bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PPAR‐γ Activator Pioglitazone Prevents Age‐Related Atrial Fibrillation Susceptibility by Improving Antioxidant Capacity and Reducing Apoptosis in a Rat Model
Authors: XU DONGZHU , MURAKOSHI NOBUYUKI , IGARASHI MIYAKO , HIRAYAMA AKI , ITO YOKO , SEO YOSHIHIRO , TADA HIROSHI , AONUMA KAZUTAKA
Published: September 2011

PPAR‐γ Activator as Upstream Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation in Rat. Introduction: The in vivo role of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐γ, an essential transcriptional mediator of lipid and glucose metabolism, in atrial fibrillation (AF) remains to be fully elucidated. We investigated the effects of pioglitazone, a PPAR‐γ activator, in an in vivo AF rat model.

Methods and Results:
We studied 3 groups of Wistar rats: young group, 3‐month‐old rats treated with vehicle; aged group, 9‐month‐old rats treated with vehicle; and aged+Pio group, 9‐month‐old rats treated with pioglitazone. After 4‐week treatment, AF duration induced by 30‐second burst pacing, gene and protein expressions, and atrial structural changes were compared between the 3 groups. Atrial oxidant reducing activity was measured by electron spin resonance method. AF duration was markedly prolonged in the aged group but significantly shortened in the aged+Pio group. Age‐induced decrease in free radical reducing activity was reversed by pioglitazone. Gene and protein expression levels of antioxidant molecules Sod2 (MnSOD) and Hspa1a (heat shock 70 protein) were significantly enhanced, and p22phox and gp91phox, two NADPH oxidase subunits, were significantly decreased in aged+Pio rats. Pioglitazone treatment significantly increased phosphorylated (p‐) Akt but significantly reduced p‐ERK1/2 and p‐JNK. Pioglitazone significantly restored p‐Bad and reduced cleaved caspase‐3 and ‐9, indicating that pioglitazone prevented age‐related enhancement of apoptotic signaling. Microscopic analysis revealed suppression of age‐related histological changes (interstitial fibrosis and apoptosis) by pioglitazone.

Conclusions:
Pioglitazone inhibited age‐related arrhythmogenic atrial remodeling and AF perpetuation by improving antioxidant capacity and inhibiting the mitochondrial apoptotic signaling pathway. PPAR‐γ activators could become a novel upstream therapy for age‐related AF. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 209‐217, February 2012)
Intravenous Epinephrine Infusion Test in Diagnosis of Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: MARJAMAA ANNUKKA , HIIPPALA ANITA , ARRHENIUS BIANCA , LAHTINEN ANNUKKA M. , KONTULA KIMMO , TOIVONEN LAURI , HAPPONEN JUHA‐MATTI , SWAN HEIKKI
Published: September 2011

Epinephrine Infusion in Diagnosis of CPVT. Introduction: A test involving intravenous infusion of epinephrine has been proposed as a method alternative to exercise stress test in diagnosis of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). We aimed at estimating the predictive value of intravenous epinephrine administration in CPVT patients with frequent exercise‐induced ventricular ectopy.

Methods and Results: We recruited 81 subjects, including 25 CPVT‐linked ryanodine receptor 2 (RYR2) mutation carriers, 11 genetically undefined CPVT patients, and 45 unaffected family members. All subjects underwent a maximal exercise stress test and an intravenous epinephrine infusion test. Exercise stress test was positive in 25 (31%) patients including 14 of 25 (56%) established RYR2‐mutation carriers and all 11 (100%) genetically undefined CPVT patients. Epinephrine infusion induced arrhythmias in 3 (12%) RYR2‐mutation carriers, 4 (36%) genetically undefined CPVT patients, and 1 (2%) unaffected family member. A total of 18 exercise stress test positive patients did not respond to intravenous epinephrine administration, whereas only 1 epinephrine test responder had a normal exercise stress test. Thus, if exercise stress test is used as a standard, the sensitivity of the epinephrine infusion test is 28% and specificity is 98%.

Conclusions: Intravenous epinephrine infusion has low sensitivity and may not be considered as an alternative method for a maximal exercise stress test in diagnosis of CPVT. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 194‐199, February 2012)
Intervention publique sur le développement de grappes industrielles au Québec
Authors: Doloreux David , Tremblay Diane‐Gabrielle , Klein Juan‐Luis , Dionne Steve , Hassen Tarek Ben
Published: September 2011

Cet article décrit les conditions de développement de quatre grappes industrielles et les mécanismes d’insertion de ces dernières dans l’économie régionale. Les cas à l’étude sont les grappes de l’aérospatiale et du vêtement à Montréal, ainsi que de l’agroalimentaire et des sciences et technologies maritimes dans la région du Bas‐Saint‐Laurent. Les grappes industrielles sont généralement définies comme des arrangements d’entreprises, d’acteurs gouvernementaux, d’instances publiques locales et d’organisations intermédiaires concentrés sur un territoire local. Or, l’étude montre que la structuration d’une grappe met en œuvre des acteurs et des processus fonctionnant à plusieurs échelles, du local jusqu’au global. Elle montre aussi l’importance d’un leadership sectoriel reconnu par les divers acteurs.
Group Testing for Case Identification with Correlated Responses
Authors: Lendle Samuel D. , Hudgens Michael G. , Qaqish Bahjat F.
Published: September 2011

Summary This article examines group testing procedures where units within a group (or pool) may be correlated. The expected number of tests per unit (i.e., efficiency) of hierarchical‐ and matrix‐based procedures is derived based on a class of models of exchangeable binary random variables. The effect on efficiency of the arrangement of correlated units within pools is then examined. In general, when correlated units are arranged in the same pool, the expected number of tests per unit decreases, sometimes substantially, relative to arrangements that ignore information about correlation.
Permutation Tests for Random Effects in Linear Mixed Models
Authors: Lee Oliver E. , Braun Thomas M.
Published: September 2011

Summary Inference regarding the inclusion or exclusion of random effects in linear mixed models is challenging because the variance components are located on the boundary of their parameter space under the usual null hypothesis. As a result, the asymptotic null distribution of the Wald, score, and likelihood ratio tests will not have the typical χ2 distribution. Although it has been proved that the correct asymptotic distribution is a mixture of χ2 distributions, the appropriate mixture distribution is rather cumbersome and nonintuitive when the null and alternative hypotheses differ by more than one random effect. As alternatives, we present two permutation tests, one that is based on the best linear unbiased predictors and one that is based on the restricted likelihood ratio test statistic. Both methods involve weighted residuals, with the weights determined by the among‐ and within‐subject variance components. The null permutation distributions of our statistics are computed by permuting the residuals both within and among subjects and are valid both asymptotically and in small samples. We examine the size and power of our tests via simulation under a variety of settings and apply our test to a published data set of chronic myelogenous leukemia patients.
Bayesian Meta‐Experimental Design: Evaluating Cardiovascular Risk in New Antidiabetic Therapies to Treat Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ibrahim Joseph G. , Chen Ming‐Hui , Xia H. Amy , Liu Thomas
Published: September 2011

Summary Recent guidance from the Food and Drug Administration for the evaluation of new therapies in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) calls for a program‐wide meta‐analysis of cardiovascular (CV) outcomes. In this context, we develop a new Bayesian meta‐analysis approach using survival regression models to assess whether the size of a clinical development program is adequate to evaluate a particular safety endpoint. We propose a Bayesian sample size determination methodology for meta‐analysis clinical trial design with a focus on controlling the type I error and power. We also propose the partial borrowing power prior to incorporate the historical survival meta data into the statistical design. Various properties of the proposed methodology are examined and an efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling algorithm is developed to sample from the posterior distributions. In addition, we develop a simulation‐based algorithm for computing various quantities, such as the power and the type I error in the Bayesian meta‐analysis trial design. The proposed methodology is applied to the design of a phase 2/3 development program including a noninferiority clinical trial for CV risk assessment in T2DM studies.
Xenobiotic Particle Exposure and Microvascular Endpoints: A Call to Arms
Authors: STAPLETON PHOEBE A. , MINARCHICK VALERIE C. , McCAWLEY MICHAEL , KNUCKLES TRAVIS L. , NURKIEWICZ TIMOTHY R.
Published: September 2011

Please cite this paper as: Stapleton PA, Minarchick VC, McCawley M, Knuckles TL and Nurkiewicz TR. Xenobiotic Particle Exposure and Microvascular Endpoints: A Call to Arms. Microcirculation 19: 126–142, 2012.

Xenobiotic particles can be considered in two genres: air pollution particulate matter and engineered nanoparticles. Particle exposures can occur in the greater environment, the workplace, and our homes. The majority of research in this field has, justifiably, focused on pulmonary reactions and outcomes. More recent investigations indicate that cardiovascular effects are capable of correlating with established mortality and morbidity epidemiological data following particle exposures. While the preliminary and general cardiovascular toxicology has been defined, the mechanisms behind these effects, specifically within the microcirculation, are largely unexplored. Therefore, the purpose of this review is several fold: first, a historical background on toxicological aspects of particle research is presented. Second, essential definitions, terminology, and techniques that may be unfamiliar to the microvascular scientist will be discussed. Third, the most current concepts and hypotheses driving cardiovascular research in this field will be reviewed. Lastly, potential future directions for the microvascular scientist will be suggested. Collectively speaking, microvascular research in the particle exposure field represents far more than a “niche.” The immediate demand for basic, translational, and clinical studies is high and diverse. Microvascular scientists at all career stages are strongly encouraged to expand their research interests to include investigations associated with particle exposures.
Processing and Properties of Co‐Extruded Lead Zirconate Titanate Fibers
Authors: Ismael Marina R. , Clemens Frank , Wyss Peter , Graule Thomas , Hoffmann Michael J.
Published: September 2011

The development of the whole process chain, starting with feedstock preparation and rheological characterization, followed by debinding, sintering, and the final properties is described for the fabrication of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) fibers through the co‐extrusion process. ThePZT‐polymer and carbon black (CB)‐polymer feedstocks were prepared using a high‐shear mixer and their rheological behavior was characterized by torque rheometry and by the evaluation of viscosity models which consider the influence of the volume fraction of solids on the relative viscosity Based on the rheology of the compounds, a feedstock containing 58 vol% ofPZTand another containing 35 vol% ofCBwere selected for the co‐extrusion process. By varying the viscosity ratio between the co‐extruded materials, three different co‐extrusion investigations were carried out. To detect any defect present in the green co‐extruded monofilament composites that may become evident only after debinding, sintering or even at the test stage, X‐ray tomography was performed. To establish the developed co‐extrusion process chain, the microstructure, and the electromechanical properties of successfully co‐extruded and sintered fibers (ø ~250 μm) were compared with fibers produced by conventional thermoplastic extrusion. The extruded fibers revealed a maximum strain of 0.39%, whereas this value was decreased to 0.22% for the co‐extruded ones.
Dielectric, Ferroelectric, and Magnetic Characteristics of LuFeCuO4 Ceramics
Authors: Qin Ying , Chen Xiang Ming , Liu Xiao Qiang
Published: September 2011

The LuFeCuO4 ceramics with a rhombohedral crystal structure in space group were prepared by a solid‐state reaction process, and both the dielectric and magnetic characteristics were investigated. An obvious dielectric relaxation with activation energy of 0.37 eV was observed, which could be well fitted by the modified Debye equation and Arrhenius law. A P–E hysteresis loop was observed in the present ceramics at 150 K, with a remnant polarization of 5.78 × 10−2 μC/cm2 and a coercive field of 10.76 kV/cm. The LuFeCuO4 was antiferromagnetic with TN of 57 K, and a slim hysteresis loop observed at 5 K demonstrated the weak ferromagnetic behavior below Néel temperature. The room‐temperature magnetodielectric response in LuFeCuO4 suggested the existence of magnetic–dielectric coupling.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Venous Blood Gas Electrolytes for Identifying Diabetic Ketoacidosis in the Emergency Department
Authors: Menchine Michael , Probst Marc A. , Agy Chad , Bach Dianne , Arora Sanjay
Published: September 2011

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2011; 18:1105–1108 © 2011 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  Diagnosing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has traditionally required a venous blood gas (VBG) to obtain serum pH and a serum chemistry panel to obtain electrolyte values. Because newer blood gas analyzers have the ability to report electrolyte values and glucose in addition to pH, this diagnostic process could theoretically be condensed. However, neither the diagnostic accuracy of the VBG for DKA nor the agreement between the VBG electrolytes and the serum chemistry electrolytes, including sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate, has been evaluated in the context of acute hyperglycemia. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of VBG electrolytes for diagnosing DKA using serum chemistry electrolytes measures as the criterion standard and to describe the correlation between VBG and serum chemistry electrolytes in a sample of hyperglycemic patients seen in the emergency department (ED).

Methods:  The authors prospectively identified a convenience sample of ED patients with serum blood glucose ≥ 250 mg/dL and examined their paired VBG and serum chemistry electrolytes. The diagnosis of DKA was made by using American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria including serum glucose ≥ 250 mg/dL, serum anion gap > 10 mEq/L, bicarbonate ≤ 18 mEq/L, serum pH ≤ 7.30, and presence of ketosis. Serum chemistry electrolyte values were considered to be the criterion standard. Diagnostic test characteristics of VBG electrolytes including sensitivity and specificity were compared against this standard. In addition, correlation coefficients for individual electrolytes and anion gap between VBG and chemistry electrolytes were calculated.

Results:  Paired VBG and serum chemistry panels were available for 342 patients, of whom 46 (13.5%) had DKA. The sensitivity and specificity of the VBG electrolytes for diagnosing DKA was 97.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 88.5% to 99.9%) and 100% (95% CI = 98.8% to 100%), respectively. One case of DKA was missed by the VBG. Correlation coefficients between VBG and serum chemistry were 0.90, 0.73, 0.94, and 0.81 for sodium, chloride, bicarbonate, and anion gap, respectively.

Conclusions:  The VBG electrolytes were 97.8% sensitive and 100% specific for the diagnosis of DKA in hyperglycemic patients. These preliminary findings support the use of VBG electrolytes in lieu of VBG along with serum chemistry analysis to rule in or rule out DKA.
Modification of Glasgow Coma Scale Criteria for Injured Elders
Authors: Caterino Jeffrey M. , Raubenolt Amy , Cudnik Michael T.
Published: September 2011

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2011; 18:1014–1021 © 2011 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  An abnormal field Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of ≤13 has been used in our emergency medical services (EMS) system to prompt transport to a trauma center. For elders, Ohio has recently adopted a GCS of ≤14 to prompt EMS transport to a trauma center, as older patients respond differently to trauma and may benefit from a different GCS threshold. This study sought to determine if a field GCS of 14 is an appropriate cutoff to initiate transport to a trauma center among injured elders.

Methods:  This was a retrospective, observational statewide analysis of injured patients ≥16 years old captured by the Ohio Trauma Registry from 2002 to 2007. Outcomes studied included mortality, traumatic brain injury (TBI), neurosurgical intervention, and endotracheal intubation (ETI). Multiple imputation was performed to account for missing data. Age‐stratified sensitivity and specificity for proposed GCS cutoffs of 13 and 14 were calculated. A series of multivariate logistic regression models was then constructed using each outcome as a dependent variable. Independent variables included age, GCS score, sex, blood pressure, injury type, nontrauma center, race, ethnicity, and Injury Severity Score (ISS). Two separate analyses were performed. For each age group, odds ratios (ORs) of each outcome were calculated both for the decrease in GCS from 15 to 14 and for the decrease from 14 to 13. The group of elders with GCS 14 was then compared to adults with GCS 13.

Results:  A total of 52,412 study patients were identified. For a GCS cutoff of 13, sensitivity among elders for each outcome was >20% less than sensitivity for adults, and specificity was 5% to 10% greater. Increasing the GCS cutoff for elders to 14 resulted in improved sensitivity for all outcomes (approximately 10%), with a decline in specificity to values near that of adults with GCS 13. In the multivariate models for elders, mortality increased with a decrease in GCS both from 15 to 14 (OR = 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07 to 1.83) and from GCS 14 to 13 (OR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.57 to 3.52). In adults, mortality did not increase with the drop from GCS 15 to 14 (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 0.88 to 1.71) or from GCS 14 to 13 (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 0.91 to 2.30). When comparing elders with GCS 14 to adults with GCS 13, elders had greater odds of mortality (OR = 4.68, 95% CI = 2.90 to 7.54) and TBI (OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.45 to 2.34).

Conclusions:  Changing the EMS trauma triage cutoff for elders from GCS 13 to GCS 14 results in improved sensitivity for clinically relevant outcomes. In injured elders, the decline in GCS from 15 to 14 is associated with increased mortality, a finding not observed in younger adults. Elders with GCS 14 have greater odds of mortality and TBI than adults with GCS 13. These results support recent changes in EMS trauma triage guidelines for elders adopted in Ohio.
Can Generalized Self‐Efficacy Overcome the Effects of Workplace Weight Discrimination?
Authors: RANDLE NATASHA W.
Published: September 2011

Given that 68% of Americans are overweight or obese, research indicates that weight discrimination occurs in the workplace at each stage of the employment process, from selection to separation. Building from attribution, social exchange, and social cognitive theories, this study explores generalized self‐efficacy (GSE) as a moderator to determine if it alters the relationship between perceived weight discrimination (PWD) and the employee attitudes and behaviors of organizational citizenship behavior, organizational commitment (OC), job satisfaction (JS), and turnover intentions. Using ANOVA and moderated hierarchical regression to analyze the data, it was determined that GSE moderated the relationship between PWD and both OC and JS. Implications for practitioners and researchers are indicated.
Exploring the Effects of the Naturalistic Fallacy: Evidence That Genetic Explanations Increase the Acceptability of Killing and Male Promiscuity
Authors: ISMAIL IBRAHIM , MARTENS ANDY , LANDAU MARK J. , GREENBERG JEFF , WEISE DAVID R.
Published: September 2011

The naturalistic fallacy is the erroneous belief that what is natural is morally acceptable. Two studies assessed whether people commit the naturalistic fallacy by testing whether genetic explanations for killing and male promiscuity, as compared to experiential explanations (i.e., learning/“nurture” explanations) increase acceptance of these behaviors. In Study 1, participants who read a genetic explanation for why people kill bugs viewed bug killing as more morally acceptable than participants who read an experiential explanation, although they did not reliably kill more bugs. In Study 2, men who read a genetic explanation for why men are more promiscuous than women reported decreased interest in long‐term romantic commitment compared with men who read experiential explanations and women who read either explanation.
The use of whole‐cell protein profile analysis by SDS‐PAGE as an accurate tool to identify species and subspecies of coagulase‐negative staphylococci
Authors: SANTOS ODELTA DOS , DE RESENDE MARIAH COSTA CARVALHO , DE MELLO ARIÉLE LIMA , FRAZZON ANA PAULA GUEDES , D’AZEVEDO PEDRO ALVES
Published: September 2011

Dos Santos O, De Resende MCC, De Mello AL, Frazzon APG, D’Azevedo PA. The use of whole‐cell protein profile analysis by SDS‐PAGE as an accurate tool to identify species and subspecies of coagulase‐negative staphylococci. APMIS 2012; 120: 39–46.

We used sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) as a tool to characterize coagulase‐negative staphylococci (CoNS). Of 253 clinical isolates and 10 control strains, five species and four subspecies were analyzed. All the isolates were identified using conventional phenotypic tests and SDS‐PAGE. Discrepant results between these methods, as well as less common species and subspecies, were confirmed by sodA and 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Intraspecies similarities, calculated by the Dice coefficient, were significantly higher when compared to interspecies similarities. The conventional method failed to identify eight (3.2%) molecularly defined and SDS‐PAGE‐determined isolates. Therefore, SDS‐PAGE was able to discriminate between all unidentified or misidentified isolates using a phenotypic method. In addition, SDS‐PAGE identified all atypical isolates using biochemistry and CoNS at the subspecies level.
Ten‐year results of a three arms prospective cohort study on implants in periodontally compromised patients. Part 2: clinical results
Authors: Roccuzzo Mario , Bonino Francesca , Aglietta Marco , Dalmasso Paola
Published: September 2011

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare long‐term outcomes of implants placed both in patients treated for periodontitis and in periodontally healthy patients (PHP).

Material and methods

One hundred and twelve partially edentulous patients were consecutively enrolled in private specialist practice and divided into three groups according to their initial periodontal condition: PHP, moderately periodontally compromised patients (PCP) and severely PCP. Implants were placed to support fixed prostheses, after successful completion of initial periodontal therapy [full‐mouth plaque score (FMPS) <25%, full‐mouth bleeding score (FMBS) <25%]. At the end of active periodontal treatment (APT), patients were asked to follow an individualized supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) program. Diagnosis and treatment of peri‐implant biological complications was performed according to cumulative interceptive supportive therapy. At 10 years, clinical measures were recorded by two calibrated operators, blinded to the initial patient classification, on 101 patients, as 11 were lost to follow‐up. The number of sites treated according to therapy modalities C and D (antibiotics and/or surgery) during the 10 years was registered.

Results

Eighteen implants were removed for biological complications. Antibiotic and/or surgical therapy was performed in 10.7% of cases in PHP, in 27% of cases in moderate PCP and in 47.2% cases in severe PCP, with a statistically significant differences between PHP and severe PCP (P = 0.002). At the final examination, the percentage of implants, with at least one site which presented a PD ≥6 mm, was respectively 1.7% for PHP, 15.9% for moderate PCP and 27.2% for severe PCP, with a statistically significant difference between PHP and moderate PCP (P = 0.005) and PHP and severe PCP (P = 0.0001).

Conclusion

Patients with a history of periodontitis presented a statistically significant higher number of sites which required additional treatment. Therefore, patients with a history of periodontitis should be informed that they are more at risk for peri‐implant disease. This underlines the value of the SPT in enhancing long‐term outcomes of implant therapy, particularly in subjects affected by periodontitis. Therefore, the approach for multiple preventive dental extractions and implant placement, based on the assumption the implants perform better than teeth, should be followed with extreme caution.
Engineering of a periodontal ligament construct: cell and fibre alignment induced by shear stress
Authors: Kim Sahng G. , Kim Seong‐Gon , Viechnicki Bryon , Kim Syngcuk , Nah Hyun‐Duck
Published: September 2011

Aim

We report an in vitro technique to establish alignment of collagen fibres and cells within a three‐dimensional tissue equivalent that mimics the natural periodontal ligament (PDL) using a novel custom‐designed bioreactor.

Material and Methods

Shear stress was applied to the tissue equivalent prepared with collagen solution and seeded with human PDL cells. Stress‐strain dynamics and the alignment of collagen fibres and PDL cells in tissue equivalents were analysed.

Results

Shear stress aligned collagen fibres and PDL cells in a direction parallel to the principle strain vector. PDL cells and Collagen fibres aligned in strained tissue equivalents with higher uniformity than in unstrained tissue equivalents.

Conclusions

The cell and fibre alignment of the engineered PDL was precisely guided by mechanical shear stress along the direction of principal strain vector using a custom‐designed bioreactor, suggesting that the enhanced functional property of engineered PDL constructs could be achieved with this technique.
Contribution of disturbance to distribution and abundance in a fire‐adapted system
Authors: Tucker Caroline M. , Rebelo A. G. , Manne L. L.
Published: September 2011

Species distribution modeling (SDM) is an essential tool in understanding species ranges, but models haven't incorporated disturbance‐related variables. This is true even for regions where long histories of disturbance have resulted in disturbance‐adapted species. Therefore, the degree to which including disturbance‐related variables in SDMs might improve their performance is unclear. We used hierarchical partitioning to determine how fire patterns contribute to variation in species abundance and presence, examining both the total variation disturbance‐related variables explained, and how much of this variation is independent of soil and climate variables. For 27 Proteaceae species in the fire‐adapted Cape Floristic Region of South Africa , we found that fire variability, frequency, and area burned tended to have explanatory power similar in size to that of soil and climate variables. Importantly, for SDMs of abundance, fire‐related variables explained additional variation not captured by climatic variables, resulting in markedly increased model performance. In systems with high disturbance rates, species are less likely to be in equilibrium with their environment, and SDMs including variables describing disturbance regimes may be better able to capture the probability of a species being present at a site. Finally, the differential effect of fire on species abundance and presence suggests functional differences between these responses, which could hamper attempts to make predictions about species abundances using models of presence.
Variants of the human NR1I2 (PXR) locus in chronic periodontitis
Authors: Folwaczny M. , Tengler B. , Glas J.
Published: September 2011

Folwaczny M, Tengler B, Glas J. Variants of the human NR1I2 (PXR) locus in chronic periodontitis. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 174–179. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Background and Objective:  Recent studies on genetic variants of the pregnane X receptor (PXR) revealed associations with the mucosal immune response. This study aimed to investigate the potential association of functional polymorphisms of the NR1I2 (PXR)‐encoding gene (rs12721602, rs3814055, rs1523128, rs1523127, rs45610735, rs6785049, rs2276707 and rs3814057) with chronic periodontitis.

Material and Methods:  At total of 402 periodontitis patients and 793 healthy individuals were genotyped using PCR and melting‐curve analysis.

Results:  Frequency distribution of genotypes for the eight single nucleotide polymorphisms showed no significant difference between patients with periodontitis and controls. Among the eight tested polymorphisms, two blocks were defined showing complete or almost complete linkage disequilibrium (linkage disequilibrium block 1: rs3814055 and rs1523127; and linkage disequilibrium block 2: rs6785049, rs2276707 and rs3814057). For one haplotype (GTGAG) composed of rs12721602, rs3814055, rs1523128, rs12721607 and rs6785049, a significant association with periodontitis was found [p‐value after permutation with 100,000 iterations (ppermut.) = 0.011, odds ratio = 0.46, 95% confidence interval: 0.25–0.84) following adjustment for age, gender and smoking.

Conclusion:  A rare haplotype of the NR1I2 (PXR) locus was associated with the individual susceptibility for chronic periodontitis in a German cohort. As a result of the borderline significance and the small effect size the present results need further confirmation.
Is self interdental cleaning associated with dental plaque levels, dental calculus, gingivitis and periodontal disease?
Authors: Crocombe L. A. , Brennan D. S. , Slade G. D. , Loc D. O.
Published: September 2011

Crocombe LA, Brennan DS, Slade GD, Loc DO. Is self interdental cleaning associated with dental plaque levels, dental calculus, gingivitis and periodontal disease? J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 188–197. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Background and Objective:  To ascertain whether interdental cleaning behaviours of Australian adults were associated with lower levels of plaque, gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Material and Methods:  Data were obtained from the National Survey of Adult Oral Health 2004–06. Outcome variables were three indicators of oral hygiene outcomes (the presence or not of dental plaque, dental calculus and gingivitis) and two of periodontal disease (the presence or not of at least one tooth with a periodontal pocket or clinical attachment loss of ≥ 4 mm). The independent variable was classified into the following three groups: regularly clean interproximally ‘at least daily’ (daily+); ‘less than daily’ (< daily); and ‘do not regularly clean interproximally’ (reference group). Poisson regression with robust variance estimation was used to calculate prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) relative to the reference group, adjusted for covariates.

Results:  Regular self interdental cleaning was associated with less dental plaque (< daily, PR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.84, 0.95; and daily+, PR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.82, 0.96), less dental calculus (< daily, PR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.80, 0.97; and daily+, PR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.70, 0.89) and lower levels of moderate/severe gingivitis (daily+, PR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.77, 0.94). Periodontal pocketing was less likely for the < daily group (PR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.46, 0.82), but was not associated with daily+ cleaning (PR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.663, 1.49). There was not a significant association between interdental cleaning and clinical attachment loss (< daily, PR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.77, 1.05; and daily+, PR = 1.17, 95% CI = 0.95, 1.44).

Conclusion:  Regular interdental cleaning was associated with better oral hygiene outcomes, such as dental plaque and gingivitis, although there was no significant association between regular interdental cleaning and clinical attachment loss.
The influence of psoriatic plaques pretreatment with crude coal tar vs. petrolatum on the efficacy of narrow‐band ultraviolet B: a half‐vs.‐half intra‐individual double‐blinded comparative study
Authors: Abdallah Marwa A. , El‐Khateeb Ekramy Ahmed , Abdel‐Rahman Shereen H.
Published: September 2011

Background/purpose: The value of psoriatic plaques pretreatment with specific topical preparations in the setting of NB‐ultraviolet‐B (UVB) therapy is debatable. It may be clarified through a comparative assessment between crude coal tar and petrolatum as pretreatment candidates.

Methods: A prospective study included 40 patients with plaque psoriasis undergoing NB‐UVB therapy. We compared among three treatment regimens: NB‐UVB alone (control group; n=20) as well as NB‐UVB preceded by crude coal tar 3% on one side and petrolatum on the other side (cases group I and II; n=20). Tar and petrolatum were topically applied thrice/day the day before NB‐UVB exposure. Applications were removed using olive oil directly before NB‐UVB exposure. Regimens' frequency was thrice/week and the clinical outcome was assessed, through both psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) and physician global assessment (PGA) scores, at baseline and 3 months later.

Results: There were significant (P<0.01) decreases in both PASI and PGA scores in all the groups. In comparison with the controls, cases revealed significantly (P<0.05) higher improvement percentages in both PASI and PGA scores for both tar and petrolatum. This influence, through the PGA score, was significantly (P<0.05) in favor of petrolatum.

Conclusion: The pretreatment of psoriatic plaques with either petrolatum or crude coal tar may enhance the therapeutic outcome of NB‐UVB, which appeared to favor petrolatum.
Protection against ultraviolet A‐induced oxidative damage in normal human epidermal keratinocytes under post‐menopausal conditions by an ultraviolet A‐activated caged‐iron chelator: a pilot study
Authors: Pelle Edward , Jian Jinlong , Declercq Lieve , Dong Kelly , Yang Qing , Pourzand Charareh , Maes Daniel , Pernodet Nadine , Yarosh Daniel B. , Huang Xi
Published: September 2011

Background/purpose: Human skin is constantly exposed to ultraviolet A (UVA), which can generate reactive oxygen species and cause iron release from ferritin, leading to oxidative damage in biomolecules. This is particularly true in post‐menopausal skin due to an increase in iron as a result of menopause. As iron is generally released through desquamation, the skin becomes a main portal for the release of excess iron in this age group. In the present study, we examined a strategy for controlling UVA‐ and iron‐induced oxidative stress in skin using a keratinocyte post‐menopausal cellular model system.

Methods: Keratinocytes that had been cultured under normal or high‐iron, low‐estrogen conditions were treated with (2‐nitrophenyl) ethyl pyridoxal isonicotinoyl hydrazone (2‐PNE‐PIH). 2‐PNE‐PIH is a caged‐iron chelator that does not normally bind iron but can be activated by UVA radiation to bind iron. Following incubation with 2‐PNE‐PIH, the cells were exposed to 5 J/cm2 UVA and then measured for changes in lipid peroxidation and ferritin levels.

Results: 2‐PNE‐PIH protected keratinocytes against UVA‐induced lipid peroxidation and ferritin depletion. Further, 2‐PNE‐PIH was neither cytotoxic nor did it alter iron metabolism.

Conclusion: 2‐PNE‐PIH may be a useful deterrent against UVA‐induced oxidative stress in post‐menopausal women.
Photo(chemo)therapy for vitiligo
Authors: Pacifico Alessia , Leone Giovanni
Published: September 2011

Vitiligo is a common skin disease characterized by loss of normal melanin pigments in the skin and its pathogenesis is still unclear. Treatment modalities include psoralen plus ultraviolet A, narrow‐band ultraviolet B (NB UVB) phototherapy, topical and systemic steroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, topical vitamin D analogues in monotherapy or in association with phototherapy, and surgical treatment. NB UVB (310–315 nm) radiation is now considered as the ‘gold standard’ for the treatment of diffuse vitiligo, and treatment with two recently introduced UVB sources that emit 308 nm wavelengths, the 308 nm xenon chloride (XeCl) excimer laser and the 308 nm XeCl excimer light, has also been reported to be effective and might be the treatment of choice for localized disease: this treatment modality has been defined as ‘targeted phototherapy.’
Localized bullous pemphigoid induced by photodynamic therapy
Authors: Rakvit Pariyawan , Kerr Alastair C. , Ibbotson Sally Helen
Published: September 2011

Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) causes localized phototoxicity and has been shown both in vitro and in humans to have immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive effects. We report a case of localized bullous pemphigoid (BP) developing after PDT. Although BP has been reported to develop following cutaneous insults such as surgery, radiotherapy, psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA) and ultraviolet B phototherapy, PDT has not previously been reported as a trigger. Possible mechanisms include direct mechanical injury to the basement membrane and subsequent autoantibody formation, an indirect immunomodulatory effect of PDT, or most likely, precipitation of BP in individuals with pre‐existing low titres of epidermal autoantibodies (so‐called subclinical BP). PDT should be added to the list of possible exogenous triggers for BP and this condition should be considered if blistering develops following PDT.
Successful treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis with intralesional aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy
Authors: Evangelou George , Krasagakis Konstantin , Giannikaki Elpida , Kruger‐Krasagakis Sabine , Tosca Androniki
Published: September 2011

Leishmaniasis is a protozoan infectious disease that often affects the skin and may acquire a chronic and difficult to treat course. Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a novel treatment which involves the selective uptake of a photosensitizing agent. Exposure to an appropriate light source in the presence of oxygen leads to formation of reactive oxygen species and destruction of the target cells. We report on the successful treatment of a 69‐year‐old patient with a relapse of long‐standing cutaneous leishmaniasis using intralesional aminolevulinic acid‐PDT.
Recruitment order of the abdominal muscles varies with postural task
Authors: Tokuno C. D. , Cresswell A. G. , Thorstensson A. , Carpenter M. G.
Published: September 2011

Abdominal muscle recruitment strategies in response to a postural perturbation contradict the theory that the deeper abdominal muscles are always recruited in advance of the more superficial muscles. The purpose of this study was to determine whether such contrasting muscle recruitment patterns are due to the postural task or the predictability of a postural task. Participants performed an arm raise task as well as an unpredictable and a predictable balance perturbation task (i.e. support‐surface translation) while intramuscular electromyographic (EMG) recordings were obtained from the deep [transversus abdominis (TrA)] and superficial [obliquus externus (OE)] abdominal muscles. The abdominal muscle recruitment order was dependent on the postural task but not on the predictability of a postural perturbation. Whereas arm raises elicited similar EMG onset latencies in TrA and OE, the OE onset latency was 48 ms earlier than the TrA following an unpredictable translation (P = 0.003). The early OE activation persisted when the translation was made predictable to the participant (P = 0.024). These results provide evidence that the abdominal muscle recruitment order varies with the trunk stability requirements specific to each task. Rehabilitation strategies focusing on an early TrA activation to improve postural stability may not be appropriate for all everyday tasks.
On the Trail of the Glucocorticoid Receptor: Into the Nucleus and Back
Authors: Vandevyver Sofie , Dejager Lien , Libert Claude
Published: September 2011

The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) belongs to the superfamily of steroid receptors and is an important regulator of physiological and metabolic processes. In its inactive state, GR is unbound by ligand and resides in the cytoplasm in a chaperone complex. When it binds glucocorticoids, it is activated and translocates to the nucleus, where it functions as a transcription factor. However, the subcellular localization of GR is determined by the balance between its rates of nuclear import and export. The mechanism of GR nuclear transport has been extensively studied. Originally, it was believed that nuclear import of GR is initiated by dissociation of the chaperone complex in the cytoplasm. However, several studies show that the chaperone machinery is required for nuclear transport of GR. In this review, we summarize the contribution of various chaperone components involved in the nuclear transport of GR and propose an updated model of its nuclear import and export. Moreover, we review the importance of ligand‐independent nuclear transport and compare the nuclear transport of GR with that of other steroid receptors.
Mechanism of Collapse of Endoplasmic Reticulum Cisternae During African Swine Fever Virus Infection
Authors: Windsor Miriam , Hawes Philippa , Monaghan Paul , Snapp Erik , Salas María L. , Rodríguez Javier M. , Wileman Thomas
Published: September 2011

Infection of cells with African swine fever virus (ASFV) can lead to the formation of zipper‐like stacks of structural proteins attached to collapsed endoplasmic reticulum (ER) cisternae. We show that the collapse of ER cisternae observed during ASFV infection is dependent on the viral envelope protein, J13Lp. Expression of J13Lp alone in cells is sufficient to induce collapsed ER cisternae. Collapse was dependent on a cysteine residue in the N‐terminal domain of J13Lp exposed to the ER lumen. Luminal collapse was also dependent on the expression of J13Lp within stacks of ER where antiparallel interactions between the cytoplasmic domains of J13Lp orientated N‐terminal domains across ER cisternae. Cisternal collapse was then driven by disulphide bonds between N‐terminal domains arranged in antiparallel arrays across the ER lumen. This provides a novel mechanism for biogenesis of modified stacks of ER present in cells infected with ASFV, and may also be relevant to cellular processes.
Perianal basal cell carcinoma – unusual localization of a frequent tumor
Authors: Kreuter Alexander , Bechara Falk G. , Stücker Markus , Brockmeyer Norbert H. , Altmeyer Peter , Wieland Ulrike
Published: September 2011

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common human neoplasia. In more than 80% of patients, who are predominantly elderly, it is located in the head‐and‐neck‐area. Basal cell carcinomas in non‐UV‐exposed areas of the body, such as the anogenital region, are dermatological rarities. We describe an 88‐year‐old patient with a perianal tumor that was detected during skin cancer screening. Histopathology showed the tumor to be a basal cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemical staining for Ber‐EP4 was highly positive, clearly distinguishing the tumor from basaloid anal carcinoma, which is the most important histological differential diagnosis. Additional virological analyses for human papil‐lomaviruses (HPV) were negative. Immunohistochemical staining for p16INK4a demonstrated strong expression in the cells of the tumor parenchyma. However, p16INK4a can also be expressed independently of HPV. The present case shows that all uncertain perianal skin lesions should be biopsied.
Age assessment of young asylum seekers
Authors: Hjern Anders , Brendler‐Lindqvist Maria , Norredam Marie
Published: September 2011

During 2009, 15 100 unaccompanied children sought asylum in Europe. Many of them came from ‘failed states’ like Somalia and Afghanistan where official documents with exact birth dates are rarely issued. This has led to requests to health care professionals in many countries to assist migration authorities in determining whether a young asylum seeker is a child or an adult. Many different methods are currently employed in Europe for this purpose by dentists, paediatricians, radiographers and social workers, but no currently available method has been demonstrated to have the accuracy needed to be of real use in this decision. Unclear guidelines and arbitrary practices may lead to alarming shortcomings in the protection of this high‐risk group of children and adolescents in Europe. Medical participation, as well as non‐participation, in these dubious decisions raises a number of ethical questions.

Conclusion:  To improve care for young asylum seekers with undetermined age, we suggest better legal procedures for the determination of age and a more flexible approach to chronological age.
Plant diversity consequences of a herbivore‐driven biome switch from Grassland to Nama‐Karoo shrub steppe in South Africa
Authors: Rutherford Michael C. , Powrie Leslie W. , Husted Lara B.
Published: September 2011

Questions

How does heavy grazing change plant community structure, composition and species richness and diversity in an ecotone between grassland and semi‐arid shrub steppe‐type vegetation? Does grazing favour plants with arid affinity over those with less arid affinity? Does the grazing‐induced transformation constitute a switch to the equivalent of a shrub‐dominated biome?

Location

Central South Africa.

Methods

Using systematic scanning of SPOT 5 imagery and ground‐truthing, a grazing treatment area was selected that met criteria of intensity of grazing, sampling requirements, and biogeographical position within a broad ecotonal zone. Differential vegetation responses to heavy grazing were tested for significant differences in plant traits, vegetation structure, and species diversity, richness and evenness. Gamma diversity was calculated for the whole study site, whereas, independent beta diversity was calculated across the treatments assuming the additive partitioning of diversity. In addition, the biogeographical association of grazing‐induced species shifts was determined using a range of available databases.

Results

Canopy cover and height of woody shrubs increased significantly with heavy grazing whereas that of graminoid plants declined. The resultant species turnover was modest, apparent extinctions of local species were minimal, species richness was maintained and species diversity was significantly enhanced. There was a significant increase in species evenness, through possible suppression of dominant species. Significant increases in species cover were those associated with mainly the Nama‐Karoo biome indicating that species from more arid areas are more resistant to grazing as would be expected by the convergence model of aridity and grazing resistance.

Conclusions

The significant increase in shrub cover in heavily grazed semi‐arid grassland followed general global expectations. The study confirmed that the supposed former large shift of grassland to shrubby Nama‐Karoo in the eastern upper Karoo can indeed be readily affected by heavy grazing. The negative connotations for biodiversity that have often been associated with intense grazing seem, in terms of the positive responses of plant species diversity in this study, to perhaps be exaggerated. The elevated species diversity with grazing of vegetation with a long evolutionary grazing history in a low resource area may require a reappraisal of the application of certain grazing hypotheses.