bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The interplay of permeability and fluid properties as a first order control of heat transport, venting temperatures and venting salinities at mid‐ocean ridge hydrothermal systems
Authors: DRIESNER T.
Published: January 2010

Geofluids (2010) 10, 132–141

While the fundamental influence of fluid properties on venting temperatures in mid‐ocean ridge (MOR) hydrothermal systems is now well established, the potential interplay of fluid properties with permeability in controlling heat transfer, venting temperatures, and venting salinities has so far received little attention. A series of numerical simulations of fully transient fluid flow in a generic, across‐axis model of a MOR with a heat input equivalent to magmatic supply at a spreading rate of 10 cm year−1 shows a strong dependence of venting temperature and salinity on the system’s permeability. At high permeability, venting temperatures are low because fluid fluxes are so high that the basal conductive heating cannot warm the large fluid masses rapidly enough. The highest venting temperature around 400°C as well as sub‐seafloor fluid phase separation occur when the permeability is just high enough that the fluid flux can still accommodate all heat input for advection, or for lower permeabilities where advection is no longer capable to transfer all incoming magmatic heat. In the latter case, additional mechanisms such as eruptions of basaltic magma may become relevant in balancing heat flow in MOR settings. The results can quantitatively be explained by the ‘fluxibility’ hypothesis of Jupp & Schultz (Nature, 403, 2000, 880), which is used to derive diagrams for the relations between basal heat input, permeability and venting temperatures. Its predictive capabilities are tested against additional simulations. Potential implications of this work are that permeability in high‐temperature MOR hydrothermal systems may be lower than previously thought and that low‐temperature systems at high permeability may be an efficient way of removing heat at MOR.
Edge effects and the impact of non‐protected areas in carnivore conservation: leopards in the Phinda–Mkhuze Complex, South Africa
Authors: Balme G. A. , Slotow R. , Hunter L. T. B.
Published: January 2010

Although high rates of anthropogenic mortality are often reported for carnivores near reserve borders, the resulting edge effects are rarely quantified, and the consequences on conservation goals are usually unknown. Here, we assess the extent and impact of edge effects on a protected leopard Panthera pardus population in the Phinda‐Mkhuze Complex (PMC), South Africa. We compared the spatial and demographic characteristics of leopards in two areas of the PMC, one closer to the border than the other. Leopard density declined from the core of the reserve (11.11 ± 1.31 leopards 100 km−2) to the border (7.17 ± 1.12  leopards 100 km−2), and was the lowest in non‐protected areas adjoining the PMC (2.49 ± 0.87 leopards 100 km−2), but was not related to prey abundance or interspecific competition. Radiotelemetry showed that leopards near the border spent a greater proportion of their time outside the reserve and suffered higher annual mortality rates (0.358 ± 0.075) than those closer to the core (0.122 ± 0.065). A Cox proportional hazards model further demonstrated the negative effect of time spent outside the reserve on the survival probability of leopards. Despite an increased risk of mortality, leopards did not avoid non‐protected areas, which may have functioned as an ecological trap for predators. Although the overall conservation outcome of the reserve was positive, edge effects clearly weakened the potential of the PMC to protect leopards. Our findings show that high mortality rates of carnivores in areas bordering reserves can extend to protected populations. Management approaches that control human activities on both sides of administrative borders are therefore essential if reserves are to conserve large carnivores effectively.
Evaluation of a classroom‐based psychosocial intervention in conflict‐affected Nepal: a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jordans Mark J.D. , Komproe Ivan H. , Tol Wietse A. , Kohrt Brandon A. , Luitel Nagendra P. , Macy Robert D. , De Jong Joop T.V.M.
Published: January 2010

Background:  In situations of ongoing violence, childhood psychosocial and mental health problems require care. However, resources and evidence for adequate interventions are scarce for children in low‐ and middle‐income countries. This study evaluated a school‐based psychosocial intervention in conflict‐affected, rural Nepal.

Methods:  A cluster randomized controlled trial was used to evaluate changes on a range of indicators, including psychiatric symptoms (depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder), psychological difficulties, resilience indicators (hope, prosocial behavior) and function impairment. Children (n = 325) (mean age = 12.7, SD = 1.04, range 11–14 years) with elevated psychosocial distress were allocated to a treatment or waitlist group.

Results:  Comparisons of crude change scores showed significant between‐group differences on several outcome indicators, with moderate effect sizes (Cohen d = .41 to .58). After correcting for nested variance within schools, no evidence for treatment effects was found on any outcome variable. Additional analyses showed gender effects for treatment on prosocial behavior (mean change difference: 2.70; 95% CI, .97 to 4.44), psychological difficulties (−2.19; 95% CI, −3.82 to −.56), and aggression (−4.42; 95% CI, −6.16 to −2.67). An age effect for treatment was found for hope (.90; 95% CI, −1.54 to −.26).

Conclusions:  A school‐based psychosocial intervention demonstrated moderate short‐term beneficial effects for improving social‐behavioral and resilience indicators among subgroups of children exposed to armed conflict. The intervention reduced psychological difficulties and aggression among boys, increased prosocial behavior among girls, and increased hope for older children. The intervention did not result in reduction of psychiatric symptoms.
From diagnosis to health: a cross‐cultural interview study with immigrants from Somalia
Authors: Wallin Anne‐Marie , Ahlström Gerd
Published: January 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2010; 24; 357–365
 
From diagnosis to health: a cross‐cultural interview study with immigrants from Somalia

Objective:  Being diagnosed as having a chronic disease gives rise to emotions. Beliefs about health are culturally constructed and affect people’s decisions regarding treatment. No studies have been reported that focus on the health beliefs of immigrants of Somalian origin with diabetes and how these people experiences the diagnosis. Therefore the aim of the present study was to investigate how immigrants from Somalia living in Sweden experienced receiving the diagnosis and describe their beliefs about health.

Method:  The sample consisted of 19 adults with diabetes born in Somalia and now living in Sweden who were interviewed with the aid of an interpreter. The interviews were subjected to qualitative content analysis.

Results:  From the analysis of what the participants said about their experiences of the diagnosis there emerged three themes: ‘Existential brooding’, ‘Avoiding the diagnosis’ and ‘Accepting what is fated’. Three themes also emerged from the analysis of what they said about beliefs about health: ‘Health as absence of disease’, ‘Health as general well‐being’ and ‘Fated by a higher power’. A major finding was that women when they communicated their experiences regarding the diagnosis and health beliefs made more use of supernatural beliefs than men did. The participants, irrespective of gender, did not immediately respond with shock or other strong emotion when they received the diagnosis.

Conclusions:  The study provides health‐care staff with knowledge concerning a minority group’s experiences of being diagnosed as having diabetes and their beliefs about health. The findings indicate that men and women differ in how they experiences the diagnosis and how they described their health beliefs. The quality improvement of health education and nursing for patients with diabetes calls for consideration of the variation of beliefs related to cultural background and gender.
Relevance of conserved lysine and arginine residues in transmembrane helices for the transport activity of organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B3
Authors: Glaeser H , Mandery K , Sticht H , Fromm MF , König J
Published: January 2010

Background and purpose: Organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B3 (OATP1B3) (SLCO1B3) mediates the uptake of endogenous substrates (e.g. estrone‐3‐sulphate) and drugs (e.g. pravastatin) from blood into hepatocytes. Structure‐based modelling of OATP1B3 suggested that a pore with a positive electrostatic potential contributes to the transport mechanism. Therefore, we investigated the role of conserved positively charged amino acids for OATP1B3‐mediated uptake of sulphobromophthalein (BSP) and pravastatin.

Experimental approach: Residues Lys28, Lys41 and Arg580 in OATP1B3 were substituted by alanine, arginine, glutamine, glycine or lysine. Using immunofluorescence, immunoblot analysis and cellular uptake assays, the effect of these mutations on protein expression and transport activity was investigated.

Key results: Immunofluorescence revealed that all mutants were localized in the plasma membrane with partial intracellular retention of the Arg580>Ala and Arg580>Lys mutants. Lys41>Ala, Lys41>Gln, Lys41>Gly, Arg580>Gly and Arg580>Lys showed significantly reduced transport for BSP and pravastatin. Kinetic analyses of BSP transport revealed a significant reduction ofVmaxnormalized to cell surface protein expression for Lys41>Ala (wild type: 190 ± 8, Lys41>Ala:16 ± 4 pmol (mg protein)−1 min−1,P< 0.001), whereasVmaxof Lys41>Arg and Arg580>Lys (103 ± 8 and 123 ± 14 pmol (mg protein)−1 min−1,P> 0.05) did not change significantly. This suggests that the positive charges at positions 41 and 580 are important for transport activity of BSP. Structural modelling indicated that the positively charged side chain of Lys41 is flexible within the pore. The orientation of Arg580 is defined by adjacent residues Glu74 and Asn77, which was confirmed by kinetic analysis of Glu74>Ala.

Conclusions and implications: We demonstrated that the conserved positively charged amino acids Lys41 and Arg580 are pivotal to the transport activity of OATP1B3.
Adolescent Pathways to Adult Smoking: Ethnic Identity, Peer Substance Use, and Antisocial Behavior
Authors: Brook Judith S. , Zhang Chenshu , Finch Stephen J. , Brook David W.
Published: January 2010

African‐Americans and Puerto Ricans were interviewed during adolescence, in their early twenties, and then again in their mid‐twenties. Results indicated that earlier adolescent smoking, family conflict, and weak ethnic identity were significantly related to antisocial behavior, which in turn was related to associating with friends who smoked and/or used illegal drugs, and ultimately, to their own smoking. Results further indicate that early interventions in the development of tobacco use should focus on decreasing parental and adolescent smoking and parent–child conflict. If intervention occurs at a later time point, the emphasis should be on increasing ethnic identity and decreasing antisocial behavior. (Am J Addict 2010;00:1–9)
Real‐Time Craving Differences between Black and White Smokers
Authors: Carter Brian L. , Paris Megan M. , Lam Cho Y. , Robinson Jason D. , Traylor Amy C. , Waters Andrew J. , Wetter David W. , Cinciripini Paul M.
Published: January 2010

Black and White smokers may experience aspects of nicotine dependence, including craving, differently. This study used a naturalistic technique, ecological momentary assessment (EMA), to explore differences in craving, mood, expectancy, and smoking enjoyment between Black and White smokers. Participants carried personal digital assistants (PDAs) programmed to obtain multiple daily assessments. Black smokers reported higher craving after smoking and at random assessment times and higher cigarette enjoyment. No differences were found in mood or expectancy. Racial differences in psychological factors related to smoking are explored in the contexts of genetic, sociological, and psychophysiological distinctions. Implications for practice and research are discussed. (Am J Addict 2010;00:1–5)
Epiphyte Biodiversity in the Coffee Agricultural Matrix: Canopy Stratification and Distance from Forest Fragments
Authors: MOORHEAD LEIGH C. , PHILPOTT STACY M. , BICHIER PETER
Published: January 2010

Abstract:  Quality of the agricultural matrix profoundly affects biodiversity and dispersal in agricultural areas. Vegetatively complex coffee agroecosystems maintain species richness at larger distances from the forest. Epiphytes colonize canopy trees and provide resources for birds and insects and thus effects of agricultural production on epiphytes may affect other species. We compared diversity, composition, and vertical stratification of epiphytes in a forest fragment and in two coffee farms differing in management intensity in southern Mexico. We also examined spatial distribution of epiphytes with respect to the forest fragment to examine quality of the two agricultural matrix types for epiphyte conservation. We sampled vascular epiphytes in a forest fragment, a shade polyculture farm, and a shade monoculture farm at 100 m, 200 m, and 400 m from the forest. Epiphyte and orchid richness was greater in the forest than in the monoculture but richness was similar in the forest and polyculture farm. Epiphyte species composition differed with habitat type, but not with distance from the forest. In the forest, epiphytes were distributed throughout tree canopies, but in the farms, epiphytes were primarily found on trunks and larger branches. Epiphyte richness and species similarity to forest species declined with distance from the forest fragment in the monoculture, but richness and similarity to forest species did not decline with distance from forest in the polyculture. This suggests polyculture coffee has greater conservation value. In contrast, monoculture coffee is likely a sink habitat for epiphytes dispersing from forests into coffee. Coffee farms differ from forests in terms of the habitat they provide and species composition, thus protecting forest fragments is essential for epiphyte conservation. Nonetheless, in agricultural landscapes, vegetatively complex coffee farms may contribute to conservation of epiphytes more than other agricultural land uses.
The Abrasive Effect of a Porcelain and a Nickel–Chromium Alloy on the Wear of Human Enamel and the Influence of a Carbonated Beverage on the Rate of Wear
Authors: Joshi Nikhil , Patil Narendra P. , Patil Sanjayagouda B.
Published: January 2010

Purpose: This study was conducted to determine the abrasive effect of a porcelain and an Ni–Cr alloy on the wear of human enamel, and the influence of a carbonated beverage on the rate of wear.

Materials and Methods: Tooth specimens were prepared by embedding 48 freshly extracted mandibular first premolars in acrylic. Twenty‐four of these specimens were abraded against Ni–Cr, and the remaining 24 against porcelain in artificial saliva and carbonated beverage media, respectively (n = 12), on a specially designed abrasive testing machine at a constant load of 40 N with 6 mm amplitude for 15,000 cycles. The cusp heights of the tooth specimens were measured both before and after abrasion using a profile projector. The abraded cast specimens were subjected to profilometry for computing the surface roughness; the abrading media was subjected to atomic absorption spectrophotometry for analyzing Ni and Cr ion levels. Data obtained were statistically analyzed.

Results: Porcelain specimens in a medium of carbonated beverage caused the highest wear of tooth specimens. The lowest wear of tooth specimens was Ni–Cr specimens in artificial saliva medium. Carbonated beverage caused significantly higher wear of tooth specimens when abraded against Ni–Cr and porcelain specimens than did artificial saliva. The mean quantitative surface roughness of porcelain specimens was significantly higher than that of Ni–Cr specimens, irrespective of the medium in which abrasion testing was conducted. There was no statistically significant difference between the concentrations of Ni ions released in artificial saliva and carbonated beverage media. Also, there was no statistically significant difference between the concentrations of Cr ions released in artificial saliva and carbonated beverage media.

Conclusions: The wear of human enamel was significantly higher in the presence of carbonated beverage than artificial saliva and against porcelain when compared with Ni–Cr. The surface roughness of porcelain in the presence of carbonated beverage was found to be highest, and the release of Ni and Cr was not affected by carbonated beverage.
The potential impact of selective donor deferrals based on estimated blood volume on vasovagal reactions and donor deferral rates
Authors: Rios Jorge A. , Fang Junyong , Tu Yongling , Wright David J. , Spencer Bryan , Hillyer Christopher D. , Hillyer Krista L. , Eder Anne F. , Benjamin Richard J.
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND: Whole blood donation in the United States is restricted in volume to 10.5 mL/kg or less in an effort to prevent hypovolemic reactions, but still may exceed more than 15% of a donor's estimated blood volume (EBV). We analyzed the association of EBV with prefaint and systemic vasovagal reactions (SVRs) among whole blood donors and the potential impact of an EBV‐based deferral policy.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Independent predictors for prefaint reactions and SVRs were assessed by multivariate logistic regression analysis on 591,177 unique donors participating in the Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study‐II study.

RESULTS: Young age (16 years old odds ratio [OR], 3.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.78‐4.94), low EBV (<3.5 L OR, 3.30; 95% CI, 2.57‐4.23), and first‐time donation status (OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 2.03‐2.67) were the strongest predictors for SVRs, with similar trends seen for prefaint reactions. Sex, height, race, blood center, and donation site were weakly associated predictors. A total of 5.6% of all donors had an EBV of less than 3.5 L and experienced 12.5% of all prefaint reactions and 14.5% of SVRs. The highest reaction rates were seen in donors less than 23 years old with an EBV of less than 3.5 L who comprised 2.7% of all donors, who were mostly female (99.9%), and who experienced 8.8% of prefaint reactions and 11.0% of SVRs.

CONCLUSION: Young age, low EBV, and first‐time donation status are the major correlates of prefaint reactions and SVRs, suggesting that high school and college donors are at particular risk. Deferral of donors with low EBV who are less than 23 years old may offer a rational approach to protecting donors at greater risk of reactions without jeopardizing the adequacy of the blood supply.
Development and validation of a SYBR Green I–based real‐time polymerase chain reaction method for detection of haptoglobin gene deletion in clinical materials
Authors: Soejima Mikiko , Tsuchiya Yuji , Egashira Kouichi , Kawano Hiroyuki , Sagawa Kimitaka , Koda Yoshiro
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND: Anhaptoglobinemic patients run the risk of severe anaphylactic transfusion reaction because they produce serum haptoglobin (Hp) antibodies. Being homozygous for the Hp gene deletion (HPdel) is the only known cause of congenital anhaptoglobinemia, and clinical diagnosis of HPdel before transfusion is important to prevent anaphylactic shock. We recently developed a 5′‐nuclease (TaqMan) real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A SYBR Green I–based duplex real‐time PCR assay using two forward primers and a common reverse primer followed by melting curve analysis was developed to determine HPdel zygosity in a single tube. In addition, to obviate initial DNA extraction, we examined serially diluted blood samples as PCR templates.

RESULTS: Allelic discrimination of HPdel yielded optimal results at blood sample dilutions of 1:64 to 1:1024. The results from 2231 blood samples were fully concordant with those obtained by the TaqMan‐based real‐time PCR method.

CONCLUSION: The detection rate of the HPdel allele by the SYBR Green I–based method is comparable with that using the TaqMan‐based method. This method is readily applicable due to its low initial cost and analyzability using economical real‐time PCR machines and is suitable for high‐throughput analysis as an alternative method for allelic discrimination of HPdel.
Two New Species of Trypanosomatid Parasites Isolated from Heteroptera in Costa Rica
Authors: MASLOV DMITRI A. , YURCHENKO VYACHESLAV Y. , JIRKŮ MILAN , LUKEŠ JULIUS
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT. Two new trypanosomatid species (Euglenozoa, Kinetoplastea) isolated from the intestinal tract of heteropteran insect hosts were described based on molecular phylogenetic analyses of Spliced Leader (SL) RNA gene repeats, glycosomal glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase, and small subunit ribosomal RNA genes, as well as by morphology. Leptomonas barvae n. sp., from a mirid host Collaria oleosa, was found to represent one of the closest monoxenous (one host) relatives of the dixenous (two hosts) parasitic genus Leishmania. This finding further supports the origin of these dixenous parasites from monoxenous progenitors in the Neotropics. Blastocrithidia largi n. sp., from a largid host Largus cinctus, is among a few members of this genus available in culture. The species is a close relative of Blastocrithidia triatomae and is a member of a new monophyletic phylogenetic group characterized by formation of straphanger cysts.
Invalidation of Hyperamoeba by Transferring its Species to Other Genera of Myxogastria
Authors: FIORE‐DONNO ANNA MARIA , KAMONO AKIKO , CHAO EMA E. , FUKUI MANABU , CAVALIER‐SMITH THOMAS
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT. The genus Hyperamoeba Alexeieff, 1923 was established to accommodate an aerobic amoeba exhibiting three life stages—amoeba, flagellate, and cyst. As more species/strains were isolated, it became increasingly evident from small subunit (SSU) gene phylogenies and ultrastructure that Hyperamoeba is polyphyletic and its species occupy different positions within the class Myxogastria. To pinpoint Hyperamoeba strains within other myxogastrid genera we aligned numerous myxogastrid sequences: whole small subunit ribosomal (SSU or 18S rRNA) gene for 50 dark‐spored (i.e. Stemonitida and Physarida) Myxogastria (including a new “Hyperamoeba”/Didymium sequence) and a ∼400‐bp SSU fragment for 147 isolates assigned to 10 genera of the order Physarida. Phylogenetic analyses show unambiguously that the type species Hyperamoeba flagellata is a Physarum (Physarum flagellatum comb. nov.) as it nests among other Physarum species as robust sister to Physarum didermoides. Our trees also allow the following allocations: five Hyperamoeba strains to the genus Stemonitis; Hyperamoeba dachnaya, Pseudodidymium cryptomastigophorum, and three other Hyperamoeba strains to the genus Didymium; and two further Hyperamoeba strains to the family Physaridae. We therefore abandon the polyphyletic and redundant genus Hyperamoeba. We discuss the implications for the ecology and evolution of Myxogastria, whose amoeboflagellates are more widespread than previous inventories supposed, being now found in freshwater and even marine environments.
Synthesis and Characterization of Silica/Carbon Composite Aerogels
Authors: Ye Li , Ji Zhi‐Hong , Han Wei‐Jian , Hu Ji‐Dong , Zhao Tong
Published: January 2010

A series of monolithic silica/resorcinol–formaldehyde (silica/RF) aerogels have been prepared by a simple one‐step sol–gel process of 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), resorcinol (R), and formaldehyde (F) in ethanol, followed by drying with supercritical CO2. The silica/carbon composite aerogels were obtained by pyrolysis of the silica/RF aerogels under N2 atmosphere. The silica/carbon composite aerogels exhibit low densities (0.1241–0.2751 g/cm3) and high porosities (>84%). The pore morphologies of the composite aerogels have been investigated in detail by nitrogen sorption measurements, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The surface areas of these composite aerogels result from the contribution of macropores, mesopores, and micropores. Combustion in air or etching in HF solution can remove carbon or silica from the silica/carbon composite aerogels and yields monolithic or cracked unitary silica or carbon aerogels. The study indicates that when the starting APTES/R molar ratio is high (sample 3SiOC–C and 2SiOC–C), the silica framework is the supporting framework; and for low starting APTES/R ratio samples (sample SiOC–3C, SiOC–2C, and SiOC–C), the carbon framework is the supporting framework. Remarkably, carbon aerogels with high surface areas of 2000 m2/g can be obtained after removing silica frameworks of composite aerogels of 3SiOC–C and 2SiOC–C.
Long‐term, retrospective evaluation (implant and patient‐centred outcome) of the two‐implants‐supported overdenture in the mandible. Part 1: survival rate
Authors: Vercruyssen M. , Marcelis K. , Coucke W. , Naert I. , Quirynen M.
Published: January 2010

Objective: This retrospective analysis evaluated the long‐term outcome of two implants supporting an overdenture in the mandible, as well as the significance of some confounding factors (smoking, implant length, bone quality).

Material and methods: All mandibular overdenture cases (n=495) treated during the past 25 years in our centre (with ≥5 years loading of the implants) were included in this study. General information (medical history, implant data, report on surgery) was retrieved from the patient's file. A large number of patients (n=248) were willing to visit the clinic for an additional follow‐up visit. For the others, information on implant survival was collected by phone (n=121), or contact was impossible (57 had died, three were hospitalized and 66 could not be reached). In the latter group, information was used, up to their last visit to the clinic. An implant was considered as surviving if it was still in function in the mouth, without clear adverse effects (pain, swelling, mobility). A failure was defined as early if it occurred within the window, insertion‐final prosthesis placement; afterwards, it was considered as late.

Results: Most of the inserted implants (Brånemark type) were of the turned (machined) type (95.5%), the remainder was anodized (TiUnite). The anchoring system was either a bar (86.3%), ball attachments (11.7%) or magnets (1.6%), and only some patients changed from one to the other (0.4%). Kaplan–Meier analyses showed a survival rate of 95.5% after 20 years of loading. Factors that influenced the outcome included smoking (90% rate for smokers) and the surgical protocol (reduced survival rate for one‐stage‐placed implants). Implant length and bone quality had no impact.

Conclusions: These results fully support the two‐implant overdenture concept in the mandible even in the long run.

To cite this article:
 Vercruyssen M, Marcelis K, Coucke W, Naert I, Quirynen M. Long‐term, retrospective evaluation (implant and patient‐centred outcome) of the two‐implants‐supported overdenture in the mandible. Part 1: survival rate. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 357–365. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01849.x
Immediate rehabilitation of the edentulous jaws with full fixed prostheses supported by four implants: interim results of a single cohort prospective study
Authors: Agliardi Enrico , Panigatti Stefano , Clericò Matteo , Villa Cristina , Malò Paulo
Published: January 2010

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of immediately loaded full‐arch fixed prostheses supported by a combination of axially and non‐axially positioned implants in a large cohort of patients with completely edentulous jaws, up to 5 years of function.

Materials and methods: One hundred and seventy‐three edentulous patients (80 males and 93 females) were enrolled according to specific selection criteria. Each patient received a full‐arch fixed prosthesis supported by two distal tilted implants and two anterior axially placed implants. The provisional functional acrylic prosthesis was delivered the same day as surgery in all cases. All cases were finalized 4–6 months later. The patients were scheduled for follow‐up at 6 and 12 months of function, and annually up to 5 years. At each follow‐up plaque and bleeding score was assessed and radiographic evaluation of marginal bone level was performed.

Results: The overall follow‐up range was 4–59 months. A total of 154 immediately loaded prostheses (61 in the maxilla and 93 in the mandible) were in function for at least 1 year and were considered for the analysis. Four axially placed implants failed in the maxilla and one tilted implant in the mandible, all within 6 months of loading. No further implant failure occurred to date. Implant survival at 1 year was 98.36% and 99.73% for the maxilla and the mandible, respectively. Marginal bone loss at 1 year averaged 0.9±0.7 mm in the maxilla (204 implants) and 1.2±0.9 mm in the mandible (292 implants). No difference was found in marginal bone loss between axial and tilted implants. Plaque and bleeding scores progressively improved from 6 to 12 months. Fracture of the acrylic prosthesis occurred in 14% of total cases.

Conclusions: The present preliminary results from a relatively large sample size suggest that the present technique can be considered a viable treatment option for the immediate rehabilitation of both mandible and maxilla.

To cite this article:
 Agliardi E, Panigatti S, Clericò M, Villa C, Malò P. Immediate rehabilitation of the edentulous jaws with full fixed prostheses supported by four implants: interim results of a single cohort prospective study. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 459–465. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01852.x
Immunoexpression of Cbfa‐1/Runx2 and VEGF in sinus lift procedures using bone substitutes in rabbits
Authors: De Souza Nunes Leandro Soeiro , De Oliveira Renato Victor , Holgado Leandro Andrade , Nary Filho Hugo , Ribeiro Daniel Araki , Matsumoto Mariza Akemi
Published: January 2010

Objectives: To analyze and compare the expression of core binding factor‐1 (Cbfa‐1)/Runx2 and vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) in sinus lift procedures using bovine hydroxyapatite (HA) and β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP).

Material and Methods: Twenty‐four male rabbits that had undergone bilateral sinus lift procedures were divided into three groups, according to the sinus filling material: Group 1: autogenous bone graft; Group 2: bovine HA; and Group 3: β‐TCP. All groups were sacrificed after 7, 14, 30 and 60 days, for microscopic, histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry analysis.

Results: Microscopic analysis showed a similar bone repair pattern between the tested groups. New bone formation, soft and medular tissue, remaining material or particulate bone graft area were obtained by histomorphometric analysis. After 14 days, statistically significant differences in new bone formation were found between Group 1 (27.76±7.8) and Groups 2 (14.22±3.2) and 3 (11.1±7.7). After 30 days, statistically significant differences (P<0.05) were detected in bone formation between Groups 1 (31.39±36.5) and 2 (14.13±3.2). The last period showed improved bone formation in Group 2. Also, Group 2 showed higher Cbfa‐1/Runx2 immunoexpression when compared with Group 3. No remarkable differences were observed in VEGF immunoexpression among groups.

Conclusion: Taken together, both biomaterials allowed bone tissue growth in a conductive pattern and did not interfere with bone remodeling in the late period, with a slight improvement in bone tissue formation when using HA, confirmed by marked expression of Cbfa‐1 at initial periods.

To cite this article:
 Nunes LSS, De Oliveira RV, Holgado LA, Nary Filho H, Ribeiro DA, Matsumoto MA. Immunoexpression of Cbfa‐1/Runx2 in sinus lift procedures using bone substitutes in rabbits. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 584–590. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01858.x
Screening for MPL mutations in essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis: normal Mpl expression and absence of constitutive STAT3 and STAT5 activation in MPLW515L‐positive platelets
Authors: Glembotsky Ana C. , Korin Laura , Lev Paola R. , Chazarreta Carlos D. , Marta Rosana F. , Molinas Felisa C. , Heller Paula G.
Published: January 2010

Objectives:  To evaluate the frequency of MPL W515L, W515K and S505N mutations in essential thrombocythemia (ET) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF) and to determine whether MPLW515L leads to impaired Mpl expression, constitutive STAT3 and STAT5 activation and enhanced response to thrombopoietin (TPO).

Methods:  Mutation detection was performed by allele‐specific PCR and sequencing. Platelet Mpl expression was evaluated by flow cytometry, immunoblotting and real‐time RT‐PCR. Activation of STAT3 and STAT5 before and after stimulation with increasing concentrations of TPO was studied by immunoblotting. Plasma TPO was measured by ELISA.

Results:  MPLW515L was detected in 1 of 100 patients with ET and 1 of 11 with PMF. Platelets from the PMF patient showed 100% mutant allele, which was <50% in platelets from the ET patient, who also showed the mutation in granulocytes, monocytes and B cells. Mpl surface and total protein expression were normal, and TPO levels were mildly increased in the MPLW515L‐positive ET patient, while MPL transcripts did not differ from controls in both MPLW515L‐positive patients. Constitutive STAT3 and STAT5 phosphorylation was absent and dose response to TPO‐induced phosphorylation was not enhanced.

Conclusions:  The low frequency of MPL mutations in this cohort is in agreement with previous studies. The finding of normal Mpl levels in MPLW515L‐positive platelets indicates this mutation does not lead to dysregulated Mpl expression, as frequently shown for myeloproliferative neoplasms. The lack of spontaneous STAT3 and STAT5 activation and the normal response to TPO is unexpected as MPLW515L leads to constitutive receptor activation and hypersensitivity to TPO in experimental models.
Increased expression of MAP2 inhibits melanoma cell proliferation, invasion and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Song Zhiqi , He Chun‐Di , Sun Changkai , Xu Yanni , Jin Xin , Zhang Yi , Xiao Ting , Wang Yakun , Lu Ping , Jiang Yi , Wei Huachen , Chen Hong‐Duo
Published: January 2010

Please cite this paper as: Increased expression of MAP2 inhibits melanoma cell proliferation, invasion and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 958–964.

Abstract:  Malignant melanoma (MM) is characterized by aggressive metastasis and high mortality rate. Microtubule‐associated proteins 2 (MAP2) is expressed abundantly in majority of melanocytic nevi and primary melanomas, but absent in metastatic melanomas. To determine whether MAP2 correlates with tumor progression of MM, we investigated the effects of MAP2 inhibition on the biological behaviour of metastatic melanoma in vitro and in vivo. Our results demonstrated that adenovirus‐mediated MAP2 induced apoptotic cell death and cell cycle arrest in metastatic human and mouse melanoma cell lines in vitro, and substantially inhibited the growth of melanomas in nude mice in vivo. In addition, intracellular expression of MAP2 was found to induce the morphologic alteration, suppress the migration and invasion and affect the assembly, stabilization and bundling of microtubules in melanoma cells. This is the first study that MAP2 expression significantly inhibits the growth of MM in vivo. Our results suggest that MAP2 may serve as a promising molecular target for therapy and chemoprevention of MM in humans.
Photodynamic therapy with topical methyl‐ and hexylaminolevulinate for prophylaxis and treatment of UV‐induced SCC in hairless mice
Authors: Togsverd‐Bo Katrine , Lerche Catharina M. , Poulsen Thomas , Wulf Hans Christian , Hædersdal Merete
Published: January 2010

Please cite this paper as: Photodynamic therapy with topical methyl‐ and hexylaminolevulinate for prophylaxis and treatment of UV‐induced SCC in hairless mice. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: e166–e172.

Abstract  Background:  Hexyl aminolevulinate (HAL) is a long‐chained 5‐aminolevulinic acid‐ester that has been proposed as a novel photosensitizing agent to methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) in topical photodynamic therapy (PDT). The more lipophilic HAL, may improve treatment outcome for non‐melanoma skin cancer. Objective: To compare the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of HAL‐ and MAL‐PDT for ultraviolet‐induced squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) in hairless mice.

Methods:  Mice (n = 249) were irradiated with solar UV‐radiation (UVR) until SCC occurred. Before any skin changes developed, two prophylactic PDT treatments were given, using creams of HAL (2%, 6%, 20%) or MAL (20%) followed by illumination (632 nm, Aktilite, Photocure). Two therapeutic PDT‐treatments were given by randomization to the first developed SCC of 1 mm. Primary end‐points were time to first SCC of 1 mm and complete SCC clearance. Secondary end‐points were time to SCC‐recurrence, PpIX fluorescence and skin reactions to PDT.

Results:  The median time to first SCC was significantly longer for mice treated with prophylactic HAL‐PDT (2%, 6% and 20% HAL, 264 days) and MAL‐PDT (20% MAL, 269 days) than mice exposed to UVR (186 days) and UVR + placebo‐PDT (199 days) (P < 0.0001). The therapeutic efficacy of HAL‐ and MAL‐PDT showed cure rates of 23–61.5% (P = 0.11). Similar PpIX fluorescence intensity and severity of clinical reactions were seen for HAL‐ and MAL‐groups, although mice developed more intense hyper‐pigmentation when treated with 20% MAL‐PDT compared with 2% HAL‐PDT.

Conclusions:  PDT with HAL (2%, 6% and 20%) and MAL (20%) is equally effective to prevent and treat UV‐induced SCC in hairless mice.
Induced sputum nitrites correlate with FEV1in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Anil N , Singh M , Rajwanshi A , Vohra H.
Published: January 2010

Aim: To determine the difference in the levels of nitrites in induced sputum of children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and controls. Furthermore, to evaluate the association between induced sputum nitrites and lung function in children with CF.

Methods: Nitrites, cell differentials, white blood cell count, were estimated in induced sputum of 20 children with CF and 10 age‐matched healthy controls. Nitrites in induced sputum samples were measured using the Greiss assay. Lung function was ascertained by spirometry.

Results: We observed high levels of nitrites in CF (184.8 ± 11.07 μM/L) versus controls (56.4 ± 5.7 μM/L) (p < 0.01). A positive correlation between neturophil percent and nitrites, white blood cell count and nitrites (p < 0.05) in children with CF was observed. Sputum nitrites correlated negatively with FEV1(p < 0.05) in children with CF.

Conclusion: Induced sputum nitrite could serve as a useful non invasive marker for assessing the degree of inflammation in the airways of children with CF.
Duration of hospitalization and appetite of HIV‐infected South African children
Authors: Mda Siyazi , van Raaij Joop M.A. , MacIntyre Una E. , de Villiers François P.R. , Kok Frans J.
Published: January 2010

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected children generally show poor growth. Episodes of diarrhoea and pneumonia in HIV‐infected children are thought to be more severe than in HIV‐uninfected children. The objective of this study was to compare duration of hospitalization, appetite and nutritional status of HIV‐infected children with that of uninfected children. A cross‐sectional study was performed on children (2–24 months) admitted with diarrhoea or pneumonia to the university hospital. Children were tested for HIV, and the duration of hospitalization was noted for 189 children. Follow‐up for blood analysis (n = 154) and appetite measurement (n = 48) was performed 4–8 weeks after discharge. Appetite was measured as ad libitum intake of a commercial infant cereal using highly standardized procedures. Hospitalization (in days) was significantly longer in HIV‐infected children; among children admitted with diarrhoea (5.9 ± 1.9 vs. 3.8 ± 1.5) (mean ± standard deviation) and with pneumonia (9.0 ± 2.5 vs. 5.9 ± 1.9). Serum zinc, iron and transferrin concentrations, and haemoglobin levels were significantly lower in HIV‐infected children compared with uninfected children. Appetites [amounts eaten (g) per kg body weight] of HIV‐infected children were significantly poorer than those of HIV‐uninfected children (18.6 ± 5.8 vs. 25.2 ± 7.4). The eating rates (g min−1) of HIV‐infected children were also slower (17.6 ± 6.2 vs. 10.1 ± 3.7) Mean Z‐scores for length‐for‐age were significantly lower among HIV‐infected children compared with HIV‐uninfected children. Weight‐for‐length Z‐scores were not significantly different. In summary, HIV‐infected children had a 55% longer duration of hospitalization and a 21% lower appetite.
Dwell and Interface Defeat on Borosilicate Glass
Authors: Anderson Charles E. , Holmquist Timothy J. , Orphal Dennis L. , Behner Thilo
Published: January 2010

We have conducted impact experiments using gold long rods into borosilicate glass and the measured the penetration velocity as a function of impact velocity. At sufficiently low‐impact velocities, the glass target resists penetration and there is dwell; dwell is observed to approximately 450 m/s for bare glass. If a copper buffer is placed over the glass to eliminate the impact shock, significant dwell can be seen at impact velocities as high as 890 m/s. These impact velocities correspond to Bernoulli stresses of approximately 2.0 and 7.6 GPa, respectively. The paper describes the experimental data, and summarizes the results and our findings.
Properties of Slip‐Cast and Pressureless‐Sintered ZrB2–SiC Composites
Authors: Medri Valentina , Capiani Claudio , Bellosi Alida
Published: January 2010

In view of the perspective to produce near‐net shapes of ultra‐refractory ceramics, ZrB2–SiC composite were produced by slip casting on plaster mould and pressureless sintered at 2150°C with a holding time of 120 min, using silicon nitride as a sintering aid. After sintering, slip‐cast samples reached a very high relative density over 98%, while for comparison, the density of cold isostatic pressed samples was about 94%. Traces of the formation of secondary phases such as B4C, graphite, and BN were found in all samples, while no grain boundary phases were revealed. RT flexural strength of as‐sintered slip cast bars was affected by the presence of an external porous layer of coarse ZrB2particles, while at 1500°C the flexural strength increased, as a glassy layer sealed the superficial defects. Because of the absence of softening grain boundary phases, subcritical crack growth did not occur during high‐temperature strength tests.
Type II-P supernovae as standardized candles: improvements using near-infrared data
Authors: Maguire K. , Kotak R. , Smartt S. J. , Pastorello A. , Hamuy M. , Bufano F.
Published: January 2010

We present the first near-infrared Hubble diagram for Type II-P supernovae (SNe), to further explore their value as distance indicators. We use a modified version of the standardized candle method, which relies on the tight correlation between the absolute magnitudes of Type II-P SNe and their expansion velocities during the plateau phase. Although our sample contains only 12 II-P SNe and they are necessarily local (z < 0.02), we demonstrate using near-infrared JHK photometry that it may be possible to reduce the scatter in the Hubble diagram to 0.1–0.15 mag. While this is potentially similar to the dispersion seen for Type Ia SNe, we caution that this needs to be confirmed with a larger sample of II-P SNe in the Hubble flow.
ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERNS OF LAB ISOLATED FROM WAKALIM, A TRADITIONAL ETHIOPIAN FERMENTED SAUSAGE
Authors: BACHA KETEMA , MEHARI TETEMKE , ASHENAFI MOGESSIE
Published: January 2010

Wakalim is a traditional Ethiopian spiced fermented beef sausage. In this study, 168 lactic acid bacteria strains isolated during the fermentation of wakalim were evaluated for their antimicrobial resistance patterns. All of the isolates tested were sensitive to Amp, Pen, Ery, Cep, Aml, and Tet. Among the Lactobacillus isolates, the most frequent resistance was noted for methicillin (96%), followed by resistance to streptomycin (85%), vancomycin (72%), kanamycin (47%), and gentamycin (38%). The most frequent resistance among Pediococcus isolates was observed for vancomycin and streptomycin (96% each), followed by resistance to kanamycin (84%), gentamicin (55%), and methicillin (30%). A total of 13 multiple drug resistance (MDR) patterns were detected. About 42% of the isolates showed MDR to four drugs, 29% to five drugs, and 2% to six drugs. The most frequent MDR pattern was Van/Str/Kan/Gen/Met and was seen in 42% of the isolates. This pattern was seen in Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, and Weissella isolates, but was the most frequent pattern in Pediococcus isolates (41%). Our Lactobacillus isolates showed 10 different MDR patterns, with Van/Str/Gen/Met (21%) and Van/Str/Met (19%) being the most frequent patterns. Our isolates were not reservoirs of transferable resistance genes for tetracycline, erythromycin, ampicillin, penicillin G, cephalothin, and amoxicillin.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Intrinsic resistance of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to many antibiotics may be considered as advantageous for those with probiotic potential. This would help to sustainably utilize the strains in the intestine to maintain the natural balance of intestinal microflora during antibiotic treatments. However, there is the danger of transferring multiple drug resistance to pathogens in the intestinal environment. The susceptibility of our LAB isolates, on the other hand, to the most frequently used clinically important antimicrobials is beneficial as it minimizes the chances of disseminating resistance genes to pathogens both in the food matrix and/or in the gastrointestinal tract. It could, thus, be concluded that our isolates are not reservoirs of transferable resistance genes for tetracycline, erythromycin, ampicillin, penicillin G, cephalothin and amoxicillin. This is particularly important because our traditional fermented sausage product, wakalim, is also consumed without any further heat treatment, and some of the LAB isolates exhibited in vitro probiotic potential.
MODELING OF TEXTURE EVOLUTION OF CAKES DURING STORAGE
Authors: GÓMEZ MANUEL , RUIZ‐PARÍS ELENA , OLIETE BONASTRE , PANDO VALENTÍN
Published: January 2010

The aim of this work is to model the variation of texture parameters in cakes during staling. The evolution was studied in layer cakes (cake A) and sponge cakes (cake B). The effect of storage temperature and the addition of fiber, xanthan gum (cake A) and emulsifier (cake B) were also studied. The best model to adjust the texture parameters variation during storage in both kinds of cakes was square root x (y = a + b * x1/2), except for firmness and springiness in cakes B. Firmness and springiness were adjusted the best to the linear model. In the model, y stood for the textural parameters and x for the time. a and b were related to the initial value of the studied parameter and with its change over time respectively. In both kinds of cakes, A and B, the firmness and gumminess increased, and the cohesiveness, springiness and resilience decreased, as the storage time increased. The increase in the storage temperature and the addition of fiber minimized the firmness changes in both kinds of cakes.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This methodology simplifies the study of cake textural parameters during storage and the result interpretation. Moreover, the correlation analysis has demonstrated that the number of textural parameters of cakes to study can be reduced.