventricular septal defects. Alterations of phospholipid compositions in the diabetic rat placenta were detected. We suggest that these changes in phospholipids in the diabetic placenta might be involved in development of fetal malformation in a type 1 diabetic pregnancy.
Applications and trends in systems biology in biochemistry
Authors: Hübner Katrin , Sahle Sven , Kummer Ursula
Published: June 2011

Systems biology has received an ever increasing interest during the last decade. A large amount of third‐party funding is spent on this topic, which involves quantitative experimentation integrated with computational modeling. Industrial companies are also starting to use this approach more and more often, especially in pharmaceutical research and biotechnology. This leads to the question of whether such interest is wisely invested and whether there are success stories to be told for basic science and/or technology/biomedicine. In this review, we focus on the application of systems biology approaches that have been employed to shed light on both biochemical functions and previously unknown mechanisms. We point out which computational and experimental methods are employed most frequently and which trends in systems biology research can be observed. Finally, we discuss some problems that we have encountered in publications in the field.
C‐Terminal extension of a plant cysteine protease modulates proteolytic activity through a partial inhibitory mechanism
Authors: Dutta Sruti , Choudhury Debi , Dattagupta Jiban K. , Biswas Sampa
Published: June 2011

The amino acid sequence of ervatamin‐C, a thermostable cysteine protease from a tropical plant, revealed an additional 24‐amino‐acid extension at its C‐terminus (CT). The role of this extension peptide in zymogen activation, catalytic activity, folding and stability of the protease is reported. For this study, we expressed two recombinant forms of the protease in Escherichia coli, one retaining the CT‐extension and the other with it truncated. The enzyme with the extension shows autocatalytic zymogen activation at a higher pH of 8.0, whereas deletion of the extension results in a more active form of the enzyme. This CT‐extension was not found to be cleaved during autocatalysis or by limited proteolysis by different external proteases. Molecular modeling and simulation studies revealed that the CT‐extension blocks some of the substrate‐binding unprimed subsites including the specificity‐determining subsite (S2) of the enzyme and thereby partially occludes accessibility of the substrates to the active site, which also corroborates the experimental observations. The CT‐extension in the model structure shows tight packing with the catalytic domain of the enzyme, mediated by strong hydrophobic and H‐bond interactions, thus restricting accessibility of its cleavage sites to the protease itself or to the external proteases. Kinetic stability analyses (T50 and t1/2) and refolding experiments show similar thermal stability and refolding efficiency for both forms. These data suggest that the CT‐extension has an inhibitory role in the proteolytic activity of ervatamin‐C but does not have a major role either in stabilizing the enzyme or in its folding mechanism.

Structured digital abstract 

 ErvC cleaves ErvC by protease assay (View interaction)

 trypsin cleaves ErvC by protease assay (View interaction)
The tandemly repeated domains of a β‐propeller phytase act synergistically to increase catalytic efficiency
Authors: Li Zhongyuan , Huang Huoqing , Yang Peilong , Yuan Tiezheng , Shi Pengjun , Zhao Junqi , Meng Kun , Yao Bin
Published: June 2011

β‐Propeller phytases (BPPs) with tandemly repeated domains are abundant in nature. Previous studies have shown that the intact domain is responsible for phytate hydrolysis, but the function of the other domain is relatively unknown. In this study, a new dual‐domain BPP (PhyH) from Bacillus sp. HJB17 was identified to contain an incomplete N‐terminal BPP domain (PhyH‐DI, residues 41–318) and a typical BPP domain (PhyH‐DII, residues 319–644) at the C‐terminus. Purified recombinant PhyH and PhyH‐DII required Ca2+ for phytase activity, showed activity at low temperatures (0–35 °C) and pH 6.0–8.0, and remained active (at 37 °C) after incubation at 60 °C and pH 6.0–12.0. Compared with PhyH‐DII, PhyH is catalytically more active against phytate (catalytic constant 27.72 versus 4.17 s−1), which indicates the importance of PhyH‐DI in phytate degradation. PhyH‐DI was found to hydrolyze phytate intermediate d‐Ins(1,4,5,6) P4, and to act synergistically (a 1.2–2.5‐fold increase in phosphate release) with PhyH‐DII, other BPPs (PhyP and 168PhyA) and a histidine acid phosphatase. Furthermore, fusion of PhyH‐DI with PhyP or 168PhyA significantly enhanced their catalytic efficiencies. This is the first report to elucidate the substrate specificity of the incomplete domain and the functional relationship of tandemly repeated domains in BPPs. We conjecture that dual‐domain BPPs have succeeded evolutionarily because they can increase the amount of available phosphate by interacting together. Additionally, fusing PhyH‐DI to a single‐domain phytase appears to be an efficient way to improve the activity of the latter.
The KdpC subunit of the Escherichia coli K+‐transporting KdpB P‐type ATPase acts as a catalytic chaperone
Authors: Irzik Kristina , Pfrötzschner Juliane , Goss Tatjana , Ahnert Franziska , Haupt Melina , Greie Jörg‐Christian
Published: June 2011

In Bacteria and Archaea, high‐affinity potassium uptake is mediated by the ATP‐driven KdpFABC complex. On the basis of the biochemical properties of the ATP‐hydrolyzing subunit KdpB, the transport complex is classified as type IA P‐type ATPase. However, the KdpA subunit, which promotes K+ transport, clearly resembles a potassium channel, such that the KdpFABC complex represents a chimera of ion pumps and ion channels. In the present study, we demonstrate that the blending of these two groups of transporters in KdpFABC also entails a nucleotide‐binding mechanism in which the KdpC subunit acts as a catalytic chaperone. This mechanism is found neither in P‐type ATPases nor in ion channels, although parallels are found in ABC transporters. In the latter, the ATP nucleotide is coordinated by the LSGGQ signature motif via double hydrogen bonds at a conserved glutamine residue, which is also present in KdpC. High‐affinity nucleotide binding to the KdpFABC complex was dependent on the presence of this conserved glutamine residue in KdpC. In addition, both ATP binding to KdpC and ATP hydrolysis activity of KdpFABC were sensitive to the accessibility, presence or absence of the hydroxyl groups at the ribose moiety of the nucleotide. Furthermore, the KdpC subunit was shown to interact with the nucleotide‐binding loop of KdpB in an ATP‐dependent manner around the ATP‐binding pocket, thereby increasing the ATP‐binding affinity by the formation of a transient KdpB/KdpC/ATP ternary complex.

Structured digital abstract 

 kdpBN and kdpC bind by isothermal titration calorimetry(View interaction)

 kdpBN and kdpC bind by nuclear magnetic resonance(View interaction)
Quantitative rt‐PCR holds promise as a screening tool for patients with severe sepsis
Authors: Kirkbright Shelley , Fatovich Daniel , Kee Cordelia , Kay Ian , Flexman James , Pryce Todd M , Waterer Grant W
Published: June 2011

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine if the quantification of bacterial 16S rDNA could be clinically useful in predicting patients at increased risk of developing septic shock.

Methods: A retrospective study of patients with positive blood cultures taken on arrival to the ED. An EDTA sample was collected simultaneously with blood cultures and assayed by polymerase chain reaction to quantitate the bacterial 16S rDNA load. Descriptive and clinical data were collected from the medical record and this was blinded to the 16S rDNA result. Subsequently, the 16S rDNA result was compared with illness severity markers including septic shock and death to determine the relationship between the 16S rDNA load and illness severity.

Results: 98 patients (mean age 61 ± 20 years, range 18–92) with positive blood cultures were studied, most commonly growing Escherichia coli (n= 25) and Staphylococcus aureus (n= 23). 16 (16%) died. There were 42 (43%) 16S rDNA positive patients. A high 16S rDNA load was associated with an increased risk of developing delayed septic shock (OR 21.9, 95% CI 2.5–192.6) in comparison with either a low or negative 16S rDNA load; with a mortality OR 4.6 (95% CI 0.9–23.5).

Conclusions: The quantitative assay for 16S rDNA might be a useful screening tool to detect severe sepsis in those whom it might not be clinically suspected. However, prospective studies are required to further assess the clinical usefulness of this assay.
Gepirone-ER Treatment of Low Sexual Desire Associated with Depression in Women as Measured by the DeRogatis Inventory of Sexual Function (DISF) Fantasy/Cognition (Desire) Domain—A Post Hoc Analysis
Authors: Fabre Louis F. , Smith Louis C. , DeRogatis Leonard R.
Published: June 2011

Introduction

Gepirone-extended release (ER) is effective in treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), as measured by the percent of females with HSDD that no longer met criteria for HSDD treatment. Another approach is to determine treatment effect on sexual desire using a recognized rating scale for sexual function. Because gepirone-ER has antidepressant and anxiolytic effects, investigation of these effects on sexual desire is appropriate.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine whether gepirone-ER has positive effects on sexual desire as measured by the DeRogatis Inventory of Sexual Function (DISF) in a post hoc analysis of 8- and 24-week studies and if this gepirone effect is independent of its antidepressant or anxiolytic activity.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measures used for this study were the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-25), change from baseline (CFB), and DISF CFB.

Methods:

Three hundred thirty-four women selected for depressive symptoms, not sexual dysfunction, received gepirone-ER (40–80 mg/day) in a controlled study of atypical depression using the HAMD-25 to measure antidepressant efficacy and a DISF subscale (domain I) to measure sexual cognition/fantasy (desire). After treatment, a 50% reduction from baseline HAMD-25 score identified antidepressant responders. Item 12 of HAMD scale (psychic anxiety) was used to define anxiolytic response scores of 0, 1 as responders, and scores of 2, 3, and 4 as nonresponders.

Results:

Gepirone-ER had no significant antidepressant or an anxiolytic effect in study 134006; however, DISF results demonstrate that gepirone-ER improves sexual desire in short term (P = 0.043) and long term (P = 0.006). Both gepirone-ER antidepressant and anxiolytic responders have statistically significant improved sexual desire. Gepirone-ER antidepressant and anxiolytic nonresponders also show statistically significant improvement.

Conclusions

In depressed women, gepirone-ER has three mechanisms of action affecting sexual desire: an antidepressant effect, an anxiolytic effect, and a pro-sexual effect. Gepirone-ER improves sexual desire from the 24th to the 50th percentile according to population norms for the DISF.
Impact of Systemically Active Neurohumoral Factors on the Erectile Response of the Rat
Authors: MacKenzie Lindsay D. , Heaton Jeremy P.W. , Adams Michael A.
Published: June 2011

Introduction

Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and specific regulation of penile blood flow are the primary determinants of an erection. While this concept is well recognized, the differential relationship between systemically acting vasoactive factors on arterial pressure and erectile responses is not well described.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine how the modification of systemic levels of neurohumoral factors impacts on the magnitude and efficiency of the erectile response.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measures for this study are changes in MAP and intracavernosal pressure (ICP) following electrostimulation of the cavernous nerve.

Methods

Anesthetized adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats were catheterized for measuring MAP (carotid), ICP, and drug administration (vena cava). Erections were induced via cavernous nerve electrostimulation. Vasoactive drug infusions were used to produce changes in MAP levels including: hexamethonium, angiotensin II (ANGII) ± hexamethonium, methoxamine ± hexamethonium, losartan, MAHMA NONOate, and terbutaline.

Results

In general, ICP and MAP were linearly correlated regardless of treatment. Hexamethonium markedly dropped MAP and proportionately decreased the magnitude of the erectile response. ANGII or methoxamine given to hexamethonium-pretreated or untreated rats increased MAP similarly, but produced contrasting effects on erectile responses. ANGII-induced pressor responses were associated with increased erectile responses whereas all methoxamine treatments markedly decreased erectile responses. Depressor changes with losartan or terbutaline, but not MAHMA NONOate, also impacted negatively on the efficiency of the erectile responses at lower arterial pressures.

Conclusions

In general, the magnitude of the erectile responses was found to be dependent upon the level of MAP, although the mechanism by which arterial pressure was changed impacted substantially on the characteristics of the relationship. The major finding was that circulation-wide α-adrenoceptor stimulation was extremely deleterious to erectile responses whereas global stimulation of ANG II receptors was actually proerectile. Overall, the results indicate that neurohumoral specificity in systemic hemodynamic control is also critical in establishing the optimal erectile environment in rats.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Once-A-Day Tadalafil in Men with Erectile Dysfunction Who Are Naïve to PDE5 Inhibitors
Authors: Montorsi Francesco , Aversa Antonio , Moncada Ignacio , Perimenis Petros , Porst Hartmut , Barker Clare , Shane Michael A. , Sorsaburu Sebastian
Published: June 2011

Introduction

The majority of subjects included in previous tadalafil once-a-day clinical trials were non-naïve to previous phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors on demand. A study on PDE5 inhibitor naïve subjects was therefore warranted.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of once-a-day tadalafil in PDE5 inhibitor-naïve men with erectile dysfunction (ED).

Main Outcomes Measures

Primary efficacy end points were changes from baseline to end point in the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) Erectile Function (EF) domain score and the per-subject proportion of “yes” responses to sexual encounter profile (SEP) question 2 (SEP2) and question 3 (SEP3).

Methods

PDE5 inhibitor-naïve men with ED (N = 217) were randomized in a 1:2 ratio to receive placebo or tadalafil 5 mg once a day for 12 weeks. Enrollment began in January 2009 and the last subject completed in January 2010.

Results

At end point, least square mean change from baseline IIEF-EF domain score (7.3 vs. 3.4), SEP2 (23.8% vs. 12.2%) and SEP3 (39.5% vs. 21.5%), was significantly larger for tadalafil vs. placebo (all P < 0.001). The most common adverse events (AEs) in tadalafil-treated subjects were back pain, nasopharyngitis, dyspepsia, headache, and myalgia. Four subjects (2.7%) in the tadalafil group and one subject (1.4%) in the placebo group discontinued because of AEs.

Conclusions

In PDE5 inhibitor-naïve men, tadalafil once a day significantly improved EF compared with placebo. Safety results were consistent with previous tadalafil once-a-day clinical trials.
Surgical Option for the Correction of Peyronie's Disease: An Autologous Tissue-Engineered Endothelialized Graft
Authors: Imbeault Annie , Bernard Geneviève , Ouellet Gabrielle , Bouhout Sara , Carrier Serge , Bolduc Stéphane
Published: June 2011

Introduction

Surgical treatment is indicated in severe cases of Peyronie's disease. Incision of the plaque with subsequent graft material implantation is the option of choice. Ideal graft tissue is not yet available.

Aim

To evaluate the use of an autologous tissue-engineered endothelialized graft by the self-assembly method, for tunica albuginea (TA) reconstruction in Peyronie's disease.

Methods

Two TA models were created. Human fibroblasts were isolated from a skin biopsy and cultured in vitro until formation of fibroblast sheets. After 4 weeks of maturation, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were seeded on fibroblasts sheets and wrapped around a tubular support to form a cylinder of about 10 layers. After 21 days of tube maturation, HUVEC were seeded into the lumen of the fibroblast tubes for the endothelialized tunica albuginea (ETA). No HUVEC were seeded into the lumen for the TA model. Both constructs were placed under perfusion in a bioreactor for 1 week.

Main Outcome Measures

Histology, immunohistochemistry, and burst pressure were performed to characterize mature tubular graft. Animal manipulations were also performed to demonstrate the impact of endothelial cells in vivo.

Results

Histology showed uniform multilayered fibroblasts. Extracellular matrix, produced entirely by fibroblasts, presented a good staining for collagen 1. Some elastin fibers were also present. For the TA model, anti-human von Willebrand antibody revealed the endothelial cells forming capillary-like structures. TA model reached a burst pressure of 584 mm Hg and ETA model obtained a burst pressure of 719 mm Hg.

Conclusions

This tissue-engineered endothelialized tubular graft is structurally similar to normal TA and presents an adequate mechanical resistance. The self-assembly method used and the autologous property of this model could represent an advantage comparatively to other available grafts. Further evaluation including functional testing will be necessary to characterize in vivo implantation and behavior of the graft.
Neural Bases of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Women: An Event-Related fMRI Study
Authors: Bianchi-Demicheli Francesco , Cojan Yann , Waber Lakshmi , Recordon Nathalie , Vuilleumier Patrik , Ortigue Stephanie
Published: June 2011

Introduction

Although there is an abundant debate regarding the mechanisms sustaining one of the most common sexual complaints among women, i.e., female hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), little remains known about the specific neural bases of this disorder.

Aim

The main goal of this study was to determine whether women with HSDD showed differential patterns of activation within the brain network that is active for sexual desire in subjects without HSDD.

Methods

A total of 28 right-handed women participated in this study (mean age 31.1 ± 7.02 years). Thirteen out of the 28 women had HSDD (HSDD participants), while 15 women reported no hypoactive sexual desire disorder (NHSDD participants). Using event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we compared the regional cerebral blood flow responses between these two groups of participants, while they were looking at erotic vs. non-erotic stimuli.

Main Outcome Measure

Blood-oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal changes in response to erotic stimuli (compared with non-erotic stimuli). Statistical Parametric Mapping was used to identify brain regions that demonstrated significant differential activations between stimuli and between groups.

Results

As expected, behavioral results showed that NHSDD participants rated erotic stimuli significantly higher than HSDD participants did on a 10-point desirable scale. No rating difference was observed for the non-erotic stimuli between NHSDD and HSDD participants. Our functional neuroimaging results extended these data by demonstrating two distinct types of neural changes in participants with and without HSDD. In comparison with HSDD participants, participants without HSDD demonstrated more activation in brain areas involved in the processing of erotic stimuli, including intraparietal sulcus, dorsal anterior cingulate gyrus, and ento/perirhinal region. Interestingly, HSDD participants also showed additional activations in brain areas associated with higher order social and cognitive functions, such as inferior parietal lobule, inferior frontal gyrus, and posterior medial occipital gyrus.

Conclusion

Together, these findings indicate that HSDD participants do not only show a hypo activation in brain areas mediating sexual desire, but also a different brain network of hyper activation, which might reflect differences in subjective, social, and cognitive interpretations of erotic stimuli. Collectively, these data are in line with the incentive motivation model of sexual functioning.
Mechanical Properties of Low‐Density SiC‐Coated Carbon‐Bonded Carbon Fiber Composites
Authors: Ahmed Asher S. , Chlup Zdenek , Dlouhy Ivo , Rawlings Rees D. , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: June 2011

Carbon‐bonded carbon fiber (CBCF) composites are currently used for high‐temperature thermal insulation, but they can only be used under protective atmosphere or vacuum due to their limited oxidation resistance. High temperature stability may be improved by the addition of a protective coating of silicon carbide. The effect of this coating on key mechanical properties of CBCF composites, namely flexural and compressive strength, modulus, and fracture toughness, is reported here. The fracture toughness of coated and uncoated materials was also determined at elevated temperatures. A significant increase of all mechanical properties was found when the protective coating was present.
Mechanical and Chemical Properties of Zr and P‐Doped Lithium Disilicate Glass Ceramics in Dental Restorations
Authors: Khalkhali Zahra , Eftekhari yekta Bijan , Marghussian Vahak K.
Published: June 2011

The Weibull modulus, flexural strength, fracture toughness, Vickers microhardness, and chemical durability of sintered Li2O–SiO2 glass ceramic specimens doped with P2O5 or ZrO2 were evaluated in accordance with the norm of EN ISO 6872. Peak crystallization temperatures, crystalline phases, and microstructure were characterized by means of differential thermal analysis, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy methods, respectively. Phase formation induced by the addition of P2O5 led to precipitation of Li3PO4, which in turn caused more intensive crystallization of Li2SiO3. The high‐temperature crystalline phase Li2Si2O5 was precipitated more intensively in P2O5 containing specimens resulting in an interlocked microstructure of needle like disilicate crystals. Therefore, the P‐doped glass ceramic exhibited the optimum mechanical and chemical properties (i.e., m=15, σf=181 ± 15 MPa, KIC=1.94 ± 0.19 MPa m1/2, Hv=3.7 ± 1.1 GPa, chemical solubility=53 ± 9 μg/cm2)
High‐Performance Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Gervaso Francesca , Scalera Francesca , Kunjalukkal Padmanabhan Sanosh , Sannino Alessandro , Licciulli Antonio
Published: June 2011

Hydroxyapatite (HA) macrochanneled porous scaffolds were produced by polymer sponge templating method using a reactive submicrometer powder synthesized by hydroxide precipitation sol–gel route. The microstructure of the fine HA powder was carefully investigated and developed in order to optimize the mechanical properties and phase stability of sintered scaffold. The templating method ensured a highly interconnected macrochanneled porous structure with over 500 μm mean pore size and 90% porosity. The high reactivity of the powder led to an efficient sintering mechanism with a high and crack‐free linear shrinkage (19 ± 2%) and a significant BET specific surface area reduction (from 12 to 0.33 m2/g). The powder does not dissociate into secondary phases during sintering. Despite the extreme porosity, the scaffolds had high mechanical performance (compressive strength ∼0.51 MPa, Weibull modulus 4.15) compared with literature data and with scaffolds similarly prepared from high‐quality commercial HA powder.
The Solubility and Temperature Dependence of Resistivity for Aluminum‐Doped Zinc Oxide Ceramic
Authors: Zhang Yulong , Wang Weiyan , Tan Ruiqin , Yang Ye , Zhang Xianpeng , Cui Ping , Song Weijie
Published: June 2011

The solubility of Aluminum (Al)‐doped ZnO ceramic was determined to be 0.9 atomic ratio percent (at.%), and the ZnAl2O4 was formed once the Al content achieved 1.0 at.% or above. The resistivity decreased at an Al content of 0–0.8 at.% to a minimum of 1.45 × 10−3 Ω, while increased at a range of 1.0–6.0 at.%. The resistivity increased and decreased with temperature when the Al content was below and above 2.0 at.%, respectively. The activation energy increased from −489.5 to −65.0 eV and from 66.0 to 293.8 eV when the Al doping content was below and above 2.0 at.%.
A quasi-radial stability criterion for rotating relativistic stars
Authors: Takami Kentaro , Rezzolla Luciano , Yoshida Shin’ichirou
Published: June 2011

The stability properties of relativistic stars against gravitational collapse to black holes is a classical problem in general relativity. In 1988, a sufficient criterion for secular instability was established by Friedman, Ipser & Sorkin, who proved that a sequence of uniformly rotating barotropic stars are secularly unstable on one side of a turning point and then argued that a stronger result should hold: that the sequence should be stable on the opposite side, with the turning point marking the onset of secular instability. We show here that this expectation is not met. By computing in full general relativity the F-mode frequency for a large number of rotating stars, we show that the neutral-stability point, that is, where the frequency becomes zero, differs from the turning point for rotating stars. Using numerical simulations, we validate that the new criterion can be used to assess the dynamical stability of relativistic rotating stars.
Empirical determination of the integrated red giant and horizontal branch stellar mass-loss in ω Centauri
Authors: McDonald I. , Johnson C. I. , Zijlstra A. A.
Published: June 2011

We herein determine the average integrated mass-loss from stars belonging to the dominant metal-poor population ([Fe/H] ∼−1.7) of the Galactic globular cluster ω Centauri (NGC 5139) during their red giant and horizontal branch (HB) evolution. Masses are empirically calculated from spectroscopic measurements of surface gravity and photometric measurements of temperature and luminosity. Systematic uncertainties prevent an absolute measurement of masses at a phase of evolution. However, the relative masses of early asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars and central red giant branch (RGB) stars can be measured, and used to derive the mass-loss between these two phases. This can then be used as a physical check of models of HB stars. For ω Centauri, the average difference is found to be 26 ± 4 per cent. Assuming initial and final masses of 0.83 and 0.53 M⊙, we determine that 0.21 ± 0.03 M⊙ is lost on the RGB and 0.09 ±∼0.05 M⊙ is lost on the AGB. The implied HB stellar mass of 0.62 ± 0.04 M⊙ is commensurate with literature determinations of the masses of the cluster’s HB stars. The accuracy of this measurement can be improved through better selection of stars and spectral coverage, and applied to other clusters where HB models do not currently agree.
Tsunamis and Stranded Vessels: Up Ship Creek without a Paddle?
Authors: GOFF JAMES
Published: June 2011

Stranded vessels are large, highly visible components of debris associated with catastrophic tsunamis and storms. In many cases, they attain almost iconic status and are memorable evidence of a particular event. Little attention, however, is given to early historically documented accounts of stranded vessels that have been found inland beyond normal shoreline settings. This is unfortunate because often this type of evidence can provide yet another source of information to help researchers interpret the nature and extent of past catastrophic events. An example of stranded vessels found on the West Coast of New Zealand in the 19th century indicates some of the benefits and limitations associated with using early historical accounts. Conflicting evidence about the vessels are apparent but equally, contextual geological and ecological data provide important data to clarify the nature of the stranding event. The New Zealand example indicates that historical documents written by early settlers, particularly in and around the Pacific, provide an invaluable data source to complement more conventional archaeological, geological, and palaeoecological information to interpret past events. In this instance, it is proposed that wrecks found at Ship Creek and Whataroa River were transported inland by a tsunami in ad 1826.
Older adults’ perceptions of weakness and ageing
Authors: Rush Kathy L. , Watts Wilda E. , Stanbury Janice
Published: June 2011

Background.  Age‐related weakness, or sarcopenia, has been related to functional disability, falls, frailty and mortality. Although it is one of the most common symptoms older adults link to their functional abilities, to date, no studies have explored older adults’ perceptions of weakness and its association with ageing.

Aims and objectives.  To understand the meaning of weakness for older adults’ and their perceptions of its association with ageing.

Designs.  A qualitative descriptive design involved in‐depth interviews with 13 community‐dwelling older adults.

Results.  Weakness was described primarily in two ways: (i) inability and (ii) inward turning. The extreme of weakness, as giving up and giving in, which older adults applied to others, not themselves, prompted them to engage in several efforts at staying strong. These included motivating self‐talk, achieving balance, keeping busy and active, and self‐validating as a strong person. Older adults’ perceptions of the association between weakness and ageing were variable and characterized by considerable ambiguity.

Implications for practice.  Nurses must be alert to both the visible and subtler dimensions of weakness. It is important to engage older adults in active strategies that enhance muscle strength while capitalizing on their self‐motivating and validating efforts at staying strong.
Nurses’ experience of loss on the death of older persons in long‐term residential care: findings from an interpretative phenomenological study
Authors: Gannon Mary , Dowling Maura
Published: June 2011

Background.  Little is known of the experience of loss among nurses working with older persons in long‐stay settings.

Objectives.  The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experience of loss among nurses working in a long‐term residential care setting.

Design.  Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was the method adopted. Data was collected by semi‐structured interviews undertaken with seven nurses.

Results.  The findings revealed three main themes: ‘life’s final journey’, ‘family’ and ‘professional carer’.

Conclusions.  The experience of loss on the death of an older person is described by nurses in the context of the care they give at end of life, and the relationships nurses developed with the older person’s family. Where the older person has no contact with family, nurses become the ‘family’ and this contributed to the feeling of loss experienced. Finally, the loss experienced by nurses when an older person dies suddenly can often be emotive.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Supporting nurses in their provision of end‐of‐life care to older persons is essential. Nurses’ attempts to keep memories of deceased residents alive by remembrance, helps place loss in the context of acknowledgment of the person’s life.
PET/CT in diagnosis of movement disorders
Authors: Berti Valentina , Pupi Alberto , Mosconi Lisa
Published: June 2011

Molecular imaging with PET offers a broad variety of tools supporting the diagnosis of movement disorders. The more widely applied PET imaging techniques have focused on the assessment of neurotransmitter systems, predominantly the pre‐ and postsynaptic dopaminergic system. Additionally, PET imaging with [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose has been extensively used to assess local synaptic activity in the resting state and to highlight local changes in brain metabolism accompanying changes in neural activity in movement disorders. PET imaging has provided us with diagnostic agents as well as tools for evaluation of novel therapeutics, and has served as a powerful means for revealing in vivo changes at different stages of movement disorders and within the course of an individual patient's illness.
MMP‐2/MMP‐9 Plasma Level and Brain Expression in Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy‐Associated Hemorrhagic Stroke
Authors: Hernandez‐Guillamon Mar , Martinez‐Saez Elena , Delgado Pilar , Domingues‐Montanari Sophie , Boada Cristina , Penalba Anna , Boada Mercè , Pagola Jorge , Maisterra Olga , Rodriguez‐Luna David , Molina Carlos A. , Rovira Alex , Alvarez‐Sabin José , Ortega‐Aznar Arantxa , Montaner Joan
Published: June 2011

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is one of the main causes of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in the elderly. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in blood–brain barrier disruption and ICH pathogenesis. In this study, we determined the levels MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 in plasma and their brain expression in CAA‐associated hemorrhagic stroke. Although MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 plasma levels did not differ among patients and controls, their brain expression was increased in perihematoma areas of CAA‐related hemorrhagic strokes compared with contralateral areas and nonhemorrhagic brains. In addition, MMP‐2 reactivity was found in β‐amyloid (Aβ)‐damaged vessels located far from the acute ICH and in chronic microbleeds. MMP‐2 expression was associated to endothelial cells, histiocytes and reactive astrocytes, whereas MMP‐9 expression was restricted to inflammatory cells. In summary, MMP‐2 expression within and around Aβ‐compromised vessels might contribute to the vasculature fatal fate, triggering an eventual bleeding.
Photocatalytic Activity and Related Surface Properties of Transparent ZnO Films Prepared by a Low‐temperature Aqueous Route
Authors: Wagata Hajime , Katsumata Ken‐ichi , Ohashi Naoki , Sakai Munetoshi , Nakajima Akira , Fujishima Akira , Okada Kiyoshi , Matsushita Nobuhiro
Published: June 2011

Transparent ZnO were prepared using solutions with various trisodium citrate concentrations by a spin‐spray method at 90°C. The morphological and structural characteristics, as well as photocatalytic activity of the resulting ZnO films were examined with respect to the added trisodium citrate concentration. Photocatalytic activities of the ZnO films were evaluated from photodecomposition of methylene blue (MB) in aqueous solution. With increasing citrate concentrations, the ZnO films came to have higher transmittances in visible region but lower MB decomposition rate. Both high transmittance and high photocatalytic activity were achieved in the ZnO film prepared in the citrate concentration of 0.5 mm. The possible mechanism for the difference in photocatalytic activity by the samples prepared with the various concentrations of citrate was discussed from the viewpoint of film texture, crystal orientation and surface chemical state.
Investigation of inflicted injury in a young girl reveals mild haemophilia A and Turner’s syndrome
Authors: WILLIAMS V. K. , SUPPIAH R. , COPPIN B. , NICHOLLS C. M. , SIMSEK A. , McGREGOR L. K.
Published: June 2011

A 2‐year‐old girl presented to casualty with a right knee effusion after apparently minor trauma. Inflicted injury was suspected and full forensic coagulation studies were performed which revealed a mild deficiency of factor VIII. Screening of the exons and intron/exon boundaries of F8 gene indicated that the child appeared to be homozygous for the missense mutation c.5123G>A (p.Arg1708His) in exon 14 of the F8 gene. This mutation has been reported to be associated with mild haemophilia A. The possibility of hemizygosity had been masked by the test kit employed but referral to the genetics service and subsequent array CGH resulted in a diagnosis of Turner syndrome.
On‐demand but not prophylactic treatment with FVIII concentrate increase thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor activation in severe haemophilia A patients
Authors: MIKOVIC D. , WOODHAMS B. J. , HOLMSTRÖM M. , ELEZOVIC I. , ANTOVIC A. , MOBARREZ F. , ELFVINGE P. , ANTOVIC J. P.
Published: June 2011

Introduction:  Thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) down‐regulates fibrinolysis after activation by thrombin/thrombomodulin. We investigated the effect of treatment with FVIII concentrate on plasma levels of pro‐TAFI and activated TAFI in haemophilia A patients.

Methods:  Samples were collected pre and posttreatment from patients treated prophylactically or on‐demand. Pro‐TAFI, TAFI/TAFIi and FVIII levels were measured in all samples.

Results:  Treatment had no effect on pro‐TAFI levels. Pro‐TAFI was similar in both patient groups but higher than in controls. Patients from the prophylactic treatment group had measurable FVIII levels pretreatment while in the treatment‐on‐demand group FVIII levels were ≤0.01 IU/mL. In the prophylactic treatment group, the levels of TAFI/TAFIi were significantly lower pre‐ and posttreatment (4.31 ± 3.14 and 3.48 ± 2.65 ng/mL respectively) than in the on‐demand group (13.02 ± 3.47 and 14.87 ± 3.47 ng/mL respectively). This difference may be due to release of tissue factor at the injury site in the on‐demand group. This could induce thrombin and TAFI activation within the clot counterbalancing fibrinolysis in these patients. In the prophylactic group, no injury existed, thus there was insufficient thrombin generation within the clot to activate TAFI.

Conclusion:  These findings suggest that in patients to whom FVIII is administered on demand the fibrinolysis activity is more down regulated than in patients following a prophylactic treatment regime.
Depression and Quality of Life Among Heart Failure Patients in Georgia, Eastern Europe
Authors: DeWolfe Andrew , Gogichaishvili Ilia , Nozadze Nino , Tamariz Leonardo , Quevedo Henry C. , Julian Elyse , Hebert Kathy
Published: June 2011

The goal of the study was to assess longitudinal changes in quality of life among patients who screened positive for depression and patients who did not enroll in an outpatient heart failure disease management program (HFDMP). Patients with an ejection fraction ≤40% and clinical signs and symptoms of heart failure were enrolled over 11 months from August 2007 to July 2008. Study participants (n=314) were divided at baseline into “depressed” (9‐Question Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ‐9] ≥10) and “nondepressed” (PHQ‐9 <10) groups. The two cohort groups had quality of life assessed by the Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire at baseline and at 1 year while enrolled in the HFDMP. Both groups showed improved quality of life scores, with the depressed group experiencing a greater mean score decrease (14.4 vs 10.8 for nondepressed patients; P<.01). Both patients who screened positive for depression and those who did not enroll in an HFDMP improved their quality of life scores, with depressed patients experiencing a statistically significant greater mean score reduction (better quality of life) . ©2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prevalence, Determinants, and Clinical Significance of Cardiac Troponin‐I Elevation in Individuals Admitted for a Hypertensive Emergency
Authors: Afonso Luis , Bandaru Himabindu , Rathod Ankit , Badheka Apurva , Ali Kizilbash Mohammad , Zmily Hammam , Jacobsen Gordon , Chattahi Joseph , Mohamad Tamam , Koneru Jayanth , Flack John , Weaver W. Douglas
Published: June 2011

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011;13:551–556. ©2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Hypertensive emergencies (HEs) are frequently accompanied with the release of cardiac troponin I (cTnI); however, determinants and clinical significance of cTnI elevation are largely unknown. A retrospective analysis was performed on patients (n=567) with a diagnosis of HE admitted to two tertiary care centers that primarily serve an inner‐city population. Data on demographics, clinical variables, and cTnI were collected through chart review. Using regression analyses, predictors of cTnI elevation were studied and the impact of cTnI on all‐cause mortality (data obtained through the Social Security Death Index) was determined. cTnI elevation was observed in 186 (32.3%) admissions with a mean peak cTnI level of 4.06±14.6 ng/mL. Predictors of cTnI were age, history of hypercholesterolemia, blood urea nitrogen level, pulmonary edema, and requirement for mechanical ventilation. During a mean follow‐up period of 3.1 years, there were 211 deaths (37%). Neither the presence nor the extent of cTnI elevation was associated with mortality, while age, history of coronary artery disease, and blood urea nitrogen level were predictive of mortality. cTnI elevation commonly occurs in the setting of HEs. Despite a high incidence of adverse clinical outcomes, cTnI elevation was not an independent predictor of mortality in this population.
The Baltimore Partnership to Educate and Achieve Control of Hypertension (The BPTEACH Trial): A Randomized Trial of the Effect of Education on Improving Blood Pressure Control in a Largely African American Population
Authors: Johnson Wallace , Shaya Fadia T. , Khanna Niharika , Warrington Verlyn O. , Rose Vivienne A. , Yan Xia , Bailey‐Weaver Bessie , Mullins C. Daniel , Saunders Elijah
Published: June 2011

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011;13:563–570. ©2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Hypertension is a major risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease and is more prevalent in African Americans compared with Caucasians. African Americans are often underrepresented in clinical trials. This study was composed of a largely urban African American cohort of hypertensive patients. This was a prospective, 4‐arm, randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of both physician and patient education (PPE), patient education only (PAE), and physician education only (PHE) vs usual care (UC). Hypertension specialists gave a series of didactic lectures to the physicians, while a nurse educator performed the patient education. The mean adjusted difference in systolic blood pressure (SBP) from baseline in the PPE group was an average reduction of 12 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI], −4.5 to −19.4) at 6‐months, followed by average reductions of 4.6 mm Hg (6.9 to −16.12) in the PAE group, 4.1 mm Hg (3.4 to −11.7) in the PHE group, and 2.6 mm Hg (3 to −8.2) in the UC group. The PPE group achieved a significantly better reduction in SBP compared with the UC group. Additional research should be conducted to evaluate whether the use of certified hypertension educators in collaboration with physicians will result in a similar blood pressure reduction.