bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovations in Practice: Preliminary evidence for effective family engagement in treatment for child traumatic stress–trauma systems therapy approach to preventing dropout
Authors: Saxe Glenn N. , Heidi Ellis B. , Fogler Jason , Navalta Carryl P.
Published: October 2011

Background:  This study aimed to obtain preliminary evidence for the extent to which a novel intervention embedded within a systems‐oriented treatment model [trauma systems therapy (TST)] engages and retains traumatized children and their families in treatment.

Method:  Twenty youth who had prominent symptoms of posttraumatic stress were randomly assigned to receive TST or care as usual (CAU).

Results:  At the 3‐month assessment, 90% of TST participants were still in treatment, whereas only 10% of CAU participants remained. Within‐group analyses of TST participants demonstrated significant reductions in posttraumatic stress and aggression as well as a slight improvement in home safety.

Conclusions:  These preliminary findings point to the need to utilize effective engagement approaches to retain traumatized children and their families in treatment.
Vasopressors in shock: too early to move away from catecholamines?
Authors: De Backer D , Scolletta S
Published: October 2011

Adrenergic and non‐adrenergic vasopressor agents can be used to correct hypotension in shock states. For a similar increase in arterial pressure, these agents may be associated with different haemodynamic, metabolic, endocrinological or immunological effects. But how relevant are these differences? Do these affect the outcome of patients with shock? Large‐scale randomized trials comparing the effects of different vasopressor agents are scarce. Data on potential alternatives, and especially vasopressin, are even more scarce. Over‐interpretation of the data, and especially of data obtained in subgroups, is common. Analysis of subgroups may be useful to address mechanisms and to raise hypotheses. However, subgroup analysis is often biased by confounding factors, especially when subgroup categorization is defined by response to therapy and not by intrinsic patient or disease characteristics. In this issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology, Bracht and colleagues present their interpretation of data from trials comparing vasopressin with noradrenaline in patients with septic shock. Here, we present an alternative interpretation.

LINKED ARTICLES This article is a commentary on Bangash et al., pp. 2015–2033 and Bracht et al., pp. 2009–2011 of this issue. To view Bangash et al. visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2011.01588.x and to view Bracht et al. visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2011.01776.x
Direct pharmacological monitoring of the developmental switch in NMDA receptor subunit composition using TCN 213, a GluN2A‐selective, glycine‐dependent antagonist
Authors: McKay S , Griffiths NH , Butters PA , Thubron EB , Hardingham GE , Wyllie DJA
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Developmental switches in NMDA receptor subunit expression have been inferred from studies of GluN2 expression levels, changes in kinetics of glutamatergic synaptic currents and sensitivity of NMDA receptor‐mediated currents to selective GluN2B antagonists. Here we use TCN 213, a novel GluN2A‐selective antagonist to identify the presence of this subunit in functional NMDA receptors in developing cortical neurones.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Two‐electrode voltage‐clamp (TEVC) recordings were made from Xenopus laevis oocytes to determine the pharmacological activity of TCN 213 at recombinant NMDA receptors. TCN 213 antagonism was studied in cultures of primary cortical neurones, assessing the NMDA receptor dependency of NMDA‐induced excitotoxicity and monitoring developmental switches in NMDA receptor subunit composition.

KEY RESULTS

TCN 213 antagonism of GluN1/GluN2A NMDA receptors was dependent on glycine but independent of glutamate concentrations in external recording solutions. Antagonism by TCN 213 was surmountable and gave a Schild plot with unity slope. TCN 213 block of GluN1/GluN2B NMDA receptor‐mediated currents was negligible. In cortical neurones, at a early developmental stage predominantly expressing GluN2B‐containing NMDA receptors, TCN 213 failed to antagonize NMDA receptor‐mediated currents or to prevent GluN2B‐dependent, NMDA‐induced excitoxicity. In older cultures (DIV 14) or in neurones transfected with GluN2A subunits, TCN 213 antagonized NMDA‐evoked currents. Block by TCN 213 of NMDA currents inversely correlated with block by ifenprodil, a selective GluN2B antagonist.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

TCN 213 selectively blocked GluN1/GluN2A over GluN1/GluN2B NMDA receptors allowing direct dissection of functional NMDA receptors and pharmacological profiling of developmental changes in native NMDA receptor subunit composition.
Factors influencing transfer accuracy of cone beam CT‐derived template‐based implant placement
Authors: Behneke Alexandra , Burwinkel Matthias , Behneke Nikolaus
Published: October 2011

Objectives

The aim of the present investigation was the analysis of the factors presumptively affecting the accuracy outcome of cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT)‐derived laboratory‐based surgical guides for implant placement in partially edentulous patients.

Materials and methods

In 52 partially edentulous patients a total of 132 implants were placed following CBCT diagnostics with the aid of laboratory‐fabricated, tooth‐borne templates. Based on the image fusion technique measurements were done to calculate linear and angular deviations between virtually planned and placed implants. The implant sites were stratified according to four factors that presumably may influence the transfer accuracy: (i) type of arch (maxilla/mandible), (ii) kind of template (single‐tooth gap/interrupted dental arch/shortened dental arch/reduced residual dentition), (iii) surgical technique (flapless/open flap), (iv) number of sleeve‐guided site preparation steps (fully guided placement/freehand placement/freehand final drilling). The data were analyzed using analysis of variance and the Bonferroni test.

Results

The transfer accuracy of shoulder level, apex level, and angulation was similar for maxilla and mandible as well as for flapless and open flap approach. The differences were small in magnitude and reached no or only a borderline statistical significance. At implant sites in the reduced residual dentition group, the discrepancies were more pronounced than in the single‐tooth gap group, whereas no significant differences could be determined between free ending templates in the shortened dental arch and bilateral anchored templates in the interrupted dental arch. Implant placement through the guide allowed a more accurate implementation of the virtual plan to the surgical site than freehand insertion or freehand final drilling.

Conclusion

CBCT‐derived laboratory‐based surgical templates enabled an implant placement in the cancellous maxilla as well as flapless procedures without compromising the transfer accuracy. The number and distribution of the remaining teeth as well as the number of sleeve‐guided implant site preparation steps influenced the extent of deviation that can be achieved in partial edentulism.
Comparative evaluation of different calcium phosphate‐based bone graft granules – an in vitro study with osteoblast‐like cells
Authors: Bernhardt Anne , Lode Anja , Peters Fabian , Gelinsky Michael
Published: October 2011

Objective

Granule‐shaped calcium phosphate‐based bone graft materials are often required for bone regeneration especially in implant dentistry. Two newly developed bone graft materials are Ceracell®, an open‐celled highly porous bioceramic from β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) under addition of bioglass and Osseolive®, an open porous glass ceramic with the general formula Ca2KNa(PO4)2. The goal of this study was to characterize different modifications of the two bone graft materials in vitro in comparison to already established ceramic bone grafts Cerasorb M®, NanoBone® and BONIT Matrix®.

Materials and methods

Adhesion and proliferation of SaOS‐2 osteoblast‐like cells were evaluated quantitatively by determining DNA content and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and qualitatively by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, MTT cell‐vitality staining was applied to confirm the attachment of viable cells to the different materials. Osteogenic differentiation was evaluated by measurement of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity as well as gene expression analysis of osteogenic markers using reverse transcriptase PCR.

Results

DNA content and LDH activity revealed good cell attachment and proliferation for Ceracell and Cerasorb M. When pre‐incubated with cell‐culture medium, also Osseolive showed good cell attachment and proliferation. Attachment and proliferation of osteoblast‐like cells on NanoBone and BONIT Matrix was very low, even after pre‐incubation with cell‐culture medium. Specific ALP activity on Ceracell®, Osseolive ® and Cerasorb M® increased with time and expression of bone‐related genes ALP, osteonectin, osteopontin and bone sialoprotein II was demonstrated.

Conclusions

Ceracell as well as Osseolive granules support proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in vitro and may be promising candidates for in vivo applications.
Bone modelling at fresh extraction sockets: immediate implant placement versus spontaneous healing. An experimental study in the beagle dog
Authors: Vignoletti Fabio , Discepoli Nicola , Müller Anna , de Sanctis Massimo , Muñoz Fernando , Sanz Mariano
Published: October 2011

Objectives

The purpose of this investigation is to describe histologically the undisturbed healing of fresh extraction sockets when compared to immediate implant placement.

Methods

In eight beagle dogs, after extraction of the 3P3 and 4P4, implants were inserted into the distal sockets of the premolars, while the mesial sockets were left to heal spontaneously. Each animal provided four socket sites (control) and four implant sites (test). After 6 weeks, animals were sacrificed and tissue blocks were dissected, prepared for ground sectioning.

Results

The relative vertical buccal bone resorption in relation to the lingual bone was similar in both test and control groups. At immediate implant sites, however, the absolute buccal bone loss observed was 2.32 (SD 0.36) mm, what may indicate that while an apical shift of both the buccal and lingual bone crest occurred at the implant sites, this may not happen in naturally healing sockets.

Conclusions

The results from this investigation showed that after tooth extraction the buccal socket wall underwent bone resorption at both test and control sites. This resorption appeared to be more pronounced at the implant sites, although the limitations of the histological evaluation method utilized preclude a definite conclusion.
Increase of island endemism with altitude – speciation processes on oceanic islands
Authors: Steinbauer Manuel Jonas , Otto Rüdiger , Naranjo‐Cigala Agustín , Beierkuhnlein Carl , Fernández‐Palacios José‐María
Published: October 2011

Understanding speciation on oceanic islands is a major topic in current research on island biogeography. Within this context, it is not an easy task to differentiate between the influence of elevation as an indicator for habitat diversity and island age as an indicator for the time available for diversification. One reason for this is that erosion processes reduce the elevation of islands over time. In addition, the geographic distance to source ecosystems might differ among habitats, which could lead to habitat‐specific reduction of species immigration, niche occupation and diversification. We used the percentage of single island endemic species (pSIE) in five different zonal ecosystems (distributed in altitude) on the Canary Islands as an indicator for diversification. We tested whether diversification increases with altitude due to a greater ecological isolation of high elevation ecosystems on oceanic islands under the assumption of a low elevation source region on the mainland. In addition we tested whether the ‘hump‐shaped’ (unimodal) relationship between pSIE and island age as well as the linear relationship between species richness and pSIE is consistent across spatial scales. We also analyse a potential influence of island area and habitat area. We found that pSIE increases with elevation. The relations between species richness as well as age with pSIE are consistent across scales. We conclude that high elevation ecosystems are ecologically isolated. Surprisingly, the altitudinal belt with the strongest human influences has the highest values of pSIE. We successfully transfer the ‘general dynamic theory of island biogeography’ to the ecosystem scale, which provides multiple opportunities for future studies. With this approach we find that the effects of elevation on diversification can be separated from those of island age.
Human hair follicle dermal cells and skin fibroblasts show differential activation of NF‐κB in response to pro‐inflammatory challenge
Authors: Hill Rebecca P. , Haycock John W. , Jahoda Colin A. B.
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  The underlying mechanism of immune privilege in hair follicle cell dermal papilla (DP) and sheath (DS) populations is not well understood, and the responsiveness of hair follicle dermal cells to pro‐inflammatory challenge presently remains unknown. In this work, we describe acute NF‐κB activation in human DS, DP and dermal fibroblast (DF) cells challenged with TNF‐alpha and IL1‐beta. In contrast, the DS and DP cells revealed an unexpected tolerance to bacterial LPS challenge relative to DF cells. Understanding follicle cell responses to typical pro‐inflammatory stimuli is critical for diseases where collapse of hair follicle immune privilege is observed, and to further applications in autologous stem cell/wound healing therapeutics.
Effects of foundation species genotypic diversity on subordinate species richness in an assembling community
Authors: Gibson David J. , Allstadt Andrew J. , Baer Sara G. , Geisler Matt
Published: October 2011

Foundation (dominant or matrix) species play a key role in structuring plant communities, influencing processes from population to ecosystem scales. However, the effects of genotypic diversity of foundation species on these processes have not been thoroughly assessed in the context of assembling plant communities. We modified the classical filter model of community assembly to include genotypic diversity as part of the biotic filter. We hypothesized that the proportion of fit genotypes (i.e. competitively superior and dominant) affects niche space availability for subordinate species to establish with consequence for species diversity. To test this hypothesis, we used an individual‐based simulation model where a foundation species of varying genotypic diversity (number of genotypes and variability among genotypes) competes for space with subordinate species on a spatially heterogeneous lattice. Our model addresses a real and practical problem in restoration ecology: choosing the level of genetic diversity of re‐introduced foundation and subordinate species. Genotypic diversity of foundation species significantly affected equilibrium community diversity, measured as species richness, either positively or negatively, depending upon environmental heterogeneity. Increases in genotypic diversity gave the foundation species a wider niche breadth. Under conditions of high environmental heterogeneity, this wider niche breadth decreased niche space for other species, lowering species richness with increased genotypic diversity until the genotypes of the foundation species saturated the landscape. With a low level of environmental heterogeneity, increasing genotypic diversity caused the foundation species niche breadth to be overdispersed, resulting in a weak positive relationship with species richness. Under these conditions, some genotypes are maladapted to the environment lowering fitness of the foundation species. These effects of genotypic diversity were secondary to the larger effects of overall foundation species fitness and environmental heterogeneity. The novel aspect of incorporating genotype diversity in combination with environmental heterogeneity in community assembly models include predictions of either positive or negative relationships between species diversity and genotypic diversity depending on environmental heterogeneity, and the conditions under which these factors are potentially relevant. Mechanistically, differential niche availability is imposed by the foundation species.
The cost of disturbance: a waste of time and energy?
Authors: Houston Alasdair I. , Prosser Edward , Sans Eleanor
Published: October 2011

Quantifying the effect of disturbance is a central issue in conservation. Using time and energy budgets, we obtain a range of ways to assess the importance of disturbance. One measure is the time that must be spent foraging in order to balance the energy budget. From this we derive critical levels of wastage (rate of disturbance multiplied by duration of disturbance) at which the animal runs out of time or reaches a limit on energy expenditure. In the case of the time constraint, the critical wastage is the net rate of energetic gain while foraging divided by the rate of energetic expenditure during a disturbance. The associated critical rate of disturbance is the net rate of energetic gain while foraging divided by the energy spent during a disturbance. The model is illustrated using data from the African wild dog, which suffers disturbance from lions and kleptoparasitism from hyenas. Findings suggest that disturbance imposes significant costs on wild dog time and energy budgets. We show how alternative environments can be evaluated in terms of their effective rate of gain, which is the net rate of gain from foraging minus the rate of energy expenditure as a result of disturbance.
Frequent colony relocations do not result in effective dispersal in the gypsy ant Aphaenogaster senilis
Authors: Galarza Juan A. , Jovani Roger , Cerdá Xim , Rico Ciro , Barroso Ángel , Boulay Raphaël
Published: October 2011

Dispersal is an important step in animal's life cycle, one consequence of which is reducing local mate and resource competition. Dispersal is often achieved during one unique special movement, from the birthplace to a new appropriate area where to settle and reproduce. However, in species in which this special movement is limited by life history tradeoffs, we may expect dispersal to be promoted also by routine movements occurring throughout the animal’s life and stimulated by other activities like foraging or the search of nesting conditions. Here we employ a multidisciplinary approach consisting of computer simulations, mark–recapture and genetic data to better understand the role of colony relocations as dispersal strategy in the gypsy ant Aphaenogaster senilis. Contrary to expectations, our results show that colony relocations do not result in effective dispersal as evidenced by mark–recapture and genetic data. Furthermore, simulations showed that successive colony relocations did not follow a constant direction, but occurred either in a randomly changing direction or followed a circular trajectory, indicating limited effective dispersal. We also found a general lack of inbreeding and significant population viscosity between neighbouring colonies suggesting that relocations may act as a balancing strategy between these two processes. We discuss the results in terms of their evolutionary and ecological significance, and highlight future directions of research towards the understanding of dispersal strategies in colonial species.
Determinants and consequences of age of primiparity in bighorn ewes
Authors: Martin Julien G. A. , Festa‐Bianchet Marco
Published: October 2011

Because variation in age of first reproduction can have major effects on individual fitness and population dynamics, it is important to understand what maintains that variability. Although early primiparity is assumed to be costly, it is sometimes associated with high lifetime reproductive success. We used a long‐term study on bighorn sheepOvis canadensisto determine what variables affect age at first reproduction, investigate the impact of primiparity on body resources and quantify the reproductive performance of primiparous ewes. We then examined the consequences of delayed primiparity on adult body mass, longevity and lifetime reproductive success. Environmental conditions during early development, body mass as a yearling, genotype and maternal effects affected age of primiparity. Primiparous ewes lost more mass in winter and gained less mass in summer than multiparous ewes. Small yearling ewes that postponed reproduction attained similar adult mass than heavy yearling ewes who reproduced at a younger age. Early primiparity did not reduce longevity and was positively associated with lifetime reproductive success. Starting to reproduce as soon as possible appears to maximize fitness of females. When early life conditions are unfavorable, however, delayed primiparity allows greater body growth and likely maximizes survival. The combination of a conservative reproductive strategy and maternal effects on age of primiparity may partly delay population recovery following density‐dependent declines.
Sleep quality in heroin addicts under methadone maintenance treatment
Authors: Hsu Wen-Yu , Chiu Nan-Ying , Liu Jui-Ting , Wang Chieh-Hui , Chang Ting-Gang , Liao Yi-Cheng , Kuo Pei-I
Published: October 2011

Hsu W-Y, Chiu N-Y, Liu J-T, Wang C-H, Chang T-G, Liao Y-C, Kuo P-I. Sleep quality in heroin addicts under methadone maintenance treatment.

Background: Sleep disturbance is a common phenomenon among opiate addicts. The side effects of opiate addiction or opiate withdrawal might result in sleep disturbance. However, their problems might be related to sedative medication abuse, alcohol abuse or heroin relapse. Sleep is an important issue in this population.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of sleep disorders in heroin addicts receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) and analyse the correlation between related factors, such as age at opiate exposure, opiate exposure duration, duration in MMT, methadone current dosage, methadone attendance rate and the severity of sleep disorders.

Method: We enrolled 121 heroin addicts who were receiving MMT. We collected data on the duration of insomnia, hypnotic history, Visual Analogue Scale-10 of sleep quality, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), methadone dosage, methadone history and opiate history.

Results: The mean of the PSQI was 9.1 ± 5.4, and 70.2% of patients had PSQI scores >5, indicating they were poor sleepers. We also found the PSQI scores were correlated significantly with the methadone dosage.

Conclusions: The sleep disturbance prevalence rate of opiate addicts under MMT was high in Taiwan, as shown in the previous studies, and the severity of sleep disturbance has been underestimated.
THE USE OF DELAYED GADOLINIUM ENHANCED MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF CARTILAGE AND T2 MAPPING TO EVALUATE ARTICULAR CARTILAGE IN THE NORMAL CANINE ELBOW
Authors: Wucherer Katja L. , Ober Christopher P. , Conzemius Michael G.
Published: October 2011

Commonly used diagnostic tools used to evaluate articular cartilage lack the sensitivity, specificity, and objectivity to measure early changes associated with osteoarthritis. Two techniques using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging have been developed to detect the biology of articular cartilage are delayed gadolinium‐enhanced MR imaging of cartilage (dGEMRIC) and T2 mapping. Both techniques have been validated and are used to study the degenerative and adaptive nature of articular cartilage in people. The use of these techniques as a diagnostic tool in dogs has not been well described. We evaluated articular cartilage in the region of the medial coronoid process (MCP) of six healthy dogs free of detectable orthopedic disease using both MR imaging techniques. Histology and proteoglycan (PG) content of the MCP were used to confirm normal articular cartilage. All dogs had ground reaction forces consistent with normal function. Mean dGEMRIC index (T1 value) was 400 ± 47 ms and mean T2 value was 56 ± 8 ms. Intra‐ and interobserver variability was low. dGEMRIC and T2 values for normal cartilage in the elbow of the dog can be generated reproducibly using 3T MR imaging. Using these techniques as objective outcome measures for clinical studies in dogs with OA conditions should help delineate the efficacy of some disease interventions.
VALUE OF TRACHEAL BIFURCATION ANGLE MEASUREMENT AS A RADIOGRAPHIC SIGN OF LEFT ATRIAL ENLARGEMENT IN DOGS
Authors: Le Roux Alexandre , Rademacher Nathalie , Saelinger Carley , Rodriguez Daniel , Pariaut Romain , Gaschen Lorrie
Published: October 2011

An increased tracheal bifurcation angle on the dorsoventral projection is described as a sign of left atrium enlargement in dogs, with a normal range of 60–90° reported. However in people, this angle is a poor indicator of left atrial size. Our purpose was to evaluate the value of the tracheal bifurcation angle for differentiating normal from enlarged left atrium in dogs. Dorsoventral radiographs and echocardiograms of 33 healthy and 73 dogs with confirmed degenerative myxomatous mitral valve disease were evaluated. Left atrial size was classified according to the echocardiographic left atrium to aorta ratio, as normal, mildly, moderately, or severely enlarged. Independent samples t‐tests were used to compare the bifurcation angle between groups. A significant difference was observed between the angle of dogs with normal left atrium (68.1 ± 8.5°, range: 51.3–92.4°) and dogs with enlarged left atrium (75.8 ± 8.2°, range: 57.3–91.7°). A significant difference was also noted between the angle of normal dogs and those with moderate (75.5 ± 6.8°, range: 62.8–88.7°) and severe (80.4 ± 7.7°, range: 64.7–91.7°) left atrial enlargement, as well as between dogs with mild (70.7 ± 7.2°, range: 57.3–89.9°) and severe enlargement. Using two discriminators, 85.1° and 76.6°, the bifurcation angle had a specificity of 92.6% and 88.9%, respectively, for identifying left atrial enlargement, and a sensitivity of 15.4% and 40.4%. Although significant differences were observed between dogs with normal and increased left atrial size, the large degree of overlap in the range of bifurcation angles and its poor sensitivity make the measurement of this angle of little value for diagnosing left atrial enlargement.
PREVALENCE OF CLINICAL AND SUBCLINICAL MIDDLE EAR DISEASE IN CATS UNDERGOING COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC SCANS OF THE HEAD
Authors: Shanaman Miriam , Seiler Gabriela , Holt David E.
Published: October 2011

Three hundred and ten cats that had CT imaging of the head between January 2000 and December 2007 were evaluated retrospectively. Data that were recorded included signalment, presenting complaint, clinical signs, presence of upper respiratory tract disease, and CT findings. One hundred and one cats had evidence of middle ear disease on CT. Thirty‐four of the 101 cats (34%) did not have a primary complaint of ear‐related disease, clinical signs or physical findings consistent with ear disease, suggesting that the middle ear disease was subclinical. Twenty‐seven of the 34 cats (79%) had concurrent nasal disease. Middle ear lesions were chronic in appearance. With the exception of tympanic bulla lysis, CT findings were similar in cats presenting with primary aural disease versus cats with presumptive subclinical middle ear disease. The majority of the cats did not return for treatment of the identified middle ear abnormalities. Subclinical middle ear disease is relatively frequent in cats undergoing CT imaging of the head. Few cats required subsequent treatment for ear disease although follow up was limited. Identification of subclinical middle ear abnormalities on CT should prompt acquisition of a detailed patient history and bilateral otoscopic examination.
Shear bond strength between different materials bonded with two resin cements
Authors: Muller Katia , do Nascimento Cássio , Miani Paola K. , Gonçalves Mariane , Ferreira de Albuquerque Jr Rubens
Published: October 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00565.x
 
Shear bond strength between different materials bonded with two resin cements

Background:  The aim of this study was to compare the shear bond strength between Ni–Cr alloy specimens bonded to air‐abraded Ni–Cr, bur‐abraded Ni–Cr, etched ceramic and etched enamel substrates using the resin cements RelyX ARC or Enforce.

Materials and methods:  Ni–Cr specimens were made and sandblasted with Al2O3 airborne‐particles. Disc‐shaped patterns were made for each of the four experimental substrates: Ni–Cr treated with Al2O3 airborne‐particles, Ni–Cr treated with diamond bur abrasion, etched enamel and etched ceramic.

Results:  Significant differences in shear bond strength were found between the different materials and luting agents evaluated. The Ni–Cr alloy cylinders bonded to Ni–Cr surfaces sandblasted with 50 μm Al2O3 particles and bonded with Enforce achieved the highest bond strength when compared with other substrates (28.9 MPa, p < 0.05). Bur‐abraded metal discs had lowest values, regardless the cement used (2.9 and 6.9 MPa for RelyX and Enforce, respectively). Etched enamel and etched ceramic had similar shear bond strengths within cement groups and performed better when RelyX was used.

Conclusions:  Bonding Ni–Cr to Ni–Cr and ceramic may result in similar and higher bond strength when compared to Ni–Cr/enamel bonding. For metal/metal bonding, higher shear bond strength was achieved with resin cement Enforce, and for metal/ceramic and metal/enamel bonding, RelyX had higher results.
Characterization of a hypertriglyceridemic transgenic miniature pig model expressing human apolipoprotein CIII
Authors: Wei Jingyuan , Ouyang Hongsheng , Wang Yuhui , Pang Daxin , Cong Nathan X. , Wang Tiedong , Leng Bingfeng , Li Dong , Li Xiaoping , Wu Rong , Ding Yu , Gao Fei , Deng Yanhong , Liu Bo , Li Ziyi , Lai Liangxue , Feng Haihua , Liu George , Deng Xuming
Published: October 2011

Hypertriglyceridemia has recently been considered to be an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, in which apolipoprotein (Apo)CIII is one of the major contributory factors, as it is strongly correlated with plasma triglyceride levels. Although ApoCIII transgenic mice have been generated as an animal model for the study of hypertriglyceridemia, the features of lipoprotein metabolism in mice differ greatly from those in humans. Because of the great similarity between pigs and humans with respect to lipid metabolism and cardiovascular physiology, we generated transgenic miniature pigs expressing human ApoCIII by the transfection of somatic cells combined with nuclear transfer. The expression of human ApoCIII was detected in the liver and intestine of the transgenic pigs. As compared with nontransgenic controls, transgenic pigs showed significantly increased plasma triglyceride levels (83 ± 36 versus 38 ± 4 mg·dL−1, P < 0.01) when fed a chow diet. Plasma lipoprotein profiling by FPLC in transgenic animals showed a higher peak in large‐particle fractions corresponding to very low‐density lipoprotein/chylomicrons when triglyceride content in the fractions was assayed. There was not much difference in cholesterol content in FPLC fractions, although a large low‐density lipoprotein peak was identified in both nontransgenic and transgenic animals, resembling that found in humans. Further analysis revealed markedly delayed clearance of plasma triglyceride, accompanied by significantly reduced lipoprotein lipase activity in post‐heparin plasma, in transgenic pigs as compared with nontransgenic controls. In summary, we have successfully generated a novel hypertriglyceridemic ApoCIII transgenic miniature pig model that could be of great value for studies on hyperlipidemia in relation to atherosclerotic disorders.
Biosynthesis of UDP‐glucuronic acid and UDP‐galacturonic acid in Bacillus cereus subsp. cytotoxis NVH 391‐98
Authors: Broach Bryan , Gu Xiaogang , Bar‐Peled Maor
Published: October 2011

The food borne pathogen Bacillus cereus produces uronic acid‐containing glycans that are secreted in a shielding biofilm environment, and certain alkaliphilic Bacillus deposit uronate‐glycan polymers in the cell wall when adapting to alkaline environments. The source of these acidic sugars is unknown and, in the present study, we describe the functional identification of an operon in Bacillus cerues subsp. cytotoxis NVH 391‐98 that comprises genes involved in the synthesis of UDP‐uronic acids in Bacillus spp. Within the operon, a UDP‐glucose 6‐dehydrogenase converts UDP‐glucose in the presence of NAD+ to UDP‐glucuronic acid and NADH, and a UDP‐GlcA 4‐epimerase (UGlcAE) converts UDP‐glucuronic acid to UDP‐galacturonic acid. Interestingly, in vitro, both enzymes can utilize the TDP‐sugar forms as well, albeit at lower catalytic efficiency. Unlike most of the very few bacterial 4‐epimerases that have been characterized, which are promiscuous, the B. cereus UGlcAE enzyme is very specific and cannot use UDP‐glucose, UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine, UDP‐N‐acetylglucosaminuronic acid or UDP‐xylose as substrates. Size exclusion chromatography suggests that UGlcAE is active as a monomer, unlike the dimeric form of plant enzymes; the Bacillus UDP‐glucose 6‐dehydrogenase is also found as a monomer. Phylogenic analysis further suggests that the Bacillus UGlcAE may have evolved separately from other bacterial and plant epimerases. Our results provide insight into the formation and function of uronic acid‐containing glycans in the lifecycle of B. cereus and related species containing homologous operons, as well as a basis for determining the importance of these acidic glycans. We also discuss the ability to target UGlcAE as a drug candidate.

Database

 Nucleotide sequence data have been deposited in the Genbank database with the accession numbers HM581979 and HM581980.
Substrate specificity of the deazaflavin‐dependent nitroreductase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis responsible for the bioreductive activation of bicyclic nitroimidazoles
Authors: Gurumurthy Meera , Mukherjee Tathagata , Dowd Cynthia S. , Singh Ramandeep , Niyomrattanakit Pornwaratt , Tay Jo Ann , Nayyar Amit , Lee Yong Sok , Cherian Joseph , Boshoff Helena I. , Dick Thomas , Barry Clifton E. , Manjunatha Ujjini H.
Published: October 2011

The bicyclic 4‐nitroimidazoles PA‐824 and OPC‐67683 represent a promising novel class of therapeutics for tuberculosis and are currently in phase II clinical development. Both compounds are pro‐drugs that are reductively activated by a deazaflavin (F420) dependent nitroreductase (Ddn). Herein we describe the biochemical properties of Ddn including the optimal enzymatic turnover conditions and substrate specificity. The preference of the enzyme for the (S) isomer of PA‐824 over the (R) isomer is directed by the presence of a long hydrophobic tail. Nitroimidazo‐oxazoles bearing only short alkyl substituents at the C‐7 position of the oxazole were reduced by Ddn without any stereochemical preference. However, with bulkier substitutions on the tail of the oxazole, Ddn displayed stereospecificity. Ddn mediated metabolism of PA‐824 results in the release of reactive nitrogen species. We have employed a direct chemiluminescence based nitric oxide (NO) detection assay to measure the kinetics of NO production by Ddn. Binding affinity of PA‐824 to Ddn was monitored through intrinsic fluorescence quenching of the protein facilitating a turnover‐independent assessment of affinity. Our results indicate that (R)‐PA‐824, despite not being turned over by Ddn, binds to the enzyme with the same affinity as the active (S) isomer. This result, in combination with docking studies in the active site, suggests that the (R) isomer probably has a different binding mode than the (S) with the C‐3 of the imidazole ring orienting in a non‐productive position with respect to the incoming hydride from F420. The results presented provide insight into the biochemical mechanism of reduction and elucidate structural features important for understanding substrate binding.
Sex with Animals (SWA): Behavioral Characteristics and Possible Association with Penile Cancer. A Multicenter Study
Authors: Zequi Stênio de Cássio , Guimarães Gustavo Cardoso , da Fonseca Francisco Paulo , Ferreira Ubirajara , de Matheus Wagner Eduardo , Reis Leonardo Oliveira , Aita Giuliano Amorim , Glina Sidney , Fanni Victor Silvestre Soares , Perez Marjo Denisson Cardenuto , Guidoni Luiz Renato Montez , Ortiz Valdemar , Nogueira Lucas , de Almeida Rocha Luis Carlos , Cuck Gustavo , da Costa Walter Henriques , Moniz Ravendra Ryan , Dantas José Hipólito , Soares Fernando Augusto , Lopes Ademar
Published: October 2011

Introduction

Zoophilia has been known for a long time but, underreported in the medical literature, is likely a risk factor for human urological diseases.

Aim

To investigate the behavioral characteristics of sex with animals (SWA) and its associations with penile cancer (PC) in a case-control study.

Methods

A questionnaire about personal and sexual habits was completed in interviews of 118 PC patients and 374 controls (healthy men) recruited between 2009 and 2010 from 16 urology and oncology centers.

Main Outcome Measures

SWA rates, geographic distribution, duration, frequency, animals involved, and behavioral habits were investigated and used to estimate the odds of SWA as a PC risk factor.

Results

SWA was reported by 171 (34.8%) subjects, 44.9% of PC patients and 31.6% of controls (P < 0.008). The mean ages at first and last SWA episode were 13.5 years (standard deviation [SD] 4.4 years) and 17.1 years (SD 5.3 years), respectively. Subjects who reported SWA also reported more venereal diseases (P < 0.001) and sex with prostitutes (P < 0.001), and were more likely to have had more than 10 lifetime sexual partners (P < 0.001) than those who did not report SWA. SWA with a group of men was reported by 29.8% of subjects and SWA alone was reported by 70.2%. Several animals were used by 62% of subjects, and 38% always used the same animal. The frequency of SWA included single (14%), weekly or more (39.5%), and monthly episodes (15%). Univariate analysis identified phimosis, penile premalignancies, smoking, nonwhite race, sex with prostitutes, and SWA as PC risk factors. Phimosis, premalignant lesions, smoking, and SWA remained as risk factors in multivariate analysis. However, SWA did not impact the clinicopathological outcomes of PC.

Conclusion

SWA is a risk factor for PC and may be associated with venereal diseases. New studies are required in other populations to test other possible nosological links with SWA.
Transmission of Nonviral Sexually Transmitted Infections and Oral Sex
Authors: Ballini Andrea , Cantore Stefania , Fatone Laura , Montenegro Valentina , De Vito Danila , Pettini Francesco , Crincoli Vito , Antelmi Annarita , Romita Paolo , Rapone Biagio , Miniello Giovanni , Perillo Letizia , Grassi Felice Roberto , Foti Caterina
Published: October 2011

Introduction

Oral sex is usually considered a lower-risk sexual activity when compared with sex, but it is frequently the cause of sexually transmitted infections (STI). In particular, STI transferred through oral sex might have no visible symptoms, depending on the type of infection.

Aims

The aim of this study is to review the literature about the role of oral sex in the transmission of nonviral STI.

Main Outcome Measures

State-of-the-art information in the area of STI in relation to sexual function and self–care, this last important for development of STI prevention products such as vaginal microbicides. Sexual behaviors assessed focusing on receiving oral sex and giving oral sex.

Methods

A search of the main electronic databases including registers of clinical controlled trials was performed in addition to a hand search of the most relevant Journals. The following electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, literature review of research articles, and public health department Internet Web sites, for the period of 1945–2011. In addition to searching the Clinical Trials Registry at the US National Institutes of Health, we also used the meta Register of Controlled Trials and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.

Results

STI affect the mucous membranes both directly and indirectly producing characteristic diagnostic signs and lesions. Daily dental clinical activity needs an appropriate knowledge of any kind of oral lesions-related STI. The reader is offered a practical approach with clinically relevant recommendations that may prove useful in his/her daily practice when dealing with STI.

Conclusions

These data provide a foundation for understanding diverse STI. We advise physicians to be receptive to discuss sexuality issues and provide patients with adequate therapy.
Long-term Follow-up (18–35 years) of Male Patients with History of Bladder Exstrophy (BE) Repair in Childhood: Erectile Function and Fertility Potential Outcome
Authors: Salem Hosni Khairy , Eisa Mohammed
Published: October 2011

Introduction

Bladder exstrophy is a rare condition that may lead to severe psychosexual malformation and require a lifelong follow-up.

Aim

We describe the long-term sexual outcome of patients with bladder exstrophy treated at our institution at early stage.

Methods

Thirty patients with mean age of 26 years (range 18–35 years) were included in the study. Fifteen patients underwent staged primary reconstruction, five patients underwent complete primary repair, and 10 patients underwent primary or secondary ureterosigmoidostomy.

Main Outcome Measures

Evaluation consisted of pediatric medical records, interview questionnaire including the psychosexual history, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and semen analysis.

Results

Erectile functions were maintained in 28 patients based on IIEF domain score. In all cases, penile length was objectively less than average (mean 7.65 cm). Seven patients were not satisfied with their penile length, and four cases complained of slight curvature. Ten patients were married (33%), of whom four patients had children (after normal conception in three, and after assisted reproductive technique in one). The remaining 20 patients were not married because of the feeling of sexual inadequacy to be able to engage in sexual intercourse (six patients), afraid of the cosmetic appearance of the genitalia (10 patients), and incontinence (four patients). Retrograde ejaculation was documented in 16 cases (53.5%), low volume ejaculate in eight cases (26.5%), and anejaculation in six cases (20%). Cosmetic outcome was considered satisfactory by 50% of the patients. Sixteen patients voided per urethra, four performed clean intermittent catheterization, and 10 patients had ureterosigmoidostomy diversion. Urinary tract infection was documented in 20% of the cases, and recurrent attacks of pyelonephritis in 10% of the cases.

Conclusion

Long-term outcome of bladder exstrophy repair in male patients showed fair results with respect to sexual function with more or less stable sexual relationship. We should do our best to solve the problem of those with restricted sexual lives.
Evidence on the origin of ergospheric disc field line topology in simulations of black hole accretion
Authors: Punsly Brian
Published: October 2011

This Letter investigates the origin of the asymmetric magnetic field line geometry in the ergospheric disc (and the corresponding asymmetric powerful jet) in 3D perfect magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) numerical simulations of a rapidly rotating black hole accretion system reported in Punsly, Igumenshchev & Hirose. Understanding why and how these unexpected asymmetric structures form is of practical interest because an ergospheric disc jet can boost the black hole driven jet power many fold, possibly resolving a fundamental disconnect between the energy flux estimates of powerful quasar jets and simulated jet power. The new 3D simulations of Beckwith, Hawley & Krolik that were run with basically the same code that was used in the simulation discussed in Punsly et al. describe the ‘coronal mechanism’ of accreting poloidal magnetic flux towards the event horizon. It was determined that reconnection in the inner accretion disc is a ‘necessary’ component for this process. The coronal mechanism seems to naturally explain the asymmetric ergospheric disc field lines that were seen in the simulations. Using examples from the literature, it is discussed how apparently small changes in the reconnection geometry and rates can make enormous changes in the magnetospheric flux distribution and the resultant black hole driven jet power in a numerical simulation. Unfortunately, reconnection is a consequence of numerical diffusion and not a detailed (yet to be fully understood) physical mechanism in the existing suite of perfect MHD-based numerical simulations. The implication is that there is presently great uncertainty in the flux distribution of astrophysical black hole magnetospheres and the resultant jet power.
Relating bars with the environment in the nearby Universe
Authors: Martínez Héctor J. , Muriel Hernán
Published: October 2011

We study the correlation between the fraction of barred spiral galaxies and environmental parameters of galaxies to understand in which environments the bars are more commonly found. For this purpose, we apply the Blanton et al. technique to a sample of spiral galaxies drawn from the Nair & Abraham catalogue. Our results agree with previous findings in which the fraction of barred galaxies is almost insensitive to environment.
Synthesis of Oxovanadium(IV) Schiff base Complexes derived from C‐substituted Diamines and Pyridoxal‐5‐Phosphate as Antitumor Agents
Authors: Hazari Puja Panwar , Pandey Anand Kumar , Chaturvedi Shubhra , Tiwari Anjani Kumar , Chandna Sudhir , Dwarakanath Bilikere Srinivasarao , Mishra Anil Kumar
Published: October 2011

Oxovanadium (IV) complexes of N,N′‐bispyridoxyl‐5, 5′‐bis (phosphate) ethylenediimine (L1) and N,N′‐bis(pyridoxyl)‐5,5′‐bis(phosphate)‐1′′‐(p‐nitrobenzyl)ethylenediimine (L2) were synthesized by condensation of optically active C‐substituted diamines and pyridoxal‐5‐phosphate. Oxovanadium (IV) complexes derived from L1 and L2 were evaluated as DNA cleavage agent (cleavage of supercoiled plasmid pBR322 DNA). Interestingly, both the oxovanadium (IV) complexes exhibited DNA nuclease activity, and the extent of oxidation of DNA by these vanadyl complexes was superior to VOSO4. The significant reduction in primary tumor and increased delay in tumor growth of 15 days was seen in the tumor regression analysis with oxovanadium (IV) complex of L1. With the preliminary studies performed with the pyridoxal‐5‐phosphate ‐based salen derivatives including the cytotoxicity and tumor regression, it is evident that the salen bifunctional chelating agent has obtained therapeutic potential if conjugated to a gene‐specific targeting molecule for the oxidation of guanine residue.
Everyday problem solving across the adult life span: solution diversity and efficacy
Authors: Mienaltowski Andrew
Published: October 2011

Everyday problem solving involves examining the solutions that individuals generate when faced with problems that take place in their everyday experiences. Problems can range from medication adherence and meal preparation to disagreeing with a physician over a recommended medical procedure or compromising with extended family members over where to host Thanksgiving dinner. Across the life span, research has demonstrated divergent patterns of change in performance based on the type of everyday problems used as well as based on the way that problem‐solving efficacy is operationally defined. Advancing age is associated with worsening performance when tasks involve single‐solution or fluency‐based definitions of effectiveness. However, when efficacy is defined in terms of the diversity of strategies used, as well as by the social and emotional impact of solution choice on the individual, performance is remarkably stable and sometimes even improves in the latter half of life. This article discusses how both of these approaches to everyday problem solving inform research on the influence that aging has on everyday functioning.