bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of microcirculation and wound healing in vertical ridge augmentation after pre‐treatment with self‐inflating soft tissue expanders – a randomized study in dogs
Authors: Kaner Dogan , Zhao Han , Terheyden Hendrik , Friedmann Anton
Published: April 2014

Objectives

We investigated the effect of soft tissue expansion (STE) on vertical ridge augmentation with regard to the incidence of wound dehiscences and the impairment of microcirculation in dogs, and the applicability of laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) to explore the relation between microcirculation and wound healing.

Material and methods

Bone defects were created on both mandibular sides in ten beagle dogs by extraction of premolars and removal of bone. Six weeks later, self‐filling tissue expanders were implanted in randomly assigned test sites. After 5 weeks of expansion, vertical augmentation was carried out in test and control sites using calvarial onlay grafts side by side with granular biphasic calcium phosphate covered with a resorbable polyethylene glycol membrane. Microcirculation was evaluated with laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF). The incidence of wound dehiscences was evaluated after 2 weeks. The validity of LDF to predict dehiscences was evaluated by construction of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

After augmentation, test sites showed significantly better perfusion than control sites without preceding STE (P = 0.012). Three days after surgery, perfusion was still significantly decreased in control sites (P = 0.005), while microcirculation in test sites had returned to pre‐surgical levels. After 2 weeks, healing in test sites was good, whereas eight dehiscences were found in control sites (P = 0.002). ROC curves showed that microcirculation levels immediately after augmentation surgery significantly predicted subsequent wound dehiscences (AUC = 0.799, CI 0.642–0.955, P = 0.006).

Conclusions

Laser Doppler flowmetry is suitable for evaluation of soft tissue microcirculation after ridge augmentation. STE reduced the impairment of microcirculation caused by vertical ridge augmentation and decreased the incidence of wound dehiscences in the investigated animal model.
Marginal bone and soft tissue behavior following platform switching abutment connection/disconnection– a dog model study
Authors: Alves Célia C. , Muñoz Fernando , Cantalapiedra António , Ramos Isabel , Neves Manuel , Blanco Juan
Published: April 2014

Objective

The effect on the marginal peri‐implant tissues following repeated platform switching abutment removal and subsequent reconnection was studied.

Material and Methods

Six adult female Beagle dogs were selected, and Pm3 and Pm4 teeth, both left and right sides, were extracted and the sites healed for 3 months. At this time, 24 bone level (BL) (Straumann®, Basel, Switzerland) Ø 3.3/8 mm implants were placed, 2 in each side on Pm3 and Pm4 regions. In one side (control group), 12 bone level conical Ø 3.6 mm healing abutments and, on the other side (test group), 12 Narrow CrossFit™ (NC) multibase abutments (Straumann®, Basel, Switzerland) were connected at time of implant surgery. On test group, all prosthetic procedures were carried out direct to multibase abutment without disconnecting it, where in the control group, the multibase abutment was connected/disconnected five times (at 6/8/10/12/14 weeks) during prosthetic procedures. Twelve fixed metal bridges were delivered 14 weeks after implant placement. A cleaning/control appointment was scheduled 6 months after implant placement. The animals were sacrificed at 9 months of the study. Clinical parameters and peri‐apical x‐rays were registered in every visit. Histomorphometric analysis was carried out for the 24 implants. The distance from multibase abutment shoulder to the first bone implant contact (S‐BIC) was defined as the primary histomorphometric parameter.

Results

Wilcoxon comparison paired test (n = 6) found no statistically significant differences (buccal P = 0.917; Lingual P = 0.463) between test and control groups both lingually and buccally for S‐BIC distance. Only Pm3 buccal aBE–BC (distance from the apical end of the barrier epithelium to the first bone implant contact) (P = 0.046) parameter presented statistically significant differences between test and control groups. Control group presented 0.57 mm more recession than test group, being this difference statistically significant between the two groups (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

It can be conclude, within the limits of this animal study, that the connection/disconnection of platform switching abutments during prosthetic phase of implant treatment does not induce bone marginal absorption. Furthermore, it may present a negative influence in the buccal connective tissue attachment that becomes shorter anyway preventing marginal hard tissue resorption, especially in thin biotypes.
Clinical study on survival rate of short implants placed in the posterior mandibular region: resonance frequency analysis
Authors: Queiroz Thallita P. , Aguiar Samuel C. , Margonar Rogério , de Souza Faloni Ana P. , Gruber Reinhard , Luvizuto Eloá R.
Published: April 2014

Objective

Short implants are increasingly used, but there is doubt about their performance being similar to that of regular implants. The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical stability of short implants vs. regular implants placed in the edentulous posterior mandible.

Material and methods

Twenty‐three patients received a total of 48 short implants (5 × 5.5 mm and 5 × 7 mm) and 42 regular implants (4 × 10 mm and 4 × 11.5 mm) in the posterior mandible. Patients who received short implants had <10 mm of bone height measured from the bone crest to the outer wall of the mandibular canal. Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was performed at time intervals T0 (immediately after implant placement), T1 (after 15 days), T2 (after 30 days), T3 (after 60 days), and T4 (after 90 days).

Results

The survival rate after 90 days was 87.5% for the short implants and 100% for regular implants (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the implants in time intervals T1, T2, T3, and T4. In T0, the RFA values of 5 × 5.5 implants were higher than values of 5 × 7 and 4 × 11.5 implants (P < 0.05). A total of six short implants that were placed in four patients were lost (three of 5 × 5.5 mm and three of 5 × 7 mm). Three lost implants started with high ISQ values, which progressively decreased. The other three lost implants started with a slightly lower ISQ value, which rose and then began to fall.

Conclusions

Survival rate of short implants after 90 days was lower than that of regular implants. However, short implants may be considered a reasonable alternative for rehabilitation of severely resorbed mandibles with reduced height, to avoid performing bone reconstruction before implant placement. Patients need to be aware of the reduced survival rate compared with regular implants before implant placement to avoid disappointments.
Immediate loading of post‐extractive single‐tooth implants: a 1‐year prospective study
Authors: Cristalli Maria Paola , Marini Roberta , La Monaca Gerardo , Sepe Claudio , Tonoli Federica , Annibali Susanna
Published: April 2014

Purpose

The aim of this prospective clinical trial was to assess clinical, radiological, and esthetic outcomes of immediate‐loaded post‐extractive implants after 1 year of follow‐up.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐four consecutive patients (15 females and nine males) with a mean age of 47.27 years (range 35–65) requiring single‐tooth extraction in the maxillary or mandibular anterior or premolar areas were enrolled. Twenty‐fiveNobelActive®implants (NobelBiocare,Göteborg,Sweden) were placed and loaded immediately after tooth extraction. The definitive prosthetic restoration was delivered 6 months later. Clinical parameters, marginal bone loss, as well as, pink and white esthetic scores (PESandWES) were evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months after implant placement.

Results

After 12‐month follow‐up period, a success rate of 91.67% was reported: Two of the 25 initially placed implants were lost after 4 weeks due to lack of osseointegration. The mean marginal bone loss after 1‐year follow‐up was 0.383 (SD ± 0.749) at mesial site and 0.278 (SD ± 0.595) at distal site. No statistically significant changes in the full‐mouth plaque score (FMPS) and in the full‐mouth bleeding score (FMBS) were observed from baseline to 12 months. The mean totalPES/WESwas 17.13 ± 1.91 (range: 13–20). None of 23 implants had an overall score <12 (threshold of clinical acceptability).

Conclusion

Within the limitations of the present study, when careful patient selection and strict clinical protocol are observed, the immediate placement and loading of a singleNobelActive™implant in a fresh extraction socket may be considered a valuable and predictable option in terms of implant success as well as hard and soft tissues stability.
Contemporary methods of body composition measurement
Authors: Fosbøl Marie Ø. , Zerahn Bo
Published: April 2014

Reliable and valid body composition assessment is important in both clinical and research settings. A multitude of methods and techniques for body composition measurement exist, all with inherent problems, whether in measurement methodology or in the assumptions upon which they are based. This review is focused on currently applied methods for in vivo measurement of body composition, including densitometry, bioimpedance analysis, dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance techniques and anthropometry. Multicompartment models including quantification of trace elements by in vivo neutron activation analysis, which are regarded as gold standard methods, are also summarized. The choice of a specific method or combination of methods for a particular study depends on various considerations including accuracy, precision, subject acceptability, convenience, cost and radiation exposure. The relative advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed with these considerations in mind.
DDIT3 overexpression increases odontoblastic potential of human dental pulp cells
Authors: Wu Y. , Sun H. , Song F. , Fu D. , Wang J.
Published: April 2014

Objectives

Human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) with multi‐potential differentiational capacity can undergo odontoblastic differentiation when stimulated with proinflammatory cytokines. However, factors linking proinflammatory stimuli and their odontoblastic differentiation have, as yet, not been completely understood. As an apoptotic transcription factor, DDIT3 plays a crucial role in the inflammatory reaction and in osteogenic differentiation. Thus, we hypothesized that DDIT3 may participate in odontoblastic differentiation of HDPCs.

Materials and methods

Immunofluorescent staining was used to detect expression of DDIT3 in HDPCs and effects of TNFα, on its nuclear accumulation. HDPCs that overexpressed DDIT3 were developed and their proliferation and odontoblastic differentiation abilities were examined. qRT‐PCR was employed to detect mineralization‐related genes, including ALP, runt‐related transcription factor‐2 (Runx2), osterix (OSX), dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein 1 (DMP1) and osteocalcin (OCN). Western blot analysis was performed to detect expression of DSPP protein.

Results

DDIT3 was expressed in HDPCs. TNFα treatment enhanced mRNA expression as well as nuclear accumulation of DDIT3 (slightly). DDIT3 overexpression reduced HDPC proliferation, however, it increased their calcium nodule formation and expression of OSX, DSPP, DMP1 and OCN.

Conclusions

DDIT3 may be a factor that links proinflammatory stimuli and differentiation of HDPCs.
Epigenetic regulation of the Igf2/H19 gene cluster
Authors: Nordin M. , Bergman D. , Halje M. , Engström W. , Ward A.
Published: April 2014

Igf2 (insulin‐like growth factor 2) and H19 genes are imprinted in mammals; they are expressed unevenly from the two parental alleles. Igf2 is a growth factor expressed in most normal tissues, solely from the paternal allele. H19 gene is transcribed (but not translated to a protein) from the maternal allele. Igf2 protein is a growth factor particularly important during pregnancy, where it promotes both foetal and placental growth and also nutrient transfer from mother to offspring via the placenta. This article reviews epigenetic regulation of the Igf2/H19 gene‐cluster that leads to parent‐specific expression, with current models including parental allele‐specific DNA methylation and chromatin modifications, DNA‐binding of insulator proteins (CTCFs) and three‐dimensional partitioning of DNA in the nucleus. It is emphasized that key genomic features are conserved among mammals and have been functionally tested in mouse. ‘The enhancer competition model’, ‘the boundary model’ and ‘the chromatin‐loop model’ are three models based on differential methylation as the epigenetic mark responsible for the imprinted expression pattern. Pathways are discussed that can account for allelic methylation differences; there is a recent study that contradicts the previously accepted fact that biallelic expression is accompanied with loss of differential methylation pattern.
Area 4 has layer IV in adult primates
Authors: García‐Cabezas Miguel Ángel , Barbas Helen
Published: April 2014

There are opposing views about the status of layer IV in the primary motor cortex (area 4). Cajal described a layer IV in area 4 of adult humans. In contrast, Brodmann found layer IV in developmental but not in adult primates and called area 4 ‘agranular’. We addressed this issue in rhesus monkeys using the neural marker SMI‐32, which labels neurons in lower layer III and upper layer V, but not in layer IV. SMI‐32 delineated a central unlabeled cortical stripe in area 4 that corresponds to layer IV, which was populated with small interneurons also found in layer IV in ‘granular’ areas (such as area 46). We distinguished layer IV interneurons from projection neurons in the layers above and below using cellular criteria. The commonly used term ‘agranular’ for area 4 is also used for the phylogenetically ancient limbic cortices, confusing areas that differ markedly in laminar structure. This issue pertains to the systematic variation in the architecture across cortices, traced from limbic cortices through areas with increasingly more elaborate laminar structure. The principle of systematic variation can be used to predict laminar patterns of connections across cortical systems. This principle places area 4 and agranular anterior cingulate cortices at opposite poles of the graded laminar differentiation of motor cortices. The status of layer IV in area 4 thus pertains to core organisational features of the cortex, its connections and evolution.
Hedge Funds and Corporate Innovation
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhao Jing
Published: April 2014

Using National Bureau of Economics Research patent data and hedge fund holdings in US firms from 1998 to 2006, we examine the effect of hedge fund ownership on corporate innovation. We find that hedge fund ownership increases both patent quantity and quality, even after controlling for endogeneity. Hedge funds appear to increase innovation and firm value by increasing research and development (R&D) productivity and innovation efficiency rather than R&D input. Our study suggests another channel through which hedge funds may enhance firm value, contributing to the literature on hedge fund ownership.
Forecasting Natural Aquifer Discharge Using a Numerical Model and Convolution
Authors: Boggs Kevin G. , Johnson Gary S. , Van Kirk Rob , Fairley Jerry P.
Published: April 2014

If the nature of groundwater sources and sinks can be determined or predicted, the data can be used to forecast natural aquifer discharge. We present a procedure to forecast the relative contribution of individual aquifer sources and sinks to natural aquifer discharge. Using these individual aquifer recharge components, along with observed aquifer heads for each January, we generate a 1‐year, monthly spring discharge forecast for the upcoming year with an existing numerical model and convolution. The results indicate that a forecast of natural aquifer discharge can be developed using only the dominant aquifer recharge sources combined with the effects of aquifer heads (initial conditions) at the time the forecast is generated. We also estimate how our forecast will perform in the future using a jackknife procedure, which indicates that the future performance of the forecast is good (Nash‐Sutcliffe efficiency of 0.81). We develop a forecast and demonstrate important features of the procedure by presenting an application to the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer in southern Idaho.
A New Zonation Algorithm with Parameter Estimation Using Hydraulic Head and Subsidence Observations
Authors: Zhang Meijing , Burbey Thomas J. , Nunes Vitor Dos Santos , Borggaard Jeff
Published: April 2014

Parameter estimation codes such as UCODE_2005 are becoming well‐known tools in groundwater modeling investigations. These programs estimate important parameter values such as transmissivity (T) and aquifer storage values (Sa) from known observations of hydraulic head, flow, or other physical quantities. One drawback inherent in these codes is that the parameter zones must be specified by the user. However, such knowledge is often unknown even if a detailed hydrogeological description is available. To overcome this deficiency, we present a discrete adjoint algorithm for identifying suitable zonations from hydraulic head and subsidence measurements, which are highly sensitive to both elastic (Sske) and inelastic (Sskv) skeletal specific storage coefficients. With the advent of interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR), distributed spatial and temporal subsidence measurements can be obtained. A synthetic conceptual model containing seven transmissivity zones, one aquifer storage zone and three interbed zones for elastic and inelastic storage coefficients were developed to simulate drawdown and subsidence in an aquifer interbedded with clay that exhibits delayed drainage. Simulated delayed land subsidence and groundwater head data are assumed to be the observed measurements, to which the discrete adjoint algorithm is called to create approximate spatial zonations of T, Sske, and Sskv. UCODE‐2005 is then used to obtain the final optimal parameter values. Calibration results indicate that the estimated zonations calculated from the discrete adjoint algorithm closely approximate the true parameter zonations. This automation algorithm reduces the bias established by the initial distribution of zones and provides a robust parameter zonation distribution.
In‐Situ Sonication for Enhanced Recovery of Aquifer Microbial Communities
Authors: Ugolini Fabio , Henneberger Ruth , Bürgmann Helmut , Zeyer Josef , Schroth Martin H.
Published: April 2014

Sampling methods for characterization of microbial communities in aquifers should target both suspended and attached microorganisms (biofilms). We investigated the effectiveness and reproducibility of low‐frequency (200 Hz) sonication pulses on improving extraction efficiency and quality of microorganisms from a petroleum‐contaminated aquifer in Studen (Switzerland). Sonication pulses at different power levels (0.65, 0.9, and 1.1 kW) were applied to three different groundwater monitoring wells. Groundwater samples extracted after each pulse were compared with background groundwater samples for cell and adenosine tri‐phosphate concentration. Turbidity values were obtained to assess the release of sediment fines and associated microorganisms. The bacterial community in extracted groundwater samples was analyzed by terminal‐restriction‐fragment‐length polymorphism and compared with communities obtained from background groundwater samples and from sediment cores. Sonication enhanced the extraction efficiency up to 13‐fold, with most of the biomass being associated with the sediment fines extracted with groundwater. Consecutive pulses at constant power were decreasingly effective, while pulses with higher power yielded the best results both in terms of extraction efficiency and quality. Our results indicate that low‐frequency sonication may be a viable and cost‐effective tool to improve the extraction of microorganisms from aquifers, taking advantage of existing groundwater monitoring wells.
Effect of Biodentine and Bioaggregate on odontoblastic differentiation via mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway in human dental pulp cells
Authors: Jung J.‐Y. , Woo S.‐M. , Lee B.‐N. , Koh J.‐T. , Nör J. E. , Hwang Y.‐C.
Published: April 2014

Aim

To compare the mineralization inductive capacity of Biodentine and Bioaggregate with Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and to investigate possible signaling pathways of mineralization in human dental pulp cells (HDPCs).

Methodology

Viability of HDPCs in response to Biodentine, Bioaggregate, and MTA was measured using 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide. To investigate their potential to induce odontoblast differentiation, expression of dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and dentine matrix protein1 (DMP1) mRNA level was evaluated by RT‐PCR. For the mineralized nodule assay, Alizarin red staining was performed. To determine the role of MAPK signaling in the odontoblastic differentiation of HDPCs, activated MAPKs were investigated by Western blot and the effect of MAPK inhibitor was examined by Alizarin red S staining. The results were statistically analysed using one‐way anova and the Bonferroni test.

Results

The effects of MTA, Biodentine, and Bioaggregate on cell viability were similar. Biodentine and Bioaggregate enhanced DSPP and DMP1 mRNA expression compared to the control group, but to the same extent as MTA (P < 0.05). MTA, Biodentine, and Bioaggregate increased the area of calcified nodules compared to the control (P < 0.01). MTA, Biodentine, and Bioaggregate increased phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK). MAPK inhibitors attenuated mineralized nodule formation, which was increased by MTA, Biodentine, and Bioaggregate, respectively (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Biodentine and Bioaggregate stimulated odontoblastic differentiation and mineralization nodule formation by activating the MAPK pathway as did MTA. This suggests that the new materials could be useful for regenerative endodontic procedures.
Polynomial time approximation algorithms for proportionate open‐shop scheduling
Authors: Naderi B. , Zandieh M. , Yazdani M.
Published: April 2014

This paper deals with the presentation of polynomial time (approximation) algorithms for a variant of open‐shop scheduling, where the processing times are only machine‐dependent. This variant of scheduling is called proportionate scheduling and its applications are used in many real‐world environments. This paper develops three polynomial time algorithms for the problem. First, we present a polynomial time algorithm that solves the problem optimally if , where n and m denote the numbers of jobs and machines, respectively. If, on the other hand, , we develop a polynomial time approximation algorithm with a worst‐case performance ratio of that improves the bound existing for general open‐shops. Next, in the case of , we take into account the problem under consideration as a master problem and convert it into a simpler secondary approximation problem. Furthermore, we formulate both the master and secondary problems, and compare their complexity sizes. We finally present another polynomial time algorithm that provides optimal solution for a special case of the problem where .
The cost‐benefit of using soft silicone multilayered foam dressings to prevent sacral and heel pressure ulcers in trauma and critically ill patients: a within‐trial analysis of the Border Trial
Authors: Santamaria Nick , Liu Wei , Gerdtz Marie , Sage Sarah , McCann Jane , Freeman Amy , Vassiliou Theresa , DeVincentis Stephanie , Ng Ai W , Manias Elizabeth , Knott Jonathan , Liew Danny
Published: April 2014

Little is known about the cost‐benefit of soft silicone foam dressings in pressure ulcer (PU) prevention among critically ill patients in the emergency department (ED) and intensive care unit (ICU). A randomised controlled trial to assess the efficacy of soft silicone foam dressings in preventing sacral and heel PUs was undertaken among 440 critically ill patients in an acute care hospital. Participants were randomly allocated either to an intervention group with prophylactic dressings applied to the sacrum and heels in the ED and changed every 3 days in the ICU or to a control group with standard PU prevention care provided during their ED and ICU stay. The results showed a significant reduction of PU incidence rates in the intervention group (P = 0·001). The intervention cost was estimated to be AU$36·61 per person based on an intention‐to‐treat analysis, but this was offset by lower downstream costs associated with PU treatment (AU$1103·52). Therefore, the average net cost of the intervention was lower than that of the control (AU$70·82 versus AU$144·56). We conclude that the use of soft silicone multilayered foam dressings to prevent sacral and heel PUs among critically ill patients results in cost savings in the acute care hospital.
Revisiting History: The Creation of Provinces and the Politics of Social Policy in a Democratic South Africa
Authors: van Niekerk Robert
Published: April 2014

The pre‐democracy negotiations between the African National Congress (ANC) and the National Party (NP) established nine provincial forms of government to replace the four provinces of the apartheid era. The nine provinces contrasted with the historical goal of the ANC to create a ‘democratic, non‐racial and unitary South Africa’. The NP wanted nine new provinces to prevent centralized state power under an ANC government and saw possibilities for winning electoral power in the Western Cape. The ANC conceded following political pressure from the Inkatha Freedom Party, which threatened civil war, and a policy shift after examining the German federal governance system. The article analyzes the history, politics, process and outcomes of the establishment of the nine provinces for social policy delivery in South Africa. It explores the contention that the nine provinces re‐fragmented service delivery (although not on a statutory racial basis) and created a system of fiscal decentralization with serious implications for social policy: weakening bureaucratic capacity, institutional capability and political accountability. The provincial governance mechanisms and fiscal institutions created a particular ‘path dependency’ which, 18 years after democratic, rule still impacts negatively on service delivery and more equitable policy outcomes. This is in part due to the undermining of provincial governance mechanisms and fiscal institutions by a significant minority of corrupt and incompetent provincial civil servants. The corruption of these provincial governance mechanisms and fiscal institutions erodes the egalitarian values aimed at creating a non‐racial, non‐sexist, democratic and unitary South Africa which historically underpinned the policy agenda of the ANC. It also has weakened social citizenship on a geographical and ultimately racial basis given the continuing co‐incidence of race and place in a democratic South Africa.
Equity and ‘No Fee’ Schools in South Africa: Challenges and Prospects
Authors: Sayed Yusuf , Motala Shireen
Published: April 2014

Despite almost 20 years of democratic governance in South Africa, there is growing evidence that equitable access to quality education remains elusive for the majority of its children. In 2007, the Department of Education declared 40 per cent of schools in the country to be ‘no fee’ schools and, by 2011, 60 per cent of all schools had been designated as such. This article examines the introduction and the effects to date of the no fee schools policy, and assesses the progress of South Africa's undoubtedly pro‐poor education policies towards promoting equality in education and, above all, achieving equity of access to resource allocation. It discusses the main challenges and issues relating to the implementation of the no fee policy at provincial and school levels while also considering the efficacy of existing equitable funding instruments, and concludes with suggestions for how more effective and equitable access to quality education can be realized.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomography, and Gross Anatomy of the Canine Tarsus
Authors: Deruddere Kirsten J. , Milne Marjorie E. , Wilson Kane M. , Snelling Sam R.
Published: April 2014

Objectives

To describe the normal anatomy of the soft tissues of the canine tarsus as identified on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to evaluate specific MRI sequences and planes for observing structures of diagnostic interest.

Study Design

Prospective descriptive study.

Animals

Canine cadavers (n = 3).

Methods

A frozen cadaver pelvic limb was used to trial multiple MRI sequences using a 1.5 T superconducting magnet and preferred sequences were selected. Radiographs of 6 canine cadaver pelvic limbs confirmed the tarsi were radiographically normal. A 16‐slice CT scanner was used to obtain 1 mm contiguous slices through the tarsi. T1‐weighted, proton density with fat suppression (PD FS) and T2‐weighted MRI sequences were obtained in the sagittal plane, T1‐weighted, and PD FS sequences in the dorsal plane and PD FS sequences in the transverse plane. The limbs were frozen for one month and sliced into 4–5 mm thick frozen sections. Anatomic sections were photographed and visually correlated to CT and MR images.

Results

Most soft tissue structures were easiest to identify on the transverse MRI sections with cross reference to either the sagittal or dorsal plane. Bony structures were easily identified on all CT, MR, and gross sections.

Conclusions

The anatomy of the canine tarsus can be readily identified on MR imaging.
Photoluminescence Properties of Novel Host‐Sensitized Y6WO12:Dy3+ Phosphors
Authors: Yu Ruijin , Shin Dong Soo , Jang Kiwan , Guo Yue , Noh Hyeon Mi , Moon Byung Kee , Choi Byung Chun , Jeong Jung Hyun , Yi Soung Soo
Published: April 2014

Novel host‐sensitized Y6WO12:xDy3+ (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.20) phosphors were synthesized via solid‐state reaction process. X‐ray diffraction analysis confirmed the phase formation of Y6WO12:Dy3+ materials. The photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra, concentration effect, thermal‐quenching, and decay properties were investigated. The phosphor could be excited by the UV light region from 300 to 400 nm, and it exhibited blue (478 nm) and yellow (568 nm) emission corresponding to 4F9/2–6H15/2 transitions and 4F9/2–6H13/2 transitions, respectively. The WO6 groups in the host lattices can absorb UV light efficiently, and then transferred the energy to the activator Dy3+ ions, resulting in near white light emission. The optimum dopant concentration of Dy3+ ions in Y6WO12:xDy3+ was around 5 mol% and the critical transfer distance of Dy3+ was calculated as 12 Å. The fluorescence lifetime was also determined in Y6WO12:0.05Dy3+. The temperature dependence of photoluminescence properties was investigated from 300 to 480 K and the prepared Y6WO12:Dy3+ phosphors showed poor thermal‐quenching properties.
Corroborating evidence‐based medicine
Authors: Mebius Alexander
Published: April 2014

Proponents of evidence‐based medicine (EBM) have argued convincingly for applying this scientific method to medicine. However, the current methodological framework of the EBM movement has recently been called into question, especially in epidemiology and the philosophy of science. The debate has focused on whether the methodology of randomized controlled trials provides the best evidence available. This paper attempts to shift the focus of the debate by arguing that clinical reasoning involves a patchwork of evidential approaches and that the emphasis on evidence hierarchies of methodology fails to lend credence to the common practice of corroboration in medicine. I argue that the strength of evidence lies in the evidence itself, and not the methodology used to obtain that evidence. Ultimately, when it comes to evaluating the effectiveness of medical interventions, it is the evidence obtained from the methodology rather than the methodology that should establish the strength of the evidence.
Identification and characterization of Argonaute gene family and meiosis‐enriched Argonaute during sporogenesis in maize
Authors: Zhai Lihong , Sun Wei , Zhang Ke , Jia Haitao , Liu Lei , Liu Zhijie , Teng Feng , Zhang Zuxin
Published: April 2014

Argonaute (AGO) proteins play a key role in regulation of gene expression through small RNA‐directed RNA cleavage and translational repression, and are essential for multiple developmental processes. In the present study, 17 AGO genes of maize (Zea mays L., ZmAGOs) were identified using a Hidden Markov Model and validated by rapid amplification of cDNA ends assay. Subsequently, quantitative PCR revealed that expressions of these genes were higher in reproductive than in vegetative tissues. AGOs presented five temporal and spatial expression patterns, which were likely modulated by DNA methylation, 5′‐untranslated exons and microRNA‐mediated feedback loops. Intriguingly, ZmAGO18b was highly expressed in tassels during meiosis. Furthermore, in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence showed that ZmAGO18b was enriched in the tapetum and germ cells in meiotic anthers. We hypothesized that ZmAGOs are highly expressed in reproductive tissues, and that ZmAGO18b is a tapetum and germ cell‐specific member of the AGO family in maize.
The Concept(s) of Trust in Late Modernity, the Relevance of Realist Social Theory
Authors: Colledge Barbara , Morgan Jamie , Tench Ralph
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we argue that trust is an important aspect of social reality, one that realist social theory has paid little attention to but which clearly resonates with a realist social ontology. Furthermore, the emergence of an interest in trust in specific subject fields such as organization theory indicates the growing significance of issues of trust as market liberalism has developed. As such, the emergence of an interest in trust provides support forArcher's characterisation of late modernity inThe Reflexive Imperative(2012) as a period of heterogeneity and greater incongruity. Commenting on this provides an opportunity to discuss the issue of habit in relation to trust and also the importance of the analysis of integration as a means to explain problems of trust. The commentary draws on examples from finance.
The usefulness of transient elastography in the assessment of patients with HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Papatheodoridis G. V. , Manolakopoulos S. , Margariti A. , Papageorgiou M. V. , Kranidioti H. , Katoglou A. , Kontos G. , Adamidi S. , Kafiri G. , Deutsch M. , Pectasides D.
Published: April 2014

Histological severity is often mandatory for the management of HBeAg‐negative chronic HBV patients. We evaluated the performance of transient elastography (TE) in this setting. We included 357 untreated HBeAg‐negative patients with ≥1 reliable liver stiffness measurement (LSM‐kPa) by TE: 182 inactive carriers with HBV‐DNA < 2000 (n = 139) or 2000–19 999 IU/mL (n = 43) and 175 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). In carriers, HBV‐DNA > 2000 and/or LSM > 6.5 were considered as biopsy indications. LSMs did not differ between carriers with low and high viremia, but were lower in carriers than in patients with CHB (5.8 ± 1.7 vs 9.0 ± 5.6, P < 0.001) offering moderate differentiation between these two groups (AUROC: 0.705). LSMs did not change significantly in carriers after 16 (12–24) months. In carriers with a liver biopsy, Ishak's staging scores were similar between cased with low and high viremia but higher in cases with LSM > 6.5 than ≤6.5 kPa. Moderate fibrosis (stages: 2–3) was detected in 0/10 carriers with only HBV‐DNA > 2000 IU/mL, 2/10 (20%) carriers with only LSM > 6.5 and 5/10 (50%) carriers with both HBV‐DNA > 2000 and LSM > 6.5 (P = 0.009). In patients with CHB, LSMs correlated significantly with grading and staging scores and offered excellent accuracy for ≥moderate, ≥severe fibrosis or cirrhosis (AUROC ≥ 0.919–0.950). TE can be helpful for the noninvasive assessment of HBeAg‐negative chronic HBV patients. In conclusion, LSMs offer excellent accuracy for fibrosis severity in HBeAg‐negative patients with CHB and can identify carriers with high risk of moderate fibrosis, which may be present in up to 35% of carriers with LSM > 6.5 kPa and 50% of carriers with LSM > 6.5 kPa and HBV‐DNA > 2000 IU/mL.
Computational Approaches to the Pragmatics Problem
Authors: Cummins Chris , de Ruiter Jan P.
Published: April 2014

Unlike many aspects of human language, pragmatics involves a systematic many‐to‐many mapping between form and meaning. This renders the computational problems of encoding and decoding meaning especially challenging, both for humans in normal conversation and for artificial dialogue systems that need to understand their users' input. A particularly striking example of this difficulty is the recognition of speech act or dialogue act types. In this review, we discuss why this is a problem and why its solution is potentially relevant both for our understanding of human interaction and for the implementation of artificial systems. We examine some of the theoretical and practical attempts that have been made to overcome this problem and consider how the field might develop in the near future.
A peculiar histopathological form of dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor with separated pilocytic astrocytoma and rosette‐forming glioneuronal tumor components
Authors: Matyja Ewa , Grajkowska Wiesława , Kunert Przemysław , Marchel Andrzej
Published: April 2014

Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNTs) mostly display typical clinical, neuroimaging and histopathological features, but sometimes they reveal heterogeneous or non‐specific morphology, which results in diagnostic dilemmas. We present a case of a young adult with longstanding, intractable epilepsy associated with a multinodular cystic lesion in the temporal lobe. The lesion consisted of morphologically different components. In particular, a few cortical nodules displayed a specific glioneuronal element with floating neurons typically found in DNT. Two large, well‐circumscribed nodules were entirely composed of biphasic, piloid, astroglial patterns that corresponded strictly to a pilocytic astrocytoma. The well‐defined areas, which contained numerous distinct neurocytic‐like rosettes, were identical with rosette‐forming glioneuronal tumors (RGNTs). This type of neurocytic rosette was widespread within the surrounding piloid background. Some solid nodules exhibited increased cellularity, oligodendroglioma‐like elements and a focal ribbon cell arrangement. The lesion was associated with advanced reactive gliosis and foci of dysplastic changes in the adjacent cortex. The clinico‐radiological and main histopathological features were consistent with a diagnosis of a complex variant of DNT composed of pilocytic and rosette‐forming glioneuronal components. Although both piloid tissue and rosette‐like formations have been occasionally mentioned in DNT lesions, the present case of DNT was unique in its well‐circumscribed, separate pilocytic and RGNT nodules. We concluded that it represented an unusual, mixed pilocytic/RGNT variant of DNT.
Rationales of restricted visiting hour in Iranian intensive care units: a qualitative study
Authors: Tayebi Zahra , borimnejad Leili , Dehghan‐Nayeri Nahid , Kohan Mahmoud
Published: April 2014

Background

Today, critical care visitation is considered an important aspect of patient‐centred care and its positive effects on patients and their relatives have been demonstrated. However, restricted visiting hours in the intensive care units (ICUs) is often an adopted norm. The reasons for such restricted policies in Iran still remain unknown.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to identify the rationales for restricted visiting hours in adult ICUs in Iran.

Methods

A qualitative design using a thematic analysis approach was used for data gathering and analysis. Participants in this study were six nurses, three head nurses, two patients and four visitors. They were chosen through purposive sampling method. Data were gathered through semi‐structured individual interviews.

Findings

The data analysis resulted in three themes: ‘health protection’, ‘safety promotion’ and ‘privacy preservation’.

Conclusion

The result showed that through restricted visiting hours, nurses try to protect vulnerable ICU patients from physical, psychological and legal risk. Although the ICU nurses' concerns seem reasonable in some cases, a review of visiting policies in order to meet the needs of patients and their families is essential.

Relevance to clinical practice

Effective supervision by charge nurses and regulation of environmental activities with visiting hours can resolve many concerns. Health care professionals, especially nurses, are required to create the conditions in which patients' family members are informed about the patients' health status and patients can be visited in suitable ward conditions.
Subcellular localization of rice acyl‐CoA‐binding proteins (ACBPs) indicates that OsACBP6::GFP is targeted to the peroxisomes
Authors: Meng Wei , Hsiao An‐Shan , Gao Caiji , Jiang Liwen , Chye Mee‐Len
Published: April 2014

Acyl‐CoA‐binding proteins (ACBPs) show conservation at the acyl‐CoA‐binding (ACB) domain which facilitates binding to acyl‐CoA esters. In Arabidopsis thaliana, six ACBPs participate in development and stress responses. Rice (Oryza sativa) also contains six genes encoding ACBPs. We investigated differences in subcellular localization between monocot rice and eudicot A. thaliana ACBPs.

The subcellular localization of the six OsACBPs was achieved via transient expression of green fluorescence protein (GFP) fusions in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) epidermal cells, and stable transformation of A. thaliana. As plant ACBPs had not been reported in the peroxisomes, OsACBP6::GFP localization was confirmed by transient expression in rice sheath cells. The function of OsACBP6 was investigated by overexpressing 35S::OsACBP6 in the peroxisomal abc transporter1 (pxa1) mutant defective in peroxisomal fatty acid β‐oxidation.

As predicted, OsACBP1::GFP and OsACBP2::GFP were localized to the cytosol, and OsACBP4::GFP and OsACBP5::GFP to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). However, OsACBP3::GFP displayed subcellular multi‐localization while OsACBP6::GFP was localized to the peroxisomes. 35S::OsACBP6‐OE/pxa1 lines showed recovery in indole‐3‐butyric acid (IBA) peroxisomal β‐oxidation, wound‐induced VEGETATIVE STORAGE PROTEIN1 (VSP1) expression and jasmonic acid (JA) accumulation.

These findings indicate a role for OsACBP6 in peroxisomal β‐oxidation, and suggest that rice ACBPs are involved in lipid degradation in addition to lipid biosynthesis.
Vitamin D, steroid hormones, and autoimmunity
Authors: Cutolo Maurizio , Paolino Sabrina , Sulli Alberto , Smith Vanessa , Pizzorni Carmen , Seriolo Bruno
Published: April 2014

The endogenous serum metabolite of vitamin D (calcitriol, 1,25(OH)2D3) is considered a true steroid hormone (D hormone), and like glucocorticoids (GCs) and gonadal hormones, may exert several immunomodulatory activities. Serum vitamin D deficiency (25(OH) D), and therefore reduced 1,25(OH)2D3 availability, is considered a risk factor for several chronic/inflammatory or autoimmune conditions, including infectious diseases, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and especially autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD). In ARD in particular, 1,25(OH)2D3 regulates both innate and adaptive immunity, potentiating the innate response (antimicrobial activity) but reducing adaptive immunity (antigen presentation, T and B cell activities). Regarding a possible synergism between vitamin D and GCs, several studies show that 1,25(OH)2D3 has significant additive effects on dexamethasone‐mediated inhibition of human lymphocyte and monocyte proliferation. Conversely, vitamin D deficiency seems to play a role in increasing autoantibody production by B cells, and seasonal vitamin D declines may trigger flares in ARD, as recently shown. Finally, 1,25(OH)2D3 seems to reduce aromatase activity and limit the negative effects related to increased peripheral estrogen metabolism (cell proliferation, B cell overactivity).
The origins of Dinosauria: much ado about nothing
Authors: Langer Max C.
Published: April 2014

Research this century has greatly improved our knowledge of the origin and early radiation of dinosaurs. The unearthing of several new dinosaurs and close outgroups from Triassic rocks from various parts of the world, coupled with improved phylogenetic analyses, has set a basic framework in terms of timing of events and macroevolutionary patterns. However, important parts of the early dinosauromorph evolutionary history are still poorly understood, rendering uncertain the phylogenetic position of silesaurids as either non‐dinosaur Dinosauriformes or ornithischians, as well as that of various early saurischians, such as Eoraptor lunensis and herrerasaurs, as either noneusaurischians or members of the sauropodomorph or theropod lineages. This lack of agreement in part derives from a patchy distribution of traits among early members of the main dinosauromorph lineages and requires a more meticulous assessment of characters and homologies than those recently conducted. Presently, the oldest uncontroversial dinosaur records come from Late Triassic (Carnian) rocks of South America, southern Africa and India, hinting at a south‐western Pangaea origin of the group. Besides, macroevolutionary approaches suggest that the rise of dinosaurs was a more gradual process than previously understood. Obviously, these tentative scenarios need to be tested by new fossil finds, which should also help close the major gaps recognized in the fossil record of Triassic dinosauromorphs.
The Relation Between Patients' NRS Pain Scores and Their Desire for Additional Opioids after Surgery
Authors: van Dijk Jacqueline F. M. , Kappen Teus H. , Schuurmans Marieke J. , van Wijck Albert J. M.
Published: April 2014

Background

Postoperative pain is commonly assessed through a numerical rating scale (NRS), an 11‐point scale where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain. Guidelines advise the administration of analgesics at NRS pain scores above 3 or 4. In clinical practice, not all patients with pain scores above the treatment threshold are willing to accept additional analgesic treatment, especially when opioids are offered. The objective of this study is to measure the relation between patients' NRS pain scores and their desire for additional opioids.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study examined 1,084 patients in an academic hospital the day after surgery between January 2010 and June 2010. The day after surgery, patients were asked to score their pain and desire for opioids. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the desire for opioids and the different NRS thresholds were calculated.

Results

Only when patients scored an 8 or higher on the NRS did the majority express a need for opioids. Many patients did not desire opioids, because they considered their pain tolerable, even at an NRS score above 4.

Conclusions

With the current guidelines (ie, using pain scores above 3 or 4 for prescribing opioids), many patients could be overtreated. Therefore, scores generated by the NRS should be interpreted individually.