bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thiol and Cardiovascular Risk Factor Status in a Male Northern Irish Population
Authors: Edgar Kevin S. , Woodside Jayne V. , Skidmore Paula , Cardwell Christopher , Farelll Kathryn , McKinley Michelle C. , Youngl Ian S. , Whitehead Alexander S. , Gey Fred , Yarnell John W.G. , Evans Alun
Published: March 2009

Objectives: Raised plasma homocysteine is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Cysteine has also been associated with CVD risk. In this study, we investigated the association between known CVD risk factors, dietary factors, and total plasma cysteine, cysteinyl-glycine, and homocysteine. Methods: The study group was 765 male workers aged between 30–49 years. The dietary habits of the subjects were recorded using a food frequency questionnaire. Body mass index (BMI), smoking status, and blood pressure were assessed, and fasting blood samples were taken for analysis of serum concentrations of vitamins, lipids, total plasma cysteine, cysteinyl-glycine, and homocysteine, and genotyping for the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphism. Results: In multivariable analyses, cysteine was significantly positively associated with age and negatively associated with serum vitamin B12 and serum vitamin B6, while cysteinyl-glycine was significantly positively associated with BMI. Homocysteine (tHcy) was significantly negatively associated with serum folate, serum vitamin B12, and fruit and vegetable intake, and also depended on the MTHFR 677C > T genotype. Conclusions: Our data show a significant relationship between age, serum levels of B-vitamins and cysteine, and BMI and cysteinyl-glycine. In agreement with other studies, we also confirm an association between tHcy, serum folate and vitamin B12, MTHFR genotype, and fruit and vegetable intake. Further investigation into the role of these thiols and their determinants in CVD is required.
Direct observation of type 1 fimbrial switching
Authors: Adiciptaningrum Aileen M , Blomfield Ian C , Tans Sander J
Published: March 2009

The defining feature of bacterial phase variation is a stochastic ‘all‐or‐nothing’ switching in gene expression. However, direct observations of these rare switching events have so far been lacking, obscuring possible correlations between switching events themselves, and between switching and other cellular events, such as division and DNA replication. We monitored the phase variation of type 1 fimbriae in individual Escherichia coli in real time and simultaneously tracked the chromosome replication process. We observed distinctive patterns of fim (fimbriae) expression in multiple genealogically related lineages. These patterns could be explained by a model that combines a single switching event with chromosomal fim replication, as well as the epigenetic inheritance of expressed fim protein and RNA, and their dilution by growth. Analysis of the moment of switching at sub‐cell‐cycle resolution revealed a correlation between fim switching and cell age, which challenges the traditional idea of phase variation as a random Poissonian phenomenon.
Elevated CO
2
stimulates marsh elevation gain, counterbalancing sea-level rise
Authors: Langley J. Adam , McKee Karen L. , Cahoon Donald R. , Cherry Julia A. , Megonigal J. Patrick
Published: March 2009

Tidal wetlands experiencing increased rates of sea-level rise (SLR) must increase rates of soil elevation gain to avoid permanent conversion to open water. The maximal rate of SLR that these ecosystems can tolerate depends partly on mineral sediment deposition, but the accumulation of organic matter is equally important for many wetlands. Plant productivity drives organic matter dynamics and is sensitive to global change factors, such as rising atmospheric CO
2
concentration. It remains unknown how global change will influence organic mechanisms that determine future tidal wetland viability. Here, we present experimental evidence that plant response to elevated atmospheric [CO
2
] stimulates biogenic mechanisms of elevation gain in a brackish marsh. Elevated CO
2
(ambient + 340 ppm) accelerated soil elevation gain by 3.9 mm yr
−1
in this 2-year field study, an effect mediated by stimulation of below-ground plant productivity. Further, a companion greenhouse experiment revealed that the CO
2
effect was enhanced under salinity and flooding conditions likely to accompany future SLR. Our results indicate that by stimulating biogenic contributions to marsh elevation, increases in the greenhouse gas, CO
2
, may paradoxically aid some coastal wetlands in counterbalancing rising seas.
Conversion of NO
2
to NO by reduced coenzyme F
420
protects mycobacteria from nitrosative damage
Authors: Purwantini Endang , Mukhopadhyay Biswarup
Published: March 2009

In mycobacteria, F
420
, a deazaflavin derivative, acts as a hydride transfer coenzyme for an F
420
-specific glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (Fgd). Physiologically relevant reactions in the mycobacteria that use Fgd-generated reduced F
420
(F
420
H
2
) are unknown. In this work, F
420
H
2
was found to be oxidized by NO only in the presence of oxygen. Further analysis demonstrated that NO
2
, produced from NO and O
2
, was the oxidant. UV-visible spectroscopic and NO-sensor-based analyses proved that F
420
H
2
reduced NO
2
to NO. This reaction could serve as a defense system for
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, which is more sensitive to NO
2
than NO under aerobic conditions. Activated macrophages produce NO, which in acidified phagosomes is converted to NO
2
. Hence, by converting NO
2
back to NO with F
420
H
2
,
M. tuberculosis
could decrease the effectiveness of antibacterial action of macrophages; such defense would correspond to active tuberculosis conditions where the bacterium grows aerobically. This hypothesis was consistent with the observation that a mutant strain of
Mycobacterium smegmatis
, a nonpathogenic relative of
M. tuberculosis
, which either did not produce or could not reduce F
420
, was ≈4-fold more sensitive to NO
2
than the wild-type strain. The phenomenon is reminiscent of the anticancer activity of γ-tocopherol, which reduces NO
2
to NO and protects human cells from NO
2
-induced carcinogenesis.
Constitutive telomere length and gastric cancer risk: Case‐control analysis in Chinese Han population
Authors: Liu Xiaonan , Bao Guoqiang , Huo Tingting , Wang Zizhong , He Xianli , Dong Guanglong
Published: March 2009

The shortening of telomeres may result in chromosome instability and thus promote tumorigenesis. Previous studies have demonstrated clear involvement of telomere shortening in the carcinogenesis of several malignancies. However, the association between constitutive telomere shortening and gastric cancer development has yet to be established. Therefore, in the present study, we measured average telomere length using quantitative real‐time PCR in peripheral blood lymphocytes from a gastric cancer (GC) case‐control study consisting of 396 cases and 378 controls. The results showed that GC patients had significantly shorter average telomere length than matched controls (mean ± SD 0.89 ± 0.19 vs 1.06 ± 0.25, P < 0.001). We further categorized telomere length using the 50% value in the controls as a cut‐off point and assessed the association between telomere length and GC risk using multivariate logistic regression analysis. We found that short telomere length was associated with a significantly increased GC risk (adjusted odds ratio = 2.14, 95% confidence interval = 1.52–2.93). Quartile stratification revealed a dose–response relationship between telomere shortening and GC risk (P for trend < 0.001). Stratified analysis showed that sex, age, and alcohol drinking, but not smoking and Helicobacter pylori infection, seem to have a modulating effect on the average telomere length in both cases and controls. We also found that telomere shortening and smoking had a significant joint effect on GC risk. Collectively, our findings provide the first evidence linking the short telomere length in peripheral blood lymphocytes to elevated GC risk, which warrants further investigation in other populations. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1300–1305)
Refined localization of the Escherichia coli F4ab/F4ac receptor locus on pig chromosome 13
Authors: Joller D. , Jørgensen C. B. , Bertschinger H. U. , Python P. , Edfors I. , Cirera S. , Archibald A. L. , Bürgi E. , Karlskov‐Mortensen P. , Andersson L. , Fredholm M. , Vögeli P.
Published: March 2009

Diarrhoea in newborn and weaned pigs caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) expressing F4 fimbriae leads to considerable losses in pig production. In this study, we refined the mapping of the receptor locus for ETEC F4ab/F4ac adhesion (F4bcR) by joint analysis of Nordic and Swiss data. A total of 236 pigs from a Nordic experimental herd, 331 pigs from a Swiss experimental herd and 143 pigs from the Swiss performing station were used for linkage analysis. Genotyping data of six known microsatellite markers, two newly developed markers (MUC4gt and HSA125gt) and an intronic SNP in MUC4 (MUC4‐8227) were used to create the linkage map. The region for F4bcR was refined to the interval SW207–S0075 on pig chromosome 13. The most probable position of F4bcR was in the SW207–MUC4 region. The order of six markers was supported by physical mapping on the BAC fingerprint contig from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. Thus, the region for F4bcR could be reduced from 26 to 14 Mb.
Gene‐expression profiles in human nasal polyp tissues and identification of genetic susceptibility in aspirin‐intolerant asthma
Authors: Sekigawa T. , Tajima A. , Hasegawa T. , Hasegawa Y. , Inoue H. , Sano Y. , Matsune S. , Kurono Y. , Inoue I.
Published: March 2009

Background
Aspirin‐intolerant asthma (AIA) is a subtype of asthma induced by non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and characterized by an aggressive mucosal inflammation of the lower airway (asthma) and the upper airways (rhinitis and nasal polyp). The lower airway lesion and the nasal polyp in AIA are postulated to have common pathogenic features involving aspirin sensitivity that would be reflected in the gene expression profile of AIA polyps.

Objective
This study was conducted to clarify the pathogenesis of AIA using gene expression analysis in nasal polyps, and identify genetic susceptibilities underlying AIA in a case–control association study.

Methods
Global gene expression of nasal polyps from nine AIA patients was examined using microarray technology in comparison with nasal polyps from five eosinophilic sinusitis (ES) patients, a related disease lacking aspirin sensitivity. Based on the AIA‐specific gene expression profile of nasal polyp, candidate genes for AIA susceptibility were selected and screened by a case–control design of 219 AIA patients, 374 non‐asthmatic control (CTR), and 282 aspirin‐tolerant asthmatic (ATA) subjects.

Results
One hundred and forty‐three elevated and three decreased genes were identified as AIA‐specific genes that were enriched in immune response according to Gene Ontology analysis. In addition, a k‐means‐based algorithm was applied to cluster the genes, and a subclass characteristic of AIA comprising 18 genes that were also enriched in immune response was identified. By examining the allelic associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of AIA candidate genes relevant to an immune response with AIA, two SNPs, one each of INDO and IL1R2, showed significant associations with AIA (P=0.011 and 0.026 after Bonferroni's correction, respectively, in AIA vs. CTR). In AIA–ATA association analysis, modest associations of the two SNPs with AIA were observed.

Conclusion
These results indicate that INDO and IL1R2, which were identified from gene expression analyses of nasal polyps in AIA, represent susceptibility genes for AIA.
Modulation of in vivo and in vitro cytokine production over the course of pregnancy in allergic and non‐allergic mothers
Authors: Breckler Liza Anne , Hale Jasmine , Jung Wiebke , Westcott Lauren , Dunstan Janet A. , Thornton Catherine A. , Prescott Susan L.
Published: March 2009

Breckler LA, Hale J, Jung W, Westcott L, Dunstan JA, Thornton CA, Prescott SL. Modulation of in vivo and in vitro cytokine production over the course of pregnancy in allergic and non‐allergic mothers. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: 14–21. © 2009 The Authors Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell Munksgaard

Cytokines secreted during pregnancy may influence immune development of the foetus. This study aimed to determine if maternal allergy alters patterns of systemic cytokine production throughout and after pregnancy. Maternal plasma cytokines and allergen‐specific production of interleukin (IL)‐10, IL‐13 and interferon (IFN)‐γ were measured in allergic (n = 63) and non‐allergic (n = 70) pregnant women who had a full set of sequential peripheral blood samples collected at 20‐, 30‐, 36‐wk gestation and 6‐wk post‐partum. Maternal allergy was strictly defined by both allergen sensitization and doctor‐diagnosed asthma, eczema or rhinitis. IL‐13 responses to allergen were higher for allergic mothers at all time‐points (20 wk: p < 0.001; 30 wk: p = 0.001; 36 wk: p < 0.001; post‐partum: p < 0.001). For the non‐allergic group, IL‐13 levels to house dust mite decreased from 20‐ to 36‐wk gestation (Friedman anova p = 0.012) and were significantly lower at 36 wk compared with post‐partum (p = 0.002). In contrast, IL‐13 production by allergic mothers did not change from 20 wk through to post‐partum. For both allergic and non‐allergic mothers, in vitro IFN‐γ production was lower at all pregnancy time‐points compared with post‐partum levels. Allergic women had an increased propensity for peripheral blood allergen‐specific T helper‐2 responses during pregnancy, and failed to downregulate these responses in comparison with non‐allergic women. This may be a factor that contributes to the increased risk of atopy in infants born to allergic mothers.
Analysis of resistance mechanism to Atherigona soccata in crosses of sorghum
Authors: Anandan A. , Huliraj H. , Veerabadhiran P.
Published: March 2009

In sorghum, shoot fly resistance is important for grain yield and fodder value. An experiment was conducted to estimate genetic parameters of sorghum for resistance to shoot fly in 50 hybrids, by crossing 5 × 10 genotypes in line × tester manner. Plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of eggs per plant, trichomes on upper and lower surface per unit area of lamina and dead heart per cent were measured on 14 and 21 days after emergence (DAE) and glossiness of leaves was graded on 14 DAE. The correlation between midparent and hybrid performance, GCA : SCA ratio revealed predominance of non‐additive gene effects for the traits studied, which could be exploited through hybrid breeding. Of the parents, SPSFPR 94004A and IS 4777 were the best general combiners for shoot fly resistance. Correlation and path analysis revealed the importance of resistance traits and phenol estimation confirms the resistances against shoot fly.
Using the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills to measure functional change in adults with severe traumatic brain injury: A pilot study
Authors: Lange Bridget , Spagnolo Karren , Fowler Bess
Published: March 2009

Aim:  To measure functional change in 10 adults following severe traumatic brain injury using the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS).

Methods:  This clinical pilot study used a standardised occupational therapy tool, the AMPS, to measure motor and process scores during activities of daily living, for over 3 weeks of inpatient rehabilitation.

Results:  Wilcoxon signed ranks tests indicate significant improvement in motor and process scores from initial assessment to repeat evaluation (z = –2.70, p = 0.01; z = –2.81, P = 0.01, respectively).

Conclusions:  The AMPS measured statistically and clinically significant change in motor and process abilities over 3 weeks of neurosurgical rehabilitation. Findings suggest that the AMPS is a sensitive measure of functional change for the study sample and timeframe.
Effects of chronic treatment with a low dose of nicorandil on the function of the rat aorta during ageing
Authors: Raveaud Stéphanie , Mezin Paulette , Lavanchy Nicole , Starcher Barry , Mecham Robert P , Verdetti Jean , Faury Gilles
Published: March 2009

1. It is known that ATP‐sensitive potassium (KATP) channels regulate the membrane potential of smooth muscle cells and vascular tone. Because their activity is altered during ageing, many pharmacological treatments aimed at improving KATPchannel and cardiovascular functions have been evaluated. Nicorandil, a KATPchannel opener, nitric oxide (NO) donor and anti‐oxidant, induces vasodilation, decreases blood pressure and exhibits cardioprotection in ageing, as well as after ischaemia–reperfusion.

2. In the present study, using tension myography and biochemical and histological techniques, we investigated the effects of chronic (2 months) low‐dose nicorandil (0.1 mg/kg per day) treatment on the function of rat aorta during ageing (in 4‐, 12‐ and 24‐month old rats).

3. The results showed that chronic nicorandil treatment significantly improves mechanical relaxation and noradrenaline‐induced vasoconstriction in aged rats. At all ages, the nicorandil‐induced vasodilation was primarily mediated by its NO donor group. Nicorandil treatment resulted in an additional 0.5–1 elastic lamella in the aorta and decreased total protein, collagen and elastin content in the aortic wall at all ages. However, in 4‐month‐old rats, nicorandil significantly increased the elastin : total protein ratio by 19%.

4. In contrast with results of previous studies that used high doses of nicorandil (i.e. 60 mg/kg per day), low‐dose nicorandil treatment in the present study did not lead to a progressive desensitization to nicorandil and may be beneficial in improving arterial function in ageing or cardiovascular diseases.
DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY WITH HYPERTENSION: PREVALENCE AND RESPONSE TO HIGH‐DOSE β1‐ADRENOCEPTOR ANTAGONIST THERAPY
Authors: Zeng Xiaolin , Chen Shuzhen , Wang Jinju , Yang Tianlun , Chen Yanfang
Published: March 2009

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of hypertension in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and to determine the tolerance and efficacy of a high dose of the β1‐adrenoceptor antagonist metoprolol in the long‐term treatment of DCM patients.

The prevalence of hypertension in DCM patients (n = 362) and age‐matched controls (n = 401) was evaluated and compared. To investigate the effects of metoprolol, DCM patients were divided into hypertensive (DCM‐H) or normotensive (DCM‐N) subgroups. Metoprolol was administered at a starting dosage of 6.25 mg/day and increased gradually to 250 mg/day or the maximum tolerable dose. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), left ventricular (LV) end‐diastolic dimension (LVEDD), left atrial end‐diastolic dimension (LAEDD), LV ejection fraction (LVEF), LV posterior wall thickness (LVPWT) and ventricular septal thickness (VST) were determined at baseline and 6 and 12 months after metoprolol treatment.

The prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher in DCM patients than in age‐matched controls (32.8 vs 20.1%, respectively; P < 0.01). Resting HR and a family history of hypertension were highest in the DCM‐H group. There were no significant differences in age, gender and occupation between the DCM‐H, DCM‐N and age‐matched control groups.

The tolerable dose for metoprolol was significantly higher in the DCM‐H group than the DCM‐N group (189.6 ± 14.8 vs 133.9 ± 12.0 mg/day, respectively; P < 0.05). Metoprolol significantly reduced BP and HR in the DCM‐H group and improved LVEDD, LAEDD and LVEF in all DCM patients, with a greater effect seen in the DCM‐H group.

In conclusion, DCM patients have a higher prevalence of hypertension than the general population. Patients in the DCM‐H subgroup were characterized by a higher resting HR and a family history of hypertension and were more tolerant of and more responsive to metoprolol treatment. These data suggest that this subgroup of DCM patients could have higher sympathetic nerve activity and is suitable for treatment with a higher dose of metoprolol.
Testing the monophyly of the New Zealand and Australian endemic family Conoesucidae Ross based on combined molecular and morphological data (Insecta: Trichoptera: Sericostomatoidea)
Authors: Johanson Kjell Arne , Kjer Karl , Malm Tobias
Published: March 2009

Conoesucidae (Trichoptera, Insecta) are restricted to SE Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand. The family includes 42 described species in 12 genera, and each genus is endemic to either New Zealand or Australia. Although monophyly has been previously assumed, no morphological characters have been proposed to represent synapomorphies for the group. We collected molecular data from two mitochondrial genes (16S and cytochrome oxidase I), one nuclear gene (elongation factor 1‐α) (2237–2277 bp in total), and 12 morphological characters to produce the first phylogeny of the family. We combined the molecular and morphological characters and performed both a maximum parsimony analysis and a Bayesian analysis to test the monophyly of the family, and to hypothesize the phylogeny among its genera. The parsimony analysis revealed a single most parsimonious tree with Conoesucidae being a monophyletic taxon and sistergroup to the Calocidae. The Bayesian inference produced a distribution of trees, the consensus of which is supported with posterior probabilities of 100% for 15 out of 22 possible ingroup clades including the most basal branch of the family, indicating strong support for a monophyletic Conoesucidae. The most parsimonious tree and the tree from the Bayesian analysis were identical except that the ingroup genus Pycnocentria changed position by jumping to a neighbouring clade. Based on the assumption that the ancestral conoesucid species was present on both New Zealand and Australia, a biogeographical analysis using the dispersal‐vicariance criteria demonstrated that one or two (depending on which of the two phylogenetic reconstructions were applied) sympatric speciation events took place on New Zealand prior to a single, late dispersal from New Zealand to Australia.
EMPIRICAL ETHICS AS DIALOGICAL PRACTICE
Authors: WIDDERSHOVEN GUY , ABMA TINEKE , MOLEWIJK BERT
Published: March 2009

In this article, we present a dialogical approach to empirical ethics, based upon hermeneutic ethics and responsive evaluation. Hermeneutic ethics regards experience as the concrete source of moral wisdom. In order to gain a good understanding of moral issues, concrete detailed experiences and perspectives need to be exchanged. Within hermeneutic ethics dialogue is seen as a vehicle for moral learning and developing normative conclusions. Dialogue stands for a specific view on moral epistemology and methodological criteria for moral inquiry. Responsive evaluation involves a structured way of setting up dialogical learning processes, by eliciting stories of participants, exchanging experiences in (homogeneous and heterogeneous) groups and drawing normative conclusions for practice. By combining these traditions we develop both a theoretical and a practical approach to empirical ethics, in which ethical issues are addressed and shaped together with stakeholders in practice. Stakeholders' experiences are not only used as a source for reflection by the ethicist; stakeholders are involved in the process of reflection and analysis, which takes place in a dialogue between participants in practice, facilitated by the ethicist. This dialogical approach to empirical ethics may give rise to questions such as: What contribution does the ethicist make? What role does ethical theory play? What is the relationship between empirical research and ethical theory in the dialogical process? In this article, these questions will be addressed by reflecting upon a project in empirical ethics that was set up in a dialogical way. The aim of this project was to develop and implement normative guidelines with and within practice, in order to improve the practice concerning coercion and compulsion in psychiatry.
APPROPRIATE METHODOLOGIES FOR EMPIRICAL BIOETHICS: IT'S ALL RELATIVE
Authors: IVES JONATHAN , DRAPER HEATHER
Published: March 2009

In this article we distinguish between philosophical bioethics (PB), descriptive policy orientated bioethics (DPOB) and normative policy oriented bioethics (NPOB). We argue that finding an appropriate methodology for combining empirical data and moral theory depends on what the aims of the research endeavour are, and that, for the most part, this combination is only required for NPOB.

After briefly discussing the debate around the is/ought problem, and suggesting that both sides of this debate are misunderstanding one another (i.e. one side treats it as a conceptual problem, whilst the other treats it as an empirical claim), we outline and defend a methodological approach to NPOB based on work we have carried out on a project exploring the normative foundations of paternal rights and responsibilities. We suggest that given the prominent role already played by moral intuition in moral theory, one appropriate way to integrate empirical data and philosophical bioethics is to utilize empirically gathered lay intuition as the foundation for ethical reasoning in NPOB. The method we propose involves a modification of a long‐established tradition on non‐intervention in qualitative data gathering, combined with a form of reflective equilibrium where the demands of theory and data are given equal weight and a pragmatic compromise reached.
Ridge alterations following tooth extraction with and without flap elevation: an experimental study in the dog
Authors: Araújo Mauricio G. , Lindhe Jan
Published: March 2009

Background: Different approaches were advocated to preserve or improve the dimension and contour of the ridge following tooth extraction. In some of studies, socket ‘flapless extraction’ apparently had a successful outcome.

Aim: The objective of the present experiment was to compare hard tissue healing following tooth extraction with or without the prior elevation of mucosal full‐thickness flaps.

Material and methods: Five mongrel dogs were used. The two second mandibular premolars (2P2) were hemi‐sected. The mesial roots were retained. By random selection the distal root in one side was removed after the elevation of full‐thickness flaps while on the contralateral side, root extraction was performed in a flapless procedure. The soft tissue wound was closed with interrupted sutures. After 6 months of healing, the dogs were euthanized and biopsies were sampled. From each experimental site, four ground sections – two from the mesial root and two from the healed socket – were prepared, stained and examined in the microscope.

Results: The data showed that the removal of a single tooth (root) during healing caused a marked change in the edentulous ridge. In the apical and middle portions of the socket site minor dimensional alterations occurred while in the coronal portion of the ridge the reduction of the hard tissue volume was substantial. Similar amounts of hard tissue loss occurred during healing irrespective of the procedure used to remove the tooth was, i.e. flapless or following flap elevation.

Conclusion: Tooth loss (extraction) resulted in marked alterations of the ridge. The size of the alveolar process was reduced. The procedure used for tooth extraction – flapless or following flap elevation – apparently did not influence the more long‐term outcome of healing.
Anatomic assessment of the anterior mandible and relative hemorrhage risk in implant dentistry: a cadaveric study
Authors: Rosano Gabriele , Taschieri Silvio , Gaudy Jean François , Testori Tiziano , Del Fabbro Massimo
Published: March 2009

Objectives: To evaluate prevalence, size, location and content of foramina and bony canals located on the lingual side of the mandibular midline.

Material and methods: The prevalence and the size of midline lingual foramina and canals visible above and/or below genial spines and their distances from the mandibular base were measured in 60 dry mandibles from adult human cadavers. In addition, macro‐anatomic dissections were performed on another 20 mandibles injected with red latex to investigate the vascular canal contents associated with these midline lingual foramina and canals.

Results: A total of 118 foramina were detected. All mandibles investigated had at least one lingual foramen at the midline above the genial spines, located at a mean height of 12.5±2.1 mm (SD) from the inferior border of the mandible. Macro‐anatomic dissections showed a clear vascular branch entering the mandibular midline as a single vessel from a sublingual‐sublingual anastomosis in 19 out of 20 mandibles studied (95%).

Conclusion: Blood vessels in the floor of the mouth may be in close proximity to the lingual cortical plate of the mandibular midline in most cases. This implies that bleeding can occur when the mandibular cortical plate is perforated even minimally. As a consequence, the authors suggest a careful planning of implant positioning at mandibular midline, possibly opting for the use of an even number of implants in the interforaminal region, avoiding the risk of surgical trauma to the lingual cortical plate of the mandibular midline.
Blubber testosterone: A potential marker of male reproductive status in short‐beaked common dolphins
Authors: Kellar Nicholas M. , Trego Marisa L. , Marks Corina I. , Chivers Susan J. , Danil Kerri , Archer Frederick I.
Published: March 2009

Abstract

A novel molecular technique was used to measure blubber testosterone (BT) in 114 male short‐beaked common dolphins, Delphinus delphis, collected from incidental fishery bycatch and strandings. When these concentrations were compared across maturity states, the mean (± SEM) BT levels of mature D. delphis (14.3 ± 3.0 ng/g) were significantly higher than those of pubertal (2.5 ± 0.5 ng/g, P= 0.006) and immature animals (2.2 ± 0.3 ng/g, P < 0.0001). BT concentrations in mature males were significantly higher in summer months (53.9 ± 2.0 ng/g) than during the rest of the year (7.9 ± 0.69 ng/g, P < 0.0001), indicating reproductive seasonality. An analysis of BT in different anatomical locations showed that hormone concentrations were not homogenous throughout the body; the levels in the dorsal fin were significantly lower than in most other areas (F= 5.39, P= 0.043). Conversely, we found no significant differences in BT concentration with respect to subepidermal depth (F= 2.09, P= 0.146). Finally, testosterone levels in biopsies from 138 free‐swimming male D. delphis, of unknown maturity state, sampled off California were found to be of concentrations similar to those from the fishery bycatch and stranding samples and revealed an analogous trend with respect to ordinal date.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for Acacia senegal (L.) Willd., a multipurpose arid and semi‐arid tree
Authors: ASSOUMANE A. A. , VAILLANT A. , MAYAKI A. Z. , VERHAEGEN D.
Published: March 2009

Acacia senegal is a multipurpose African tree that improves the soil fertility of degraded areas. The species is exploited mainly for gum arabic, but it also supplies fuel wood and fodder for animals. Despite its wide distribution in Africa, no microsatellite markers have yet been characterized for this species. In this study, we characterized 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci specifically designed for A. senegal and analysed 247 individuals from three populations from Niger. On average, 10.9 alleles per locus were detected and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.160 to 0.794, showing the ability of the markers to detect genetic diversity in this species.
TWO MODELING APPROACHES FOR REVERBERATION IN A SHALLOW WATER WAVEGUIDE WHERE THE SCATTERING ARISES FROM A SUB-BOTTOM INTERFACE
Authors: HOLLAND CHARLES W. , ELLIS DALE D.
Published: March 2009

In shallow water environments where the uppermost sediment layer is a fine-grained fabric (e.g. clay or silty-clay), the observed reverberation may be dominated by scattering from the sub-bottom. Here, reverberation predictions from normal mode and energy flux models are compared for the case where the scattering arises from a sub-bottom half-space under a fine-grained sediment layer. It is shown that in such an environment, the position of the angle of intromission, in addition to the angular dependence of the scattering kernel, is a factor controlling the reverberation and its vertical angle distribution. It is also shown that the reverberation from a sub-bottom horizon is typically governed by higher grazing angles than the case where the scattering occurs at the water–sediment interface. There was generally very close agreement between the models as a function of frequency (200–1600 Hz), layer thickness (0–8 m), and range (1–15 km). The model comparisons, showing some differences, illuminate the result of different approximations in the two approaches.
GENERALIZING DUTCH RISK MEASURES THROUGH IMPRECISE PREVISIONS
Authors: BARONI PIETRO , PELESSONI RENATO , VICIG PAOLO
Published: March 2009

Relationships between risk measures and imprecise probability theory have received relatively limited attention in the literature. This paper contributes to filling this gap as far as Dutch risk measures are concerned. Using imprecise previsions as a starting point, a novel generalized family of Dutch risk measures is introduced, its properties with respect to several alternative consistency notions are analyzed and its advantageous features discussed. Any such measure corresponds to an imprecise prevision correcting a first-approach uncertainty measure, while preserving its consistency properties in several cases, ranging from coherence to a weak generalization of the concept of capacity. Further, it is shown that the proposed family of measures has a practical significance in the application context of insurance pricing, since, unlike the original formulation, it may ensure a risk loading to each risk taker and is even compatible with the practice of double loading in premium policies.
DIVISIBLE, RECIPROCAL AUTOMORPHISMS OF THE UNIT INTERVAL
Authors: MAES KOEN C. , DE BAETS BERNARD
Published: March 2009

The Cauchy equation for automorphisms of the unit interval is fulfilled only by the identity mapping. We consider two weakened forms of this Cauchy equation: the reciprocity equation and the n-divisibility equation. Although the solution sets of both functional equations are quite large, requiring that an automorphism is both reciprocal and n-divisible, drastically increases the set of obligatory fixed points. However, increasing n also enlarges the domain on which the automorphism can be chosen freely. We also describe the solution sets of two functional equations that arise by composing the reciprocity and n-divisibility property.
UNCERTAIN LINGUISTIC HYBRID GEOMETRIC MEAN OPERATOR AND ITS APPLICATION TO GROUP DECISION MAKING UNDER UNCERTAIN LINGUISTIC ENVIRONMENT
Authors: WEI GUI-WU
Published: March 2009

In this paper, we propose an uncertain linguistic hybrid geometric mean (ULHGM) operator, which is based on the uncertain linguistic weighted geometric mean (ULWGM) operator and the uncertain linguistic ordered weighted geometric (ULOWG) operator proposed by Xu [Z. S. Xu, "An approach based on the uncertain LOWG and induced uncertain LOWG operators to group decision making with uncertain multiplicative linguistic preference relations", Decision Support Systems41 (2006) 488–499] and study some desirable properties of the ULHGM operator. We have proved both ULWGM and ULOWG operators are the special case of the ULHGM operator. The ULHGM operator generalizes both the ULWGM and ULOWG operators, and reflects the importance degrees of both the given arguments and their ordered positions. Based on the ULWGM and ULHGM operators, we propose a practical method for multiple attribute group decision making with uncertain linguistic preference relations. Finally, an illustrative example demonstrates the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed method.
MARINE TERRACES ALONG THE MYANMAR COAST AND THEIR ACTIVE TECTONIC SIGNIFICANCE
Authors: SWE WIN , TUN SOE THURA
Published: March 2009

Wave-cut platforms, uplifted marine terraces, and areas of subsidence are among the most striking geomorphic features along some parts of the Myanmar coast. Depending on the local tectonic setting, processes of development of terraces of the Myanmar coast can be classified into at least three categories viz. (i) uplifting of wave-cut platforms or intertidal deposits by megathrust earthquakes, (ii) growth of prodelta sandbars where tectonic signatures, should they ever form, are overwhelmed by rapid sedimentation, and (iii) uplifting of wave-cut platforms or intertidal deposits developed in strike-slip related sigmoidal basins on the coast by strike-slip tectonic activity. Some of the higher flat areas behind those on or close to the shore could probably belong to the fourth category that is lowering of the sea level during the last glacial ages in Pleistocene time. Many of these terraces are still not yet properly studied, hence should be carried out.
Positive end-expiratory pressure enhances development of a functional residual capacity in preterm rabbits ventilated from birth
Authors: Siew Melissa L. , te Pas Arjan B. , Wallace Megan J. , Kitchen Marcus J. , Lewis Robert A. , Fouras Andreas , Morley Colin J. , Davis Peter G. , Yagi Naoto , Uesugi Kentaro , Hooper Stuart B.
Published: March 2009

The factors regulating lung aeration and the initiation of pulmonary gas exchange at birth are largely unknown, particularly in infants born very preterm. As hydrostatic pressure gradients may play a role, we have examined the effect of a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on the spatial and temporal pattern of lung aeration in preterm rabbit pups mechanically ventilated from birth using simultaneous phase-contrast X-ray imaging and plethysmography. Preterm rabbit pups were delivered by caesarean section at 28 days of gestational age, anesthetized, intubated, and placed within a water-filled plethysmograph (head out). Pups were imaged as they were mechanically ventilated from birth with a PEEP of either 0 cmH2O or 5 cmH2O. The peak inflation pressure was held constant at 35 cmH2O. Without PEEP, gas only entered into the distal airways during inflation. The distal airways collapsed during expiration, and, as a result, the functional residual capacity (FRC) did not increase above the lung's anatomic dead space volume (2.5 ± 0.8 ml/kg). In contrast, ventilation with 5-cmH2O PEEP gradually increased aeration of the distal airways, which did not collapse at end expiration. The FRC achieved in pups ventilated with PEEP (19.9 ± 3.2 ml/kg) was significantly greater than in pups ventilated without PEEP (−2.3 ± 3.5 ml/kg). PEEP greatly facilitates aeration of the distal airways and the accumulation of FRC and prevents distal airway collapse at end expiration in very preterm rabbit pups mechanically ventilated from birth.
NT-proBNP for Pulmonologists: Not Only a Rule-Out Test for Systolic Heart Failure but Also a Global Marker of Heart Disease
Authors: Wieshammer Siegfried , Dreyhaupt Jens , Basler Beate , Marsovszky Emil
Published: March 2009

Background: Recognizing heart disease is relevant to pulmonologists because many patients suspected to have dyspnea of pulmonary origin harbor heart disease. Objectives: To investigate the role of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretric peptide (NT-proBNP) in identifying heart disease and cardiac causes of dyspnea among patients referred for evaluation by a pulmonologist. Methods: 697 consecutive outpatients (aged 57.5 ± 16.4 years) with chronic dyspnea prospectively underwent a diagnostic work-up for heart and lung diseases. Results: The prevalence of patients with heart disease was 25.3%. The cardiac findings were placed into 6 groups which were associated with an increase in NT-proBNP in the following order: (1) left ventricular hypertrophy [regression coefficient (β) = 0.33, p = 0.03]; (2) exercise-induced myocardial ischemia (β = 0.73, p = 0.02);(3) valvular or congenital heart disease or pericardial effusion (β = 0.93, p < 0.0001); (4) pulmonary hypertension (β = 1.14, p < 0.0001); (5) atrial fibrillation or left bundle branch block (β = 1.22, p < 0.0001), and (6) left ventricular systolic dysfunction (β = 1.94, p < 0.0001). Using predefined cut-off values of 93 pg/ml (men) and 144 pg/ml (women), sensitivity was 0.75 and specificity was 0.79 for identifying heart disease. The negative predictive value was 0.90. If heart disease had to be considered as a cause of the dyspnea, sensitivity and the negative predictive value went up to 0.90 and 0.97, respectively. Conclusions: NT-proBNP performs well as a test for ruling out cardiac dyspnea. It is also useful as a rule-in test for heart disease, which enables the pulmonologist to appropriately select candidates for in-depth evaluation by cardiology.
Novel Drug Delivery Systems for Retinal Diseases
Authors: Lee Susan S. , Robinson Michael R.
Published: March 2009

Introduction: Retinal diseases, such as macular edema from diabetic retinopathy and neovascular age-related macular degeneration, are important causes of visual impairment. Pharmacologic intervention has been employed, since laser can have limited success with improving vision. Topical eye drops and systemic therapy deliver low drug levels to the retina and the potential for systemic drug absorption and the accompanying side effects are high. As a result, transscleral and intravitreal drug delivery systems have had increasing importance in treating retinal diseases to deliver therapeutic drug concentrations and to limit the systemic drug exposure. Herein, we will review the novel drug delivery approaches for treating diabetic macular edema and neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Material and Methods: A Medline search was performed to identify articles that described novel drug delivery systems for treating diabetic macular edema and neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Our review was limited to intravitreal drug delivery systems that have recently completed phase II/III clinical trials and/or have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Results: Journal articles were identified from the literature search and reviewed. Conclusions: Local administration of drugs using primarily intravitreal delivery systems is important in treating retinal diseases. Novel drug delivery approaches for treating diabetic macular edema currently are focused on sustained-release corticosteroids. For neovascular age-related macular degeneration, frequent intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor compounds are the standard of care. Unmet needs in this population are therapies that reduce the treatment burden and improve visual acuity in a greater proportion of patients.
The Role of Birth Weight in Myopia – The Genes in Myopia Twin Study
Authors: Dirani M. , Islam F.M.A. , Baird P.N.
Published: March 2009

Objective: It was the aim of this study to assess the role of birth weight in the development of myopia using a large cohort of Caucasian monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins that took part in the Genes in Myopia (GEM) twin study. Methods: The recruitment of all twins in the GEM twin study was facilitated by the Australian Twin Registry. Each twin underwent a standard questionnaire and a comprehensive ocular examination, which included a dilated objective refraction through autorefraction. Myopia was defined as spherical equivalent equal to or worse than –0.50 diopters. Birth weight was determined through self-report as part of the standard questionnaire. Results: A total of 1,224 twins (690 MZ and 534 DZ twins) aged between 18 and 86 years (mean age 52.36 years) were recruited into the GEM study. The mean birth weight was similar between MZ (2.34 kg) and DZ twins (2.46 kg; p > 0.05). Logistic regression showed no significant association with birth weight and myopia for all twins (p = 0.26), as well as for MZ (p = 0.18) and DZ twins (p = 0.70) separately, with no gender effect (p = 0.23). Moreover, there was no significant difference in mean birth weight between discordant (presence/absence) MZ (myopes = 2.33 kg, non-myopes = 2.39 kg) and DZ twin pairs (myopes = 2.39 kg, non-myopes = 2.43 kg; p = 0.91 and 0.95, respectively). Conclusion: Birth weight appears to have little to no role in the development of myopia. In addition, birth weight was not a predictor of the discordance of myopia in MZ and DZ twin pairs.
Effects of Incense on Brain Function: Evaluation Using Electroencephalograms and Event-Related Potentials
Authors: Iijima Mutsumi , Osawa Mikio , Nishitani Nobuyuki , Iwata Makoto
Published: March 2009

To evaluate the effect of the odor of incense on brain activity, electroencephalograms (EEGs) and event-related potentials (ERPs) in a push/wait paradigm were recorded in 10 healthy adults (aged 23–39 years) with normal olfactory function. EEG was recorded from 21 electrodes on the scalp, according to the International 10-20 system, and EEG power spectra were calculated by fast Fourier transform for 3 min before and during odor presentation. ERPs were recorded from 15 electrodes on the scalp before, during and after exposure to incense with intervals of 10 min. In a push/wait paradigm, two Japanese words, ‘push’ as the go stimulus and ‘wait’ as the no-go stimulus, appeared randomly on a CRT screen with equal probability. The subjects were instructed to push a button whenever the ‘push’ signal appeared. Fast alpha activity (10–13 Hz) increased significantly in bilateral posterior regions during incense exposure compared to that during rose oil exposure. The peak amplitudes of no-go P3 at Fz and Cz were significantly greater during incense inhalation. The latencies of go P3 and no-go P3, and the amplitude and latencies of no-go N2 did not change by exposure to the odors of both incense, rose and odorless air. These results suggest that the odor of incense may enhance cortical activities and the function of inhibitory processing of motor response.
Circulating Cerebral S100B Protein Is Associated with Depressive Symptoms following Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Tulner Dorien M. , Smith Otto R.F. , de Jonge Peter , van Melle Joost P. , Slomp Jennichjen , Storm Huib , Quere Michel , den Boer Johan A. , Honig Adriaan , Korf Jakob
Published: March 2009

Background: Prevalence of depressive symptoms in the post-myocardial infarction (MI) period varies from 8 to 30%. Cerebral damage after MI, caused by transient ischemia, an inflammatory response or both, may contribute to development of post-MI depression. S100B is an established protein marker of cerebral damage. In a pilot study, the authors assessed whether S100B serum levels are: (1) increased during the week after MI, and (2) related to depressive symptoms during index hospital admission and the year following MI. Methods: This pilot study is a substudy of the Myocardial Infarction and Depression Intervention Trial (MIND-IT). In 48 patients, serum levels of S100B were available at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 8 days following MI. Subsequently, in 27 patients, depressive symptoms were measured at 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months following MI with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). In 21 of the initial 48 patients, BDI data were lacking due to refusals to fill out BDI forms or missing data. Results: Significant and transient increases in serum S100B were observed in 81.3% of the 48 patients: 37.5% reached S100B serum levels comparable to serum levels found in acute brain injury (>0.20 μg/l) and 43.8% reached mildly elevated S100B serum levels comparable to serum levels found in depressive disorder (0.10–0.20 μg/l). In 18.7%, no S100B was detected in serum. Using non-parametric Spearman rank correlation tests, a trend towards an association was found between serum S100B and depressive symptoms during the post-MI year (ρ values between 0.16 and 0.53) in 27 patients who completed both the S100B serum study and the BDI study. Conclusion: Transiently elevated levels of S100B are suggestive of minor acute cerebral damage in the first days following MI and associated with depressive symptoms in the year following MI. Cerebral damage could be an important mechanism in the pathogenesis in a subtype of post-MI depression.