bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic utility of the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS‐C16 and QIDS‐SR16) in the elderly
Authors: Doraiswamy P. M. , Bernstein I. H. , Rush A. J. , Kyutoku Y. , Carmody T. J. , Macleod L. , Venkatraman S. , Burks M. , Stegman D. , Witte B. , Trivedi M. H.
Published: January 2010

Doraiswamy PM, Bernstein IH, Rush AJ, Kyutoku Y, Carmody TJ, Macleod L, Venkatraman S, Burks M, Stegman D, Witte B, Trivedi MH. Diagnostic utility of the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS‐C16 and QIDS‐SR16) in the elderly.

Objective:  To evaluate psychometric properties and comparability ability of the Montgomery‐Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) vs. the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology–Clinician‐rated (QIDS‐C16) and Self‐report (QIDS‐SR16) scales to detect a current major depressive episode in the elderly.

Method:  Community and clinic subjects (age ≥60 years) were administered the Mini‐International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) for DSM‐IV and three depression scales randomly. Statistics included classical test and Samejima item response theories, factor analyzes, and receiver operating characteristic methods.

Results:  In 229 elderly patients (mean age = 73 years, 39% male, 54% current depression), all three scales were unidimensional and with nearly equal Cronbach α reliability (0.85–0.89). Each scale discriminated persons with major depression from the non‐depressed, but the QIDS‐C16 was slightly more accurate.

Conclusion:  All three tests are valid for detecting geriatric major depression with the QIDS‐C16 being slightly better. Self‐rated QIDS‐SR16 is recommended as a screening tool as it is least expensive and least time consuming.
A 2‐year follow‐up of involuntary admission’s influence upon adherence and outcome in first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Opjordsmoen S. , Friis S. , Melle I. , Haahr U. , Johannessen J. O. , Larsen T. K. , Røssberg J. I. , Rund B. R. , Simonsen E. , Vaglum P. , McGlashan T. H.
Published: January 2010

Opjordsmoen S, Friis S, Melle I, Haahr U, Johannessen JO, Larsen TK, Røssberg JI, Rund BR, Simonsen E, Vaglum P, McGlashan TH. A 2‐year follow‐up of involuntary admission’s influence upon adherence and outcome in first‐episode psychosis.

Objective:  To see, if voluntary admission for treatment in first‐episode psychosis results in better adherence to treatment and more favourable outcome than involuntary admission.

Method:  We compared consecutively first‐admitted, hospitalised patients from a voluntary (n = 91) with an involuntary (n = 126) group as to psychopathology and functioning using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and Global Assessment of Functioning Scales at baseline, after 3 months and at 2 year follow‐up. Moreover, duration of supportive psychotherapy, medication and number of hospitalisations during the 2 years were measured.

Results:  More women than men were admitted involuntarily. Voluntary patients had less psychopathology and better functioning than involuntary patients at baseline. No significant difference as to duration of psychotherapy and medication between groups was found. No significant difference was found as to psychopathology and functioning between voluntarily and involuntarily admitted patients at follow‐up.

Conclusion:  Legal admission status per se did not seem to influence treatment adherence and outcome.
Bactericidal effects of different laser systems on bacteria adhered to dental implant surfaces: an in vitro study comparing zirconia with titanium
Authors: Hauser‐Gerspach Irmgard , Stübinger Stefan , Meyer Jürg
Published: January 2010

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine in vitro the anti‐bacterial efficacy of two different laser systems (CO2 and diode) applied to Streptococcus sanguinis or Porphyromonas gingivalis cells in suspensions or adhered to zirconia or titanium dental implant materials, with two different surfaces each.

Materials and methods: Bacteria were irradiated at two different power settings with either a CO2 (λ=10,600 nm) or a diode laser (λ=810 nm). The lower mode is used clinically (for CO2 100 J/cm2, diode 50 J/cm2) and the higher may alter the materials' surface (for CO2 1200 J/cm2, diode 150 J/cm2). After irradiation, the number of viable bacteria was determined by culture.

Results: Planktonic cells of both species were more resistant to the laser irradiations than bacteria that adhered to surfaces. Adhered P. gingivalis were effectively killed at both wavelengths λ=10,600 and 810 nm even at the lower settings, independent of the material. S. sanguinis cells that adhered to either zirconia surface were effectively killed by the CO2 laser at the lower setting of 100 J/cm2. However, the higher settings of both lasers were needed to reduce S. sanguinis that adhered to titanium surfaces. The CO2 laser at the lower setting and the diode laser at the higher setting effectively reduced the viability of S. sanguinis or P. gingivalis that adhered to zirconia surfaces.

Conclusions: Under irradiation conditions known not to alter zirconia implant surfaces in vitro, both CO2 laser (100 J/cm2) and the diode laser (150 J/cm2) effectively reduced the viability of adhered S. sanguinis or P. gingivalis.

To cite this article:
 Hauser‐Gerspach I, Stübinger S, Meyer J. Bactericidal effects of different laser systems on bacteria adhered to dental implant surfaces: an in vitro study comparing zirconia to titanium. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 277–283. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01835.x
Biological properties of an anti‐bacterial membrane for guided bone regeneration: an experimental study in rats
Authors: Zhang Jingchao , Xu Qian , Huang Cui , Mo Anchun , Li Jidong , Zuo Yi
Published: January 2010

Objective: The biosafety and efficacy of silver–hydroxyapatite–titania/polyamide nanocomposite (nAg–HA–TiO2/PA) membrane as a guided bone regeneration (GBR) barrier were investigated based on a rat subcutaneous and critical‐size calvarial defect model.

Material and methods: Thirty‐six Sprague–Dawley albino rats were divided into nAg–HA–TiO2/PA membrane test, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e‐PTFE) membrane control and blank control. Inflammatory response and bone regeneration in each group were evaluated using morphological, serological, radiographic and histological techniques at 1, 4 and 8 weeks, respectively, after implantation.

Results: For subcutaneous implantation, slight degradation of nAg–HA–TiO2/PA membranes was observed by scanning electron microscope at 4 and 8 weeks. Histopathologic examination demonstrated a thinner layer of granulation tissue in the vicinity of nAg–HA–TiO2/PA membranes than that of e‐PTFE membranes. For cranial defect implantation, the serum alkaline phosphatase level was remarkably higher in nAg–HA–TiO2/PA group than that in e‐PTFE group. Radiographic and histomorphometric analysis showed a fully closed cranial defect for both nAg–HA–TiO2/PA and e‐PTFE groups at 8 weeks. No remarkable difference was found between the two groups regarding the integral optical density of neo‐bone at each time interval.

Conclusion: nAg–HA–TiO2/PA membranes demonstrated better biocompatibility and similar osteoinductive activity compared with e‐PTFE membranes. nAg–HA–TiO2/PA composite membranes provided a good prospect for further research and development in anti‐bacterial GBR membrane.

To cite this article:
 Zhang JC, Xu Q, Huang C, Mo AC, Li JD, Zuo Y. Biological properties of an anti‐bacterial membrane for guided bone regeneration: an experimental study in rats. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 321–327. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01838.x
Early loading of implants with fixed dental prostheses in edentulous mandibles: 4.5‐year clinical results from a prospective study
Authors: Schwarz Stefanie , Gabbert Olaf , Hassel Alexander J. , Schmitter Marc , Séché Christiane , Rammelsberg Peter
Published: January 2010

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the survival and success of early‐loaded implants placed in the intraforaminal area of the edentulous mandible, and the survival of the implant‐supported fixed dental prostheses (FDP).

Material and methods: Thirty‐seven patients (18.9% male, mean age 64.5 years) with edentulous lower jaws were treated with implant‐supported FDPs in the mandible. One hundred and eighty‐five screw‐type implants were placed in the intraforaminal area of the symphysis (five implants per patient). Immediately after implant placement, a framework was fabricated and the FDP was manufactured on the framework. Within 2 weeks, the implants were rigidly connected and loaded with the implant‐retained FDP.

Results: During the 1–8‐year observation period (mean 4.5 years), a total of 32 implant‐retained complications occurred. Nineteen implants were lost in 10 patients, resulting in a cumulative survival of 89.7%. Nine implants in five patients did not osseointegrate. Although these implants were not removed, because stability within the connective tissue was acceptable and inflammation was absent, they were recorded as unsuccessful. Consequently, the cumulative success declined to 84.9%. Four implants in three patients had clinical signs of periimplantitis (2.2% of all implants). Denture‐related complications included one complete failure, when one FDP had to be removed after the last of five implants had been replaced. Furthermore, 10 fractures of the framework occurred in six patients, three FDPs had to be adapted or modified, and the facing of the FDP had to be repaired 16 times in 11 patients.

Conclusion: Although one‐stage early‐loaded implants functioned well for most patients with edentulous mandibles, immediate loading is associated with a larger number of implant‐related complications than in other studies investigating delayed loading. Because of the substantial prosthetic complications and aftercare, this procedure cannot be generally recommended.

To cite this article:
 Schwarz S, Gabbert O, Hassel A J, Schmitter M, Séché C, Rammelsberg P. Early loading of implants with fixed dental prostheses in edentulous mandibles: 4.5‐year clinical results from a prospective study. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 284–289. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01843.x
Association between self‐efficacy and loss to follow‐up in long‐term periodontal treatment
Authors: Kakudate Naoki , Morita Manabu , Yamazaki Shin , Fukuhara Shunichi , Sugai Makoto , Nagayama Masato , Kawanami Masamitsu , Chiba Itsuo
Published: January 2010

Kakudate N, Morita M, Yamazaki S, Fukuhara S, Sugai M, Nagayama M, Kawanami M, Chiba I. Association between self‐efficacy and loss to follow‐up in long‐term periodontal treatment. J Clin Periodontol 2010; 37: 276–282. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐051X.2009.01529.x

Aim: To examine whether or not oral health care‐specific self‐efficacy can predict loss to follow‐up for long‐term periodontal treatment.

Methods: Our prospective cohort study enrolled 144 patients with chronic periodontitis. Patient self‐efficacy was assessed on the initial visit using the self‐efficacy scale for self‐care (SESS). Participants were then followed for 30 months from the onset of periodontal treatment. The loss to follow‐up is the main outcome variable. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between self‐efficacy for self‐care and loss to follow‐up for periodontal treatment. Gender, age, number of teeth, probing depth, plaque control record (PCR) value, PCR improvement rate, general self‐efficacy scale score, and SESS score were used as the independent variables, and loss to follow‐up as a dependent variable.

Results: A total of 67 patients were lost to follow‐up over the course of the study. Compared with the high‐scoring SESS group (60–75), the odds ratio of loss to follow‐up for the middle‐ (54–59) and low‐scoring groups (15–53) were 1.05 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.36–3.07] and 4.56 (95% CI: 1.11–18.74), respectively.

Conclusion: Assessment of oral health care‐specific self‐efficacy may be useful in predicting loss to follow‐up in long‐term periodontal treatment.
Child dental fear as measured with the Dental Subscale of the Children’s Fear Survey Schedule: the impact of referral status and type of informant (child versus parent)
Authors: Gustafsson Annika , Arnrup K. , Broberg A. G. , Bodin L. , Berggren U.
Published: January 2010

Gustafsson A, Arnrup K, Broberg AG, Bodin L, Berggren U. Child dental fear as measured with the Dental Subscale of the Children’s Fear Survey Schedule: the impact of referral status and type of informant (child versus parent). Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2010; 38: 256–266. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract –  Objectives:  The first aim of this methodological study was to investigate the agreement between self‐ratings of Children’s Fear Survey Schedule (CFSS‐DS). The second aim was to explore using differentiated cut‐off scores, and to compare these cut‐off scores with those commonly used.

Methods:  Three different data collections included study groups (n = 497) of children and adolescents who had been referred to specialized pediatric dentistry clinics, and reference groups (n = 499) of dental patients and children rating the analyses were limited to the Östergötland sample (n = 210 + 228). Patients and their accompanying parents (mainly mothers) were asked to fill in the CFSS‐DS independently. Cut‐off scores on the CFSS‐DS scale were determined using receiver‐operating characteristic analysis; patient–parent agreement was illustrated with Bland–Altman plots.

Results:  The patient–parent agreement was modest, particularly among those who were referred because of dental behaviour management problems (DBMP). Cut‐off scores differentiated by age and gender, suggested by exploration according to two different methods, were with few exceptions clearly below the standard cut‐off score.

Conlusion:  The validity of parental ratings of their children dental fear should be questioned, particularly in high‐fear populations. Self‐ratings should, as far as possible, be used to complement parental ratings. One consequence of using the standard cut‐off score is the risk of overlooking some patients needs for special attention. Further research is needed to establish and validate age‐and gender‐differentiated cut‐off scores on the CFSS‐DS.
Predictors of treatment outcomes after removal of amalgam fillings: associations between subjective symptoms, psychometric variables and mercury levels
Authors: Weidenhammer Wolfgang , Bornschein Susanne , Zilker Thomas , Eyer Florian , Melchart Dieter , Hausteiner Constanze
Published: January 2010

Weidenhammer W, Bornschein S, Zilker T, Eyer F, Melchart D, Hausteiner C. Predictors of treatment outcomes after removal of amalgam fillings: associations between subjective symptoms, psychometric variables and mercury levels. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2010. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract –  Objective:  This analysis aimed to study predictors of different treatment outcomes and associations between subjective symptoms, psychometric variables and mercury levels in patients who subjectively attributed their health problems to dental amalgam.

Material and methods:  A secondary and retrospective analysis of data of a recently published randomized clinical trial was performed. Seventy‐eight patients [44% female, mean (SD) age 35 (6) years, randomly assigned to either amalgam removal or a health promotion program] were included into statistical analysis. Prior to intervention and 12 months later, questionnaires for assessing symptoms, psychological distress and health status were presented, and mercury levels in blood and urine were determined.

Results:  The patients’ personality profile at study onset was characterized by slightly reduced extraversion and slightly elevated emotional instability. Overall, subjective symptoms decreased slightly and there were no statistically significant differences in the decrease of symptoms after intervention between both groups. Decrease of mercury levels after intervention was closely associated with removal of amalgam fillings (rmult = 0.64 in regression analysis). Statistically significant correlations could be found between mercury levels and subjective symptoms with respect to baseline (r = 0.29–0.39) and to changes after intervention (r = 0.24–0.42), but not for psychological distress (r = 0.05–0.25) and health related quality of life (r = −0.03–0.18). Prediction of symptom improvement after intervention was poor (rmult = 0.44).

Conclusions:  Results contribute some new aspects to the inconsistent findings in the literature with respect to associations between symptoms and subtoxic mercury levels. More emphasis should be placed on exploring individual vulnerability for amalgam sensitivity.
Formaldehyde‐releasers in cosmetics: relationship to formaldehyde contact allergy
Authors: De Groot Anton C. , White Ian R. , Flyvholm Mari‐Ann , Lensen Gerda , Coenraads Pieter‐Jan
Published: January 2010

In this part of a series of review articles on formaldehyde‐releasers and their relationship to formaldehyde contact allergy, formaldehyde‐releasers in cosmetics are discussed. In this first part of the article, key data are presented including frequency of sensitization and of their use in cosmetics. In Europe, low frequencies of sensitization have been observed to all releasers: 2‐bromo‐2‐nitropropane‐1,3‐diol 0.4–1.2%, diazolidinyl urea 0.5–1.4%, imidazolidinyl urea 0.3–1.4%, quaternium‐15 0.6–1.9% (for DMDM hydantoin no recent data are available). All releasers score (far) higher prevalences in the USA; the possible explanations for this are discussed. The relevance of positive patch test reactions has been insufficiently investigated. In the USA, approximately 20% of cosmetics and personal care products (stay‐on products: 17%, rinse‐off products 27%) contain a formaldehyde‐releaser. The use of quaternium‐15 is decreasing. For Europe, there are no comparable recent data available. In the second part of the article, the patch test relationship of the releasers in cosmetics to formaldehyde contact allergy will be reviewed and it will be assessed whether products preserved with formaldehyde‐releasers may contain enough free formaldehyde to pose a threat to individuals who have contact allergy to formaldehyde.
Effective ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem cells using osteoblast‐differentiated mesenchymal stem cells is CXCL12 dependent
Authors: Mishima Seiji , Nagai Atsushi , Abdullah Sk , Matsuda Chikashi , Taketani Takeshi , Kumakura Shunichi , Shibata Hiroshi , Ishikura Hiroto , Kim Seung U. , Masuda Junichi
Published: January 2010

Effective ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is a prerequisite for HSC transplantation. Growth and maintenance of HSC is dependent on cytokine and niche factors. We investigated whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or osteogenic cytokine‐differentiated MSCs play a role in HSC expansion. We used the human HM3.B10 (B10) MSC cell line and the osteoblast‐differentiated B10 (Ost‐B10) as a feeder layer and examined ex vivo expansion of CD34+CD38− HSCs obtained from peripheral blood (PB) and cord blood (CB) with or without several growth cytokines. Both undifferentiated B10 and Ost‐B10 cells exhibited similar effects on total HSC expansion; however, Ost‐B10 demonstrated a higher potency in CD34+CD38− cell‐specific proliferation in the presence of cytokines compared to undifferentiated B10 HSCs. Colony‐forming cell assay and long‐term culture initiating cell assay revealed that Ost‐B10 displayed multipotent differentiation and enabled long‐term ex vivo culture of HSCs. We next examined the relationship between HSC expansion and the presence of various chemokines. CXCL4 and CXCL12 expression were increased in Ost‐B10 cells compared with the B10 cells. CD34+CD38− cells were significantly increased with CXCL12, but not CXCL4 treatment. siRNA inhibition of CXCL12 decreased CXCL12 secretion in both B10 and Ost‐B10, whereas expansion of CD34+CD38− cells was decreased in Ost‐B10 alone. These results demonstrated that ex vivo expansion of HSCs may be highly effective through osteoblast‐differentiated MSCs acting as a feeder layer, and likely operates through the CXCL12 chemokines signaling pathway.
Autotransplantation of an immature premolar, with the aid of cone beam CT and computer‐aided prototyping: a case report
Authors: Keightley Alexander J. , Cross David L. , McKerlie Robert A. , Brocklebank Laetitia
Published: January 2010

Abstract –  Autotransplantation of immature teeth has good survival rates, and has benefits over ossointegrated implants in the growing child, but is very technique sensitive. Spiral CT imaging has been previously used in adult patients to enable computer‐aided prototyping to produce a surgical template of the donor tooth, further increasing success rates. Case report: The case presented describes management of a 9‐year‐old girl with the combination of hypodontia affecting the upper lateral incisors as well as a severely ectopic maxillary canine. Cone beam CT was used in combination with computer‐aided prototyping to produce a surgical template of an immature mandibular second premolar. The surgical template was used to prepare the transplant site before the donor tooth was extracted, greatly reducing the time from extraction to implantation. By 6 months posttransplant the tooth was clinically sound, and continued root development and laying down of dentine was visible radiographically. Discussion: This paper demonstrates the use of a novel technique to aid the surgical procedure of autotransplantation of immature premolar teeth. The use of autotransplantation in this case allowed the difficult situation of two missing units in the upper left quadrant to be reduced to one unit, while retaining symmetry in the upper arch. Compared to previous studies, the use of cone beam CT to create a 3D prototype reduced radiation dose compared to spiral CT and drastically reduced the extra‐oral time of the donor tooth from extraction to transplantation.
Iteratio: calculating environmental indicator values for species and relevés
Authors: Holtland W. J. , Ter Braak C. J. F. , Schouten M. G. C.
Published: January 2010

Question: Is it possible to translate vegetation maps into reliable thematic maps of site conditions?

Method: This paper presents a new method, called Iteratio, by which a coherent spatial overview of specific environmental conditions can be obtained from a comprehensive vegetation survey of a specific area. Iteratio is a database application which calculates environmental indicator values for vegetation samples (relevés) on the basis of known indicator values of a limited number of plant species. The outcome is then linked to a digitalized vegetation map (map of plant communities) which results in a spatial overview of site conditions.

Iteratio requires the indicator values of a minimum of 10–20% of the species occurring. The species are given a relative weight according to their amplitudes: species with a narrow range are weighted stronger, species with a broad range are weighted weaker.

Conclusion: The method presented here enables a coherent assessment of site conditions on the basis of a vegetation survey and the indicator values of a limited number of plant species.
Strategic light manipulation as a restoration strategy to reduce alien grasses and encourage native regeneration in Hawaiian mesic forests
Authors: McDaniel S. , Ostertag R.
Published: January 2010

Question: Is there a light level at which alien grass biomass is reduced while still supporting growth and survival of native woody species, allowing for native species regeneration in abandoned pastures?

Location: Island of Hawaii, USA.

Methods: In a two‐part study we examined the effect of light availability on common native woody and alien grass species found in secondary forests in Hawaii. A field survey was conducted to examine the relationship between light availability and canopy type (open pasture, planted canopy and secondary forest) on understory grass biomass and litter accumulation. We then experimentally manipulated light levels to determine the effect of light availability on growth and survival of six native woody species and three alien grasses. Low‐light (5%), medium‐light (10%) and high‐light (20‐30%) treatments were created using shade structures erected beneath the existing secondary koa canopy.

Results: In the field survey, alien grass biomass was greatest under the open pasture and lowest in the secondary forest. There was a positive correlation between understory light availability and alien grass biomass. In the experimental study, large reductions in relative growth rates were documented for all of the grass species and four of the six woody species under the lowest light level. Although growth at 5% light is substantially reduced, survival is still high (84‐100%), indicating that these species may persist under closed canopy.

Conclusion: Low‐light conditions result in the greatest reduction in alien grass biomass while creating an environment in which native woody species can grow and survive.
Effects of Kaempferol and Myricetin on Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression and Nitric Oxide Production in Rats
Authors: Rostoka Evita , Baumane Larisa , Isajevs Sergejs , Line Aija , Dzintare Maija , Svirina Darja , Sharipova Jelena , Silina Karina , Kalvinsh Ivars , Sjakste Nikolajs
Published: January 2010

Abstract:  When administered as drugs or consumed as food components, polyphenolic compounds synthesized in plants interfere with intracellular signal transduction pathways, including pathways of nitric oxide synthase expression. However, effects of these compounds in vivo do not always correlate with nitric oxide synthase‐inhibiting activities revealed in experiments with cultured cells. The initial goal of this work was to compare effects of flavonoids kaempferol and myricetin on inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA and protein expression monitored by real‐time RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry and to evaluate the impact of these effects on nitric oxide production in rat organs measured by means of electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Kaempferol and myricetin attenuated the lipopolysaccharide‐induced outburst of inducible nitric oxide synthase gene expression; kaempferol also significantly decreased the lipopolysaccharide‐induced outburst of inducible nitric oxide synthase protein expression in the liver. Myricetin decreased nitric oxide production in intact rat liver. Kaempferol did not decrease nitric oxide production neither in intact rats nor in the lipopolysaccharide‐treated animals. Kaempferol even enhanced the lipopolysaccharide‐induced increase of nitric oxide production in blood. Myricetin did not interfere with lipopolysaccharide effects. As both kaempferol and myricetin are known as inhibitors of inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, our results suggest that modifications of nitric oxide level in tissues by these compounds cannot be predicted from data about its effects on nitric oxide synthase expression or activity.
A Low Ethanol Dose Affects all Types of Cells in Mixed Long‐Term Embryonic Cultures of the Cerebellum
Authors: Pickering Chris , Wicher Grzegorz , Rosendahl Sofi , Schiöth Helgi B. , Fex‐Svenningsen Åsa
Published: January 2010

Abstract:  The beneficial effect of the ‘1‐drink‐a‐day’ lifestyle is suggested by studies of cardiovascular health, and this recommendation is increasingly followed in many countries. The main objective of this study was to determine whether this pattern of ethanol use would be detrimental to a pregnant woman. We exposed a primary culture of rat cerebellum from embryonic day 17 (corresponding to second trimester in humans) to ethanol at a concentration of 17.6 mM which is roughly equivalent to one glass of wine. Acutely, there was no change in cell viability after 5 or 8 days of exposure relative to control. By 11 days, a reduction in the number of viable cells was observed without an accompanying change in caspase‐3 activity (marker of apoptotic cell death), suggesting changes in cell proliferation. As the proportion of nestin‐positive cells was higher in the ethanol‐treated cultures after 5 days, we hypothesized that an increase in differentiation to neurons would compensate for the ongoing neuronal death. However, there were limits to this compensatory ability as the relative proportion of nestin‐positive cells was decreased after 11 days. To further illustrate the negative long‐term effects of this ethanol dose, cultures were exposed for 30 days. After this period, virtually no neurons or myelinating oligodendrocytes were present in the ethanol‐treated cultures. In conclusion, chronic exposure to ethanol, even at small doses, dramatically and persistently affects normal development.
Modulatory Effects of Lycopene and Ellagic Acid on Reproductive Dysfunction Induced by Polychlorinated Biphenyl (Aroclor 1254) in Male Rats
Authors: Ateşşahin Ahmet , Türk Gaffari , Yilmaz Seval , Sönmez Mustafa , Sakin Fatih , Çeribasi Ali Osman
Published: January 2010

Abstract:  The present study was conducted to investigate the possible protective effects of lycopene (LP) and ellagic acid (EA) on aroclor (AR) 1254‐induced testicular and spermatozoal toxicity associated with the oxidative stress and apoptosis in male rats. The control group was treated with placebo. LP (10 mg/kg/every other day), EA (2 mg/kg/every other day) and AR (2 mg/kg/day) groups were given alone LP, EA and AR respectively. One of the last two groups received AR + LP, and the other treated with AR + EA. Body and reproductive organ weights, epididymal sperm characteristics, testicular tissue lipid peroxidation levels, antioxidant enzyme activities, histopathological changes and apoptosis via Bax and Bcl‐2 genes were investigated. AR administration caused statistically significant decreases in body‐weight, epididymal sperm concentration, testicular superoxide dismutase activity, diameters of seminiferous tubules, germinal cell layer thickness and Johnsen’s testicular score, and increases in relative weights of testis, epidydimis and seminal vesicles, rates of abnormal sperm and apoptotic cell expression along with degeneration, desquamation and disorganization in spermatogenic cells, and interstitial oedema and congestion in testicular tissue. LP and EA treatments to AR‐treated rats markedly decreased abnormal sperm rates, testicular thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level, and increased the glutathione (GSH) level, GSH‐peroxidase, catalase activities and epidiymal sperm concentration as compared with the alone AR group. Additionally, the AR‐induced histopathological damages were totally or partially recovered by LP or EA administrations respectively. AR damages the testicular tissue and spermatozoa by impairing the oxidant/antioxidant balance and by increasing the apoptotic spermatogenic cell rates. However, both LP and EA have modulator effects on AR‐induced reproductive dysfunction in male rats.
Investigational New Drug‐Directed, 5‐Day Repeat Dose Toxicity Study of 4‐[3‐(2‐Nitro‐1‐Imidazolyl)‐Propylamino]‐7‐Chloroquinoline Hydrochloride (NLCQ‐1, NSC 709257) Administered with or without Taxol® in Sprague–Dawley Rats
Authors: Papadopoulou Maria V. , Bloomer William D. , Torti Vincent R. , Page John G.
Published: January 2010

Abstract:  In pre‐clinical studies, 4‐[3‐(2‐nitro‐1‐imidazolyl)‐propylamino]‐7‐chloroquinoline hydrochloride (NLCQ‐1, NSC 709257) is a weak DNA‐intercalating, hypoxia‐selective cytotoxin with a promising profile as an adjuvant to radio/chemotherapy and it is about to enter phase I clinical trials. The present investigation was undertaken to further evaluate potential systemic toxicity induced by i.v. doses of NLCQ‐1 alone or in combination with Taxol® in Sprague–Dawley rats, in support of an investigational new drug application. Doses of NLCQ‐1 were based on previous range‐finding studies. In the present study, NLCQ‐1 was administered either alone, at 0, 6, 9 or 12 mg/kg/dose to male rats and 8, 12 or 16 mg/kg/dose to female rats or, at 9 (male rats) and 12 (female rats) mg/kg/dose, in combination with Taxol®, on a qd × 5 schedule. Taxol® was administered i.v. at 3.5 mg/kg/dose 1 hr before NLCQ‐1. Observations were recorded for mortality/moribundity, clinical signs of toxicity, body weights, food consumption, haematology, clinical chemistry, gross lesions at necropsy and histopathology. Blood samples were taken from 10 animals from each dose group on each of 2 days (days 8 and prior to scheduled necropsy on day 33). Administration of i.v. doses of NLCQ‐1 alone, on a qdx5 schedule, resulted in no signs of toxicity over the 33‐day study. Taxol®‐induced toxicity included minimal decreases in the group mean RBC, haemoglobin and haematocrit values, minimal increases in group mean reticulocyte counts (females), marked decreases in group mean neutrophil counts and minimal decreases in group mean monocyte and eosinophil counts. Lymphoid atrophy of thymus, atrophy of bone marrow and atrophy of the germinal epithelium of the testis were also associated with the administration of Taxol®. There was no additional toxicity associated with the co‐administration of NLCQ‐1 and Taxol®. In the present study, the ‘no observable adverse effect level’ for NLCQ‐1, when administered on a qdx5 schedule, was >12 and >16 mg/kg/dose in male and female rats respectively. Daily administration of 9 (male rats) or 12 (female rats) mg/kg of NLCQ‐1 1 hr after i.v. administration of Taxol® (3.5 mg/kg) had no effect on Taxol®‐induced toxicity.
Original Research—Endocrinology: A Comparative Study of the Effects of Local Estrogen With or Without Local Testosterone on Vulvovaginal and Sexual Dysfunction in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Raghunandan Chitra , Agrawal Swati , Dubey Priyanka , Choudhury Monisha , Jain Anju
Published: January 2010

Introduction

A significant number of postmenopausal women suffer from distressing problems because of urogenital atrophy secondary to the decline in circulating estrogen levels. Treatment with topical hormones may provide relief in such women when used judiciously.

Aim

To study the effects of local estrogen with or without local testosterone on urogenital and sexual health in postmenopausal women.

Methods

Seventy-five postmenopausal women symptomatic for urogenital atrophy and sexual dysfunction were randomly divided into two study groups and one control group. The women in study group 1 received local estrogen cream; study group 2 received local estrogen and testosterone cream; the control group received nonhormonal lubricant KY gel for 12 weeks. The urogenital and sexuality score, along with the vaginal health index and the vaginal maturation index (VMI), was calculated at the beginning of therapy and 12 weeks later.

Main Outcome Measures

Changes in the urogenital and sexuality score along with vaginal health index and VMI.

Results

After 12 weeks of therapy, there was a significant improvement in all the four study parameters, which correlated well with the improvement in symptoms of urogenital atrophy and sexual dysfunction in both the study groups as compared with the control group. Improvement in sexuality score was greatest with combined estrogen–androgen therapy. There were no adverse effects and the therapies were well accepted without any compliance issue.

Conclusion

Local estrogen either alone or with androgen is highly effective in relieving symptoms of urogenital atrophy and in improving sexual function in symptomatic postmenopausal women.
Fragment‐Based Screen against HIV Protease
Authors: Perryman Alexander L. , Zhang Qing , Soutter Holly H. , Rosenfeld Robin , McRee Duncan E. , Olson Arthur J. , Elder John E. , David Stout C.
Published: January 2010

We have employed a fragment‐based screen against wild‐type (NL4‐3) HIV protease (PR) using the Active Sight fragment library and X‐ray crystallography. The experiments reveal two new binding sites for small molecules. PR was co‐crystallized with fragments, or crystals were soaked in fragment solutions, using five crystal forms, and 378 data sets were collected to 2.3–1.3 Å resolution. Fragment binding induces a distinct conformation and specific crystal form of TL‐3 inhibited PR during co‐crystallization. One fragment, 2‐methylcyclohexanol, binds in the ‘exo site’ adjacent to the Gly

16

Gly

17

Gln

18

loop where the amide of Gly

17

is a specific hydrogen bond donor, and hydrophobic contacts occur with the side chains of Lys

14

and Leu

63

. Another fragment, indole‐6‐carboxylic acid, binds on the ‘outside/top of the flap’ via hydrophobic contacts with Trp

42

, Pro

44

, Met

46

, and Lys

55

, a hydrogen bond with Val

56

, and a salt‐bridge with Arg

57

. 2‐acetyl‐benzothiophene also binds at this site. This study is the first fragment‐based crystallographic screen against HIV PR, and the first time that fragments were screened against an inhibitor‐bound drug target to search for compounds that both bind to novel sites and stabilize the inhibited conformation of the target.
Chancellors, Presidents and Speakers: Presiding Officers in the Scottish Parliament before the Restoration*
Authors: Mac DONALD ALAN R.
Published: January 2010

As a unicameral assembly for most of its history, the Scottish parliament was presided over by the chief officer of state, the chancellor. Before 1603, he presided in the presence of the monarch, who was an active participant in parliaments, in contrast to the custom in England. After the union of the crowns, the chancellor presided in the presence of the monarch's representative, the king's commissioner. As with the Speaker and the lord chancellor in the English parliament, it was customary for him to operate as an agent of the crown. He also presided over the drafting committee, the lords of the articles. During parliamentary sessions, there were also semi‐formal deliberative meetings of the individual estates (prelates, nobles, burgesses and, from 1592, ‘barons’, that is, lairds sitting as commissioners of the shires), each presided over by one of their own number. The Covenanting revolution of 1638 led to radical procedural reform. This included replacing the chancellor with an elected ‘president’ (Latin preses), chosen by the membership at the beginning of each session. With separate meetings of the estates becoming a formal part of parliament's procedures, there was an elected president for each estate, sometimes referred to as ‘Speakers’ for they would speak for their estates in plenary sessions of parliament.
‘Nothing Could Exceed the Badness of His Character Even in This Bad Age’
Authors: Mc KAY SIR WILLIAM
Published: January 2010

Initially the model for the speakership of the US house of representatives could not but be drawn from Westminster, though the occupants of the chair in the Commons around the time of independence were not impressive. Not however till Henry Clay's election in 1812 was the American Speaker transformed into a partisan, politically‐active leader of the House. The contemporary Commons Speaker, Manners Sutton, though he failed to be re‐elected to the chair on political grounds, was not a party leader. Between Clay and the civil war the intensity of party conflict obscured the role of the Speaker, and minorities flourished. Speaker Reed in the 1880s believed in the rights of the majority and used the authority of the chair to promote them. He ended the practice of members delaying business by refusing to answer a roll‐call though present, and he developed special rules to accelerate the progress of bills. About the same time, Speaker Brand in the Commons, in the face of Irish obstructionism, also reasserted the rights of the majority by introducing the closure, to which guillotines were later added. Reed's authoritarianism broke in the hands of Speaker Cannon in 1909–10 as progressive members of his party rebelled. By then the Commons speakership had entered a period of complete political neutrality. Speakers O'Neill and Gingrich in the last quarter of the 20th century regained much of the power and authority which Cannon's speakership had lost.
Speakers at War in the Late 14th and 15th Centuries
Authors: CURRY ANNE
Published: January 2010

The significance of war in the development of the medieval English parliament is well known. The origins of the speakership are located in the context of the Hundred Years War, which began in 1337 and in which the English were still embroiled at the time of the Good Parliament of 1376. It was at this parliament that the Commons first chose a spokesperson, Sir Peter de la Mare, knight of the shire for Herefordshire. This article considers the military careers of de la Mare and his successors to the end of the Hundred Years War in 1453. Did the war have an impact on the choice of Speaker? Was a military man chosen for parliaments where military matters were to be discussed? We know the identity of the Speaker in 53 of the 64 parliaments between 1376 and 1453. Several served more than once, so that we are left with a group of 33 individuals to analyse. An overall trend is discernable. Up to 1407 all known Speakers were belted knights, and most had extensive military experience before they took up office. Only five of the 19 parliaments between 1422 and 1453 had Speakers of knightly rank: otherwise, Speakers with legal and administrative, rather than military, experience were chosen. In the years from 1407 to 1422 the speakership was occupied by a mixture of soldiers and administrators many of whom were closely connected to the royal duchy of Lancaster and to revival of English aggression towards France from 1415 onwards.
Thurlow, Eldon and Lyndhurst and the Management of the House of Lords
Authors: DAVIS RICHARD W.
Published: January 2010

From 1783 to 1846 lord chancellors played an important role in managing the business of the house of lords. Not surprisingly, as the career of Lord Thurlow will illustrate, their position was not as strong as it had been before 1783 when the office of leader of the House was created. Before then a chancellor could manage the House by himself, as Thurlow did, and Eldon from 1801 to 1803 when there was no regular leader. Yet even when there was a leader, a chancellor could be a major force. Lord Grenville, the first strong leader, yearned for one who would play the role of an active second‐in‐command. Eldon played it, but more at the beginning than toward the end of his career. This was because of clashes with Lord Liverpool, who had been leader of the House before he became prime minister. But long since, Eldon had become a power in his own right as the revered head of the high tories. Lord Lyndhurst played the role to perfection because of his long partnership with the duke of Wellington, who trusted and admired him.
The Reputation and Authority of the Speaker and the Speakership of the House of Commons, 1640–60
Authors: ROBERTS STEPHEN K.
Published: January 2010

The speakership during the civil war and interregnum has received scant attention by historians. This article considers the occupants of the Speaker's chair as a group, making some observations about their age and background, including within its scope the short‐lived and irregular speakerships of men such as Sir Sampson Eure and Henry Pelham. The popularity of the Speaker within the Commons is found to have depended much on his perceived competence and goodwill, while his reputation in the country at large depended greatly on the unpredictable cut and thrust of political opinion. The speakership of William Lenthall in the Long Parliament is examined in some detail and judged to be exceptional in a number of respects, not least in his grappling with the explosion in the number and power of executive committees. Lenthall's dealings with the press suggest that he was well aware of the uses of print as well as its potential for damage to his reputation. The contemporary allegations of venality aimed at Speakers are examined with respect to individual occupants of the office and are also set in the context of fee‐taking by Commons' officials. While this period seems not to have been a particularly important one in terms of lasting procedural innovation in the chamber, it was significant in heralding the possibility of a separation between the person and office of Speaker. The article provides as an Appendix an authoritative list of Speakers in this period.
The Role of the Speaker in the 20th Century
Authors: BOOTHROYD BARONESS
Published: January 2010

Baroness Boothroyd was Speaker of the house of commons from April 1992 until October 2000. She describes her approach to the job of Speaker: how she routinely briefed herself for the business of the House, and how she approached some of the more difficult decisions required of the Speaker, including the selection of amendments, the use of the casting vote and allowing members to make personal statements. She comments on some issues concerning the management of the House's business during her time in the chair: the practice of government ministers to anticipate official statements in the media before they are made in the House; the length of ministerial answers at question time and the decision on the access of Sinn Fein members to the facilities and services of the House. She refers to the functions of the Speaker outside the chamber: chairing the house of commons commission; receiving Speakers and other public figures from other countries and representing the house of commons abroad.
The Speaker in the Age of Party, 1672–1715
Authors: SEAWARD PAUL
Published: January 2010

The discussion by King Charles II and his senior advisors in 1672 of the choice of a new Speaker for the forthcoming parliamentary session reveals both the way in which the appointment was prepared and the government's considerations in the appointment. Prominent among them was the Speaker's personal influence, and his personal views on the great issue to be debated, the Declaration of Indulgence. The choice of Sir Job Charlton, and the behaviour of his successor, Sir Edward Seymour, in the chair, mark a new phase in the history of the speakership, in which Speakers are less likely to be lawyers, for whom the office was a step on the road to high legal office, and more likely to be significant political leaders with their own influence and following. After the 1688 revolution, the tendency for Speakers to be party political leaders became still more marked. Nevertheless, the country ideology espoused by several of them, including Paul Foley, Robert Harley and the tory, Sir Thomas Hanmer, provides a pedigree for the model of the impartial speakership whose invention is often attributed to Arthur Onslow.
The Speakership of the House of Lords, 1660–1832
Authors: PALEY RUTH
Published: January 2010

The speakership of the house of lords was a lucrative and prestigious post, held by individuals who either as lord chancellor or lord keeper carried out a range of high‐profile and demanding judicial duties. There seems to be a contradiction between this and the time‐consuming but largely empty ceremonial duties appropriate to this role in the conduct of business in the theoretically self‐regulating house of lords. This article suggests that the apparent insignificance of the Speaker's role was a façade that disguised the chancellor's ability to influence the conduct of business in the Lords as well as to exercise leadership and electoral influence over the membership of the Commons. Nevertheless, the precise level of power that he was able to exercise was mediated by the nature of the political infrastructure within which he operated, his own personal and political skills and his relationships with the crown and its other ministers.