bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The oral health needs of children after treatment for a solid tumour or lymphoma
Authors: HUTTON ALISON , BRADWELL MOIRA , ENGLISH MARTIN , CHAPPLE IAIN
Published: December 2009

Background.  With increasing survival rates for childhood cancer, late effects are of growing importance. Oral health is central to general health, level of nutrition, quality of life, and is significant in the holistic care of children during cancer therapy.

Hypothesis.  The oral health needs of children treated for solid tumours/lymphoma will be greater than the general population, groups will differ according to tumour and treatment.

Design.  One hundred and twenty patients, 0–17 years, under follow‐up from 01/07/06 to 07/02/07 were investigated for caries, opacities, microdontia, and gingivitis. Analysis was performed with stratification according to tumour and treatment. Comparisons made with the UK 2003 Child Dental Health Survey.

Results.  The neuroblastoma group and high‐dose chemotherapy with stem‐cell rescue (HDCSCR) therapy group had increased caries of the primary teeth. Chi‐squared analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship (P < 0.03) between the age at receipt of chemotherapy (<3.5 years) and the presence of microdont teeth.

Conclusion.  Oral health care is important for all patients particularly those with a neuroblastoma, or who received HDCSCR. Patients should be advised about the possibility of microdontia in the permanent dentition following chemotherapy under 3.5 years.
Evaluation of mandibular infiltration versus mandibular block anaesthesia in treating primary canines in children
Authors: YASSEN GHAETH H.
Published: December 2009

Objective.  The objectives of this study were to determine the effectiveness of mandibular infiltration compared with mandibular block in treating primary canines in children and to relate the effectiveness to the type of treatment performed.

Methods.  A total of 89 children, 6–9 years old, requiring identical treatment on contralateral mandibular canines were selected. The split mouth study design was used. The anaesthetic used in both techniques was 2% lidocaine solution with 1 : 80,000 epinephrine. Dental procedures included class III, IV, and V restorations, formocresol pulpotomies, and extractions. Child’s pain reaction and behaviour for each anaesthesia technique and the type of treatment were rated at certain intervals of treatment using sounds, motor, and ocular changes indicating pain and the Frankl Behaviour Rating Scale. Evaluations were made upon injection, probing, rubber dam placement, and during tooth preparation and extraction.

Results.  No statistically significant difference was found between the two anaesthetic techniques for either pain or behaviour at all evaluation intervals (P > 0.05), during the performance of restorations, pulpotomies, or during extractions.

Conclusions.  Mandibular infiltration anaesthesia is as effective as mandibular block for restoration, pulpotomy, and extraction in primary canines. The mandibular infiltration anaesthesia was not significantly less painful than the mandibular block.
RseA, the SigE specific anti‐sigma factor of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is inactivated by phosphorylation‐dependent ClpC1P2 proteolysis
Authors: Barik Subhasis , Sureka Kamakshi , Mukherjee Partha , Basu Joyoti , Kundu Manikuntala
Published: December 2009

Central to the response of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to environmental stress is the regulation of genes under the control of alternative sigma factors. Sigma E of M. tuberculosis plays an important role in the intracellular life of the bacterium and regulates several genes which are important for maintaining the integrity of the cell envelope stress. This makes it important to understand how SigE is activated under stress. Here we elucidate the mechanisms regulating interaction of SigE with its cognate anti‐sigma factor RseA. Cysteines 70 and 73 are required for redox‐dependent interaction of RseA with SigE. Under surface stress, PknB‐dependent phosphorylation of RseA on T39 is required for its cleavage by ClpC1P2 thereby activating the SigE regulon. Rv2745c (MSMEG_2694), a transcriptional regulator, activates the clp regulon in response to vancomycin‐induced stress. Taken together with the previous report that Rv2745c is activated by SigE, our study uncovers a positive feedback loop that activates the sigE regulon under envelope stress.
Identification and characterization of the aspartate chemosensory receptor of Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Hartley‐Tassell Lauren E. , Shewell Lucy K. , Day Christopher J. , Wilson Jennifer C. , Sandhu Randeep , Ketley Julian M. , Korolik Victoria
Published: December 2009

Campylobacter jejuni is a highly motile bacterium that responds via chemotaxis to environmental stimuli to migrate towards favourable conditions. Previous in silico analysis of the C. jejuni strain NCTC11168 genome sequence identified 10 open reading frames, tlp1‐10, that encode putative chemosensory receptors. We describe the characterization of the role and specificity of the Tlp1 chemoreceptor (Cj1506c). In vitro and in vivo models were used to determine if Tlp1 had a role in host colonization. The tlp1‐ isogenic mutant was more adherent in cell culture, however, showed reduced colonization ability in chickens. Specific interactions between the purified sensory domain of Tlp1 and l‐aspartate were identified using an amino acid array and saturation transfer difference nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Chemotaxis assays showed differences between migration of wild‐type C. jejuni cells and that of a tlp1‐ isogenic mutant, specifically towards aspartate. Furthermore, using yeast two‐hybrid and three‐hybrid systems for analysis of protein–protein interactions, the cytoplasmic signalling domain of Tlp1 was found to preferentially interact with CheV, rather than the CheW homologue of the chemotaxis signalling pathway; this interaction was confirmed using immune precipitation assays. This is the first identification of an aspartate receptor in bacteria other than Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium.
Development of an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for detection of circulating IgG autoantibodies against canine desmoglein 3 in dogs with pemphigus
Authors: Nishifuji Koji , Tamura Kei , Konno Hitomi , Olivry Thierry , Amagai Masayuki , Iwasaki Toshiroh
Published: December 2009

Pemphigus, a group of autoimmune blistering dermatoses recognized in humans and dogs, is divided into three subgroups: pemphigus vulgaris (PV), pemphigus foliaceus (PF) and paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP). Previously, we have demonstrated that circulating anti‐desmoglein 3 (Dsg3) IgG in dogs with PV and PNP disrupts Dsg3‐mediated keratinocyte cell–cell adhesion. The aim of this study was to develop an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of circulating IgG against canine Dsg3 in dogs with pemphigus. A secreted form of recombinant protein representing the entire extracellular domain of canine Dsg3 (cDsg3) was produced by baculovirus expression and used as the coated antigen in the ELISA. The titre of anti‐cDsg3 ELISA was significantly higher in canine PV (n = 14) than that in healthy dogs (n = 44) (P < 0.05). Of the canine PV and PNP sera, 11/14 (79%) canine PV sera and the canine PNP serum were positive in the anti‐cDsg3 ELISA. On the other hand, 14/37 (38%) sera from canine PF and 9/18 (50%) sera from canine autoimmune subepidermal bullous dermatoses were positive in the ELISA. Circulating IgG against cDsg3 was not recognized in dogs with superficial pyoderma (n = 5), atopic dermatitis (n = 8), or in healthy dogs (n = 44). Moreover, IgG immunoreactivity against cDsg3 in all 21 sera was completely absorbed by preincubation with cDsg3. These findings altogether suggest that the anti‐cDsg3 ELISA can be used as a rapid screening test for the detection of circulating anti‐Dsg3 IgG autoantibodies in canine pemphigus.
Canine epitheliotropic cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma: an investigation of T‐cell receptor immunophenotype, lesion topography and molecular clonality
Authors: Moore Peter F. , Affolter Verena K. , Graham Petra S. , Hirt Barbara
Published: December 2009

Canine epitheliotropic cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a spontaneous neoplasm of the skin and mucous membranes of aged dogs. The WHO classification of tumours of haematopoietic and lymphoid tissues in human beings recognizes three forms of cutaneous epitheliotropic CTCL: mycosis fungoides (MF), Sézary syndrome and pagetoid reticulosis. In this series of dogs (n = 56), there were 39 cases of MF, 16 cases of pagetoid reticulosis and a single case of Sézary syndrome. Epitheliotropic T cells in CTCL lesions expressed CD8 in 44 of 55 dogs (80%) assessed; neither CD4 nor CD8 was expressed in the remainder. This contrasts with human MF in which αβ T‐cell receptors (TCR) and CD4 are dominantly expressed. Molecular clonality assessment of canine epitheliotropic CTCL utilizing PCR primers specific for canine TCR gamma (TCRG) was performed. Of the 45 canine cases assessed, TCRG monoclonality was detected in 36 cases (80%). TCR typing of canine epitheliotropic CTCL revealed that TCRγδ was expressed in 60% of cases, including all cases of canine pagetoid reticulosis assessed. Either muco‐cutaneous junctions or tissues of the oral cavity were the sites of lesions in 32 dogs (57%) with epitheliotropic CTCL. Analysis of the topography of lesions revealed an association with TCR type. If epitheliotropic CTCL lesions occurred in both locations, T cells were more likely to express TCRγδ (γδ : αβ = 2.0). These data establish that canine skin trafficking T cells have a far wider range than previously thought; this includes tongue, gingival, buccal and palatine mucosae.
Risk of colonization or gene transfer to owners of dogs with meticillin‐resistantStaphylococcus pseudintermedius
Authors: Frank Linda A. , Kania Stephen A. , Kirzeder Elizabeth M. , Eberlein Laura C. , Bemis David A.
Published: December 2009

To determine the zoonotic risk from meticillin‐resistant staphylococcal species or transfer of resistance genes between dogs with pyoderma and their owners, 25 dog–owner pairs were studied. Cultures were obtained from the dog’s lesions and the owner’s nasal cavity on the initial visit.Staphylococcusisolates were identified and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed by the Kirby‐Bauer disk diffusion method. Presence of themecAgene was determined by PCR. Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome (SCCmec) typing was performed by multiplex PCR. Eighteen dogs had a meticillin‐resistant staphylococcal species, with meticillin‐resistantS. pseudintermedius(MRSP) isolated from 15 dogs. MRSP was isolated from two owners of dogs with MRSP skin infections. Both organisms had the same susceptibility pattern and SCCmectype. MRSP was not isolated from the owners after treating both dogs for 1 month. At least one coagulase‐negativeStaphylococcusspp. (CoNS) was isolated from each owner, with meticillin resistance found in 16 (64%) of the isolates. ThemecAgene was identified in all but two of the meticillin‐resistantStaphylococcusspp. Multiplex PCR identified SCCmectype V in all MRSP. ThemecAgene‐possessing CoNS isolates from owners contained either SCCmectype IVa or IVc. In conclusion, MRSP colonization of owners appeared to be uncommon and transient. Human nasal carriage of meticillin‐resistant CoNS was common, but the SCCmectypes were different from those in the canine MRSP isolates. Owners do not appear to be at great risk of zoonotic transfer of organisms or antimicrobial resistance genes from dogs with MRSP infections, but the findings should be confirmed with a much larger cohort.
Cutaneous vasculitis in equines: a retrospective study of 72 cases
Authors: White Stephen D. , Affolter Verena K. , Dewey Jennifer , Kass Philip H. , Outerbridge Catherine , Ihrke Peter J.
Published: December 2009

Cutaneous vasculitis was identified by histopathological findings in 72 equines. The most frequent clinical findings were crusts/scales and oedema of the legs with the most common underlying disease being photo‐aggravated dermatitis. Common laboratory findings were anaemia, neutrophilia, hyperglycaemia and hyperglobulinaemia. Histopathological patterns were most commonly cell‐poor and lymphocytic/histiocytic. While statistically supported treatment recommendations could not be made due to the large numbers of confounding factors, trimethoprim‐sulfa antibiotics, corticosteroids, and/or resolution or control of the underlying disease process were the most common treatment modalities.
Biomechanical and molecular characteristics of hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia in Quarter Horses
Authors: Grady Jesse G. , Elder Steven H. , Ryan Peter L. , Swiderski Cyprianna E. , Rashmir‐Raven Ann M.
Published: December 2009

Hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA) is an autosomal recessive skin disorder that has yet to be fully characterized. HERDA is predominately expressed in Quarter Horses, with the majority of these disseminating from elite cutting horse bloodlines, leading to the increased incidence of HERDA in recent years. Affected horses have loose, hyper‐extensible, fragile skin and are frequently euthanized due to poor wound healing and disfiguring scars. This study sought to better characterize HERDA by analysis of the biomechanical parameters of tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, energy to failure and thickness of skin from 10 affected and 6 unaffected horses using an Instron® Universal Testing Instrument. In addition, total soluble collagen and glycosaminoglycan concentrations of skin were analysed from 13 affected and 12 unaffected horses using Sircol™ Soluble Collagen and Blyscan™ Sulfated Glycosaminoglycan assays respectively. Affected horses exhibited a two to threefold reduction in tensile strength versus unaffected horses with statistically significant differences at six of seven sample locations (P ≤ 0.05). The modulus of elasticity proved to be significantly different at six of seven sample locations, energy to failure at six of seven sample locations, and skin thickness at one of seven sample locations (P ≤ 0.05). Affected horses exhibited significantly higher amounts of total soluble collagen than unaffected horses (P ≤ 0.05). No significant difference was demonstrated between groups for glycosaminoglycan concentration. Affected horses demonstrated uniformly weaker skin across sample locations, indicating the biomechanical properties of HERDA are not regionally confined to specific areas of the horses’ skin.
Update on the cloning of monoclonal anti‐desmoglein antibodies from human pemphigus patients: implications for targeted therapy
Authors: Stanley John R. , Ishii Ken , Siegel Don L. , Payne Aimee S.
Published: December 2009

Autoantibodies in pemphigus foliaceus (PF) and vulgaris (PV) bind to desmoglein (Dsg) 1 and 3, respectively, and cause loss of keratinocyte adhesion. To characterize the pathogenicity and genetics of such antibodies we have used phage display to isolate monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from patients. PCR is used to clone the heavy and light chain variable region of the peripheral B cells into a vector that creates a phage particle with the antibody expressed on its surface and the cDNA encoding that antibody inside. The library of phage produced from a PF or PV patient are then panned on a plate containing Dsg1 or Dsg3 to isolate clones. The cDNA of each clone is sequenced to characterize the genetics of the expressed mAb. The mAb from each unique clone is tested for pathogenicity either by injecting into normal human skin organ culture or into neonatal mice. Pathogenic antibodies cause typical pemphigus blisters. In both PV and PF patients the heavy chain (VH) genes used for Dsg‐binding antibodies are severely restricted. PV and PF patients have both pathogenic and non‐pathogenic mAbs. The immunochemical characteristics of the antibodies (including pathogenicity) sort with the VH, not the VL, gene. These monoclonal pathogenic antibodies can be used to screen peptide libraries to find short peptides that block antibody binding. In summary, the antibody response is restricted and, therefore, it may be feasible to target the specific pathogenic antibodies for therapy.
The use of recombinant omega interferon therapy in canine atopic dermatitis: a double‐blind controlled study
Authors: Carlotti Didier Noël , Boulet Marc , Ducret Joël , Machicote Gustavo , Jasmin Pierre , Rème Christophe A. , Albouy Maxime
Published: December 2009

This double‐blind controlled study assessed whether reduced doses of omega interferon (rFeIFN‐ω) (Virbagen®Omega) could improve the clinical signs of canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) over a 6‐month period, in comparison with cyclosporin. Thirty‐one dogs diagnosed with CAD were entered in the study. Complicating infections were treated prior to entry. Dogs received 10 injections of rFeIFN‐ω (1–5 million units according to bodyweight) or placebo over 6 months, and placebo capsules or cyclosporin (5 mg/kg) once daily for 2 months and then twice weekly for 4 months in groups 1 and 2 respectively. Flea control, non‐medicated shampooing and ear cleansing were performed regularly. If a bacterial infection orMalasseziaovergrowth developed, it was treated with oral cephalexin or with 3% chlorhexidine shampoo respectively. Oral prednisolone was used before day 90 to relieve pruritus when required for humane reasons (1 mg/kg once daily for 7 days). The CADESI‐03 and a pruritus index were evaluated on day (D) 0, D14, D35, D56, D90, D120 and D180. No significant difference was detected between the groups for the time courses of lesions or pruritus over 6 months. On D90, the proportions of dogs with ≥50% improvement of pruritus and lesion scores were 56% and 72% respectively with interferon, 75% and 75% respectively with cyclosporin. Five dogs from group 1 and two dogs from group 2 were withdrawn from the study for treatment failure. Both products were well tolerated. Treatment with rfeIFN‐ω at low doses may help for the long‐term management of CAD.
Anatomy and physiology of the canine ear
Authors: Cole Lynette K.
Published: December 2009

The canine ear consists of the pinna, external ear canal, middle ear and inner ear. The external ear is composed of auricular and annular cartilage. The auricular cartilage of the pinna becomes funnel shaped at the opening of the external ear canal. The vertical ear canal runs for about 1 inch, then forms the horizontal ear canal, which is composed of auricular and annular cartilage. The middle ear consists of an air‐filled tympanic cavity, three auditory ossicles, and tympanic membrane. The tympanic membrane is a semitransparent membrane divided into the pars flaccida and pars tensa. The tympanic cavity consists of a small epitympanic recess, a large ventral bulla and the tympanic bulla proper. On the medial wall of the tympanic cavity is the promontory, which houses the cochlea. The cochlear (round) window is located in the caudolateral portion of the promontory, covered by a thin membrane. The vestibular (oval) window is located on the dorsolateral surface of the promontory, covered by a thin diaphragm over which the footplate of the stapes is attached. The auditory tube is a short canal that extends from the nasopharynx to the rostral portion of the tympanic cavity proper. The auditory ossicles are the bones that transmit and amplify air vibrations from the tympanic membrane to the inner ear. The inner ear is housed in a bony labyrinth in the petrous portion of the temporal bone. The bony labyrinth contains the membranous labyrinth with its sensory organs responsible for hearing and balance.
A two‐dimensional morphological study of corneocytes from healthy dogs and cats and from dogs with atopic dermatitis
Authors: McEwan Neil A. , Lu Yi‐Fang , Nuttall Tim
Published: December 2009

The aim of this study was to determine the dimensions of corneocytes collected from healthy dogs and cats, and from dogs suffering from atopic dermatitis. Samples were collected from the inner pinna, lateral thorax and the groin. D‐Squame® adhesive discs were used to collect corneocytes from the skin surface and image analysis software was used for measurements. Two differently shaped cells were identified in both animal species. The most common cell type was polygonal, often hexagonal or pentagonal and regular while the second type was smaller, elongated and variable in size and shape. The polygonal cells are corneocytes which probably originate from the interfollicular epidermis. The mean diameter and surface area for healthy canine polygonal corneocytes were 38–43.5 μm and 1092–1436 μm2. The equivalent Figures for cats were 39.6–48.5 μm and 1183–1772 μm2. Feline polygonal corneocytes were generally larger than those of the dog. Both feline and canine polygonal corneocytes collected from the ear were generally smaller than those from other body sites. Atopic canine polygonal corneocytes collected from the groin were significantly smaller than healthy groin corneocytes. In healthy dogs the mean length, breadth and surface area of elongated cells were 26.6–35.9 μm, 7.6–10.3 μm and 168.6–240.2 μm2. The equivalent values for cats were 20.0–37.8 μm, 6.8–9.9 μm and 117.6–245.6 μm2. The exact nature of the elongated cells is not known but they may be cell fragments or folded corneocytes. They were more common in densely haired skin suggesting the hair follicle as their origin.
Neurodevelopmental changes in the circuits underlying empathy and sympathy from childhood to adulthood
Authors: Decety Jean , Michalska Kalina J.
Published: December 2009

Empathy and sympathy play crucial roles in much of human social interaction and are necessary components for healthy coexistence. Sympathy is thought to be a proxy for motivating prosocial behavior and providing the affective and motivational base for moral development. The purpose of the present study was to use functional MRI to characterize developmental changes in brain activation in the neural circuits underpinning empathy and sympathy. Fifty‐seven individuals, whose age ranged from 7 to 40 years old, were presented with short animated visual stimuli depicting painful and non‐painful situations. These situations involved either a person whose pain was accidentally caused or a person whose pain was intentionally inflicted by another individual to elicit empathic (feeling as the other) or sympathetic (feeling concern for the other) emotions, respectively. Results demonstrate monotonic age‐related changes in the amygdala, supplementary motor area, and posterior insula when participants were exposed to painful situations that were accidentally caused. When participants observed painful situations intentionally inflicted by another individual, age‐related changes were detected in the dorsolateral prefrontal and ventromedial prefrontal cortex, with a gradual shift in that latter region from its medial to its lateral portion. This pattern of activation reflects a change from a visceral emotional response critical for the analysis of the affective significance of stimuli to a more evaluative function. Further, these data provide evidence for partially distinct neural mechanisms subserving empathy and sympathy, and demonstrate the usefulness of a developmental neurobiological approach to the new emerging area of moral neuroscience.
Challenging behavior of patients with frontal dysfunction managed successfully with behavioral intervention
Authors: NARUMOTO Jin , MIYA Hiroaki , SHIBATA Keisuke , NAKAMAE Takashi , OKAMURA Aiko , MATSUOKA Teruyuki , NAKAMURA Kaeko , FUKUI Kenji
Published: December 2009

Herein, we report on two clinical cases in which behavioral disturbances occurred due to frontal dysfunction. Both patients were treated successfully with behavioral intervention. In the first case, the patient's challenging behavior of repeatedly entering his wife's workplace and interrupting her work was reduced after the patient's wife changed her response to the behavior and her schedule prior to work to ensure that she spent time with him in the morning. In the second case, the patient's challenging behavior of urinating in the street was reduced by changing his walking route. The successful outcome in both cases suggests that behavioral intervention based on Antecedents, Behavior, and Consequences (ABC) analysis is useful in the management of behavioral disturbance due to frontal dysfunction.
Testing Hypotheses of Bird Extinctions at Rio Palenque, Ecuador, with Informal Species Lists
Authors: PEARSON DAVID L. , ANDERSON COREY DEVIN , MITCHELL BRIAN R. , ROSENBERG MICHAEL S. , NAVARRETE RONALD , COOPMANS PAUL
Published: December 2009

Abstract:  Informally gathered species lists are a potential source of data for conservation biology, but most remain unused because of questions of reliability and statistical issues. We applied two alternative analytical methods (contingency tests and occupancy modeling) to a 35‐year data set (1973–2007) to test hypotheses about local bird extinction. We compiled data from bird lists collected by expert amateurs and professional scientists in a 2‐km2 fragment of lowland tropical forest in coastal Ecuador. We tested the effects of the following on local extinction: trophic level, sociality, foraging specialization, light tolerance, geographical range area, and biogeographic source. First we assessed extinction on the basis of the number of years in which a species was not detected on the site and used contingency tests with each factor to compare the frequency of expected and observed extinction events among different species categories. Then we defined four multiyear periods that reflected different stages of deforestation and isolation of the study site and used occupancy modeling to test extinction hypotheses singly and in combination. Both types of analyses supported the biogeographic source hypothesis and the species‐range hypothesis as causes of extinction; however, occupancy modeling indicated the model incorporating all factors except foraging specialization best fit the data.
Improving fatigue assessment in immune‐mediated neuropathies: the modified Rasch‐built fatigue severity scale
Authors: Van Nes Sonja I. , Vanhoutte Els K. , Faber Catharina G. , Garssen Marcel , Van Doorn Pieter A. , Merkies Ingemar S. J. ,   on behalf of the PeriNomSStudy Group
Published: December 2009

Abstract Fatigue is a major disabling complaint in patients with immune‐mediated neuropathies (IN). The 9‐item fatigue severity scale (FSS) has been used to assess fatigue in these conditions, despite having limitations due to its classic ordinal construct. The aim was to improve fatigue assessment in IN through evaluation of the FSS using a modern clinimetric approach [Rasch unidimensional measurement model (RUMM2020)]. Included were 192 stable patients with Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) or polyneuropathy associated with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUSP). The obtained FSS data were exposed to RUMM2020 model to investigate whether this scale would meet its expectations. Also, reliability and validity studies were performed. The original FSS did not meet the Rasch model expectations, primarily based on two misfitting items, one of these also showing bias towards the factor ‘walking independent.’ After removing these two items and collapsing the original 7‐point Likert options to 4‐point response categories for the remaining items, we succeeded in constructing a 7‐item Rasch‐built scale that fulfilled all requirements of unidimensionality, linearity, and rating scale model. Good reliability and validity were also obtained for the modified FSS scale. In conclusion, a 7‐item linearly weighted Rasch‐built modified FSS is presented for more proper assessment of fatigue in future studies in patients with immune‐mediated neuropathies.
C‐fiber axon reflex flare size correlates with epidermal nerve fiber density in human skin biopsies
Authors: Bickel Andreas , Heyer Gisela , Senger Christine , Maihoefner Christian , Heuss Dieter , Hilz Max J. , Namer Barbara
Published: December 2009

Abstract The size of the neurogenic axon reflex flare (ARFS) has been proposed to serve as a non‐invasive measure of C‐fiber neuropathies. This idea is based on the observation that ARFS is often reduced in patients with small‐fiber neuropathies. In this study, we compared ARFS and electrically evoked axon reflex sweating with intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENF) in patients with peripheral neuropathy in order to validate these methods against an objective standard method of diagnosing small‐fiber neuropathy. ARFS was significantly correlated with IENF, while axon reflex sweating was not correlated to IENF. We conclude that measurement of ARFS is a potential objective non‐invasive diagnostic tool for analysis of C‐fiber function in patients with small‐fiber neuropathies.
Innovative Collaborations: A Case Study for Academic Owned Nursing Practice
Authors: Sullivan‐Marx Eileen M. , Bradway Christine , Barnsteiner Jane
Published: December 2009

Purpose: Academic service partnerships are critical for schools of nursing to maintain credibility regarding their missions of education, research, service, and practice.

Methods: In this paper, we describe a case study of a ten year program, the Living Independently For Elders (LIFE) Program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing that has provided community‐based long‐term care to high‐risk older adults.

Findings: Quality of care and financial outcomes were met with nurse faculty engagement, administrative commitment, and integration of business practices.

Conclusions: As a result, high risk older adults receive care in their communities rather than nursing homes, and the school‐ owned and ‐operated program is a nationally recognized innovative nursing model of care.

Clinical Relevance: Strategies are described that can be used globally as more schools of nursing embrace and strengthen service partnerships.
Blue and Red Luminescence from Europium‐Doped Barium TetraBorate Crystals
Authors: Dwivedi Yashashchandra , Rai Shyam Bahadur
Published: December 2009

The structural and spectroscopic properties of Barium tetraborate crystals activated with Eu3+ ion have been studied. Differential thermal analysis, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and SEM techniques have been used for structural characterization. The XRD pattern revealed the formation of α‐BaB4O7 crystals. It was observed that under the proposed charge compensation model, the structural properties of the α‐BaB4O7 crystal significantly alter the luminescence characteristics of Eu3+ and Eu2+ ions. The enhancement of the emission explained and the photo‐physics involved is correlated with the unique structural properties of the crystallites formed.
Yielding, Strain Hardening, and Creep Under Nanoindentation of Precursor‐Derived Si–C–N Ceramics
Authors: Janakiraman Narayanan , Aldinger Fritz
Published: December 2009

The plastic deformation of the precursor‐derived Si–C–N ceramics during indentation at room temperature displays permanent densification and creep, the former effect promoting strain hardening. This paper attempts to quantify the above two phenomena in these materials using, (i) reverse analysis of nanoindentation load–displacement curves in terms of yield stress (σy) and strain hardening exponent (n), and (ii) indentation creep analysis in terms of the strain rate sensitivity (m), respectively. The estimated values of n were commensurate with the capacity for densification, and were high among the amorphous Si–C–N materials. The present results indicate the importance of the optimum network connectivity in promoting densification in lieu of shear deformation in amorphous covalent networks. The densification‐induced strain hardening led to a load dependence of m, and controlled the indentation size effect (ISE). The evolution of m showed good agreement with the cluster model, which relates the increase in the number density of isolated regions or discontinuities in the microstructure to a corresponding increase in m. Phase separation in these materials promoted the shear mode of plastic deformation and led to a decrease in n, an increase in m, and increased vulnerability to ISE.
Fabrication of Zn(OH)2/ZnO Nanosheet‐ZnO Nanoarray Hybrid Structured Films by a Dissolution–Recrystallization Route
Authors: Hu Xiulan , Masuda Yoshitake , Ohji Tatsuki , Kato Kazumi
Published: December 2009

Zn(OH)2/ZnO nanosheet‐ZnO nanoarray hybrid structured films were fabricated on F‐doped SnO2‐coated glass by a dissolution–recrystallization route without any additives. The as‐deposited c‐axis‐oriented ZnO nanowhisker films were soaked in hot distilled water for various periods of time. X‐ray diffraction, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy clarified that the dissolution of ZnO induced Zn(OH)2 to grow on the surface of the ZnO nanowhiskers film by heterogeneous nucleation and growth. The morphology of the Zn(OH)2 nanosheets was found to be controllable by the dissolution–recrystallization of as‐deposited ZnO nanowhiskers in hot distilled water. ZnO with an almost identical morphology could also be produced by a dehydration reaction. Given the highly porous nature and the strong adsorption properties of the as‐fabricated hybrid structured films, it is expected that they will have a variety of potential applications including dye‐sensitized gas sensors and solar cells, and photocatalysis systems.
Role of flap tension in primary wound closure of mucoperiosteal flaps: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Burkhardt R. , Lang N. P.
Published: December 2009

Aim: To evaluate the role of suture tension in primary wound closure of mucoperiosteal flaps.

Materials and methods: Sixty patients, scheduled for a single implant installation, were recruited. Before suturing, the wound closing forces were measured with an electronic tension device. One week after the surgery, the wounds were inspected with regard to complete closure.

Results: The applied tension varied between 0.01 and 0.4 N. In 72% a tension of 0.01–0.1 N was applied, resulting in few dehiscences (10%). Higher closing forces (>0.1 N) increased the percentage of wound dehiscences significantly (≥40%).

Conclusions: It appears necessary to control flap tension at the time of wound closure to achieve a primary closure.

To cite this article:
 Burkhardt R, Lang NP. Role of flap tension in primary wound closure of mucoperiosteal flaps: a prospective cohort study. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 50–54.
Bone dimensional variations at implants placed in fresh extraction sockets: a multilevel multivariate analysis
Authors: Tomasi Cristiano , Sanz Mariano , Cecchinato Denis , Pjetursson Bjarni , Ferrus Jorge , Lang Niklaus P. , Lindhe Jan
Published: December 2009

Aim: To use multilevel, multivariate models to analyze factors that may affect bone alterations during healing after an implant immediately placed into an extraction socket.

Material and methods: Data included in the current analysis were obtained from a clinical trial in which a series of measurements were performed to characterize the extraction site immediately after implant installation and at re‐entry 4 months later. A regression multilevel, multivariate model was built to analyze factors affecting the following variables: (i) the distance between the implant surface and the outer bony crest (S‐OC), (ii) the horizontal residual gap (S‐IC), (iii) the vertical residual gap (R‐D) and (iv) the vertical position of the bone crest opposite the implant (R‐C).

Results: It was demonstrated that (i) the S‐OC change was significantly affected by the thickness of the bone crest; (ii) the size of the residual gap was dependent of the size of the initial gap and the thickness of the bone crest; and (iii) the reduction of the buccal vertical gap was dependent on the age of the subject. Moreover, the position of the implant opposite the alveolar crest of the buccal ridge and its bucco‐lingual implant position influenced the amount of buccal crest resorption.

Conclusions: Clinicians must consider the thickness of the buccal bony wall in the extraction site and the vertical as well as the horizontal positioning of the implant in the socket, because these factors will influence hard tissue changes during healing.

To cite this article:
 Tomasi C, Sanz M, Cecchinato D, Pjetursson B, Ferrus J, Lang NP, Lindhe J. Bone dimensional variations at implants placed in fresh extraction sockets: a multilevel multivariate analysis. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 30–36.
Tooth extraction decision model in periodontitis patients
Authors: Popelut A. , Rousval B. , Fromentin O. , Feghali M. , Mora F. , Bouchard P.
Published: December 2009

Objective: The purpose of this study was to build, around several types of input data, a decision analysis model for dental extraction strategy in periodontitis patients.

Materials and methods: The decision analysis was based on the following scenario: a fictitious adult chronic periodontitis patient with no chief complaint, being referred to make a decision of extraction on one single tooth presenting a periodontal defect that may affect the decision‐making process. A decision tree was used to identify the treatment options within the next 5 years. Scientific evidences were based on probabilities given by a literature analysis using a systematic approach. Clinical expertize was based on subjective utilities (SUs) assigned by an experts' panel. Expected utilities (EUs) were used to rank the following options: no treatment (EU1) or periodontal treatment (EU2); extraction followed by a tooth‐supported fixed partial denture – FPD – (EU3) or an implant‐supported single crown – ISC – (EU4).

Results: The robustness analysis calculation indicates that the probability of tooth survival needed to be equal to 0.78 in order that the passive option becomes optimal.

However, EU1 was impossible to calculate due to the lack of available probabilities. The EU intervals were 79–96, 86–89 and 94–95 for EU2, EU3 and EU4, respectively. Consequently, the FPD option is dominated by the ISC option, and it is not possible to conclude to a difference between the periodontal and the ISC therapy.

Conclusions: Within the limits of this model, tooth extraction followed by FPD is the worst strategy compared with ISC or periodontal therapies.

To cite this article:
 Popelut A, Rousval B, Fromentin O, Feghali M, Mora F, Bouchard P. Tooth extraction decision model in periodontitis patients. Clin Oral Impl Res. 21, 2010; 80–89.
Prohibitin is expressed in pancreatic β‐cells and protects against oxidative and proapoptotic effects of ethanol
Authors: Lee Jong Han , Hoa Nguyen K. , Mishra Suresh , Nyomba B. L. Grégoire
Published: December 2009

Pancreatic β‐cell dysfunction is a prerequisite for the development of type 2 diabetes. Alcoholism is a diabetes risk factor and ethanol increases oxidative stress in β‐cells, whereas the mitochondrial chaperone prohibitin (PHB) has antioxidant effects in several cell types. In the present study we investigated whether PHB is expressed in β‐cells and protects these cells against deleterious effects of ethanol, using INS‐1E and RINm5F β‐cell lines. Endogenous PHB was detected by western blot and immunocytochemistry. Reactive oxygen species were determined by 5‐(and‐6)‐chloromethyl‐2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate fluorescence assay, and mitochondrial activity was assessed by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction, uncoupling protein 2 expression and ATP production. Cell death was determined by Hoechst 33342 staining, cleaved caspase‐3 levels and flow cytometry. PHB was expressed in β‐cells under normal conditions and colocalized with Hoechst 33342 in the nucleus and with the mitochondrial probe Mitofluor in the perinuclear area. In ethanol‐treated cells, MTT reduction and ATP production decreased, whereas reactive oxygen species, uncoupling protein 2 and cleaved caspase‐3 levels increased. In addition, flow cytometry analysis showed an increase of apoptotic cells. Ethanol treatment increased PHB expression and induced PHB translocation from the nucleus to the mitochondria. PHB overexpression decreased the apoptotic effects of ethanol, whereas PHB knockdown enhanced these effects. The protective effects of endogenous PHB were recapitulated by incubation of the cells with recombinant human PHB. Thus, PHB is expressed in β‐cells, increases with oxidative stress and protects the cells against deleterious effects of ethanol.
SENSORY MAPPING OF BEERS ON SALE IN THE ITALIAN MARKET
Authors: DONADINI G. , FUMI M.D.
Published: December 2009

The sensory profiles of 72 beers commercially available in Italy were described and quantified using descriptive analysis procedures. Principal component analysis indicated that nearly 74% of the variance across samples can be described by the first six principal components. Raw materials and specifically grains impart flavors that are responsible for the main source of variations and discrimination among beers of the Italian market. Second direction of variation is summarized by the perceived overall structure of a given brand and its fruity ester flavors. Although sameness seems to be the key word for pale lagers of the market as emerges from the application of multivariate techniques, this study proved to be efficient in gaining an insight into the relationships between this class of beers and its flavor characteristics and revealed some subtle but clear differences among brands which took the lion's share of the market.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The results of this study have practical implications for brewers, importers and distributors. Brewers who wish to introduce or re‐position a new or existing beer brand into the Italian market can benefit from these pieces of information to improve the knowledge of the sensory structure of the beer market to better plan their industrial strategies. Moskowitz stated that mapping technique can be used by researchers “to identify which products compete with each other, as well as to discover whether or not there exist in the category unfilled holes that have promise.” As competition intensifies, companies need to orientate more precisely and enhance more efficiently towards consumers' satisfaction and sensory properties of food and beverages are universally reported as determinants of product quality and acceptance.
DEVELOPMENT OF AN ALMOND LEXICON TO ASSESS THE SENSORY PROPERTIES OF ALMOND VARIETIES
Authors: CIVILLE G.V. , LAPSLEY K. , HUANG G. , YADA S. , SELTSAM J.
Published: December 2009

A unique comprehensive sensory lexicon for describing the appearance, aroma, flavor and texture attributes of almonds was developed by a nine‐member panel with extensive experience in descriptive analysis. The almond lexicon was then used to profile the sensory properties of 20 almond samples obtained from three growing regions in California over two harvest years and encompassing seven major almond varieties, to better understand the natural variability in raw almonds. Range graphs were plotted to depict the intensity range (minimum to maximum score) for a given attribute across all samples evaluated for a variety. Descriptive analysis results revealed that the major almond varieties tested had a range of inherent variability and that specific varieties had unique attributes. Distinct walnut, tea and squash flavor aromatics were detected in only some almond varieties. Appearance, aroma, basic taste and chemical feeling factor attribute ranges were generally small and consistent among varieties.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The detailed, working almond lexicon created in this study will provide researchers, producers and manufacturers with an effective platform to communicate observations for the evaluation of almonds. The sensory attribute assessment of almond varieties obtained from different regions, growers and harvest years allows for a better understanding of the natural variability in almonds. Establishing the range of natural variability found in raw almonds of the major California varieties provides the basis for future research on the effects of processing treatments on the sensory characteristics of almonds.
Contingent Capital vs. Contingent Reverse Convertibles for Banks and Insurance Companies
Authors: Culp Christopher L.
Published: December 2009

During the credit and liquidity crisis in 2007 and 2008, banks found themselves largely unable to raise significant new equity quickly from parties other than sovereign wealth funds and governments. Some banks have thus recently begun to consider contingent capital as a means of pre‐arranging recapitalizations for future crises. Contingent capital is a type of put option that entitles a company to issue new securities on pre‐negotiated terms, often following the occurrence of one or more risk‐based triggering events.

This article compares the economic merits of a new security—a “contingent reverse convertible” or CRC—against more traditional forms of contingent capital. In November 2009, Lloyds Banking Group plc issued “Enhanced Capital Notes”—subordinated debt that converts into common stock if Lloyds's core regulatory capital falls below 5% of its regulatory risk‐weigh ted assets. This CRC is not strictly speaking a form of contingent capital, but it does give banks the potential to recapitalize themselves quickly in the face of a crisis without having to turn to governments and taxpayers.

One important limitation of CRCs is that because they do not generate new cash for a bank at the time of conversion, they are unlikely to stop a liquidity crisis once it has begun. More traditional contingent capital facilities, by contrast, do put cash in the hands of the issuer at the time the facility is drawn. But even for those inclined to use CRCs, it may be unrealistic to expect many other institutions to imitate the structure of the Lloyds offering. Persuading existing investors to take a more subordinated position in a bank's capital structure and write a put option to the bank on its own stock will be neither cheap nor easy. For this reason, the more traditional solutions used to date may have more success with banks, though arriving at a price that helps issuers and satisfies investors will be a challenge for those structures as well.
Lessons from the Financial Crisis on Risk and Capital Management: The Case of Insurance Companies
Authors: Doherty Neil A. , Lamm‐Tennant Joan
Published: December 2009

This article proposes that risk management be viewed as an integral part of the corporate value‐creation process— one in which the concept of economic capital can provide companies with the financial cushion and confidence to carry out their strategic plans. Using the case of insurance and reinsurance companies, the authors discuss three main ways that the integration of risk and capital management creates value:

strengthening solvency (by limiting the probability of financial distress);

increasing prospects for profitable growth (by preserving access to capital during post‐loss periods); and

improving transparency (by increasing the “information content” or “signaling power” of reported earnings).

Insurers can manage solvency risk by using Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) models to limit the probability of financial distress to levels consistent with the firm's specified risk tolerance. While ERM models are effective in managing “known” risks, we discuss three practices widely used in the insurance industry to manage “unknown” and “unknowable” risks using the logic of real options—slack, mutualization, and incomplete contracts.

Second, risk management can create value by securing sources of capital that, like contingent capital, can be used to fund profitable growth opportunities that tend to arise in periods following large losses.

Finally, the authors argue that risk management can raise the confidence of investors in their estimates of future growth by removing the “noise” in earnings that comes from bearing non‐core risks, thereby making current earnings a more reliable guide to future earnings. In support of this possibility, the authors provide evidence showing that, for a given level of reported return on equity (ROE), (re)insurers with more stable ROEs have higher price‐to‐book ratios, suggesting investors' willingness to pay a premium for the stability provided by risk management.