bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three year follow-up of an early childhood intervention: is movement skill sustained?
Authors: Zask Avigdor , Barnett Lisa M , Rose Lauren , Brooks Lyndon O , Molyneux Maxine , Hughes Denise , Adams Jillian , Salmon Jo
Published: October 2012

Background

Movement skill competence (e.g. the ability to throw, run and kick) is a potentially important physical activity determinant. However, little is known about the long-term impact of interventions to improve movement skills in early childhood. This study aimed to determine whether intervention preschool children were still more skill proficient than controls three years after a 10 month movement skill focused intervention: ‘Tooty Fruity Vegie in Preschools’.

Methods

Children from 18 intervention and 13 control preschools in NSW, Australia were assessed at ages four (Time1), five (T2) and eight years (T3) for locomotor (run, gallop, hop, leap, horizontal jump, slide) and object control proficiency (strike, bounce, catch, kick, overhand throw, underhand roll) using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2. Multi-level object control and locomotor regression models were fitted with variables time, intervention (yes/no) and a time*intervention interaction. Both models added sex of child and retained if significant, in which case interactions of sex of child with other variables were modelled and retained. SPSS (Version 17.0) was used.

Results

Overall follow-up rate was 29% (163/560). Of the 137 students used in the regression models, 53% were female (n = 73). Intervention girls maintained their object control skill advantage in comparison to controls at T3 (p = .002), but intervention boys did not (p = .591). At T3, there were no longer intervention/control differences in locomotor skill (p = .801).

Conclusion

Early childhood settings should implement movement skill interventions and more intensively target girls and object control skills.
Bax/Mcl-1 balance affects neutrophil survival in intermittent hypoxia and obstructive sleep apnea: effects of p38MAPK and ERK1/2 signaling
Authors: Dyugovskaya Larissa , Polyakov Andrey , Cohen-Kaplan Victoria , Lavie Peretz , Lavie Lena
Published: October 2012

Background

Prolonged neutrophil survival is evident in various cardiovascular and respiratory morbidities, in hypoxic conditionsin-vitroand in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) characterized by nightly intermittent hypoxia (IH). This may lead to persistent inflammation, tissue injury and dysfunction. We therefore investigated by a translational approach the potential contribution of the intrinsic stress-induced mitochondrial pathway in extending neutrophil survival under IH conditions. Thus, neutrophils of healthy individuals treated with IHin-vitroand neutrophils of OSA patients undergoing nightly IH episodesin-vivowere investigated. Specifically, the balance between pro-apoptotic Bax and anti-apoptotic Mcl-1 protein expression, and the potential involvement of p38MAPK and ERK1/2 signaling pathways in the control of Mcl-1 expression were investigated.

Methods

Purified neutrophils were exposed to IH and compared to normoxia and to sustained hypoxia (SH) using a BioSpherix-OxyCycler C42 system. Bax and Mcl-1 levels, and p38MAPK and ERK1/2 phosphorylation were determined by western blotting. Also, Bax/Mcl-1 expression and Bax translocation to the mitochondria were assessed by confocal microscopy in pre-apoptotic neutrophils, before the appearance of apoptotic morphology. Co-localization of Bax and mitochondria was quantified by LSM 510 CarlZeiss MicroImaging using Manders Overlap Coefficient. A paired two-tailedt test,with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons, was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Compared to normoxia, IH and SH up-regulated the anti-apoptotic Mcl-1 by about 2-fold, down-regulated the pro-apoptotic Bax by 41% and 27%, respectively, and inhibited Bax co-localization with mitochondria before visible morphological signs of apoptosis were noted. IH induced ERK1/2 and p38MAPKs phosphorylation, whereas SH induced only p38MAPK phosphorylation. Accordingly, both ERK and p38MAPK inhibitors attenuated the IH-induced Mcl-1 increase. In SH, only p38MAPK inhibition decreased Mcl-1 expression. Similar to neutrophils of healthy subjects exposed to IH (0.97± 0.2), in OSA neutrophils, Bax/Mcl-1 ratio was significantly lower compared to normoxic controls (1.0±0.5 vs.1.99±0.3, p=0.015), and Bax did not co-localize with mitochondria.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that decreased Bax/Mcl-1 balance promotes neutrophil survival in IHin-vitroas well as in OSA patients. Moreover, Bax/Mcl-1 protein function in IH and SH might be regulated by different signal transduction pathways, highlighting a novel regulatory function through ERK1/2 signaling in IH.
Stereophonic hands-free communication system based on microphone array fixed beamforming: real-time implementation and evaluation
Authors: Pirro Matteo , Squartini Stefano , Romoli Laura , Piazza Francesco
Published: October 2012

In this article, the authors propose an optimally designed fixed beamformer (BF) for stereophonic acoustic echo cancelation (SAEC) in real hands-free communication applications. Several contributions related to the combination of beamforming and echo cancelation have appeared in the literature so far, but, up to the authors’ knowledge, the idea of using optimal fixed BFs in a real-time SAEC system both for echo reduction and stereophonic audio rendering is first addressed in this contribution. The employment of such designed BFs allows positively addressing both issues, as the several simulated and real tests seem to confirm. In particular, the stereo-recording quality attainable through the proposed approach has been preliminarily evaluated by means of subjective listening tests. Moreover, the overall system robustness against microphone array imperfections and noise presence has been experimentally evaluated. This allowed the authors to implement a real hands-free communication system in which the usage of the proposed beamforming technique has proven its superiority with respect to the usual two-microphone one in terms of echo reduction, and guaranteeing a comparable spatial image. Moreover, the proposed framework requires a low computational cost increment with regard to the baseline approach, since only few extra filtering operations with short filters need to be executed. Nevertheless, according to the performed simulations, the BF-based SAEC configuration seems to not require the signal decorrelation module, resulting in an overall computational saving.
Effects of over-expression of TLR2 in transgenic goats on pathogen clearance and role of up-regulation of lysozyme secretion and infiltration of inflammatory cells
Authors: Deng Shoulong , Yu Kun , Zhang Baolu , Yao Yuchang , Liu Yufeng , He Haijuan , Zhang Hongtao , Cui Maosheng , Fu Juncai , Lian Zhengxing , Li Ning
Published: October 2012

Background

Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is important to host recognition of invading gram-positive microbes. In goats, these microbes can cause serious mastitis, anthrax, tetanus, and other problems. Transgenic goats constitutively over-expressing TLR2 in many tissues serve as a suitable model for the study of the role of TLR2 over-expression in bacterial clearance.

Results

Capra hircusTLR2 over-expression vector (p3S-LoxP-TLR2) was used to generate transgenic goats by egg microinjection. The integration efficiency was 8.57%. Real-time PCR and immunohistochemical results confirmed that the goats over-expressing the TLR2 gene (Tg) expressed more TLR2 than wild-type goats (WT). Monocyte-macrophages from the bloodstreams of transgenic goats were stimulated with synthetic bacterial lipoprotein (Pam3CSK4) and by the promotion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10 expression in vitro. The oxidative damage was significantly reduced, and lysozyme (LZM) secretion was found to be up-regulated. Ear tissue samples from transgenic goats that had been stimulated with Pam3CSK4 via hypodermic injection showed that transgenic individuals can undergo the inflammation response very quickly.

Conclusions

Over-expression of TLR2 was found to decrease radical damage to host cells through low-level production of NO and MDA and to promote the clearance of invasive bacteria by up-regulating lysozyme secretion and filtration of inflammatory cells to the infected site.
The ASTUTE Health study protocol: Deliberative stakeholder engagements to inform implementation approaches to healthcare disinvestment
Authors: Watt Amber M , Hiller Janet E , Braunack-Mayer Annette J , Moss John R , Buchan Heather , Wale Janet , Riitano Dagmara E , Hodgetts Katherine , Street Jackie M , Elshaug Adam G ,   for the ASTUTE Health study group
Published: October 2012

Background

Governments and other payers are yet to determine optimal processes by which to review the safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of technologies and procedures that are in active use within health systems, and rescind funding (partially or fully) from those that display poor profiles against these parameters. To further progress a disinvestment agenda, a model is required to support payers in implementing disinvestment in a transparent manner that may withstand challenge from vested interests and concerned citizens. Combining approaches from health technology assessment and deliberative democratic theory, this project seeks to determine if and how wide stakeholder engagement can contribute to improved decision-making processes, wherein the views of both vested and non-vested stakeholders are seen to contribute to informing policy implementation within a disinvestment context.

Methods/design

Systematic reviews pertaining to illustrative case studies were developed and formed the evidence base for discussion. Review findings were presented at a series of deliberative, evidence-informed stakeholder engagements, including partisan (clinicians and consumers) and non-partisan (representative community members) stakeholders. Participants were actively facilitated towards identifying shared and dissenting perspectives regarding public funding policy for each of the case studies and developing their own funding models in response to the evidence presented. Policy advisors will subsequently be invited to evaluate disinvestment options based on the scientific and colloquial evidence presented to them, and to explore the value of this information to their decision-making processes with reference to disinvestment.

Discussion

Analysis of the varied outputs of the deliberative engagements will contribute to the methodological development around how to best integrate scientific and colloquial evidence for consideration by policy advisors. It may contribute to the legitimization of broad and transparent stakeholder engagement in this context. It is anticipated that decision making will benefit from the knowledge delivered through informed deliberation with engaged stakeholders, and this will be explored through interviews with key decision makers.
Bone health in children with long–term idiopathic subclinical hypothyroidism
Authors: Di Mase Raffaella , Cerbone Manuela , Improda Nicola , Esposito Andrea , Capalbo Donatella , Mainolfi Ciro , Santamaria Francesca , Pignata Claudio , Salerno Mariacarolina
Published: October 2012

Background

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) is a relatively common condition characterized by a mild persistent thyroid failure. The management of children with SH is still a controversial issue and the decision to treat with L-thyroxine represents a clinical dilemma. Thyroid hormone and TSH play an important role in skeletal growth and bone mineral homeostasis.

Aim

To evaluate whether untreated idiopathic SH may affect bone health in childhood and to compare two different diagnostic tools such as dual-energy X-ray densitometry (DXA) and quantitative ultrasound (QUS).

Patients and Methods

Twenty-five children and adolescents (11 males) aged 9.8 ± 3.5 years (range 4.2-18.7) with untreated idiopathic SH were enrolled in the study. SH was diagnosed on the basis of normal FT4 levels with TSH concentrations between 4.2 and 10 mU/l. Children have been followed for 3.3 ± 0.3 years from the time of SH diagnosis. Twenty-five healthy children, age- and sex-matched, were enrolled as controls. Patients and controls underwent DXA to evaluate lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) and QUS at proximal phalanges of the non-dominant hand to assess bone quality, measured as amplitude-dependent speed of sound (Ad-SoS) and bone transmission time (BTT).

Results

Mean BMD Z-score was −0.4 ± 1.36 in patients and −0.2 ± 1.2 in controls. Mean Ad-SoS Z-score was 0.01 ± 1.0 in patients and 0.1 ± 1.2 in controls and mean BTT Z-score was −0.03 ± 0.8 and 0.04 ± 1.1 respectively. All values were within the normal range, both in patients and in controls. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups.

Conclusion

Bone health, evaluated by lumbar spine DXA and phalangeal QUS, is not impaired in our children, despite long-term duration of idiopathic SH. Data about bone status provided by QUS are comparable to those provided by DXA. Therefore, QUS may represent a good, cheaper and safe screening test for bone evaluation in children with SH.
Circulating tumor cells, disease recurrence and survival in newly diagnosed breast cancer
Authors: Franken Bas , de Groot Marco R , Mastboom Walter JB , Vermes Istvan , van der Palen Job , Tibbe Arjan GJ , Terstappen Leon WMM
Published: October 2012

Introduction

The presence of circulating tumor cells (CTC) is an independent prognostic factor for progression-free survival and breast cancer-related death (BRD) for patients with metastatic breast cancer beginning a new line of systemic therapy. The current study was undertaken to explore whether the presence of CTC at the time of diagnosis was associated with recurrence-free survival (RFS) and BRD.

Methods

In a prospective single center study, CTC were enumerated with the CellSearch system in 30 ml of peripheral blood of 602 patients before undergoing surgery for breast cancer. There were 97 patients with a benign tumor, 101 did not meet the inclusion criteria of which there were 48 patients with DCIS, leaving 404 stage I to III patients. Patients were stratified into unfavorable (CTC ≥1) and favorable (CTC = 0) prognostic groups.

Results

≥1 CTC in 30 ml blood was detected in 15 (15%) benign tumors, in 9 DCIS (19%), in 28 (16%) stage I, 32 (18%) stage II and in 16 (31%) patients with stage III. In stage I to III patients 76 (19%) had ≥1 CTC of whom 16 (21.1%) developed a recurrence. In 328 patients with 0 CTC 38 (11.6%) developed a recurrence. Four-year RFS was 88.4% for favorable CTC and 78.9% for unfavorable CTC (P = 0.038). A total of 25 patients died of breast cancer-related causes and 11 (44%) had ≥1 CTC. BRD was 4.3% for favorable and 14.5% for unfavorable CTC (P = 0.001). In multivariate analysis ≥1 CTC was associated with distant disease-free survival, but not for overall recurrence-free survival. CTC, progesterone receptor and N-stage were independent predictors of BRD in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Presence of CTC in breast cancer patients before undergoing surgery with curative intent is associated with an increased risk for breast cancer-related death.
Phenotypic and functional characterisation of the luminal cell hierarchy of the mammary gland
Authors: Shehata Mona , Teschendorff Andrew , Sharp Gemma , Novcic Nikola , Russell I Alasdair , Avril Stefanie , Prater Michael , Eirew Peter , Caldas Carlos , Watson Christine J , Stingl John
Published: October 2012

Introduction

The organisation of the mammary epithelial hierarchy is poorly understood. Our hypothesis is that the luminal cell compartment is more complex than initially described, and that an understanding of the developmental relationships within this lineage will help in understanding the cellular context in which breast tumours occur.

Methods

We used fluorescence-activated cell sorting along with in vitro and in vivo functional assays to examine the growth and differentiation properties of distinct subsets of human and mouse mammary epithelial cells. We also examined how loss of steroid hormones influenced these populations in vivo. Gene expression profiles were also obtained for all the purified cell populations and correlated to those obtained from breast tumours.

Results

The luminal cell compartment of the mouse mammary gland can be resolved into nonclonogenic oestrogen receptor-positive (ER+) luminal cells, ER+ luminal progenitors and oestrogen receptor-negative (ER-) luminal progenitors. The ER+ luminal progenitors are unique in regard to cell survival, as they are relatively insensitive to loss of oestrogen and progesterone when compared with the other types of mammary epithelial cells. Analysis of normal human breast tissue reveals a similar hierarchical organisation composed of nonclonogenic luminal cells, and relatively differentiated (EpCAM+CD49f+ALDH-) and undifferentiated (EpCAM+CD49f+ALDH+) luminal progenitors. In addition, approximately one-quarter of human breast samples examined contained an additional population that had a distinct luminal progenitor phenotype, characterised by low expression of ERBB3 and low proliferative potential. Parent-progeny relationship experiments demonstrated that all luminal progenitor populations in both species are highly plastic and, at low frequencies, can generate progeny representing all mammary cell types. The ER- luminal progenitors in the mouse and the ALDH+ luminal progenitors in the human appear to be analogous populations since they both have gene signatures that are associated with alveolar differentiation and resemble those obtained from basal-like breast tumours.

Conclusion

The luminal cell compartment in the mammary epithelium is more heterogeneous than initially perceived since progenitors of varying levels of luminal cell differentiation and proliferative capacities can be identified. An understanding of these cells will be essential for understanding the origins and the cellular context of human breast tumours.
Whole blood impedance aggregometry as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of severe sepsis
Authors: Adamzik Michael , Görlinger Klaus , Peters Jürgen , Hartmann Matthias
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Sepsis leads to an activation of the immune system and hemostatis. However, studies on platelet aggregation in severe sepsis using impedance aggregometry have not been performed and the diagnostic and prognostic capabilities are unknown. In the present study we hypothesized that impedance aggregometry findings might serve as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of severe sepsis.

Methods

Eighty patients with severe sepsis and 50 postoperative patients were included in the prospective observational study. Platelet function was determined at the first day of severe sepsis and surgery, respectively, using impedance aggregometry (Multiplate®). Moreover, platelet count, procalcitonin, interleukin 6, C-reactive protein and 30-day mortality were determined.

Results

Compared to postoperative patients, platelet aggregation was significantly reduced in patients with severe sepsis (collagen-test: 70.8 (44.4, 83.2) arbitrary units (A.U.) vs. 26.8 (12.7, 45.8) A.U.; P <0.001; median and quartiles). Furthermore, marked differences in platelet function were observed in survivors and non-survivors of severe sepsis (collagen-test: 33.4 (10.9, 48.8) A.U. vs. 12.4 (6.5, 25.0) A.U.; P = 0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that higher platelet function was associated with a mortality of 10%, while mortality was 40% when platelet function was low (collagen-test; P = 0.002). The odds ratio was 6.0. In both univariate and multivariate analyses (including procalcitonin, IL6, C-reactive protein and platelet count) impedance aggregometry using collagen as the activator proved to be the best and an independent predictor for the diagnosis and prognosis of severe sepsis in critical illness.

Conclusions

In severe sepsis, impedance aggregometry allows better prediction of diagnosis and survival than conventional biomarkers and platelet count.

See related Letter by Hartmann et al.http://ccforum.com/content/17/2/427
Nahuatl and Pipil in Colonial Guatemala: A Central American Counterpoint
Authors: Matthew Laura E. , Romero Sergio F.
Published: October 2012

Nahuatl has often been described as a lingua franca in colonial Central America, but this conclusion has rested on a narrow range of Spanish and Nahuatl-language documents. In this article we broaden the evidentiary base, analyzing a corpus of forty-six Nahuatl documents spanning the years 1549–1666 from Central America. Most of these documents date from the turn of the sixteenth century and are in the Central American Nahuatl dialect of Pipil. Some exhibit incorrect emulations of the Classical Nahuatl of central Mexico, brought to the region by the Spaniards' Nahua allies. Those written in Classical Nahuatl were generally produced in areas of significant Nahua and/or Spanish colonization. We conclude that Nahuatl in colonial Central America was significantly impacted by indigenous Pipil. As a vehicular language, Pipil was as useful as the central Mexican Nahuatl of the invaders, and it developed its own written standard. In general, Nahuatl of all kinds served as a vehicular language in colonial Central America for only about a century after conquest and followed the path of the invaders.
Trade Unions and the ICFTU in the Age of Developmentalism in Brazil, 1953–1962
Authors: Colistete Renato P.
Published: October 2012

This article examines the relations between the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) and its local allies in Brazil during the 1950s and early 1960s. Devised as a tool for uniting non-Communist trade unions worldwide, the ICFTU saw its influence limited by US labor policies toward Latin America and the conditions of labor politics in Brazil, contrary to what happened in Western Europe. The developments on both domestic and international fronts of organized labor had important implications for the political economy of growth and inequality, as the confrontational pattern of labor relations undermined the development of a social compact that could promote economic growth and social reform in postwar Brazil.
Auctions in Markets: Common Outside Options and the Continuation Value Effect
Authors: Lauermann Stephan , Virág Gábor
Published: October 2012

In this paper, we study auctions with outside options provided by future market interaction focusing on the revenue effects of some information revelation policies. We show that auctions with less information revelation may yield higher revenues. In particular, we show that it is never optimal for the auctioneer to reveal information after the auction. Moreover, it is also not optimal to reveal information before the auction unless bidders already have precise information on their own. Our model provides a novel explanation for the prevalence of opaque trading mechanisms, and it offers insights into information sharing in dynamic models of trade. (JEL D44, D83)
The Evolutionary Basis of Time Preference: Intergenerational Transfers and Sex
Authors: Robson Arthur J , Szentes Balazs , Iantchev Emil
Published: October 2012

We consider the evolutionary basis of time discounting with intergenerational transfers. We show that the notion of “reproductive value” from biology provides the utility criterion for a parent to optimize the allocation of resources between transfers to offspring and to promote her own survival. This optimization has a natural dynamic programming formulation. We show that younger individuals may well be “too impatient,” but older individuals “too patient” in accordance with observations. We compare the allocation of resources under sexual reproduction to that where there is asexual reproduction. Sex distorts time discounting; under plausible conditions, sex increases patience. (JEL A12, D91)
Competition, Comparative Performance, and Market Transparency
Authors: Carlin Bruce I , Davies Shaun William , Iannaccone Andrew
Published: October 2012

We study how competition affects market transparency, taking into account that comparative performance is assessed via tournaments and contests. Extending Dye (1985) to a multi-firm setting in which top performers are rewarded, we show that increased competition usually makes disclosure less likely, which lowers market transparency and may decrease per capita welfare. This result appears to be robust to several model variations and as such, has implications for market regulation. (JEL D82, D83, L77, L25)
Extensor carpi radialis longus avulsion: Presentation, treatment rationale and outcome of an unusual fracture
Authors: Turner Sarah , Brewster M B S , Watson J S
Published: October 2012

Avulsion fracture of the base of the second metacarpal is a rare injury due to the stability of the carpometacarpal joints. There are few documented cases in the literature of extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) avulsion. The ECRL avulses from the base of the second metacarpal usually as a result of forced wrist hyperflexion and can be exacerbated with the hand in ulnar deviation. This is often as a result of a fall and the patient usually presents with pain in the region of, and dorsal to, the anatomical snuffbox. The base of the second metacarpal articulates with the base of the third metacarpal, capitate, trapezium and trapezoid. The ECRL has its origin on the lower third of the lateral epicondyle and the supracondylar ridge of the humerus and inserts distally into the base of the second metacarpal. The actions of ECRL are wrist radial deviation and wrist extension, the ECRL imparting a greater moment for radial deviation than the extensor carpi radialis brevis, while the opposite relationship is found for wrist extension. This paper presents the case of a patient with this injury, the diagnostic images, subsequent surgical and therapy management and final outcome.
Endovascular treatment of an anastomotic iliac pseudoaneurysm after surgical aortic repair using a Cardiatis multilayer stent
Authors: Mauri Giovanni , Poretti Dario , Pedicini Vittorio , Lanza Ezio , Brambilla Giorgio
Published: October 2012

The Cardiatis multilayer stent (Cardiatis, Isnes, Belgium) is a cobalt, self-expandable bare stent made of two interconnected layers without any covering that allows a pressure decrease and thrombus formation into an aneurysmal sac, while improving laminar flow in the main artery and surrounding vital branches. We report a case of an anastomotic iliac pseudoaneurysm successfully treated with the deployment of a Cardiatis multilayer stent.
Dynamic conformal arc cranial stereotactic radiosurgery: implications of multileaf collimator margin on dose–volume metrics
Authors: Tanyi J A , Doss E J , Kato, C M , Monaco D L , ZMeng L , Chen Y , Kubicky C D , Marquez C M , Fuss M
Published: October 2012

Objective

The effect of multileaf collimator (MLC) margin on target and normal tissue dose–volume metrics for intracranial stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) was assessed.

Methods

118 intracranial lesions of 83 SRS patients formed the basis of this study. For each planning target volume (PTV), five separate treatment plans were generated with MLC margins of −1, 0, 1, 2 and 3 mm, respectively. Identical treatment planning parameters were employed with a median of five dynamic conformal arcs using the Varian/BrainLab high-definition MLC for beam shaping. Prescription dose (PD) was such that 22 Gy covered at least 95% of the PTV. Dose–volume and dose–response comparative metrics included conformity index, heterogeneity index, dose gradient, tumour control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP).

Results

Target dose heterogeneity decreased with increasing MLC margin (p<0.001); mean heterogeneity index decreased from 70.4±12.7 to 10.4±2.2%. TCP decreased with increasing MLC margin (p<0.001); mean TCP decreased from 81.0±2.3 to 62.2±1.8%. Normal tissue dose fall-off increased with MLC margin (p<0.001); mean gradient increased from 3.1±0.9 mm to 5.3±0.7 mm. NTCP was optimal at 1 mm MLC margin. No unambiguous correlation was observed between NTCP and PTV volume. Plan delivery efficiency generally improved with larger margins (p<0.001); mean monitor unit per centigray of the PD decreased from 3.60±1.30 to 1.56±0.13.

Conclusion

Use of 1 mm MLC margins for dynamic conformal arc-based cranial radiosurgery resulted in optimal tumour control and normal tissue sparing. Clinical significance of these comparative findings warrants further investigation.
Bionanocomposites: Green sustainable materials for the near future
Authors: Shchipunov Yury
Published: October 2012

Bionanocomposites are a novel class of nanosized materials. They contain the constituent of biological origin and particles with at least one dimension in the range of 1–100 nm. There are similarities with nanocomposites but also fundamental differences in the methods of preparation, properties, functionalities, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and applications. The article includes two parts. Bionanocomposite definition and classification along with nanoparticles, biomaterials, and methods of their preparation are initially reviewed. Then, novel approaches developed by our team are presented. The first approach concerns the preparation of bionanocomposites from chitosan and nanoparticles. It is based on the regulated charging of polysaccharide by the gradual shift of solution pH. When charges appear, the biomacromolecules come into the electrostatic interactions with negatively charged nanoparticles that cause the jellification of solutions. It is also applied to form films. They have a nacre-like structure from stacked planar nanoparticles separated by aligned biomacromolecules. The second approach deals with the biomimicking mineralization of biopolymers by using a novel silica precursor. Its advantage over the current sol-gel processing is in the compatibility and regulation of processes and structure of generated silica. Another example of the mineralization is presented by titania. Syntheses are performed in anhydrous ethylene glycol. Processes and structure of bionanocomposites are regulated by water that is added in an amount to only hydrate functional groups in the carbohydrate macromolecule.
Calcite distribution and orientation in the tergite exocuticle of the isopods Porcellio scaber and Armadillidium vulgare (Oniscidea, Crustacea)
Authors: Seidl Bastian H. M. , Reisecker Christian , Hild Sabine , Griesshaber Erika , Ziegler Andreas
Published: October 2012

The crustacean cuticle is a bio-composite consisting of hierarchically organized chitin-protein fibres, reinforced with calcite, amorphous calcium carbonate and phosphates. Comparative studies revealed that the structure and composition of tergite cuticle of terrestrial isopods is adapted to the habitat of the animals, and to their behavioural patterns to avoid predation. In this contribution we use FE-SEM, polarized SCμ-RSI and EBSD to investigate micro- and nano-patterns of mineral phase distribution and crystal orientation within the tergite cuticle of the two terrestrial isopod speciesArmadillidium vulgareandPorcellio scaber. The results show that the proximal regions of the exocuticle contain both calcite and ACC, with ACC located within the pore canals. Calcite forms hierarchically organised mesocrystalline aggregates of similar crystallographic orientation. Surprisingly,c-axis orientation preference is horizontal in regard to the local cuticle surface for both species, in contrast to mollusc and brachiopod shell structures in which thec-axis is always perpendicular to the shell surface. The overall sharpness of calcite crystal orientation is weak compared to that of mollusc shells. However, there are considerable differences in texture sharpness between the two isopod species. In the thick cuticle of the slow-walkingA. vulgarecalcite is more randomly oriented resulting in more isotropic mechanical properties of the cuticle. In contrast, the rather thin and more flexible cuticle of the fast- runningP. scabertexture sharpness is stronger with a preference ofc-axis orientation being parallel to the bilateral symmetry-plane of the animal, leading to more anisotropic mechanical properties of the cuticle. These differences may represent adaptations to different external and/or internal mechanical loads the cuticle has to resist during predatory attempts.
Microcomputed Tomography and Histologic Analysis of a Maxillary Implant Retrieved 19 Months After Placement and Indirect Sinus Augmentation With Biphasic Calcium Phosphate: A Case Report
Authors: Verket Anders , Lyngstadaas S. Petter , Rønold Hans J. , Wohlfahrt J. Caspar
Published: October 2012

Introduction: Implant osseointegration in regenerated bone and the resorptive outcome of graft materials are major clinical concerns.

Case Presentation: A 40‐year‐old female patient underwent an indirect maxillary sinus augmentation with biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) in conjunction with implant placement. Because of implant fracture, the implant and adjacent tissues were excised with a trephine bur 19 months after placement. The biopsy with the implant in place was analyzed by microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT) and histology. Marginal bone loss of the implant was evident, particularly on the fractured side. The graft particles were predominantly integrated in bone. Resorption lacunae were observed in the marginal bone area, but were not observed on the surface of the graft particles. Graft particles without contact to bone were observed coronal to the most coronal level of bone‐to‐implant contact, presumably exfoliated after marginal bone resorption. Of the total peri‐implant volume, 20.5% was residual graft material and 62.5% was bone according to the micro‐CT analysis. The histomorphometry demonstrated 30.4% residual graft material and 46.8% bone of the total peri‐implant area. The percentage of bone‐to‐implant contact was 60.3% when counting the total vertical implant perimeter.

Conclusions: The BCP particles were mostly embedded in new bone, and the implant was clinically and histologically osseointegrated. This case report suggests that BCP graft material may not resorb during inflammation, resulting in exfoliation from the grafted compartment.
Progression of Osteogenic Cell Cultures Grown on Microtopographic Titanium Coated With Calcium Phosphate and Functionalized With a Type I Collagen‐Derived Peptide
Authors: Pereira Karina K.Y. , Alves Olívia C. , Novaes Arthur B. , de Oliveira Fabíola S. , Yi Ji‐Hyun , Zaniquelli Osvaldo , Wolf‐Brandstetter Cornelia , Scharnweber Dieter , Variola Fabio , Nanci Antonio , Rosa Adalberto L. , de Oliveira Paulo T.
Published: October 2012

Background: The functionalization of metallic surfaces aims at promoting the cellular response at the biomaterial–tissue interface. This study investigates the effects of the functionalization of titanium (Ti) microtopography with a calcium phosphate (CaP) coating with and without peptide 15 (P‐15), a synthetic peptide analog of the cell‐binding domain of collagen I, on the in vitro progression of osteogenic cells.

Methods: Sandblasting and acid etching (SBAE; control) Ti microtopography was coated with CaP, enabling the loading of two concentrations of P‐15: 20 or 200 μg/mL. A machined Ti was also examined. Rat calvarial osteogenic cells were cultured on Ti disks with the surfaces mentioned above for periods up to 21 days (n = 180 per group).

Results: CaP coating exhibited a submicron‐scale needle‐shaped structure. Although all surfaces were hydrophobic at time zero, functionalization increased hydrophilicity at equilibrium. Microtopographies exhibited a lower proportion of well‐spread cells at 4 hours of culture and cells with long cytoplasmic extensions at day 3; modified SBAE supported higher cell viability and larger extracellular osteopontin (OPN) accumulation. For SBAE and modified SBAE, real‐time polymerase chain reaction showed the following results: 1) lower levels for runt‐related transcription factor 2 at 7 days and for bone sialoprotein at days 7 and 10 as well as higher OPN levels at days 7 and 10 compared to machined Ti; and 2) higher alkaline phosphatase levels at day 10 compared to day 7. At 14 and 21 days, modified SBAE supported higher proportions of red‐dye‐stained areas (calcium content).

Conclusion: Addition of a CaP coating to SBAE Ti by itself may affect key events of in vitro osteogenesis, ultimately resulting in enhanced matrix mineralization; additional P‐15 functionalization has only limited synergistic effects.
Plasma Rich in Growth Factors Promotes Bone Tissue Regeneration by Stimulating Proliferation, Migration, and Autocrine Secretion in Primary Human Osteoblasts
Authors: Anitua Eduardo , Tejero Ricardo , Zalduendo Mari Mar , Orive Gorka
Published: October 2012

Background:Alveolar bone loss can be a major clinical concern affecting both functionality and esthetics. Osteoblasts are the main cells charged with the repair and regeneration of missing bone tissue. Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) allows delivery of a cocktail of proteins and growth factors that promote wound healing and tissue regeneration to the site of injury. This study tests the effect of this endogenous regenerative technology to stimulate alveolar osteoblast bone‐forming potential.

Methods:Primary human osteoblasts were retrieved from alveolar bone of patients undergoing oral surgery. Cell proliferation was evaluated, and culture inserts and permeable transwell supports were used to assess cell migration and chemotaxis. The expression of differentiation markers was quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:PRGF succeeded in increasing proliferation, migration, and chemotaxis of osteoblasts. Also, PRGF significantly enhanced the autocrine expression of two relevant proangiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor, and three markers of osteoblastic activity, procollagen I, osteocalcin, and alkaline phosphatase.

Conclusion:The results indicate that PRGF can stimulate some of the biologic processes of the main cells responsible for bone regeneration and help support the positive clinical outcomes that have been reported with this technology.
Use of a Collagen Membrane Loaded With Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein‐2 With Collagen‐Binding Domain for Vertical Guided Bone Regeneration
Authors: Lai Chun‐Hua , Zhou Lei , Wang Zhong‐Lei , Lu Hai‐Bin , Gao Yan
Published: October 2012

Background: Vertical bone regeneration of severe atrophic alveolar ridges remains a challenging procedure in implant dentistry.

Methods: The aim of this study, accordingly, is to use a rabbit vertical guided bone regeneration model to evaluate whether using a collagen membrane (CM) loaded with small doses of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 with collagen‐binding domain (rhBMP‐2/CBD) would enhance two‐way vertical bone regeneration. In each of eight rabbits, four titanium cylinders were screwed in perforated slits made into the external cortical bones of the calvaria. The following four treatment modalities were randomly allocated: 1) cylinders filled with mineralized bone matrix and covered with CM/rhBMP‐2/CBD; 2) cylinders filled with mineralized bone matrix and covered with CM/rhBMP‐2; 3) cylinders filled with mineralized bone matrix and covered with CM alone; or 4) cylinders filled with mineralized bone matrix without a membrane cover.

Results: After 6 weeks, the new bones were examined by histologic analysis. Slender new bone trabeculae were observed in the superficial layer of the titanium cylinders covered with CM/rhBMP‐2/CBD, and higher degrees of bone were observed in this group compared with the other three groups. The average area fraction of newly formed bone was significantly more in the CM/rhBMP‐2/CBD group compared with the CM/rhBMP‐2, CM, or the no membrane control groups (all P <0.01).

Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that CMs loaded with small doses of rhBMP‐2/CBD induce new bone formation not only from the surface of the native bone, but also from the superficial structures. The augmented new bone, therefore, is improved in both quantity and quality.
Egg quality of Japanese quail in Serbia (Coturnix coturnix japonica)
Authors: Djukic-Stojcic Mirjana , Milosevic N. , Peric L. , Jajic I. , Tolimir N.
Published: October 2012

In the last years Japanese quail (Conturnix coturnix japonica) is becoming
more popular as a source of meat and eggs. Information on egg quality
characteristics has been limited mostly to chicken eggs. The aim of this
paper is to enhance the knowledge on the quality of quail eggs. In this study
external and internal quality traits of quail eggs from three different
commercial farms will be presented. For egg mass, shape index, shell
thickness, shell mass no significant difference was found between farms. For
yolk colour, yolk and albumen mass, statistically significant differences
were found between the three farms. The difference in shell breaking strength
between farms A and B was not significant and significant differences were
found between eggs from farm C. Yolk, albumen and shell percentage were in
the same relation as the mass of these parameters. The worst albumen quality
was recorded in eggs from farm A. The parameters yolk colour, Haugh Unit and
egg proportions (albumen, yolk and shell) do not differ between chicken and
quail eggs. On the other hand, parameters which differ are egg mass (about
five times smaller at quail eggs), shape index, shell breaking strength and
shell thickness, which was to be expected. The external and internal egg
quality traits of quail eggs from three farms in Serbia do not differ from
the results of quality traits from other countries. On the other hand, this
investigation contributes the development of science, because it includes
some parameters, which have so far not been published in literature by other
researchers from this area.
The effect of feed wetting and fermentation on the performance of broiler chick
Authors: Uchewa E.N. , Onu P.N.
Published: October 2012

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of feed wetting and
fermented feed on the performance of broiler chicks. Four experimental diets
were used in the study. Diet 1, was a conventional commercial broiler starter
feed. Diet 2 was a commercial broiler starter feed in a 1:1.2 dilution with
water. Diet 3, was a water diluted commercial feed inoculated with Bactocell?
and fermented for 24 hours at 35oC in an incubator. Diet 4 was fermented feed
add with 6% copper sulphate solution at the rate of 1ml to 10g of feed, to
then incubated for 24 hours. 180 day old Anak 2000 broiler chicks were
randomly assigned to the four experimental diets in a completely randomized
design (CRD). Each treatment group was replicated four times with 15 birds
per replicate. Results showed that feed intake and weight gain were
significantly higher (P<0.05) in birds fed fermented feed and non-fermented
liquid diets. Birds fed dry feed consumed significantly (P<0.05) more water
than those on liquid feed. Birds receiving liquid feed (fermented and
non-fermented) showed significantly (P<0.05) superior feed conversion ratio
over the group fed dry feed. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference
between the birds fed liquid diets in all the response parameters measured.
The results also indicated that the treatments had no significant effect on
the carcass characteristics of the birds. The results of this experiment
showed that feeding fermented and unfermented liquid diets improved the
performance of the birds.
Heritability and connections of sow fertility traits
Authors: Popovac M. , Radojkovic D. , Petrovic M. , Mijatovic M. , Gogic M. , Stanojevic D. , Stanisic N.
Published: October 2012

Purpose of this paper was to determine fertility traits heritability
coefficients of the sows (number of live born, total number of born,
stillborn and reared piglets in the litter) and interconnections between
these traits. Heritability coefficients were low and averaged in interval
from h2 = 0,056 for number of reared piglets in litter to h2 = 0,142 for
total number of born piglets in litter, which is in accordance with
heritability values for reproductive traits. Genetic interconnections of
these traits had wide variation interval and averaged from r = - 0,221
between number of still born and reared piglets in litter to r = 0,947
between total number of born and number of live born piglets in litter.
Coefficients of phenotype correlation varied in interval from r = -0,162
between number of still born and number of live born piglets in litter to r =
0,909 between total number of born and number of live born piglets in litter.
Results of the biological test of simmental bulls in central Serbia
Authors: Niksic Dragan , Pantelic V. , Ostojic-Andric D. , Perisic P. , Petricevic M. , Djedovic R. , Lazarevic M.
Published: October 2012

Exceptionally important aspect in cattle production, from the aspect of
production and economy, is ensuring normal and regular fertility. Every
cattle breeder wants to have high-yielding animals which at the same time
have good fertility. In proper cattle breeding this means that from each cow
during single year one healthy calf is obtained. Use of artificial
insemination has enabled that one breeding male is used as sire for several
tens of thousands of progeny, however, there is always the risk that sires
could be carriers of lethal and semi-lethal genes, which can cause huge
losses of calves. In order to bring these undesirable occurrences to a
minimum, so called bilogical test is included in the breeding and selection
activities, i.e. bulls are tested through their progeny for presence of
difficult calving (dystocia) abd calf losses caused by genetic anomalies. In
Republic of Serbia, this test is carried out on ehtire Simmental population
in an exchange of data produced by primary breeding organizations. Per each
tested bull, it is necessary to have data on minimum 50 randomly selected
calves. Calves are examined visually 65 days after the birth, at the latest.
In the present study, the results of the biological testing of 35 Simmental
bulls, sires of total 3572 calves on the territory of Central Serbia, in the
period 2008-2009, are used. The effect of sires on parameters of biological
test were studied: body mass of calves at birth, calf score and calving
score. Also, bulls were ranked based on said parameters, male/female calves
ratio and percentage of twins and still-born calves for each bull
individually were determined. After the rank of bulls was established, the
correlation between the rank and studied fertility traits was determined.
Correlations were expressed using the Spearman coefficient. Research results
show that the effect of bulls was very high p<0,001 on all three parameters
of the biological test, and also that the percentage of still born calves for
all bulls was within limits, with the exception of bulls Zahlo (HB 1497) and
Woz (HB 1433) where it was above 5.
Studies on wings symmetry and honey bee races discrimination by using standard and geometric morphometrics
Authors: Abou-Shaara H.F. , Al-Ghamdi A.A.
Published: October 2012

Morphometric is an essential tool for honey bee races discrimination and
characterization. Such vital tool has been applied widely in honey bee
researches. Unfortunately there is no available literature for confirming
honey bee wings symmetry. Therefore, standard and geometric morphometric
analyses were employed for investigating wings symmetry as well as for
discriminating between Carniolan and Yemeni honey bees. Moreover, three
angles of hind wings (H1, H2 and H3) were evaluated in the discrimination
between the two races. Results of morphometric analyses strongly confirmed
the symmetry of honey bee wings. Standard and geometric morphometric analyses
successfully discriminate between the two races. Hind wing length and angle
H3 could be incorporated in honey bee races discrimination.