bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Enhanced Surface Area of Tin Oxide Nanocrystals
Authors: Masuda Yoshitake , Ohji Tatsuki , Kato Kazumi
Published: March 2010

Tin oxide nanocrystals with high surface area were first synthesized in aqueous solutions at 50°C. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area successfully reached 194 m2/g. It was much higher than that of SnO2 (BET 47.2 m2/g), SnO2 (BET 25.9 m2/g), SnO2 (BET 23 m2/g), and In2O3–SnO2 (BET 3–6 m2/g). N2 adsorption characteristics revealed that they had pores of 1–3 nm, which contributed to the high surface area. Transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and X‐ray diffraction indicated the morphology, crystal structure, and chemical composition of nanocrystals. Novel process allowed us to avoid sintering and deformation of the crystals, and hence realized a high surface area and unique morphology.
The Phase Formation, Microstructure, and Electric Properties of Tungsten Bronze Ferroelectric Sr2NaNb5O15 Ceramics
Authors: Wei Lingling , Yang Zupei , Gu Rui , Ren Hongmei
Published: March 2010

The high‐density tungsten bronze Sr2NaNb5O15 ceramics without abnormal grain growth were successfully synthesized by a two‐step solid‐state reaction method in this work. The phase evolution and reaction mechanism in SrNb2O6 and NaNbO3 solid solutions were analyzed by X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. The results showed that the Sr2NaNb5O15 phase could exist stably in the temperature range of 1100°–1360°C, and would be decomposed to SrNb2O6 and NaNbO3 phases at temperatures above 1360°C. It was also found that the sintering temperature could significantly affect the density, microstructure, and electric properties of Sr2NaNb5O15 ceramics. When the sintering temperature was 1340°C, the ceramic with a near‐theoretical density and a uniform and fine‐grained microstructure was obtained, exhibiting outstanding electrical properties: ɛm=2210, tan δ=0.023, Tc=280°C, Pr=11.71 μC/cm2, and Ec=16.15 kV/cm. Further increasing the temperature to 1360°C led to the existence of some molten areas and cracks on the surface of ceramics obtained, which could significantly deteriorate the electric properties. In addition, no abnormal large grains (>50 μm) could be found in the system and the reason was also discussed in this paper.
Viscosity and Softening Behavior of Alkali Zinc Sulfophosphate Glasses
Authors: Da Ning , Krolikowski Sebastian , Nielsen Karsten H. , Kaschta Jochen , Wondraczek Lothar
Published: March 2010

We report on the softening properties and viscosity of glasses from the system ZnO–Na2O–SO3–P2O5 for low‐temperature sealing applications. Up to a ratio of network‐forming ions PO43−:SO42− of about 2:1, a gradual substitution of P2O5 by SO3 results in decreasing glass transition and softening temperatures. At the same time, decreasing kinetic fragility is observed, noteworthy even for decreasing the total amount of network former from 44 at.% to 39 at.%. Thermomechanical and calorimetric analyses reveal a distinct SO42−‐promoted relaxation phenomenon at temperatures significantly below the macroscopic glass transition temperature, which is interpreted as a result of the formation of an increasingly interconnected assembly of SO42− and PO43− units with increasing SO3 content.
Death Caused by Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (Lyell Syndrome)
Authors: Ventura Francesco , Fracasso Tony , Leoncini Andrea , Gentile Raffaella , De Stefano Francesco
Published: March 2010

Abstract:  Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is characterized by fever, scalded appearance of the skin, and epidermolysis associated to blister formation and exfoliation, and it is caused by hypersensitivity reaction to a drug. The authors report two cases of death as a result of TEN; both referred to old aged women treated with a polytherapy including allopurinol. Both patients displayed erythematous skin lesions similar to scald burns and epidermolysis at the face, chest, and abdomen and died shortly after hospitalization. Autopsy findings and histological examinations revealed epidermal necrolysis and confirmed the clinical diagnosis. A strict time‐correlation between allopurinol administration and symptoms was evidenced. Because of its iatrogenic origin, TEN often arises suspicions of medical liability; however, because of its unpredictable nature, the occurrence of this syndrome cannot be ascribed to the medical staff whose main task is the rapid diagnosis and the correct management.
ThaDD plus high dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation does not appear superior to ThaDD plus maintenance in elderly patients with de novo multiple myeloma
Authors: Offidani Massimo , Leoni Pietro , Corvatta Laura , Polloni Claudia , Gentili Silvia , Savini Agnese , Alesiani Francesco , Brunori Marino , Catarini Massimo , Visani Giuseppe , Samori Arduino , Burattini Maurizio , Centurioni Riccardo , Montanari Mauro , Fraticelli Paolo , Ruggieri Miriana , Falcioni Sadia , Galieni Piero
Published: March 2010

Objectives: With the aim to address the issue whether high‐dose therapy (HDT) is required after new drugs combinations to improve outcome of elderly newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients, we compared the toxicity and the outcome of ThaDD plus maintenance to those of ThaDD plus HDT‐autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Methods: Sixty‐two patients not eligible for HDT receiving six courses of ThaDD regimen plus maintenance with thalidomide were compared to 26 patients eligible for HDT treated with four courses of ThaDD followed by melphalan 100–200 mg/m2 and ASCT. The two groups were matched for the main characteristics except for age favouring the HDT group. Results and conclusions: Complete remission (CR) obtained with ThaDD plus maintenance was 24% whereas it was 57% after ThaDD plus HDT‐ASCT (P = 0.0232). However, after a median follow‐up of 36 months, median time to progression (TTP) and progression free survival (PFS) of the group of patients undergone HDT were not significantly different to those of patients receiving ThaDD plus maintenance (32 vs. 31 months: P = 0.962; 32 vs. 29 months: P = 0.726, respectively). Five‐year overall survival (OS) was 49% in the first group and 46% in the latter one (P = 0.404). As expected, a significantly higher incidence of grade 3–4 neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, infections, mucositis and alopecia were observed in the ThaDD plus HDT group. Our results suggest that in elderly MM patients ThaDD plus HDT, albeit significantly increases CR rate, seems to be equivalent to ThaDD plus maintenance in terms of TTP, PFS and OS. These results challenge the requirement for HDT consolidation in this subset of patients.
Chromosome 9p24 abnormalities: prevalence, description of novel JAK2 translocations, JAK2V617F mutation analysis and clinicopathologic correlates
Authors: Patnaik Mrinal M. , Knudson Ryan A. , Gangat Naseema , Hanson Curtis A. , Pardanani Animesh , Tefferi Ayalew , Ketterling Rhett P.
Published: March 2010

Objectives:  Current information is insufficient regarding the prevalence, cytogenetic details, JAK2 involvement, JAK2V617F mutational status, and clinicopathologic correlates of chromosome 9p24 abnormalities. The current study was designed to provide additional data in this regard. Methods:  The Mayo Clinic cytogenetics database spanning the years 1989–2008 was screened for chromosome 9p24 abnormalities. Bone marrow (BM) morphology was re‐reviewed and relevant clinical information retrospectively obtained. Structural abnormalities of JAK2 were examined by FISH and JAK2V617F mutation analysis. Results:  Among 24 262 unique patient cytogenetic studies, chromosome 9p24 abnormalities were identified in 25 patients (∼0.06%): 12 with myeloid and 13 with lymphoid neoplasms. The associated karyotype was complex in 12 of the 13 lymphoid but in only four of the 12 myeloid cases. Archived BM was available in 23 cases that allowed additional FISH studies and JAK2V617F mutation analysis. FISH analysis disclosed JAK2 involvement in 10 patients including five myeloid and five lymphoid cases; the associated karyotype was complex in all the lymphoid but in none of the myeloid cases. Five patients displayed previously undescribed JAK2 translocations: t(8;9)(q22;p24), t(9;17)(p24;q23), t(4;9)(q25;p24), t(2;9)(p21;p24) and t(8;9)(q13;p24). JAK2‐associated chromosomal translocations, in a non‐complex karyotype setting, were documented in four patients, all of whom carried a diagnosis of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and harbored JAK2V617F. Two patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma displayed complex karyotype and JAK2 amplification by FISH. Conclusions:  Chromosome 9p24 abnormalities are rare and do not always involve JAK2. The subset with JAK2 translocations are usually associated with MPN and harbor JAK2V617F, suggesting a cause‐effect relationship. The current study also describes five novel translocations involving JAK2.
Applying an excessive mechanical stress alters the effect of subchondral osteoblasts on chondrocytes in a co‐culture system
Authors: Lin Yu‐Yu , Tanaka Nobuaki , Ohkuma Satoru , Iwabuchi Yasunori , Tanne Yuki , Kamiya Takashi , Kunimatsu Ryo , Huang Yu‐Ching , Yoshioka Motoko , Mitsuyoshi Tomomi , Tanimoto Kotaro , Tanaka Eiji , Tanne Kazuo
Published: March 2010

Lin Y‐Y, Tanaka N, Ohkuma S, Iwabuchi Y, Tanne Y, Kamiya T, Kunimatsu R, Huang Y‐C, Yoshioka M, Mitsuyoshi T, Tanimoto K, Tanaka E, Tanne K. Applying an excessive mechanical stress alters the effect of subchondral osteoblasts on chondrocytes in a co‐culture system. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 151–158. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 Eur J Oral Sci

Osteoarthritis (OA) sometimes occurs as a consequence of repeated microtrauma involved in parafunction, which may lead to microfracture in the subchondral bone. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of subchondral osteoblasts in loading with repeated excessive mechanical stress on the metabolism of overlying chondrocytes. A high‐magnitude cyclic tensile stress of 15 kPa (30 cycles min−1) was applied to the cultured osteoblasts obtained from porcine mandibular condyles. The chondrocytes in alginate beads were then co‐cultured with mechanically stressed or unstressed osteoblasts. Chondrocytes co‐cultured with unstressed osteoblasts showed a phenotypic shift to hypertrophic chondrocytes, characterized by decreased expression of type II collagen, aggrecan, Sry‐related HMG box (SOX‐9), and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) genes and increased expression of type X collagen and bone sialoprotein (BSP) genes, suggesting that the co‐culture may change the chondrocyte differentiation to some extent. These changes were more distinct in chondrocytes co‐cultured with excessively mechanically stressed osteoblasts. After co‐culture with stressed osteoblasts, the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)1, MMP3 and MMP13 genes were also enhanced and the synthesis of DNA, proteoglycan and collagen were significantly decreased in chondrocytes. These results demonstrate that alterations in cartilage metabolism can be induced by stressed osteoblasts, indicating a possible explanation for the onset and progression of OA.
Enamel microhardness and bond strengths of self‐etching primer adhesives
Authors: Adebayo Olabisi A. , Burrow Michael F. , Tyas Martin J. , Adams Geoffrey G. , Collins Marnie L.
Published: March 2010

Adebayo OA, Burrow MF, Tyas MJ, Adams GG, Collins ML. Enamel microhardness and bond strengths of self‐etching primer adhesives. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 191–196. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 Eur J Oral Sci

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between enamel surface microhardness and microshear bond strength (μSBS). Buccal and lingual mid‐coronal enamel sections were prepared from 22 permanent human molars and divided into two groups, each comprising the buccal and lingual enamel from 11 teeth, to analyze two self‐etching primer adhesives (Clearfil SE Bond and Tokuyama Bond Force). One‐half of each enamel surface was tested using the Vickers hardness test with 10 indentations at 1 N and a 15‐s dwell time. A hybrid resin composite was bonded to the other half of the enamel surface with the adhesive system assigned to the group. After 24 h of water storage of specimens at 37º°C, the μSBS test was carried out on a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm min−1 until bond failure occurred. The mean μSBS was regressed on the mean Vickers hardness number (VHN) using a weighted regression analysis in order to explore the relationship between enamel hardness and μSBS. The weights used were the inverse of the variance of the μSBS means. Neither separate correlation analyses for each adhesive nor combined regression analyses showed a significant correlation between the VHN and the μSBS. These results suggest that the μSBS of the self‐etch adhesive systems are not influenced by enamel surface microhardness.
Down‐regulation of hypoxia inducible factor‐1α: a possible explanation for the protective effects of estrogen on genioglossus fatigue resistance
Authors: Jia Shan‐Shan , Liu Yue‐Hua
Published: March 2010

Jia S‐S, Liu Y‐H. Down‐regulation of hypoxia inducible factor‐1α: a possible explanation for the protective effects of estrogen on genioglossus fatigue resistance. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 139–144. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 Eur J Oral Sci

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) often exhibit fatigued or inefficient upper airway dilator muscle activity. It has been shown that estrogen may have some impact on upper airway contractility under normoxic conditions. Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is a frequent feature of OSAHS, and it may alter muscle susceptibility to oxidative stress, a characteristic of a fatigable nature. Hypoxia inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) is a transcription factor that is responsible for the regulation of oxygen homeostasis under hypoxic conditions. We examined the effects of estrogen on the contractility of the genioglossus by exposing rats to alternating cycles of 6–8% O2 every 15 s for a total duration of 35 d. The results showed that muscle fatigue resistance was significantly decreased after CIH but was partially reversed after estrogen treatment. Compared with the control group, real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and western blotting showed higher levels of HIF‐1α messenger RNA and protein in the CIH group, but estrogen treatment reduced, in a dose‐independent manner, the levels of HIF‐1α messenger RNA and protein in rats exposed to CIH. We conclude that CIH induced the expression of HIF‐1α in the genioglossus and altered the physical properties towards a more fatigable phenotype, whereas estrogen inhibited the over‐expression of HIF‐1α, and this may account for the improvement of upper airway muscle endurance in CIH rats.
Cholinergic autoantibodies from primary Sjögren’s syndrome modulate submandibular gland Na+/K+‐ATPase activity via prostaglandin E2 and cyclic AMP
Authors: Passafaro Daniela , Reina Silvia , Sterin‐Borda Leonor , Borda Enri
Published: March 2010

Passafaro D, Reina S, Sterin‐Borda L, Borda E. Cholinergic autoantibodies from primary Sjögren’s syndrome modulate submandibular gland Na

+

/K

+

‐ATPase
activity via prostaglandin E

2

and cyclic AMP. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 131–138. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 Eur J Oral Sci

We demonstrate that patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) produce functional IgG autoantibodies that interact with the glandular M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs). These autoantibodies act as a partial muscarinic agonist, increasing prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and cyclic AMP production through modifying Na+/K+‐ATPase activity, but also interfere with the secretory effect of the parasympathetic neurotransmitter. The IgG from patients with pSS has two effects on the submandibular gland. On the one hand, it may act as an inducer of the proinflammatory molecule (PGE2) that, in turn, inhibits Na+/K+‐ATPase activity. On the other hand, it plays a role in the pathogenesis of dry mouth, abolishing the Na+/K+‐ATPase inhibition and the net K+ efflux stimulation of the salivary gland in response to the authentic agonist pilocarpine, decreasing salivary fluid production.
Altered inorganic composition of dental enamel and dentin in primary teeth from girls with Turner syndrome
Authors: Rizell Sara , Kjellberg Heidrun , Dietz Wolfram , Norén Jörgen G. , Lundgren Ted
Published: March 2010

Rizell S, Kjellberg H, Dietz W, Norén JG, Lundgren T. Altered inorganic composition of dental enamel and dentin in primary teeth from girls with Turner syndrome. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 183–190. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 Eur J Oral Sci

In Turner syndrome (TS) one X‐chromosome is missing or defective. The amelogenin gene, located on the X‐chromosome, plays a key role during the formation of dental enamel. The aim of this study was to find support for the hypothesis that impaired expression of the X‐chromosome influences mineral incorporation during amelogenesis and, indirectly, during dentinogenesis. Primary tooth enamel and dentin from girls with TS were analysed and compared with the enamel and dentin of primary teeth from healthy girls. Qualitative and quantitative changes in the composition of TS enamel were found, in addition to morphological differences. Higher frequencies of subsurface lesions and rod‐free zones were seen in TS enamel using polarized light microscopy. Similarly, scanning electron microscopy showed that the enamel rods from TS teeth were of atypical sizes and directions. Using X‐ray microanalysis, high levels of calcium and phosphorus, and low levels of carbon, were found in both TS enamel and dentin. Using microradiography, a lower degree of mineralization was found in TS enamel. Rule induction analysis was performed to identify characteristic element patterns for TS. Low values of carbon were the most critical attributes for the outcome TS. The conclusion was that impaired expression of the X‐chromosome has an impact on dental hard tissue formation.
Flexural strength of glass fibre‐reinforced posts bonded to dual‐cure composite resin cements
Authors: Davis Peter , Melo Luciana S. D. , Foxton Richard M. , Sherriff Martyn , Pilecki Peter , Mannocci Francesco , Watson Timothy F.
Published: March 2010

Davis P, Melo LSD, Foxton RM, Sherriff M, Pilecki P, Mannocci F, Watson TF. Flexural strength of glass fibre‐reinforced posts bonded to dual‐cure composite resin cements. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 197–201. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 Eur J Oral Sci

The aims of this study were to evaluate the flexural strength of two different types of glass fibre‐reinforced posts bonded to dual‐cure composite resin cements. Forty glass methacrylate‐based fibre posts (GC Fiber Post) and 20 glass fibre inter‐polymerizing network posts (everStick POST) were divided into three groups. Group 1 contained 20 GC posts that were bonded to a dual‐cure composite cement (UnifilCore). Group 2 contained 20 Stick Tech posts that had adhesive applied (Scotchbond Multipurpose resin) and were bonded to a dual‐cure composite resin cement (RelyX Unicem). Group 3 contained 20 GC posts that were pretreated with a silane‐coupling agent before being treated with resin and composite, as in group 1. A 4‐point bend test was carried out to failure on all of the groups. Failure modes were determined using scanning electron microscopy. Pretreatment of the post surface with the silane‐coupling agent did not increase the flexural strength. The flexural strength of the Stick Tech post was significantly lower than the flexural strength of the GC post. The mode of failure for the GC Posts was adhesive, whereas the Stick Tech posts failed cohesively. Different flexural strengths and failure modes were observed among the two fibre post–resin systems.
Thermal/mechanical simulation and laboratory fatigue testing of an alternative yttria tetragonal zirconia polycrystal core‐veneer all‐ceramic layered crown design
Authors: Bonfante Estevam A. , Rafferty Brian , Zavanelli Ricardo A. , Silva Nelson R. F. A. , Rekow Elizabeth D. , Thompson Van P. , Coelho Paulo G.
Published: March 2010

Bonfante EA, Rafferty B, Zavanelli RA, Silva NRFA, Rekow ED, Thompson VP, Coelho PG. Thermal/mechanical simulation and laboratory fatigue testing of an alternative yttria tetragonal zirconia polycrystal
core‐veneer all‐ceramic layered crown design. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 202–209. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 Eur J Oral Sci

This study evaluated the stress levels at the core layer and the veneer layer of zirconia crowns (comprising an alternative core design vs. a standard core design) under mechanical/thermal simulation, and subjected simulated models to laboratory mouth‐motion fatigue. The dimensions of a mandibular first molar were imported into computer‐aided design (CAD) software and a tooth preparation was modeled. A crown was designed using the space between the original tooth and the prepared tooth. The alternative core presented an additional lingual shoulder that lowered the veneer bulk of the cusps. Finite element analyses evaluated the residual maximum principal stresses fields at the core and veneer of both designs under loading and when cooled from 900°C to 25°C. Crowns were fabricated and mouth‐motion fatigued, generating master Weibull curves and reliability data. Thermal modeling showed low residual stress fields throughout the bulk of the cusps for both groups. Mechanical simulation depicted a shift in stress levels to the core of the alternative design compared with the standard design. Significantly higher reliability was found for the alternative core. Regardless of the alternative configuration, thermal and mechanical computer simulations showed stress in the alternative core design comparable and higher to that of the standard configuration, respectively. Such a mechanical scenario probably led to the higher reliability of the alternative design under fatigue.
REVIEW ARTICLE: The Role of Placental Exosomes in Reproduction
Authors: Mincheva‐Nilsson Lucia , Baranov Vladimir
Published: March 2010

Citation Mincheva‐Nilsson L, Baranov V. The Role of Placental Exosomes in Reproduction. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010

Cell communication comprises cell–cell contact, soluble mediators and intercellular nanotubes. There is, however, another cell–cell communication by released membrane‐bound microvesicles that convey cell–cell contact ‘by proxy’ transporting signals/packages of information from donor to recipient cells locally and/or at a distance. The nanosized exosomes comprise a specialized type of microvesicles generated within multivesicular bodies (MVB) and released upon MVB fusion with the plasma membrane. Exosomes are produced by a variety of immune, epithelial and tumor cells. Upon contact, exosomes transfer molecules that can render new properties and/or reprogram their recipient cells. Recently, it was discovered that the syncytiotrophoblast constitutively and throughout the pregnancy secretes exosomes. The placenta‐derived exosomes are immunosuppressive and carry proteins and RNA molecules that in a redundant way influence a number of mechanisms and promote the fetal allograft survival. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the nature of placenta‐derived exosomes and discuss their role in pregnancy.
LINE‐1 methylation difference between ameloblastoma and keratocystic odontogenic tumor
Authors: Kitkumthorn N , Mutirangura A
Published: March 2010

Oral Diseases (2010) 16, 286–291

Objective:  Global hypomethylation is a common epigenetic event in cancer. Keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) and ameloblastoma are different tumors but posses the same tissue in origin. Here, we investigated long interspersed nuclear element‐1 (LINE‐1 or L1) methylation status between ameloblastoma and KCOT.

Materials and methods:  We studied the methylation levels of the long interspersed nucleotide element‐1 (LINE‐1) in ameloblastoma and KCOT. After collecting ameloblastoma cells and epithelium lining cells of KCOT by laser capture microdissection from paraffin embedded tissue, combined bisulfite restriction analysis of LINE‐1 (COBRALINE‐1) was performed to measure LINE‐1 methylation levels.

Results:  The LINE‐1 methylation level in KCOT (53.16 ± 12.03%) was higher than that in ameloblastoma (36.90 ± 16.52%), with a statistical significance of P = 0.001. The ranges of LINE‐1 methylation of both lesions were not associated with either age or sex.

Conclusion:  We found LINE‐1 hypomethylation levels between ameloblastoma and KCOT are different. Therefore, global methylations between these tumors are processed differently.
Altered expression of mRNA for HIF‐1α and its target genes RTP801and VEGF in patients with oral lichen planus
Authors: Ding M , Xu JY , Fan Y
Published: March 2010

Oral Diseases (2010) 16, 299–304

Objective:  To explore a potential causal contribution of the transcription factor HIF‐1α and its target gene, RTP801 and VEGF, to the development of oral lichen planus (OLP).

Design relevant:  Twenty‐two adult OLP patients were enrolled in this study. All OLP diagnoses were verified by histopathological characteristics. Normal mucous specimens were collected from 12 controls after various oral surgeries.

Material and method:  RNA was isolated from OLP and control specimens. Microarray was performed using BiostarH‐40s gene chip. Expression of HIF‐1α, VEGF and RTP801 was evaluated using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Unpaired t‐test and one‐way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis.

Results:  Microarray results showed that RTP801 expression was lower in OLP than in controls (779 vs 3090). qPCR further confirmed that expression of RTP801 was similarly lower in OLP than in controls (0.363 vs 1.473, P < 0.001); expression of VEGF was also lower in OLP (0.448 vs 1.74, P = 0.012). In contrast, expression of HIF‐1α was higher in OLP than in controls (11.12 vs 1.628, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:  The oral mucosa of OLP is hypoxic. Genes that are activated by hypoxia, such as RTP801 and VEGF, and their signal cascades may be novel potential therapeutic targets for OLP.
Obesity is associated with previous suicide attempts in bipolar disorder
Authors: Gomes Fabiano A. , Kauer-Sant’Anna Márcia , Magalhães Pedro V. , Jacka Felice N. , Dodd Seetal , Gama Clarissa S. , Cunha Ângelo , Berk Michael , Kapczinski Flávio
Published: March 2010

Gomes FA, Kauer-Sant’Anna M, Magalhães PV, Jacka FN, Dodd S, Gama CS, Cunha Â, Berk M, Kapczinski F. Obesity is associated with previous suicide attempts in bipolar disorder.

Objective:

There is a paucity of data about risk factors for suicide attempts in bipolar disorder. The aim of this study is to examine the association between suicide attempts and obesity in people with bipolar disorder.

Methods:

Two hundred fifty-five DSM-IV out-patients with bipolar disorder were consecutively recruited from the Bipolar Disorder Program at Hospital das Clínicas de Porto Alegre and the University Hospital at the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Brazil. Diagnosis and clinical variables were assessed with Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-axis I (SCID I) and Program structured protocol. History of suicide attempts was obtained from multiple information sources including patients, relatives and review of medical records. Patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 were classified as obese.

Results:

Over 30% of the sample was obese and over 50% had a history of suicide attempt. In the multivariate model, obese patients were nearly twice (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.06–3.69, p = 0.03) as likely to have a history of suicide attempt(s).

Conclusion:

Our results emphasise the relevance of obesity as an associated factor of suicide attempts in bipolar disorder. Obesity may be seen as correlate of severity and as such, must be considered in the comprehensive management of bipolar patients.
A Pilot, 15-month, randomised effectiveness trial of Risperidone long-acting injection (RLAI) versus oral atypical antipsychotic agents (AAP) in persons with bipolar disorder
Authors: Chengappa K. N. Roy , Turkin Scott R. , Schlicht Patricia J. , Murphy Sherry L. , Brar Jaspreet S. , Fagiolini Andrea , Houck Patricia R. , Garbutt Ronald G. , Fredrick Noreen
Published: March 2010

Chengappa KNR, Turkin SR, Schlicht PJ, Murphy SL, Brar JS, Fagiolini A, Houck PR, Garbutt RG, Fredrick N. A Pilot, 15-month, randomised effectiveness trial of Risperidone long acting injection (RLAI) versus oral atypical antipsychotic agents (AAP) in persons with bipolar disorder.

Objective:

Long-acting injectible antipsychotic agents are rarely considered in the treatment of bipolar patients [bipolar disorder (BPD)]. We posited that BPD patients receiving risperidone long-acting injections [Risperidone long-acting injections (RLAIs)] would experience fewer negative clinical events than those receiving oral atypical antipsychotic agents (AAP).

Methods:

Adult BPD patients in a hypomanic, manic or mixed episode were randomised to either oral risperdone followed by RLAI (n= 23) or an AAP (n= 25) for 15 months. Any mood stabilizers were continued. An independent clinician board declared any clinical events that occurred but the treatment assignment was concealed.

Results:

Nine of the 48 patients who participated in this study did not improve, leaving 39 patients in 1-year extension. RLAI patients received the following bi-weekly dosages: 25 mg (n= 9), 37.5 mg (n= 8), and 50 mg (n= 6). The AAP group included aripiprazole (n= 11, 15–30 mg/day), quetiapine (n= 8, 300–700 mg/day), olanzapine (n= 5, 15–25 mg/day), and ziprasidone, (n= 1, 160 mg/day). In total, 47 clinical events were declared. The RLAI-treated group experienced significantly fewer clinical events (mean: 0.86 ± 0.73) compared with the AAP group (1.61 ± 1.29),t= 2.29, d.f. = 37,p= 0.028 (95% CI = 0.087–1.421). Of all, 50% of the AAP subjects gained ≥ 7% of their baseline body weight as did 38% of the RLAI-treated patients.

Conclusions:

RLAI-treated patients experienced significantly fewer negative clinical events. Further exploration should focus on which subtypes of BPD patients might benefit from RLAI treatment. Weight gain in BPD subjects requires clinical attention. Limitations include an open design, small sample size and the inability to conclude on whether this strategy is useful for depressive episodes.
Beyond Material Explanations: Family Solidarity and Mortality, a Small Area‐level Analysis
Authors: Anson Jon
Published: March 2010

Social solidarity, being embedded in a network of binding social relationships, tends to extend human longevity. Yet while average incomes in the Western world, and with them, life expectancies, have risen dramatically, the second demographic transition has occasioned a breakdown in traditional family forms. This article considers whether these trends in family life may have slowed the rise in life expectancy. I present a cross‐sectional analysis of Israeli statistical areas (SAs), for which I construct indexes of Standard of Living (SOL), Traditional Family Structure (TFS), and Religiosity (R). I show that (1) increases in all three of these indexes are associated with lower levels of mortality, (2) male mortality is more sensitive to differences in SOL and TFS than is female mortality, and (3) net of differences in SOL and TFS, there is no difference in the mortality levels of Arab and Jewish populations.
The Effects of Penile Girth Enhancement Using Injectable Hyaluronic Acid Gel, a Filler
Authors: Kwak Tae Il , Oh MiMi , Kim Je Jong , Moon Du Geon
Published: March 2010

Introduction

Despites the debates on penile girth enhancement (PGE), demands for enhancement are increasing. Recently, various fillers have been widely used for soft tissue augmentation with proven efficacy and safety.

Aims

To identify the feasibility and efficacy of PGE by injection of filler.

Methods

Fifty patients with subjective small penis who visited Korea University Guro outpatient clinic were enrolled and prospectively followed. Restylane Sub-Q (Q-med, Upssala, Sweden) was injected into the fascial layer of penile body via 21G cannula with “Back & Forth Technique” and homogenized with a roller.

Main Outcome Measures

From April 2006 to February 2008, 50 patients were enrolled and 41 patients were followed until 18 months after PGE. Changes in penile girth at midshaft were measured by tapeline at 1 and 18 months. Patient’s visual estimation of residual volume (Gr 0–4), patient’s satisfaction (Gr 0–4), and any adverse reactions were also evaluated.

Results

Mean injected volume was 20.56 cc (18–22). Compared with basal girth of 7.48 ± 0.35 cm, maximal circumference was significantly increased to 11.41 ± 0.34 cm at 1 month (P < 0.0001) and maintained as 11.26 ± 0.33 cm until 18 months. In patient’s visual estimation, two patients complained the decrease as Gr 3 with focal depression at 1 month. At 18 months, all patients answered as Gr 4 without asymmetry. Patient’s and partner’s satisfaction score was 3.71 ± 0.46 and 3.65 ± 0.48 at 1 month and 3.34 ± 0.53 and 3.38 ± 0.49 at 18 months. There were no inflammatory signs or serious adverse reactions in all cases.

Conclusions

Considering the property of material, methods, and follow-up results of 18 months, PGE using filler is a very effective and safe technique for penile augmentation.
Comparison of Penile Size and Erectile Function after High-intensity Focused Ultrasound and Targeted Cryoablation for Localized Prostate Cancer: A Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Li Liao-Yuan , Lin Zhe , Yang Ming , Gao Xin , Xia Tao-Lin , Ding Tao
Published: March 2010

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) represents a common quality-of-life issue of any treatment used for prostate cancer, including high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and targeted cryoablation of the prostate (TCAP). There is a paucity of comparative studies regarding the difference in the erectile function and penile size of patients undergoing HIFU or TCAP.

Aim

The aim of this study is to compare the erectile function and penile size of patients undergoing HIFU or TCAP.

Methods

Patients with a preoperative erectile function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) score ≥26 were prospectively included. All patients were preoperatively evaluated by IIEF-EF and penile color Doppler ultrasound. Penile length and circumference were measured in flaccidity and at maximum erection. At 6, 12, 18, 24, 36 months after surgery, patients were assessed with the same protocol.

Main Outcome Measures

IIEF-EF score, penile color Doppler ultrasound, penile length, and circumference at different time points.

Results

There were 55 patients in the HIFU group and 47 in the TCAP group. At each time point, there were significant differences in mean IIEF-EF scores and penile color Doppler results between the two groups. At 36 months, TCAP patients experienced lower erectile function recovery rate compared with HIFU patients (TCAP=46.8%; HIFU=65.5%; P = 0.021). No significant decreases in penile length and circumference were found in the two groups (all P values ≥0.05).

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate TCAP caused significantly decreased erectile function than HIFU. We found no change in penile size after HIFU or TCAP. The option of HIFU may be more attractive to the patient who wants to avoid ED afterward, to maintain their quality of life.
Effects of selection for resistance to Sesamia nonagrioides on maize yield, performance and stability under infestation with Sesamia nonagrioides and Ostrinia nubilalis in Spain
Authors: Sandoya G. , Malvar R.A. , Santiago R. , Alvarez A. , Revilla P. , Butrón A.
Published: March 2010

A maize synthetic population was improved for resistance to the Mediterranean corn borer (MCB, Sesamia nonagrioides) while maintaining yield. The objectives of this research were to investigate whether yield and yield stability of the maize synthetic population named EPS12 were affected by selection for MCB resistance; also to determine which genotypic and environmental covariates could explain the genotype (G), environment (E) and genotype × environment (GE) effects for yield under corn borer infestation. Plants from three cycles of selection and their testcrosses to three inbred testers (A639, B93 and EP42) were evaluated at two locations in 2 years, under MCB and European corn borer infestations. After selection EPS12 was a more stable genotype. Hybrids derived from crosses between B93 and inbreds obtained from the initial cycles of selection could be recommended for cultivation in northern Spain. The yield of crosses between cycles of selection and testers increased when there were fewer days with temperatures >25°C and higher mean maximum temperatures. Differences in yield among these genotypes were mostly explained by resistance to corn borer attack. In general, among EPS12‐derived materials, genetic characteristics that contribute to increased grain yield were also responsible for increased abiotic stress tolerance.
Pasteurization of Fruit Juices by Means of a Pulsed High Pressure Process
Authors: Donsì Giorgio , Ferrari Giovanna , Maresca Paola
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT:  The use of pulsed high hydrostatic pressure was investigated as a possible approach to stabilize foodstuffs. The objective of this article was to investigate the effect of the main processing variables (pressure [150 to 300 MPa], temperature levels [25 to 50 °C], and pulse number [1 to 10]) on the sanitation of nonpasteurized clear Annurca apple juice as well as freshly‐squeezed clear orange juice. The aim of the article was the optimization of the process parameters in step‐wise pressure treatment (pressure holding time of each pulse: 60 s, compression rate: 10.5 MPa/s, decompression time: 2 to 5s). The shelf life of the samples, processed at optimized conditions, was evaluated in terms of microbiological stability and quality retention. According to our experimental results, the efficiency of pulsed high pressure processes depends on the combination of pulse holding time and number of pulses. The pulsed high pressure cycles have no additive or synergetic effect on microbial count. The efficacy of the single pulses decreases with the increase of the pulse number and pressure level. Therefore the first pulse cycle is more effective than the following ones. By coupling moderate heating to high pressure, the lethality of the process increases but thermal degradation of the products can be detected. The optimization of the process condition thus results in a compromise between the reduction of the pressure value, due to the synergetic temperature action, and the achievement of quality of the final production. The juices processed under optimal processing conditions show a minimum shelf life of 21 d at a storage temperature of 4 °C.
Evaluation of Accelerated UV and Thermal Testing for Benzene Formation in Beverages Containing Benzoate and Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Nyman Patricia J. , Wamer Wayne G. , Begley Timothy H. , Diachenko Gregory W. , Perfetti Gracia A.
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT:  Under certain conditions, benzene can form in beverages containing benzoic and ascorbic acids. The American Beverage Assn. (ABA) has published guidelines to help manufacturers mitigate benzene formation in beverages. These guidelines recommend accelerated testing conditions to test product formulations, because exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and elevated temperature over the shelf life of the beverage may result in benzene formation in products containing benzoic and ascorbic acids. In this study, the effects of UVA exposure on benzene formation were determined. Benzene formation was examined for samples contained in UV stabilized and non‐UV stabilized packaging. Additionally, the usefulness of accelerated thermal testing to simulate end of shelf‐life benzene formation was evaluated for samples containing either benzoic or ascorbic acid, or both. The 24 h studies showed that under intense UVA light benzene levels increased by as much as 53% in model solutions stored in non‐UV stabilized bottles, whereas the use of UV stabilized polyethylene terephthalate bottles reduced benzene formation by about 13% relative to the non‐UV stabilized bottles. Similar trends were observed for the 7 d study. Retail beverages and positive and negative controls were used to study the accelerated thermal testing conditions. The amount of benzene found in the positive controls and cranberry juice suggests that testing at 40 °C for 14 d may more reliably simulate end of shelf‐life benzene formation in beverages. Except for cranberry juice, retail beverages were not found to contain detectable amounts of benzene (<0.05 ng/g) at the end of their shelf lives.
Rheological Properties of Gelatin from Silver Carp Skin Compared to Commercially Available Gelatins from Different Sources
Authors: Boran G. , Mulvaney S.J. , Regenstein J.M.
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT:  Gelatin is used as a functional ingredient in many foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics as a stabilizing, thickening, and gelling agent. The rheological properties of gelatins are important in the potential functionality of gelatin. This study is designed to determine the rheological properties of gelatin extracted from the skins of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix Valenciennes 1844). The extracted gelatin is compared with commercially available gelatins from different sources. The results indicate that the stress–strain relationship of gelatin gels remained in the linear region over a broad range of strains and stresses and gave similar elastic moduli at varying frequency, stress, and strain levels. One exception was a commercial high molecular weight fish skin gelatin that gave a lower elastic modulus indicating that its gel strength was low compared to the other gelatin samples studied. Gel strength varied between 220 and 1230 g while viscosity varied between 4.53 and 6.91 cP among the samples. Melting and gelling temperatures varied between 14.2 and 32.3 °C and 3.2 and 25.4 °C, respectively. Texture profile analysis was done at 2 deformation levels, 25% and 75%, and the results correlated well with gel strength. The correlations between hardness, cohesiveness, and gumminess and gel strength were 0.98, 0.82, and 0.99, respectively, at 25% deformation but lower at 75% deformation. The results suggest that rheological measurements might be used to quickly estimate gel strength using less material. In addition, the silver carp skin gelatin seemed to be of equal quality to some of the commercial gelatins.
Development and Validation of a Matrix Solid‐Phase Dispersion Method to Determine Acrylamide in Coffee and Coffee Substitutes
Authors: Soares Cristina M. Dias , Alves Rita C. , Casal Susana , Oliveira M. Beatriz P.P. , Fernandes José Oliveira
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT:  The present study describes the development and validation of a new method based on a matrix solid‐phase dispersion (MSPD) sample preparation procedure followed by GC‐MS for determination of acrylamide levels in coffee (ground coffee and brewed coffee) and coffee substitute samples. Samples were dispersed in C18 sorbent and the mixture was further packed into a preconditioned custom‐made ISOLUTE bilayered SPE column (C18/Multimode; 1 g + 1 g). Acrylamide was subsequently eluted with water, and then derivatized with bromine and quantified by GC‐MS in SIM mode. The MSPD/GC‐MS method presented a LOD of 5 μg/kg and a LOQ of 10 μg/kg. Intra and interday precisions ranged from 2% to 4% and 4% to 10%, respectively. To evaluate the performance of the method, 11 samples of ground and brewed coffee and coffee substitutes were simultaneously analyzed by the developed method and also by a previously validated method based in a liquid‐extraction (LE) procedure, and the results were compared showing a high correlation between them.
Modelling and Estimation for Bivariate Financial Returns
Authors: Fung Thomas , Seneta Eugene
Published: March 2010

Maximum likelihood estimates are obtained for long data sets of bivariate financial returns using mixing representation of the bivariate (skew) Variance Gamma (VG) and two (skew) t distributions. By analysing simulated and real data, issues such as asymptotic lower tail dependence and competitiveness of the three models are illustrated. A brief review of the properties of the models is included. The present paper is a companion to papers in this journal by Demarta & McNeil and Finlay & Seneta.
Black Immigrants and the Rhetoric of Social Distancing
Authors: Jackson Regine O.
Published: March 2010

This article focuses on the empirical evidence of social distancing in the interdisciplinary literature on black immigrants. I argue that the conventions that have guided popular and scholarly representations of relations between foreign‐born and native‐born blacks have been shaped by seminal writings in sociology. Treating interviews with black immigrants as sites of various kinds of discursive practices, my aim is to illustrate a shift in the expression of social distance that maps onto contemporary ways of talking about race in the US. I argue that social distance rhetoric is an expression of what black immigrants learn about race and ethnicity in American society. This reading challenges the widely held interpretation that social distancing accurately reflects individual subjectivity and collective identity.
Beyond Public Opinion Polls: Punitive Public Sentiment & Criminal Justice Policy
Authors: Frost Natasha A.
Published: March 2010

The punitive turn in criminal justice policy, epitomized by policies like three‐strikes, truth in sentencing, and mandatory minimums, is often attributed in part to demand for harsher criminal justice responses from an increasingly punitive public. It has been argued that public opinion, known to be both largely uninformed and often misunderstood, might both indirectly and directly affect policy. This survey article on punitiveness in public opinion opens with a discussion of competing depictions of the nature of the relationship between a punitive public and increasingly punitive criminal justice policies. The article then focuses on some of the most influential explanations for variations in punitiveness within individuals and across groups. A review of what we know about public attitudes toward punishment and a brief explanation of how we know what we know (e.g. the methodologies by which we gauge public opinion) follow. The article concludes with the observation that as methodologies continue to improve and the literature in this area continues to grow, so too does our understanding of punitive public opinion in all of its complexity.
Planning for climate change in a flood‐prone community: municipal barriers to policy action and the use of visualizations as decision‐support tools
Authors: Burch S. , Sheppard S.R.J. , Shaw A. , Flanders D.
Published: March 2010

Efforts are intensifying to design effective flood management strategies that account for a changing climate and that make use of the wealth of resources and latent capacities associated with action at the local level. Municipalities, however, are subject to a host of challenges and barriers to action, revealing the critical need for sophisticated participatory processes in support of municipal decision‐making under conditions of considerable uncertainty. This paper examines a new process for envisioning local climate change futures, which uses an iterative, collaborative, multistakeholder approach to produce computer‐generated 3‐dimensional images of climate change futures in the flood‐prone municipality of Delta, British Columbia, Canada. The process appeared to forge communicative partnerships, which may improve the legitimacy and effectiveness of the flood management and climate change response discourse in the municipality of Delta, and may lead to locally specific and integrated flood management and climate change response strategies. We concluded that, while an enabling context and normative pressures are clearly integral to effective action, so too is the type and mode of presentation of information about climate futures.