bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community disassembly and invasion of remnant native grasslands under fluctuating resource supply
Authors: Tognetti Pedro M. , Chaneton Enrique J.
Published: September 2014

Native vegetation fragments embedded in anthropogenic landscapes are increasingly threatened by land‐use intensification. Managing disturbance regimes and nutrient inputs may help maintain species diversity in such remnants. Yet, it is unclear the extent to which changes in resource availability due to reduced capture by resident plants and/or increased supply rates may trigger native community disassembly and exotic invasions.

We examined how mowing disturbance and N fertilizer addition affected plant community recovery after a burning event in a remnant corridor of tussock pampa grassland in Argentina. The percentage cover and richness of native and exotic plant functional groups were monitored over 4 years. According to the ‘fluctuating resource theory’, we expected invasion to be the highest when both light and N availability were increased simultaneously.

Mowing delayed recovery by dominant C4 tussock grasses and promoted subordinate, native C3 grasses and exotic legumes, thus enhancing both native and exotic species richness. Fertilization induced a transient increase in native forbs but decreased total plant richness. Moreover, N addition to mowed grassland led to rapid invasion by short‐lived exotic forbs, which were then replaced by exotic perennial grasses. Exotic grasses eventually spread across the grassland corridor, although at different rates depending on the treatment, and in parallel to a generalized decline in native species cover.

Synthesis and applications. Community disassembly patterns reflected differential responses of native and exotic functional groups to altered resource supply rates. Synergisms between canopy disturbances and N enrichment posed the greatest threat to preserving a pampa grassland remnant prone to invasion. Establishing buffer zones may be required to enhance the viability of corridor‐like grassland remnants in agricultural landscapes.
Britain's Crimean War Trophy Guns: The Case of Ludlow and the Marches
Authors: Bartlett Roger , Payne Roy
Published: September 2014

Many of the numerous monumental cannon which adorn British cities are Crimean War trophies: something little discussed in the historiography of the war. Focusing on the trophy cannon at Ludlow, in the Welsh Marches, the article looks at both the national and the local scene. It describes first the Allied operation in Sevastopol to gather prize Russian cannon and their removal to England. The utility of shipping the guns home and the uses to which they might be put were both controversial, but whether intact or melted down the cannon formed a significant part of the multifarious memorials and mementos generated by the war and Allied victory. The focus then switches to the Marches and the acquisition of trophy guns by Ludlow and neighbouring towns; the political background to Ludlow's application for a cannon is also explored, and the subsequent fate of the region's prize guns. Finally the article examines the origins of the Ludlow cannon and the identity of its founder, a British expatriate ironmaster working in Russia at the turn of the eighteenth century.
Toasting Fox: The Fox Dinners in Edinburgh and Glasgow, 1801–1825
Authors: Orme T. E.
Published: September 2014

The dinners held in Edinburgh and Glasgow between 1801 and 1825 celebrating the birthday of Charles James Fox were vital in providing the Scottish Whig party with a social and organizational framework within which it could develop and expand as a party while at the same time manufacturing a public image. The role of political dinners in England has been shown to be an integral element of the formation of party networks and the development and promulgation of party ideologies. This was also true in Scotland and the Whigs in Edinburgh and Glasgow capitalized on these events as platforms from which to incorporate their own regionally specific Scottish Whig identities into the evolving ‘British’ Whig identity. Newspapers published lists of attendees and reported toasts in very deliberate language in an effort to convey a particular message or, at times, to leave a message ambiguous in order to gather a wider scope of support for the Whig cause. Attendance at the dinners or raising one's glass to a particular toast could be a way of symbolically identifying with the Whig party. Although the dinners had fallen out of fashion by 1826, they had given the Scottish Whigs a social and organizational structure which allowed them to continue to expand well into the middle of the nineteenth century.
Britain, Balkan Conflicts and the Evolving Conceptions of Militarism, 1875–1913
Authors: Suonpää Mika
Published: September 2014

This study explores officialBritish perceptions of Balkan soldiers and armed forces against the background of evolving theories of militarism from the 1870s until 1913. The article is based on research on reports ofBritish intelligence agents, theBritishWarOffice and theForeignOffice on Balkan armies and military exercises. These primary sources have hitherto remained unexploited in the historiography examiningBritish images of the Balkans.British perceptions of Serbian and Montenegrin armies and soldiers remained relatively static until the early twentieth century. Through most of the period in focus here, they were regarded as untrained gangs of peasants incapable of engaging in armed conflict with advanced militaries. This perception began to change during the Balkan Wars as a consequence of the Serbian army's satisfactory performance.British images of Bulgarian soldiers and military traits were much more complex. In the late 1870s, they were represented as a submissive race; in the 1880s as masculine and obedient fighters; in the 1890s as militaristic; and on the eve of the Balkan Wars as a non‐expansionist nation of peasants.British officials' views were usually firmly rooted in personal observations and reflected the increasing emphasis on empiricism in intelligence gathering. Moreover, at the same time, racial theories and codes of masculinity influenced their opinions, as did preconceptions about Balkan social, religious and cultural realities.
Camel milk ameliorates the coagulopathy in streptozotocin diabetic rat model
Authors: Korish Aida A , Abdel Gader Abdel Galil M , Alhaider Abdulqader A
Published: September 2014

This study investigated the effect of camel milk (CM) on blood coagulation in streptozotocin (STZ) – induced diabetic rats. Rats were split into four groups: controls, healthy rats treated with CM, STZ‐induced diabetic rats and diabetic rats treated with CM. The untreated diabetic animals showed marked hyperglycemia, significant hypofibrinogenemia and inhibition of platelet aggregation. CM treatment ameliorated hyperglycemia, blocked fibrinogen consumption and restored platelet aggregation. This antithrombotic action of CM offers further beneficial effects in addition to its known hypoglycemic action in diabetes. The responsible antithrombotic component(s) is a potential nutraceutical that needs further studies.
Supporting students withTourette syndrome in secondary school: a survey of staff views
Authors: Wadman Ruth , Glazebrook Cris , Parkes Emma , Jackson Georgina M.
Published: September 2014

Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition involving involuntary movements and sounds (tics) and is thought to affect as many as 1% of school‐aged children. Some young people with Tourette syndrome experience educational difficulties and social difficulties. Current clinical guidelines suggest educators can play an important role in maximising learning potential and reducing the negative impact of this condition on students' social adjustment. Secondary school staff (N = 63) with responsibilities for special educational needs or disabilities completed a survey about support strategies for students with Tourette syndrome. Participants were first asked to suggest potentially helpful strategies and then rated how easily 17 recommended strategies could be implemented in school. The survey participants suggested a range of support strategies that were categorised as (1) promoting knowledge and understanding in school, (2) helping the student to cope with his/her tics, (3) supporting the student's learning and (4) providing social and emotional support. All the recommended support strategies were rated as being easy to implement (or already in place) by the majority of respondents (e.g., increasing staff awareness and regular communication with home). The strategies that were identified as being least easy to implement were those requiring extra staff input (support from teaching assistants and individual/small group working). Additional challenges to providing support were also identified by the participants (e.g., getting input from outside agencies).
Growth Characteristics and Biofilm Formation of Various Spoilage Bacteria Isolated from Fresh Produce
Authors: Bae Young‐Min , Zheng Ling , Hyun Jeong‐Eun , Jung Kyu‐Seok , Heu Sunggi , Lee Sun‐Young
Published: September 2014

This study investigated the characteristics of spoilage bacteria isolated from fresh produce including growth at various temperatures, biofilm formation, cell hydrophobicity, and colony spreading. The number of spoilage bacteria present when stored at 35 °C was significantly greater than when stored at lower temperatures, and maximum population size was achieved after 10 h. However, Bacillus pumilus, Dickeya zeae, Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. Carotovorum Pcc21, and Bacillus pumilus (RDA‐R) did not grow at the storage temperature of 5 °C. The biofilm formation by Clavibacter michiganensis, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, and A. calcoaceticus (RDA‐R) are higher than other spoilage bacteria. Biofilm formation showed low correlation between hydrophobicity, and no significant correlation with colony spreading. These results might be used for developing safe storage guidelines for fresh produce at various storage temperatures, and could be basic information on the growth characteristics and biofilm formation properties of spoilage bacteria from fresh produce.
Development of a Simultaneous Lateral Flow Strip Test for the Rapid and Simple Detection of Deoxynivalenol and Zearalenone
Authors: Kim Kyeong‐Yeol , Shim Won‐Bo , Kim Jeong‐Sook , Chung Duck‐Hwa
Published: September 2014

The objective of this study was to develop a 1‐step simultaneous lateral flow strip test for the rapid and simple detection of deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA) in grains. Two monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against DON and ZEA were respectively conjugated with gold nanoparticles and used to develop a lateral flow strip test for a single toxin and multiple toxins. First, individual lateral flow strips for a single toxin were optimized, and their conditions were used to develop a simultaneous lateral flow strip for multiple toxins. Limits of detection of both lateral flow strip tests for DON and ZEA were the same (DON: 50 ng/mL, ZEA: 1 ng/mL). Both methods showed cross‐reactivity for α‐zearalenol and β‐zearalenol, but no cross‐reaction to other mycotoxins. The results can be completed obtained within 15 min. The cut‐off values of the simultaneous lateral flow strip for the spiked rice and corn were 500 and 10 ng/g for DON and ZEA, respectively. The results demonstrated that the developed simultaneous lateral flow strip test offers a rapid, easy‐to‐use, and portable analytical system and can be used as a convenient qualitative tool for the on‐site detection of DON and ZEA in food and agricultural commodities.
Social defeat in adolescent mice increases vulnerability to alcohol consumption
Authors: Rodriguez‐Arias Marta , Navarrete Francisco , Blanco‐Gandia Maria Carmen , Arenas Maria Carmen , Bartoll‐Andrés Adrián , Aguilar Maria A. , Rubio Gabriel , Miñarro José , Manzanares Jorge
Published: September 2014

This study employs an oral operant conditioning paradigm to evaluate the effects of repeated social defeat during adolescence on the reinforcing and motivational actions of ethanol in adult OF1 mice. Social interaction, emotional and cognitive behavioral aspects were also analyzed, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) experiments were performed to study gene expression changes in the mesocorticolimbic and hypothalamus‐hypophysis‐adrenal (HHA) axis. Social defeat did not alter anxiety‐like behavior in the elevated plus maze or cognitive performance in the passive avoidance and Hebb–Williams tests. A social interaction test revealed depression‐like symptoms and social subordination behavior in defeated OF1 mice. Interestingly, social defeat in adolescence significantly increased the number of effective responses, ethanol consumption values and motivation to drink. Finally, real‐time PCR analyses revealed that social defeat significantly increased tyrosine hydroxylase and corticotropin‐releasing hormone in the ventral tegmental area and paraventricular nucleus, respectively. In contrast, mu‐opioid receptor gene expression was decreased in the nucleus accumbens of socially defeated mice. In summary, these findings suggest that exposure to social defeat during adolescence increases vulnerability to the rewarding effects of ethanol without affecting emotional or cognitive performance. The gene expression alterations we have observed in the mesocorticolimbic and HHA axis systems of defeated mice could be related with their increased ethanol consumption. These results endorse future research into pharmacological strategies that modulate these systems for the treatment of social stress‐related alcohol consumption problems.
‘Wide‐awake drunkenness’? Investigating the association between alcohol intoxication and stimulant use in the night‐time economy
Authors: Pennay Amy , Miller Peter , Busija Lucy , Jenkinson Rebecca , Droste Nicolas , Quinn Brendan , Jones Sandra C. , Lubman Dan I.
Published: September 2014

Aims

We tested whether patrons of the night‐time economy who had co‐consumed energy drinks or illicit stimulants with alcohol had higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels than patrons who had consumed only alcohol.

Design

Street intercept surveys (n = 4227) were undertaken between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. over a period of 7 months.

Setting

Interviews were undertaken with patrons walking through entertainment precincts, queuing to enter venues or exiting venues in five Australian cities.

Participants

The response rate was 92.1%; more than half the study sample was male (60.2%) and the median age was 23 years (range 18–72).

Measurements

Data were collected on demographics, length of drinking session, venue types visited, types and quantity of alcohol consumed and other substance use. A BAC reading was recorded and a subsample of participants was tested for other drug use.

Findings

Compared with the total sample (0.068%), illicit stimulant consumers (0.080%; P = 0.004) and energy drink consumers (0.074%; P < 0.001) had a significantly higher median BAC reading, and were more likely to engage in pre‐drinking (65.6, 82.1 and 77.6%, respectively, P < 0.001) and longer drinking sessions (4, 5 and 4.5 hours, respectively, P < 0.001). However, stimulant use was not associated independently with higher BAC in the final multivariable model (illicit stimulants P = 0.198; energy drinks P = 0.112). Interaction analyses showed that stimulant users had a higher BAC in the initial stages of the drinking session, but not after 4–6 hours.

Conclusions

While stimulant use does not predict BAC in and of itself, stimulants users are more likely to engage in prolonged sessions of heavy alcohol consumption and a range of risk‐taking behaviours on a night out, which may explain higher levels of BAC among stimulants users, at least in the initial stages of the drinking session.
Impact of fetal and neonatal environment on beta cell function and development of diabetes
Authors: Nielsen Jens H. , Haase Tobias N. , Jaksch Caroline , Nalla Amarnadh , Søstrup Birgitte , Nalla Anjana A. , Larsen Louise , Rasmussen Morten , Dalgaard Louise T. , Gaarn Louise W. , Thams Peter , Kofod Hans , Billestrup Nils
Published: September 2014

The global epidemic of diabetes is a serious threat against health and healthcare expenses. Although genetics is important it does not explain the dramatic increase in incidence, which must involve environmental factors. Two decades ago the concept of the thrifty phenotype was introduced, stating that the intrauterine environment during pregnancy has an impact on the gene expression that may persist until adulthood and cause metabolic diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes. As the pancreatic beta cells are crucial in the regulation of metabolism this article will describe the influence of normal pregnancy on the beta cells in both the mother and the fetus and how various conditions like diabetes, obesity, overnutrition and undernutrition during and after pregnancy may influence the ability of the offspring to adapt to changes in insulin demand later in life. The influence of environmental factors including nutrients and gut microbiota on appetite regulation, mitochondrial activity and the immune system that may affect beta cell growth and function directly and indirectly is discussed. The possible role of epigenetic changes in the transgenerational transmission of the adverse programming may be the most threatening aspect with regard to the global diabetes epidemics. Finally, some suggestions for intervention are presented.
Implications for the offspring of circulating factors involved in beta cell adaptation in pregnancy
Authors: Nalla Amarnadh , Ringholm Lene , Søstrup Brigitte , Højrup Peter , Thim Lars , Levery Steven B. , Vakhrushev Sergey Y. , Billestrup Nils , Mathiesen Elisabeth R. , Damm Peter , Nielsen Jens H.
Published: September 2014

Objective

Several studies have shown an increase in beta cell mass during pregnancy. Somatolactogenic hormones are known to stimulate the proliferation of existing beta cells in rodents whereas the mechanism in humans is still unclear. We hypothesize that in addition to somatolactogenic hormones there are other circulating factors involved in beta cell adaptation to pregnancy. This study aimed at screening for potential pregnancy‐associated circulating beta cell growth factors.

Samples

Serum samples from nonpregnant and pregnant women.

Methods

The effect of serum from pregnant women on the proliferation of rat beta cells was studied using [3H]thymidine incorporation and 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine proliferation assays. In addition, serum from pregnant and nonpregnant women was fractionated by gel filtration and high performance liquid chromatography. The fractionated serum was screened for mitogenic activity in INS‐1E cells. Proteins and peptides in mitogenic active serum fractions were identified by amino acid sequencing and mass spectrometry.

Main outcome measures

Presence of circulating beta cell proliferating factors.

Results

Late gestational pregnancy serum significantly increased proliferation of rat beta cells compared with early pregnancy and nonpregnancy. The mitogenic active serum fractions contained proteins and peptides derived from kininogen‐1, fibrinogen‐α, α1‐antitrypsin, apolipoprotein‐A1, placental lactogen, angiotensinogen and serum albumin.

Conclusion

Pregnancy serum is able to stimulate proliferation of rat beta cells. We have identified several circulating factors that may contribute to beta cell adaptation to pregnancy. Further studies are needed to elucidate their possible role in glucose homeostasis in the mother and her offspring.
Blood sampling via a peripheral artery catheter decreases cerebral oxygenation index in very low‐birthweight infants
Authors: Mehler Katrin , Nowak Mareike , Oberthuer André , Hahn Moritz , Roth Bernhard , Kribs Angela
Published: September 2014

Aim

This study evaluated the impact of blood sampling via peripheral arterial catheters on cerebral oxygenation and blood volume as a function of blood sampling velocity.

Methods

Near‐infrared spectroscopy was applied to 20 very low‐birthweight infants during peripheral arterial blood sampling. Changes in cerebral oxygenated, deoxygenated and total haemoglobin, cerebral blood volume and cerebral oxygenation index were recorded. Heart rate and oxygen saturation were measured continuously. To assess the impact of blood sampling velocity, both fast 40‐sec and slow 70‐sec sampling procedures were performed in a crossover study design, in which the order of sampling velocities was randomised for each patient.

Results

Both fast and slow blood sampling procedures resulted in a significant decrease in cerebral oxygenation index (fast, p = 0.002, slow, p = 0.008), and an increase in mean heart rate (both p = 0.02) and mean blood pressure (p = 0.02 and 0.04). Oxygenated and total haemoglobin and cerebral blood volume only decreased significantly after slow blood sampling (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Blood sampling from peripheral arterial catheters leads to significant fluctuations in cerebral oxygenation independent of the sampling velocity. Changes are comparable to those reported from umbilical blood sampling. We advise that blood sampling should be restricted as much as possible.
A Comparison of the Reactivating and Therapeutic Efficacy of Two Newly Developed Oximes (K727 and K733) with Oxime K203 and Trimedoxime in Tabun‐Poisoned Rats and Mice
Authors: Kassa Jiri , Sepsova Vendula , Tumova Martina , Horova Anna , Musilek Kamil
Published: September 2014

The reactivating and therapeutic efficacy of three original bispyridinium oximes (K727, K733 and K203) and one currently available oxime (trimedoxime) was evaluated in tabun‐poisoned rats and mice. The oxime‐induced reactivation of tabun‐inhibited acetylcholinesterase was measured in diaphragm and brain of tabun‐poisoned rats. The results showed that the reactivating efficacy of two recently developed oximes (K727 and K733) does not achieve the level of the reactivation of tabun‐inhibited acetylcholinesterase induced by oxime K203 and trimedoxime. While all oximes studied were able to increase the activity of tabun‐inhibited acetylcholinesterase in diaphragm, oxime K733 was not able to reactivate tabun‐inhibited acetylcholinesterase in the brain. The therapeutic efficacy of all oximes studied roughly corresponds to their reactivating efficacy. While both recently developed oximes were able to reduce acute toxicity of tabun less than 1.5‐fold, another original oxime K203 and commonly used trimedoxime reduced the acute toxicity of tabun almost two times. In conclusion, the reactivating and therapeutic potency of both newly developed oximes does not prevail the effectiveness of oxime K203 and trimedoxime, and therefore, they are not suitable for their replacement of commonly used oximes for the antidotal treatment of acute tabun poisoning.
Pre‐systemic Elimination of Tilidine: Localization and Consequences for the Formation of the Active Metabolite Nortilidine
Authors: Eichbaum Christine , Mathes Kristin , Burhenne Jürgen , Markert Christoph , Blank Antje , Mikus Gerd
Published: September 2014

The therapeutic activity of tilidine, an opioid analgesic, is mainly related to its active metabolite nortilidine. Nortilidine formation mainly occurs during the high intestinal first‐pass metabolism of tilidine by N‐demethylation. Elimination of the active nortilidine to the inactive bisnortilidine is also mediated by N‐demethylation and is supposed to take place in the liver, probably at a smaller rate. The aim of this study was the investigation of the pre‐systemic elimination of tilidine using grapefruit juice (GFJ) as an intestinal CYP3A4 inhibitor and efavirenz (EFV) as a CYP3A4 activator. A randomized, open, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study was conducted in 12 healthy volunteers using 100 mg tilidine solution p.o., regular strength GFJ 250 mL (3 times at 12‐hr intervals) and EFV 400 mg (12 hr before tilidine administration). Tilidine, nortilidine and bisnortilidine in plasma and urine were quantified by a validated LC/MS/MS analysis. GFJ did not change any pharmacokinetic parameter of tilidine and its metabolites, which suggests that intestinal CYP3A4 does not contribute to the first‐pass metabolism of tilidine. No effect of EFV on the pharmacokinetics of the active nortilidine was observed except a significant reduction of the terminal elimination half‐life by 15%. Overall elimination (renal and metabolic clearances) was unaffected by every treatment. CYP3A4 does not seem to play a major role in tilidine first‐pass and overall metabolism. Other unknown metabolites and their enzymes responsible for their formation have to be investigated as they account for the majority of renally excreted metabolites.
Effect of erythropoietin on hepatic cytochrome P450 expression and function in an adenine‐fed rat model of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Feere D A , Velenosi T J , Urquhart B L
Published: September 2014

Background and Purpose

Erythropoietin (EPO) is used to treat anaemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Hypoxia is associated with anaemia and is known to cause a decrease in cytochrome P450 (P450) expression. As EPO production is regulated by hypoxia, we investigated the role of EPO on P450 expression and function.

Experimental Approach

Male Wistar rats were subjected to a 0.7% adenine diet for 4 weeks to induce CKD. The diet continued for an additional 2 weeks while rats received EPO by i.p. injection every other day. Following euthanasia, hepatic P450 mRNA and protein expression were determined. Hepatic enzyme activity of selected P450s was determined and chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to characterize binding of nuclear receptors involved in the transcriptional regulation of CYP2C and CYP3A.

Key Results

EPO administration decreased hepatic mRNA and protein expression of CYP3A2 (P < 0.05), but not CYP2C11. Similarly, EPO administration decreased CYP3A2 protein expression by 81% (P < 0.001). A 32% decrease (P < 0.05) in hepatic CYP3A enzymatic activity (Vmax) was observed for the formation of 6βOH‐testosterone in the EPO‐treated group. Decreases in RNA pol II recruitment (P < 0.01), hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α binding (P < 0.05) and pregnane X receptor binding (P < 0.01) to the promoter region of CYP3A were also observed in EPO‐treated rats.

Conclusions and Implications

Our data show that EPO decreases the expression and function of CYP3A, but not CYP2C in rat liver.
The Common Assessment Framework: the impact of the lead professional on families and professionals as part of a continuum of care in England
Authors: Holmes Lisa , McDermid Samantha
Published: September 2014

This paper utilizes data gathered as part of an exploratory study to assess the costs and impact of the Common Assessment Framework (CAF), to examine the impact that the lead professional role had on families and workers. The study found that both families and workers believed the lead professional to be central to the CAF process, providing a range of support, coordinating multi‐agency responses to need and acting as a single point of contact between families and workers. The paper highlights the need for consideration to be given to inter‐agency working, data sharing, training for workers and the capacity implications for those taking on the role. The extent to which the lead professional might be more integrated into the continuum of support for vulnerable children and families is also examined. The paper highlights the need to consider the lead professional's role in not only preventing the need for more intensive services, such as those provided by statutory social work, but also maintaining outcomes achieved once a child protection plan is closed, or a child is reunified with his or her birth family after a period of being in care. The implications of the findings for policy and practice are discussed.
A Social Constructivist Perspective on the Potential Relevance of Selected DSM‐5 Disorders for South African Children and Youth
Authors: Kriegler Susan
Published: September 2014

In South Africa, careless implementation of child psychiatry's biomedical model of ‘mental disorder’ could stigmatise children and youth who have been made vulnerable by the lingering effects of apartheid — poverty and malnutrition, violence and abuse, and the HIV/AIDS pandemic. A focus on DSM‐5 category changes — regarding post‐traumatic stress disorder and ADHD — demonstrates that these psychiatric labels are impracticable and irrelevant in a post‐colonial developing country, where mental health care is delivered in the context of scarce services and unequal access. A social constructivist perspective enables us to broaden policy decisions and suggest directions for research.
Bone healing at bicortically installed implants with different surface configurations. An experimental study in rabbits
Authors: Caneva Marco , Lang Niklaus P. , Calvo Guirado José Luis , Spriano Silvia , Iezzi Giovanna , Botticelli Daniele
Published: September 2014

Objective

To study the sequential healing at bicortically installed implants with surface modifications by the use of fluoroboric acid and/or H2O2.

Material and methods

Twenty‐eight albino New Zealand rabbits were used. Two recipient sites were prepared in the tibiae bilaterally, one in the metaphysis and the second in the diaphysis regions. Four implants with different surface characteristics were randomly installed with bicortical stabilization: (i) sandblasted and acid‐etched; (ii) same surface as i, but with a substitution of the hydrofluoric acid with fluoroboric acid; (iii) same surface as i, additionally treated with H2O2; and (iv) same surface modified as ii, additionally treated with H2O2. The animals were killed after 5, 8, 15, and 30 days. Ground sections were prepared for histological analyses.

Results

No statistically significant differences in osseointegration were found among various surfaces at any of the healing periods. A higher degree of osseointegration was observed at the implants placed in the metaphysis compared to those placed in the diaphysis, especially during early healing. A higher degree of osseointegration was found at sites with proximity to compact (cortical) bone when compared to the middle portion of the implants, especially in the diaphysis region.

Conclusions

Surfaces modified with different acids or H2O2 resulted in similar osseointegration compared to a standard sandblasted and acid‐etched surface. The portion of the bicortically installed implants in close contact with the cortical compartment presented a higher percentage of osseointegration compared with the region in contact with the bone marrow compartment.
Variants of the melanocortin‐1 receptor: do they matter clinically?
Authors: Haddadeen Ciara , Lai Chester , Cho Shin‐Young , Healy Eugene
Published: September 2014

The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene encodes for a seven‐pass transmembrane receptor primarily expressed on melanocytes and melanoma cells. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs, also termed variants) in MC1R frequently cause red hair, fair skin and are associated with melanoma and keratinocyte‐derived skin cancer development. Activation of wild‐type (WT) MC1R in skin assists cutaneous photoprotection whereas reduced MC1R signalling, seen with MC1R variants, impairs ultraviolet radiation (UVR)‐protective responses. As ancestral humans migrated out of Africa, the evolutionary advantage of MC1R variants may have related to improved cutaneous vitamin D synthesis and higher birthweight reported with certain MC1R variants. Reduced photoprotection secondary to MC1R dysfunction involves pigmentary and non‐pigmentary mechanisms (reduced DNA repair, effects on cell proliferation and possibly immunological parameters), leading to clonal expansion of mutated cells within skin and subsequent carcinogenesis. Recent investigations suggest an association between MC1R genotype and vitiligo, with preliminary evidence that a MC1R agonist, [Nle4‐D‐Phe7]‐alpha‐MSH, in combination with UVB, assists repigmentation. Future development of compounds to correct defective MC1R responses secondary to MC1R variants could result in photoprotective benefits for fair‐skinned individuals and reduce their skin cancer risk.
Sustained translational repression of lactate dehydrogenase 1 in Toxoplasma gondii bradyzoites is conferred by a small regulatory RNA hairpin
Authors: Holmes Michael , Itaas Vaunell , Ananvoranich Sirinart
Published: September 2014

In response to environmental stresses, Toxoplasma gondii induces a global translational repression which allows for the remodeling of its transcriptome. While some transcripts are preferentially translated, another subset is translationally repressed and maintained in bradyzoites. Although little is known of how transcripts are targeted for sustained translational repression, the targeting probably operates through an RNA‐centric mechanism relying on the recognition of cis‐acting elements. In this study, we sought to determine if the targeting of transcripts through recognizable cis‐acting elements could be responsible for the transcript‐specific sustained translational repression displayed by Toxoplasma bradyzoites. We examined the UTRs of a translationally repressed gene, lactate dehydrogenase 1, and found a 40 nucleotide regulatory element in its 5′UTR. This element specifically induces translational repression in otherwise constitutively expressed transcripts. Mutational studies revealed that the formation of a small 16 nucleotide regulatory RNA hairpin is essential for this activity. We suggest that this hairpin may act as the nucleation site for the binding of an as yet to be identified trans‐acting factor that allows for the transcript to be targeted for translational repression removal from the active translational pool. To our knowledge, this is the first report characterizing a specific cis‐acting element contributing to post‐transcriptional gene regulation in Toxoplasma and suggests the presence of a pathway by which the parasites can recognize, identify and specifically target transcripts for sustained translational repression under stressful conditions.
Autoantibody status and histological variables influence biochemical response to treatment and long‐term outcomes in Japanese patients with primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Nakamura Minoru , Kondo Hisayoshi , Tanaka Atsushi , Komori Atsumasa , Ito Masahiro , Yamamoto Kazuhide , Ohira Hiromasa , Zeniya Mikio , Hashimoto Etsuko , Honda Masao , Kaneko Shuichi , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Kikuchi Kentaro , Shimoda Shinji , Harada Kenichi , Arai Kuniaki , Miyake Yasuhiro , Abe Masanori , Taniai Makiko , Saibara Toshiji , Sakisaka Shotaro , Takikawa Hajime , Onji Morikazu , Tsubouchi Hirohito , Nakanuma Yasuni , Ishibashi Hiromi
Published: September 2014

Aim

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the factors influencing biochemical response to treatment and the value of biochemical response for predicting long‐term outcomes in Japanese patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC).

Methods

Biochemical response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) or UDCA plus bezafibrate was defined as good (≤upper limit of normal [ULN]), fair (≤1.5 × ULN) or poor (>1.5 × ULN) at 2 years after initiation of UDCA treatment. Associations between various factors (including age, sex, autoantibody status and histological variables at baseline), biochemical response to treatment and long‐term outcomes were evaluated in 164 Japanese PBC patients.

Results

Anti‐gp210 positivity and a higher bile duct loss score were significant risk factors for worse alkaline phosphatase (ALP) response (odds ratios [OR], 2.78 and 1.85, respectively). Age, anti‐gp210 positivity and anticentromere positivity were significant risk factors for worse alanine aminotransferase (ALT) response (OR, 1.05, 4.0 and 2.77, respectively). Anti‐gp210 positivity and a higher hepatitis score were significant risk factors for worse immunoglobulin (Ig)M response (OR, 2.10 and 2.06, respectively). Worse ALP and IgM response were significant risk factors for progression to late‐stage disease without jaundice (OR, 2.27 and 2.32, respectively). Worse ALT response was a significant risk factor for progression to late‐stage disease with persistent jaundice (OR, 11.11).

Conclusion

Biochemical response to treatment at 2 years, which is influenced by autoantibody status and histological variables at baseline, can predict long‐term outcomes in Japanese patients with PBC.
Beyond Compartmentalized Atlantics: A Case for Embracing the Atlantic from Spanish American Shores
Authors: Bassi Ernesto
Published: September 2014

Despite the recent surge of Atlantic histories that pursue connections across political boundaries, compartmentalized Atlantics still dominate the field's historiographical map. This paper presents some of the most recent efforts to construct Atlantic histories that cut across political borders and depict the entangled nature of lived experiences in the early modern Atlantic world. In particular, focusing on recent works that look at islands as loci of entanglement and studies that follow individuals as they crossed political borders, this article suggests that historians of Spanish America should embrace the Atlantic as a way to contribute to the production of an Atlantic history that more faithfully represents the lived experiences and collective imaginaries of Atlantic dwellers.
The History of Madness and Mental Illness in the Middle Ages: Directions and Questions
Authors: Craig Leigh Ann
Published: September 2014

This article explores the extent of recent publications on the history of madness and mental illness in the Middle Ages. It also argues that as this work continues, the categorical groupings of “madness” and “mental illness” deserve our close scrutiny. An exploration of both medieval and present‐day categorical assumptions reveals the ways in which they shape our reading of medieval texts, of historical causation, and of social agency.
Shopping and the Senses: Retail, Browsing and Consumption in 18th‐Century England
Authors: Dyer Serena
Published: September 2014

Interest in the senses has blossomed over the last decade, leading to numerous explorations of touch, smell, sound, taste and sight throughout history. Increasingly, historians are considering how this sensory methodology can enrich other fields of historical study. This article explores the potential for sensory history to open new avenues of thought in the field of urban consumption history. Focusing on the period of the so called ‘consumer revolution’, this article promotes a reassessment of shopping in 18th‐century English towns. This intersection of consumption history and sensory history encourages us to rethink numerous aspects of the process of shopping in the 18th century, including browsing, gender, urban space and agency. This article begins by assessing the current state of scholarship in these two branches of historical enquiry, before considering how their juncture impacts research moving forward.
Spindle cell/pleomorphic lipomas of the face: an under‐recognized diagnosis
Authors: Cheah Alison , Billings Steven , Goldblum John , Hornick Jason , Uddin Nasir , Rubin Brian
Published: September 2014

Aims

Rarely, spindle cell/pleomorphic lipomas arise on the face where they present diagnostic difficulties. The aim of our study was to describe the clinical, histological and immunohistochemical features of a series of spindle cell/pleomorphic lipomas of the face.

Methods and results

Thirty‐three cases of spindle cell/pleomorphic lipoma of the face were studied. Patient characteristics were 25 male:8 female, ranging from 33 to 91 years of age (mean 60). The most common sites were nose (nine), cheek (eight), forehead (eight), chin (three), anterior scalp (three), lip (two) and ear (two). The mean tumour size was 1.9 cm. An unusual histological feature was the involvement of skeletal muscle, which was seen in 12 cases (36%). Otherwise, the cases exemplified the entire histological spectrum of spindle cell lipoma, including purely dermal and subcutaneous cases. By immunohistochemistry, they were uniformly positive for CD34 (26 of 26 cases), positive for oestrogen receptor in five of 21 cases and negative for desmin in all cases (none of 20 positive). Retinoblastoma (Rb) expression was lost in 18 of 19 cases.

Conclusions

Due to an unusual anatomical location and frequent infiltration of skeletal muscle, spindle cell/pleomorphic lipoma of the face can be a difficult diagnosis. Increased awareness of its clinicopathological features should allow accurate classification.
Hierarchical trait predictors of healthy diet: a comparison between US and Chinese young consumers
Authors: Sun Tao , Lin Shengdong , Kolodinsky Jane
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the hierarchical trait predictors of health diet among 541 US and Chinese college‐aged consumers. A path model was first tested among the combined US and Chinese sample, then separately among US and Chinese samples. Five‐factor personality traits were found to influence the healthy diet through the mediations of health motivation (as an internal motive) and body shape concern (as an external motive). Conscientiousness was found to be a consistent predictor of health motivation and healthy diet among both US and Chinese college students. Unlike the previous findings, openness to experience was not found to be a significant predictor of healthy diet among the US sample, although it was still a significant predictor among the Chinese sample.
Literacy and Gender: Development Success Stories
Authors: Feeney Griffith
Published: September 2014

The adult literacy rate, a commonly used indicator of male and female literacy, gives an unnecessarily incomplete picture of progress toward gender equality and universal literacy. Age‐specific literacy rates provide evidence of changing male and female literacy for up to seven decades prior to a census. When available for two or more successive censuses, they provide a powerful test of data quality. In Malawi, the gender gap in literacy disappeared in 2000, and near‐universal literacy is likely to be achieved during the present decade. Much the same is true of El Salvador. The gender gap in Vietnam had dwindled to insignificance by the early 1980s. In Morocco, the gap narrowed steadily between 1940 and 2000 and may disappear by 2015. Despite these successes, adult literacy rates may take another half century or more to reach similar levels. This lag is a consequence of the intrinsic population dynamics of literacy.
Kinematic Modeling of Normal Voluntary Mandibular Opening and Closing Velocity–Initial Study
Authors: Gawriołek Krzysztof , Gawriołek Maria , Komosa Marek , Piotrowski Paweł R. , Azer Shereen S.
Published: September 2014

Purpose

Determination and quantification of voluntary mandibular velocity movement has not been a thoroughly studied parameter of masticatory movement. This study attempted to objectively define kinematics of mandibular movement based on numerical (digital) analysis of the relations and interactions of velocity diagram records in healthy female individuals.

Materials and Methods

Using a computerized mandibular scanner (K7 Evaluation Software), 72 diagrams of voluntary mandibular velocity movements (36 for opening, 36 for closing) for women with clinically normal motor and functional activities of the masticatory system were recorded. Multiple measurements were analyzed focusing on the curve for maximum velocity records. For each movement, the loop of temporary velocities was determined. The diagram was then entered into AutoCad calculation software where movement analysis was performed. The real maximum velocity values on opening (Vmax), closing (V0), and average velocity values (Vav) as well as movement accelerations (a) were recorded. Additionally, functional (A1‐A2) and geometric (P1‐P4) analysis of loop constituent phases were performed, and the relations between the obtained areas were defined. Velocity means and correlation coefficient values for various velocity phases were calculated.

Results

The Wilcoxon test produced the following maximum and average velocity results: Vmax = 394 ± 102, Vav = 222 ± 61 for opening, and Vmax = 409 ± 94, Vav = 225 ± 55 mm/s for closing. Both mandibular movement range and velocity change showed significant variability achieving the highest velocity in P2 phase.

Conclusions

Voluntary mandibular velocity presents significant variations between healthy individuals. Maximum velocity is obtained when incisal separation is between 12.8 and 13.5 mm. An improved understanding of the patterns of normal mandibular movements may provide an invaluable diagnostic aid to pathological changes within the masticatory system.
Clinical Outcome of Double Crown‐Retained Mandibular Removable Dentures Supported by a Combination of Residual Teeth and Strategic Implants
Authors: Rinke Sven , Ziebolz Dirk , Ratka‐Krüger Petra , Frisch Eberhard
Published: September 2014

Purpose

There is a lack of data regarding the clinical outcome of removable partial dentures (RPDs) supported by a combination of residual natural teeth and implants placed in strategic positions. The aim of the present case series was to conduct a retrospective investigation of the clinical outcome of mandibular tooth‐implant‐retained partial dentures (TIRPD) rigidly retained via telescopic double crowns.

Material and Methods

Between 1999 and 2010, 18 patients with reduced residual dentition (1 to 3 natural abutment teeth) and in need of an RPD received 1 to 3 implants in strategic positions for support of the removable prostheses. All TIRPDs were rigidly retained by telescopic crowns according to the Marburg Double Crown (MDC) technique; all prostheses were placed in a private practice. Tooth/implant survival and success rates, prosthetic maintenance requirements, and peri‐implant parameters were analyzed retrospectively using patient records and clinical examinations during the final recall appointments. Only patients attending at least annual supportive post‐implant hygiene therapy visits (SIT) were included.

Results

After a mean functional period of 5.84 ± 3 years (range: 3.01–12.21), 14 patients with 14 dentures supported by 24 implants and 27 teeth (mean number of abutments: 3.6) were available for assessment. Four teeth (survival rate: 85.19%) and no implants (survival rate: 100%) were lost. Peri‐implantitis was observed around one implant (4.17%). All 14 dentures were functional (survival rate: 100%) and required only limited maintenance (i.e., screw loosening, acrylic resin fracture repairs, relining) amounting to 0.086 treatments per patient per year (T/P/Y).

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this case series, it can be concluded that TIRPDs retained via MDCs might represent a viable treatment option in mandibles with few remaining abutment teeth. Further long‐term clinical evaluations with a greater sample size are needed for a more detailed evaluation of this treatment concept.