bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eccentric muscle damage increases intermuscular coherence during a fatiguing isometric contraction
Authors: Semmler J. G. , Ebert S. A. , Amarasena J.
Published: April 2013

Aim

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of eccentric muscle damage on muscle activation patterns and intermuscular coherence during a fatiguing isometric contraction involving the elbow flexor muscles.

Methods

Ten young subjects participated in three experimental sessions that involved the performance of maximum voluntary contractions (MVCs), a constant‐force task at 30% MVC, and a fatiguing isometric contraction at 30% MVC. The three sessions were performed before, 2 h after and 2 days after eccentric exercise to induce muscle damage in elbow flexor muscles. Task performance was quantified with electromyography (EMG) from the elbow flexor (biceps brachii, brachialis and brachioradialis) and extensor (triceps brachii) muscles, M‐wave amplitude of biceps brachii, elbow flexor force fluctuations and endurance time of a fatiguing contraction. Intermuscular coherence during the fatiguing contraction was quantified from the rectified surface EMGs between muscle pairs.

Results

Eccentric exercise resulted in several indicators of muscle damage, such as a prolonged decline in muscle strength and an increase in muscle soreness 2 days after exercise. A 29% reduction in endurance time was observed 2 h after eccentric muscle damage, which returned to baseline 2 days later. The reduced endurance time 2 h after muscle damage was accompanied by an increase in EMG‐EMG coherence between biceps brachii and brachialis muscles, which was observed at the end of the fatiguing contraction.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that eccentric muscle damage produces a decrease in endurance time that is accompanied by an increase in intermuscular coherence in the presence of fatigue.
Seasonal variation of manic and depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder
Authors: Akhter Ahmed , Fiedorowicz Jess G , Zhang Tao , Potash James B , Cavanaugh Joseph , Solomon David A , Coryell William H
Published: April 2013

Objectives

Analyses of seasonal variation of manic and depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder in retrospective studies examining admission data have yielded conflicting results. We examined seasonal variation of mood symptoms in a prospective cohort with long‐term follow‐up: the Collaborative Depression Study (CDS).

Methods

The CDS included participants from five academic centers with a prospective diagnosis of bipolar I or II disorder. The sample was limited to those who were followed for at least 10 years of annual or semi‐annual assessments. Time series analyses and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models were used to assess seasonal patterns of manic and depressive symptoms.

Results

A total of 314 individuals were analyzed (bipolar I disorder, n = 202; bipolar II disorder, n = 112), with both disorders exhibiting the lowest frequency of depressive symptoms in summer and the highest around the winter solstice, though the winter peak in symptoms was statistically significant only with bipolar I disorder. Variation of manic symptoms was more pronounced in bipolar II disorder, with a significant peak in hypomanic symptomatology in the months surrounding the fall equinox.

Conclusions

Significant seasonal variation exists in bipolar disorder, with manic/hypomanic symptoms peaking around the fall equinox and depressive symptoms peaking in the months surrounding the winter solstice in bipolar I disorder.
Majority Children's Evaluation of Acculturation Preferences of Immigrant and Emigrant Peers
Authors: Verkuyten Maykel , Thijs Jochem , Sierksma Jellie
Published: April 2013

Using an experimental design, native majority group children (8–13 years,N = 842) evaluated acculturation strategies (assimilation, integration, and separation) adopted by immigrant and emigrant peers. There were medium to large effects of the perceived acculturation strategies on children's peer evaluations. Overall, assimilation was valued most, followed by integration and separation. These effects were in part mediated by perceived national belonging. In addition, the effects were stronger for lower status compared to higher status immigrant groups, and for children with higher compared to lower national identification. For emigrants, separation was valued most, followed by integration and assimilation. This indicates that the intergroup processes rather than migration per se are important for children's acculturation perceptions and evaluations.
Perceived triggers of asthma: key to symptom perception and management
Authors: Janssens T. , Ritz T.
Published: April 2013

Adequate asthma management depends on an accurate identification of asthma triggers. A review of the literature on trigger perception in asthma shows that individuals vary in their perception of asthma triggers and that the correlation between self‐reported asthma triggers and allergy tests is only modest. In this article, we provide an overview of psychological mechanisms involved in the process of asthma triggers identification. We identify sources of errors in trigger identification and targets for behavioural interventions that aim to improve the accuracy of asthma trigger identification and thereby enhance asthma control.
The Impact of Multiple Risk Factors on Young Children's Cognitive and Behavioural Development
Authors: Sabates Ricardo , Dex Shirley
Published: April 2013

The paper maps out 10 risk factors measuring deficits in parent–child interaction, family–child interaction and the home environment. The prevalence of risk factor combinations is quantified using theUKMillennium Cohort Study data. In 2001, 28 per cent of families with young children were facing two or more risk factors at age 9–10 months old. Each combination of multiple risk factors accounted for a very small proportion of allMCSfamilies. Specific risk factors were associated with particular developmental outcomes at age 5 and with changes from age 3 to age 5, but all leading to worse outcomes. The great diversity of risk‐factor combinations and their very small prevalence make the tasks of identifying such families and defining eligibility for support very difficult for policy‐makers. These results support the large body of policy literature advocating early intervention to improve children's development.
Microstructural and densiometric analysis of extra oral bone block grafts for maxillary horizontal bone augmentation: a comparison between calvarial bone and iliac crest
Authors: Monje Alberto , Monje Florencio , Galindo‐Moreno Pablo , Montanero‐Fernandez Jesus , Suarez Fernando , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The main purpose of the present clinical study was to compare architectural metric parameters using micro‐computed tomography (μ‐CT) between sites grafted with blocks harvested from the intramembranous origin calvarium and endochondral origin iliac crest for horizontal bone augmentation in the maxilla. The second aim was to compare primary stability of implants placed in both types of block grafts.

Material and Methods

Nine consecutive healthy partially edentulous patients requiring extensive horizontal bone reconstruction in the maxilla were included in this study from July 2011 to March 2012. A total of 14 block grafts (seven each from the calvarium and iliac crest) were studied. After 6–7 months of the bone regeneration surgery, 43 implants were placed. Twenty‐four implants (55.2%) were placed on calvaria (group 1) and 19 (44.8%) on iliac crest (group 2). All implants were clinically stable. A resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and μ‐CT analysis were performed. Furthermore, two randomly biopsies were selected for histomorphometric analysis.

Results

Micro‐CT analyses evidenced completely different parametric values between intramembranous and endochondral extra oral bone block grafts, being the group 1 higher in density and in % of bone volume. However, these parametric values cannot be considered statistically different due to the sample size, excepting the trabecular thickness, which is statistically higher for group 1 (P = 0.06).

Conclusion

Calvarial bone blocks for horizontal maxillary augmentation provided a higher degree of bone volume and density than the iliac crest bone grafts. Nonetheless, both grafts provide implant with the same primary stability, as assessed by RFA.
Effects of mountaintop mining on fish distributions in central Appalachia
Authors: Hopkins Robert L. , Roush Jordan C.
Published: April 2013

Mountaintop mining with valley fills (MTM/VF) is the main source of landscape change in central Appalachia. While our knowledge of the local‐scale effects of MTM/VF on stream chemistry and biotic assemblages has recently improved, the effects at the landscape scale are less well known. In this study, we explore the effects of MTM/VF on the distributions of six fish species with contrasting ecologies in the upper Kentucky River basin, an area heavily affected by MTM/VF. Using a museum‐based data set of 239 occurrence records, land use/land cover data and boosted regression tree modelling, we were able to create robust predictive models for the focal species (AUCs = 0.82–0.93). Models explained from 41.2 to 71.9% of the variation in species distributions. We detected a marked negative influence of MTM/VF in four of the six species distribution models – with relative influences ranging from 5.9–12.7%. Species typically inhabiting faster‐flowing riffle and run mesohabitats appeared to respond more strongly to MTM/VF. Interestingly, the mean patch size of MTM/VF was more influential than the overall proportion of the watershed affected by MTM/VF in our models. Thus, our data suggest the spatial pattern of mining disturbance is very important in determining the cumulative impact of MTM/VF. Considering the central Appalachian region is a continental hot spot for freshwater biodiversity, establishing a firm understanding of the effects of MTM/VF at the landscape scale is essential if we wish to protect these natural resources.
First report of Bursaphelenchus hellenicus Skarmoutsos, Braasch, Michalopoulou (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) from Turkey
Authors: Akbulut S. , Braasch H. , Cebeci H. H.
Published: April 2013

A survey was conducted in forest sites of the Muğla Regional Forest Directorates for the presence of the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Wood samples were collected from declining pine and cedar trees. A total of 207 samples were taken, and nematodes were extracted, observed and identified. The pinewood nematode was not detected, but another Bursaphelenchus species was recovered from the wood of a Pinus brutia tree in Eşen‐Karadere location in Fethiye, which strongly resembled the original description of B. hellenicus. It was identified as this species by morphology and ITS‐RFLP. Measurements and diagnostic features are presented. This is the first report of B. hellenicus from Turkey.
Prolongation of QTc intervals and risk of death among patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Upadhya Bharathi , Ntim William , Brandon Stacey Richard , Henderson Rick , Leedy David , O'Brien Francis X. , Knovich Mary Ann
Published: April 2013

Background

Unexplained sudden death is common among patients with sickle cell diseases (SCD). QTc prolongation is a risk factor for fatal arrhythmias among adults. This study sought to identify the predictors for QTc prolongation and determine whether QTc prolongation is associated with increased mortality in patients with SCD.

Methods

We reviewed the electrocardiograms (EKG) and the transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE) of 140 consecutive adults (>18 years) with SCD from October 1996 to January of 2012. QTc prolongation was categorized into three gender‐specific categories based on previous publications. Stepwise regression was performed to evaluate QTc interval and mortality as dependent variables. Hemolytic burden as reflected in laboratory evaluation, diastolic, and systolic TTE variables were included in this model.

Results

In a stepwise regression analysis, only increased tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity (TRV) (r = 0.483, P = 0.015) had a significant association with QTc interval. Among 49 (35%) patients, the QTc interval was persistently prolonged (PP) (>450 ms in men, >470 ms in women). Twenty‐one patients (15%) died over 9 years of follow‐up. PP QTc was associated with increased mortality (HR; 8.3 with 95% CI: 2.8–24.6, P < 0.001) compared with normal QTc. In stepwise regression analysis, along with increased TRV (P = 0.005) and acute chest syndrome (P < 0.001), prolonged QTc (P = 0.004) was independently associated with increased mortality.

Conclusion

Prolonged QTc among the patients with SCD is an independent risk factor for increased mortality.
Locomotor Performance Varies With Adult Phenotype in Ornamented/Non‐Ornamented Wolf Spiders
Authors: Fowler‐Finn Kasey D. , Rosenthal Malcolm F. , Hebets Eileen A.
Published: April 2013

Locomotor performance constitutes a major component of whole‐animal performance and is involved in several fitness‐related behaviors. Locomotor capabilities may also correspond positively or negatively to sexually selected traits (e.g., male ornamentation and/or courtship displays). Negative correlations are predicted if secondary sexual traits take the form of morphological modifications that impose physical or energetic limitations. We tested this cost of secondary sexual traits by comparing locomotor performance in male Schizocosa wolf spiders that exhibit two distinct phenotypes. These phenotypes vary in the presence/absence of a morphological feature assumed to function as sexual ornamentation—foreleg brushes. Given the conspicuously large brushes of hair on the brush‐legged phenotype, we expected these males to suffer in locomotor performance. We tested this cost by comparing locomotor performance among male phenotypes (brush‐legged and non‐ornamented) and females at immature and adult life stages. We did not find strong support for costs of brushes on locomotion. First, brush‐legged males showed similar average speeds and endurance as both non‐ornamented males and females. Second, while brush‐legged males were slower at maximum speeds than non‐ornamented males as matures (but not as immatures), they were no slower than mature females. Further, we found no variation in endurance among phenotypes or life stages. Finally, brush size did not correspond to speed. Patterns of morphological variation in traits other than ornamentation may explain these patterns: when morphological variation in leg lengths was accounted for, differences in maximum speed among groups disappeared. We suggest that the faster speeds achieved by non‐ornamented males arise as a by‐product of selection on morphology and musculature potentially necessary for vigorous courtship.
Beyond Kyoto: The EU's Contribution to a More Sustainable World Economy
Authors: Pérez de las Heras Beatriz
Published: April 2013

The EU has been leading the world fight against climate change since the late 1990s. This activism on the international scene has served as a stimulus for a common action against global warming that has, in the last 10 years, become a world referent and the central issue in the EU environmental policy. The most relevant initiative is the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions trading scheme (ETS), adopted in fulfilment of the Kyoto Protocol. In 2008, the EU adopted a new set of measures on climate and energy for the post‐Kyoto period (2013–2020). This new legal framework, coupled with the provisions introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon and the ‘Europe 2020’ strategy, represents the EU's commitment to promote a more sustainable European and world economic model.
Structural basis for protein trans‐splicing by a bacterial intein‐like domain – protein ligation without nucleophilic side chains
Authors: Aranko A. Sesilja , Oeemig Jesper S. , Iwaï Hideo
Published: April 2013

Protein splicing in trans by split inteins has become a useful tool for protein engineering in vivo and in vitro. Inteins require Cys, Ser or Thr at the first residue of the C‐terminal flanking sequence because a thiol or hydroxyl group in the side chains is a nucleophile indispensable for the trans‐esterification step during protein splicing. Newly‐identified distinct sequences with homology to the hedgehog/intein superfamily, called bacterial intein‐like (BIL) domains, often do not have Cys, Ser, or Thr as the obligatory nucleophilic residue found in inteins. We demonstrated that BIL domains from Clostridium thermocellum (Cth) are proficient at protein splicing without any sequence changes. We determined the first solution NMR structure of a BIL domain, CthBIL4, to guide engineering of split BIL domains for protein ligation. The newly‐engineered split BIL domain could catalyze protein ligation by trans‐splicing. Protein ligation without any nucleophilic residues of Cys, Ser and Thr could alleviate junction sequence requirements for protein trans‐splicing imposed by split inteins and could broaden applications of protein ligation by protein trans‐splicing.

Database

The resonance assignments and structure coordinates have been deposited in BMRB (18653) and RCSB (2LWY)
Endosomal trafficking of the receptor tyrosine kinase MuSK proceeds via clathrin‐dependent pathways, Arf6 and actin
Authors: Luiskandl Susan , Woller Barbara , Schlauf Marlies , Schmid Johannes A. , Herbst Ruth
Published: April 2013

Muscle‐specific kinase (MuSK), a receptor tyrosine kinase, is the key player during the formation of the neuromuscular junction. Signal transduction events downstream of MuSK activation induce both pre‐ and postsynaptic differentiation, which, most prominently, includes the clustering of acetylcholine receptors at synaptic sites. More recently, regulated MuSK endocytosis and degradation have been implicated as crucial events for MuSK signalling activity, implicating a cross‐talk between signalling and endocytosis. In the present study, we use a live imaging approach to study MuSK endocytosis. We find that MuSK is internalized via a clathrin‐, dynamin‐dependent pathway. MuSK is transported to Rab7‐positive endosomes for degradation and recycled via Rab4‐ and Rab11‐positive vesicles. MuSK activation by Dok7 mildly affects the localization of MuSK on the cell surface but has no effect on the rate of MuSK internalization. Interestingly, MuSK colocalizes with actin and Arf6 at the cell surface and during endosomal trafficking. Disruption of the actin cytoskeleton or the proper function of Arf6 concentrates MuSK in cell protrusions. Moreover, inhibition of Arf6 or cytoskeletal rearrangements impairs acetylcholine receptor clustering and phosphorylation. These results suggest that MuSK uses both classical and nonclassical endosomal pathways that involve a variety of different components of the endosomal machinery.

Structured digital abstract

MuSK and Arf6 colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View Interaction: 1, 2)

MuSK and Rab4 colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction)

MuSK and Rab11 colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction)

MuSK and Rab7 colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction)
Probing determinants of cyclopiazonic acid sensitivity of bacterial Ca2+‐ATPases
Authors: Kotšubei Aljona , Gorgel Manuela , Morth Jens P. , Nissen Poul , Andersen Jacob L.
Published: April 2013

Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) is a specific and potent inhibitor of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase 1a (SERCA1a). Despite high sequence similarity to SERCA1a, Listeria monocytogenes Ca2+‐ATPase 1 (LMCA1) is not inhibited by CPA. To test whether a CPA binding site could be created while maintaining the functionality of the ATPase we targeted four amino acid positions in LMCA1 for mutational studies based on a multiple sequence alignment of SERCA‐like Ca2+‐ATPases and structural analysis of the CPA site. The identification of CPA‐sensitive gain‐of‐function mutants pinpointed key determinants of the CPA binding site. The importance of these determinants was further underscored by the characterization of the CPA sensitivity of two additional bacterial Ca2+‐ATPases from Lactococcus lactis and Bacillus cereus. The CPA sensitivity was predicted from their sequence compared with the LMCA1 results, and this was experimentally confirmed. Interestingly, a cluster of Lactococcus bacteria applied in the production of fermented cheese display Ca2+‐ATPases that are predictably CPA insensitive and may originate from their coexistence with CPA‐producing Penicillum and Aspergillus fungi in the cheese. The differences between bacterial and mammalian binding pockets encompassing the CPA site suggest that CPA derivatives that are specific for bacteria or other pathogens can be developed.

Database

LMCA1 (EC: 3.6.3.8), SERCA1a (EC: 3.6.3.8)
OxyR acts as a transcriptional repressor of hydrogen peroxide‐inducible antioxidant genes in Corynebacterium glutamicum R
Authors: Teramoto Haruhiko , Inui Masayuki , Yukawa Hideaki
Published: April 2013

OxyR, a LysR‐type transcriptional regulator, has been established as a redox‐responsive activator of antioxidant genes in bacteria. This study shows that OxyR acts as a transcriptional repressor of katA, dps, ftn and cydA in Corynebacterium glutamicum R. katA encodes H2O2‐detoxifing enzyme catalase, dps and ftn are implicated in iron homeostasis and cydA encodes a subunit of cytochrome bd oxidase. Quantitative RT‐PCR analyses revealed that expression of katA and dps, but not of ftn and cydA, was induced by H2O2. Disruption of the oxyR gene encoding OxyR resulted in a marked increase in katA and dps mRNAs to a level higher than that induced by H2O2, and the oxyR‐deficient mutant showed a H2O2‐resistant phenotype. This is in contrast to the conventional OxyR‐dependent regulatory model. ftn and cydA were also upregulated by oxyR disruption but to a smaller extent. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that the OxyR protein specifically binds to all four upstream regions of the respective genes under reducing conditions. We observed that the oxidized form of OxyR similarly bound to not only the target promoter regions, but also nonspecific DNA fragments. Based on these findings, we propose that the transcriptional repression by OxyR is alleviated under oxidative stress conditions in a titration mechanism due to the decreased specificity of its DNA‐binding activity. DNase I footprinting analyses revealed that the OxyR‐binding site in the four target promoters is ~ 50 bp in length and has multiple T‐N11‐A motifs, a feature of LysR‐type transcriptional regulators, but no significant overall sequence conservation.
Does Beginning Foreign Language in Kindergarten Make a Difference? Results of One District's Study
Authors: Boyson Beverly A. , Semmer Martha , Thompson Lynn E. , Rosenbusch Marcia H.
Published: April 2013

Educators have generally believed that foreign language instruction should begin in kindergarten or earlier to promote optimum oral language development (e.g., Abbott, ; Curtain & Dahlberg, 2010; Rhodes & Pufahl, ; Rosenbusch, ; Swender & Duncan, ). This article describes two Spanish programs in the Westport (Connecticut) Public Schools district: their new, long‐sequence K–8 program and the short‐sequence Grade 5–8 program it replaced. A five‐year study examined students' oral and listening comprehension proficiency levels in each program at the end of Grades 5 and 8. Results at these grade levels were compared to determine program effectiveness. Students who began in kindergarten attained statistically higher proficiency levels than those who began in Grade 5. This longitudinal study strongly supports school‐based language instruction beginning in kindergarten.
The use of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Fanconi anaemia patients: a survey of decision making among families in the US and Canada
Authors: Hutson Sadie P. , Han Paul K. J. , Hamilton Jada G. , Rife Sean C. , Al‐Rahawan Mohamad M. , Moser Richard P. , Duty Seth P. , Anand Sheeba , Alter Blanche P.
Published: April 2013

Background

Fanconi anaemia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder associated with bone marrow failure (BMF), congenital anomalies and cancer susceptibility. Stem cell transplantation (SCT) offers a potential cure for BMF or leukaemia, but incurs substantial risks. Little is known about factors influencing SCT decision making.

Objective

The study objective was to explore factors influencing patients' with FA and family members' decision making about SCT.

Design

Using a mixed‐methods exploratory design, we surveyed US and Canadian patients with FA and family members who were offered SCT.

Main variables studied

Closed‐ended survey items measured respondents' beliefs about the necessity, risks and concerns regarding SCT; multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between these factors and the decision to undergo SCT. Open‐ended survey items measured respondents' perceptions of factors important to the SCT decision; qualitative analysis was used to identify emergent themes.

Results

The decision to undergo SCT was significantly associated with greater perceived necessity (OR = 2.81, P = 0.004) and lower concern about harms of SCT (OR = 0.31, P = 0.03). Qualitative analysis revealed a perceived lack of choice among respondents regarding the use of SCT, which was related to physician influence and respondent concerns about patients' quality of life.

Conclusions

Overall, study results emphasize the importance of the delicate interplay between provider recommendation of a medical procedure and patient/parental perceptions and decision making. Findings can help providers understand the need to acknowledge family members' perceptions of SCT decision making and offer a comprehensive discussion of the necessity, risks, benefits and potential outcomes.
FADD expression is associated with regional and distant metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Pattje W J , Melchers L J , Slagter‐Menkema L , Mastik M F , Schrijvers M L , Gibcus J H , Kluin P M , Hoegen‐Chouvalova O , van der Laan B F A M , Roodenburg J L N , van der Wal J E , Schuuring E , Langendijk J A
Published: April 2013

Aims

The Fas‐associated death domain gene (FADD) is often overexpressed in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC), and is considered to be a driver gene in amplification of the chromosomal 11q13.3 region. Amplification of 11q13.3 is associated with increased metastasis in HNSCC and breast cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between FADD protein expression in advanced‐stage HNSCC and clinicopathological features and outcome.

Methods and results

Tumour tissues of 177 HNSCC patients uniformly treated with primary surgery and postoperative radiotherapy were collected. FADD expression was assessed on pretreatment tumour biopsies using immunohistochemistry. High FADD expression was detected in 44% of the HNSCC patients. High expression was associated with an increased rate of lymph node metastasis (P = 0.001) and with a shorter distant metastasis‐free interval (DMFI) (HR 2.6, 95% CI 1.0–6.7, P = 0.046) when lymph node metastases were present.

Conclusions

Our data show that an increase in FADD expression is associated with a higher incidence of lymph node metastasis at presentation, and with shorter DMFI when lymph node metastases are present. High FADD expression in the primary tumour could be a useful marker to select patients for systemic treatment strategies that reduce the risk of distant metastases.
Analysis of electrical property changes of skin by oil‐in‐water emulsion components
Authors: Jeong C. B. , Han J. Y. , Cho J. C. , Suh K. D. , Nam G. W.
Published: April 2013

Synopsis

Objectives

As the ‘Dry Skin Cycle’ produces continuous deterioration, cosmetic xerosis (flaky, dry skin) is one of the major concerns to most consumers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the moisturizing effect of oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsion components. There are numerous types of oils, waxes, polyols and surfactants used as ingredients in skincare products. However, the moisturizing effect of each ingredient and understanding each use to make an effective moisturizing products are still not well understood.

Methods

To provide answers to these questions, we investigated the moisturizing effect of widely used 41 components (four different classes) in a simple O/W emulsion using capacitance methods. 106 different single oils, and combinations of oil with oil, wax, humectants, and surfactant were formulated and tested.

Results

In this study, we found that most of the O/W emulsion components had hydration effects on the skin. (i) The average relative water content increase (RWCI) rate of a single oil‐based emulsion was 11.8 ± 5.2% (SE) and 7.9 ± 6.0% (SE) at 3 and 6 h, respectively. (ii) An oil combination emulsion showed an average RWCI rate similar to that of a single oil‐based emulsion, 12.6 ± 6.0% (SE) and 12.1 ± 6.4% (SE) at 3 and 6 h, respectively (iii) A combination of waxes with oil showed an average RWCI rate of 16 ± 5.6% (SE) and 12.4 ± 4.5% (SE) at 3 and 6 h, respectively. (iv) Humectant combinations showed the highest average RWCI rate 28 ± 7.3% (SE) and 22.2 ± 7.5% (SE) at 3 and 6 h, respectively (v) Surfactant combinations had an average RWCI of 10.8 ± 4.5% (SE) and 6.0 ± 4.0% (SE) at 3 and 6 h, respectively.

Conclusion

Interestingly, it was difficult to find moisturizing power differences among samples in the same group. Only the humectants group showed significant differences among samples. Glycerine and urea showed significant skin hydration effects compared with other humectants. We also found a significant moisturizing effect by analysing the chemical functional groups; amide class had a higher hydration effect than betaines and disaccharides in humectants combination.
Instrument fracture in root canals ‐ where, why, when and what? A study from a student clinic
Authors: Ungerechts C. , Bårdsen A. , Fristad I.
Published: April 2013

Aim

To investigate the incidence of instrument fracture during nonsurgical root canal treatment performed by undergraduate dental students and to assess the outcome of the treatment if the remaining fragment was left or removed from the root canal.

Methodology

A retrospective analysis was performed by reviewing assessment forms (n = 3854) filled out for each root canal treatment over a 10‐year period (1997–2006) at the University of Bergen, Norway. Based on the assessment forms, all instrument fractures and data concerning type and dimension of the fractured instruments were identified. Moreover, the affected tooth, root, root curvature and the vertical level of the fragment in the root canal were recorded. To assess the outcome of the root canal treatment, radiographs taken at follow‐ups were evaluated by two individual examiners.

Results

The overall incidence of instrument fracture during the period was 1.0% on a tooth level. Instrument fracture occurred significantly more often in molars and in teeth rated as difficult preoperatively. Of all instrument fractures, 39.5% were located in the mesio‐buccal canals of molars, and 76.5% of the fragments were located apically. A significant high percentage of instruments of small apical diameter (sizes 006–015) fractured in relative straight root canals. The treatment was successful in 71.4% of the cases where the instrument fragment was removed, but only in 56.5% of the cases where the fragment remained in the root canal. Significantly more instruments were removed from teeth with a primary infection (P ≤ 0.05). The success rate for teeth with instrument fracture was 72.7% for vital teeth, 58.3% for primary infected teeth and 42.9% in retreatment cases.

Conclusions

Within the limits of the present study, the results indicate that the preoperative diagnosis is important for the final treatment outcome and that removal of the fragment is important in cases with primary infection.
Anatomical challenges, electronic working length determination and current developments in root canal preparation of primary molar teeth
Authors: Ahmed H. M. A.
Published: April 2013

Paediatric endodontics is an integral part of dental practice that aims to preserve fully functional primary teeth in the dental arch. Pulpectomy of primary molars presents a unique challenge for dental practitioners. Negotiation and thorough instrumentation of bizarre and tortuous canals encased in roots programmed for physiological resorption are the main challenges for this treatment approach. Consequently, numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have been conducted to validate the application of some contemporary endodontic armamentarium for effective treatment in primary molars whilst maintaining favourable clinical outcomes. Electronic apex locators, rotary nickel–titanium files and irrigation techniques are at the forefront of endodontic armamentarium in paediatric dentistry. Hence, this review aims to map out the root and root canal morphology of primary molars, to discuss the application of electronic apex locators in primary molars and to provide an update on the preparation of their root canal systems.
Local anesthesia with lidocaine and prilocaine, using the tumescent technique, for the radiofrequency ablation of lower extremity varicose veins
Authors: Kendler Michael , Simon Jan C. , Wetzig Tino
Published: April 2013

Aim

To demonstrate the possible use of a tumescent solution containing lidocaine and prilocaine for radiofrequency‐assisted segmental thermal ablation and to reduce the need for postoperative analgesics.

Methods

Fifty patients (51 limbs) underwent radiofrequency‐assisted segmental thermal ablation (VNUS Closure FAST™) of insufficient great and small saphenous veins and phlebectomy. The amount of tumescent fluid injected was noted, and evaluation of pain reported on visual analog scale (VAS) and quantity of the postoperative analgesics used and their side effects were recorded one day and six weeks after the procedure.

Results

The average amount of a tumescent fluid injected was 852 ml/patient (250–1470 ml). One day after surgery, 65% of the patients reported no pain (VAS 0), 27% reported a VAS of 1, and 4% reported a VAS of 2 on a scale of 0–10. Overall, 4% of the total patient population used analgesics after the procedure. Six weeks after the procedure, 84% of the patients reported no pain.

Conclusion

Local anesthesia with lidocaine and prilocaine, and the tumescent technique, were found to be effective and safe modalities for radiofrequency ablation of varicose veins of the lower extremities.
Attributing Fuzzy Values to Nursing Diagnoses and Their Elements: The Specialists' Opinion
Authors: Jensen Rodrigo , de Almeida Lopes Monteiro da Cruz Diná , Gomes Luiz Celso , Lopes Maria Helena Baena de Moraes
Published: April 2013

Purpose

To test the viability of to use specialists' opinions to establish degrees of membership between nursing diagnoses and its elements (defining characteristics or risk factors), based on the concepts of fuzzy sets theory. This strategy may feasibly mapping the specialist's knowledge on the diagnostic task.

Methods

Specialists were invited to reflect on the relationship between diagnoses and elements using linguistic variables, with a numerical representation.

Findings

We generated four matrices of 28 diagnoses and 62 elements. Out of 905 possibilities, we identified 286 relationships, represented in graphs.

Conclusions

The strategy was able to identify degrees of membership between nursing diagnoses and elements.

Implications

It seems that this method, if expanded, would contribute to refining and mapping the NANDA‐I terminology.

Objetivo

Testar a viabilidade de utilizar a opinião de especialistas para estabelecer graus de pertinência entre diagnósticos de enfermagem e seus elementos (características definidoras ou fatores de risco), baseado nos conceitos da Teoria dos Conjuntos Fuzzy. Esta estratégia poderá viabilizar o mapeamento do conhecimento do especialista na tarefa diagnóstica.

Métodos

Especialistas foram convidados a refletir na relação existente entre diagnósticos e elementos, utilizando variáveis linguísticas, com representação numérica.

Resultados

Foram geradas quatro matrizes de 28 diagnósticos e 62 elementos. Dentre 905 possibilidades, foram identificadas 286 relações, representadas em grafos.

Conclusões

A estratégia foi adequada para identificar graus de pertinência entre diagnósticos de enfermagem e elementos.

Implicações

Vislumbra‐se que esta metodologia, se expandida, contribua ao refinamento e mapeamento da classificação NANDA‐I.
Structure and Dielectric Properties of Re0.02Sr0.97TiO3 (Re = La,Sm,Gd,Er) Ceramics for High‐Voltage Capacitor Applications
Authors: Shen Zong‐Yang , Hu Qi‐Guo , Li Yue‐Ming , Wang Zhu‐Mei , Luo Wen‐Qin , Hong Yan , Xie Zhi‐Xiang , Liao Run‐Hua
Published: April 2013

Rare–earth‐doped strontium titanate ceramics yielding the formula Re0.02Sr0.97TiO3 (Re–ST, Re = La, Sm, Gd, Er) were prepared by solid‐state reaction route. All Re–ST ceramics had single cubic perovskite structure similar to pure SrTiO3 (ST). The grain size of Re–ST ceramics dramatically decreased to 1–10 μm, depending on different rare‐earth elements, as compared to ~30 μm of pure ST. The relative dielectric constant of Re–ST ceramics (εr = 2750–4530 at 1 kHz) showed about 10–15 times higher than that of pure ST (εr = 300 at 1 kHz), whereas the dielectric loss of Re–ST ceramics still remained lower than 0.03 (at 1 kHz) at room temperature. Under 0–1.63 × 106 V/m bias electric field testing conditions, the εr of Re–ST ceramics at room temperature changed within 14%. The P–E results indicated that the Re–ST ceramics were linear dielectrics. Together with their relatively high breakdown strength (Eb > 1.4 × 107 V/m), the Re–ST ceramics could be very promising for high‐voltage capacitor applications. Meanwhile, the temperature stability of the εr of Re–ST ceramics was evaluated in a temperature range of −60°C–200°C.
Abruptio placentae in cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis): male bias
Authors: Schlabritz‐Loutsevitch N. , Schenone A. , Schenone M. , Gupta S. , Hubbard G. , Zhang J. , Mari G. , Dick E.
Published: April 2013

Background

Abruptio placentae is a serious problem with a high rate of maternal and fetal mortality and documented sexual dimorphism in reoccurrence. Macaca fascicularis is a well‐described reproductive model; however, there are no data available regarding sexual dimorphism in abruptio placentae in these species.

Methods

A retrospective study of pathology and medical records in a large colony of M. fascicularis was performed. Placental specimens were analyzed.

Results

The incidence of placenta abruptio in the colony was 15.7/1000 births. In the abruptio placentae group, male fetuses had lower placental disk length and increased femur length compared with female fetuses. The feto‐pacental ratio and fetal weight were lower in the male fetuses in the abruption group compared with those in the stillbirth group without abruption placentae.

Conclusion

This is the first documentation of male bias in placental and fetal development in abruptio placentae in non‐human primates.
Intracranial Extramedullary Hematopoiesis: A Rare Cause of Headaches
Authors: Singer Adam , Quencer Robert
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND

Ectopic bone marrow production, known as extramedullary hematopoiesis, may result in symptoms due to compression on normal structures. We present the multimodality imaging findings and subsequent management of a rare case of symptomatic extramedullary hematopoiesis within the calvarium.

METHODS

Case report.

RESULTS

A 54‐year‐old male with a history of myelofibrosis and no previous diagnosis of a headache disorder presented to the emergency department with worsening severe bilateral headaches. A nonenhanced CT of the brain was performed and diffuse extra‐axial nodular hyperdensities were visualized. MRI of the brain demonstrated diffuse extra‐axial avidly enhancing nodular masses, dural thickening and marked susceptibility. No paravertebral masses, typical for extramedullary hematopoiesis, were present in the chest or abdomen. Although the clinical team considered a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis, we suggested a noninvasive confirmatory test. The subsequent Tc99m sulfur colloid scan corroborated the diagnosis. The patient was then referred to radiation oncology for treatment.

CONCLUSION

In summary, extramedullary hematopoiesis is a hematologic compensatory disorder that rarely occurs within the CNS and may cause neurological compromise due to compression on underlying structures. The diagnosis can be made with noninvasive imaging and treated with low dose radiation therapy.
Correlations between polysomnographic and lateral airway radiograph measurements in paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Waters Karen , Kol‐Castro Chenda , Varghese Ajoy , Lam Lawrence T , Prelog Kristina , Cheng Alan
Published: April 2013

Aim

To evaluate the ability of lateral airway radiography (LAR) to assess adenoidal hypertrophy in children and correlate with the severity of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).

Methods

This cohort study was undertaken in 72 children who presented consecutively for evaluation of OSA to the outpatients of the Children's Hospital at Westmead. All children had LAR and overnight polysomnography (PSG). Five assessors, with varying experience, were blinded to the PSG results and independently analysed the LAR. Inter‐rater reliability was determined for four published assessment methods; Hibbert, Johannesson, Fujioka and Cohen and Konak. We then compared the four LAR results with PSG‐determined criteria for OSA.

Results

Using intraclass correlations, inter‐rater correlations were moderate to high for all four standardised evaluations of LAR with values ranging from 0.51 to 0.96. With the radiologist taken as the ‘gold standard’, individual assessors ranged from 0.05 to 0.91. LAR correlated best with PSG determined obstructive apnoea hypopnea index and minimum oxygen saturation for the anterior airway measurement (Hibbert) with r‐values of −0.25 and 0.25 respectively (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Amongst four methods of evaluating adenoid size, the anterior airway size correlated best with PSG variables of obstructive respiratory index and minimum oxygen saturation. However, the methods are not able to be used as a predictor for OSA.
Fossil grebes from theTruckeeFormation (Miocene) ofNevada and a new phylogenetic analysis ofPodicipediformes (Aves)
Authors: Ksepka Daniel T. , Balanoff Amy M. , Bell Michael A. , Houseman Michel D.
Published: April 2013

Podicipediformes is a cosmopolitan clade of foot‐propelled diving birds that, despite inhabiting marine and lacustrine environments, have a poor fossil record. In this contribution, we describe three new grebe fossils from the diatomite beds of the Late Miocene Truckee Formation (10.2 ± 0.2 Ma) of Nevada (USA). Two postcranial skeletons and an associated set of wing elements indicate that at least two distinct grebe species occupied the large, shallow Lake Truckee during the Miocene. Phylogenetic analysis of morphological data supports a basal divergence between a clade uniting the dabchicks (Tachybaptus,Limnodytes,Poliocephalus) and a clade unitingPodilymbus,Rollandia,PodicepsandAechmophorus. Missing data, combined with a paucity of informative skeletal characters, make it difficult to place the Truckee grebes within either of these major clades. Given the weak projection of the cnemial crests compared with extant grebes, it also remains plausible that these specimens represent stem lineage grebes. Although more material is needed to resolve the phylogenetic position of the Truckee grebes, our analysis offers insight into the tempo of grebe evolution by placing the Miocene taxonThiornis sociatawithin the dabchick clade.Thiornis sociataprovides a minimum age calibration of 8.7 Ma for the basal divergence among dabchicks. Based on the recovery of a nonmonophyleticTachybaptusand placement of the Western Hemisphere ‘Tachybaptus’dominicusas the basal member of the otherwise exclusively Eastern Hemisphere dabchick clade, we resurrect the genusLimnodytesfor this extant species (Limnodytes dominicus). Our results also nest the large, long‐neckedAechmophorusgrebes within the genusPodiceps, as the sister taxon toPodiceps major.
Wetland megabias: ecological and ecophysiological filtering dominates the fossil record of hot spring floras
Authors: Channing Alan , Edwards Dianne
Published: April 2013

Siliceous hot spring deposits form at Earth's surface above terrestrial hydrothermal systems, which create low‐sulphidation epithermal mineral deposits deeper in the crust. Eruption of hot spring waters and precipitation of opal‐A create sinter apron complexes and areas of geothermally influenced wetland. These provide habitat for higher plants that may be preserved in situ, by encrustation of their surfaces and permineralization of tissues, creating T0 plant assemblages. In this study, we review the fossil record of hot spring floras from subfossil examples forming in active hot spring areas, via fossil examples from the Cenozoic, Mesozoic and Palaeozoic to the oldest known hot spring flora, the Lower Devonian Rhynie chert. We demonstrate that the well‐known megabias towards wetland plant preservation extends to hot spring floras. We highlight that the record of hot spring floras is dominated by plants preserved in situ by permineralization on geothermally influenced wetlands. Angiosperms (members of the Cyperaceae and Restionaceae) dominate Cenozoic floras. Equisetum and gleicheniaceous ferns colonized Mesozoic (Jurassic) geothermal wetlands and sphenophytes and herbaceous lycophytes late Palaeozoic examples. Evidence of the partitioning of wetland hydrophytic and dryland mesophytic communities, a feature of active geothermal areas, is provided by well‐preserved and well‐exposed fossil sinter apron complexes, which record flooding of dryland environments by thermal waters and decline of local forest ecosystems. Such observations from the fossil record back‐up hypotheses based on active hot springs and vegetation that suggest removal of taphonomic filtering in hot spring environments is accompanied by an increase in ecological and ecophysiological filtering. To this end we also demonstrate that in the hot spring environment, the wetland bias extends beyond broad ecology. We show that ecosystems preserved from the Cenozoic to the Mesozoic provide clear evidence that the dominant plants preserved in situ by hot spring activity are also halophytic, tolerant of high pH and high concentrations of heavy metals. By extension, we hypothesize that this is also the case in Palaeozoic hot spring settings and extended to the early land plant flora of the Rhynie chert.
The taphonomy of colour in fossil insects and feathers
Authors: McNamara Maria E.
Published: April 2013

Colouration is an important multifunctional attribute of modern animals, but its evolutionary history is poorly resolved, in part because of our limited ability to recognize and interpret fossil evidence of colour. Recent studies on structural and pigmentary colours in fossil insects and feathers have illuminated important aspects of the anatomy, taphonomy, evolution and function of colour in these fossils. An understanding of the taphonomic factors that control the preservation of colour is key to assessing the fidelity with which original colours are preserved and can constrain interpretations of the visual appearance of fossil insects and theropods. Various analytical approaches can identify anatomical and chemical evidence of colour in fossils; experimental taphonomic studies inform on how colour alters during diagenesis. Preservation of colour is controlled by a suite of factors, the most important of which relate to the diagenetic history of the host sediment, that is, maximum burial temperatures and fluid flow, and subsurface weathering. Future studies focussing on key morphological and chemical aspects of colour preservation relating to cuticular pigments in insects and keratinous structures and nonmelanin pigments in feathers, for example, will resolve outstanding questions regarding the taphonomy of colour and will enhance our ability to infer original colouration and its functions in fossil insects and theropods.