bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shorter Telomere Length in Peripheral Blood Cells Associated With Migraine in Women
Authors: Ren Hua , Collins Veronica , Fernandez Francesca , Quinlan Sharon , Griffiths Lyn , Choo K. H. Andy
Published: June 2010

(Headache 2010;50:965‐972)

Objective.— To evaluate relative telomere length of female migraine patients.

Background.— Migraine is a debilitating disorder affecting 6‐28% of the population. Studies on the mechanisms of migraine have demonstrated genetic causes but the pathophysiology and subcellular effects of the disease remain poorly understood. Shortened telomere length is associated with age‐related or chronic diseases, and induced stresses. Migraine attacks may impart significant stress on cellular function, thus this study investigates a correlation between shortening of telomeres and migraine.

Methods.— Relative telomere length was measured using a previously described quantitative polymerase chain reaction method. A regression analysis was performed to assess differences in mean relative telomere length between migraine patients and healthy controls.

Results.— The leukocyte telomeres of a cohort of 142 Caucasian female migraine subjects aged 18‐77 years and 143 matched 17‐77‐year‐old healthy control Caucasian women were examined. A significantly shorter relative telomere length was observed in the migraine group compared with the control group after adjusting for age and body mass index (P = .001). In addition, age of onset was observed to associate with the loss of relative telomere length, especially at early age of onset (<17 years old). No association was observed between relative telomere length and the severity and frequency of migraine attacks and the duration of migraine.

Conclusion.— Telomeres are shorter in migraine patients and there is more variation in telomere length in migraine patients.
Association Between Dietary Quality of Rural Older Adults and Self‐Reported Food Avoidance and Food Modification Due to Oral Health Problems
Authors: Savoca Margaret R. , Arcury Thomas A. , Leng Xiaoyan , Chen Haiying , Bell Ronny A. , Anderson Andrea M. , Kohrman Teresa , Gilbert Gregg H. , Quandt Sara A.
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the association between food avoidance and modification due to oral health problems, to examine the association between food practices and dietary quality, and to determine foods associated with these self‐management behaviors.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional.

SETTING: Rural North Carolina.

PARTICIPANTS: Six hundred thirty‐five community‐dwelling adults aged 60 and older.

MEASUREMENTS: Demographic and food frequency data and oral health assessments were obtained during home visits. Avoidance (0, 1–2 foods, 3–14 foods) and modification (0–3 foods, 4–5 foods) due to oral health problems were assessed for foods representing oral health challenges. Food frequency data were converted into Healthy Eating Index‐2005 (HEI‐2005) scores. Linear regression models tested the significance of associations between HEI‐2005 measures and food avoidance and modification.

RESULTS: Thirty‐five percent of participants avoided three to 14 foods, and 28% modified four to five foods. After adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, poverty, education, and tooth loss, total HEI‐2005 score was lower (P<.001) for persons avoiding more foods and higher for persons modifying more foods (P<.001). Those avoiding three to 14 foods consumed more saturated fat and energy from solid fat and added sugar and less nonhydrogenated fat than those avoiding fewer than three foods. Those who modified four to five foods consumed less saturated fat and solid fat and added sugar but more total grains than those modifying fewer than four foods.

CONCLUSION: Food avoidance and modification due to oral health problems are associated with significant differences in dietary quality. Approaches to minimize food avoidance and promote food modification by persons having eating difficulties due to oral health conditions are needed.
Physician‐Assisted Suicide Attitudes of Older Mexican‐American and Non‐Hispanic White Adults: Does Ethnicity Make a Difference?
Authors: Espino David V. , Macias R. Lillianne , Wood Robert C. , Becho Johanna , Talamantes Melissa , Finley M. Rosina , Hernandez Arthur E. , Martinez Rubén
Published: June 2010

Little is known about attitudes toward physician‐assisted suicide (PAS) in various ethnic groups. This study compares attitudes held by older Mexican Americans and non‐Hispanic whites and examines subject characteristics that may influence their responses. A convenience sample of 100 older Mexican Americans and 108 non‐Hispanic whites (n=208) aged 60 to 89 were recruited from four primary care community‐based practice sites in San Antonio, Texas. Interview items measured attitudes toward PAS, cognitive status, functional status, and religiosity.

Older Mexican Americans (52.7%) reported stronger agreement than non‐Hispanic whites (33.7%) with PAS. Male sex (odds ratio (OR)=2.62, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.09–6.35) predicted agreement with legalization in Mexican Americans, whereas lower religiosity scores (OR=0.84, 95% CI=0.75–0.94) were predictive of agreement in older non‐Hispanic whites.

This study is the first to find positive attitudes among community‐dwelling older Mexican Americans toward PAS that are higher than those of older non‐Hispanic white adults. Sex and religious views were important determinants of positive attitudes toward PAS. Larger, more‐generalizable studies should be conducted to confirm the attitudinal patterns that have been identified in this study.
Analyzing Evacuation Versus Shelter‐in‐Place Strategies After a Terrorist Nuclear Detonation
Authors: Wein Lawrence M. , Choi Youngsoo , Denuit Sylvie
Published: June 2010

We superimpose a radiation fallout model onto a traffic flow model to assess the evacuation versus shelter‐in‐place decisions after the daytime ground‐level detonation of a 10‐kt improvised nuclear device in Washington, DC. In our model, ≈80k people are killed by the prompt effects of blast, burn, and radiation. Of the ≈360k survivors without access to a vehicle, 42.6k would die if they immediately self‐evacuated on foot. Sheltering above ground would save several thousand of these lives and sheltering in a basement (or near the middle of a large building) would save of them. Among survivors of the prompt effects with access to a vehicle, the number of deaths depends on the fraction of people who shelter in a basement rather than self‐evacuate in their vehicle: 23.1k people die if 90% shelter in a basement and 54.6k die if 10% shelter. Sheltering above ground saves approximately half as many lives as sheltering in a basement. The details related to delayed (i.e., organized) evacuation, search and rescue, decontamination, and situational awareness (via, e.g., telecommunications) have very little impact on the number of casualties. Although antibiotics and transfusion support have the potential to save ≈10k lives (and the number of lives saved from medical care increases with the fraction of people who shelter in basements), the logistical challenge appears to be well beyond current response capabilities. Taken together, our results suggest that the government should initiate an aggressive outreach program to educate citizens and the private sector about the importance of sheltering in place in a basement for at least 12 hours after a terrorist nuclear detonation.
Motivations, Job Procurement, and Job Satisfaction Among Current and Former Ultrasound Fellows
Authors: Moak James H. , Gaspari Romolo J. , Raio Chris C. , Hart Kimberly W. , Lindsell Christopher J.
Published: June 2010

Objectives:  Over the past decade, emergency medicine ultrasound (US) fellowships have proliferated, yet there are no published data describing employment trends among fellowship graduates. This study sought to assess factors motivating emergency physicians to pursue an US fellowship and to characterize their employment and job satisfaction after graduation.

Methods:  An electronic survey was conducted of US fellows and graduates representing all 35 known fellowship programs. Non‐responders were contacted at 2 weeks to encourage participation. Primary outcome measurements were the importance of factors motivating individuals to pursue an US fellowship (as rated on a numeric scale), job satisfaction among US fellowship graduates, the proportion of respondents practicing in academic versus community hospitals, clinical hours per week, and the rate of procurement of one’s top choice of job after graduation. The chi‐square test or Fisher’s exact test was used for categorical variables, and the Mann‐Whitney U‐test was used to compare continuous variables between two groups.

Results:  Of 170 invitations sent, 10 were undeliverable. The response rate was 61%; 74 graduates and 23 fellows completed the survey. Enhancing job opportunities, enjoyment of US, long‐term job satisfaction and gaining skills not learned in residency rated highest as reasons for pursuing an US fellowship. Among graduates, 20% are satisfied with their current job, while 78% are very satisfied or extremely satisfied. Nearly one‐third of graduates (31%) work primarily in non‐academic hospitals, while only 9% of current fellows aspire to work in non‐academic settings in the future. There was no difference in job satisfaction between academic‐ and community‐based graduates. In comparison to those graduating in previous years, fellows graduating in 2008 were less likely to get their top job (97% vs. 75.0%, p = 0.018).

Conclusions:  Job satisfaction is high among US fellowship graduates and is unrelated to academic versus community affiliation. Three‐fourths of recent graduates obtain their top choice of job upon completion of fellowship.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:644–648 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Emergency Medicine Clerkship Curriculum: An Update and Revision
Authors: Manthey David E. , Ander Douglas S. , Gordon David C. , Morrissey Tom , Sherman Scott C. , Smith Michael D. , Rimple Diane , Thibodeau Lorraine G. ,   on behalf of Clerkship Directors in Emergency Medicine (CDEM) Curriculum Revision Group
Published: June 2010

In 2006, the latest version of a national curriculum for the fourth‐year emergency medicine (EM) clerkship was published. Over the past several years, that curriculum has been implemented across multiple clerkships. The previous curriculum was found to be too long and detailed to cover in 4 weeks. As well, updates to the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)’s form and function document, which guides the structure of a clerkship, have occurred. Combining experience, updated guidelines, and the collective wisdom of members of the national organization of the Clerkship Directors in Emergency Medicine (CDEM), an update and revision of the fourth‐year EM clerkship educational syllabi has been developed.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:638–643 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Midazolam Versus Diazepam for the Treatment of Status Epilepticus in Children and Young Adults: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: McMullan Jason , Sasson Comilla , Pancioli Arthur , Silbergleit Robert
Published: June 2010

Background:  Rapid treatment of status epilepticus (SE) is associated with better outcomes. Diazepam and midazolam are commonly used, but the optimal agent and administration route is unclear.

Objectives:  The objective was to determine by systematic review if nonintravenous (non‐IV) midazolam is as effective as diazepam, by any route, in terminating SE seizures in children and adults. Time to seizure cessation and respiratory complications was examined.

Methods:  We performed a search of PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, American College of Physicians Journal Club, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts for studies published January 1, 1950, through July 4, 2009. English language quasi‐experimental or randomized controlled trials comparing midazolam and diazepam as first‐line treatment for SE, and meeting the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT)‐based quality measures, were eligible. Two reviewers independently screened studies for inclusion and extracted outcomes data. Administration routes were stratified as non‐IV (buccal, intranasal, intramuscular, rectal) or IV. Fixed‐effects models generated pooled statistics.

Results:  Six studies with 774 subjects were included. For seizure cessation, midazolam, by any route, was superior to diazepam, by any route (relative risk [RR] = 1.52; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27 to 1.82). Non‐IV midazolam is as effective as IV diazepam (RR = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.19 to 3.36), and buccal midazolam is superior to rectal diazepam in achieving seizure control (RR = 1.54; 95% CI = 1.29 to 1.85). Midazolam was administered faster than diazepam (mean difference = 2.46 minutes; 95% CI = 1.52 to 3.39 minutes) and had similar times between drug administration and seizure cessation. Respiratory complications requiring intervention were similar, regardless of administration route (RR = 1.49; 95% CI = 0.25 to 8.72).

Conclusions:  Non‐IV midazolam, compared to non‐IV or IV diazepam, is safe and effective in treating SE. Comparison to lorazepam, evaluation in adults, and prospective confirmation of safety and efficacy is needed.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:575–582 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Modeling Forensic DNA Database Performance*
Authors: Walsh Simon J. , Curran James M. , Buckleton John S.
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  Over the past decade or more, DNA databases have been a focal point of development for the forensic field. Using this approach, forensic and law enforcement agencies have aided millions of investigations, many of which would remain unsolved but for the intelligence links provided from DNA database comparison. However, despite their widespread use and increasingly broad legislative and operational reach, there has been limited overarching performance modeling or reflection on drivers of operational or financial efficiency. This study derives an inferential model for DNA database performance using data from major national DNA database programs. Parameters that optimize desirable database outputs (matches) are isolated and discussed, as is an approach for maximizing financial efficiency and minimizing ethical impact. This research takes important steps toward identifying measures of performance for forensic DNA database operations.
Extracting Concealed Information from Groups*
Authors: Meijer Ewout H. , Smulders Fren T.Y. , Merckelbach Harald L.G.J.
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  Lie detection procedures are typically aimed at determining guilt or innocence of a single suspect. Serious security threats, however, often involve groups, such as terrorist networks or criminal organizations. In this report, we describe a variant of the skin conductance‐based Concealed Information Test (CIT) that allows for the extraction of critical information from such groups. Twelve participants were given information about an upcoming (mock) terrorist attack, with specific instructions not to reveal this information to anyone. Next, each subject was subjected to a CIT, with questions pertaining to the details of the attack. Results showed that for every question, the average skin conductance response to the correct answer option differed significantly (p < 0.05) from those to all other options. These results show that the information about the upcoming attack could be extracted from the group of terror suspects as a whole.
Characteristics and Prediction of Cranial Crush Injuries in Children*†
Authors: Baumer Timothy G. , Nashelsky Marcus , Hurst Carolyn V. , Passalacqua Nicholas V. , Fenton Todd W. , Haut Roger C.
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  This study documents four clinical cases of fatal crush injuries to children between 1.5 and 6 years of age with correlations between modeled stress and clinically observed fracture patterns. The clinical case fractures were concentrated in the basicranium, bridged the impact sites, and traversed the middle cranial fossa in the area of the spheno‐occipital synchondrosis. The crushing forces from these cases were recreated on a simplified finite element model of a cranium by applying bilateral pressures to corresponding regions. Numerous trials were run to develop a representative pattern of principal stress directions. In all cases, the highest tensile stresses were located on the basicranium and corresponded to the observed fracture path(s). These results suggest that prefailure stress field diagrams may predict fracture propagation paths, although these will not be exact. Also, these analyses indicate that quasi‐static bilateral loading of the cranium may lead to predictable fracture of the basicranium.
Immediate implants at fresh extraction sockets: an experimental study in the beagle dog comparing four different implant systems. Soft tissue findings
Authors: De Sanctis Massimo , Vignoletti Fabio , Discepoli Nicola , Muñoz Fernando , Sanz Mariano
Published: June 2010

de Sanctis M, Vignoletti F, Discepoli N, Muñoz F, Sanz M. Immediate implants at fresh extraction sockets: an experimental study in the beagle dog comparing four different implant systems. Soft tissue findings. J Clin Periodontol 2010; 37: 769‐776 doi: 10.1111/j.1600-051X.2010.01570.x.

Objectives: To evaluate whether different implants placed immediately upon tooth extraction may affect the dimension and composition of the peri‐implant soft tissues.

Material and Methods: Eight beagle dogs received implants randomly installed into the distal socket of 3P3 and 4P4. Four commercially available implant systems were evaluated: 3i Osseotite Certain straight; Astra MicroThread™‐OsseoSpeed™; Thommen SPI Element®; and Straumann ITI standard. Each animal provided four test implant sites. All animals were sacrificed 6 weeks after implant placement, providing specimens for the evaluation of the soft tissue dimensions by histometric analysis.

Results: The biological width at 6 weeks after implant placement consisted of a junctional epithelium measuring between 2 and 2.7 mm and a connective tissue component between 1 and 1.8 mm with no statistical differences among the four implant systems.

Conclusion: This study failed to demonstrate differences in the soft tissue healing outcome when placing four different implant systems into fresh extraction sockets. Nevertheless, the length of the epithelium achieved with the four implant systems is longer than what has been reported when placing implants in healed‐ridge experimental models.
Multivariate analyses of patient financial systems and oral health‐related quality of life
Authors: Johansson Veronica , Axtelius Björn , Söderfeldt Björn , Sampogna Francesca , Paulander Jörgen , Sondell Katarina
Published: June 2010

Johansson V, Axtelius B, Söderfeldt B, Sampogna F, Paulander J, Sondell K. Multivariate analyses of patient financial systems and oral health‐related quality of life. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2010; 38: 436–444. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract –  Objectives:  Since 1999, the public dental health service (PDHS) in the county of Värmland, Sweden, has two co‐existing patient financial systems, i.e. ways for the patient to pay for dental care services. Alongside the traditional system of fee‐for‐service payment, i.e. paying afterwards for provided services, a new system of contract care is offered. In this system, dental care is covered by a contractual agreement, for which the patient pays an annual fee and receives care covered by the contract without additional costs. The aim of this article was to study whether patient financial system was associated with oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL).

Methods:  A questionnaire was answered by 1324 randomly selected patients, 52% from contract care and 48% from fee‐for‐service. The questionnaire contained questions about how much one was prepared to pay for dental care, how much one paid for dental care the previous year, OHIP‐14 (measured OHRQoL), dental anxiety, humanism of caregiver, SF‐36 (measured general health), multidimensional health locus of control, sense of coherence (SOC), self‐esteem and demographics. Data on patient financial system, gender and age were obtained from the sampling frame. The material was analysed with a hierarchical block method of multiple regression analysis.

Results:  When controlling for all other variables, patient financial system was one of the strongest associations with OHRQoL: patients in fee‐for‐service had worse OHRQoL than those in contract care. OHRQoL was also associated with general health, SOC and to some extent also with psychological and economic factors. Of the social variables, only being foreign born was significant: it was associated with worse OHRQoL.

Conclusions:  Patient financial system was associated with OHRQoL when controlling for confounding factors: patients in contract care had better OHRQoL than those in fee‐for‐service care.
Children’s oral health‐related behaviors: individual stability and stage transitions
Authors: Tolvanen Mimmi , Lahti Satu , Poutanen Raija , Seppä Liisa , Hausen Hannu
Published: June 2010

Tolvanen M, Lahti S, Poutanen R, Seppä L, Hausen H. Children’s oral health‐related behaviors: individual stability and stage transitions. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2010; 38: 445–452. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract – In 2001−2005 in Pori, Finland, a program of oral health promotion (OHP) was targeted to schoolchildren and people involved in their life to provide social support for participants of the experimental group of a randomized clinical trial (RCT) on controlling caries.

Objectives: Our aim was to describe the individual stability and stage transitions for behaviors among children exposed to OHP in Pori and to ascertain whether these phenomena differed in the group that was also exposed to the experimental regimen of the RCT.

Methods: The study population consisted of all 5th and 6th graders who started the 2001−2002 school year in Pori (n = 1691); 1362 of them were monitored throughout the 3.4‐year study. Of these children, 1138 were exposed to OHP and 224 to OHP and the experimental regimen of the RCT. Data on toothbrushing and use of xylitol products, candies, and soft‐ and sports drinks were gathered with questionnaires. Behavior variables were dichotomized into good and poor. The stability of behaviors and stage transitions was evaluated.

Results: Over half of the children had stable behaviors throughout the study. For those children whose behaviors changed, the behavior was more likely to improve than to worsen. For most behaviors, good behavior at baseline was associated with the ability to maintain the achieved good behavior and to recover from lapses to poor behaviors.

Conclusion: In childhood, behaviors, especially good ones, are rather stable. If healthy behaviors are learned young, lapses into poor behaviors, for instance during the teens, are likely be temporary rather than permanent.
Fluoridation and tooth wear in Irish adults
Authors: Burke F. M. , Whelton H. , Harding M. , Crowley E. , O’Mullane D. , Cronin M. , Kelleher V. , Byrtek M.
Published: June 2010

Burke FM, Whelton H, Harding M, Crowley E, O’Mullane D, Cronin M, Kelleher V, Byrtek M. Fluoridation and tooth wear in Irish adults. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2010; 38: 415–421. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract – 

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of tooth wear in adults in Ireland and its relationship with water fluoridation. The National Survey of Adult Oral Health was conducted in 2000/2001. Tooth wear was determined using a partial mouth examination assessing the upper and lower anterior teeth. A total of 2456 subjects were examined. In this survey, increasing levels and severity of tooth wear were associated with ageing. Men were more affected by tooth wear and were more likely to be affected by severe tooth wear than women. It was found that age, and gender were significant predictors of tooth wear (P < 0.01). Overall, there was no significant relationship between fluoridation and tooth wear in this study.
Using regional comparative phylogeographic data from snake lineages to infer historical processes in Middle America
Authors: Daza Juan M. , Castoe Todd A. , Parkinson Christopher L.
Published: June 2010

Understanding how historical processes have either similarly, or differentially, shaped the evolution of lineages or biotic assemblages is important for a broad spectrum of fields. Gaining such understanding can be particularly challenging, however, especially for regions that have a complex geologic and biological history. In this study we apply a broad comparative approach to distill such regional biogeographic perspectives, by characterizing sets of divergence times for major biogeographic boundaries estimated from multiple codistributed lineages of snakes. We use a large combined (mitochondrial gene sequence) phylogeographic/phylogenetic dataset containing several clades of snakes that range across Middle America – the tropical region between Mexico and northwestern South America. This region is known for its complex tectonic history, and poorly understood historical biogeography. Based on our results, we highlight how phylogeographic transition zones between Middle and South America and the Nicaragua Depression appear to have undergone multiple episodes of diversification in different lineages. This is in contrast to other examples we find where apparently a single vicariant period is shared across multiple lineages. We specifically evaluate the distributions of divergence time estimates across multiple lineages and estimate the number of temporal periods of lineage diversification per biogeographic break. Overall, our results highlight a great deal of shared temporal divergence, and provide important hypotheses for yet unstudied lineages. These multi‐lineage comparisons across multiple spatial and temporal scales provide excellent predictive power for identifying the roles of geology, climate, ecology and natural history in shaping regional biodiversity.
mmSAR: an R‐package for multimodel species–area relationship inference
Authors: Guilhaumon François , Mouillot David , Gimenez Olivier
Published: June 2010

The species–area relationship (SAR) is one of the most fundamental tools in ecology. After almost a century of quantitative ecology, however, the quest for a “best SAR model” still remains elusive, with a substantial uncertainty about the best fitting SAR model frequently being observed. Recent research has required that this uncertainty be addressed, and a multimodel SAR framework has been devised. Here we introduce the mmSAR R‐package, which is a flexible and scalable implementation of the multimodel SAR framework for species‐area datasets, and provide some examples of its use. This R‐package provides functions for fitting SAR models, performing model selection, and the build up of multimodel SARs.
Treatment options for hydroxyurea‐refractory disease complications in myeloproliferative neoplasms: JAK2 inhibitors, radiotherapy, splenectomy and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
Authors: Mishchenko Elena , Tefferi Ayalew
Published: June 2010

Clinical care of patients with polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia and myelofibrosis (MF) requires not only a broad understanding of general treatment principles but also familiarity with the management of hydroxyurea‐refractory disease complications. The latter include progressive splenomegaly, symptomatic portal hypertension (e.g. ascites, variceal bleeding), pulmonary hypertension, bone pain, intractable pruritus, constitutional symptoms (e.g. fatigue, night sweats) and cachexia (i.e. loss of lean body mass, general ill health, poor appetite). Some of these symptoms are directly or indirectly related to extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) and others to proinflammatory cytokine excess. Results from recent clinical trials of JAK inhibitors suggest remarkable activity in MF‐associated constitutional symptoms, cachexia, pruritus and hydroxyurea‐refractory splenomegaly. Involved‐field radiotherapy is best utilized in the setting of EMH‐associated symptoms, including ascites, bone (extremity) pain and pulmonary hypertension. Splenectomy is indicated in the presence of drug‐refractory splenomegaly and frequent red cell transfusion requirement. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is used to alleviate symptoms of portal hypertension.
IL‐1 signalling determines the fate of skin grafts expressing non‐self protein in keratinocytes
Authors: Hadis Usriansyah , Leggatt Graham R. , Thomas Ranjeny , Frazer Ian H. , Kovacs Eva M.
Published: June 2010

Please cite this paper as: IL‐1 signalling determines the fate of skin grafts expressing non‐self protein in keratinocytes. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 723–729.

Abstract:  Although IL‐1 is a known inflammatory cytokine during pathogen infection, the role of IL‐1 in skin graft rejection, particularly where foreign antigen is expressed exclusively in keratinocytes, is less understood. Here, we use a syngeneic skin graft system, where antigens are expressed in epithelial cells via either a keratin 14 or keratin 5 promoter, to explore the role of IL‐1 in graft rejection and induction of epithelial antigen‐specific effector CD8+ T‐cell function. Keratin 5 ovalbumin (K5mOVA) transgenic skin grafts destined for rejection demonstrated increased expression of IL‐1β and its receptors compared to K14 HPV16 E7 transgenic grafts that do not reject spontaneously. Rejection of OVA grafts lacking the IL‐1 receptor (IL‐1R1) was delayed and associated with decreased numbers of antigen‐specific CD8 T cells. In contrast, K14E7 grafts survived on immunocompetent, syngeneic recipients with decreased graft levels of IL‐1β and IL‐1R1 and 2. However, in the absence of the IL‐1 receptor antagonist, IL‐1Ra, skin grafts were spontaneously rejected and an E7‐specific CD8 T‐cell response was primed. Thus, expression of the HPV16E7 oncoprotein in epithelial cells prevents IL‐1β‐associated skin graft rejection and induction of antigen‐specific CD8 T‐cell responses. Enhancing IL‐1β signalling, via blocking of the IL‐1 receptor antagonist, may represent an alternative strategy for treatment of HPV16E7‐associated cancers.
Image‐processing chain for a three‐dimensional reconstruction of basal cell carcinomas*†
Authors: Scheibe Patrick , Braumann Ulf‐Dietrich , Kuska Jens‐Peer , Löffler Markus , Simon Jan C. , Paasch Uwe , Wetzig Tino
Published: June 2010

Please cite this paper as: Image‐processing chain for a three‐dimensional reconstruction of basal cell carcinomas. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 689–691.

Abstract:  Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant skin cancer. For a deeper insight into the specific growth patterns of the tumorous tissue in BCC, we have focused on the development of a novel automated image‐processing chain for 3D reconstruction of BCC using histopathological serial sections. For fully automatic delineation of the tumor within the tissue, we apply a fuzzy c‐means segmentation method. We used a novel multi‐grid form of the non‐linear registration introduced by Braumann and Kuska in 2005 effectively suppressing registration runs into local minima (possibly caused by diffuse nature of the tumor). Our method was successfully applied in a proof‐of‐principle study for automated reconstruction.
The effects of stream substratum composition on the emergence of salmonid fry
Authors: Sternecker K. , Geist J.
Published: June 2010

Sternecker K, Geist J. The effects of stream substratum composition on the emergence of salmonid fry.  Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2010: 19: 537–544. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract – Salmonid fishes are target species for the conservation of freshwater habitats, but their natural reproduction is often insufficient. The emergence of fry is a crucial phase in the life cycle of salmonids and the stream substratum is the key habitat which regulates the emergence success. In this study, brown trout (Salmo trutta) and Danube salmon (Hucho hucho) eggs were exposed to different sediment textures and the emergence and the postemergence survival and growth were observed under constant water chemical conditions in the laboratory. In both species, textural effects on emergence rate, chronology of emergence, survival rate after emergence and growth after emergence were detected. Fine‐textured substratum (5–8 mm) formed a physical barrier to the posthatch migration of salmonids from the interstitial zone to the open water. The time period between the first and the last emerged fish was shorter in treatments with fine texture compared with coarse substratum. The survival rate was higher in treatments of coarser sediment. The effects of different textures on the growth of fry after emergence differed between brown trout and Danube salmon, which can be explained by different life history strategies. These results suggest that physical characteristics of substratum texture can have strong effects on salmonid emergence, and ultimately on the persistence of salmonid populations. They also suggest that biodiversity conservation in stream ecosystems can greatly benefit from an inclusion of the physical characteristics of the stream bed into catchment‐based management plans.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the myostatin (MSTN) and muscle creatine kinase (CKM) genes are not associated with elite endurance performance
Authors: Döring F. , Onur S. , Kürbitz C. , Boulay M. R. , Pérusse L. , Rankinen T. , Rauramaa R. , Wolfarth B. , Bouchard C.
Published: June 2010

Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) is one of the most important determinants of elite endurance performance. VO2max is determined by a whole range of genetic and environmental factors. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in muscle myostatin (MSTN) and creatine kinase (CKM) genes are candidates for VO2max and skeletal muscle performance phenotypes. Common MSTN (rs3791783, rs11681628 and rs7570532) and CKM (rs344816, rs10410448, rs432979, rs1133190, rs7260359, rs7260463 and rs4884) SNPs, selected from HapMap CEU data in order to tag the genetic variability of the proteins, were genotyped in 316 male Caucasian elite endurance athletes and 304 sedentary controls from the Genathlete study. Association with elite endurance performance was determined by logistic regression analysis. The P‐value for statistical significance was set at <0.01. None of the SNPs or haplotypes showed a significant association with elite endurance status. We conclude that common variants of MSTN and CKM genes do not play a role in attaining high‐level endurance performance in Caucasian populations.
Consistent behavioral phenotype differences between inbred mouse strains in the IntelliCage
Authors: Krackow S. , Vannoni E. , Codita A. , Mohammed A. H. , Cirulli F. , Branchi I. , Alleva E. , Reichelt A. , Willuweit A. , Voikar V. , Colacicco G. , Wolfer D. P. , Buschmann J.‐U. F. , Safi K. , Lipp H.‐P.
Published: June 2010

The between‐laboratory effects on behavioral phenotypes and spatial learning performance of three strains of laboratory mice known for divergent behavioral phenotypes were evaluated in a fully balanced and synchronized study using a completely automated behavioral phenotyping device (IntelliCage). Activity pattern and spatial conditioning performance differed consistently between strains, i.e. exhibited no interaction with the between‐laboratory factor, whereas the gross laboratory effect showed up significantly in the majority of measures. It is argued that overall differences between laboratories may not realistically be preventable, as subtle differences in animal housing and treatment will not be controllable, in practice. However, consistency of strain (or treatment) effects appears to be far more important in behavioral and brain sciences than the absolute overall level of such measures. In this respect, basic behavioral and learning measures proved to be highly consistent in the IntelliCage, therefore providing a valid basis for meaningful research hypothesis testing. Also, potential heterogeneity of behavioral status because of environmental and social enrichment has no detectable negative effect on the consistency of strain effects. We suggest that the absence of human interference during behavioral testing is the most prominent advantage of the IntelliCage and suspect that this is likely responsible for the between‐laboratory consistency of findings, although we are aware that this ultimately needs direct testing.
Effect of infants’ position on serum bilirubin level during conventional phototherapy
Authors: Donneborg ML , Knudsen KB , Ebbesen F
Published: June 2010

Aim:  To compare the decrease in total serum bilirubin (TSB) concentration during conventional phototherapy in infants treated in supine position exclusively versus infants alternated between exposure in supine and prone position every third hour. Moreover, to survey current practice patterns in two Scandinavian countries as far as alternating exposure.

Methods:  A total of 112 infants with non‐haemolytic hyperbilirubinaemia, but otherwise healthy, and a gestational age ≥33 weeks were randomized to one of the treatment groups. All infants received phototherapy for 24 h. TSB was measured at start of phototherapy and after 12 and 24 h of treatment. Questionnaires about routines for position changes in infants during phototherapy were sent to all 41 neonatal departments in Denmark and Norway.

Results:  No statistically significant differences in the decrease in TSB were observed between the two treatment groups: at 12 h of therapy, TSB decreased 32% in both groups and at 24 h 49% and 50%, respectively. In two‐thirds of Danish and Norwegian departments, the infants were routinely turned during phototherapy, most often every third hours.

Conclusion:  The decrease in TSB was not significantly associated with positioning of the infant during conventional phototherapy. Alternating exposure is widely practiced in Scandinavia but is unnecessary.
“Biological Restoration”: Root Canal and Coronal Reconstruction
Authors: CORRÊA‐FARIA PATRÍCIA , DE ALCÂNTARA CARLOS EDUARDO PINTO , CALDAS‐DINIZ MARCUS VINÍCIUS , BOTELHO ADRIANA MARIA , TAVANO KARINE TAÍS AGUIAR
Published: June 2010

Anterior tooth fracture, as a result of traumatic injuries, frequently occurs in dentistry. Proper reconstruction of extensively damaged teeth can be achieved through the fragment reattachment procedure known as “Biological Restoration.” This case report refers to the esthetics and functional recovery of extensively damaged central maxillary incisors through the preparation and adhesive cementation of “Biological Posts and Crowns” in a young patient. Both biological posts and crowns—post and dental fragment obtained through natural, extracted teeth from another individual—represent a low‐cost option and alternative technique for the morphofunctional recovery of extensively damaged anterior teeth.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The biological restorations are an alternative technique for reconstruction of extensively damaged teeth that provides highly functional and esthetic outcomes.

(J Esthet Restor Dent 22:168–178, 2010)
Radiographic evaluation of alveolar ridge heights of dentate and edentulous patients
Authors: Canger Emin Murat , Çelenk Peruze
Published: June 2010

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00391.x

Radiographic evaluation of alveolar ridge heights of dentate and edentulous patients

Objective:  To evaluate the reduction of residual alveolar ridge height on panoramic radiographs and the differences between denture wearers and non‐denture wearers.

Materials and methods:  The study consisted of 147 individuals (74 men and 73 women) [50 were denture wearers and 50 non‐denture wearers (examination groups) and 47 of them were dentate (control group)]. Individuals having diseases impacting on bone were excluded. Vertical measurements were made at 15 sites (central incisors, first premolars and molars at the left and right of both jaws and the distance between the zygoma/orbit). MANOVA (multi‐variate analysis of variation) was used for the statistical analysis of the results.

Results:  There were significant differences between the alveolar ridge heights of dentate and edentulous groups (p < 0.001). Between the denture wearer and the non‐denture wearer groups, there was significant difference in the lower jaw (p < 0.001), but no significant difference in the upper jaw (p = 0.635). There were also differences between men and women (p < 0.005) and upper and lower jaws at every measurement sites (p < 0.01).

Conclusion:  Reduction in residual alveolar ridge height was in close relation with gender, denture usage and edentulousness.
Influence of the fungal endophyte Neotyphodium uncinatum on the persistency and competitive ability of meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.)
Authors: Takai Tomoyuki , Sanada Yasuharu , Yamada Toshihiko
Published: June 2010

Influence of fungal endophyte (Neotyphodium uncinatum) on persistency and competitive ability of two cultivars of meadow fescue (MF; Festuca pratensis Huds.) was investigated in a 3‐year field trial under simulated intensive grazing. The two MF cultivars were “Harusakae” and “Tomosakae.” Each MF cultivar was grown as a monoculture or a mixture with white clover (two cultivars), orchardgrass or perennial ryegrass, with (E+) or without (E−) infection by the endophyte. In the monocultures and the mixtures with white clover or orchardgrass, endophyte infection (E+) resulted in higher proportions of MF than non‐infection (E−) mainly in the second and third years of the experiment, though the effect was not always significant. On the other hand, endophyte infection always had no effect on the proportion of MF mixed with perennial ryegrass. Annual herbage yield of the “Harusakae” monoculture was significantly higher in E+ than in E− in one year out of 2, whereas that of the “Tomosakae” monoculture did not vary with endophyte infection for 2 years. The results show that endophyte infection can increase persistency and competitive ability of MF plants in both monocultures and mixtures, though the effect in mixtures depends on the companion species.
Seasonal pasture utilization by wild sika deer (Cervus nippon) in a sown grassland
Authors: Kamei Toshikatsu , Takeda Ken‐ichi , Koh Katsuki , Izumiyama Shigeyuki , Watanabe Osamu , Ohshima Koji
Published: June 2010

Pasture utilization by wild sika deer (Cervus nippon) was investigated in a closed communal pasture in Nagano, Japan, in terms of seasonal changes in the aboveground plant biomass, herbage consumption and animal density (estimated by fecal pellet count method). Pasture utilization by deer varied greatly with season. Herbage consumption was high before and after the major hunting months (December–January) in winter and in summer. In fall, herbage consumption was low despite high aboveground plant biomass and deer density. Both herbage consumption and deer density tended to be low in the major hunting months and spring. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.71, P = 0.01) was observed between monthly deer density and aboveground plant biomass of the pasture. The results show that pasture utilization by deer was affected mainly by plant biomass and also by the nutritive quality of herbage, deer mating season and deer hunting. It is likely that the pasture was utilized by deer as a breeding site as well as a feeding site.
Interindividual variability in feeding station behavior in cattle: A preliminary study
Authors: Hirata Masahiko , Nakayama Yukihiro , Tobisa Manabu
Published: June 2010

Interindividual variability in feeding station behavior was investigated for cattle grazing a bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) pasture as a herd of 27–28 cows and four to nine calves. During 5 day grazing periods in spring (May–June), summer (August) and autumn (October), feeding station behavior of six focal cows was quantified in terms of the number of feeding stations selected per unit grazing time, sward height of feeding stations, number of bites per feeding station and bite rate across feeding stations. The hypotheses tested were that larger‐sized animals would select taller vegetation as feeding stations, take more bites from each feeding station and consequently visit less feeding stations per unit grazing time. Based on the ratio of interindividual/intra‐individual variability, the feeding station behavior of the animals varied significantly (P < 0.05) among the individuals in most cases; e.g. some animals tended to select fewer feeding stations per unit grazing time and take more bites within a feeding station than the other animals. However, associations of the feeding station behavior variables with animal liveweight or age were mostly nonsignificant, proving none of the hypotheses. The results warrant further studies to clear the mechanisms by which individual differences in feeding station behavior are generated and to evaluate the role of interindividual feeding variability in the coexistence of herd members and exploitation of grassland resource by the whole herd.
Nutritional evaluation of bamboo cultivars in sub‐Himalayan region of India by chemical composition and in vitro ruminal fermentation
Authors: Sahoo Artabandhu , Ogra Ram K. , Sood Anil , Ahuja Paramvir S.
Published: June 2010

Bamboo leaves at similar maturity from 12 different species, namely Sasa auricoma, Bambusa nutans, Bambusa bambos, Phyllostachys aurea, Bambusa tulda, Dendrocalamus asper, Bambusa ventricosa, Dendrocalamus strictus, Melocanna baccifera, Dendrocalamus hookerii, Bambusa vulgaris and Dendrocalamus hamiltonii growing at the bamboo fields of Himachal Pradesh, India were selected for evaluation of their nutritive value based on their use as cattle feed at different places in India. The evaluation parameters were chemical composition, in vitro gas production (IVGP) and its kinetic parameters, in vitro dry matter (IVDMTD) and organic matter true degradability (IVOMTD), partitioning factor (PF), ammonia N production, methane and short chain fatty acids production. The compositional value (g kg−1 DM) of bamboo leaves with respect to crude protein from 146 (B. tulda) to 204 (D. hamiltonii), acid detergent lignin from 49 (M. baccifera) to 94 (B. ventricosa), acid insoluble ash from 44 (D. hookerii) to 110 (B. vulgaris) and other constituents and their correlation with various in vitro ruminal degradability parameters, suggested that M. baccifera, D. hookerii, D. hamiltonii and D. asper could be promising fodder species. Among the promising ones, Melocanna baccifera had higher μ (maximum rate of gas production at the point of inflection of the gas curve) and lower t1/2 (halfway time to the maximum gas volume), higher IVDMTD (482 g kg−1 DM), IVOMTD (548 g kg−1 OM), and microbial mass (19.6% of DM), and less contribution of substrate to ammonia N production and narrower acetate: propionate ratio with increased metabolizable energy concentration (7.92 MJ kg−1 DM). Thus, Melocanna baccifera may be ranked as the best cultivar. Above all the bamboo cultivars, M. baccifera, D. hookerii, D. hamiltonii and D. asper were considered as promising fodder for the ruminant livestock.