bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profiles of illicit drug use during annual key holiday and control periods in Australia: wastewater analysis in an urban, a semi‐rural and a vacation area
Authors: Lai Foon Yin , Bruno Raimondo , Hall Wayne , Gartner Coral , Ort Christoph , Kirkbride Paul , Prichard Jeremy , Thai Phong K. , Carter Steve , Mueller Jochen F.
Published: October 2012

Aims

To examine changes in illicit drug consumption between peak holiday season (23 December–3 January) in Australia and a control period two months later in a coastal urban area, an inland semi‐rural area and an island populated predominantly by vacationers during holidays.

Design

Analysis of representative daily composite wastewater samples collected from the inlet of the major wastewater treatment plant in each area.

Setting

Three wastewater treatment plants.

Participants

Wastewater treatment plants serviced approximately 350 000 persons in the urban area, 120 000 in the semi‐rural area and 1100–2400 on the island.

Measurements

Drug residues were analysed using liquid chromatography coupled to a tandem mass spectrometer. Per capita drug consumption was estimated. Changes in drug use were quantified using Hedges' g.

Findings

During the holidays, cannabis consumption in the semi‐rural area declined (g = −2.8) as did methamphetamine (−0.8), whereas cocaine (+1.5) and ecstasy (+1.6) use increased. In the urban area, consumption of all drugs increased during holidays (cannabis +1.6, cocaine +1.2, ecstasy +0.8 and methamphetamine +0.3). In the vacation area, methamphetamine (+0.7), ecstasy (+0.7) and cocaine (+1.1) use increased, but cannabis (−0.5) use decreased during holiday periods.

Conclusions

While the peak holiday season in Australia is perceived as a period of increased drug use, this is not uniform across all drugs and areas. Substantial declines in drug use in the semi‐rural area contrasted with substantial increases in urban and vacation areas. Per capita drug consumption in the vacation area was equivalent to that in the urban area, implying that these locations merit particular attention for drug use monitoring and harm minimisation measures.
Past major depression and smoking cessation outcome: a systematic review and meta‐analysis update
Authors: Hitsman Brian , Papandonatos George D. , McChargue Dennis E. , DeMott Andrew , Herrera María José , Spring Bonnie , Borrelli Belinda , Niaura Raymond
Published: October 2012

Aims

To update our prior meta‐analysis that showed past major depression (MD+) to be unrelated to smoking cessation outcome.

Methods

Eligible trials included 14 from our original review and 28 identified through an updated systematic review (2000–2009). We coded for assessment of past MD, exclusion for recent MD episode (MDE; ≤6 months versus no exclusion), duration/modality of cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT; face‐to‐face versus self‐help) and other factors. To minimize influence of experimental treatments that may selectively benefit MD+ smokers we analyzed placebo/lowest intensity control arms only. Study‐specific ORs for the effect of past MD on short‐term (≤3 months) and long‐term (≥6 months) abstinence were estimated and combined using random effects. Two‐way interaction models of past MD with study methodology and treatment factors were used to evaluate hypothesized moderators of the past MD‐abstinence association.

Results

MD+ smokers had 17% lower odds of short‐term abstinence (n = 35, OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.72–0.95, P = 0.009) and 19% lower odds of long‐term abstinence (n = 38, OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.67–0.97, P = 0.023) than MD‐ smokers after excluding the sole study of varenicline because of its antidepressant properties. The association between past MD and abstinence was affected by methodological (recent MDE exclusion, type of MD assessment) and treatment (CBT modality) factors.

Conclusions

Past major depression has a modest adverse effect on abstinence during and after smoking cessation treatment. An increased focus on the identification of effective treatments or treatment adaptations that eliminate this disparity in smoking cessation for MD+ smokers is needed.
Efficacy combined with specified ingredients: a new direction for empirically supported addiction treatment
Authors: Magill Molly , Longabaugh Richard
Published: October 2012

Aims

With the increased need for sanctioning behavioral addiction treatments to guide key stakeholders, focus has shifted to developing and applying criteria for establishing empirically supported treatments (EST). Among the many criteria offered, demonstration of incremental efficacy over a placebo or comparison in at least two independent randomized clinical trials (RCTs) has been the gold standard. While necessary, the present EST criteria are not sufficient. The present work: (i) argues for empirically supported specificity in behavioral addiction treatment, (ii) explores the limitations of empirical support for EST efficacy without evidence of specificity and (iii) discusses implications and recommendations for ultimately raising the bar for status as an EST.

Methods

The authors review relevant literature on ESTs, evidence‐based practice and clinical trial design in the addictions and related disciplines.

Results

We clarify that the additional bar of specificity does not denote uniqueness in causal processes and we argue that specificity should not be inferred only via the nature of the experimental contrast. Rather, a treatment has specificity if its active ingredients are identified and validated empirically as predictors of subsequent treatment‐related outcomes. Within this new definition, there are implications for clinical research and other key stakeholders.

Conclusions

A heightened centrality of empirically supported addiction treatment ingredients moving forward will advance clinical knowledge and evaluation methodology at a far greater pace.
Do mast cells link obesity and asthma?
Authors: Sismanopoulos N. , Delivanis D.‐A. , Mavrommati D. , Hatziagelaki E. , Conti P. , Theoharides T. C.
Published: October 2012

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs. Both the number of cases and severity of asthma have been increasing without a clear explanation. Recent evidence suggests that obesity, which has also been increasing alarmingly, may worsen or precipitate asthma, but there is little evidence of how obesity may contribute to lung inflammation. We propose that mast cells are involved in both asthma and obesity by being the target and source of adipocytokines, ‘alarmins’ such as interleukin‐9 (IL‐9) and interleukin‐33 (IL‐33), and stress molecules including corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) and neurotensin (NT), secreted in response to the metabolic burden. In particular, CRH and NT have synergistic effects on mast cell secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). IL‐33 augments VEGF release induced by substance P (SP) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) release induced by NT. Both IL‐9 and IL‐33 also promote lung mast cell infiltration and augment allergic inflammation. These molecules are also expressed in human mast cells leading to autocrine effects. Obese patients are also less sensitive to glucocorticoids and bronchodilators. Development of effective mast cell inhibitors may be a novel approach for the management of both asthma and obesity. Certain flavonoid combinations may be a promising new treatment approach.
Palladium‐induced Th2 cytokine responses reflect skin test reactivity
Authors: Muris J. , Feilzer A. J. , Kleverlaan C. J. , Rustemeyer T. , van Hoogstraten I. M. W. , Scheper R. J. , von Blomberg B. M. E.
Published: October 2012

Recently, a crucial role of Th2 responses in nickel allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) was demonstrated. As palladium allergy is an issue of growing interest, the diagnostic potential of Th2 parameters for palladium sensitization was investigated. Palladium (Na2[PdCl4])‐induced lymphocyte proliferation (LPT), Th1 and Th2 cytokine production were correlated with skin test (ST) reactivity in 16 positive and 21 negative controls. Furthermore, the diagnostic potential of these assays was evaluated using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis. For comparison, same experiments were carried out for nickel (NiSO4). Correlation coefficients between palladium ST reactivity and IFN‐γ, LPT, IL‐5, and IL‐13 were 0.34, 0.51, 0.69, and 0.78, and overall test accuracies were 68%, 81%, 89%, and 95%, respectively. Both palladium‐ and nickel‐mediated Th2 responses tightly correlate with ST reactivity, supporting recent findings on the crucial role of Th2 involvement in ACD. Therefore, these assays may have great potential as diagnostic tools for future in vitro sensitization testing.
Secondary fear of childbirth prolongs the time to subsequent delivery
Authors: SYDSJÖ GUNILLA , ANGERBJÖRN LOUISE , PALMQUIST SOFIE , BLADH MARIE , SYDSJÖ ADAM , JOSEFSSON ANN
Published: October 2012

Objective. Most pregnant women are anxious about the delivery and up to 30% develop varying degrees of fear of childbirth (FOC). Secondary FOC occurs in parous women who have experienced a traumatic delivery. The aim of this study was to investigate the time to subsequent delivery and delivery outcome in women with secondary FOC, compared with a reference group. Setting. Southeast Sweden. Sample. 356 parous pregnant women with secondary FOC and a reference group of 634 parous women without FOC. Design. Descriptive, retrospective case–control study. Main outcome measures. Time to next pregnancy and delivery outcome. Results. More women with secondary FOC had a longer interval to subsequent delivery compared with parous women without FOC (p = 0.005). Women with secondary FOC had 5.2 times higher probability of having a cesarean section than the reference group. Women with secondary FOC also had on average a 40‐minute longer duration of active labor than women without FOC (p < 0.001). Conclusions. Secondary fear of childbirth prolongs the time to subsequent delivery and the active phase of labor itself, and increases the risk for cesarean section.
Initiation and extent of skin‐to‐skin care at two Swedish neonatal intensive care units
Authors: Blomqvist Ylva Thernström , Ewald Uwe , Gradin Maria , Nyqvist Kerstin Hedberg , Rubertsson Christine
Published: October 2012

Aim

To describe initiation and extent of parents’ application of skin‐to‐skin care (SSC) with their preterm infants at two Swedish neonatal intensive care units.

Methods

The duration of SSC was recorded in 104 infants’ medical charts during their hospital stay, and the parents answered a questionnaire.

Results

Both parents were involved in the practice of SSC. Three infants experienced SSC directly after birth, 34 within 1 h, 85 within 24 h and the remaining 19 at 24–78 h postbirth. SSC commenced earlier (median age of 50 min) in infants whose first SSC was with their father instead of with their mother (median age of 649 min: p < 0.001). The earlier the SSC was initiated, the longer the infant was cared for skin‐to‐skin per day during his/her hospital stay (p < 0.001). The median daily duration of SSC was 403 min.

Conclusion

Early initiation of SSC had positive impact on the extent of parents’ application of SSC. Even though the infants in this study were cared for skin‐to‐skin to a high extent, there is a potential for extended use of SSC in this type of hospital setting for reducing separation between infants and parents.
Children and adolescents' self‐reported coping strategies during the Southeast Asian Tsunami
Authors: Jensen Tine K. , Ellestad Ane , Dyb Grete
Published: October 2012

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate how Norwegian children on holiday in Southeast Asia coped when the tsunami hit December 26, 2004. The goal is to understand more about children and adolescents' immediate coping strategies when faced with a life‐threatening situation. Acquiring more knowledge on coping strategies at different points in the recovery process can be useful for gaining insight to the relationship between coping and psychological adjustment.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews of 56 children aged 6–18 years (36 girls and 20 boys) were conducted in their homes approximately 10 months after the tsunami. The interviews were analysed using qualitative methods.

Results

Two primary coping strategies were described and labelled as self‐soothing thoughts and behavioural strategies. Self‐soothing thoughts were divided into five categories: positive thinking; avoidant thinking; rational thoughts; and thoughts on parental competencies and parental protection. Behavioural strategies were divided into six categories: attachment seeking behaviour; distraction behaviour; helping others; seeking information and comfort; and talking.

Conclusions

The children's coping responses point to the developmental aspects of coping and how children are dependent upon adults for guidance and protection. In addition, very few youth reported using problem‐focused coping strategies that are normally thought of as helpful in the aftermath of trauma, whereas strategies often thought of as not so helpful such as distraction and avoidance, was more predominant. It may be that helpful immediate coping strategies are different from long‐term coping strategies, and that coping strategies differ according to the degree of perceived control of the situation.

Practitioner Points

Assessing peri‐trauma coping responses can be important for understanding post‐trauma functioning.

Important peri‐trauma responses can be discovered by asking the youth to narrate their traumatic experience.

Helpful peri‐trauma coping responses may be very different from post‐trauma coping responses and clinicians should recognize this.

First responders should seek to reunite youth with carers as soon as possible after a traumatizing experience.
Outside‐school physical activity participation and motivation in physical education
Authors: Shen Bo
Published: October 2012

Background

Experience in non‐school contexts can shape and reshape students' motivation and mediate their learning in school. Outside‐school physical activity may provide students with an extensive cognitive and affective foundation and influence their motivation in physical education. Although a trans‐contextual effect of physical education has been explored, very little empirical research has examined the impact from outside‐school context to physical education.

Aims

Using self‐determination theory and a hierarchical model of motivation, this study was designed to examine the association between participation in organized outside‐school physical activity programmes and self‐determination process in physical education.

Sample

Participants included 545 9th graders (305 males and 240 females, age range = 14–16 years, mean age = 14.66 years) enrolled in required physical education classes in three suburban high schools in a large Midwest metropolitan area in the United States.

Methods

Self‐determination variables were measured using relevant instruments, and information on organized outside‐school physical activity experiences was gathered in a survey. Structural equation modelling analyses were conducted.

Results

Students who participated in organized outside‐school physical activity programmes displayed overall higher motivation; however, the strength of associations among the self‐determination variables (i.e., pathways from perceived autonomy support to relatedness, from autonomy to competence, and from self‐determined motivation to in‐class physical activity engagement) was stronger for their non‐participant counterparts.

Conclusion

There are dynamic relationships between participation in organized outside‐school physical activity programmes and self‐determination process in physical education. Physical educators need to identify, appreciate, and instructionally address individual students' differences during teaching and learning.
Functional asymmetry in kinesin and dynein dimers
Authors: Rank Katherine C. , Rayment Ivan
Published: October 2012

Active transport along the microtubule lattice is a complex process that involves both the Kinesin and Dynein superfamily of motors. Transportation requires sophisticated regulation much of which occurs through the motor's tail domain. However, a significant portion of this regulation also occurs through structural changes that arise in the motor and the microtubule upon binding. The most obvious structural change being the manifestation of asymmetry. To a first approximation in solution, kinesin dimers exhibit twofold symmetry, and microtubules exhibit helical symmetry. The higher symmetries of both the kinesin dimers and microtubule lattice are lost on formation of the kinesin–microtubule complex. Loss of symmetry has functional consequences such as an asymmetric hand‐over‐hand mechanism in plus‐end‐directed kinesins, asymmetric microtubule binding in the Kinesin‐14 family, spatially biased stepping in dynein and cooperative binding of additional motors to the microtubule. This review focusses on how the consequences of asymmetry affect regulation of motor heads within a dimer, dimers within an ensemble of motors, and suggests how these asymmetries may affect regulation of active transport within the cell.
Safety, compliance, and predictive parameters for dosage modification in adjuvant S‐1 chemotherapy for gastric cancer
Authors: Kim Su‐Jung , Kim Yu Jung , Kim Jee Hyun , Park Do Joong , Kim Hyung‐Ho , Lee Jong Seok , Lee Keun‐Wook
Published: October 2012

This study was performed to investigate the compliance, safety, dosage modifications (dose reduction and/or schedule change [including permanent S‐1 withdrawal]), and clinical parameters that predict S‐1 dosage modification in gastric cancer patients receiving adjuvant S‐1 chemotherapy. One hundred and forty‐nine patients who underwent curative D2 surgery and received adjuvant S‐1 chemotherapy were enrolled. S‐1 was administered orally (40 mg/m2 twice daily on days 1–28 every 6 weeks) for 1 year. For patients unable to tolerate S‐1, the dosage was reduced or the schedule was changed to a 3‐weekly schedule of 2 weeks on treatment followed by 1 week off treatment. The planned 1‐year treatment was completed in 73.8% of patients; 69 patients required dosage modification because of toxicity. The most frequent cause of dosage modification was enterocolitis (37 patients; defined as ≥ grade 2 abdominal pain and/or ≥ grade 2 diarrhea). Most dosage modification occurred during the early cycles of treatment (within the first 3 months). Severe toxicities (≥ grade 3) included neutropenia (13.4%), abdominal pain (8.1%) and diarrhea (8.1%). In multivariate analyses, decreased relative dose intensity was related to poor disease‐free survival independent of stage, and only low creatinine clearance predicted S‐1 dosage modification. In conclusion, although adjuvant S‐1 therapy has a high compliance rate, meticulous monitoring of adverse events is required in the early period of treatment. Decreased creatinine clearance was the only factor that predicted dosage modification. In patients with creatinine clearance <50 mL/min, dosage reduction should be considered from the initiation of S‐1 treatment. (Cancer Sci 2013; 104: 123–116)
Subpopulation of small‐cell lung cancer cells expressing CD133 and CD87 show resistance to chemotherapy
Authors: Kubo Toshio , Takigawa Nagio , Osawa Masahiro , Harada Daijiro , Ninomiya Takashi , Ochi Nobuaki , Ichihara Eiki , Yamane Hiromichi , Tanimoto Mitsune , Kiura Katsuyuki
Published: October 2012

Tumors are presumed to contain a small population of cancer stem cells (CSCs) that initiate tumor growth and promote tumor spreading. Multidrug resistance in CSCs is thought to allow the tumor to evade conventional therapy. This study focused on expression of CD133 and CD87 because CD133 is a putative marker of CSCs in some cancers including lung, and CD87 is associated with a stem‐cell‐like property in small‐cell lung cancer (SCLC). Six SCLC cell lines were used. The expression levels of CD133 and CD87 were analyzed by real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry. CD133+/− and CD87+/− cells were isolated by flow cytometry. The drug sensitivities were determined using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Non‐obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mice were used for the tumor formation assay. SBC‐7 cells showed the highest expression levels of both CD133 and CD87 among the cell lines. CD133−/CD87−, CD133+/CD87−, and CD133−/CD87+ cells were isolated from SBC‐7 cells; however, CD133+/CD87+ cells could not be obtained. Both CD133+/CD87− and CD133−/CD87+ subpopulations showed a higher resistance to etoposide and paclitaxel and greater re‐populating ability than the CD133−/CD87− subpopulation. CD133+/CD87− cells contained more G0 quiescent cells than CD133−/CD87− cells. By contrast, CD133−/CD87− cells showed the highest tumorigenic potential. In conclusion, both CD133 and CD87 proved to be inadequate markers for CSCs; however, they might be beneficial for predicting resistance to chemotherapy. (Cancer Sci 2013; 104: 78–84)
Ion channels regulating mast cell biology
Authors: Ashmole I. , Bradding P.
Published: October 2012

Mast cells play a central role in the pathophysiology of asthma and related allergic conditions. Mast cell activation leads to the degranulation of preformed mediators such as histamine and the secretion of newly synthesised proinflammatory mediators such as leukotrienes and cytokines. Excess release of these mediators contributes to allergic disease states. An influx of extracellular Ca2+ is essential for mast cell mediator release. From the Ca2+ channels that mediate this influx, to the K+, Cl− and transient receptor potential channels that set the cell membrane potential and regulate Ca2+ influx, ion channels play a critical role in mast cell biology. In this review we provide an overview of our current knowledge of ion channel expression and function in mast cells with an emphasis on how channels interact to regulate Ca2+ signalling.
Evaluation of SDHB, SDHD and VHL gene susceptibility testing in the assessment of individuals with non‐syndromic phaeochromocytoma, paraganglioma and head and neck paraganglioma
Authors: Jafri Mariam , Whitworth James , Rattenberry Eleanor , Vialard Lindsey , Kilby Gail , Kumar Ajith V. , Izatt Louise , Lalloo Fiona , Brennan Paul , Cook Jackie , Morrison Patrick J. , Canham Natalie , Armstrong Ruth , Brewer Carole , Tomkins Susan , Donaldson Alan , Barwell Julian , Cole Trevor R. , Atkinson A. Brew , Aylwin Simon , Ball Steve G. , Srirangalingam Umasuthan , Chew Shern L. , Evans Dafydd Gareth R , Hodgson Shirley V. , Irving Richard , Woodward Emma , Macdonald Fiona , Maher Eamonn R.
Published: October 2012

Objectives

Research studies have reported that about a third of individuals with phaeochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PPGL) have an inherited predisposition, although the frequency of specific mutations can vary between populations. We evaluated VHL, SDHB and SDHD mutation testing in cohorts of patients with non‐syndromic PPGL and head and neck paraganglioma (HNPGL).

Design

Prospective, observational evaluation of NHS practice.

Patients

Individuals with PPGL/HNPGL referred to a supraregional genetics testing service over a 10‐year period.

Measurements

Clinical (age, tumour site, malignancy, etc.), mutation frequencies and characteristics.

Results

A total of 501 probands with PPGL (n = 413) or HNPGL (n = 88) were studied. Thirty‐one percent of patients with PPGL presented had a pathogenic mutation in SDHB, SDHD or VHL. Mutation detection rates were highest in those with a positive family history (62%), malignancy (53%), multiple tumours (33%) or PGL (44%). Twenty‐eight percent of individuals with a single sporadic phaeochromocytoma had a mutation. Overall, 63% of patients with HNPGL had a mutation (92% of those with a family history, 89% of those with multicentric tumours and 34% of those with a single sporadic HNPGL). Penetrance was calculated in 121 SDHB mutation‐positive probands and 187 of their mutation‐positive relatives. Most relatives were asymptomatic and lifetime penetrance in non‐proband SDHB mutation carriers was <50%.

Conclusions

Practice‐based evaluations of genetic testing in PPGL reveal high mutation detection rates. Although clinical criteria can be used to prioritize mutation testing, mutations were detected in ‘low risk groups’ indicating a need for comprehensive and inexpensive genetic testing strategies for PPGL and HNPGL.
Addressing common forms of child maltreatment: evidence‐informed interventions and gaps in current knowledge
Authors: Pecora Peter J. , Sanders David , Wilson Dee , English Diana , Puckett Alan , Rudlang‐Perman Kristen
Published: October 2012

This paper reviews interventions for preventing the occurrence and recurrence of major types of child maltreatment. We begin with an overview of the challenges of establishing evidence‐based interventions to prevent child abuse and neglect in many countries, and underscore the importance of this need with child maltreatment incidence rates in the USA, and how much each type and subtype contribute to child out‐of‐home placement. Next, we identify the well‐supported, supported and promising interventions for each child maltreatment type and subtype, according to their level of research evidence using an evidence‐based clearing house. The paper closes with a discussion of the implications for practice, evaluation, policy and agency management, including intervention knowledge gaps that showcase areas that need additional practice research.
In vitro bone strain analysis of implant following occlusal overload
Authors: Kan Janice P.M. , Judge Roy B. , Palamara Joseph E.A.
Published: October 2012

Objectives

To enumerate peri‐implant bone strain pattern under quantified occlusal load and verify the bone response through comparison with the critical strain thresholds defined by Frost's bone mechanostat theory.

Material and Methods

Mandibular unilateral recipient sites in two greyhound dogs were established with posterior teeth extractions. After 6 weeks, four titanium implants were placed in each dog mandible. Following 12 weeks of healing, successfully osseointegrated implants were placed in supra‐occlusal contact via screw‐retained non‐splinted metal crowns. Plaque control and a dental health enhancing diet were prescribed. A bite force detection device was used to quantify in vivo occlusal load as the dogs functioned with supra‐occlusal contact. After 8 weeks, the dogs were sacrificed. In vitro peri‐implant bone strain under quantified occlusal load was measured using bonded stacked rosette strain gauges.

Results

The average and peak in vivo occlusal load measured were 434 and 795 newton (N). When individually and simultaneously loaded in vitro (≤476 N), absolute bone strains up to 1133 and 753 microstrains (με) were measured at implant apices, respectively. Bone strain reaching 229 με was recorded at distant sites. For bone strain to reach the pathological overload threshold defined by Frost's bone mechanostat theory (3000 με), an occlusal load of 1344 N (greater than peak measured in vivo) is required based on the simple linear regression model.

Conclusion

Under the in vivo and in vitro conditions investigated in this study, peri‐implant bone was not found to be under pathological overload following supra‐occlusal contact function. Strain dissipation to distant sites appeared to be an effective mechanism by which implant overload was avoided.
Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract plus a bioprosthetic anal fistula plug (LIFT‐Plug): a new technique for fistula‐in‐ano
Authors: Han J. G. , Yi B. Q. , Wang Z. J. , Zheng Y. , Cui J. J. , Yu X. Q. , Zhao B. C. , Yang X. Q.
Published: October 2012

Aim

Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract and reinforcement with a bioprosthetic graft are two recently reported procedures that have shown promise in the treatment of anal fistula. This study was undertaken to validate combining ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract plus bioprosthetic anal fistula plug and report our preliminary results and experience.

Method

Twenty‐one patients with transsphincteric anal fistula were treated with ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract plus concurrent bioprosthetic plug of the anal fistula. We evaluated healing time, fistula closure rate and postoperative anal function according to the Wexner continence score.

Results

No mortality or major complications were observed. Median operative time was 20 (range 15–40) min. After a median follow‐up of 14 (range 12–15) months, the overall success rate was 95% (20/21), with a median healing time of 2 (range 2–3) weeks for external anal fistula opening and 4 (range 3–7) weeks for intersphincteric groove incision. Only 1 (5%) patient reported rare incontinence for gas postoperatively (Wexner score 1).

Conclusions

Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract plus a bioprosthetic anal fistula plug is an easy, safe, effective and useful alternative in the management of anal fistula. Further randomized controlled studies are necessary to better evaluate long‐term results.
Impact of diagnostic criteria on the prevalence of COPD
Authors: Çolak Yunus , Løkke Anders , Marott Jacob Louis , Lange Peter , Vestbo Jørgen
Published: October 2012

Introduction

The reduction in the ratio between forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) is used for the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The choice between a simple fixed cut‐off ratio (FEV1/FVC <0.70) and the use of lower limit of normal (LLN) is eagerly discussed. The aim of this paper was to examine the impact of these two diagnostic measures on the prevalence of COPD using data from the fourth examination of The Copenhagen City Heart Study (CCHS4).

Materials and Methodology

A total of 6237 subjects participated in CCHS4 from 2001 to 2003. Asymptomatic, healthy never‐smokers of all ages with adequate information from questionnaires and spirometry were used to calculate LLN.

Results

LLN was declining with increasing age and height. If LLN was used as the correct diagnostic criterion, under‐ and over‐diagnosis among men were 0.4% and 7.0%, respectively, and for women 2.0% and 1.4%, respectively, when using the fixed ratio. Over‐diagnosis among men was reduced from 7.0% to 3.0% by changing the fixed cut‐off ratio to FEV1/FVC <0.65 for subjects older than 65 years. Among women, however, this adjustment led to an increase in under‐diagnosis from 2.0% to 5.7%. Most participants with FEV1/FVC <0.70 but >LLN had well‐preserved FEV1.

Conclusion

Using the fixed ratio for diagnosing COPD in an epidemiological setting results in a higher prevalence than if the LLN is used. Time seems ripe for studying if the same is seen when diagnosing COPD in the clinical setting.
Cytosolic subunits of ATP synthase are localized to the cortical endoplasmic reticulum‐rich domain of the ascidian egg myoplasm
Authors: Ishii Hirokazu , Kunihiro Shiori , Tanaka Manabu , Hatano Kyoko , Nishikata Takahito
Published: October 2012

Previously, we revealed that p58, one of the ascidian maternal factors, is identical to the alpha‐subunit of F1‐ATP synthase (ATPα), a protein complex of the inner mitochondrial membrane. In the current study, we used immunological probes for ascidian mitochondria components to show that the ascidian ATPα is ectopically localized to the cytosol. Virtually all mitochondrial components were localized to the mitochondria‐rich myoplasm. However, in detail, ATP synthase subunits and the matrix proteins showed different localization patterns. At least at the crescent stage, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) distinguished the mitochondria‐less, endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐rich cortical region and the mitochondria‐rich internal region. ATPα was enriched in the cortical region and MnSOD was limited to the internal region. Using subcellular fractionation, although all of the mitochondria components were highly enriched in the mitochondria‐enriched fraction, a considerable amount of ATPα and F1‐ATP synthase beta‐subunit (ATPβ) were recovered in the insoluble cytoplasmic fraction. Even under these conditions, F1‐ATP synthase gamma‐subunit (ATPγ) and F0‐ATP synthase subunit b (ATPb) were not recovered in the insoluble cytoplasmic fraction. This result strongly supports the exomitochondrial localization of both ATPα and ATPβ. In addition, the detergent extraction of eggs supports the idea that these cytosolic ATP synthase subunits are associated with the egg cytoskeleton. These results suggest that the subunits of ATP synthase might play dual roles at different subcellular compartments during early development.
Analysis of localization and reorganization of germ plasm in Xenopus transgenic line with fluorescence‐labeled mitochondria
Authors: Taguchi Ayaka , Tak Miki , Motoishi Minako , Or Hidefumi , Moch Makoto , Watanabe Kenji
Published: October 2012

Germ plasm is found in germ‐line cells of Xenopus and thought to include the determinant of primordial germ cells (PGCs). As mitochondria is abundant in germ plasm, vital staining of mitochondria was used to analyze the movement and function of germ plasm; however, its application was limited in early cleavage embryos. We made transgenic Xenopus, harboring enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fused to the mitochondria transport signal (Dria‐line). Germ plasm with EGFP‐labeled mitochondria was clearly distinguishable from the other cytoplasm, and retained mostly during one generation of germ‐line cells in Dria‐line females. Using the Dria‐line, we show that germ plasm is reorganized from near the cell membrane to the perinuclear space at St. 9, dependent on the microtubule system.
Prevalence and treatment demand after traumatic dental injury in South Brazilian schoolchildren
Authors: Schuch Helena Silveira , Goettems Marília Leão , Correa Marcos Britto , Torriani Dione Dias , Demarco Flávio Fernando
Published: October 2012

Background

Evaluation of the frequency and need for treatment of dental trauma is critical for both planning and establishing dental services and preventive programs.

Aim

This cross‐sectional study evaluated the prevalence of dental trauma, need for treatment and factors associated with dental visits after an injury.

Subjects and Methods

A multistage sample of children aged 8–12 years, from 20 private and public schools in Pelotas/Southern Brazil, was considered. Socioeconomic information was collected from parents, and data regarding traumatic events were obtained from the children. Clinical examinations were conducted using validated criteria. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression were used to assess the factors associated with search for treatment after injury.

Results

A total of 1210 children were included, 153 (12.6%, 95% CI 10.8–14.6) of whom suffered dental trauma, with a total of 175 traumatized teeth. The most frequently observed type of injury was enamel fracture, affecting 129 (73.7%) teeth, of which 107 did not require restorative treatment. A total of 68 (38.8%) teeth required care, of which 24 (13.7%) received treatment. Of the children who recalled the trauma, 39 (36.5%) sought treatment, which was significantly associated with both higher maternal education (OR 2.75; 95% CI 1.18–6.41) and trauma severity (OR 7.71; 95% CI 3.17–18.75).

Conclusions

The prevalence of traumatic injuries was relatively high in this population. Although most of the traumatized teeth did not require treatment, dental care was neglected, as most of the children were not taken to a dentist for evaluation. Also, there was a considerable demand for treatment, most of them of low complexity. Special attention should be given to children whose mothers have completed fewer years of education, as the mother's level of education was an important predictor of evaluation by a dentist after injury.
Parents' recognition of dental trauma in their children
Authors: Ramos‐Jorge Maria Letícia , Ramos‐Jorge Joana , Mota‐Veloso Isabella , Oliva Kelly Jorge , Zarzar Patrícia Maria , Marques Leandro Silva
Published: October 2012

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to assess parents' recognition of dental trauma in their children.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, with 519 randomly selected children between 1 and 3 years of age. The parents answered questions on the occurrence of previous dental trauma, caregiver's schooling and the impact of dental trauma on activities and quality of life of the children. The children were also clinically examined for presence of dental trauma. Descriptive analysis, the chi‐squared test, Mann–Whitney test and Poisson regression analysis were performed. The calculation of effect size was used to test the clinical significance of the findings.

Results

A total of 41.2% (n = 214) of the children had at least one tooth with dental trauma. Among the parents of the children with dental trauma, 42.5% (n = 91) had not recognized the trauma. Mean caregiver's schooling was 8.9 ± 3.3 years of study. The schooling of caregivers who were unaware of the dental trauma was lower (mean: 5.3 ± 2.5 years of study) than that of those who were aware of the trauma (10.4 ± 2.1 years of study; P < 0.001). The recognition of dental trauma was more prevalent among parents of children over 24 months of age (PR: 3.5; 95% CI: 2.2–5.6), those whose children experienced an impact of oral health status on quality of life (PR: 1.2; 95% CI: 1.1–1.4) and those with a higher level of schooling (PR: 1.2; 95% CI: 1.1–1.2).

Conclusion

A large portion of parents do not recognize the occurrence of dental trauma in their toddlers. The age of the child, impact of oral health status on quality of life and caregiver's schooling were directly associated with parents' recognition of dental trauma in children aged 12 to 36 months.
Conservation of root‐fractured primary teeth—report of a case
Authors: Liu Xin , Huang Jing , Bai Yudi , Wang Xiaojing , Baker Andrew , Chen Faming , Wu Li‐an
Published: October 2012

A 3.5‐year‐old girl presented to our clinic experiencing pain in her maxillary central incisors following traumatic injury during a fall. Radiographic examination revealed both primary maxillary central incisors with mid‐root and apical third horizontal root fractures, respectively. Splinting with orthodontic brackets and stainless steel wire was performed. At 2 weeks, resorption of the apical fragments in both injured teeth was observed, and after 3 months, almost complete resorption was noted on radiographs. Tooth mobility at this point was back to physiologic levels and the splint was removed. After 2.5 years, the primary maxillary incisors were replaced by permanent incisors demonstrating normal tooth color, position, and root development. Although this case illustrated the favorable prognosis of two primary teeth with root fractures and severely mobile coronal fragments by a conservative approach, more scientific evidences are needed and frequent recalls are necessary when primary root fractures are attempted to be managed with splinting.
Population differentiation and temporal changes of carotenoid pigments and stable isotope ratios in the offspring of anadromous and non‐anadromous troutSalmo trutta
Authors: Briers Robert A. , Waterman James O. , Galt Kenneth , Campbell Ronald N. B.
Published: October 2012

Trout (Salmo trutta) exhibit anadromous and non‐anadromous forms which are commonly sympatric. Offspring of the two forms can be separated by differences in characteristics such as stable isotope ratios and carotenoid pigments, which differ due to the influence of maternal resources. The rate of change in different characteristics due to freshwater feeding and the extent of differences between populations however remain unclear. Stable isotope (NandC) ratios and carotenoid pigment profiles were examined in the offspring of anadromous and non‐anadromous fish sampled at different times from six sites within the catchment of theRiverTweed,UK. Both techniques were able to separate newly emerged fry successfully, with carbon isotopes distinguishing the forms better than nitrogen isotopes and zeaxanthin being the primary carotenoid pigment used to distinguish the offspring of different migratory forms. By 4 months, stable isotope ratios of the two forms were still distinct although both carbon and nitrogen ratios needed to be considered to distinguish the forms. Zeaxanthin levels were more variable and overlapped between the offspring of the two forms. There was significant variation between populations and over time in both isotope ratios and carotenoid composition. Comparison between the two techniques would suggest that stable isotopes are more effective for distinguishing between offspring of different forms as the distinctions are evident for longer. Population differences in isotope ratios could influence the extent to which the forms can be distinguished and need to be quantified more thoroughly to fully evaluate the technique.
Exploring motivational interviewing and its philosophical alignment to an undergraduate behavioural science programme in dentistry
Authors: Curtin S. , Trace A.
Published: October 2012

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a client‐centred, directive, therapeutic approach that enhances clients' readiness to change by exploring their ambivalence about doing so, thus increasing their motivation to change, and by helping them to commit to the process of change. MI is now being applied to dentistry in the area of oral health e.g. smoking cessation and the prevention of early childhood caries. This aligns dentistry with other healthcare professions in their focus on utilising MI to bring about behavioural change. This paper focuses on how the profession of dentistry would benefit from examining how to integrate MI both in undergraduate teaching and practice. Currently the teaching focus in relation to MI has centred on the theoretical content and less on underlying philosophy. This paper explores how a teaching philosophy, as delivered in the behavioural science programme in the School of Dentistry, University College Cork, Ireland, can provide a framework for teaching MI. Key components within this teaching philosophy are: teaching for understanding, developing reflective practice and student‐centred teaching.
Cells expressing markers of immature neurons in the amygdala of adult humans
Authors: Martí‐Mengual Ulisses , Varea Emilio , Crespo Carlos , Blasco‐Ibáñez José Miguel , Nacher Juan
Published: October 2012

The polysialylated form of the neuronal cell adhesion molecule (PSA‐NCAM) is expressed by immature neurons in the amygdala of adult mammals, including non‐human primates. In a recent report we have also described the presence of PSA‐NCAM‐expressing cells in the amygdala of adult humans. Although many of these cells have been classified as mature interneurons, some of them lacked mature neuronal markers, suggesting the presence of immature neurons. We have studied, using immunohistochemistry, the existence and distribution of these immature neurons using post mortem material. We have also analysed the presence of proliferating cells and the association between immature neurons and specialised astrocytes. These parameters have also been studied for comparative purposes in the amygdalae of cats and squirrel monkeys. Our results demonstrate that cells coexpressing doublecortin and PSA‐NCAM, but lacking neuronal nuclear antigen expression, were present in the amygdala of adult humans. These cells were organised in elongated clusters, which were located between the white matter of the dorsal hippocampus and the basolateral amygdaloid nucleus. These clusters were not associated with astroglial specialised structures. No cells expressing the proliferative marker Ki67 were observed in the amygdaloid parenchyma, although some of them were found in the vicinity of the lateral ventricle. Immature neurons were also present in the amygdala of squirrel monkeys and cats. These cells also appeared clustered in monkeys, although not as organised as in humans. In cats these cells are scarce, appear isolated and most of the PSA‐NCAM‐expressing structures corresponded to processes apparently originating from the paleocortical layer II.
Trait vs. phylogenetic diversity as predictors of competition and community composition in herbivorous marine amphipods
Authors: Best R. J. , Caulk N. C. , Stachowicz J. J.
Published: October 2012

Field studies of community assembly patterns increasingly use phylogenetic relatedness as a surrogate for traits. Recent experiments appear to validate this approach by showing effects of correlated trait and phylogenetic distances on coexistence. However, traits governing resource use in animals are often labile. To test whether feeding trait or phylogenetic diversity can predict competition and production in communities of grazing amphipods, we manipulated both types of diversity independently in mesocosms. We found that increasing the feeding trait diversity of the community increased the number of species coexisting, reduced dominance and changed food availability. In contrast, phylogenetic diversity had no effect, suggesting that whatever additional ecological information it represents was not relevant in this context. Although community phylogenetic structure in the field may result from multiple traits with potential for phylogenetic signal, phylogenetic effects on species interactions in controlled experiments may depend on the lability of fewer key traits.
Cellular turnover in epithelial rests of Malassez in the periodontal ligament of the mouse molar
Authors: Oka Kyoko , Morokuma Masakazu , Imanaka‐Yoshida Kyoko , Sawa Yoshihiko , Isokawa Keitaro , Honda Masaki J
Published: October 2012

Fragments of Hertwig's epithelial root sheath persist in the periodontal ligament (PDL) in small clusters known as epithelial rests of Malassez (ERM). It is generally agreed that ERM are maintained as a quiescent and exclusively dental epithelial cluster in PDL. However, we speculate that homeostasis and cellular turnover underlies cluster maintenance. We also hypothesize that the fate of ERM clusters – diminishing or remaining – might be regulated via the presence or absence of epithelial stem cells therein. Histological analysis of aging mouse molar PDL showed that ERM clusters gradually increase in size with increasing age. Immunocytochemistry and cell culture revealed that ERM clusters contained Ki67‐positive cells and were able to expand when brought in culture. The TdT‐mediated biotin–dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) procedure also detected signs of apoptosis. Finally, we identified putative epithelial stem cells in the clusters by 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) pulse–chase experiments and immunohistochemistry, using the stem‐cell marker leucine‐rich repeat‐containing G‐protein‐coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5). The results suggest that ERM clusters are maintained in the PDL, via cellular turnover, throughout life.
Deletion of the Sox21 gene drastically affects hair lipids
Authors: Kawaminami Shunro , Breakspear Steven , Saga Yumiko , Noecker Bernd , Masukawa Yoshinori , Tsuchiya Masaru , Oguri Masashi , Inoue Yosuke , Ishikawa Kazutaka , Okamoto Masayuki
Published: October 2012

The effects of Sox21 gene deletion on hair lipids have been studied. For the cuticle‐specific bound lipid 18‐methyl eicosanoic acid (18‐MEA), which was found to predominantly exist as the free form in Sox21−/− hair, total levels and distribution were unexpectedly unchanged. This indicates that while the biosynthesis of 18‐MEA is unaffected, its covalent attachment to the cuticle surface is disrupted by loss of keratin‐associated protein binding partners. Although the class compositions differed, the total ceramide (CER) levels were found to be comparable between Sox21+/+ and Sox21−/− hairs. Deletion of the gene was also found to increase cholesterol sulphate (CS) levels. The biosynthesis process might be associated with cuticle keratinocyte maturation, because both CS and CERs are known bioactives in keratinocyte differentiation.