bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The correlation between fluid transport and push‐out strength in root canals filled with a methacrylate‐based filling material
Authors: Moinzadeh A.‐T. , Mirmohammadi H. , Hensbergen I. A. M. , Wesselink P. R. , Shemesh H.
Published: April 2014

Aim

To investigate the correlation between fluid transport and dislocation resistance in canals filled with a methacrylate‐based filling material.

Methodology

The root canals in sixty‐five single‐rooted human teeth were prepared to size 40, 0.06 taper. Sixty roots were filled with a single‐cone technique using RealSeal SE sealer and divided into 3 groups, whilst five roots served as fluid transport positive control. Group 1 (n = 20): correlation group. Specimens were consecutively tested with fluid transport for 90 min and thereafter with the push‐out test at coronal and apical root levels. Group 2 (n = 20): push‐out control. Specimens were only subjected to the push‐out test at coronal and apical root levels. Group 3 (n = 20): fluid transport negative control. Specimens were totally covered with nail varnish. The correlation between fluid transport and dislocation resistance was assessed by Kendall's tau‐b coefficient. The Mann–Whitney U‐test was used to compare dislocation resistance between groups 1 and 2 and fluid transport between groups 1 and 3. Significance level was set at P < 0.05.

Results

Kendall's tau‐b correlation coefficients between fluid transport and dislocation resistance were weak, being coronally 0.139 (P = 0.444) and apically −0.080 (P = 0.658). No significant difference in dislocation resistance could be detected between groups 1 and 2 at both root levels (P = 0.052 and P = 0.336, respectively).

Conclusion

No significant correlation could be identified between fluid transport and dislocation resistance, meaning that the corono‐apical sealing ability of a methacrylate‐based root canal filling is independent of its adhesive properties as indicated by its dislocation resistance.
Clonal diversity in biofilm formation by Enterococcus faecalis in response to environmental stress associated with endodontic irrigants and medicaments
Authors: Wilson C. E. , Cathro P. C. , Rogers A. H. , Briggs N. , Zilm P. S.
Published: April 2014

Aim

To determine whether clonal diversity within E. faecalis affects biofilm formation when exposed to antimicrobial compounds found in endodontic medicaments and irrigants.

Methodology

Five human isolates of E. faecalis were compared; biofilms were grown in microtitre trays in the presence of sodium hypochlorite, calcium hydroxide, chlorhexidine, tetracycline or clindamycin. Biofilms were quantified by staining with crystal violet and optical density determined with a microplate reader. Slime production (an amorphous extracellular matrix comprising polysaccharides, glycoproteins and glycolipids loosely attached to the cell surface) was determined qualitatively by growth on Congo red agar plates. Linear mixed models were used to examine whether medicaments affected biofilm growth of the isolates in the presence of the medicaments or irrigants.

Results

Overall, different endodontic antimicrobials significantly altered biofilm growth in E. faecalis isolates. Two E. faecalis isolates significantly (P < 0.0001) increased biofilm formation in the presence of tetracycline and one in the presence of NaOCl (P = 0.018). Qualitatively, slime production also varied between isolates and correlated with biofilm production.

Conclusions

When subjected to sub‐minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) levels of antimicrobial compounds found in endodontic medicaments, E. faecalis isolates demonstrated significant clonal variation in their capacity to form biofilms. Interestingly, there was a correlation between slime production and the ability of isolates to form a biofilm in the presence of antimicrobials. The results indicate that isolates of E. faecalis that form biofilms in response to endodontic medicaments may be more likely to survive endodontic treatment.
Intranasal delivery of FSD‐C10, a novel Rho kinase inhibitor, exhibits therapeutic potential in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Li Yan‐Hua , Yu Jie‐Zhong , Liu Chun‐Yun , Zhang Hui , Zhang Hai‐Fei , Yang Wan‐Fang , Li Jun‐Lian , Feng Qian‐Jin , Feng Ling , Zhang Guang‐Xian , Xiao Bao‐Guo , Ma Cun‐Gen
Published: April 2014

Viewing multiple sclerosis (MS) as both neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration has major implications for therapy, with neuroprotection and neurorepair needed in addition to controlling neuroinflammation in the central nervous system (CNS). While Fasudil, an inhibitor of Rho kinase (ROCK), is known to suppress experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS, it relies on multiple, short‐term injections, with a narrow safety window. In this study, we explored the therapeutic effect of a novel ROCK inhibitor FSD‐C10, a Fasudil derivative, on EAE. An important advantage of this derivative is that it can be used via non‐injection routes; intranasal delivery is the preferred route because of its efficient CNS delivery and the much lower dose compared with oral delivery. Our results showed that intranasal delivery of FSD‐C10 effectively ameliorated the clinical severity of EAE and CNS inflammatory infiltration and promoted neuroprotection. FSD‐C10 effectively induced CNS production of the immunoregulatory cytokine interleukin‐10 and boosted expression of nerve growth factor and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor proteins, while inhibiting activation of p‐nuclear factor‐κB/p65 on astrocytes and production of multiple pro‐inflammatory cytokines. In addition, FSD‐C10 treatment effectively induced CD4+ CD25+, CD4+ FOXP3+ regulatory T cells. Together, our results demonstrate that intranasal delivery of the novel ROCK inhibitor FSD‐C10 has therapeutic potential in EAE, through mechanisms that possibly involve both inhibiting CNS inflammation and promoting neuroprotection.
Direct intrawound administration of dimethylsulphoxide relieves acute pain in rats
Authors: Gautam Mayank , Prasoon Pranav , Kumar Rahul , Singh Anurag , Shrimal Prawal , Ray Subrata B
Published: April 2014

Wounds associated with injuries such as burns can produce moderate to severe pain. Besides causing distress to the patient, unrelieved pain could delay healing owing to stress‐related problems. Thus, pain needs to be treated as early as possible after injury. It was hypothesised that local treatment of wounds with appropriate analgesic drugs could attenuate pain. HOE 140, a bradykinin receptor antagonist, reduced acute inflammatory pain in rats after intrawound administration. In this study, the analgesic effect of dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) was investigated in a similar hind‐paw incision model in rats. An extremely small quantity (10 µl) of 100% DMSO was administered into the incision site just before closure of the wound. It persistently attenuated guarding behaviour in rats over a period of 3 days without affecting thermal hyperalgesia or allodynia. Accumulated evidence indicates that guarding is equivalent to pain at rest in humans. The possible mechanisms of the analgesic effect could be inhibition of C group of peripheral nerve fibres or even free radical scavenging. Healing of the wound was found to be normal at the end of the study period. In conclusion, DMSO could be useful in the treatment of acute pain resulting from tissue injuries such as burns.
Managing Diversity in Postneoliberal Ecuador
Authors: Novo Carmen Martínez
Published: April 2014

Este artículo examina los derechos indígenas durante el gobierno de Rafael Correa, (2007 hasta el presente) en Ecuador. Dicho trabajo sostiene que este gobierno está llevando a cabo un proceso de reforma del estado que conlleva una centralización en la toma de decisiones y un énfasis en la extracción de recursos naturales con la finalidad de financiar un estado más fuerte. Dicho proceso está reduciendo la autonomía de los movimientos indígenas y ha ocasionado choques con sus organizaciones debido a que importantes recursos naturales, están localizados en los territorios en los que habitan. Los académicos que han estudiado los regímenes post‐neoliberales en sus primeros años, sostuvieron que la ciudadanía post‐multicultural se caracterizaba por combinar lo ganado en el periodo neo‐liberal ‐el reconocimiento y la participación‐, con un mayor énfasis en la redistribución. Trabajos más recientes, han señalado las exclusiones derivadas de formas particulares de entender la etnicidad, así como de la falta de autonomía de la sociedad civil en estos regímenes centralizados. En el caso de Ecuador, la ciudadanía post‐neoliberal ha dado lugar al retorno de un tipo de indigenismo que construye a los indígenas como receptores pasivos de las políticas gubernamentales.
Haile Selassie and the Gospel of Development: Hegemony and Faith‐Based Development in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies
Authors: Alvaré Bretton
Published: April 2014

En este artículo exploro el proceso por el cual organizaciones no gubernamentales basadas en la fe (FBOs) se incorporan, reproducen, y cuestionan construcciones hegemónicas de desarollo en su intento de llevar los frutos del desarollo a sus comunidades locales. Centro mi análisis en la Organización Nacional Rastafari (NRO) de Trinidad y Tobago‐ una pequeña FBO de base cuyos dirigentes diseñaron e implementaron un programa de desarollo para sus comunidad local que, a pesar de ser pensado de acuerdo a los principios contenidos en el “evangelio del desarrollo” de Haile Selassie, tiene más en común con el programa nacional de desarollo neoliberal promovido por el gobierno de Trinidad que con los programas de desarollo típicos de otras organizaciones Rastafari en la region Caribe. El NRO no mantuvo el sentido de todos los temas, lógicas o prácticas recomendadas en dicho “evangelio del desarollo”. Por el contrario, su conexión con el nivel hegemónico les llevó a adoptar aspectos en circulación en aquel momento que resonaban con los discursos oficiales del estado de desarollo participativo neoliberal.
“We Are Daughters of the Sea”: Strategies, Gender, and Empowerment in a Mexican Women's Cooperative
Authors: Peterson Nicole D.
Published: April 2014

Este artículo traza el desarrollo de una cooperativa de mujeres en un área rural de Baja California Sur, México, y describe cómo estas mujeres han usado estrategias locales para crear un negocio relativamente exitoso. Sus estrategias incluyen la creación de una cooperativa con una carpeta de proyectos diversificados, e integración de redes sociales que les permiten adquirir recursos externos, mientras que mantienen control sobre sus proyectos. El éxito de la cooperativa se basa en la flexibilidad de su estructura cooperativa y el interés de organizaciones externas en apoyar cooperativas dirigidas por mujeres. Sin embargo, algunas de las actividades en las que estas mujeres participan están en conflicto con las normas locales de género, creando tensiones dentro de su comunidad y hogares. Este caso engrana ideas sobre género y trabajo para sugerir que grupos como este crean nuevas posibilidades de empoderamiento y cambio económico en sus movimientos a través de lindes domésticos, regionales y nacionales, a la vez que negocian normas de comportamiento para los géneros en la comunidad.
Beyond Remittances: Contesting El Salvador's Developmentalist Migration Politics
Authors: Wiltberger Joseph
Published: April 2014

En una coyuntura de condiciones cambiantes de migración y reformulaciones políticas, la estrategia política de migración de El Salvador, motivada por las remesas, ha visto nuevas contestaciones. Desde los finales de la guerra civil, el estado neoliberal ha promovido la migración y las remesas a favor de un imaginario desarrollista y particular de “progreso” y bienestar “transnacional.” Sin embargo, últimamente, los salvadoreños enfrentan nuevos desafíos mientras las condiciones de migración han cambiado y ha crecido la dependencia de El Salvador en la migración y las remesas. Con un enfoque en las demandas de activistas transnacionales de comunidades de migrantes presentadas en eventos alrededor del cambio del gobierno hacia la izquierda, este artículo examina las maneras en que políticas, discursos, y lógicas desarrollistas de la migración transnacional han sido contestados y reimaginados. La articulación colectiva de estas demandas construyen nuevos imaginarios políticos de formaciones transnacionales del estado, migración, y desarrollo.
National Divisions, Transnational Ties: Constructing Social and Civic Identities in Postwar El Salvador
Authors: Dyrness Andrea
Published: April 2014

Este artículo examina los procesos implícitos y no formales de la formación de identidad en dos escuelas de San Salvador que representan lados opuestos de la división socioeconómica y política de El Salvador. A través de un estudio etnográfico detallado, demuestro cómo las dos escuelas reprodujeron divisiones nacionales al socializar a sus alumnos hacia distintas identidades políticas y sociales. Al mismo tiempo, muestro que la participación de los alumnos en redes transnacionales interrumpe la reproducción de identidades dominantes basadas en clase social, y ofrece un momento de reflexión crítica con el potencial de contrarrestar las relaciones de poder local. Sugiero que el conocimiento y la experiencia de los alumnos con la diáspora salvadoreña ofrece a los educadores locales una oportunidad única para la educación cívica que puede reparar algunas de las divisiones sociales de El Salvador.
Placental and Cord Insertion Pathologies: Screening, Diagnosis, and Management
Authors: Wiedaseck Susan , Monchek Ruth
Published: April 2014

Placenta previa, low‐lying placenta, and placenta accreta are aberrations in the normal development of the placenta. Diagnosis in the prenatal period is essential because each of these pathologies can have a profound impact on the management of labor, birth, and the third stage. In recent years, there has been an increase in the occurrence of these placental abnormalities, with the increase in the cesarean rate considered to be a main cause of this phenomenon. Comprehensive risk assessment, combined with recent advances in ultrasonography, can provide earlier detection of impaired placental implantation. Umbilical cord insertion pathologies are also of concern. Velamentous cord insertion is a defect in the insertion site of the umbilical cord resulting from the atrophy of portions of the developing placenta. In this condition, the blood vessels of the umbilical cord are not protected by Wharton's jelly, resulting in a potential for increased risk of breakage when the amniotic membranes rupture. Vasa previa is a velamentous insertion of the umbilical cord in which the blood vessels are present over the cervical os. If these blood vessels rupture during labor, it can have catastrophic effects on the fetus. Prenatal diagnosis of this condition can allow the certified nurse‐midwife/certified midwife (CNM/CM) to plan for the safe birth of the newborn and avoid fetal hemorrhage. This article provides a review of risk factors, diagnosis pathophysiology, and management options for these conditions, thus enabling the CNM/CM to provide safe, effective care and management.
Enteric GFAP expression and phosphorylation in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Clairembault Thomas , Kamphuis Willem , Leclair‐Visonneau Laurène , Rolli‐Derkinderen Malvyne , Coron Emmanuel , Neunlist Michel , Hol Elly M. , Derkinderen Pascal
Published: April 2014

Enteric glial cells (EGCs) are in many respects similar to astrocytes of the central nervous system and express similar proteins including glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Changes in GFAP expression and/or phosphorylation have been reported during brain damage or central nervous system degeneration. As in Parkinson's disease (PD) the enteric neurons accumulate α‐synuclein, and thus are showing PD‐specific pathological features, we undertook the present survey to study whether the enteric glia in PD become reactive by assessing the expression and phosphorylation levels of GFAP in colonic biopsies. Twenty‐four PD, six progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), six multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients, and 21 age‐matched healthy controls were included. The expression levels and the phosphorylation state of GFAP were analyzed in colonic biopsies by western blot. Additional experiments were performed using real‐time PCR for a more precise analysis of the GFAP isoforms expressed by EGCs. We showed that GFAPκ was the main isoform expressed in EGCs. As compared to control subjects, patients with PD, but not PSP and MSA, had significant higher GFAP expression levels in their colonic biopsies. The phosphorylation level of GFAP at serine 13 was significantly lower in PD patients compared to control subjects. By contrast, no change in GFAP phosphorylation was observed between PSP, MSA and controls. Our findings provide evidence that enteric glial reaction occurs in PD and further reinforce the role of the enteric nervous system in the initiation and/or the progression of the disease.

image

We showed that GFAP is over‐expressed and hypophosphorylated in the enteric glial cells (EGCs) of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients as compared to healthy subjects and patients with atypical parkinsonism (MSA, multiple system atrophy and PSP, progressive supranuclear palsy). Our findings provide evidence that enteric glial reaction occurs in PD but not in PSP and MSA and further reinforce the role of the enteric nervous system in the pathophysiology of PD.
Anterior placentation as a risk factor for massive hemorrhage during cesarean section in patients with placenta previa
Authors: Baba Yosuke , Matsubara Shigeki , Ohkuchi Akihide , Usui Rie , Kuwata Tomoyuki , Suzuki Hirotada , Takahashi Hironori , Suzuki Mitsuaki
Published: April 2014

Aim

In placenta previa (PP), anterior placentation, compared with posterior placentation, is reported to more frequently cause massive hemorrhage during cesarean section (CS). Whether this is due to the high incidence of placenta accreta, previous CS, or a transplacental approach in anterior placenta is unclear. We attempted to clarify this issue.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the relation between the bleeding amount during CS for PP and various factors that may cause massive hemorrhage (>2400 mL) (n = 205) in a tertiary center. If the preoperatively ultrasound‐measured distance from the internal cervical ostium to the placental edge was longer in the uterine anterior wall than in the posterior wall, we defined it as anterior previa, and vice versa.

Results

Patients with accreta, previous CS, total previa, and anterior placentation bled significantly more than their counterparts. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that accreta (odds ratio [OR] 12.6), previous CS (OR 4.7), total previa (OR 4.1), and anterior placentation (OR 3.5) were independent risk factors of massive hemorrhage.

Conclusions

Anterior placentation, namely, the placenta with a longer os‐placental edge distance in the anterior wall than in the posterior wall, was a risk of massive hemorrhage during CS for PP.
Comparison of two modalities: A novel technique, ‘chromohysteroscopy’, and blind endometrial sampling for the evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding
Authors: Alay Asli , Usta Taner A. , Ozay Pinar , Karadugan Ozgur , Ates Ugur
Published: April 2014

Aim

The objective of this study was to compare classical blind endometrial tissue sampling with hysteroscopic biopsy sampling following methylene blue dyeing in premenopausal and postmenopausal patients with abnormal uterine bleeding.

Material and Methods

A prospective case–control study was carried out in the Office Hysteroscopy Unit. Fifty‐four patients with complaints of abnormal uterine bleeding were evaluated. Data of 38 patients were included in the statistical analysis. Three groups were compared by examining samples obtained through hysteroscopic biopsy before and after methylene blue dyeing, and classical blind endometrial tissue sampling. First, uterine cavity was evaluated with office hysteroscopy. Methylene blue dye was administered through the hysteroscopic inlet. Tissue samples were obtained from stained and non‐stained areas. Blind endometrial sampling was performed in the same patients immediately after the hysteroscopy procedure. The results of hysteroscopic biopsy from methylene blue stained and non‐stained areas and blind biopsy were compared.

Results

No statistically significant differences were determined in the comparison of biopsy samples obtained from methylene‐blue stained, non‐stained areas and blind biopsy (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

We suggest that chromohysteroscopy is not superior to endometrial sampling in cases of abnormal uterine bleeding. Further studies with greater sample sizes should be performed to assess the validity of routine use of endometrial dyeing.
Social oocyte freezing: A survey among Singaporean female medical students
Authors: Tan Shu Qi , Tan Andy Wei Keat , Lau Matthew Sie Kuei , Tan Heng Hao , Nadarajah Sadhana
Published: April 2014

Aim

Social oocyte freezing has gained increasing interest worldwide. We conducted a cross‐sectional survey on 129 female medical students in Singapore to assess their mindset and attitudes toward fertility and social oocyte freezing.

Methods

An anonymous online survey was conducted among female medical students in Singapore. The desired sample size was 100 participants. Their awareness of the existence of social oocyte freezing was first assessed. An information leaflet was provided subsequently, followed by a more detailed questionnaire. The questions focused on their awareness of age‐related fertility decline and their intentions for social oocyte freezing if made available.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐nine female students participated in the electronic survey, of whom 36.4% had heard of social oocyte freezing. Of these, 70% had personally considered taking up this option. However, after reading the information leaflet, only 48.9% would still consider this option. Of the total, 89.9% considered themselves too old for pregnancy after the age of 35 years, 37.2% would delay family planning for their career, 45.7% would consider social oocyte freezing to postpone family planning for their career, 46.5% would consider oocyte freezing if they had no suitable partners yet, 50.4% may consider freezing their eggs after the age of 30 years and 71.3% may be more amenable to oocyte freezing if government subsidy is available.

Conclusion

We hypothesize that social oocyte freezing may be a viable option for single young women who wish to delay child‐bearing for ‘reproductive insurance’, so long as this is done with appropriate informed consent with non‐directive counseling.
Safety and efficacy of preoperative autologous blood donation for high‐risk pregnant women: Experience of a large university hospital in Japan
Authors: Yamamoto Yasuhiro , Yamashita Takahiro , Tsuno Nelson Hirokazu , Nagamatsu Takeshi , Okochi Naoko , Hyodo Hironobu , Ikeda Toshiyuki , Kawabata Michiru , Kamei Yoshimasa , Nagura Yutaka , Sone Shinji , Fujii Tomoyuki , Takahashi Koki , Kozuma Shiro
Published: April 2014

Aim

Preoperative autologous blood donation (PAD) has the advantages over allogeneic blood transfusion of theoretically no risk of viral infection and alloimmunization. However, there are some concerns regarding PAD in pregnant women, as they sometimes become anemic and adverse effects such as low blood pressure could be harmful to fetuses. In our hospital, the PAD program was implemented in 2006 and has been used in pregnant women at high risk of massive hemorrhage. In this study, the safety of PAD in pregnant women and its efficacy for avoiding allogeneic blood transfusion were investigated.

Methods

The hospital records of pregnant women who delivered at our hospital from January 2009 to June 2012 were reviewed and those who were enrolled in the PAD program for predicted massive hemorrhage were analyzed.

Results

Among the total of 3095 deliveries, 69 cases enrolled in the PAD program were analyzed. Blood donation was performed 189 times for the 69 cases. The median donated blood volume was 1200 mL (range, 400–2000). The mean blood loss during delivery was 1976 ± 1654 mL. Autologous blood was transfused in 64 cases. Allogeneic blood transfusion was required in five cases of massive blood loss exceeding 5000 mL. In the other 64 cases, no additional allogeneic blood transfusion was required. No adverse events were observed in either the pregnant women or fetuses.

Conclusion

For pregnant women at a high risk of massive hemorrhage, our PAD program was safe and effective for avoiding allogeneic blood transfusion.
Genital infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica confirmed by polymerase chain reaction analyses
Authors: Asano Hiroshi , Kaneuchi Masanori , Furuta Itsuko , Yamaya Yukie , Hatanaka Kanako C. , Takeda Mahito , Matsuno Yoshihiro , Sakuragi Noriaki
Published: April 2014

Entamoeba histolytica is estimated to infect approximately 1% of the global population. In Japan, the prevalence of amebic dysentery has been increasing, with more than 800 patients newly diagnosed annually. However, genital infection with E. histolytica is uncommon even in endemic areas. We present a case of vaginitis caused by E. histolytica. A 50‐year‐old Japanese woman without history of overseas travel presented to a nearby clinic with increased vaginal discharge. She had hemorrhagic erosion at the uterine cervix with yellowish vaginal discharge, and was referred to our hospital for exclusion of malignancy. Cervical cytology revealed periodic acid‐Schiff‐positive protozoa not aggregating around squamous cells, and thus amebic vaginitis was suspected. We performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses and identified E. histolytica. The vaginitis was treated with metronidazole, and the disappearance of amebic protozoa was confirmed by cytology and PCR. Therefore, it may be important to obtain early diagnosis by cervical cytology and PCR.
Local injection of vasopressin reduces the blood loss during cesarean section in placenta previa
Authors: Kato Sosuke , Tanabe Akiko , Kanki Kazuyoshi , Suzuki Yusuke , Sano Takumi , Tanaka Kentaro , Fujita Daisuke , Terai Yoshito , Kamegai Hideki , Ohmichi Masahide
Published: April 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of local injection of vasopressin on blood loss and secondary impact on complications during cesarean section in patients with placenta previa.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients diagnosed with placenta previa admitted to our hospital. Two consecutive periods were compared. During period B, 59 patients underwent the local injection of a vasopressin solution (4 U in 20 mL of saline) into the placental implantation site after placental delivery. During period A, 50 patients underwent cesarean section without vasopressin injection, and were analyzed as a control group. The estimated blood loss was recorded, as were the complications during surgery. In addition, the expression of the vasopressin V1α receptor in uterine smooth muscle was evaluated by immunohistochemistry.

Results

The mean estimated blood loss was significantly lower in the vasopressin group than in the control group. There were no statistically significant differences with surgical complications. The vasopressin V1α receptor was highly expressed in smooth muscle cells in the lower segment of the uterine body, whereas the immunoreactivity for the oxytocin receptor was faint in the lower segment.

Conclusion

The local injection of vasopressin into the placental implantation site significantly reduced the blood loss without increasing the morbidity.
The Influence of Interimplant Divergence on the Retention Characteristics of Locator Attachments, a Laboratory Study
Authors: Stephens Guy J. , di Vitale Nicola , O'Sullivan Eoin , McDonald Ailbhe
Published: April 2014

Purpose

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of interimplant divergence on retention of two Locator attachments before and after in vitro simulation of 3 to 5 years of use.

Materials and Methods

A hydraulic universal testing machine was used to measure the retention of two blue Locator attachments during 5500 seating and unseating cycles. Ten pairs of Locators were tested with interimplant divergences of 0°, 10°, and 20°. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine surface changes of the components. The results were tested with ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc correction when normally distributed. Results that were not normally distributed were tested with Kruskal‐Wallis one‐way ANOVA by ranks.

Results

At the start of the experiment the 10° group showed significantly more retention than the 0° group, but no significant difference was found between the 0° and 20° groups or the 10° and 20° groups. After 5500 cycles, there was no significant difference in retention between any of the groups. The SEM images showed an approximately equal amount of wear in the nylon patrix inserts from all the groups.

Conclusions

The retention of Locator pairs was not impaired by interimplant divergence of up to 20°. Retention after 5500 removal cycles was less than the initial retention in all groups. The nylon Locator patrices showed wear defects of similar location, type, and magnitude in the SEM images, regardless of interimplant angulation.
Relationships Between Meaning in Life, Social and Achievement Events, and Positive and Negative Affect in Daily Life
Authors: Machell Kyla A. , Kashdan Todd B. , Short Jerome L. , Nezlek John B.
Published: April 2014

Research on meaning in life has generally focused on global meaning judgments. This study examined how people's daily experiences, represented by events that occur in daily life, influence their perceived sense of meaning on a daily basis. One hundred sixty‐two college students completed daily reports for 2 weeks. We examined the relationships among daily social and achievement events, daily positive and negative affect, and daily meaning in life. In addition, we tested the possible moderating influence of depressive symptoms on these relationships. Positive daily social and achievement events were related to greater daily meaning, above and beyond the contributions of daily positive and negative affect. Negative social and achievement events were related to less daily meaning, and negative achievement events covaried with daily meaning above and beyond positive and negative affect. Depression moderated the relationships between positive events and meaning, such that people who reported more depressive symptoms had greater increases in daily meaning in response to positive social and achievement events than individuals who reported fewer symptoms. These findings suggest the important role that daily events may play in fluctuations in people's affective experiences and sense of meaning in life.
Improving Sexuality Education: The Development of Teacher‐Preparation Standards
Authors: Barr Elissa M. , Goldfarb Eva S. , Russell Susan , Seabert Denise , Wallen Michele , Wilson Kelly L.
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND

Teaching sexuality education to support young people's sexual development and overall sexual health is both needed and supported. Data continue to highlight the high rates of teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, among young people in the United States as well as the overwhelming public support for sexuality education instruction. In support of the implementation of the National Sexuality Education Standards, the current effort focuses on better preparing teachers to deliver sexuality education.

METHODS

An expert panel was convened by the Future of Sex Education Initiative to develop teacher‐preparation standards for sexuality education. Their task was to develop standards and indicators that addressed the unique elements intrinsic to sexuality education instruction.

RESULTS

Seven standards and associated indicators were developed that address professional disposition, diversity and equity, content knowledge, legal and professional ethics, planning, implementation, and assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

The National Teacher‐Preparation Standards for Sexuality Education represent an unprecedented unified effort to enable prospective health education teachers to become competent in teaching methodology, theory, practice of pedagogy, content, and skills, specific to sexuality education. Higher education will play a key role in ensuring the success of these standards.
Feasibility of Providing Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing and Treatment in Off‐Campus, Nonclinic Settings for Adolescents Enrolled in a School‐Based Research Project
Authors: Chacko Mariam R. , Markham Christine , Thiel Melanie , Crandall Stacy M. , Peskin Melissa F. , Shegog Ross , Tortolero Susan
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

This study examined the acceptability and feasibility of using a biological outcome measure to evaluate a school‐based sexuality education program. Confidential field‐delivered sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing by nonmedical field staff and STI treatment by medically trained field staff was assessed in off‐campus and off‐clinic settings for adolescents enrolled in the trial.

METHODS

After parental and adolescent consent were obtained, a convenient time and location was identified to collect urine to test for chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis, CT), gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrheae, NG), and trichomonas (Trichomonas vaginalis, TV) infection and to treat students with positive results.

RESULTS

A total of 391 of 1742 students had permission to participate (22%); 353 (90%) provided urine samples; 28 (8%) had positive test results: CT(18), NG(5), and TV(8). Testing and treatment occurred at home for 92% and 59% of students, respectively; on weekdays (for 69% and 96%, respectively) and between noon and 8 pm (for 76% and 88%, respectively). All students who tested positive were treated. Several lessons and strategies that may improve the likelihood that students will participate in field‐delivered STI testing and treatment emerged.

CONCLUSION

STI testing and treatment are feasible for students enrolled in a school‐based sexuality education program. However, obtaining parental consent may be challenging.
Sex Differences in Associations of School Connectedness With Adolescent Sexual Risk‐Taking in Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Langille Donald B. , Asbridge Mark , Azagba Sunday , Flowerdew Gordon , Rasic Daniel , Cragg Amber
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND

Associations of lower school connectedness have been seen with adolescent sexual risk behaviors, but little is known about gender differences with respect to these relationships. Understanding any such differences could contribute to better supporting the school environment to promote youth sexual health.

METHODS

We used provincially representative cross‐sectional data from 1415 sexually active students in grades 10 to 12 in Nova Scotia, Canada, to determine whether lower school connectedness was associated with students' sexual risk behaviors using multivariate logistic regression, stratifying by sex.

RESULTS

In boys, lower connectedness was associated with three risk behaviors, having ≥2 partners in the previous year (odds ratio [OR] 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01‐1.13), no condom use at last intercourse (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.01‐1.12), and having unplanned intercourse due to substance use (OR 1.09; 95% CI 1.03‐1.15). No such associations were seen in girls.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that gender differences may exist for associations of school connectedness and sexual risk behaviors; connectedness may be more important for boys than for girls in this area of adolescent health. Educators should consider gender differences when designing interventions to maximize youth sexual health through school‐based interventions. Further research on school connectedness and risk‐taking should examine genders separately.
Correlates of High School Freshman Girls' Reported Reasons for Engaging in Sexual Intercourse
Authors: Smith Matthew Lee , Wilson Kelly , Menn Mindy , Pulczinski Jairus C.
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND

Intrapersonal and external factors, including social pressures and the desire for acceptance from peers, influence sexual activity among adolescents. This study examined how personal characteristics, risky behaviors, normative beliefs, household factors, and engagement in extracurricular activities were related to high school freshman girls' reported reasons for having sexual intercourse.

METHODS

Baseline data were analyzed from 158 girls enrolled in high school‐based abstinence‐only‐until‐marriage education programs during their freshman year. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with Pressures and Reasons for Engaging in Sex Scale (PRESS) scores.

RESULTS

Results indicate that girls with high PRESS scores were significantly more likely to have had sex (OR = 4.29), consumed alcohol within the previous year (OR = 6.13), reported strict household rules (OR = 1.49), and thought more girls their age had sex (OR = 1.67).

CONCLUSION

School‐ and family‐based interventions should be developed to encourage and strengthen parent‐teen communication within the household and reinforce self‐worth and positive self‐perceptions among adolescent girls.
You were always on my mind: The importance of “significant others” in the attenuation of retrieval‐induced forgetting in Japan
Authors: Uchida Yukiko , Ueno Taiji , Miyamoto Yuri
Published: April 2014

Research on memory has demonstrated that remembering material can cause forgetting of related information, which is known as retrieval‐induced forgetting (RIF). Macrae and Roseveare identified “self” as one of the boundary conditions of this effect in the Western cultural context, showing that RIF was eliminated when material was encoded to be related to the self (known as self‐referential effect), but not to significant others. In this study, we predicted and found that significant others could be another boundary condition in Japanese cultural contexts in which self and agency are more interdependent or conjoint; RIF was observed neither under best‐friend‐related encoding nor under family‐related encoding in Japan. The effect of significant others is found uniquely in Japanese cultural contexts, suggesting that the cultural model of self has significant power in the spontaneous system of memory.
First‐Class Health: Amenity Wards, Health Insurance, and Normalizing Health Care Inequalities in Tanzania
Authors: Ellison James
Published: April 2014

In 2008, a government hospital in southwest Tanzania added a “first‐class ward,” which, unlike existing inpatient wards defined by sex, age, and ailment, would treat patients according to their wealth. A generation ago, Tanzanians viewed health care as a right of citizenship. In the 1980s and 1990s, structural adjustment programs and user fees reduced people's access to biomedical attention. Tanzania currently promotes “amenity” wards and health insurance to increase health care availability, generate revenue from patients and potential patients, and better integrate for‐profit care. In this article, I examine people's discussions of these changes, drawing on ethnographic fieldwork in the 2000s and 1990s. I argue that Tanzanians criticize unequal access to care and health insurance, although the systemic structuring of inequalities is becoming normalized. People transform the language of socialism to frame individualized market‐based care as mutual interdependence and moral necessity, articulating a new biomedical citizenship.
ARVs and ARTs: Medicoscapes and the Unequal Place‐making for Biomedical Treatments in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Hörbst Viola , Wolf Angelika
Published: April 2014

Asking why some diseases gain global attention whereas others are neglected, we present two case studies that demonstrate the unequal treatment and financing options available for HIV/AIDS versus infertility treatments. We track three key phenomena central to understanding the unequal public attention given to certain ailments: peace and security, subordination of the social to the biological, and a “global” quality. Existing concepts such as global assemblages or therapeutic citizenship are quite limited when it comes to bodily conditions that result in social suffering and do not satisfy the conditions of advocacy. Since it is not enough to observe “flowing” and “moving,” we propose the concept of medicoscapes, to acknowledge that such activities simultaneously entail channeling and carving out. Medicoscapes enhance the analysis of linkages between different health conditions regardless of whether they are biological or social and how they interconnect places, sites, and people.
Repeated landmass reformation limits diversification in the widespread littoral zone mosquitoAnopheles sundaicussensu lato in theIndo‐OrientalRegion
Authors: Zarowiecki Magdalena , Linton Yvonne‐Marie , Post Rory J. , Bangs Michael J. , Htun Pe Than , Hlaing Thaung , Seng Chang Moh , Baimai Visut , Ding Trung Ho , Sochantha Tho , Walton Catherine
Published: April 2014

Southeast Asia harbours abundant biodiversity, hypothesized to have been generated by Pliocene and Pleistocene climatic and environmental change. Vicariance between the island of Borneo, the remaining Indonesian archipelago and mainland Southeast Asia caused by elevated sea levels during interglacial periods has been proposed to lead to diversification in the littoral zone mosquitoAnopheles(Cellia)sundaicus(Rodenwaldt) sensu lato. To test this biogeographical hypothesis, we inferred the population history and assessed gene flow ofA. sundaicuss.l. sampled from 18 populations across its pan‐Asian species range, using sequences from mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1), the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and the mannose phosphate isomerase (Mpi) gene. A hypothesis of ecological speciation forA. sundaicusinvolving divergent adaptation to brackish and freshwater larval habitats was also previously proposed, based on a deficiency of heterozygotes forMpiallozyme alleles in sympatry. This hypothesis was not supported byMpisequence data, which exhibited no fixed differences between brackish and freshwater larval habitats.MpiandCO1supported the presence of up to eight genetically distinct population groupings. Counter to the hypothesis of three allopatric species, divergence was often no greater betweenBorneo,Sumatra/Java and theSoutheastAsian mainland than it was between genetic groupings within these landmasses. An isolation‐with‐migration (IM) model indicates recurrent gene flow between the current major landmasses. Such gene flow would have been possible during glacial periods when the current landmasses merged, presenting opportunities for dispersal along expanding and contracting coastlines. Consequently, Pleistocene climatic variation has proved a homogenizing, rather than diversifying, force forA. sundaicusdiversity.
Does genetic distance between parental species influence outcomes of hybridization among coral reef butterflyfishes?
Authors: Montanari Stefano R. , Hobbs Jean‐Paul A. , Pratchett Morgan S. , Bay Line K. , Van Herwerden Lynne
Published: April 2014

Christmas Island is located at the overlap of the Indian and Pacific Ocean marine provinces and is a hot spot for marine hybridization. Here, we evaluate the ecological framework and genetic consequences of hybridization between butterflyfishesChaetodon guttatissimusandChaetodon punctatofasciatus. Further, we compare our current findings to those from a previous study of hybridization betweenChaetodon trifasciatusandChaetodon lunulatus. For both species groups, habitat and dietary overlap between parental species facilitate frequent heterospecific encounters. Low abundance of potential mates promotes heterospecific pair formation and the breakdown of assortative mating. Despite similarities in ecological frameworks, the population genetic signatures of hybridization differ between the species groups. Mitochondrial and nuclear data fromC. guttatissimus × C. punctatofasciatus(1% divergence at cytb) show bidirectional maternal contributions and relatively high levels of introgression, both inside and outside the Christmas Island hybrid zone. In contrast,C. trifasciatus × C. lunulatus(5% cytbdivergence) exhibit unidirectional mitochondrial inheritance and almost no introgression. Back‐crossing of hybridC. guttatissimus × C. punctatofasciatusand parental genotypes may eventually confound species‐specific signals within the hybrid zone. In contrast, hybrids ofC. trifasciatusandC. lunulatusmay coexist with and remain genetically distinct from the parents. Our results, and comparisons with hybridization studies in other reef fish families, indicate that genetic distance between hybridizing species may be a factor influencing outcomes of hybridization in reef fish, which is consistent with predictions from terrestrially derived hybridization theory.
A role for FtsA in SPOR‐independent localization of the essential Escherichia coli cell division protein FtsN
Authors: Busiek Kimberly K. , Margolin William
Published: April 2014

FtsN is a bitopic membrane protein and the last essential component to localize to the Escherichia coli cell division machinery, or divisome. The periplasmic SPOR domain of FtsN was previously shown to localize to the divisome in a self‐enhancing manner, relying on the essential activity of FtsN and the peptidoglycan synthesis and degradation activities of FtsI and amidases respectively. Because FtsN has a known role in recruiting amidases and is predicted to stimulate the activity of FtsI, it follows that FtsN initially localizes to division sites in a SPOR‐independent manner. Here, we show that the cytoplasmic and transmembrane domains of FtsN (FtsNCyto‐TM) facilitated localization of FtsN independently of its SPOR domain but dependent on the early cell division protein FtsA. In addition, SPOR‐independent localization preceded SPOR‐dependent localization, providing a mechanism for the initial localization of FtsN. In support of the role of FtsNCyto‐TM in FtsN function, a variant of FtsN lacking the cytoplasmic domain localized to the divisome but failed to complement an ftsN deletion unless it was overproduced. Simultaneous removal of the cytoplasmic and SPOR domains abolished localization and complementation. These data support a model in which FtsA–FtsN interaction recruits FtsN to the divisome, where it can then stimulate the peptidoglycan remodelling activities required for SPOR‐dependent localization.
Does Improvement in Epidurography Following Percutaneous Epidural Neuroplasty Correspond to Patient Outcome?
Authors: Kim Jae Hun , Jung Hee Jin , Nahm Francis Sahngun , Lee Pyung Bok
Published: April 2014

Objective

The positive effects of percutaneous epidural neuroplasty (PEN) likely result from elimination of fibrous tissue. However, a direct link between epidural adhesions and pain symptoms is debatable. We tested the hypothesis that epidurographic improvements correspond to improved patient outcome.

Methods

In this prospective study, patients with a filling defect on initial epidurography underwent PEN. Two weeks later, contrast agent distribution around the target area was assessed with repeat epidurography. A successful treatment was defined as over a 50% reduction in visual analog scale (VAS) score 2 weeks postprocedure. The demographic data, history of lumbar spine operation, target nerve, diagnosis, VAS scores, degree of epidurographic improvement, and patient satisfaction were compared between the successful treatment group (Group I) and unsuccessful treatment group (Group II).

Results

Seventy‐nine patients were included. Epidurographic findings improved in 67.1% of patients 2 weeks after the procedure. Following PEN, the mean VAS scores of all patients were significantly decreased at 2 weeks (4.12 ± 2.34), 1 month (3.56 ± 2.30), 3 months (3.84 ± 2.45), and 6 months (4.13 ± 2.71) compared with the initial scores (7.82 ± 1.78). In the comparison between Groups I and II, the rate of epidurographic improvement in Group I was higher than in Group II (P = 0.022). Satisfaction in patients that had epidurographic improvement (median satisfaction: 4) was higher than in patients that did not have epidurographic improvement (median satisfaction: 3; P = 0.003).

Conclusion

The epidurographic changes following PEN correlate with patient‐assessed pain relief and satisfaction.