bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UK epidemic strains of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in clinical samples from Malta
Authors: Gould Simon W. J. , Rollason Jess , Hilton Anthony C. , Cuschieri Paul , McAuliffe Laura , Easmon Susan L. , Fielder Mark D.
Published: October 2008

Since 1999, the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (EARSS) has monitored the rise in infection due to a number of organisms, including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The EARSS reported that MRSA infections within intensive care units account for 25–50 % of infections in many central and southern European countries, these included France, Spain, Great Britain, Malta, Greece and Italy. Each country has defined epidemic MRSA (EMRSA) strains; however, the method of spread of these strains from one country to another is unknown. In this current study, DNA profiles of 473 isolates of MRSA collected from the UK and Malta were determined by PFGE. Analysis of the data showed that two countries separated by a large geographical distance had a similar DNA profile pattern. Additionally it was demonstrated that strains of EMRSA normally found in the UK were also found in the Maltese cohort (EMRSA 15 and 16). A distinct DNA profile was found in the Maltese cohort, which may be a local EMRSA, and accounted for 14.4 % of all Maltese isolates. The appearance of the same MRSA and EMRSA profiles in two separate countries suggests that MRSA can be transferred out of their country of origin and potentially establish in a new locality or country.
Human infections with verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 – 10 years of E. coli O157 serodiagnosis
Authors: Chart Henrik , Cheasty Thomas
Published: October 2008

From 1997 to 2007, the Laboratory of Enteric Pathogens (LEP), Health Protection Agency, UK, received sera from 2148 patients for testing for antibodies to the LPS of verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) O157. A total of 676 (31.5 %) sera had antibodies binding the LPS of E. coli O157 and the majority of patients were below the age of 10 years, a trend observed for both males and females. Antibody-positive patients had haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) in 79.3 % of cases and most of these presented with the atypical (D−) form of HUS. Nine patients were shown to have antibodies to the LPS of E. coli belonging to serogroups O26 (4), O103 (2), O111 (1) and O145 (2) and one patient had antibodies to the somatic antigens of both E. coli O26 and O103. The serodiagnosis of infections with E. coli O157 and other VTEC continues to be an important adjunct to bacteriology. Where clinicians suspect the involvement of a VTEC in disease, patients' sera should be submitted to the LEP for analysis without delay.
Tie-dyed1 Encodes a Novel, Phloem-Expressed Transmembrane Protein That Functions in Carbohydrate Partitioning
Authors: Ma Yi , Slewinski Thomas L. , Baker R. Frank , Braun David M.
Published: October 2008

Carbon is partitioned between export from the leaf and retention within the leaf, and this process is essential for all aspects of plant growth and development. In most plants, sucrose is loaded into the phloem of carbon-exporting leaves (sources), transported through the veins, and unloaded into carbon-importing tissues (sinks). We have taken a genetic approach to identify genes regulating carbon partitioning in maize (Zea mays). We identified a collection of mutants, called the tie-dyed (tdy) loci, that hyperaccumulate carbohydrates in regions of their leaves. To understand the molecular function of Tdy1, we cloned the gene. Tdy1 encodes a novel transmembrane protein present only in grasses, although two protein domains are conserved across angiosperms. We found that Tdy1 is expressed exclusively in phloem cells of both source and sink tissues, suggesting that Tdy1 may play a role in phloem loading and unloading processes. In addition, Tdy1 RNA accumulates in protophloem cells upon differentiation, suggesting that Tdy1 may function as soon as phloem cells become competent to transport assimilates. Monitoring the movement of a fluorescent, soluble dye showed that tdy1 leaves have retarded phloem loading. However, once the dye entered into the phloem, solute transport appeared equal in wild-type and tdy1 mutant plants, suggesting that tdy1 plants are not defective in phloem unloading. Therefore, even though Tdy1 RNA accumulates in source and sink tissues, we propose that TDY1 functions in carbon partitioning by promoting phloem loading. Possible roles for TDY1 are discussed.
The oral health of street‐recruited injecting drug users: prevalence and correlates of problems
Authors: Laslett Anne‐Marie , Dietze Paul , Dwyer Robyn
Published: October 2008

Aims  To examine the effects of a series of injecting drug users' (IDU) characteristics and drug use behaviours upon the self‐reported oral health of a sample of IDU.

Design  Cross‐sectional survey.

Setting  Melbourne, Australia.

Participants  A total of 285 IDU recruited through needle and syringe programmes, snowballing and outreach across six sites.

Measurements  Structured survey that collected information on current drug use patterns, self‐reported blood‐borne virus status and general health factors, including open‐ended questions on past‐year dental health problems.

Findings  Sixty‐eight per cent of the sample reported dental problems that were commonly severe and caused dental pain. Despite these reported problems, almost half the sample had not visited the dentist in the 12 months prior to the survey. Participants who were older, and reported homelessness, not eating every day and more common injection of amphetamines rather than heroin in the previous month, were more likely to report having a past‐year dental problem.

Conclusions  Dental problems in IDUs are common but few receive treatment. Further, those using amphetamines, with poor housing, hygiene and poor nutrition, are most at risk. Programmes designed to improve the oral health of IDU need to be developed and implemented in a manner amenable to the varying social circumstances of this marginalized group in the community.
Cross‐sectional and longitudinal association of the secretoglobin 1A1 gene A38G polymorphism with asthma phenotype in the Perth Infant Asthma Follow‐up cohort
Authors: Laing I. A. , De Klerk N. H. , Turner S. W. , Judge P. K. , Hayden C. M. , Landau L. I. , Goldblatt J. , Le Souëf P. N.
Published: October 2008

Background
Associations between Clara cell secretory protein gene variants (SCGB1A1, also known as CC16, CC10, CCSP and uteroglobin) and the asthma phenotype have been found in five out of eight studies world‐wide. No study has investigated the contribution of SCGB1A1 polymorphisms to the development and/or persistence of the asthma phenotype in a birth cohort followed over time.

Objective
The aim of this study was to determine the role of the SCGB1A1 gene in the development of the asthma phenotype.

Methods
The Perth Infant Asthma Follow‐up (PIAF) cohort (n=231 unrelated infants, unselected for asthma and recruited at birth) were seen at 1 month, 6 and 11 years of age, and had a questionnaire, lung function, airway responsiveness (AR) and skin prick tests (SPTs) completed. Blood was taken at 6 and 11 years for total and specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) and DNA extraction. SPT positivity had at least one positive SPT. SIgE>4 kU/L had at least one sIgE above 4 kU/L. SCGB1A1 A38G (rs3741240), that alters gene transcription, was genotyped using Sau96I restriction digestion of exon 1 PCR products.

Results
At 6 and 11 years of age, 33.0% and 29.7% of those genotyped had doctor‐diagnosed asthma, and 35.8% and 52.1% had SPT positivity. In cross‐sectional analyses, children with 38G/38A or 38A/38A had increased AR at 1 month (1.72‐fold, P=0.013); sIgE>4 kU/L [odds ratio (OR)=6.95, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.35–35.91, P=0.021]; house dust mite (HDM) SPT positivity (OR=7.21, 95% CI=1.09–47.78, P=0.041) and sIgE (4.57‐fold, P=0.045) at 6 years; and doctor‐diagnosed asthma (OR=3.93, 95% CI=1.24–12.47, P=0.02) and cat SPT positivity (OR=4.34, 95% CI=1.01–18.77, P=0.049) at 11 years. Longitudinal analyses of 6 and 11 years paired data showed that children with 38A/38A had increased persistent sIgE>4 kU/L (OR=11.87, 95% CI=1.97–71.53, P=0.007) and persistent HDM SPT positivity (OR=7.84, 95% CI=1.04–58.92, P=0.045).

Conclusion
SCGB1A1 A38G may play a role in the development and persistence of the asthma phenotype in childhood.
Comparative virulence of Infectious salmon anaemia virus isolates in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.
Authors: Ritchie R J , McDonald J T , Glebe B , Young‐Lai W , Johnsen E , Gagné N
Published: October 2008

Infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV) surveillance in the Bay of Fundy has identified the existence of a large number of genetically distinct ISAV isolates which appear to be of variable virulence. Genetically distinct isolates are currently being designated based on sequencing of the hyper polymorphic region (HPR) of genomic segment 6, which encodes the haemagglutinin–esterase protein, but it has been difficult to elucidate a clear association between these molecular variations and variations in virulence. This has hampered the establishment of proactive management decisions regarding infected fish, and ISAV infections, regardless of type, must be treated as one. Field data of ISAV infections is difficult to collect and to compare between infections because of a wide range of confounding factors including time of year, fish stock, cage site location, mitigating factors and stressors. An important tool in determining the relationship between molecular differences and virulence comes from analysis of quarantine studies. The goal of this study was to compare the virulence, by co‐habitation and intraperitoneal injection, of four regionally common and recent ISAV isolates in a controlled environment. We found significant differences in mortality between ISAV molecular isolates, and present data showing that survival of ISAV infection confers significant resistance to re‐infection with a different ISAV isolate. These findings, if borne out in field studies, will significantly alter the way ISAV infections are managed in the Bay of Fundy and elsewhere.
The CR1 C5507G polymorphism is not involved in susceptibility to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in two European populations
Authors: Kubistova Z. , Mrazek F. , Lympany P. A. , Lagan A. L. , Arakelyan A. , Kriegova E. , Welsh K. I. , Kolek V. , Zatloukal J. , Hutyrova B. , Du Bois R. M. , Petrek M.
Published: October 2008

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a severe lung disease with unknown aetiology, is thought to have an important genetic component. Single nucleotide polymorphism, C5507G, of the complement receptor 1 (CR1) gene, which affects the number of CR1 molecules on erythrocytes, has been associated with susceptibility to IPF in a single European population. To replicate this finding, 53 Czech IPF patients with 203 Czech healthy control subjects and 70 English IPF patients with 149 English controls were investigated. In both populations, there were no significant differences in distribution of CR1 C5507G variants between IPF patients and their appropriate control groups. In conclusion, the association of the CR1 C5507G polymorphism with susceptibility to IPF was not reproducible in Czech and English populations.
Effect of chromium nanocomposite supplementation on growth hormone pulsatile secretion and mRNA expression in finishing pigs
Authors: Wang M. Q. , Xu Z. R. , Li W. F. , Jiang Z. G.
Published: October 2008

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of chromium nanocomposite (CrNano) on growth hormone (GH) pulsatile secretion and pituitary GH mRNA expression in finishing pigs. Fifty‐four crossbred pigs (65.57 ± 1.05 kg initial weight) were randomly allotted to one of the three treatments, with three replicate pens per treatment and six pigs per pen. Pigs were offered one of the four diets including a control diet or a control diet supplemented with 200 μg/kg chromium from either chromium chloride (CrCl3) or CrNano for 35 days. During the trial, all pigs were given free access to feed and water. After completion of the feeding trial, blood samples were taken via auriculares at 15 min intervals for 3 h and three pigs from each treatment were slaughtered to collect pituitary to determine GH mRNA level. The results of GH dynamic secretion showed that supplemental CrNano increased the mean level, the lowest value, peak value and peak duration of GH significantly, while there was no significant effect on peak amplitude. Pituitary mRNA expression of GH was improved significantly in pigs fed diet containing Cr from CrNano. These results indicated that CrNano increased GH mRNA expression and secretion in finishing pigs.
Uterus Cryopreservation: Maintenance of Uterine Contractility by the Use of Different Cryoprotocols
Authors: Dittrich R , Beckmann MW , Mueller A , Binder H , Hoffmann I , Maltaris T
Published: October 2008

Contents

Cryopreservation of cells and even tissue is feasible. New exciting findings arise in the promising field of cryobiology, e.g. the cryopreservation of whole ovaries. Uterus cryopreservation would be advantageous not only for experimental biology, but also for transplantation surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate various cryopreservation protocols as well as various storage temperatures in cryopreservation of whole swine uteri. The used freezing protocol was slow (0.2°C/min) after arterial perfusion with 1%, 5% or 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution for 10 min and equilibration in this solution for 30 min. Viability of the organs was tested by histological examination, biochemical parameters and by the capability of rhythmical contractions in a perfusion system. Eighty swine uteri were cryopreserved. All uteri that were frozen with 10% and 5% DMSO were viable after thawing for at least 1 h, whereas only 40% survived with the use of 1% DMSO and 0% with the use of 0.5% DMSO, respectively. There was no difference regarding the survival rates after various cryostorage periods for up to 16 weeks or after cryostorage for 2 weeks in −70°C or −130°C. The cryopreservation of a whole organ such as the swine uterus is a valuable method for the study of cryoprotective agents and freezing protocols. This study demonstrates clearly that the perfusion of the organ with cryoprotectants is the only factor which allows the uterus to contract.
Microalbuminuria as a possible marker of risk of Balkan endemic nephropathy
Authors: IMAMOVIC GORAN , BATUMAN VECIHI , SINANOVIC OSMAN , TRNACEVIC SENAID , MESIC ENISA , ZEREM ENVER , OSMANOVIC ENES
Published: October 2008

Aim:  To evaluate whether microalbuminuria could be a marker of early tubular damage in individuals at risk of developing Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN).

Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was used to determine urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (UACR) in a test group of 61 participants from a BEN endemic region and control group of 64 participants from a nearby non‐endemic region, both recruited from the general population of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The correlation between UACR and urinary b2 microglobulin‐to‐creatinine ratio (UBCR) and the receiver operating characteristic curve for UACR were analyzed in the test groups of 58 participants. The correlation analysis was also performed in a subset of nine subjects with elevated UBCR.

Results:  Medians, interquartile ranges and confidence intervals (CI) for medians of UACR in the test and control groups were 2 mg/mmol, 0.975–8.247 mg/mmol, 1.3472–3.2691 mg/mmol and 1 mg/mmol, 0.695–1.41 mg/mmol, 0.8466–1.2053 mg/mmol, respectively (P = 0.0001). Microalbuminuria was found in 30 of the 61 examinees in the test group, in contrast to six of the 64 examinees in the controls (P < 0.0001). Participants from the endemic region had 9.3 times the odds of having microalbuminuria in contrast to participants from the non‐endemic region. Pearson's correlation coefficients r of the log‐transformed ratios and Kendall–tau coefficients of rank correlation in the group of 58 and in a subset of nine subjects with elevated UBCR were: 0.55 (P < 0.0001); 0.317 (P = 0.0005) and 0.59 (P = 0.045); 0.48 (P = 0.037), respectively. The area under the curve for UACR was 0.882 (P = 0.0001), sensitivity 100% and specificity 67.3%.

Conclusion:  Microalbuminuria may be a useful marker of early tubular injury in individuals at risk of developing BEN.
Ability of low‐molecular‐weight heparin to alleviate proteinuria by inhibiting respiratory syncytial virus infection
Authors: GUO YANNAN , WANG ZHENG , DONG LIQUN , WU JIN , ZHAI SONGHUI , LIU DESONG
Published: October 2008

Aim:  Low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH) is a negatively charged glycoprotein and has a very similar structure to that of cell surface heparin sulfate (HS). Thus, LMWH, an analog of HS, may inhibit positively charged respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection through cooperative electrostatic association.

Methods:  In this study, rats were respectively treated with 400 IU/kg LMWH before, during or after being inoculated with 6 × 106 plaque‐forming unit (PFU) RSV. RSV and normal control groups were respectively inoculated by RSV and virus‐free Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM). HeLa cells in vitro were pretreated with LMWH, elastase (ELA), heparinase (HpaIII) and protamine before being inoculated with 6 × 101 PFU RSV. RSV infectivity was determined by in situ hybridization and plaque assay.

Results:  After inoculation, the urinary protein excretion and serum parameters in LMWH‐treated rats were significantly lower than those in the RSV group. No abnormalities of glomerular structure were observed in LMWH‐treated groups whereas swelling and slight hypercellularity in minority glomeruli and foot process effacement were observed in the RSV group. RSV RNA of LMWH‐treated rats had weaker expression than that of the RSV group. In vitro, RSV infection in RSV + LMWH, HpaIII + ELAI, protamine + ELAI, ELAI, HpaIII and protamine treatment cells were significantly lower than that of the RSV control, and that in RSV + LMWH was the least. There were no significant differences in RSV infection between ELAI + LMWH and RSV control.

Conclusion:  Our study confirmed that there is a correlation between RSV and proteinuria in rats. LMWH can alleviate proteinuria in rats through inhibiting RSV from binding with HS which plays an important role in the onset of RSV infection.
New and classical spoilage bacteria causing widespread blowing in Argentinean soft and semihard cheeses
Authors: QUIBERONI ANDREA , GUGLIELMOTTI DANIELA , REINHEIMER JORGE
Published: October 2008

A total of 16 soft and semihard Argentinean cheeses, and 95 pasteurized cheese–milk samples, were analysed for microorganisms responsible for blowing. Lactic acid bacteria (starter microflora) resulted in high numbers (> 107 colony‐forming units (cfu)/g). Coliform and yeast counts were lower than 104 cfu/g. Cremoso cheeses were blown by leuconostocs, lactobacilli and Bacillus polymyxa. Mozzarella was spoiled by B. polymyxa and Bacillus macerans. Semihard cheeses were affected by spore‐forming (Clostridium and Bacillus), propionic and lactobacilli strains. Clostridia, Bacillus, leuconostocs and heterofermentative lactobacilli were detected in pasteurized milk. Bacillus strains were not previously associated with blowing in soft and semihard cheeses.
Survey of the microbiological quality of the raw cow milk in the Tadla area of Morocco
Authors: AFIF ABDELKRIM , FAID MOHAMED , CHIGR FATIHA , NAJIMI MOHAMED
Published: October 2008

Cow milk samples were collected during three periods and from four milk collection centres located in four different geographical zones. Samples were analysed for their standard plate count, enterococci, total coliform and feacal coliform, lactic acid bacteria, spoilage bacteria and some of the pathogenic bacteria. The most contaminated cooperatives were those located essentially in the irrigated zones. The less contaminated ones belong to semipublic farms. It seems that transportation, milking and pre‐storage conditions constitute the main basic relevant factors for heavy bacterial contamination. This is the first survey of the microbiological characteristics of raw milk produced in the Tadla area of Morocco.
THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF LIBERTY IN THE ARAB AND ISLAMIC MIDDLE EAST
Authors: Butterworth Charles E. , Richman Sheldon , Ahmad Imad‐ad‐Dean , Liggio Leonard
Published: October 2008

The following papers were the basis for a panel at the annual meeting of the Association of Arab American University Graduates (AAUG) in Washington, D.C., October 23, 1993. See below for the participants' affiliations
The Middle East: What is Our Long‐Term Vision?
Authors: Riedel Bruce , Quandt William , Folk Richard , Mattair Thomas R.
Published: October 2008

The following is an edited version of a discussion held by the Middle East Policy Council on September 23, 1994, at the U.S. Senate Hart Building in Washington, D.C. The Council's president, former Senator George McGovern, was the moderator.
Symposium‐The Challenge In The Gulf: Building a Bridge From Containment to Stability
Authors: Deutsch Robert S. , Cordesman Anthony H. , Magro Hervé , Rugh William A.
Published: October 2008

The following is an edited text of the proceedings of a Capitol Hill conference convened by the Middle East Policy Council on March 5, 1997, in the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Michael Collins Dunn, senior analyst at the International Estimate, was the moderator/discussant.
6 Changing Responsibilities and Collective Action: Examining Early North African Pastoralism
Authors: Miller Alexandra
Published: October 2008

This chapter uses the concept of an economic transition point to examine and challenge assumptions about static gender roles in pastoralist societies. The transition from a hunting‐and‐gathering economy to an agro‐pastoralist economy would have forced North Africans to perform tasks related to both economic systems until the pastoralist way of life could be firmly established. The greater need for labor in these transitional societies would have discouraged the formation of strict gender divisions like those seen in today's pastoralist societies. The changing needs of the economy would have necessitated a flexible division of labor. To examine these changing needs, this chapter examines evidence from rock art, archaeological sites, and modern pastoralist ethnography.
7 Rethinking Polity Formation: A Gendered Perspective on Formative Period Household Development in the Pacific Coast Region of Guatemala
Authors: Tejeda Ana S.
Published: October 2008

Social complexity and polity formation involve volatile periods of political cycling with integration and decentralization occurring as elites vie for political power. Political economic interpretations, while valuable in understanding the social and political processes involved in polity formation, do not adequately trace changes in the social relations that comprise the formation of a polity. In this chapter, I examine three models (subsistence intensification, craft production, and exchange) that have been proposed to explain the political and economic development of the Pacific coast region of Guatemala during the Middle Formative period (ca. 900–600 b.c.e.) and the rise of the La Blanca polity. I contend that macroscale models obscure gendered interpretations of the past. I suggest that investigations of prehistoric gender patterns would benefit from a microscaled approach drawing attention to household activities and the diverse social and economic accommodations that must have been made by Middle Formative households. The La Blanca inhabitants may have responded to the changing political landscape by altering their daily rounds and by increasing coordination of household activities that affected all members of the household regardless of gender.
Simultaneous dental implant placement and endoscope‐guided internal sinus floor elevation: 2‐year post‐loading outcomes
Authors: Schleier Peter , Bierfreund Gerrit , Schultze‐Mosgau Stefan , Moldenhauer Franziska , Küpper Harald , Freilich Martin
Published: October 2008

Aims: To determine whether endoscope‐guided sinus elevation procedures can be consistently used to create sufficient bone support for stable implant placement and long‐term implant success.

Material and methods: Sixty‐two implants were surgically placed into 30 patients (14 men and 16 women) following internal sinus elevation without the use of graft material. Panoramic radiographs were made pre‐, post‐operative and after 24 months in order to evaluate the peri‐implant bone and maxillary sinuses. Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was used to evaluate implant stability immediately upon placement and just before prosthesis delivery.

Results: The average pre‐operative height of the maxillary alveolar bone was 8.4±2.2 mm at the premolar and 7.3±3.1 mm at the molar regions. The average bone gain was 3.5±1.8 and 4.5±1.9 mm in the premolar and molar sites, respectively. Clinical parameters and the RFA (4 and 12 weeks post‐operative) outcomes show sufficient stability (ISQ=60) of the inserted implants. Three implants failed during the healing period of 12 weeks. The overall implant success rate was 94%. After loading, no further implant failure was observed. The overall success rate after beginning of implant loading was 100%.

Conclusions: Sinus floor elevation is a well‐established procedure for augmentation of the atrophic maxillary posterior region. The minimally invasive internal sinus floor elevation procedure visually guided by an endoscope helped to prevent, diagnose and manage complications such as sinus membrane perforation. The clinical outcomes of this study show that endoscope‐controlled internal sinus floor elevation combined with implant placement results in low intra operative trauma, good implant stability upon placement, low incidence of post‐operative symptoms and high success rates after 24 months of loading.
Mechanical attachment of soft fibrous tissues to implants by using mesh structures
Authors: Asoda Seiji , Arita Takayuki , Koshitomae Hazuki , Takakuda Kazuo
Published: October 2008

Objectives: Increase of soft tissue attachment is a major concern for improving the design of novel dental implants. This study evaluated the use of mesh structures placed on the implant surface for the anchorage of fibrous tissues.

Material and methods: Specimens were prepared by covering their surfaces with a nylon mesh. The following mesh spacings were used: 30, 46, 100, 200, and 500 μm. The specimens were retrieved along with the surrounding subcutaneous tissues at 4 weeks after their implantation into the dorsal subcutaneous tissues of rats. A tensile test was performed by using a material testing machine, and the load required to tear the tissue from the mesh was measured. Histological sections stained with hematoxylin–eosin or Azan were prepared and examined by performing light microscopy. The amount of fibrous tissue contributing to the mechanical attachment of the fibers to the mesh was qualitatively evaluated by performing image analysis.

Results: The attachment strength was the greatest in the 200‐μm mesh‐spacing group and considerably greater than that in the 30‐μm mesh‐spacing group. In addition, the effective width of the anchoring fibrous tissues was the greatest in the 200‐μm mesh‐spacing group. As compared with the other groups, the 200‐ and 500‐μm mesh‐spacing groups exhibited a considerably greater width of the anchoring fibrous tissues.

Conclusions: The efficiency of mesh structures for the attachment of soft tissues to implants was demonstrated. A mesh spacing of approximately 200 μm was observed to be favorable for the anchorage of fibrous tissues.
Stability of miniplates and miniscrews used for orthodontic anchorage: experience with 492 temporary anchorage devices
Authors: Chen Yi‐Jane , Chang Hao‐Hueng , Lin Hsing‐Yi , Lai Eddie Hsian‐Hua , Hung Hsin‐Chia , Yao Chung‐Chen Jane
Published: October 2008

Objectives: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate systematically the potential factors that influence failure rates of temporary anchorage devices (TADs) used for orthodontic anchorage.

Materials and methods: Data on 492 TADs (miniplates, pre‐drilling miniscrews, and self‐drilling miniscrews) in 194 patients were collected. The factors related to TAD failure were evaluated using univariate analysis and multivariate forward stepwise logistic regression analysis.

Results: There were no significant differences in failure rates among the TADs for the following variables: gender, type of malocclusion, facial divergency, implantation site (buccal, lingual, or crestal/midpalatal), location (anterior or posterior), method of force application (power chain or Ni–Ti coil spring), arch (upper or lower), type of soft tissue (attached gingiva or removable mucosa), and most of the cephalometric measurements that reflect dento‐cranio‐facial characteristics. An increased failure rate was noted for the self‐drilling miniscrew type of TAD, TADs used for tooth uprighting, those inserted on bone with lower density, those associated with local inflammation of the surrounding soft tissue, those loaded within 3 weeks after insertion, and those placed in patients with greater mandibular retrusion. Failure rates of the self‐drilling miniscrews installed by an oral surgeon and by an orthodontist did not differ significantly.

Conclusions: Inflammation of soft tissue surrounding a TAD and early loading within 3 weeks after insertion were the most significant factors predicting TAD failure. Both orthodontists and oral surgeons who install orthodontic TADs must undergo sufficient training to achieve clinical excellence.
Hard tissue alterations after socket preservation: an experimental study in the beagle dog
Authors: Fickl Stefan , Zuhr Otto , Wachtel Hannes , Bolz Wolfgang , Huerzeler Markus B.
Published: October 2008

Objectives: The aim of the following experimental study was to assess bone changes in the horizontal and vertical dimension when using different socket preservation procedures.

Material and methods: In five beagle dogs the distal roots of the 3rd and 4th premolar were extracted without elevation of a mucoperiosteal flap and the following treatments were assigned:

Tx 1: The extraction socket was filled with BioOss Collagen® (Geistlich Biomaterials, Wolhusen, Switzerland) and interrupted sutures were applied.:

Tx 2: The extraction socket was filled with BioOss Collagen® (Geistlich Biomaterials, Wolhusen, Switzerland) and a free gingival graft was sutured to cover the socket.:

Tx 3: The extraction socket was left with its blood clot and interrupted sututes were applied.:

Four month after surgery the dogs were sacrificed and from each extraction site two histological sections were selected for histometric analysis. The following parameters were evaluated: (1) the vertical dimension was determined by placing a horizontal line on the lingual bone wall. Then, the distance from this line to the buccal bone wall was measured. (2) The horizontal dimension was assessed at three different areas measured from the top of the lingual crest: 1 mm (Value 1), 3 mm (Value 3) and 5 mm (Value 5).

Results: The mean vertical loss of the buccal bone plate for the Tx 1 group was 2.8±0.2 mm. The Tx 2 group showed vertical loss of 3.3±0.2 mm. The Tx 3 group demonstrated 3.2±0.2 mm of mean vertical loss.

The horizontal dimension of the alveolar process was 4.4±0.3/6.1±0.2/7.2±0.1 mm at the three different levels for the Tx 1 group. The Tx 2 group depicted bone dimensions of 4.8±0.2/6.0±0.2/7.1±0.1 mm. The horizontal dimension of the Tx 3 group was 3.7±0.3/6.2±0.2/7.0±0.1 mm. When the results from the horizontal measurements were tested with the analysis of variance (anova), a clear significance could be found in particular for Value 1 mm between the test groups Tx 1 and Tx 2 and the control group (Tx 3) (P<0.001). Furthermore the mean of treatment 1 (Tx 1) was slightly significantly lower than of treatment 2 (Tx 2) (P<0.05).

Conclusion: The findings from the present study disclose that incorporation of BioOss Collagen® into the extraction socket has only limited impact on the subsequent biologic process with particular respect to the buccal bone plate. The horizontal measurement of the alveolar ridge depicted that the loss of the buccal bone plate was replaced to a certain amount by newly generated bone guided by the BioOss Collagen® scaffold. It seems that the mechanical stability provided by BioOss Collagen® and furthermore by a free gingival graft could act as a placeholder preventing the soft tissue from collapsing.
Immediate and early loading of Straumann implants with a chemically modified surface (SLActive) in the posterior mandible and maxilla: 1‐year results from a prospective multicenter study
Authors: Ganeles Jeffrey , Zöllner Axel , Jackowski Jochen , Ten Bruggenkate Christiaan , Beagle Jay , Guerra Fernando
Published: October 2008

Objective: Immediate and early loading of implants can simplify treatment and increase patient satisfaction. This 3‐year randomized‐controlled trial will therefore evaluate survival rates and bone‐level changes with immediately and early loaded Straumann implants with the SLActive surface.

Material and methods: Partially edentulous patients ≥18 years of age were enrolled. Patients received a temporary restoration (single crown or two to four unit fixed partial denture) out of occlusal contact either immediately (immediate loading) or 28–34 days later (early loading group), with permanent restorations placed 20–23 weeks after surgery. The primary endpoint was change in crestal bone level from baseline (implant placement) to 12 months; the secondary variables were implant survival and success rates.

Results: A total of 383 implants (197 immediate and 186 early) were placed in 266 patients; 41.8% were placed in type III and IV bone. The mean patient age was 46.3±12.8 years. Four implants failed in the immediate loading group and six in the early loading group, giving implant survival rates of 98% and 97%, respectively (P=NS). There were no implant failures in type IV bone. The overall mean bone level change from baseline to 12 months was 0.77±0.93 mm (0.90±0.90 and 0.63±0.95 mm in the immediate and early groups, respectively; P<0.001). However, a significant difference in implantation depth between the two groups (P<0.0001) was found. After adjusting for this slight difference in initial surgical placement depth, time to loading no longer had a significant influence on bone‐level change. Significant influence was found for: center (P<0.0001), implant length (P<0.05) and implant position (P<0.0001). Bone gain was observed in approximately 16% of implants.

Conclusions: The results demonstrated that Straumann implants with the SLActive surface are safe and predictable when used in immediate and early loading procedures. Even in poor‐quality bone, survival rates were comparable with those from conventional or delayed loading. The mean bone‐level change was not deemed to be clinically significant and compared well with the typical bone resorption observed in conventional implant loading.
A true impact factor: N. Scott McNutt, MD
Authors: Smoller Bruce R.
Published: October 2008

N. Scott McNutt has recently retired from his long‐standing position as a Professor in Pathology and Internal Medicine (Dermatology) at Weill Medical College at Cornell University. He leaves behind a legacy that includes trainees throughout the world, many of whom continue to contribute to the world of academic dermatopathology. His obvious love for true scholarship is reflected as much by his indirect influence on hundreds of trainees as by his already impressive personal bibliography.
The pathobiology of Kaposi’s sarcoma: advances since the onset of the AIDS epidemic
Authors: Horenstein Marcelo G. , Moontasri Nancy J. , Cesarman Ethel
Published: October 2008

Since the perplexing early Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) observations at the dawn of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome epidemic, KS has been extensively studied, revealing a complex disease. The identification and complete elucidation of the genome of its causal agent, the KS‐associated herpesvirus/human herpesvirus 8, have shed important insights into the pathobiology of this disease. The purpose of this review is to describe the scientific advances and understanding of KS over the past three decades.
Mycosis fungoides: what do/do not we know?
Authors: Smoller Bruce R.
Published: October 2008

Mycosis fungoides is one type of T cell lymphoma characterized by a constellation of clinical, histologic, immunologic and molecular findings. Many patients follow a slowly progressive, but indolent disease course, while others have a more aggressive disease. What incites the process and the factors that determine the subsequent biologic behavior remain largely unknown. This paper will explore the aspects of the disease that are generally accepted as fact and will consider some of the more speculative features of the process.
Dysplastic nevus: the eye of the hurricane
Authors: Arumi‐Uria Montserrat
Published: October 2008

Dysplastic nevi were generally recognized, thanks to the contributions of Clark et al. in 1978. These lesions were described in a familial context, which was called the ‘B‐K mole syndrome’. However, it is worth noting that this was not the first time that these nevi had been described in the literature. If we look back in history, we can find that in 1820, Norris had already described some very similarly pigmented lesions, also in a familial context, just as Cawley subsequently did in 1952. Clark coined the term of dysplastic nevi for lesions presenting in patients with personal and family histories of malignant melanoma, having from 10 to 100 nevus lesions of a certain size, irregular shape and variable pigmentation of more than 5 mm. In addition, he pointed out that histologically, such lesions were principally characterized by the presence of atypical melanocytic hyperplasia.
Summer habitat use of Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) in a small Arctic lake, monitored by acoustic telemetry
Authors: Dick T. A. , Gallagher C. P. , Yang A.
Published: October 2008

Abstract –  Acoustic technologies were applied to describe how landlocked Arctic char from Iqalugaajuruluit Lake, Baffin Island, interact with its lacustrine habitat. Acoustic data from the lake bottom was collected using sonar equipment and substrate types were verified with benthic grabs and mapped in a geographic information system. Arctic char movements during the open water period were recorded from char fitted with acoustic tags. The distribution of the tagged Arctic char in Iqalugaajuruluit Lake was dependent on fish size and related to abiotic factors such as depth, substrate type and depth/temperature, temporally. The volume of water with temperatures below 6 °C during the open water period may be a limiting factor for large char (>400 mm) in small Arctic lakes. The large piscivorous char are found most often in the deepest water over soft substrates and the smaller char which feed on varying proportions of invertebrates and fish were found most often over the more complex substrates such as boulders, pebbles and gravel.
Effects of environment on fish species distributions in the Mackenzie River drainage basin of northeastern British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Murray S. , Innes J. L.
Published: October 2008

Abstract –  The northeast of British Columbia is subject to rapid development by the oil and gas sector. In addition, forestry, tourism and agriculture are all affecting the environment. Knowledge of fish distributions in the region is limited, yet such information is important if environmental impact assessments are to be taken for future developments. Data from fish inventories for 261 stream reaches from the Milligan Creek, Halfway‐Graham River, Fort Nelson River and Gataga River were analyzed using canonical correspondence analysis, with fish presence being related to a suite of environmental variables. The most important environmental variables affecting the species of fish present in a reach were water temperature, boulder cover and reach width. As water temperature and, to a lesser extent, reach width, can be affected by industrial development in a number of ways, there is a likelihood of environmental impacts associated with the current spate of development in the region.
Why we do what we do: Implementation of practice guidelines by family nurse practitioner students
Authors: Martin Frances
Published: October 2008

Purpose: To examine who or what influenced family nurse practitioner (FNP) students’ implementation of Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of Blood Pressure (JNC‐7) guidelines for hypertension management.

Data sources: Eleven FNP students in their final semester completed a clinical course assignment in which they each provided care to five patients with hypertension (N = 55). Written responses to a 10‐item tool eliciting patient management data as well as perceived barriers or facilitators to using JNC‐7 clinical guidelines in precepted clinical settings were analyzed.

Conclusions: The extent to which JNC‐7 guidelines predicted clinical management of hypertension by student FNPs in primary care settings was congruent with the literature findings, reflecting a wide variation in implementation of guidelines from evidence‐based practice (EBP) data. The literature supports utilization of clinical guidelines in patient care. Yet, implementation of guidelines in clinical practice is a complex phenomenon.

Implications for practice: Practitioners are looking for reliable evidence on which to base decision making. In the long term, EBP addresses some of the complexities of effective care delivery. The current trend is toward increasing utilization of evidence in caring for our patients. Implementation of EBP guidelines by preceptors in the workplace should increase as NP preceptors serve as role models of EBP implementation. Rewards may be important factors in implementation.
Helical Peptides Derived from Lactoferrin Bind Hepatitis C Virus Envelope Protein E2
Authors: Beleid Reem , Douglas Donna , Kneteman Norman , Kaur Kamaljit
Published: October 2008

Hepatitis C virus is a major cause of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma infecting more than 170 million people. Hepatitis C virus envelope 2 glycoprotein (E2) binds several cell‐surface molecules that act as receptor candidates mediating hepatitis C virus entry into hepatocytes. Peptides derived from human lactoferrin have been shown to bind hepatitis C virus‐E2 protein thereby preventing hepatitis C virus entry in cultured hepatocytes. In this study, starting from a 33‐residue human lactoferrin‐derived peptide, a number of biotin‐linked α‐peptides were synthesized and investigated for their E2 protein binding activity. E2 protein from hepatitis C virus genotype 1b was expressed in 293 human embrionic kidney cells and purified using affinity chromatography. A biotin‐streptavidin based binding assay was developed to determine the binding affinity of the synthetic peptides for E2 protein. Two of the peptides bound E2 specifically with submicromolar to low micromolar affinity [equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of 0.569 and 28.8 μm]. Further, these two peptides had the highest helical content in solution as observed by circular dichroism spectroscopy, suggesting that binding affinity increases with increase in helicity. These results have provided new lead peptides for future investigations of hepatitis C virus entry inhibitors that may provide an interesting approach to prevent hepatitis C virus infectivity.
Flow cytometric detection of circulating endothelial cells and endothelial progenitor cells in healthy subjects
Authors: MARIUCCI S. , ROVATI B. , BENCARDINO K. , MANZONI M. , DANOVA M.
Published: October 2008

Circulating endothelial cells (CEC) and endothelial progenitor cells (CEP) play an important role in tissue neovascularization. In human tumours, these cells may have clinical implications as prognostic/predictive factors during antiangiogenic therapy. The lack of a standardized assay for the quantification of these rare events has lead to a wide variation in the reported ranges of CEC and CEP. This study aimed to develop a flow cytometric (FCM) method for the immunophenotipic detection and enumeration of these cells in a healthy population. Peripheral blood samples from 32 subjects were analysed. Multiparameter FCM analysis was used to quantify resting and activated CEC and CEP. The mean values of the percentage and of the absolute number were: 0.005 ± 0.004% and 306 ± 243 cells/ml for CEC; 0.002 ± 0.001% and 130 ± 110 cells/ml for rCEC; 0.003 ± 0.002% and 176 ± 150 cells/ml for aCEC; 0.0001 ± 0.00005% and 6 ± 2 for CEP. We confirmed that FCM is an accurate and sensitive method for the quantitative analysis of CEC and CEP. The determination of normal ranges of CEC and CEP is helpful in defining their role as surrogate biomarkers of antiangiogenic treatment efficacy during clinical trials in oncology.
Natural Convective Flow and Heat Transfer in a Collector Storage With an Immersed Heat Exchanger: Numerical Study
Authors: Su Yan , Davidson Jane H.
Published: October 2008

A three-dimensional model and dimensionless scale analysis of the transient fluid dynamics and heat transfer in an inclined adiabatic water-filled enclosure with an immersed cylindrical cold sink is presented. The geometry represents an integral collector storage system with an immersed heat exchanger. The modeled enclosure has an aspect ratio of 6:1 and is inclined at 30 degrees to the horizontal. The heat exchanger is represented by a constant surface temperature horizontal cylinder positioned near the top of the enclosure. A scale analysis of the transient heat transfer process identifies four temporal periods: conduction, quasi-steady, fluctuating and decay. It also provides general formulations for the transient Nusselt number, and volume averaged water temperature in the enclosure. Insight to the transient fluid and thermal processes is provided by presentation of instantaneous flow streamlines and isotherm contours during each transient period. The flow field consists of two distinct zones. The zone above the cold sink is nearly stagnant. The larger zone below the sink is one of strong mixing and recirculation initiated by the cold plume formed in the boundary layer of the cylindrical sink. Correlations predicted with the model for the transient Nusselt number and the dimensionless volume averaged tank temperature expressed in terms of the initial Rayleigh number compare favorably to prior measured data.