bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of BaTiO3 Thin Films and Microdot Patterns by Halide‐Free Nonaqueous Solution Route
Authors: Wagata Hajime , Taniguchi Takaaki , Gallage Ruwan , Subramani A. K. , Sakamoto Naonori , Watanabe Tomoaki , Yoshimura Masahiro , Matsushita Nobuhiro
Published: November 2009

This paper reports on the fabrication of barium titanate (BaTiO3) thin films using a precursor solution containing Ba and Ti alkoxides. l‐proline was used to prevent the precipitation of Ba and Ti alkoxides in a mixed solvent of ethanol and butylcarbitol under ambient conditions. Analysis of X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectra revealed that the as‐deposited amorphous film crystallized into a tetragonal BaTiO3 phase after annealing at 650°C in air. Scanning electron microscopic observations showed that the BaTiO3 film was free from cracks even after annealing and exhibited good adhesion to the substrate. Because the precursor solution developed was sufficiently stable in air, dot patterning of BaTiO3 was also performed using an inkjet system.
The Effect of Polyvinyl Alcohol on the Microstructure and Permeability of Freeze‐Cast Alumina
Authors: Peko Christopher , Groth Ben , Nettleship Ian
Published: November 2009

This study examined the effect of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) on the microstructure and permeability of freeze‐cast porous alumina. The PVA addition was shown to have a significant effect on the pore size, with the trends in microstructure morphology and scale being qualitatively consistent with the effects of PVA addition on constitutional supercooling. The measured Darcian permeabilities were between 10−10 m2 and 10−12 m2. The permeability decreased as the PVA content increased and a significant fraction of the flow could be attributed to inertial effects.
Application of Non‐Arrhenius Equations in Interpreting Calcium Carbonate Decomposition Kinetics: Revisited
Authors: Chen Haixiang , Liu Naian
Published: November 2009

Thermal decomposition kinetics of calcium carbonate was studied by non‐isothermal thermogravimetric analysis at different heating rates. The reaction mechanism was found to follow a two‐dimensional phase boundary‐controlled model by model‐free and model‐fitting methods. Two non‐Arrhenius equations (Harcourt–Esson equation and Berthelot–Hood equation) were used to interpret the decomposition kinetics and the results were correlated with those by using the Arrhenius equation. The ambiguous operations in kinetic analysis in the literature, including the determination of reaction mechanism by the shape of thermogravimetry/DTG curves and the correlation of the kinetic parameters of non‐Arrhenius and Arrhenius equations, were discussed. Some suggestions were proposed when using non‐Arrhenius equations in interpreting solid decomposition kinetics.
Fabrication of Photonic Optical Fibers from Soft Glasses
Authors: Chillcce Enver F. , Rodriguez Eugenio , Alves Oswaldo L. , Cesar Carlos L. , Mazali Italo O. , Barbosa Luiz C.
Published: November 2009

The stack‐and‐draw technique has been used to fabricate photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) from four different types of soft glass, namely, borosilicate, alkaline, lead, and tungsten–tellurite. The thermophysical properties of the components must be matched in order to produce PCFs from a combination of glass types. Lead/alkaline PCFs could be fabricated without crystallization or fragility problems. Using borosilicate glass alone, PCFs with up to five hollow periodic structures could be formed. With tungsten–tellurite glass, a PCF with one hollow periodic structure and a core doped with Er3+ ions have been produced. The properties of this fiber confirm its potential application in optical amplification or in other active devices.
Emergency Department Surge Capacity: Recommendations of the Australasian Surge Strategy Working Group
Authors: Bradt David A. , Aitken Peter , FitzGerald Gerry , Swift Roger , O’Reilly Gerard , Bartley Bruce
Published: November 2009

For more than a decade, emergency medicine (EM) organizations have produced guidelines, training, and leadership for disaster management. However, to date there have been limited guidelines for emergency physicians (EPs) needing to provide a rapid response to a surge in demand. The aim of this project was to identify strategies that may guide surge management in the emergency department (ED).

A working group of individuals experienced in disaster medicine from the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine Disaster Medicine Subcommittee (the Australasian Surge Strategy Working Group) was established to undertake this work. The Working Group used a modified Delphi technique to examine response actions in surge situations and identified underlying assumptions from disaster epidemiology and clinical practice. The group then characterized surge strategies from their corpus of experience; examined them through available relevant published literature; and collated these within domains of space, staff, supplies, and system operations. These recommendations detail 22 potential actions available to an EP working in the context of surge, along with detailed guidance on surge recognition, triage, patient flow through the ED, and clinical goals and practices. The article also identifies areas that merit future research, including the measurement of surge capacity, constraints to strategy implementation, validation of surge strategies, and measurement of strategy impacts on throughput, cost, and quality of care.
La experiencia neoliberal de América Latina. Políticas sociales y laborales desde el decenio de 1980
Authors: FRAILE Lydia
Published: November 2009

En la presente síntesis analítica de los seis estudios nacionales de este número se sostiene que las políticas sociolaborales inspiradas en el Consenso de Washington — que se difundieron por América Latina durante los decenios de 1980 y 1990 — no dieron casi nunca los frutos previstos. La flexibilización laboral, la descentralización de la negociación colectiva, la privatización de las pensiones y el peso creciente del mercado en la provisión de bienestar social causaron, a menudo, un aumento de la informalidad y las desigualdades y una reducción de la protección social, sin que consiguieran estimular el empleo. Ahora bien, una vez aprendida la lección, las políticas mencionadas parecen estar dejando paso a unas estrategias más equilibradas.
Bolivia, entre el cambio y la inercia. Empleo y bienestar en los últimos veinte años
Authors: WANDERLEY Fernanda
Published: November 2009

Con la llegada alpoder del Movimiento al Socialismo de Evo Morales, Bolivia inauguró en 2006 un nuevo período de su historia. Es una etapa de reformas políticas y económicas guiada por el propósito de superar el modelo neoliberal que imperó en el país desde 1985 y de «refundar» el Estado a tenor de la nueva Constitución elaborada en 2008. La autora analiza los cambios implantados en el régimen laboral y de bienestar social durante los años ochenta y noventa, y los desafíos pendientes para construir una estrategia de desarrollo que potencie el empleo y la equidad.
Persistencia de un modelo social excluyente en México
Authors: BAYÓN María Cristina
Published: November 2009

El giro neoliberal que dieron las políticas laborales y sociales de México a partir de los años ochenta exacerbó la desigualdad, la pobreza y la exclusión social. El cambio de rumbo político acaecido durante la última década no fue acompañado de una revisión crítica del modelo económico ni de sus efectos sociales. El Estado adquiere un rol crecientemente residual en el área social, se profundiza la mercantilización de los servicios sociales y se extiende la provisión informal centrada en la familia. Se ha mantenido con pocos cambios un modelo social que protege casi en exclusiva a la población indigente.
Using water bottles for trapping of Indianmeal moths in stored peanuts
Authors: Nansen Christian , Davidson Dustin , Porter Patrick
Published: November 2009

Sticky traps baited with sex pheromone are the most common trapping devices used in monitoring of moth pests in food warehouses and food processing. However, these traps only capture males, and it is debatable whether captures of male moths can be used as spatio‐temporal indicators of hot spots of conspecific larvae (only larvae are responsible for damage to food products). Water has been documented as highly attractive to stored product moths, and here we present the first performance data on water bottles as monitoring devices. On average, water bottles caught 15 times more Indianmeal moths [Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)] than unbaited sticky traps and 74 times more moths than probe traps. We showed that hole size in water bottles had negligible effect on their trapping performance in a naturally infested peanut warehouse. Experimental evaluation of water loss over time showed that smaller holes dramatically reduced water evaporation (less frequent service required), and detergent can be added to the water to reduce moth decomposition without adversely affecting water attractiveness (trap performance). Trap captures of males and females were linearly correlated, and based on quantitative statistical analysis [Spatial Analysis by Distance IndicEs (SADIE)], we showed that weekly captures of the two sexes were spatially correlated. The applied implications of using water bottles in improved IPM of moths in food facilities are discussed.
Thermal attributes of Chrysomya species
Authors: Nelson Leigh A. , Dowton M. , Wallman J. F.
Published: November 2009

The correct identification of forensically important arthropods for post‐mortem interval estimation is crucial, as the rate of larval development can vary substantially between species. The identification of forensically important blowflies of the genus Chrysomya (Diptera: Calliphoridae) may be hampered by their close morphological similarities, especially as immatures. The aim of this study was to establish whether genetically closely related blowfly species would share similar developmental profiles. This could permit the application of developmental data to a number of closely related species, including those for which thermodevelopmental studies are lacking. If Australian Chrysomya were found to share developmental profiles, identification of the blowfly specimen to a level beyond genus may not be necessary, or at least it may not be necessary to distinguish morphologically similar sister species. The three Chrysomya species studied were collected from the same geographical location (Cairns, Australia), reducing the effects of acclimation and population‐level genetic variation. The experimental conditions in this study were virtually identical, which enabled direct comparisons to be made among the species. Blowfly larval lengths were obtained for 24‐hourly intervals at constant temperatures of 25, 30, and 35 °C. The thermal preferences of newly‐hatched feeding larvae were determined by their positions on a temperature gradient apparatus. This study established that all three species investigated differed significantly in their developmental profiles, despite the genetic closeness of the sister species Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) and Chrysomya saffranea (Bigot). Because of this, genetic distance was not considered to be a useful factor for predicting thermodevelopment profiles of closely related species within a genus, and highlights the necessity for correct species identification.
The combination of thalidomide, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone is potentially useful in highly resistant Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Authors: García‐Sanz R. , González‐López T.J. , Vázquez L. , Hermida G. , Graciani I.F. , San Miguel J.F.
Published: November 2009

Few diseases have a prognosis worse than Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL), patients relapsing after autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Here, we report two highly refractory patients with HL who successfully responded to a combination of thalidomide, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (ThaCyDex). Despite the use of a very large number of different drugs (>5 different schemes) including high‐dose therapy and autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation, both patients proved to be suffering from a highly resistant disease. Fortunately, they finally responded to the ThaCyDex combination, achieving sustained complete remission that would support the running of a trial within this setting.
HLA‐A3‐B14 and the origin of the haemochromatosis C282Y mutation: founder effects and recombination events during 12 generations in a Scandinavian family with major iron overload
Authors: Olsson K. Sigvard , Ritter Bernd , Raha‐Chowdhury Ruma
Published: November 2009

Background:  The haemochromatosis mutation C282Y occurred once in a person who lived in Ireland or Scandinavia and carried either human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐A3‐B7 or A3‐B14. With time, recombinations are believed to have taken place introducing new HLA haplotypes. This evolution is mainly unknown. In this study, we tried to find a founder, possible recombination events and effect on the phenotype in descendants.

Setting:  A Swedish mountain population close to Norway, n = 3529, population density <1/km2.

Methods:  Retrospective genealogy study of HLA haplotypes followed by extended haplotype studies.

Results:  There were 34 probands (22 men, 12 women) where 31 (91%) shared a common founder origin 12 generations ago. The A3‐B14 haplotype was the most common, 39%, in strong linkage disequilibrium (P < 0.0005) with controls, followed by A3‐B7, 20% (P < 0.005), probably resulting from a centromeric recombination replacing the B14 allele with the common B7. Possible telomeric recombinations took place close to HLA‐A and introduced the haplotypes AW19‐B7 (n = 4), AW19‐B27 (2), A1‐B17 (5) and A2‐B12 (4) supported by pedigree studies. Male homozygotes with two copies of HLA‐A3 had significantly (P 0.001) higher mean serum ferritin values than those with one, and liver damage (fibrosis and cirrhosis) was also more common (P < 0.001) than in a population with a recombinant (A1‐B8) haplotype.

Conclusions:  A3‐B14 may well be the ancestral haplotype with A3B7, the result of centromeric recombinations introducing the common B7 allele. Telomeric recombinations were more common than expected. The ancestral HLA‐A3 haplotype may be associated with a more severe phenotypic expression.
Feasibility and efficacy of chronic transfusion for stroke prevention in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Mirre Elsa , Brousse Valentine , Berteloot Laureline , Lambot‐Juhan Karen , Verlhac Suzanne , Boulat Claire , Dumont Marie‐Dominique , Lenoir Gérard , De Montalembert Mariane
Published: November 2009

Objectives:  In children with sickle cell disease (SCD), chronic transfusion to maintain haemoglobin S (HbS) below 30% markedly decreases both the risk of a first stroke when transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography shows abnormal cerebral blood flow velocities and the risk of recurrent stroke. Maintaining HbS below 30% may be difficult, especially in countries where blood donors and recipients belong to different ethnic groups and where the availability of closely matched blood products is limited. We assessed the feasibility and efficacy of chronic transfusion with an HbS target of 30% in children with SCD living in the Paris area.

Methods:  We retrospectively studied 29 children aged 6.8 ± 3.0 yr (3–15 yr) at inclusion who received chronic transfusion either because of abnormal TCD findings (primary prevention group, PPG, n = 17) or because of a previous cerebrovascular event (secondary prevention group, SPG, n = 12 including nine with a history of stroke and three of transient ischaemic attacks).

Results:  Mean follow‐up was 3.5 ± 3.0 yr (0.5–12 yr). No cases of stroke occurred in the PPG. In the SPG, one patient with a history of stroke and severe cerebrovascular disease had a recurrence after 11 yr of chronic transfusion, when the HbS level was 20%. The stroke recurrence rate (SPG group) was 1.6/100 patient‐years. Mean HbS levels before and after transfusion were 30 ± 10% and 20.6 ± 7%, respectively. Two patients acquired red‐cell alloantibodies. Of the 29 patients, 22 required iron chelation.

Conclusions:  Regular transfusion maintaining HbS below 30% is feasible and safe in children with SCD in France and protects from overt stroke.
The effect of daily repeated sedation using ketamine or ketamine combined with medetomidine on physiology and anesthetic characteristics in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Settle T.L. , Rico P.J. , Lugo‐Roman L.A.
Published: November 2009

Background Non‐human primates are frequently sedated to permit handling that can alter physiological values. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of daily serial sedation using ketamine (K) or ketamine combined with medetomidine (KM). We hypothesized KM would reduce observed effects of repeated sedation.

Methods Eight rhesus macaques were anesthetized for three consecutive days. Physiological data were recorded daily at 5‐minute intervals. Time intervals from injection to ataxia, recumbency, first movement and recovery were recorded. Depth of anesthesia was evaluated.

Results Data showed an 11.7% increased heart rate at 5 minutes between the first and third day of injection with K and 17.9% with KM. Time from injection to ataxia increased 13.7% with K and 14.3% with KM. Time to recumbency increased 34.7% with K and 37.1% with KM.

Conclusion These findings demonstrate repeated anesthesia with ketamine can initiate changes suggesting a tolerance effect.
Characterization of Candida parapsilosis infection of an in vitro reconstituted human oral epithelium
Authors: Silva Sónia , Henriques Mariana , Oliveira Rosário , Azeredo Joana , Malic Sladjana , Hooper Samuel J. , Williams David W.
Published: November 2009

Oral candidosis is a common problem in immunocompromised patients, and whilst Candida albicans is regarded as the principal cause of infection, other non‐Candida albicans Candida (NCAC) species are increasingly being recognized as human pathogens. Relatively little is known about the virulence factors associated with NCAC species, and the aim of this study was to use a reconstituted human oral epithelium (RHOE) to examine epithelial infection withCandida parapsilosis. Strains originating from the oral and vaginal mucosa and from the urinary tract were all shown to colonize RHOE in a strain‐dependent manner. Strain differences were found in the colonizing morphology and in the extent of invasion of the RHOE. Low invasion of RHOE was detected for strains after 12 h, whereas extensive tissue damage was evident after 24 h when assessed using histological examination and lactate dehydrogenase activity determination. Tissue damage was reduced in the presence of pepstatin A, although C. parapsilosis invasion of the tissue was not inhibited. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction of secreted aspartyl proteinase (SAP) genes (SAPP1–3) showed that expression was strain dependent, with an increased expression generally occurring for Candida infecting RHOE compared with planktonic equivalents. In summary, C. parapsilosis was not highly invasive of RHOE but did induce significant tissue damage, which could relate to specific SAPgene expression.
Effects of estrogen on genioglossal muscle contractile properties and fiber‐type distribution in chronic intermittent hypoxia rats
Authors: Liu Yue‐Hua , Huang Yan , Shao Xiao
Published: November 2009

Obstructive sleep apnea‐hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a highly prevalent disorder that is characterized by recurrent sleep‐induced collapse of the upper airway. Genioglossus is an important pharyngeal dilator muscle that helps to maintain the patency of the upper airway. The effect of female hormones on pharyngeal dilator muscle activity may be one possible explanation for the differences observed in the prevalence of OSAHS between genders. The aim of this research was to investigate the influence of estrogen on genioglossus activity in rats exposed to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). Eight‐wk‐old female rats were ovariectomized or sham‐operated, received 5‐wk of estrogen replacement therapy, and/or were exposed to CIH. The contractile properties of the genioglossus were measured. ATPase staining was perfomed to determine the per cent fiber‐type distribution and to measure the cross‐sectional area (CSA) of muscle fibers. Myosin heavy chain phenotypes were determined by gel electrophoresis. Chronic intermittent hypoxia reduced the contractile properties of the genioglossus muscle, decreased the CSA of type IIA fibers, and decreased the proportion of myosin heavy chain IIA, and ovariectomy exacerbated this effect. However, estrogen replacement can partially reverse the effect of CIH in ovariectomized rats. It is concluded that a low female hormone level and CIH may increase fatigue and alter genioglossus structure and function, and may compromise the maintenance of upper airway patency, while estrogen may help to reverse this effect.
c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase negatively regulates epidermal growth factor‐induced cyclooxygenase‐2 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Husvik Camilla , Bryne Magne , Halstensen Trond S.
Published: November 2009

Epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐induced cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression in squamous cell carcinomas is mediated through the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 and p38 pathways. Examination of a basaloid and a conventional oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line revealed that inhibition of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) with SP600125 increased EGF‐induced (but not basal) COX‐2 transcription 1.5–1.9‐fold in extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 and p38 pathway‐dependent manners. Although JNK may phosphorylate the cyclosporine A‐sensitive transcription factor, nuclear factor of activated T cells c3, it was seemingly not involved because cyclosporine A did not reduce EGF‐induced COX‐2 expression. Thus, JNK negatively regulated EGF‐induced extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 and/or p38‐mediated COX‐2 transcription, presumably through activating an unidentified phosphatase.
Dental beliefs: factor structure of the revised dental beliefs survey in a group of regular dental patients
Authors: Abrahamsson Kajsa H. , Öhrn Kerstin , Hakeberg Magnus
Published: November 2009

The aim of this study was to investigate the factor structure of the revised dental beliefs survey (DBS‐R) in a group of regular dental patients. The study group consisted of 278 patients (mean age 54 yr), 61% of whom were women. The DBS‐R item mean value was 1.6. Principal component analysis (PCA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed. The initial PCA among the 28 DBS‐R items showed four factors with eigenvalues of > 1 explaining 67% of the total variance. Five different CFA models were tested. The final model revealed a four‐factor solution with one second‐order factor (i.e. a hierarchical CFA). Thus, the latent second‐order variable, ‘dental beliefs’, explains the variance from all DBS‐R items through the four first‐order factors labeled ‘ethics’, ‘belittlement’, ‘communication and empathy’, and ‘control and anxiety’. The results suggest a somewhat different factor structure of DBS‐R than previously reported for dental‐fear patients. Hence, the underlying factor structure of the DBS‐R may differ between different patient groups. The results point towards the use of the original 28‐item DBS‐R and interpreting the scale as measuring an overall construct of ‘dental beliefs’ and thus patients’ attitudes and feelings related to dentists and dentistry.
Soft tissue facial morphometry in subjects with Moebius syndrome
Authors: Sforza Chiarella , Grandi Gaia , Pisoni Luca , Di Blasio Chiara , Gandolfini Mauro , Ferrario Virgilio F.
Published: November 2009

Moebius syndrome is a congenital facial palsy associated with the impairment of ocular abduction. The three‐dimensional characteristics of the facial soft tissues of 12 male and 14 female subjects [3–52 yr of age (mean age + standard deviation: 17 + 14 yr)] were measured using a non‐invasive, computerized system; facial volumes, areas, angles, and distances were computed and compared with those obtained in reference subjects of the same age and gender. When compared with reference subjects, patients with Moebius syndrome had a more prominent and hyperdivergent face in the sagittal plane, a smaller and more prominent upper facial third; a smaller middle facial width; a smaller nose; smaller mandibular volume, depth, corpus length, and ramus height; and a more posterior positioned mandible, with a less prominent chin. In conclusion, patients with Moebius syndrome had a tendency towards a skeletal Class II pattern. These morphological variations may be the combined effect of a general alteration of the motor and sensitive facial nerves, including the trigeminal nerve, and of a maldevelopment of the brainstem.
Four‐year clinical results of fixed dental prostheses with zirconia substructures (Cercon): end abutments vs. cantilever design
Authors: Wolfart Stefan , Harder Sönke , Eschbach Stefanie , Lehmann Frank , Kern Matthias
Published: November 2009

The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of three‐ to four‐unit posterior all‐ceramic fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) made of yttria‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia‐polycrystal ceramic frameworks (CerconBase; Degudent). Fifty‐eight restorations were placed in 48 patients. Twenty‐four FDPs had an end abutment design (EAD) replacing 3 premolars and 21 molars. Thirty‐four FDPs had a cantilever design (CD) replacing 11 premolars and 23 molars. The frameworks had a minimum proximal connector dimension of 3 × 3 mm. The fixed dental prostheses were cemented with glass‐ionomer cement after air‐abrading the inner crown surfaces. Three FDPs were defined as drop‐outs. The mean observation period was 48 ± 7 months for the EAD (21 patients/24 FDPs) and 50 ± 14 months for the CD (25 patients/31 FDPs). The 4‐yr survival rate, according to the Kaplan–Meier analyses, was 96% for the EAD and 92% for the CD. The technical complication rate was 13% for the EAD and 12% for the CD, and the biological complication rate was 21% for the EAD and 15% for the CD. For none of the analyses were significant differences found between both groups. After 4 yr the clinical outcome of three‐ to four‐unit posterior FDPs with EAD and CD was promising.
A retrospective study of intrusive injuries in primary dentition
Authors: Colak Ivana , Markovic Dejan , Petrovic Bojan , Peric Tamara , Milenkovic Ana
Published: November 2009

Abstract –  Objective:  The aim was to evaluate epidemiological aspects of intrusive injuries in primary teeth, extent and severity of injuries, provided treatment, and complications to the primary and permanent dentition.

Methods:  This was a retrospective study based on the clinical and radiographic data of 102 intruded teeth in 70 patients. Follow‐up period varied from 6 months to 6 years, with the mean time of 2.7 ± 1.5 years. Data were collected through dental files and dental trauma forms. The following parameters were analyzed at control examinations: rate of spontaneous re‐eruption, presence of complications, time elapsed between the injury and complication, and possible sequels on permanent successors.

Results:  Mean age of the patients was 2.5 ± 1.3 years. Fifty‐six children were injured because of the fall while walking or running. Most of children had one intruded tooth. Maxillary central incisors were the most frequently injured teeth. Seventy injured teeth were <2 mm intruded. Mean time elapsed from the injury until the professional help was 45.0 ± 67.3 h. Within 2 months after trauma, 48 intruded teeth re‐erupted spontaneously. Crown discoloration occurred in 10 intruded teeth, pulp necrosis was diagnosed in nine cases and pathologic root resorption was found in five injured teeth.

Conclusions:  The most common mechanism of injury was fall. Spontaneous re‐eruption occurred in the majority of intruded primary teeth. In comparison with moderate or severe intrusions, mildly intruded teeth took less time to re‐erupt. Mildly intruded teeth exhibited less complications in comparison with moderately and severely intruded teeth.
Penicillin and vitamin A as possible therapeutic agents in pityriasis rubra pilaris
Authors: Popova Ludmila , Darlenski Razvigor , Tsankov Nikolai
Published: November 2009

Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is a rare skin disorder with versatile clinical presentations. A 62‐year‐old Caucasian woman with progressive erythroderma and classic adult (type I) PRP is presented. Treatment with systemic steroids and methotrexate produced no improvement. Clinical remission was achieved after systemic therapy with penicillin (both intravenous and intramuscular) and vitamin A. The therapy of PRP is reviewed, focusing on a possible infectious genesis of PRP as well as the role of antibiotics in its management.
Induced DNA Damage by Dental Resin Monomers in Somatic Cells
Authors: Arossi Guilherme Anziliero , Lehmann Mauricio , Dihl Rafael Rodrigues , Reguly Maria Luiza , De Andrade Heloisa Helena Rodrigues
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  The present in vivo study investigated the genotoxicity of four dental resin monomers: triethyleneglycoldimethacrylate (TEGDMA), hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA), urethanedimethacrylate (UDMA) and bisphenol A‐glycidylmethacrylate (BisGMA). The Somatic Mutation and Recombination Test (SMART) in Drosophila melanogaster was applied to analyse their genotoxicity expressed as homologous mitotic recombination, point and chromosomal mutation. SMART detects the loss of heterozygosity of marker genes expressed phenotypically on the fly’s wings. This fruit fly has an extensive genetic homology to mammalians, which makes it a suitable model organism for genotoxic investigations. The present findings provide evidence that the mechanistic basis underlying the genotoxicity of UDMA and TEGDMA is related to homologous recombination and gene/chromosomal mutation. A genotoxic pattern can correspondingly be discerned for both UDMA and TEGDMA: their genotoxicity is attributed respectively to 49% and 44% of mitotic recombination, as well as 51% and 56% of mutational events, including point and chromosomal alterations. The monomer UDMA is 1.6 times more active than TEGDMA to induce mutant clones per treatment unit. BisGMA and HEMA had no statistically significant effect on total spot frequencies – suggesting no genotoxic action in the SMART assay. The clinical significance of these observations has to be interpreted for data obtained in other bioassays.
Different Effects of Scopolamine and Inhibition of Prolyl Oligopeptidase on Mnemonic and Motility Functions of Young and 8‐ to 9‐Month‐Old Rats in the Radial‐Arm Maze
Authors: Peltonen Iida , Jalkanen Aaro J. , Sinervä Veijo , Puttonen Katja A. , Männistö Pekka T.
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  Prolyl oligopeptidase (POP) has been connected to memory and mood through regulation of the brain levels of its biologically active peptide substrates and phosphatidylinositol system. This is the first study in a radial‐arm maze of the effects of a single dose of a novel potent prolyl oligopeptidase inhibitor, KYP‐2047 (5 mg/kg, dissolved in 5% Tween 80), on memory and learning of scopolamine‐treated (0.4 mg/kg, dissolved in saline) rats. Habituated (days 1 and 2) and trained (days 3–11) young (3 months) and old (8–9 months) male Wistar rats were given (i) saline + Tween, (ii) saline + KYP‐2047, (iii) scopolamine + Tween or (iv) scopolamine + KYP‐2047 30 min. prior to testing their memory. Food rewards located in four randomly chosen arms of the maze. The rat had 10 min. to find and eat the rewards. Time spent in the maze, visits to each arm and number of eaten rewards were measured. Old rats made generally more errors, spent more time and visited fewer arms per minute in the maze than young rats. The memory‐ and function‐impairing effects of scopolamine were also seen more clearly in old than young rats. KYP‐2047 had no or only a marginal effect on memory of either age group, but when given without scopolamine, it slightly increased the maze motility of young rats and decreased the motility of old rats. In a separate locomotor activity test, KYP‐2047 enhanced the motility of young rats supporting a suggested role of POP in motor functions.
Physiologically Based Modelling and Prediction of Drug Interactions
Authors: Bois Frédéric Y.
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  A major challenge for drug development and environmental or occupational health is the prediction of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions between drugs, natural chemicals or environmental contaminants. This article reviews briefly past developments in the area of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling of interactions. It also demonstrates a systems biology approach to the question, and the capabilities of new software tools to facilitate that development. Individual Systems Biology Markup Language models of metabolic pathways can now be automatically merged and coupled to a template PBPK pharmacokinetic model, using for example the GNU MCSim software. The global model generated is very efficient and able to simulate the interactions between a theoretically unlimited number of substances. Development time and the number of model parameter increase only linearly with the number of substances considered, even though the number of possible interactions increases exponentially.
Impact of Concentrative Nucleoside Transporter 1 Gene Polymorphism on Oral Bioavailability of Mizoribine in Stable Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Naito Takafumi , Tokashiki Shunsuke , Mino Yasuaki , Otsuka Atsushi , Ozono Seiichiro , Kagawa Yoshiyuki , Kawakami Junichi
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  Mizoribine, an immunosuppressive anti‐metabolite, is largely excreted into urine in its unchanged form, and its pharmacokinetics has been considered to be dependent on the glomerular filtration rate. However, the pharmacokinetic disposition of mizoribine has not been fully clarified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic disposition of mizoribine based on polymorphism of concentrative nucleoside transporter (CNT) 1 gene in kidney transplant recipients. Thirty‐four Japanese stable recipients receiving an immunosuppressive regimen containing mizoribine for more than four months after transplantation were enrolled. Each recipient had been receiving a fixed dose of mizoribine for at least one month before enrolment. Oral bioavailability of mizoribine was obtained by dividing its amount in 24‐hr urine by the daily dose. The median and interquartile range of the dose‐normalized plasma concentration of mizoribine at 12 hr (C12) were 6.11 and 3.47–10.9 ng/ml per mg, respectively. The median bioavailability of mizoribine was 44.8%, and interindividual variability was also observed (interquartile range, 37.8–61.5%). The correlation coefficient between creatinine clearance and substitute renal clearance (CLMZ) estimated from the mizoribine C12 was 0.65. The CNT1 G565A allele frequency was 51.5%. The mizoribine bioavailability was significantly lower in 565GA and AA than that in GG (median, 42.0%, 41.4% and 62.4%, respectively). No significant differences were observed in the dose‐normalized C12 of mizoribine and substitute CLMZ between the G565A genotypes. The mizoribine bioavailability was affected by CNT1 G565A in kidney transplant recipients. CNT1 G565A would contribute to interindividual differences in plasma disposition of mizoribine.
A Large Multicenter Outcome Study of Female Genital Plastic Surgery
Authors: Goodman Michael P. , Placik Otto J. , Benson Royal H. , Miklos John R. , Moore Robert D. , Jason Robert A. , Matlock David L. , Simopoulos Alex F. , Stern Bernard H. , Stanton Ryan A. , Kolb Susan E. , Gonzalez Federico
Published: November 2009

Introduction

Female Genital Plastic Surgery, a relatively new entry in the field of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, has promised sexual enhancement and functional and cosmetic improvement for women. Are the vulvovaginal aesthetic procedures of Labiaplasty, Vaginoplasty/Perineoplasty (“Vaginal Rejuvenation”) and Clitoral Hood Reduction effective, and do they deliver on that promise? For what reason do women seek these procedures? What complications are evident, and what effects are noted regarding sexual function for women and their partners? Who should be performing these procedures, what training should they have, and what are the ethical considerations?

Aim

This study was designed to produce objective, utilizable outcome data regarding FGPS.

Main Outcome Measures

1) Reasons for considering surgery from both patient’s and physician’s perspective; 2) Pre-operative sexual functioning per procedure; 3) Overall patient satisfaction per procedure; 4) Effect of procedure on patient’s sexual enjoyment, per procedure; 5) Patient’s perception of effect on her partner’s sexual enjoyment, per procedure; 6) Complications.

Methods

This cross-sectional study, including 258 women and encompassing 341 separate procedures, comes from a group of twelve gynecologists, gynecologic urologists and plastic surgeons from ten centers in eight states nationwide. 104 labiaplasties, 24 clitoral hood reductions, 49 combined labiaplasty/clitoral hood reductions, 47 vaginoplasties and/or perineoplasties, and 34 combined labiaplasty and/or reduction of the clitoral hood plus vaginoplasty/perineoplasty procedures were studied retrospectively, analyzing both patient’s and physician’s perception of surgical rationale, pre-operative sexual function and several outcome criteria.

Results

Combining the three groups, 91.6% of patients were satisfied with the results of their surgery after a 6–42 month follow-up. Significant subjective enhancement in sexual functioning for both women and their sexual partners was noted (p = 0.0078), especially in patients undergoing vaginal tightening/perineal support procedures. Complications were acceptable and not of major consequence.

Conclusions

While emphasizing that these female genital plastic procedures are not performed to correct “abnormalities,” as there is a wide range of normality in the external and internal female genitalia, both parous and nulliparous, many women chose to modify their vulvas and vaginas. From the results of this large study pooling data from a diverse group of experienced genital plastic surgeons, outcome in both general and sexual satisfaction appear excellent.
The International Index of Erectile Function: Development of an Adapted Tool for Use in HIV-Positive Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors: Coyne Katherine , Mandalia Sundhiya , McCullough Sonya , Catalan Jose , Noestlinger Christiana , Colebunders Robert , Asboe David
Published: November 2009

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction is common in HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). A standardized scale is needed to assess erectile function in clinical practice and research studies.

Aim

The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) is a widely accepted tool for assessing erectile function designed for heterosexual men. We modified the tool for MSM. We present an analysis of internal consistency of the questionnaire in an HIV-positive cohort.

Methods

The adapted questionnaire included modified questions within each of the five domains of the IIEF: (i) erectile function, (ii) intercourse satisfaction, (iii) orgasmic function, (iv) sexual desire, and (v) overall satisfaction with sex. MSM at seven European HIV treatment centers completed the questionnaire.

Main Outcome Measures

Responses were analyzed for internal consistency using standardized Cronbach’s alpha values within each of the five domains. A factor analysis was performed to confirm the domain structure of the questionnaire.

Results

Data from 486 MSM were analyzed. The factor analysis supported the domain structure described. Questions about erectile function, orgasmic function, and sexual desire performed well, with Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.82, 0.83, and 0.89, respectively. Questions concerning intercourse satisfaction were less consistent (Cronbach’s alpha 0.55) because frequency of attempts at sexual intercourse did not correlate with other responses. Responses about satisfaction with sex with a regular partner diverged from satisfaction with overall sex life. Frequency of morning erections diverged from other aspects of erectile function, whereas erections with masturbation correlated better.

Conclusions

Internal consistency was high overall. This tool is suitable for HIV-positive MSM and can be used in screening, research, and monitoring treatment response.
Feasability of a Novel Audio-Video Sexual Stimulation System: An Adjunct to the Use of Penile Duplex Doppler Ultrasonography for the Investigation of Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Kuo Yuh-Chen , Liu Shih-Ping , Chen Jyh-Horng , Chang Hong-Chiang , Tsai Vincent F.S. , Hsieh Ju-Ton
Published: November 2009

Introduction

Penile color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) with pharmacotesting has become an important tool for evaluating vascular erectile dysfunction (ED), and audio-visual sexual stimulation (AVSS) has been suggested to be helpful in assisting the performance of CDUS during the examination.

Aim

To investigate the feasibility of using a novel, remotely controllable AVSS system to assist CDUS.

Methods

This prospective randomized cross-over study recruited 60 consecutive ED patients. Each patient received three randomized sessions of CDUS under different conditions—AVSS, intracavernous injection (ICI) of alprostadil 20 microgram, or AVSS plus ICI. Clinical responses (rigidity) and penile vascular parameters including peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), and resistive index (RI) were measured. At the end of the study, patients were asked about how they perceived the AVSS system in generating sexual arousal.

Main Outcome Measures

PSV, EDV, RI, and rigidity.

Results

Fifty-eight ED patients (aged 21–79) underwent 174 sessions of CDUS. The mean PSV and maximal rigidity of patients under ICI alone were significantly greater than those of patients under AVSS alone (48.25 ± 22.78 vs. 36.54 ± 23.25 cm/second and 65.00 ± 23.93% vs. 43.28 ± 31.79%, respectively; both P <0.05). The mean PSV of patients under AVSS plus ICI (55.38 ± 28.81 cm/second) was significantly greater than that of patients under ICI alone (P <0.05), while the mean maximal rigidity (72.50 ± 22.03%) was only marginally greater (P = 0.082). EDV or RI was of no significant difference among the different conditions. Ultrasonographic diagnoses of ED under different conditions varied substantially. Fifty-four (93%) patients considered the AVSS system “very satisfactory” or “satisfactory” in evoking sexual arousal.

Conclusions

The novel, remotely controllable AVSS system is well accepted by patients and, in conjunction with ICI, helps to produce higher PSV for patients undergoing CDUS.
Diabetes Exacerbates the Functional Deficiency of NO/cGMP Pathway Associated with Erectile Dysfunction in Human Corpus Cavernosum and Penile Arteries
Authors: Angulo Javier , González-Corrochano Rocío , Cuevas Pedro , Fernández Argentina , Fuente José M. La , Rolo Francisco , Allona Antonio , Sáenz de Tejada Iñigo
Published: November 2009

Introduction

Diabetic men with erectile dysfunction (ED) are less responsive to therapy with type 5 phosphodiesterase (PDE5) inhibitors. Although an impairment of the nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic guanosin-monophosphate (cGMP) pathway has been shown in diabetic ED vs. non-diabetic ED, the functionality of NO/cGMP pathway in non-diabetic and diabetic ED patients with respect to non-ED patients has not been established.

Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate the function of NO/cGMP signalling in human erectile tissues from ED patients exploring the added impact of diabetes.

Methods

Corpus cavernosum strips (human corpus cavernosum [HCC]) and penile resistance arteries (HPRA) were collected from penile specimens from organ donors (OD) and from diabetic and non-diabetic men with ED undergoing penile prosthesis implantation.

Main Outcome Measures

Relaxations to acetylcholine, electrical field stimulation, sodium nitroprusside, and sildenafil were evaluated in phenylephrine-contracted HCC and norepinephrine-contracted HPRA. cGMP content in HCC was also determined.

Results

The impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxation in HCC and HPRA from ED patients was exacerbated by diabetes (Emax 76.1, 62.9, and 49.3% in HCC and 73.1, 59.8, and 46.0% in HPRA from OD, non-diabetic and diabetic ED, respectively). Hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, or aging did not exert a further impairment of endothelial relaxation among ED patients. Diabetes also causes a further impairment of neurogenic relaxation in HCC and HPRA. The basal and stimulated content of cGMP in HCC was significantly decreased in patients with ED, but specially reduced in diabetic patients. Diabetes clearly impaired PDE5 inhibitor-induced vasodilation of HPRA from ED patients.

Conclusions

ED is related to impaired vasodilation, reduced relaxant capacity, and diminished cGMP content in penile tissue. These alterations are more severe in diabetes and accompany reduced relaxant efficacy of PDE5 inhibition. Thus, an exacerbated reduction of nitric oxide/cGMP signaling could be responsible for ED in diabetic men and would explain their reduced response to treatment.
Nondestructive Characterization of High‐Performance C/SiC‐Ceramics Using X‐Ray‐Computed Tomography
Authors: Hausherr Jan Marcel , Krenkel Walter , Fischer Frank , Altstädt Volker
Published: November 2009

The quality control of ceramic matrix composites (CMC) has always been a challenge due to their anisotropy and inhomogeneity. Using high‐resolution X‐ray computed tomography, these materials can be analyzed in situ during the manufacturing process, providing a three‐dimensional analysis without damaging or modifying the samples. This paper analyzes the three material states CFRP, C/C and C/SiC that occur during the processing of melt‐infiltrated C/SiC composites and describes the changes in morphology occurring after each processing step. In addition, a quantitative porosity and phase‐analysis of the complete volume was performed.
RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF BATTER DOUGH: EFFECT OF EGG LEVEL
Authors: MIGLIORI M. , GABRIELE D. , BALDINO N. , LUPI F.R. , DE CINDIO B.
Published: November 2009

In this study a rheological characterization of batter dough for pudding production is presented. Small amplitude oscillation tests in linear viscoelastic range were performed at different temperatures (from 10 to 76C), and rheological characterization was completed also measuring apparent viscosity, as a function of shear rate and batter surface tension. A physical model based on weak gel behavior was used to asset the mechanical behavior of the material by measuring the three‐dimensional network connectivity and interaction strength. This approach allowed the effect of egg level to be investigated, correlating the changes in mechanical properties to the egg amount in the recipe. It was found that egg affects the rheological response of the material and its level may be adjusted in order to change the mechanical properties at low temperatures (compensating raw ingredients variation). In addition, at high temperature (after baking) some differences arise in network properties and the final structure of the proof may vary as a consequence.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Batter is a widely diffused “liquid‐like” dough, used to produce numerous baked cereal goods. Batter formulation is quite simple and, in addition to flour, egg proteins are added to guarantee the final proof texture. In addition, in some applications raising agents are not used and water is responsible for proof expansion during baking. Therefore a fine control of the rheological properties is requested in order to guarantee bubbles growth and gas retention within a weakly structured system. At industrial level, the control is performed by acting on the protein content (i.e., egg level) aiming at keeping the optimal rheological behavior even in the presence of raw material variability. The rheological characterization of batter at different egg levels may be helpful in order to better understand the effect of protein amount variation on the batter structure as a function of temperature.