bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activity and damage in granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: G. Yegin Ender , Can Meryem , Yilmaz Neslihan , Aydin Sibel Z. , Yavuz Sule , Tuglular Serhan , Direskeneli Haner
Published: February 2013

Aim

To retrospectively analyze disease activity and damage‐associated factors in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) in Turkey.

Method

A retrospective analysis was carried out in 21 GPA patients. Assessments for activity were performed with the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score for GPA (BVAS/GPA) and for permanent organ damage by the Vasculitis Damage Index (VDI).

Results

Lower BVAS/GPA (P = 0.002), absence of renal involvement (P = 0.003) and higher creatinine clearence (P = 0.000) at diagnosis increased the likelihood of achieving remission at 6 weeks. Relapses were associated with high creatinine clearence (P = 0.021), low BVAS/GPA (P = 0.014), absence of renal involvement (P = 0.036) and proteinuria (< 0.5/24 h) (P = 0.013) at diagnosis, whereas achieving remission at 6 weeks (P = 0.012) was associated with absence of co‐trimoxazole usage (P = 0.038) and less severe clinical subgroup (P = 0.034). Lower cumulative first 6 months of cyclophosphamide and methylprednisolone were associated with earlier (≤ 12 months) relapses (P = 0.048 and P = 0.083, respectively). Baseline damage (VDI ≥ 1) was associated with a delay in diagnosis (P = 0.032), presentation with milder clinical subgroups (P = 0.052) and low serum creatinine (P = 0.013). The increase in VDI in the first 12 months (early damage) constituted most (91%) of the total damage measured at the end of follow‐up.

Conclusions

Despite high early remission rates, relapse represents a major problem in localized GPA in our study. Baseline damage was associated with longer diagnostic delay and lower baseline serum creatinine. The initial phase of the disease seems to be the most crucial period for mortality and accumulated damage.
Utilisation of multidisciplinary services for diabetes care in the rural setting
Authors: Madden Jessica , Barnard Amanda , Owen Cathy
Published: February 2013

Objective

To quantify utilisation of allied health care services by diabetics in rural NSW and explore reasons for any underutilisation.

Design

Self‐administered mail survey of 268 patients with diagnosed diabetes identified from practice registers.

Setting

Two rural general practices.

Participants

One hundred seventeen respondents with diabetes.

Main outcome measure

Annual frequency of visits to allied health practitioners.

Results

In the last year, 40.2% of patients had seen a diabetes educator (DE), 21.4% a dietitian and 47% a podiatrist. However, 25–40% of patients had never used each of the services. Reasons for nonutilisation were non‐referral (35.9–68.0%) and lack of perceived need (40.6–59.0%). One third of patients who had not seen a DE in the last year thought their ‘general practitioner (GP) provides a similar service’. However, mean annual GP visits (5.6) were significantly lower than urban and rural comparisons. Patients with formal management plans were, in the last year, twice as likely to have seen a DE and podiatrist, and reported two extra visits to their GP compared to those without.

Conclusions

Rates of allied health service utilisation were not significantly lower than urban rates; however, there is room for increased uptake of multidisciplinary services. Patients who do not access these services may expect their GP to fulfil multiple roles within a limited number of visits and may not understand the role of other practitioners. Where allied health services are available locally, utilisation may be improved by increasing use of management plans and fostering awareness of the role of allied health practitioners in diabetes management.
Commentary: Keywords as a literacy practice in the history of anthropological theory
Authors: AHEARN LAURA M.
Published: February 2013

Word clouds generated from the keywords and titles of articles published in American Ethnologist in the years 1982, 1992, 2002, and 2012 offer a fascinating, though partial, history of anthropological theory over the past several decades. Keyword selection also, I argue, constitutes a type of literacy practice that has been underanalyzed. In this commentary, I explore some of the ways in which the article keyword selection process is imbued with social, intellectual, political, and economic dimensions. I compare the most frequently appearing words in titles versus keywords for each of the above four years and trace the progression of two clusters of keywords: one related to language, the other related to the triumvirate of race, class, and gender.
A pilgrimage to Arawān: Religious legitimacy, status, and ownership in Timbuktu
Authors: SCHEELE JUDITH
Published: February 2013

Northern Mali has been shaken by drought and conflict since the 1960s, leading to gradual redefinitions of notions of status, social hierarchy, and rights in land and people. These changes indicate a fundamental shift from genealogical to territorial visions of the world: from notions of infinite encompassment and concomitant hierarchy to conceptions of rights as derived from “indigeneity” and exclusive categories of ownership and belonging. The recent discovery of oil in the area lends further urgency to these issues, as shown here through an analysis of a pilgrimage to Arawān, north of Timbuktu, undertaken by the all‐too‐cosmopolitan descendants of a regional saint.
Compartmentation of cAMP signalling in cardiomyocytes in health and disease
Authors: Perera R. K. , Nikolaev V. O.
Published: February 2013

3′,5′‐cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a ubiquitous second messenger critically involved in the regulation of heart function. It has been shown to act in discrete subcellular signalling compartments formed by differentially localized receptors, phosphodiesterases and protein kinases. Cardiac diseases such as hypertrophy or heart failure are associated with structural and functional remodelling of these microdomains which leads to changes in cAMP compartmentation. In this review, we will discuss recent key findings which provided new insights into cAMP compartmentation in cardiomyocytes with a particular focus on its alterations in heart disease.
Association between novel MRI‐estimated pancreatic fat and liver histology‐determined steatosis and fibrosis in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Patel N. S. , Peterson M. R. , Brenner D. A. , Heba E. , Sirlin C. , Loomba R.
Published: February 2013

Background

Ectopic fat deposition in the pancreas and its association with hepatic steatosis have not previously been examined in patients with biopsy‐proven non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Aim

To quantify pancreatic fat using a novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique and determine whether it is associated with hepatic steatosis and/or fibrosis in patients with NAFLD.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study including 43 adult patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD who underwent clinical evaluation, biochemical testing and MRI. The liver biopsy assessment was performed using the NASH‐CRN histological scoring system, and liver and pancreas fat quantification was performed using a novel, validated MRI biomarker; the proton density fat fraction.

Results

The average MRI‐determined pancreatic fat in patients with NAFLD was 8.5% and did not vary significantly between head, body, and tail of the pancreas. MRI‐determined pancreatic fat content increased significantly with increasing histology‐determined hepatic steatosis grade; 4.6% in grade 1; 7.7% in grade 2; 13.0% in grade 3 (P = 0.004) respectively. Pancreatic fat content was lower in patients with histology‐determined liver fibrosis than in those without fibrosis (11.2% in stage 0 fibrosis vs. 5.8% in stage 1–2 fibrosis, and 6.9% in stage 3‐4 fibrosis, P = 0.013). Pancreatic fat did not correlate with age, body mass index or diabetes status.

Conclusions

In patients with NAFLD, increased pancreatic fat is associated with hepatic steatosis. However, liver fibrosis is inversely associated with pancreatic fat content. Further studies are needed to determine underlying mechanisms to understand if pancreatic steatosis affects progression of NAFLD.
Potent in vitro and in vivo activity of sorafenib in multiple myeloma: induction of cell death, CD138‐downregulation and inhibition of migration through actin depolymerization
Authors: Udi Josefina , Schüler Julia , Wider Dagmar , Ihorst Gabriele , Catusse Julie , Waldschmidt Johannes , Schnerch Dominik , Follo Marie , Wäsch Ralph , Engelhardt Monika
Published: February 2013

Despite considerable advances, multiple myeloma (MM) remains incurable and the development of novel therapies targeting the interplay between plasma cells (PCs) and their bone marrow (BM) microenvironment remains essential. We investigated the effect of various agents in vitro on the proliferation, phenotype, morphology, actin polymerization and migration of MM cells and, in vivo, the tumour growth of L363‐bearing non‐obese diabetic severe combined immunodeficient mice with a deficient interleukin‐2 receptor gamma chain (NSG). In vitro, we observed a dose‐dependent cytotoxicity with bortezomib and sorafenib. Using RPMI8226 cells co‐expressing histone 2B‐mCherry and cytochrome c‐GFP, bortezomib‐ and sorafenib‐induced apoptosis was confirmed, and both agents combined showed synergism. Sorafenib induced CD138‐downregulation and abolished CXCL12‐induced actin polymerization. L363 cells expressed CCR4 and CCR5 and migrated to their common ligand CCL5. Chemotaxis to BM stroma cells was notable and significantly reduced by sorafenib. Downregulation of phospho‐ERK appeared relevant for the inhibition of actin polymerization and chemotaxis. Sorafenib alone, and combined with bortezomib, showed substantial antitumour activity in L363‐bearing NSG. Correspondingly, sorafenib induced clinical responses in MM‐/AL‐amyloidosis patients. We conclude that, in addition to the cytotoxic and anti‐angiogenic effects of sorafenib, blocking of MM cell migration and homing represent promising mechanisms to interrupt the interplay between PCs and their supportive microenvironment.
Protection from sickle cell retinopathy is associated with elevated HbF levels and hydroxycarbamide use in children
Authors: Estepp Jeremie H. , Smeltzer Matthew P. , Wang Winfred C. , Hoehn Mary E. , Hankins Jane S. , Aygun Banu
Published: February 2013

Elevated foetal haemoglobin (HbF) levels are protective against some manifestations of sickle cell anaemia but the impact on retinopathy is unknown. We report on 123 children with HbSS, 10·6% of whom developed retinopathy. Independent of hydroxycarbamide, children with a HbF <15% had 7·1‐fold (95% confidence interval, 1·5–33·6) higher odds of developing retinopathy. In children treated with hydroxycarbamide, those with retinopathy had lower HbF levels compared to children without retinopathy (9% vs. 16%; P = 0·005). We report a protective benefit of elevated HbF regarding retinopathy, and our data suggests induction of HbF with hydroxycarbamide may prevent retinopathy in children.
Quantitative Vascular Pathology and Phenotyping Familial and Sporadic Cerebral Small Vessel Diseases
Authors: Craggs Lucinda J. L. , Hagel Christian , Kuhlenbaeumer Gregor , Borjesson‐Hanson Anne , Andersen Oluf , Viitanen Matti , Kalimo Hannu , McLean Catriona A. , Slade Janet Y. , Hall Roslyn A. , Oakley Arthur E. , Yamamoto Yumi , Deramecourt Vincent , Kalaria Rajesh N.
Published: February 2013

We quantified vascular changes in the frontal lobe and basal ganglia of four inherited small vessel diseases (SVDs) including cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), pontine autosomal dominant microangiopathy and leukoencephalopathy (PADMAL), hereditary multi‐infarct dementia ofSwedish type (Swedish hMID), and hereditary endotheliopathy with retinopathy, nephropathy, and stroke (HERNS). Vascular pathology was most severe inCADASIL, and varied with marginally greater severity in the basal ganglia compared to the frontal lobe. The overall sclerotic index values in frontal lobe were in the orderCADASIL ≥ HERNS > PADMAL > Swedish hMID > sporadicSVD, and in basal gangliaCADASIL > HERNS > Swedish hMID > PADMAL> sporadicSVD. The subcortical white matter was almost always more affected than any gray matter. We observed glucose transporter‐1 (GLUT‐1) protein immunoreactivities were most affected in the white matter indicating capillary degeneration whereas collagenIV(COL4) immunostaining was increased inPADMALcases in all regions and tissue types. Overall,GLUT‐1 : COL4 ratios were higher in the basal ganglia indicating modifications in capillary density compared to the frontal lobe. Our study shows that the extent of microvascular degeneration varies in these genetic disorders exhibiting common end‐stage pathologies but is the most aggressive inCADASIL.
Sequence stratigraphy of a Paleogene coal bearing rim syncline: interplay of salt dynamics and sea‐level changes, Schöningen, Germany
Authors: Osman Ariana , Pollok Lukas , Brandes Christian , Winsemann Jutta
Published: February 2013

Salt rim synclines contain important hydrocarbon and coal resources in central Europe. The Schöningen salt rim syncline is filled with >300 m of Early to Middle Eocene unconsolidated clastics with interbedded lignitic coal seams that are mined at the surface. In this study, 357 lithologic logs are integrated with measured outcrop sections and paleo‐botanical data to interpret the depositional environments and sequence stratigraphic framework of the rim syncline fill. As salt withdrew, it generated an elongate mini‐basin that mimicked an incised valley. The sustained accommodation and slow broadening of the syncline affected the stratigraphic architecture and contributed to the preservation of coal units. The clastic units in the syncline filled in seven depositional stages: (1) tidally influenced fluvial estuarine channels; (2) mixed tide‐ and wave‐ dominated estuaries; (3) prograding wave dominate deltas; (4) transgressive shoreline deposits; (5) braided fluvial channels; (6) estuaries; and (7) prograding tide‐dominated channels. The succession defines four 3rd order sequences and several higher order sequences that are possibly related to Milankovitch cycles. The higher order sequences are dominantly characterized by stacked transgressive cycles of thick, lowstand coals overlain by estuarine sands. The nearly continuous warm and wet Eocene climate was conducive to continuous peat production with a climatic overprint recorded in the mire type: ombrotrophic mires developed in wetter times and rheotrophic mires developed in relatively drier conditions pointing to the presence of orbitally controlled seasonality. Both mire types were impacted by the interplay of subsidence and base‐level. The continuous dropping of the mires below base‐level via subsidence protected the mires against erosion and may account for the absence of coals outside of the rim synclines in the region.
Pre‐existing diabetes significantly increases the risk of graft failure and mortality following renal transplantation
Authors: Taber David J. , Meadows Holly B. , Pilch Nicole A. , Chavin Kenneth D. , Baliga Prabhakar K. , Egede Leonard E.
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of pre‐existing diabetes mellitus (DM) on acute rejection, graft loss, and mortality following kidney transplant and whether glycemic control or cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk control with medications influenced outcomes. This was a cohort study of 1002 renal transplants conducted between 2000 and 2008. Patients were included if they received a kidney transplant within the allotted time and were at least 18 yr of age. Cox regression was used to assess acute rejection, graft failure, or death controlling for relevant sociodemographic, clinical, and post‐transplant variables. Five‐yr patient survival (83% vs. 93%, p < 0.001) and graft survival (74% vs. 79%, p = 0.005) were significantly lower in patients with pre‐existing DM. Sequential Cox regression models demonstrated that pre‐existing DM was consistently associated with a higher risk of death (HR 2.3–3.0, p < 0.01) and graft failure (HR 1.5–1.8, p < 0.04) in all models except after adjusting for CVD medication use (HR 1.9, p = 0.174 and HR 1.5, p = 0.210, respectively). These data suggest pre‐existing DM is a significant risk factor for graft failure and death following renal transplantation and aggressive CVD risk reduction with medications may be an important strategy to reduce mortality and graft failure.
Long‐term outcomes of antithymocyte globulin in patients with hematological malignancies undergoing myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Du Kaili , Hu Yongxian , Wu Kangni , Huang He
Published: February 2013

Antithymocyte globulin (ATG) has shown efficacy in preventing acute GVHD (aGVHD) in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo‐HCT), but its efficacy in chronic GVHD (cGVHD) and long‐term outcomes remains controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate potential benefit and risk of prophylactic ATG use in myeloablative HCT. We searched Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane databases, and included 10 trials (two RCTs and eight retrospective) comparing ATG use vs. control with a total of 1859 patients. The median follow‐ups were over two yr. Outcomes assessed included overall cGVHD, extensive cGVHD, overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival, relapse, and causes of death. Our results showed ATG significantly decreased overall cGVHD (RR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.53–0.66, p < 0.00001), extensive cGVHD (RR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.25–0.47, p < 0.00001). Pooled results also showed ATG use was associated with a marginal increased risk of relapse (RR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.01–1.63, p = 0.04), and a non‐inferior OS (HR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.74–1.01, p = 0.06). We conclude prophylactic use of ATG exerts a favorable effect in reducing cGVHD without survival impairment in a long term, although a higher relapse rate is a major threat.
Patch history and spatial scale modulate local plant extinction and extinction debt in habitat patches
Authors: Guardiola Moisès , Pino Joan , Rodà Ferran
Published: February 2013

Aim

Many species exhibit a time‐lag between habitat loss and its extinction, resulting in extinction debt. Although extinction debt is considered a widespread phenomenon, differences in methodological approaches can affect its detection. We aim to contribute to this methodological debate by exploring whether extinction debt is either a phenomenon common to all patches or idiosyncratic to the patch and landscape attributes of a given patch. We also aim to determine whether the scale dependency of species richness might help to explain extinction debt.

Location

Southern Catalonia (NE Iberian Peninsula).

Methods

We studied the effects of habitat loss on plant species richness (total, specialists and generalists) in stable (habitat loss < 40% since 1956) and regressive (habitat loss more than 40% since 1956) patches of Mediterranean grasslands at both quadrat and patch scales using general linear models.

Results

We detected extinction debt at patch scale but only in regressive patches. The magnitude of extinction debt was not constant but was related to the percentage of patch area reduction. Contrastingly, regressive patches presented fewer species than stable patches at quadrat scale.

Main conclusion

Quadrat scale extinctions in regressive patches lead to rarefaction, but not immediate extinction, of some species at patch scale and created an extinction debt. Species loss at quadrat scale constitutes an early warning indicator of the effects of habitat loss on biodiversity, while delayed extinctions offer an opportunity for conservation initiatives.
Green Polities: Urban Environmental Performance and Government Popularity
Authors: Bianchini Laura , Revelli Federico
Published: February 2013

Ascertaining whether local election results are driven by incumbents' performance while in office or mechanically reflect constituencies' ideological affiliation and macroeconomic conditions is crucial for evaluating the alleged accountability‐enhancing property of decentralization. On the basis of a unique score of urban environmental performance and the results of all elections held in the major Italian cities over a decade, we investigate the role of local (fiscal and environmental) vs. national issues in municipal elections. Although the empirical evidence points to a strong ideological attachment and a somewhat weaker “fiscal conservatism,” it reveals that media reported environmental rankings have an impact on the popularity of city governments.
Leg impairment magnifies reproductive costs in male Mediterranean fruit flies, Ceratitis capitata
Authors: Harwood James F. , Vargas Roger I. , Carey James R.
Published: February 2013

Injuries frequently accumulate with age in nature. Despite the commonality of injury and the resulting impairment, there are limited experimental data for the effects of impairment on life history trade‐offs between reproduction and survival in insects. We tested the effects of artificial injury and the resulting impairment on the reproductive costs and behavior of male medflies, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae). Treatment flies were impaired by amputating tarsomere segments 2–5 from the right foreleg at either eclosion or age 22 days. The effect of impairment and age on the cost of reproduction was tested by varying the timing of female availability among the treatments. Courtship behavior and copulation rates were observed hourly from age 2–5 days to determine the effects of impairment on reproductive behavior. Female access combined with the impairment reduced the life expectancy of males more than the impairment alone, whereas the health effect of amputation was influenced by age. Conversely, the risk of death due to impairment was not influenced by the males' mating status prior to amputation. The males' copulation success was reduced due to impairment, whereas courtship behavior was not affected. Impairment does not reduce the males' impulse to mate, but decreases the females' receptivity to copulation, while also increasing the cost of each successful mating. Overall, minor impairment lowers the reproductive success of males and reduces longevity.
6. WHAT'S IN A CONCEPT? THE KINETIC EMPIRE OF THE COMANCHES
Authors: HÄMÄLÄINEN PEKKA
Published: February 2013

This essay revisits the main themes and arguments put forward in The Comanche Empire: indigenous agency; spatial reorientation in the writing of colonial histories; the composition of the Comanche empire and its impact on the history of North America. It also responds to a number of specific issues raised by the roundtable participants: differences and similarities between indigenous and Euro‐colonial power regimes; balancing of culture‐specific frameworks with broad‐gauge political economic analysis; linkages between indigenous agency and indigenous sovereignty in colonial encounters; the question of periodization in writing Native American and colonial histories. Finally, the essay points to new ways of understanding, conceptualizing, and comparing nonterritorial nomadic empires by introducing the concept of “kinetic empire,” which refers to a flexible imperial organization that revolves around a set of mobile activities and relies on selective nodal control of key resources.
Florfenicol depletion in edible tissue of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), and sea bream, Sparus aurata L.
Authors: Di Salvo A , della Rocca G , Terzetti E , Malvisi J
Published: February 2013

An increase in fish production has consequently brought an increase in infectious diseases in fish farms. The use of chemotherapic drugs is the most effective instrument against common bacterial agents. The number of registered drugs for use in aquaculture is limited and often veterinary practitioners resort to the off‐label use of chemotherapic agents authorized for different food‐producing animal species. Florfenicol is well known for its outstanding effect against various pathogenic bacteria affecting fish, and therefore, it may be a useful drug for off‐label use in aquaculture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the depletion of florfenicol and its major metabolite, florfenicol amine, from the edible tissue of two fish species, rainbow trout and sea bream, following treatment with medicated feed at a dosage of 10 mg kg−1 of bw day−1, for 10 consecutive days. At prefixed time points after the end of administration (0.25, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 14 and 21 days after treatment), edible tissues (muscle plus adherent skin) from 15 individuals in each group were collected and analysed by HPLC, to determine concentration of the drug in the tissue. On the basis of the obtained concentrations, withdrawal times of florfenicol in the two species were calculated. The results indicate that a drug withdrawal time of 500 °C‐day, as established by Directive 2004/28/EC, for off‐label drug use is more than satisfactory to guarantee the healthiness of fish products against the risk of drug residues.
Masking Ability of Zirconia with and without Veneering Porcelain
Authors: Choi Yeon‐Jo , Razzoog Michael E.
Published: February 2013

Purpose: The present study compared changes in CIE L*a*b* color coordinates of substrates of different colors when covered with zirconium oxide discs (Procera) and with such discs if veneered with two shades of porcelain.

Material and Methods: Forty background substrates were fabricated and divided into four groups depending on the color of the substrates: white, black, gray, and tooth‐colored (Vita shade A3). The initial color of the substrates was measured using a colorimeter. The color of the substrates covered with plain zirconium oxide discs and with zirconium oxide discs veneered with porcelains of two shades (Vita shade A1 and B4) was measured. The color difference between the substrates, the substrates covered with plain discs, and the substrates covered with veneered discs was calculated, and the data were statistically analyzed with one‐way ANOVA and multiple paired t‐test.

Results: For each group of substrates, the resulting colors were significantly different when the substrates were covered by either plain zirconium oxide discs or zirconium oxide discs veneered with Vita shade A1 or B4 porcelain.

Conclusion: While zirconium oxide coping material alone has a degree of masking ability, the resulting color of a restoration can be further modified with the veneering porcelain.
Staff Views of the Importance of Relationships for Knowledge Development: Is Training by Specialists a Waste of Money?
Authors: Bradshaw Jill , Goldbart Juliet
Published: February 2013

Background

The provision of skilled support is dependent on staff knowledge and understanding (Beadle‐Brown J., Beecham J., Mansell J., Baumker T., Leigh J., Whelton R. & Richardson L, unpublished data). Influencing staff knowledge and understanding is an important component of interventions.

Materials and Methods

Fourteen individual semi‐structured interviews elicited staff views and experiences of knowledge development. These were analysed using a thematic network analysis (Attride‐Stirling 2001, Qualitative Research 1, 385–405).

Results

Three global themes were identified; skills are developed from experience, service aims influence service delivery and practice is more important than theory. This article focuses on the first of these themes. Relationships between staff and service users played a central role in enabling development of knowledge. Although some skills were seen as transferrable, experience of a particular service user was described as being essential.

Conclusions

Support staff may not see the relevance of research findings, professional knowledge or training, unless these have involved direct work with the service user in question.
Mitochondrial DNA variability of the pipefish Syngnathus abaster
Authors: Sanna D. , Biagi F. , Alaya H. B. , Maltagliati F. , Addis A. , Romero A. , De Juan J. , Quignard J.‐P. , Castelli A. , Franzoi P. , Torricelli P. , Casu M. , Carcupino M. , Francalacci P.
Published: February 2013

This study provides data on the genetic structuring of the pipefish Syngnathus abaster in the western Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas. A total of 109 specimens were collected in brackish‐water biotopes. The control region and three other regions of the mitochondrial genome were analysed. The most relevant result was the high genetic structuring found by Bayesian inference (BI), maximum likelihood (ML) and network analyses, which were consistent in showing three well‐separated clusters of S. abaster populations. Furthermore, BI and ML did not support the monophyly of the taxon S. abaster. These results suggest the occurrence of a species complex in the study area, whose differentiation may have occurred since the Pleistocene. The results also show a very high genetic variability at the inter‐population level, with no shared haplotypes among sites. Evolutionary forces due to the fragmented nature of the brackish‐water habitats may account for the high genetic divergence found among the groups and populations. Finally, although dispersal by rafting over long distances may occasionally occur, this study suggests linear stepping‐stone model of colonization to be most likely. The complexity of the results obtained suggests that further studies are needed to elucidate the phylogeny of S. abaster.
Effect of Chemical and Microwave Disinfection on the Surface Microhardness of Acrylic Resin Denture Teeth
Authors: Vasconcelos Ligia Regina , Consani Rafael Leonardo Xediek , Mesquita Marcelo Ferraz , Sinhoreti Mário Alexandre Coelho
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of simulated disinfections (2% glutaraldehyde, 1% sodium hypochlorite, and microwave energy) on the surface hardness of Trilux, Biocler, Biotone, New Ace, and Magister commercial artificial teeth.

Materials and Methods

Specimens (n = 10) were made with the teeth included individually in circular blocks of acrylic resin, leaving the labial surface exposed. Cycles of simulated chemical disinfection were accomplished with the specimens immersed in the solutions at room temperature for 10 minutes, followed by tap water washing for 30 seconds and storage in distilled water at room temperature for 7 days until the next disinfection. Simulated disinfection by microwave energy was carried out in a domestic oven with 1300 W at a potency of 50% for 3 minutes with the specimens individually immersed in 150 ml of distilled water. Control (no disinfection) and the experimental groups (first and third disinfection cycles) were submitted to Knoop hardness measurements with indentations at the center of the labial tooth surface. Data were submitted to repeated measure two‐way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05).

Results

Biocler, Magister, and Trilux showed lower surface microhardness when submitted to microwave. Lower microhardness for Biotone was promoted by hypochlorite, while no significant difference was shown for New Ace. The third disinfection cycle significantly decreased the tooth surface hardness only for microwave.

Conclusions

Different disinfection methods promoted different effects on the microhardness of different types of artificial teeth. Surface microhardness of the teeth was less affected by the simulated chemical disinfections when compared to microwaved specimens.
Combination Lower Lip Prosthesis Retained by an Intraoral Component
Authors: Zeno Helios A. , Sternberger Sidney S. , Tuminelli Frank J. , Billotte Michael , Kurtz Kenneth S.
Published: February 2013

Patients who have had a partial or full surgical resection of the maxillary or mandibular lip experience difficulties with articulation of speech, swallowing, and salivary control. This is further complicated by significant alterations in facial esthetics and lowered self‐esteem. This clinical treatment will describe the fabrication of a two‐piece tooth‐retained maxillofacial prosthesis. An intraoral retentive portion and an extraoral section restoring lip anatomy were attached by retentive elements. This prosthesis restored the patient's esthetics, oral function, and self‐esteem.
A Simplified Palatal Lift Prosthesis for Neurogenic Velopharyngeal Incompetence
Authors: Rilo Benito , Fernández‐Formoso Noelia , da Silva Luis , Pinho Joâo Carlos
Published: February 2013

Velopharyngeal incompetence is a contributing factor to speech disorders and implies the presence of hypernasality, inappropriate nasal escape, and decreased air pressure during speech. One prosthetic treatment is a rehabilitative procedure employing a palatal lift prosthesis (PLP), which reduces hypernasality by approximating the incompetent soft palate to the posterior pharyngeal wall and consists of two parts, the anterior denture base and the palatal lifting plate, which are connected with steel wires; however, it seems difficult to reproduce the mobility of the soft palate in speaking, and it is therefore likely that the palatal lifting plate stimulates or oppresses the tissue of the soft palate and hinders rather than assists articulatory function. To avoid these disturbances we devised an adjustable PLP with a flexible conjunction between the denture base and the palatal lifting plate to obtain the optimal vertical lifting angle. The palatal plate was adapted to conform in a passive manner to the soft palate with light‐cured resin. The designed PLP simplified the procedure and reduced the number of adjustments and visits.
Color Variation Between Matched and Fabricated Shades of Different Ceramics
Authors: Ghulman Motaz Ahmed , Awad Mohamed Abdelmageed
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the total color difference (ΔE) between natural teeth and fabricated crowns from three ceramic systems with different thicknesses.

Materials and Methods

The color of ninety maxillary central incisors was measured from the middle third of the labial surface with a Vita Easyshade spectrophotometer. All‐ceramic crown preparations with different thicknesses (0.8, 1.2, 1.5 mm) were done on selected teeth (n = 30). Prepared teeth were randomly divided into three equal groups to fabricate ceramic crowns from three ceramic systems, Duceram LFC (DLFC), In‐Ceram SPINELL (ICS), and IPS Empress (IPSE). Colors of cemented crowns were measured and compared with their corresponding measurements before preparations. Data were statistically analyzed using two‐way ANOVA at 5% significance level.

Results

A significant difference of ΔE was detected between natural teeth and different thicknesses of crowns constructed from the all‐ceramic materials investigated. Comparing the three materials at 0.8 mm thickness revealed that the lowest ΔE was recorded for DLFC, which was significantly different from the other ceramic systems while IPSE showed the highest ΔE. At higher thicknesses there was no difference between natural tooth shade and crowns constructed from different ceramic materials.

Conclusions

Reinforcement of ceramics by alumina for In‐Ceram and leucite for Empress decreases color production. Level of acceptance between the different ceramic materials and thicknesses varied. DLFC showed the highest color matching at all thicknesses followed by ICS and IPSE in descending order. In general, increasing the thickness of fabricated crowns enhances color match.
Sexual Health Issues in Women with Cancer
Authors: Krychman Michael , Millheiser Leah S.
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Sexual health issues for women who have cancer are an important and under-diagnosed and under-treated survivorship issue. Survivorship begins at the time a cancer is detected and addresses health-care issues beyond diagnosis and acute treatment. This includes improving access to care and quality-of-life considerations, as well as dealing with the late effects of treatment. Difficulties with sexual function are one of the more common late effects in women.

Aim

This article attempted to characterize the etiology, prevalence, and treatment for sexual health concerns for women with gynecological cancer.

Methods

A systematic survey of currently available relevant literature published in English was conducted.

Results

The issue of sexual health for women with cancer is a prevalent medical concern that is rarely addressed in clinical practice. The development of sexual morbidity in the female cancer survivor is a multifactorial problem incorporating psychological, physiologic, and sociological elements. Treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and hormonal manipulation appear to have the greatest influence on the development of sexual consequences. Sexual complaints include but are not limited to changes in sexual desire, arousal, and orgasmic intensity and latency. Many women suffer from debilitating vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.

Conclusions

Many of the sexual health issues experienced by cancer survivors can be addressed in clinical practice. A multimodal treatment paradigm is necessary to effectively treat these sexual complaints in this special patient population.
Clinical Interviewing Techniques and Sexuality Questionnaires for Male and Female Cancer Patients
Authors: Althof Stanley E. , Parish Sharon J.
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Sexuality is an important aspect of quality of life; however, cancer and its treatments may impact the sexual function of men and women. Both cancer survivors and healthcare providers have barriers to addressing sexual problems in the clinical encounter.

Aim

To summarize the key points from the two authors’ oral presentations at the Cancer Survivorship and Sexual Health Symposium, International Society for Sexual Medicine-Sexual Medicine Society of North America (ISSM-SMSNA) Joint Meeting, Washington, DC, June 2011.

Methods

To describe patient-centered communication skills that can improve communication without excessively increasing the length of the visit. To review the validated sexuality measures that can assist clinicians in gathering sexual health information and assessing the response to therapeutic interventions for sexual problems.

Main Outcome Measures

Sexual health interviewing skills including screening, assessment, open-ended questions, empathic delineation, and counseling are discussed. Key sexuality scales including the rationale for their use, psychometric properties, and patient-reported outcomes are summarized.

Results

Optimal approaches to the spectrum of communication challenges in the male and female sexual health encounter are exemplified. Advantages and limitations of the array of measures, including structured interviews, self-administered questionnaires, daily diaries, and event logs, are explained.

Conclusions

Practitioners can improve their detection and management of sexual concerns in cancer survivors by employing efficient patient-centered communication skills in conjunction with validated sexuality scales.
A time sequence analysis of the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors, vascular diseases and restless legs syndrome in the general population
Authors: Szentkirályi András , Völzke Henry , Hoffmann Wolfgang , Happe Svenja , Berger Klaus
Published: February 2013

Previous cross‐sectional studies regarding the association of restless legs syndrome (RLS) with cardiovascular morbidity are controversial. Our aim was to evaluate prospectively the relationship of cardiovascular risk factors and vascular diseases with incident RLS in the general population. The results are from two prospective population‐based cohort studies: the Dortmund Health Study (n = 1312, median follow‐up of 2.1 years) and the Study of Health in Pomerania (n = 4308, median follow‐up of 5.0 years). RLS status was assessed twice according to the minimal criteria. Diabetes, hypertension, myocardial infarction and stroke, as well as currently taken medications, were assessed as self‐reports. Body mass index and serum total cholesterol were also measured. The independent risks associated with each outcome were estimated by multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for comorbidities and behavioural factors. Obesity was an independent risk factor of incident RLS in the Dortmund Health Study, and higher body mass index was an independent risk factor in both studies. Diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia were independent predictors of incident RLS in the Study of Health in Pomerania. The vascular comorbidity index, defined by the number of concurrent cardiovascular risk factors and vascular diseases, showed a positive association with incident RLS in both studies. RLS at baseline was not a significant predictor of any subsequent cardiovascular risk factors and/or vascular diseases in any of the studies. Cardiovascular risk factors and diseases predict the subsequent development of RLS in the general population. The presence of RLS is not a significant risk factor of cardiovascular morbidity.
Borrelia host adaptation Regulator (BadR) regulates rpoS to modulate host adaptation and virulence factors in Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Miller Christine L. , Karna S. L. Rajasekhar , Seshu J.
Published: February 2013

The RpoS transcription factor of Borrelia burgdorferi is a ‘gatekeeper’ because it activates genes required for spirochaetes to transition from tick to vertebrate hosts. However, it remains unknown how RpoS becomes repressed to allow the spirochaetes to transition back from the vertebrate host to the tick vector. Here we show that a putative carbohydrate‐responsive regulatory protein, designated BadR (Borrelia host adaptation Regulator), is a transcriptional repressor of rpoS. BadR levels are elevated in B. burgdorferi cultures grown under in vitro conditions mimicking unfed‐ticks and badR‐deficient strains are defective for growth under these same conditions. Microarray and immunoblot analyses of badR‐deficient strains showed upregulation of rpoS and other factors important for virulence in vertebrate hosts, as well as downregulation of putative tick‐specific determinants (e.g. linear plasmid 28‐4 genes). DNA‐binding assays revealed BadR binds to upstream regions of rpoS. Site‐directed mutations in BadR and the presence of phosphorylated sugars affected BadR's binding to the rpoS promoters. badR‐deficient B. burgdorferi were unable to colonize mice. Several putative tick‐specific targets have been identified. Our study identified a novel regulator, BadR, and provides a link between nutritional environmental cues utilized by spirochaetes to adaptation to disparate conditions found in the tick and vertebrate hosts.
Anti‐tissue factor (TF9‐10H10) treatment reduces tumor cell invasiveness in a novel migratory glioma model
Authors: Harter Patrick N. , Dützmann Stephan , Drott Ulrich , Zachskorn Cornelia , Hattingen Elke , Capper David , Gessler Florian , Senft Christian , Seifert Volker , Plate Karl H. , Kögel Donat , Mittelbronn Michel
Published: February 2013

In vitro and descriptive studies of human tissue samples revealed the pro‐coagulant glycoprotein tissue factor (TF) as a potent player in glioma cell infiltration that is activated by hypoxia and has also been shown to be upregulated by mutations of TP53 or PTEN. Here we present the morphological and genetic characterization of a novel glioblastoma in vivo model and provide evidence that treatment with an antibody targeting TF leads to reduced glioma cell invasiveness. Therefore, we established a murine xenograft treatment model by transplanting the angiogenic and diffusely infiltrating human glioma cell line MZ‐18 with endogenous TF expression into nude mice brains and treating these mice with an intracranial osmotic pump system continuously infusing a monoclonal antibody against TF (mAb TF9‐10H10). The human MZ‐18 cell line harbors two TP53 mutations resulting in a strong nuclear accumulation of p53, thereby facilitating the unambiguous identification of tumor cells in the xenograft model. Intracranial application of TF9‐10H10 significantly reduced invasion of MZ‐18 cells compared to mock‐treated control animals. The extent of activated blood vessels was also reduced upon anti‐TF treatment. Thus, targeting the TF pathway might be a promising treatment strategy for future glioblastoma therapies, by affecting both invading tumor cells and tumor vasculature.
The use of organotypic slice cultures for the study of epileptogenesis
Authors: Koyama Ryuta
Published: February 2013

Epilepsy is a nervous system disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Among several types of epilepsy, which accounts for a significant portion of the disease worldwide, temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is one of the most common types of intractable epilepsy in adulthood. It has been suggested that complex febrile seizures in early life are associated with the development of TLE later in life; however, cellular and molecular links between febrile seizures and TLE remain unclear because of the lack of an appropriate in vitro system. Using rat hippocampal slice cultures, in which many features of native organotypic organization are retained, we found that the dentate granule cells exhibit aberrant migration in the dentate hilus via enhanced excitatory GABAA receptor (GABAA‐R) signaling, which results in granule cell ectopia that persists into adulthood. We further found that the granule cell ectopia is associated with spontaneous limbic seizures in adulthood. Importantly, both of these phenomena were prevented by inhibiting Na+K+2Cl− co‐transporter (NKCC1) which mediates the excitatory action of GABA.
Proxy Agency in Collective Action
Authors: Ludwig Kirk
Published: February 2013

This paper gives an account of proxy agency in the context of collective action. It takes the case of a group announcing something by way of a spokesperson as an illustration. In proxy agency, it seems that one person or subgroup's doing something counts as orconstitutes or is recognized as (tantamount to) another person or group's doing something. Proxy agency is pervasive in institutional action. It has been taken to be a straightforward counterexample to an appealing deflationary view of collective action as a matter of all members of a group making a contribution to bringing about some event. I show that this is a mistake. I give a deflationary account of constitutive rules in terms of essentially collective action types. I then give an account of one form of constitutive agency in terms of constitutive rules. I next give an account of status functions—of which being a spokesperson is one—that also draws on the concept of a constitutive rule. I then show how these materials help us to see how proxy agency is an expression of the agency of all members of the group credited with doing something when the proxy acts.