bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Good Conscience—Safely Withholding Dialysis in the Elderly
Authors: Dasgupta Indranil , Rayner Hugh C.
Published: June 2009

Across the world, the incidence of end‐stage kidney disease is increasing in the elderly. However, they do not always fare very well on renal replacement therapy. Age at the start of dialysis, multiple comorbidities (especially if ischemic heart disease is one of them), diabetes, functional dependence, poor intellectual capacity, low serum albumin, peripheral vascular disease, and late referral have been associated with increased mortality on dialysis in various studies. Moreover, renal failure is only one of the many problems affecting the elderly and dialysis can potentially impair their quality of life tremendously. Therefore, it is often a challenge for the nephrologist to decide whether starting dialysis is in the best interest of the elderly patient. Is it sometimes nobler to provide supportive care without dialysis to an elderly patient with renal failure? Can dialysis be safely delayed where the nephrologist is uncertain of the prognosis or the patient is unsure whether or not to have dialysis? How robust is the evidence base to help inform discussion between the nephrologist and the patient/carer? What are the limitations in carrying out further research in this area? What does conservative management, which is better termed nondialytic supportive care, entail and how should it be delivered? This article aims to answer these fundamental questions confronting the nephrologist in day to day clinical practice.
Evaluation of Renal Artery Stenosis in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Dwyer Jamie P. , Greco Barbara A. , Lewis Julia B.
Published: June 2009

Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (RAS), recognized as a contributor to chronic kidney disease (CKD), may be present in a substantial fraction of dialysis patients. It is generally unknown what proportion of end‐stage renal disease patients on dialysis could recover kidney function if RAS were treated. Patients with CKD are often inadequately screened for RAS because of technical limitations of various screening modalities. Multiple small case series and studies have evaluated the role of revascularization for renal salvage in dialysis patients with RAS; these studies are reviewed. Large prospective, randomized multicenter trials of intervention for RAS exclude patients with advanced CKD. The risks of intervention must be weighed against the potential for renal recovery, even when predictors of success are not known with certainty.
Reconsideration of Phylogenetic Relationships of the Subclass Peritrichia (Ciliophora, Oligohymenophorea) Based on Small Subunit Ribosomal RNA Gene Sequences, with the Establishment of a New Subclass Mobilia Kahl, 1933
Authors: ZHAN ZIFENG , XU KUIDONG , WARREN ALAN , GONG YINGCHUN
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT. Based on its characteristic oral apparatus, the ciliate subclass Peritrichia has long been recognized as a monophyletic assemblage composed of the orders Mobilida and Sessilida. Following the application of molecular methods, the monophyly of Peritrichia has recently been questioned. We investigated the phylogenetic relationships of the peritrichous ciliates based on four further complete small subunit ribosomal RNA sequences of mobilids, namely Urceolaria urechi, Trichodina meretricis, Trichodina sinonovaculae, and Trichodina ruditapicis. In all phylogenetic trees, the mobilids never clustered with the sessilids, but instead formed a monophyletic assemblage related to the peniculines. By contrast, the sessilids formed a sister clade with the hymenostomes at a terminal position within the Oligohymenophorea. We therefore formally separate the mobilids from the sessilids (Peritrichia sensu stricto) and establish a new subclass, Mobilia Kahl, 1933, which contains the order Mobilida Kahl, 1933. We argue that the oral apparatus in the mobilians and sessilid peritrichs is a homoplasy, probably due to convergent evolution driven by their similar life‐styles and feeding strategies. Morphologically, the mobilians are distinguished from all other oligohymenophoreans by the presence of the adhesive disc, this character being a synapomorphy for the Mobilia.
A New Genus of Marine Scuticociliate (Protozoa, Ciliophora) from Northern China, with a Brief Note on Its Phylogenetic Position Inferred from Small Subunit Ribosomal DNA Sequence Data
Authors: FAN XINPENG , MIAO MIAO , AL‐RASHEID KHALED A. S. , SONG WEIBO
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT. The morphology, infraciliature, and silverline system of a new marine scuticociliate, Wilbertia typica n. g., n. sp., collected from coastal waters off northern China, were investigated. The new genus Wilbertia is characterized as follows: sculptured and dorso‐ventrally flattened body; dominant buccal field that is almost completely surrounded by the paroral membrane; three apically positioned long membranelles, arranged in parallel; membranelle (M)1 and M2 prominent, M3 small; reticulate silverline system. The type species W. typica n. sp. is defined by having a conspicuous anterior beak‐like protrusion; five to eight caudal cilia; M1 four‐rowed, M2 two‐rowed; M3, single‐rowed, bipartite; 15 or 16 somatic kineties; contractile vacuole positioned just posterior to the buccal field; globular macronucleus. The small subunit ribosomal DNA sequence of W. typica is 98.5% similar to the similar morphotype, Eurystomatella sinica. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that Wilbertia groups with Eurystomatella sinica forming a branch that diverges at a deep level from all other pleuronematid scuticociliates. The molecular and morphological data indicate that Wilbertia should be placed within the family Eurystomatidae, which is closely related to the well‐known Cyclidiidae.
Travail rémunéré des élèves et résultats scolaires: une étude internationale
Authors: POST David , PONG Suet‐Ling
Published: June 2009

Partant des résultats de l'Etude internationale de mathématiques et de sciences, les auteurs observent que l'association négative entre emploi des élèves et résultats scolaires est plus forte dans certains pays, ce qui peut s'expliquer par les possibilités et besoins de travailler. Pour ce qui est de la causalité, les résultats de l'Enquête longitudinale sur l'éducation aux Etats‐Unis montrent une relation curvilinéaire entre emploi et résultats: travailler jusqu'à 10 heures par semaine a un léger effet positif, de 10 à 19 heures est sans effet, au‐delà l'effet négatif est manifeste. L'endogénéité du travail est enfin testée au moyen de variables instrumentales.
La négociation collective transnationale en Europe: nécessité d'une initiative législative de l'UE
Authors: Ales Edoardo
Published: June 2009

Depuis la seconde moitié des années quatre‐vingt‐dix, la négociation intersectorielle, sectorielle et d'entreprise s'est développée en un mouvement clé des relations professionnelles transnationales dans l'Union européenne. A l'origine stimulées par les institutions européennes, ces formes de négociation ont depuis connu un développement autonome. Aujourd'hui, il est difficile d'évaluer l'impact qu'elles peuvent avoir sur les conditions de travail individuelles. Fondé en partie sur un rapport présenté en 2005 à la Commission européenne, cet article préconise une action législative de l'UE pour établir un cadre juridique facultatif régissant la négociation collective transnationale, sous la forme d'une réglementation que le Conseil pourrait intégrer aux chapitres du Traité de l'UE concernant la politique et la cohésion sociales.
Les normes fondamentales du travail sous l'administration de George W. Bush
Authors: Candland Christopher
Published: June 2009

En dehors de l'Organisation internationale du Travail, les Etats‐Unis utilisent deux moyens de promouvoir les normes du travail à l'échelle internationale: les accords de libre‐échange et «les relations internationales en matière de travail». Examinant la période 2001–2008, l'auteur avance que l'administration Bush a affaibli la capacité des Etats‐Unis de défendre les normes fondamentales du travail internationalement reconnues. Les clauses sur le travail des accords de libre‐échange, sans mécanismes d'application efficaces, relèveraient de visées de politique étrangère plus que du souci des droits des travailleurs. En outre, l'activité du Comité consultatif fédéral sur les relations internationales en matière de travail a été suspendue.
Psychotic reactivity in borderline personality disorder
Authors: Glaser J.‐P. , Van Os J. , Thewissen V. , Myin‐Germeys I.
Published: June 2009

Glaser J‐P, Van Os J, Thewissen V, Myin‐Germeys I. Psychotic reactivity in borderline personality disorder.

Objective:  To investigate the stress relatedness and paranoia specificity of psychosis in borderline personality disorder (BPD).

Method:  Fifty‐six borderline patients, 38 patients with cluster C personality disorder, 81 patients with psychotic disorder and 49 healthy controls were studied with the experience sampling method (a structured diary technique) to assess: i) appraised subjective stress and ii) intensity of psychotic experiences.

Results:  All patient groups experienced significantly more increases in psychotic experiences in relation to daily life stress than healthy controls, borderline patients displaying the strongest reactivity. Borderline patients, moreover, reported significantly more hallucinatory reactivity than healthy controls and subjects with cluster C personality disorder. Paranoid reactivity to daily life stress did not differ between the patient groups.

Conclusion:  These results are the first to ecologically validate stress‐related psychosis in BPD. However, psychotic reactivity was not limited to expression of paranoia but involved a broader range of psychotic experiences including hallucinations.
The role of the inflammatory markers ferritin, transferrin and fibrinogen in the relationship between major depression and cardiovascular disorders – The German Health Interview and Examination Survey
Authors: Baune B. T. , Neuhauser H. , Ellert U. , Berger K.
Published: June 2009

Baune BT, Neuhauser H, Ellert U, Berger K. The role of the inflammatory markers ferritin, transferrin and fibrinogen in the relationship between major depression and cardiovascular disorders – The German Health Interview and Examination Survey.

Objective:  To determine levels of inflammation (ferritin, transferrin and fibrinogen) in major depression (MDD) and comorbid cardiovascular disease (CVD) in an adult population.

Method:  In 4181 participants of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey MDD was assessed through the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Coronary heart disease, stroke, and hypertension were diagnosed by a computer‐assisted physician interview. Analyses were performed using anova models stratified for gender.

Results:  Ferritin, transferrin and fibrinogen levels showed opposing patterns in individuals with either CVD or MDD alone. In comorbidity analyses, male participants with MDD plus comorbid CHD or hypertension had lower levels of ferritin and lower fibrinogen levels in hypertension compared to men without MDD, while in women, results were inconsistent.

Conclusion:  Opposing patterns of inflammatory markers in CVD or MDD alone were reversed when both conditions were present. MDD reduced levels of ferritin, transferrin and fibrinogen in CVD in a gender‐specific way.
Effort and costs of tooth preservation in supportive periodontal treatment in a German population
Authors: Pretzl Bernadette , Wiedemann Denise , Cosgarea Raluca , Kaltschmitt Jens , Kim Ti‐Sun , Staehle Hans‐Joerg , Eickholz Peter
Published: June 2009

Objectives: Assessment of effort (number of visits) and costs of tooth preservation 10 years after initiation of anti‐infective therapy.

Material and Methods: Data of 98 patients who had received active periodontal treatment 10 years ago by the same examiner were analysed to gather information on effort and costs of supportive periodontal therapy (SPT). Clinical examination, interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) polymorphism test, smoking, search of patients' files (i.e. initial diagnosis), as well as a questionnaire on medical history and socioeconomic data were performed.

Statistical analysis was performed using multivariate linear regression analysis.

Results: During 10 years of SPT patients had 14.8±7.4 visits. Number of visits was statistically significantly higher for individuals with a mean plaque control record24%. The number of subgingival scalings per tooth ranged from 0 to 14 (mean: 1.17). On tooth level several confounders could be identified: tooth type, initial bone loss, furcation involvement, abutment status, and previous regenerative surgery (p0.003).

Costs for therapy per tooth during SPT ranged from €1.21 to €404.72 with mean costs between €60.52 and €91.99. On tooth level the tooth type, initial bone loss, abutment status, furcation involvement, and previous regenerative surgery showed statistical significance (p0.002).

Conclusion: Costs for tooth retention via SPT are relatively low compared with alternatives (e.g. implants or bridgework) even in periodontally impaired teeth.
One‐year outcomes of repeated adjunctive photodynamic therapy during periodontal maintenance: a proof‐of‐principle randomized‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Lulic Martina , Leiggener Görög Isabelle , Salvi Giovanni E. , Ramseier Christoph A. , Mattheos Nikolaos , Lang Niklaus P.
Published: June 2009

Background: Single photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been effective in initial periodontal therapy, but only improved bleeding on probing (BoP) in maintenance patients after a single use. Repeated PDT has not been addressed.

Objectives: To study the possible added benefits of repeated adjunctive PDT to conventional treatment of residual pockets in patients enrolled in periodontal maintenance.

Material and Methods: Ten maintenance patients with 70 residual pockets [probing pocket depth (PPD)5 mm] were randomly assigned for treatment five times in 2 weeks (Days 0, 1, 2, 7, 14) with PDT (test) or non‐activated laser (control) following debridement. The primary outcome variable was PPD, and the secondary variables were clinical attachment level (CAL) and BoP. These were assessed at 3, 6 and 12 months following the interventions.

Results: Greater PPD reductions were observed in the test (−0.67 ± 0.34; p=0.01) compared with the control patients (−0.04 ± 0.33; NS) after 6 months. Significant CAL gain (+0.52 ± 0.31; p=0.01) was noted for the test, but not in the control (−0.27 ± 0.52; NS) patients after 6 months. BoP percentages dcreased significantly in test (97–64%, 67%, 77%), but not control patients after 3, 6 and 12 months.

Conclusions: Repeated (five times) PDT adjunctive to debridement yielded improved clinical outcomes in residual pockets in maintenance patients. The effects were best documented after 6 months.
Properties of native plant communities do not determine exotic success during early forest succession
Authors: Compagnoni Aldo , Halpern Charles B.
Published: June 2009

Considerable research has been devoted to understanding how plant invasions are influenced by properties of the native community and to the traits of exotic species that contribute to successful invasion. Studies of invasibility are common in successionally stable grasslands, but rare in recently disturbed or seral forests. We used 16 yr of species richness and abundance data from 1 m2 plots in a clearcut and burned forest in the Cascade Range of western Oregon to address the following questions: 1) is invasion success correlated with properties of the native community? Are correlations stronger among pools of functionally similar taxa (i.e. exotic and native annuals)? Do these relationships change over successional time? 2) Does exotic abundance increase with removal of potentially dominant native species? 3) Do the population dynamics of exotic and native species differ, suggesting that exotics are more successful colonists? Exotics were primarily annual and biennial species. Regardless of the measure of success (richness, cover, biomass, or density) or successional stage, most correlations between exotics and natives were non‐significant. Exotic and native annuals showed positive correlations during mid‐succession, but these were attributed to shared associations with bare ground rather than to direct biotic interactions. At peak abundance, neither cover nor density of exotics differed between controls and plots from which native, mid‐successional dominants were removed. Tests comparing nine measures of population performance (representing the pace, magnitude, and duration of population growth) revealed no significant differences between native and exotic species. In this early successional system, local richness and abundance of exotics are not explained by properties of the native community, by the presence of dominant native species, or by superior colonizing ability among exotics species. Instead natives and exotics exhibit individualistic patterns of increase and decline suggesting similar sets of life‐history traits leading to similar successional roles.
Does landscape structure affect resource tracking by avian frugivores in a fragmented Afrotropical forest?
Authors: Lehouck Valérie , Spanhove Toon , Vangestel Carl , Cordeiro Norbert J. , Lens Luc
Published: June 2009

Frugivorous species heavily depend on patchy food resources and are believed to track these in space and time, thereby providing an important seed dispersal function that might be critical toward the regeneration of fruiting plants. However, isolation of suitable food patches due to habitat fragmentation or changes in landscape connectivity may hamper food tracking behaviour and adversely affect populations of both frugivores (through starvation) and food plants (through interruption of seed dispersal). We here test whether density fluctuations in four frugivorous Afrotropical bird species were larger and/or matched fluctuations in ripe fruit densities better in study plots embedded in large tracts of indigenous forest than in equally‐sized plots embedded in cultivated lands. We compared these results with those of four non‐frugivorous species (out‐group) which were not expected to track fruit resources. Whereas densities of both frugivores and fruit crops strongly fluctuated in space and time, these fluctuations were not synchronised, nor did the level of synchrony differ in relation to matrix type. For some but not all bird species, lower densities and smaller temporal fluctuations in forest plots surrounded by cultivation may reflect decreased mobility. The observed fluctuations in bird densities most likely reflect exchange with the surrounding landscape matrix, suggesting that small pockets of fruiting trees in farmland may comprise critical food resources for frugivores inhabiting highly fragmented landscapes, apart from increasing connectivity for both bird and seed dispersal.
Experimental drought and warming decrease diversity and slow down post‐fire succession in a Mediterranean shrubland
Authors: Prieto Patricia , Peñuelas Josep , Lloret Francisco , Llorens Laura , Estiarte Marc
Published: June 2009

Plant community recovery (species richness, diversity and composition) of a post‐fire Mediterranean shrubland was monitored over a seven year period (1998–2005) under experimental drought and warming that simulated the environmental conditions forecast for this area in the coming decades. Species richness and Shannon's index were positively correlated with accumulated precipitation in the growing season and both variables were negatively affected by reduced water availability in drought plots. The relative abundance of the different species in both treatments was linearly correlated with their relative abundance in control plots. Moreover, we found species‐specific responses to treatments. Drought and warming treatment reduced the competitive ability of the obligate seeder tree Pinus halepensis against native resprouter shrubs and consequently, the transformation from shrub to pine tree dominated vegetation was slowed down. Conversely, the water use strategy of Globularia alypum may allow this species to maintain a dominant position in drought plots. Therefore, future drier and warmer conditions in Mediterranean areas may severely affect plant community recovery after a disturbance, due to the existence of both abundance‐dependent and species‐specific responses that may change inter‐specific competitive relationships.
Hydrophilic and lipophilic moisturizers have similar penetration profiles but different effects on SC water distribution in vivo
Authors: Caussin Julia , Rozema Evelien , Gooris Gert S. , Wiechers Johann W. , Pavel Stan , Bouwstra Joke A.
Published: June 2009

Abstract:  Dry skin is often treated with hydrophilic and/or lipophilic moisturizers. Hydrophilic moisturizers must penetrate the stratum corneum (SC) deeply to function properly, whereas lipophilic moisturizers should remain in the upper SC layers. In this study, both types of moisturizers were applied on volunteers for 3 h, after which the relative amount of moisturizer and the water distribution in the SC were determined using attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy in combination with tape‐stripping. The results show that while hydrophilic moisturizers penetrate much more readily than lipophilic moisturizers, the latter are abundantly present in the upper regions of the SC. It was also observed that a 3‐h treatment with lipophilic moisturizer did not result in increased water levels in the SC, whereas hydrophilic moisturizers retained water where they are located. The results suggest that upon prolonged application, adequate amounts of moisturizer can be obtained in those regions where they may cause moisturization in the central part of the SC. However, a single application of 3 h is probably too short to exert increased hydration as measured with ATR‐FTIR.
Apoptolysis: a novel mechanism of skin blistering in pemphigus vulgaris linking the apoptotic pathways to basal cell shrinkage and suprabasal acantholysis
Authors: Grando Sergei A. , Bystryn Jean‐Claude , Chernyavsky Alexander I. , Frušić‐Zlotkin Marina , Gniadecki Robert , Lotti Roberta , Milner Yoram , Pittelkow Mark R. , Pincelli Carlo
Published: June 2009

Abstract:  Understanding the acantholytic pathways leading to blistering in pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a key to development of novel treatments. A novel paradigm of keratinocyte damage in PV, termed apoptolysis, links the suprabasal acantholytic and cell death pathways to basal cell shrinkage rendering a ‘tombstone’ appearance to PV lesions. In contrast to apoptolysis, the classic keratinocyte apoptosis mediating toxic epidermal necrolysis causes death and subsequent sloughing of the entire epidermis. Apoptolysis includes five consecutive steps. (1) Binding of autoantibodies to PV antigens. (2) Activation of EGF receptor, Src, mTOR, p38 MAPK and other signalling elements downstream of ligated antigens, elevation of intracellular calcium and launching of the cell death cascades. (3) Basal cell shrinkage due to: (i) collapse and retraction of the tonofilaments cleaved by executioner caspases; and (ii) dissociation of interdesmosomal adhesion complexes caused by phosphorylation of adhesion molecules. (4) Massive cleavage of cellular proteins by activated cell death enzymes leading to cell collapse, and tearing off desmosomes from the cell membrane stimulating secondary autoantibody production. (5) Rounding up and death of acantholytic cells. Thus, the structural damage (acantholysis) and death (apoptosis) of keratinocytes are mediated by the same cell death enzymes. Appreciation of the unifying concept of apoptolysis have several important implications: (i) linking together a number of seemingly unrelated events surrounding acantholysis; (ii) opening new avenues of investigation into the pathomechanism of pemphigus; and (iii) creating new approaches to the treatment of pemphigus based on blocking the signalling pathways and enzymatic processes that lead to blistering.
Treponema denticola peptidoglycan induces the production of inflammatory mediators and matrix metalloproteinase 9 in macrophage‐like cells
Authors: Tanabe S‐I. , Bodet C. , Grenier D.
Published: June 2009

Background and Objective:  Treponema denticola is a key pathogen associated with periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting tooth‐supporting tissues. In the present study, we investigated the response of human macrophage‐like cells to stimulation by peptidoglycan isolated from T. denticola. We also studied the effect of the peptidoglycan preparation on the phosphorylation state of kinases.

Material and Methods:  Monoblastic leukemia cells (U937 strain) were differentiated into adherent macrophage‐like cells using phorbol myristic acid prior to being stimulated for 6 or 24 h with various amounts of T. denticola peptidoglycan. Secreted inflammatory mediators were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. The phosphorylation state of kinases was determined by immunoblotting.

Results:  The T. denticola peptidoglycan preparation, which was non‐toxic for macrophage‐like U937 leukemia cells at the concentration used, significantly increased, in a dose‐dependent manner, the secretion of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin‐1β and interleukin‐6. It also increased the secretion of two potent chemokines, interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES). T. denticola peptidoglycan also induced a significant increase in the secretion of prostaglandin E2 and matrix metalloproteinase 9 by macrophage‐like cells. The phosphorylation state of several kinases, including extracellular regulated protein‐serine kinase 2 (+99%), G protein‐coupled receptor‐serine kinase 2 (+50%), Yes‐related protein‐tyrosine kinase (+44%) and extracellular regulated protein‐serine kinase 1 (+30%) also increased following stimulation with the peptidoglycan preparation.

Conclusion:  T. denticola peptidoglycan activates intracellular signaling pathways, leading to an increased production of inflammatory mediators by macrophage‐like cells.
Variations of Apgar score of very low birth weight infants in different neonatal intensive care units
Authors: Rüdiger Mario , Küster Helmut , Herting Egbert , Berger Angelika , Müller Christoph , Urlesberger Berndt , Simma Burkhard , Poets Christian F , Wauer Roland R , Tschirch Edda
Published: June 2009

Objective:  The Apgar score should be an objective method to assess the state of newborns; however, its applicability in preterm infants is hampered by large variations among different observers. The study tested whether physicians that give low scores to written case descriptions also apply lower scores to preterm infants.

Patients and Methods:  Descriptions (BMJ 2004; 329: 143–4) were sent to 14 neonatal units. Physicians were asked to evaluate the Apgar (case score). From seven units Apgar scores of all very low birth weight infants (VLBW) born between January 2004 and December 2006 were obtained from charts (clinical score).

Results:  In total, 121 physicians from 14 institutions (median 9, range 3–15) replied: 24 residents with <6‐month and 28 with >6‐month neonatal experience, and 69 consultants. The assessment of the case scores was very heterogeneous with large variations in respiration, muscle tone and reflexes. Clinical scores were obtained from 1000 VLBW infants. The score depended on the gestational age, with a median of 4 at 24 and 7 at 27 weeks. With one exception, centres that assigned low case scores had also low clinical scores.

Conclusion:  There is considerable variation in assigning Apgar scores. Definitions are required to apply the Apgar score to infants under clinical conditions such as preterm delivery, resuscitation or artificial ventilation.
Temporary brittle bone disease: fractures in medical care
Authors: Paterson Colin R
Published: June 2009

Temporary brittle bone disease is the name given to a syndrome first reported in 1990, in which fractures occur in infants in the first year of life. The fractures include rib fractures and metaphyseal fractures which are mostly asymptomatic.

The radiological features of this disorder mimic those often ascribed to typical non‐accidental injury. The subject has been controversial, some authors suggesting that the disorder does not exist.

This study reports five infants with typical features of temporary brittle bone disease in whom all or most of the fractures took place while in hospital. A non‐accidental cause can be eliminated with some confidence, and these cases provide evidence in support of the existence of temporary brittle bone disease.
Poisoning deaths among Finnish children from 1969 to 2003
Authors: Kivistö Juho E , Parkkari Jari , Mattila Ville M , Hoppu Kalle
Published: June 2009

Aim:  Trends in paediatric deaths due to poisoning are little studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the cause and secular trend of poisoning deaths among Finnish children.

Methods:  Death certificates of all Finnish children aged 0–15 who died due to poisoning between 1969 and 2003 were obtained from the Statistics of Finland and analysed.

Results:  During the study period, altogether 121 children aged 0–15 years died from poisoning in Finland. Among 0‐ to 4‐year olds, the incidence of poisoning deaths declined to practically zero by the beginning of 1980s. Most of these deaths were unintentional poisonings. Among 5‐ to 15‐year olds, the incidence of poisoning deaths varied during the study period. In this age group, up to 53% of the deaths were suicides among girls compared with 20% among boys (p = 0.017). The corresponding figures for substance abuse were 54% among boys and 9% among girls (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:  Despite the declining secular trend seen in paediatric poisoning deaths in Finland from 1969 to 2003, the risk of death from both intentional and unintentional poisoning persists in children. Health programmes should be continued especially to promote well‐being in families and to prevent teenage suicides and substance abuse.
Response of pine natural regeneration to small‐scale spatial variation in a managed Mediterranean mountain forest
Authors: Barbeito Ignacio , Fortin Marie‐Josée , Montes Fernando , Cañellas Isabel
Published: June 2009

Questions:What influence do management practices and previous tree and shrub stand structure have on the occurrence and development of natural regeneration ofPinus sylvestrisin Mediterranean mountain forests? How are the fine‐scale and environmental patterns of resources affected and what impact does this have on the distribution of the regeneration?

Location:APinus sylvestrisMediterranean mountain forest in central Spain.

Methods:Upperstory trees and regeneration (seedlings and saplings) were mapped in four 0.5‐ha plots located in two types of stand with different management intensities (even‐aged and uneven‐aged stands). Environmental variables were recorded at the nodes of a grid within the plots. The relationships between the upperstory and regeneration were evaluated by bivariate point pattern analysis; redundancy analysis ordination and variation partitioning were performed to characterize regeneration niches and the importance of the spatial component.

Results:Seedlings and saplings presented a clumped structure under both types of management and their distribution was found to be related to the spatial distribution of favourable microsites. Regeneration was positively related to conditions of partial cover with high soil water content during the summer. More than half of the explained variance was spatially structured in both types of stand. This percentage was particularly high in the even‐aged stands where the pattern of regeneration was highly influenced by the gaps created by harvesting.

Conclusions:The spatial distribution of the tree and shrub upperstory strongly influences regeneration patterns ofP. sylvestris. Current management practices, promoting small gaps, partial canopy cover and moderate shade in even‐aged stands, or favouring tree and shrub cover in the case of uneven‐aged stands, appears to provide suitable conditions for the natural regeneration ofP. sylvestrisin a Mediterranean climate.
Factors associated with remaining teeth of older adults in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, 2002
Authors: Da Silva Débora Dias , Rihs Lilian Berta , Da Luz Rosário de Sousa Maria
Published: June 2009

Objectives:  The objective of this study was to verify the association between the number of teeth present with socio‐demographic and economic variables and with the access to dental services and self‐perception of oral health among the elderly.

Materials and Methods:  The sample was composed of individuals from 65 to 74 years of age, which was representative of the state of São Paulo (n = 781). In this study, the analysis of data considered dentate elderly only, who were divided into two groups: those with one to 19 teeth and those with 20 teeth or more. The chi‐squared test was used in the bivariate analysis and the logistic regression was also performed (p < 0.05).

Results:  Among the 313 dentate elderly, 235 (75.1%) presented one to 19 teeth. The average number of teeth was 9.5 for the elderly with fewer teeth and 25 for those with more teeth. In the bivariate analysis, all variables related to the access to dental services were associated and the chances of having less teeth was among elderly who did not visit the dentist for a long time and among those who sought public dental services and did not receive information on how to avoid oral problems. In addition, the elderly who classified their speech as not good were those who presented with fewer teeth.

Conclusion:  Most subjects presented one to 19 teeth and this fact was directly associated, among others factors, to the unsatisfactory perception that they reported in relation to their speech and to the too long period without visiting the dentist.
Home or away? Differences between home‐ and clinic‐based dental examinations for older people
Authors: Fairhall Timothy J. , Thomson W. Murray , Kieser Jules A. , Broughton John R. , Cullinan Mary P. , Seymour Gregory J.
Published: June 2009

Objective:  To determine whether home‐based and clinic‐based dental examinations of older people are comparable.

Background:  Despite a number of studies which have examined the concordance between different examiners or examination circumstances, none has directly compared an oral examination conducted at home with one conducted in an appropriate clinical setting.

Materials and methods:  Dentate participants (n = 61) aged between 65 and 74 years underwent two clinical examinations, one in a conventional dental clinic and the other in the person’s home. Kappa statistics, intra‐class correlation coefficients and ‘Difference against mean’ plots were used to determine the nature and extent of any bias.

Results:  The summary estimates for missing teeth and dental caries were close, although the home‐based examinations resulted in a lower estimate of the mean number of decayed teeth and of untreated coronal decay. The lowest reliability statistics were observed with respect to the prevalence of untreated coronal caries, filled root surfaces and root surface (Decayed or Filled Surfaces) DFS. The periodontitis prevalence estimates were closer, but the reliability statistics were relatively low. The extent of bleeding on probing was relatively under‐estimated in the home‐based examinations. ‘Difference against mean’ plots indicated that, overall, the clinic‐based examinations detected more disease (although this was not observed for all clinical parameters which were measured).

Conclusion:  While clinic‐based examinations will remain the preferred option, the potential loss of information associated with home‐based examinations is unlikely to be great enough to preclude using them where required, although surveys with larger samples (and therefore more accurate estimates) should restrict their proportion of home‐based examinations to no more than 10%. As they are less precise, surveys with samples of 300 or fewer can safely accommodate up to about one‐third of their examinations being conducted in participants’ homes.
Assessment of mobile dental services in the State of Lower Austria, Austria
Authors: Corrêa da Fonseca Ana Cláudia
Published: June 2009

Objectives:  To investigate the existence and the quality of mobile dental services available to the austrian elderly population of Lower Austria, Austria, using two approaches: the home‐bound elders’ perception and the dentistry services provided in nursery homes.

Methods:  The study had two parts. The first was a qualitative assessment of mobile dental services as perceived by the elderly home bounds, based on 52 questionnaires. These questionnaries were distributed to the home bound persons in a period of one month. The second part was the assessment in the nursing homes. For this study a short questionnaire was sent, by e‐mail, to 61 nursing homes of Lower Austria.

Results:  by the elderly home bound ‐ 29 questionnaires returned completed (response quote of 55.8%) and 4 uncompleted. The age range of the subjects was from 64 to 89 years old and the ratio of women to men was about 2:1 (62% to 38%). 79.3% think that dental home care is a good practice, 58.6% would use mobile dentistry themselves. in the nursing homes ‐ From the 61 sent e‐mails 33 were returned with completed questionnaires (response quote of 54.09%). 48.5% of the nursing homes replied that they do not have mobile dental service. However, 17 homes (51.51%) have a mobile dentist.

Conclusion:  A mobile dental service for patients of austrian geriatric nursing homes does exist. However, no mobile dental service was identified for austrian home bound patients. This scenario shows the need for a mobile dental care programme and politcs.

Executive Summary

This study was carried out to identify what the current situation is with mobile dentistry in the State of Lower Austria, Austria, using two approaches: the home‐bound elders’ perception and the dentistry services provided in nursery homes. The aim was to investigate the existence and the quality of mobile dental services available to the austrian elderly population of Lower Austria. Based on this study, it is possible to observe a mobile dental service for patients of austrian geriatric nursing homes does exist. However, no mobile dental service was identified for austrian home bound patients. This scenario shows the need for a mobile dental care programme and politcs.
Understanding the ‘epidemic’ of complete tooth loss among older New Zealanders
Authors: Sussex Philip V. , Thomson W. Murray , Fitzgerald Ruth P.
Published: June 2009

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00306.x
 
Understanding the ‘epidemic’ of complete tooth loss among older New Zealanders

Objective:  The aim of this study was to obtain a deeper understanding of the social factors driving New Zealand’s historic ‘epidemic of edentulism’ and how they operated.

Method:  In‐depth, semi‐structured interviews with 31 older New Zealanders were analysed using applied grounded theory.

Results:  Universal factors present in the data were: (a) the way in which New Zealand society accepted and indeed encouraged edentulism without stigma for those who had a ‘sub‐optimal’ natural dentition; (b) how the predominant patterns of dental care utilisation (symptomatic and extraction‐based) were often strongly influenced by economic and social disadvantage; and (c) the way in which lay and professional worldviews relating to ‘calcium theory’ and dental caries were fundamental in decisions relating to the transition to edentulism. Major influences were rural isolation, the importance of professional authority and how patient‐initiated transitions to edentulism were ultimately facilitated by an accommodating profession.

Conclusion:  The combined effects of geography, economics, the dental care system and the professional culture of the day, in the context of contemporary (flawed) understandings of oral disease, appear to have been the key drivers. These were supported (in turn) by a widespread acceptance by the profession and society alike of the extraction/denture philosophy in dealing with oral disease.
Investigation and prediction of the severity of p53 mutants using parameters from structural calculations
Authors: Carlsson Jonas , Soussi Thierry , Persson Bengt
Published: June 2009

A method has been developed to predict the effects of mutations in the p53 cancer suppressor gene. The new method uses novel parameters combined with previously established parameters. The most important parameter is the stability measure of the mutated structure calculated using molecular modelling. For each mutant, a severity score is reported, which can be used for classification into deleterious and nondeleterious. Both structural features and sequence properties are taken into account. The method has a prediction accuracy of 77% on all mutants and 88% on breast cancer mutations affecting WAF1 promoter binding. When compared with earlier methods, using the same dataset, our method clearly performs better. As a result of the severity score calculated for every mutant, valuable knowledge can be gained regarding p53, a protein that is believed to be involved in over 50% of all human cancers.
Design and humanization of a murine scFv that blocks human platelet glycoprotein VI in vitro
Authors: Muzard Julien , Bouabdelli Maxime , Zahid Muhammad , Ollivier Véronique , Lacapère Jean Jacques , Jandrot‐Perrus Martine , Billiald Philippe
Published: June 2009

Platelet adhesion and aggregation at the site of vascular injury is essential for hemostasis, but can also lead to arterial occlusion in thrombotic disorders. Glycoprotein (GP) VI is the major platelet membrane receptor that interacts directly with collagen, the most thrombogenic compound in the blood vessels. GPVI could therefore be a major therapeutic target. Fab fragments of the anti‐GPVI murine monoclonal IgG 9O12 have previously been shown to completely block collagen‐induced platelet aggregation, to inhibit the procoagulant activity of collagen‐stimulated platelets, and to prevent thrombus formation under arterial flow conditions without significantly prolonging the bleeding time. Here, we engineered recombinant scFvs that preserve the functional properties of 9O12, and could constitute building blocks for designing new compounds with potentially therapeutic antithrombotic properties. First, the 9O12 variable domains were cloned, sequenced, and expressed as a recombinant murine scFv, which was fully characterized. This scFv preserved all the characteristics that make 9O12 Fab potentially useful for therapeutic applications, including its high affinity for GPVI, ability to inhibit platelet adhesion, and aggregation with collagen under arterial flow conditions. A humanized version of this scFv was also designed after complementarity‐determining region grafting and structural refinements using homology‐based modeling. The final product was produced in recombinant bacteria. It retained GPVI‐binding specificity and high affinity, which are the main parameters usually impaired by humanization procedures. This is a simple, efficient and straightforward method that could also be used for humanizing other antibodies.
Synthesis, Crystal and Local Electronic Structures, and Photoluminescence Properties of Red‐Emitting CaAlzSiN2+z:Eu2+ with Orthorhombic Structure
Authors: Li Yuan Qiang , Hirosaki Naoto , Xie Rong‐Jun , Takada Takashi , Yamamoto Yoshinobu , Mitomo Mamoru , Shioi Kousuke
Published: June 2009

Orthorhombic Ca1−xEuxAlzSiN2+z polycrystalline powders have been synthesized by a solid‐state reaction at high temperature in a nitrogen atmosphere. The smaller lattice parameters compared with the single crystal and charge distribution analysis indicate that impure oxygen might be incorporated into the lattice. Ca1−xEuxAlzSiN2+z shows red emission at about 630 nm due to the transition of 4f65d1→4f7 when excited within 375–450 nm. With an increase in the Eu2+ concentration and z, the quantum efficiency of Ca1−xEuxAlzSiN2+z was significantly decreased due to concentration quenching and high photoionization. First‐principle molecular orbital calculations suggest that the overall luminescence of Eu2+ may be mainly originated from the small Eu(1) center. CaSiN2:Eu2+ is a potential red conversion phosphor for white LED applications.
Effects of Deagglomeration and Zirconia Wear Debris on Sintering Behavior of α‐Alumina Powder
Authors: Kuo Chia‐Hung , Wang Chih‐Jen , Lee Hsuan‐Min , Huang Chi‐Yuen , Hwang Chii‐Shyang
Published: June 2009

This work investigates sintering behaviors of α‐alumina powder that were treated by attrition milling with zirconia media. While zirconia wear debris delays initial sintering shrinkage and increases the temperature to reach the maximum shrinkage rate, the agglomerates also influence the final sintering. The final density of the sintered bulk is limited because of the existence of pores among agglomerates. Zirconia wear debris effectively inhibits the grain growth of alumina during the sintering. Varying the degree of deagglomeration and the amounts of zirconia wear debris together can control the microstructure during the final stage of the sintering.
Synthesis of Zirconia with Nanoporous Structure by a Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Microemulsion Route
Authors: Lee Mei‐Hwa , Lin Hung‐Yin , Thomas James L.
Published: June 2009

Supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) fluid as a green solvent for processing can markedly reduce the use of organic solvents. Nanoporous clusters of zirconia (ZrO2) were synthesized in a [Zr4+](aq)/scCO2 microemulsion using hydrazine solution as the precipitating agent, and the resulting nanostructures (surface area, morphology) under different reaction temperatures and pressures were determined by BET and TEM. The inter droplet separation of microemulsions increases with the reaction pressure at a fixed temperature, giving different networked nanostructures. The closed pore diameters were in the range of 5–150 nm (mesopores and macropores) at 17.3 MPa and 80°C.
Thermochemical Compatibility of a Seal Glass with Different Solid Oxide Cell Components
Authors: Mahapatra Manoj K. , Lu Kathy
Published: June 2009

Thermochemical compatibility of an aluminosilicate glass (SABS‐0) with Crofer 22 APU, nickel, and NiTiHf alloy has been studied for solid oxide cell use. Local SABS‐0 devitrification occurs near the interfaces of Crofer 22 APU/SABS‐0 and Ni/SABS‐0 samples. But extensive SABS‐0 devitrification is observed at the NiTiHf/SABS‐0 interface. The SABS‐0 elements diffuse a few microns into the Crofer 22 APU alloy and the nickel, or vice versa. But the SABS‐0 and NiTiHf elements diffuse into each other at ∼25 μm. The SABS‐0 glass is thermochemically compatible with the Crofer 22 APU and the nickel but not with the NiTiHf alloy.