bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A supergeneralização da memória autobiográfica nos transtornos depressivos
Authors: Dutra Tarcísio Gomes , Kurtinaitis Laila da Camara Lima , Cantilino Amaury , Vasconcelos Maria Carolina Souto de , Hazin Izabel , Sougey Everton Botelho
Published: August 2012

Este artigo tem como objetivo revisar estudos que possuíram como temática a relação entre o fenômeno da supergeneralização da memória autobiográfica e os transtornos depressivos. Tal característica tem chamado a atenção por sua relação com uma pobre habilidade de resolução de problemas e imaginação do futuro, bem como pela manutenção e pior prognóstico da depressão. Para o acesso das informações, foi realizada uma busca sistematizada nos bancos de dados LILACS, SciELO, MEDLINE, IBECS e nas bases de ciências da saúde do Portal de Periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), com foco em artigos publicados entre 2000 e 2010, usando os seguintes descritores: memória autobiográfica, supergeneralização da memória autobiográfica e memória autobiográfica e depressão, em português; e autobiographical memory, overgeneral autobiographical memory e autobiographical memory and depression em inglês. Após a aplicação dos critérios de exclusão, 27 estudos foram revisados. A supergeneralização tem sido investigada em diversos transtornos depressivos. Entretanto, mais estudos longitudinais são necessários para fundamentar tal característica cognitiva como um aspecto relevante na anamnese e no tratamento de distúrbios do humor.
Anxiety and depression symptoms in women with and without binge eating disorder enrolled in weight loss programs
Authors: Bittencourt Simone Armentano , Lucena-Santos Paola , Moraes João Feliz Duarte , Oliveira Margareth da Silva
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVES: 1) To investigate the association between binge eating scores, anxiety and depression symptoms, and body mass index (BMI), and 2) to assess the presence of differences in severity of anxiety symptoms, severity of depression symptoms, and BMI in women with and without binge eating disorder. METHOD: The sample comprised 113 women aged between 22 and 60 years (39.35±10.85) enrolled in weight loss programs in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil. The following instruments were used: structured interview, Brazilian Economic Classification Criteria, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, and Binge Eating Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: A positive association was found between binge eating scores and the severity of anxiety symptoms (p < 0.001) and depression symptoms (p < 0.001). No significant association was observed between BMI and binge eating scores (p = 0.341). There were significant differences between women with and without binge eating disorder with regard to severity of anxiety symptoms (p < 0.001) and severity of depression symptoms (p < 0.001). Conversely, no significant differences were observed between the groups concerning BMI (p = 0.103). CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that binge eating is associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression, but not with BMI.
Solid oxide fuel cell: design, materials, and transport phenomena
Authors: Majumdar Pradip , Penmetsa Satish K.
Published: August 2012

Fuel cell has been considered as one of the most attractive alternative power generating system due to its number of attractive features such as higher energy conversion efficiency, improved fuel economy, and reduced dependence on conventional fossil fuel, lower emission of unsafe pollution gases, modular design, low vibration and noise. Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have several advantages compared to other types of fuel cells. SOFCs are less sensitive to composition of fuel and are tolerant to other gas elements including carbon monoxide. It operates at higher temperature range of 700–1000°C, and hence requires no expensive catalysts and allows internal reforming of the hydrocarbon fuels. Some of the major challenges for fuel cell commercialization are the improved cell design; development of materials for electrodes, electrolytes, interconnect/bipolar plates, and seals with improved material properties; improved performance in terms of reactant gas and charge transport through the cell components and reduced overpotential due irreversibilities associated with the reaction kinetics, ohmic loss, mass transfer los; reduced cost of materials and manufacturing; and reliability and durability of the key components. This paper reviews different features of SOFC in terms of operating principles; cell designs and materials for different cell components including electrodes and electrolytes. Critical effects of transport phenomena on the distribution of reactant gas species across the gas channels, gas diffusion layers, and regions adjacent to electrode-electrolyte interfaces are discussed.
Therapeutic Potential of Natural Compounds that Regulate the Activity of Protein Kinase C
Authors: Carter Charleata A. , Kane Cynthia J. M.
Published: August 2012

Protein kinase C (PKC) is a family of serine / threonine kinases that regulates a variety of cell functions including proliferation, gene expression, cell cycle, differentiation, cytoskeletal organization, cell migration, and apoptosis. The PKC signal transduction cascade coordinates complex physiological events including normal tissue function and repair. Disruption of the cellular environment through genetic mutation, disease, injury, or exposure to pro-oxidants, alcohol, or other insults can induce pathological PKC activation. Aberrant PKC activation can lead to diseases of cellular dysregulation such as cancer and diabetes. Can aberrant activation of PKC be reversedα Even 25 years after the identification of PKC, therapeutic regulation of PKC activity remains an emerging field. Because the function of each isoform remains to be elucidated, isoform specific control of gene expression is a current challenge. Natural compounds are important regulators of PKC activity, with both preventive and therapeutic efficacy. Antioxidants including vitamin A (retinoids), vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and vitamin E (tocopherols) show promise for reversal of PKC activation. ß-carotene and retinoids function as anticarcinogenic agents and antagonize the biological effects of pro-oxidants on PKC. Vitamin E reverses the deleterious effects of hyperglycemia and diabetes by down-regulating PKC activity. Antioxidants in red wine provide cardioprotective effects. However, alcohol consumption also induces oxidative stress and disrupts PKC and retinoid function in the fetus and the adult. This review examines modulation of PKC activity by natural compounds and pharmacologic analogues which can be used effectively to prevent or treat common diseases associated with aberrant activation of PKC.
Constrained Analogs of Osteogenic Peptides
Authors: Willick Gordon E. , Morley Paul , Whitfield James F.
Published: August 2012

Osteogenic peptides are, or have potential to be, therapies for the treatment of osteoporosis, fracture repair, and repair of loosened bone implants. Human parathyroid hormone has been approved for the treatment of post-menopausal osteoporosis. Constrained analogs of PTH and the parathyroid-hormone related peptide (PTHrP) have aided the understanding of how PTH and PTHrP bind to their common receptor and some of these analogs have improved properties that make them possible candidates for clinical trial. Cyclization by lactam formation has shown that a core region of human PTH (hPTH) from residues 16-26 binds as an α-helix to the receptor and that the biological effects are remarkably sensitive to ring size. Appropriate cyclization in this region of the molecule not only has yielded analogs with improved receptor activation but also ones less susceptible to protease degradation and thus more active in vivo. Cyclization has been less successful in the Nterminus region, residues 1-12, of hPTH(1-34) with only a cyclization between residues 6 and 10 showing some promise. The growing understanding of how this region binds to the receptor will lead to other productive constraints. This review also covers the potential of a different class of molecule, the osteogenic growth peptide (OPG), as an anabolic bone agent. These molecules have much weaker anabolic effects than PTH and cyclization does not result in improved activity. However, the information gained from these studies may yield analogs with better pharmacological profiles.
Overcoming Resistance of Glioblastoma to Conventional Cytotoxic Therapies by the Addition of PARP Inhibitors
Authors: J. Chalmers Anthony
Published: August 2012

This article will present the rationale for combining chemical inhibitors of the DNA repair enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) with conventional cytotoxic agents to improve the treatment of glioblastoma. After a brief review of the current therapeutic options for these aggressive tumours, the possible reasons for their resistance to radiation and chemotherapy will be discussed, highlighting the important role of DNA damage response pathways in many key resistance mechanisms. The dose-limiting toxicities associated with radiation and chemotherapy treatment will be described in order to illustrate the importance of tumour specificity in any attempt to increase the effectiveness of conventional treatments. There will then be a summary of the reasons why targeting DNA repair pathways might achieve tumour specific sensitization. After a brief summary of the key DNA damage response pathways, the biology, biochemistry and pharmacology of PARP and the existing PARP inhibitors will be presented. The major part of the review will cover the effects of combining PARP inhibitors with radiation and chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo, commenting on the underlying mechanisms and indicating where the data are predictive of tumour specific sensitization. Finally, we will consider specific scenarios where PARP inhibitors might contribute to the treatment of glioblastoma patients, discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with early phase clinical testing of these agents, and describe the clinical trials that are either underway or in development.
Doxycycline in Mitochondrial Mediated Pathway of Apoptosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sagar Jayesh , Sales Kevin , Seifalian A. , Winslet M.
Published: August 2012

Tetracyclines have been long known for their antimicrobial role. They are one of the most widely used antibiotics in clinical practice since last 5 decades. Recently their role as matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor and in apoptosis has widely attracted attention in biological field. Of them, doxycycline is one with long duration of actions and has recently been shown to have various anti-cancer properties, especially cytotoxic and anti-proliferative activities. Here, we systematically reviewed the role of doxycycline in the mitochondrial mediated apoptosis in various tissues. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched using a formal search strategy with definite inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data extraction was performed for each included study using a custom designed data extraction form. A total of 81 references were identified through MEDLINE and 5 were identified through EMBASE. 74 references from MEDLINE and all 5 in EMBASE were excluded through reading titles, abstracts and full text. In total, 7 studies fulfilled inclusion criteria. Following systematic review of these studies, we concluded that doxycycline induces apoptosis through mitochondrial mediated pathway in different tissue cells however it may be cell specific. The caspase independent apoptosis as one of the mechanisms of actions of doxycycline needs further studies for better understanding.
Potential New Agents for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatment
Authors: Rogalinska Malgorzata , M. Kilianska Zofia
Published: August 2012

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most frequent type of hematological cancer in the Western World. An accumulation of leukemic cells in peripheral blood of patients is a result of apoptosis disturbances as well as an increase in germinal centers CLL cell proliferation. The differences between CLL patients in the course and response to therapy reflects personal variability between patients in their genetic material. It was documented that many sufferers from CLL are over 60 years old, and because of many countries population obsolescence this type of leukemia could become more frequent in the future. CLL remains incurable, and the therapy regimens available at present could induce even complete remissions, but finally a relapse of the disease. The etiology of this disease is still not known, but our understanding of the processes running in CLL cells has significantly increased. A number of new agents with potential of CLL cell elimination by apoptosis or autophagy were characterized. Some of them reflect potential in cell sensitization to standard therapy. The major challenge for the future is to develop targeted anti-cancer therapy and design the optimal personalized manner of CLL treatment. A special interest is focused on anti-cancer agents – natural substances of plant origin. This paper reviews chosen new antileukemic agents belonging to different drug-classes (new monoclonal antibodies or apoptosis-, BCR signaling- and cell cycle-related inhibitors, substances of plant origin) which are under intense investigation in preclinical studies and early clinical trials.
Gentzen's Proof Systems: Byproducts in a Work of Genius
Authors: von Plato Jan
Published: August 2012

Gentzen's systems of natural deduction and sequent calculus were byproducts in his program of proving the consistency of arithmetic and analysis. It is suggested that the central component in his results on logical calculi was the use of a tree form for derivations. It allows the composition of derivations and the permutation of the order of application of rules, with a full control over the structure of derivations as a result. Recently found documents shed new light on the discovery of these calculi. In particular, Gentzen set up five different forms of natural calculi and gave a detailed proof of normalization for intuitionistic natural deduction. An early handwritten manuscript of his thesis shows that a direct translation from natural deduction to the axiomatic logic of Hilbert and Ackermann was, in addition to the influence of Paul Hertz, the second component in the discovery of sequent calculus. A system intermediate between the sequent calculus LI and axiomatic logic, denoted LIG in unpublished sources, is implicit in Gentzen's published thesis of 1934–35. The calculus has half rules, half “groundsequents,” and does not allow full cut elimination. Nevertheless, a translation from LI to LIG in the published thesis gives a subformula property for a complete class of derivations in LIG. After the thesis, Gentzen continued to work on variants of sequent calculi for ten more years, in the hope to find a consistency proof for arithmetic within an intuitionistic calculus.
Model Theory of Analytic Functions: Some Historical Comments
Authors: Haskell Deirdre
Published: August 2012

Model theorists have been studying analytic functions since the late 1970s. Highlights include the seminal work of Denef and van den Dries on the theory of thep-adics with restricted analytic functions, Wilkie's proof of o-minimality of the theory of the reals with the exponential function, and the formulation of Zilber's conjecture for the complex exponential. My goal in this talk is to survey these main developments and to reflect on today's open problems, in particular for theories of valued fields.
New Diabetes Diagnostic Threshold of Hemoglobin A1c and the 3-Year Incidence of Retinopathy
Authors: Tsugawa Yusuke , Takahashi Osamu , Meigs James B. , Davis Roger B. , Imamura Fumiaki , Fukui Tsuguya , Taylor William C. , Wee Christina C.
Published: August 2012

The new diagnostic threshold of hemoglobin A1c was made based on evidence from cross-sectional studies, and no longitudinal study supports its validity. To examine whether hemoglobin A1c of 6.5% or higher defines a threshold for elevated risk of incident retinopathy, we analyzed longitudinal data of 19,897 Japanese adults who underwent a health checkup in 2006 and were followed up 3 years later. We used logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline models to examine the relationship between baseline hemoglobin A1c levels and the prevalence and the 3-year incidence of retinopathy. The restricted cubic spline model indicated a possible threshold for the risk of incident retinopathy at hemoglobin A1c levels of 6.0–7.0%. Logistic regression analysis found that individuals with hemoglobin A1c levels of 6.5–6.9% were at significantly higher risk of developing retinopathy at 3 years compared with those with hemoglobin A1c levels of 5.0–5.4% (adjusted odds ratio, 2.35 [95% CI 1.08–5.11]). Those with hemoglobin A1c levels between 5.5 and 6.4% exhibited no evidence of elevated risks. We did not observe a threshold in the analysis of prevalent retinopathy. Our longitudinal results support the validity of the new hemoglobin A1c threshold of 6.5% or higher for diagnosing diabetes.
Weighted total least squares formulated by standard least squares theory
Authors: Amiri-Simkooei A. , Jazaeri S.
Published: August 2012

Weighted total least squares formulated by standard least squares theory

This contribution presents a simple, attractive, and flexible formulation for the weighted total least squares (WTLS) problem. It is simple because it is based on the well-known standard least squares theory; it is attractive because it allows one to directly use the existing body of knowledge of the least squares theory; and it is flexible because it can be used to a broad field of applications in the error-invariable (EIV) models. Two empirical examples using real and simulated data are presented. The first example, a linear regression model, takes the covariance matrix of the coefficient matrix asQA=Qn⊗Qm, while the second example, a 2-D affine transformation, takes a general structure of the covariance matrixQA.The estimates for the unknown parameters along with their standard deviations of the estimates are obtained for the two examples. The results are shown to be identical to those obtained based on thenonlinearGauss-Helmert model (GHM). We aim to have an impartial evaluation of WTLS and GHM. We further explore the high potential capability of the presented formulation. One can simply obtain the covariance matrix of the WTLS estimates. In addition, one can generalize the orthogonal projectors of the standard least squares from which estimates for the residuals and observations (along with their covariance matrix), and the variance of the unit weight can directly be derived. Also, the constrained WTLS, variance component estimation for an EIV model, and the theory of reliability and data snooping can easily be established, which are in progress for future publications.
A New Concept of Multi-Scenario, Multi-Component Animated Maps for the Visualization of Spatio-Temporal Landscape Evolution
Authors: Opach Tomasz , Midtbø Terje , Nossum Alexander
Published: August 2012

A New Concept of Multi-Scenario, Multi-Component Animated Maps for the Visualization of Spatio-Temporal Landscape Evolution

In this paper, we propose a new approach to the presentation of the spatio-temporal evolution of landscape using a multi-component multi-scenario animated map system. The concept of multi-scenario map was introduced with a few conceptual level objectives. Firstly, to facilitate understanding of geographic spatio-temporal changeability (especially landscape changeability) by the use of complex cartographic animations. Secondly, to investigate factors which influence an intuitive and effective use of multi-component cartographic applications. In relation to understanding processes, the overriding purpose was to build up a generic approach that allows users to recognize features of complex geographic phenomena. Finally, since the implementation of the concept was of importance, a prototype has been prepared.
The behavior of Jurík's nearest point approach algorithm on some 3-dimensional problems
Authors: ŠUCH Ondrej
Published: August 2012

The behavior of Jurík's nearest point approach algorithm on some 3-dimensional problems

In this note we highlight two issues with recently published Jurík's Nearest Point Approach algorithm for linear programming.
Homotopy Perturbation Algorithm Using Laplace Transform for Gas Dynamics Equation
Authors: Singh Jagdev , Kumar Devendra ,   Sushila
Published: August 2012

Homotopy Perturbation Algorithm Using Laplace Transform for Gas Dynamics Equation

In this paper, we apply a combined form of the Laplace transform method with the homotopy perturbation method to obtain the solution of nonlinear gas dynamics equation. This method is called the homotopy perturbation transform method (HPTM). This technique finds the solution without any discretization or restrictive assumptions and avoids the round-off errors. The fact that this scheme solves nonlinear problems without using Adomian's polynomials can be considered as a clear advantage of this algorithm over the decomposition method. The results reveal that the homotopy perturbation transform method (HPTM) is very efficient, simple and can be applied to other nonlinear problems.
Reviews
Authors: Miller Nicholas , Boilard Marie-Christine , Lindberg Bo , Wendel-Hansen Jens
Published: August 2012

Dan Edelstein, The Enlightenment: A Genealogy (Chicago: University of
Chicago Press, 2010), xii + 209 pp.

Kirsten Haack, The United Nations Democracy Agenda: A Conceptual History
(Manchester and New York: Manchester University Press, 2011), 256 pp.

Pasi Ihalainen, Agents of the People: Democracy and Popular Sovereignty in British
and Swedish Parliamentary and Public Debates, 1734–1800 (Leiden and
Boston: Brill, 2010), xvi + 532 pp.

Jeppe Nevers, Fra skældsord til slagord. Demokratibegrebet i dansk politisk historie
[From term of abuse to catchphrase: The concept of democracy in
Danish political history] (Odense: Syddansk Universitetsforlag, 2011),
225 pp.
The N400 and Late Positive Complex (LPC) Effects Reflect Controlled Rather than Automatic Mechanisms of Sentence Processing
Authors: Daltrozzo Jérôme , Wioland Norma , Kotchoubey Boris
Published: August 2012

This study compared automatic and controlled cognitive processes that underlie event-related potentials (ERPs) effects during speech perception. Sentences were presented to French native speakers, and the final word could be congruent or incongruent, and presented at one of four levels of degradation (using a modulation with pink noise): no degradation, mild degradation (2 levels), or strong degradation. We assumed that degradation impairs controlled more than automatic processes. The N400 and Late Positive Complex (LPC) effects were defined as the differences between the corresponding wave amplitudes to incongruent words minus congruent words. Under mild degradation, where controlled sentence-level processing could still occur (as indicated by behavioral data), both N400 and LPC effects were delayed and the latter effect was reduced. Under strong degradation, where sentence processing was rather automatic (as indicated by behavioral data), no ERP effect remained. These results suggest that ERP effects elicited in complex contexts, such as sentences, reflect controlled rather than automatic mechanisms of speech processing. These results differ from the results of experiments that used word-pair or word-list paradigms.
Assessing the Relationship Between Hazard Mitigation Plan Quality and Rural Status in a Cohort of 57 Counties from 3 States in the Southeastern U.S.
Authors: Horney Jennifer A. , Naimi Ashley I. , Lyles Ward , Simon Matt , Salvesen David , Berke Philip
Published: August 2012

Rural counties face unique challenges with regard to disaster vulnerability and resilience. We compared the quality of hazard mitigation plans (HMPs) completed in accordance with provisions of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 from 21 urban and 36 rural counties in three southeastern states. HMPs were content analyzed to calculate a score for six principles of plan quality. Generalized linear models were used to assess how the mean number of items within each of the six principles was related to urban status, adjusting for total county population and state-level differences. Adjusted mean ratios were higher in urban areas for goals, fact base, policies and participation. Rural areas performed better than urban counterparts in both implementation and monitoring and inter-organizational coordination. Our results suggest that there are important differences in hazard mitigation plan quality between urban and rural counties. Future research should explore characteristics of urban and rural counties that explain the observed differences, and whether such differences can help explain the inequalities in response and recovery to disasters between urban and rural counties.
Rhenium Nanochemistry for Catalyst Preparation
Authors: Kessler Vadim G. , Seisenbaeva Gulaim A.
Published: August 2012

The review presents synthetic approaches to modern rhenium-based catalysts. Creation of an active center is considered as a process of obtaining a nanoparticle or a molecule, immobilized within a matrix of the substrate. Selective chemical routes to preparation of particles of rhenium alloys, rhenium oxides and the molecules of alkyltrioxorhenium, and their insertion into porous structure of zeolites, ordered mesoporous MCM matrices, anodic mesoporous alumina, and porous transition metal oxides are considered. Structure-property relationships are traced for these catalysts in relation to such processes as alkylation and isomerization, olefin metathesis, selective oxidation of olefins, methanol to formaldehyde conversion, etc.
Deoxycalyciphylline B, a Hepatotoxic Alkaloid from Daphniphyllum calycinum
Authors: Zhang Xiaopo , Zhang Junqing , Tan Yinfeng , Liu Qibing , Liu Mingsheng
Published: August 2012

Daphniphyllum calycinum (DC), a main component of Chinese patent drug Fengliao-Changweikang, is effectively used to cure bowel disease in the clinic. It was recorded that DC possessed slight toxicity, which was caused by the alkaloids existing in its extract. Unfortunately, to date the toxicity level and toxic constituents are still unclear. The present study is designed to illustrate the acute toxicity and induced organ damages of the total alkaloids as well as to determine the toxic constituents. Based on the above studies, not only was the acute toxicity determined but also hepatic toxicity was characterized by increased plasma biomarkers of ALT and AST and liver cell inflammatory infiltrate as well necrosis that was firstly observed. Significantly, deoxycalyciphylline B exhibited exactly the same hepatic toxicity so it was identified as the main toxic constituent in DC. An obvious dose-effect relationship between the toxic compound and induced hepatic injuries was also observed. Moreover, the Chinese patent drug Fengliao-Changweikang contained low levels of the toxic compound, compared with the total alkaloids. Therefore, this Chinese patent drug could be regarded to be safe in this point of view.
Corn Silk (Stigma Maydis) in Healthcare: A Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review
Authors: Hasanudin Khairunnisa , Hashim Puziah , Mustafa Shuhaimi
Published: August 2012

Corn silk (Stigma maydis) is an important herb used traditionally by the Chinese, and Native Americans to treat many diseases. It is also used as traditional medicine in many parts of the world such as Turkey, United States and France. Its potential antioxidant and healthcare applications as diuretic agent, in hyperglycemia reduction, as anti-depressant and anti-fatigue use have been claimed in several reports. Other uses of corn silk include teas and supplements to treat urinary related problems. The potential use is very much related to its properties and mechanism of action of its plant’s bioactive constituents such as flavonoids and terpenoids. As such, this review will cover the research findings on the potential applications of corn silk in healthcare which include its phytochemical and pharmacological activities. In addition, the botanical description and its toxicological studies are also included.
The Role of Ghrelin, Salivary Secretions, and Dental Care in Eating Disorders
Authors: Yagi Takakazu , Ueda Hirotaka , Amitani Haruka , Asakawa Akihiro , Miyawaki Shouichi , Inui Akio
Published: August 2012

Eating disorders, including anorexia and bulimia nervosa, are potentially life-threatening syndromes characterized by severe disturbances in eating behavior. An effective treatment strategy for these conditions remains to be established, as patients with eating disorders tend to suffer from multiple relapses. Because ghrelin was originally discovered in the stomach mucosa, it has been widely studied over the past decade in an effort to uncover its potential roles; these studies have shed light on the mechanism by which ghrelin regulates food intake. Thus, studying ghrelin in the context of eating disorders could improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of eating disorders, possibly resulting in a promising new pharmacological treatment strategy for these patients. In addition, early detection and treatment of eating disorders are critical for ensuring recovery of young patients. Oral symptoms, including mucosal, dental, and saliva abnormalities, are typically observed in the early stages of eating disorders. Although oral care is not directly related to the treatment of eating disorders, knowledge of the oral manifestations of eating disorder patients may aid in early detection, resulting in earlier treatment; thus, oral care might contribute to overall patient management and prognosis. Moreover, ghrelin has also been found in saliva, which may be responsible for oral hygiene and digestion-related functions. This review discusses the pharmacological potential of ghrelin in regulating food-intake and the role of saliva and oral care in young patients with eating disorders.
Breastfeeding Promotion, Support and Protection: Review of Six Country Programmes
Authors: Mangasaryan Nune , Martin Luann , Brownlee Ann , Ogunlade Adebayo , Rudert Christiane , Cai Xiaodong
Published: August 2012

Reviews of programmes in Bangladesh, Benin, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Uganda, and Uzbekistan sought to identify health policy and programmatic factors that influenced breastfeeding practices during a 10 to 15 year period. Exclusive breastfeeding rates and trends were analysed in six countries in general and from an equity perspective in two of them. Success factors and challenges were identified in countries with improved and stagnated rates respectively. The disaggregated data analysis showed that progress may be unequal in population subgroups, but if appropriately designed and implemented, a programme can become a “health equalizer” and eliminate discrepancies among different subgroups. Success requires commitment, supportive policies, and comprehensiveness of programmes for breastfeeding promotion, protection and support. Community-based promotion and support was identified as a particularly important component. Although health workers’ training on infant feeding support and counselling was prioritized, further improvement of interpersonal counselling and problem solving skills is needed. More attention is advised for pre-service education, including a stronger focus on clinical practice, to ensure knowledge and skills among all health workers. Large-scale communication activities played a significant role, but essential steps were often underemphasized, including identifying social norms and influencing factors, ensuring community participation, and testing of approaches and messages.
Antiviral Activity of Nucleoside Analogues against Norovirus
Authors: Costantini Verónica P , Whitaker Tony , Barclay Leslie , Lee David , McBrayer Tamara R , Schinazi Raymond F , Vinjé Jan
Published: August 2012

Background

Norovirus (NoV) is the leading cause of epidemic gastroenteritis worldwide. The lack of a cell culture has significantly hampered the development of effective therapies against human NoV. Clinically approved nucleoside and non-nucleoside analogues have been used successfully against RNA viruses.

Methods

In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of four nucleoside analogues (2′-C-MeC, 2′-F-2′-C-MeC, β-D-N(4)-hydroxycytidine [NHC] and lamivudine) on Norwalk virus (NV) RNA levels and protein expression in NV replicon-harbouring cells (HG23 cells), and their efficacy in blocking murine norovirus (MNV) replication in RAW 264.7 cells.

Results

2′-C-MeC and 2′-F-2′-C-MeC reduced MNV RNA levels and infectivity in RAW 264.7 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The median effective concentrations (EC50) of 2′-C-MeC and 2′-F-2′-C-MeC were 6.9 μM and 12.7 μM, respectively. 2′-C-MeC, 2′-F-2′-C-MeC and NHC reduced NV RNA levels and protein expression in HG23 cells. For the NV replicon, the EC50 of 2′-C-MeC (1.3 μM) was comparable to the antiviral activity of NHC (1.5 μM) and twofold more potent than 2′-F-2′-C-MeC (3.2 μM). The combination of 2′-C-MeC/ ribavirin resulted in modest synergistic activity, whereas NHC/ribavirin was antagonistic for NV replication in HG23 cells.

Conclusions

The antiviral activity of 2′-C-MeC against strains of two different NoV genogroups and the low EC50 suggest that this nucleoside analogue may be effective against the more prevalent GII NoVs. In the absence of a vaccine, antiviral agents could be an effective intervention to control the spread of human NoV in populations at a high risk for NoV disease.
Evolution of Adefovir-Resistant HBV Polymerase Gene Variants after Switching to Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Monotherapy
Authors: van Bömmel Florian , Trojan Jörg , Deterding Katja , Wedemeyer Heiner , Wasmuth Hermann E , Hüppe Dietrich , Möller Bernd , Bock Friederike J , Feucht Heinz-Hubert , Berg Thomas
Published: August 2012

Background

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), an acyclic nucleotide analogue was shown to be effective in many HBV-infected patients with resistance to adefovir dipivoxil (ADV). This observation is intriguing because in vitro studies show that HBV mutations selected by ADV confer cross-resistance to TDF. To assess the clinical relevance of this cross-resistance, we studied the evolution of HBV polymerase gene variants in patients with genotypic resistance against ADV (rtN236T and/or rtA181V/T) during TDF treatment.

Methods

In 10 HBV-monoinfected patients (9 male, mean age 47 ±11 [range 27–67] years, 6 hepatitis B e antigen- positive) with virological breakthrough during ADV treatment associated with the mutations rtN236T and/or rtA181T/V, HBV polymerase gene variants were studied during up to 24 months of consecutive monotherapy with TDF by population sequencing, line probe assay and clonal analysis.

Results

In all patients, switching to TDF resulted in a continuous reduction of HBV DNA from a median of 7.6 (4.6–9.4) log10 copies/ml to 3.3 (2–5) log10 copies/ml, remaining in 7 patients >400 copies/ml at 12 months. ADV-resistance mutations remained detectable throughout the whole observation period in most patients. Apart from an M204Q mutation in one sample, no new HBV polymerase gene mutations were found. In two patients with low level viraemia after 72 weeks of TDF, adding lamivudine led to a complete response within a few weeks.

Conclusions

ADV-resistant HBV variants may further become selected during TDF treatment, however they cause only a mild decrease in TDF susceptibility.
A Randomized Phase I Bioequivalence Clinical Trial of a Paediatric Fixed-Dose Combination Antiretroviral Reconstitutable Suspension in Healthy Adult Volunteers
Authors: Esseku Fredrick , Joshi Anjali , Oyegbile Yemisi , Edowhorhu Grace , Gbadero Daniel , Adeyeye Moji
Published: August 2012

Background

This study aimed to test the hypothesis that paediatric fixed-dose combination granule for reconstitution (comprising lamivudine/zidovudine/nevirapine 30/60/50 mg per 5 ml) as a test product is bioequivalent to the coadministered single entities of the reference products. Fixed-dose combination antiretroviral therapy provides adequate suppression of HIV-1 replication, provides barrier to the development of resistance, simplifies dosage regimen and improves adherence.

Methods

An open label, randomized, two-way crossover study was conducted on 24 healthy adults under fasted conditions, with a washout period of 14 days between treatments. A total of 15 blood samples were collected before dosing and up to 96 h post dosing. The drugs were extracted from plasma and analysed using a validated high performance liquid chromatography - ultraviolet method. Non-compartmental pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis was performed to obtain the PK parameters, maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), area under curve of plasma concentration–time curves from time zero to last measurable concentration (AUC0–t) and area under curve extrapolated to infinity (AUC0–∞). ANOVA test was performed to determine the effect of model factors on the PK parameters. The two one-sided t-tests were performed on the log-transformed data to determine the 90% CI for the ratio of test to reference PK parameters.

Results

The drugs were well tolerated and safe, with minimal adverse events. The ANOVA test indicated the absence of any significant effects ( P>0.05) due to the model parameters. The 90% CI for the geometric mean ratio of test/ reference for Cmax, AUC0–t and AUC0–∞ for lamivudine, zidovudine and nevirapine were within the 80–125% bioequivalence limits.

Conclusions

This single-dose randomized study found that the test and reference products met the criteria for bioequivalence in the fasting healthy adult volunteers.
Transculturality
Authors: Jean Francois Emmanuel
Published: August 2012

Students make meaning of the information and knowledge they receive based on their worldviews, prior life experiences, learning styles, personality, values, beliefs, as well their interactions with their academic and non-academic environments. Most of these factors are cultural and can be subject to broad assumptions about what the instructor perceives regarding the profile of any given student. However, making assumptions is not necessarily the smartest way to engage in meaningful interactions. This chapter argues that leaders, administrators, and faculty must not rely on assumptions, but should conceive, plan, and design culture-specific and customizable blended learning and teaching programs or courses, which will enable them to obtain quality learning outcomes and foster student’s transformational experiences. This chapter provides a conceptual framework that will enable to that end.
A Critical Perspective on the Challenges for Blended Learning and Teaching in Africa’s Higher Education
Authors: Kisubi Alfred T.
Published: August 2012

This chapter challenges the readers’ thinking forward in some essential areas of educational change driven by the international imperative for Information and Communication technologies (ICT). It grapples realistically but also hopefully and creatively with many of the seemingly intractable difficulties that people involved in African change encounter, especially during this ICT age: Government policy makers and their usually politically handpicked higher-education administrators who see education reform as a national security priority, but, nevertheless, cede the responsibility of not only financing, but also implementing reform to international donors, who seldom serve Africa’s interests, but push their own agendas disguised as global development “aid.” These international “development” agencies inadvertently subvert equity oriented change efforts and substitute them with those of a comprador team of global and local state elite gainers, who push the responsibility of development through the state’s means of coercion down to the local, scarcely funded entities, such as the African higher education institutions (HEI). This wanton, undemocratic devolution or “structural adjustment,” results in the African HEIs, and governments’ extensive and deep-seated failings that make any hope of improvement appear to be far beyond reach. This chapter illustrates how and why that happens and makes suggestions for solutions.
Blended Learning
Authors: Boskic Natasha , Hu Sharon
Published: August 2012

The evolving student expectancy on the quality and accessibility of education has resulted in a new landscape of delivery modes of educational programs. This chapter presents two case studies that demonstrate the blended learning models as a mean to enable students in distributed locations to gain access to programs not otherwise available. The first case is about a mixed-mode course for Aboriginal students in British Columbia where the course format was tailored to be culturally sensitive to the Aboriginal ways of knowing. The second case is about a French Master’s program delivered in a hybrid mode to offer educators in remote parts of Canada access to this specialized degree. By applying the blended learning model, instructional designers assisted in establishing a learner-centered approach rather than an institution-centered approach, which made the programs more inclusive and meaningful for learners.
Current and Emerging Trends in Transcultural Blended Learning and Teaching
Authors: Jean Francois Emmanuel
Published: August 2012

This chapter serves as the conclusion of the book and outlines some challenges and current and emerging trends related to blended learning and teaching in postsecondary education. The current and emerging trends include, but are not limited to: accelerated blended learning programs for non-traditional adult students, adaptability of blended learning and teaching to diverse disciplines, quality assurance, transnational extent, possible transition to blended learning orienting postsecondary institutions, and the development of self-pace blended courses in postsecondary programs.
A Comparative Study on the Effect of Two Different Investing Mediums on the Movement of Artificial Teeth during the Fabrication of Complete Denture: An in vitro Study
Authors: Sajjad Arbaz
Published: August 2012

Purpose

Acrylic processing of waxed-up dentures is considered to be a crucial and technique-sensitive procedure. Even after investing a lot of time and clinical skill a definitive movement of teeth during and after processing has long been observed which lead to occlusal discrepancies and disturb the harmonious occlusal scheme achieved earlier. Shifting of the teeth can occur as a result of the investing procedures and investing materials. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the movement of artificial teeth in two-dimensions of space (anteroposterior and mediolateral) during processing of the waxed-up dentures using two different gypsum materials for investing.

Methods

Two groups of 15 waxed-up maxillary dentures were processed using two different investing mediums (a) dental plaster and (b) combination of dental stone core and plaster mold. The artificial teeth movement was measured in the mediolateral and the anteroposterior directions between predetermined reference points before and after processing with the aid of a traveling microscope. The findings were statistically analyzed using parametric t-tests and ANOVA F-test.

Results

Artificial teeth movement in both the anteroposterior and mediolateral direction was less with the use of investment combination of dental stone core and plaster mold when compared to the conventional method of investing with dental plaster.

Conclusion

The dental stone core method is superior in view of the fact that it produces significantly less artificial teeth movement than the conventional method. However, neither of the investing methods is successful in completely preventing artificial teeth movement.
Comparison between Acetal Resin and Cobalt-chromium Removable Partial Denture Clasps: Effect on Abutment Teeth Supporting Structures
Authors: Mohamed Tarek , Baraka Osama Abdulmoneam , Badawy Magdy Mostafa
Published: August 2012

Statement of problem

Acetal resin has been introduced as an esthetic partial denture clasp material. However, the effects of these clasps on the abutment teeth supporting structures were not clear.

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of acetal resin clasps on the abutment teeth supporting structures as compared to cobalt-chromium clasps.

Materials and methods

Twenty patients, 12 males and 8 females, with Kennedy class III modification I partially edentulous maxilla and dentulous mandibles were selected for this study. Patients were divided into two equal groups; group 1 received maxillary cobalt-chromium partial denture frameworks with acetal resin Akers clasps. Group 2 received maxillary partial denture with cobalt-chromium frameworks and Akers cobalt-chromium clasps. Crevicular fluid, epithelial attachment loss, and bone height and density of the abutment teeth were evaluated at partial denture insertion and after 6 and 12 months. Paired t-test was used at p ≤ 0.05 to assess the changes in the above parameters in each group. Student t-test was used to compare between the two groups.

Results

Crevicular fluid measurements were significantly higher in the first group than that in the second group. There were no differences in epithelial attachment loss between the two groups. There were significantly higher reductions in the bone height and in the bone density in the second group than that in the first group.

Conclusion

Acetal resin clasps were superior to cobalt-chromium clasps as produced fewer reductions in bone height and in bone density around the abutment teeth inspite of produced increase in the crevicular fluid.

Clinical implications

Since there were lesser reductions in bone height and in bone density around acetal resin clasp abutments, it could be used successfully to retain partial dentures. However, meticulous oral hygiene and proper insertion and removal of partial denture with acetal resin clasps were required to decrease gingival inflammation and crevicular fluid amount.
Tissue Replacement Gingival Prosthesis in the Treatment of Esthetic and Functional Deficit: An Atypical Case Report
Authors: Kumar Nettemu Sunil , Sowmya Nettem
Published: August 2012

Tissue replacement gingival prosthesis is a simple, noninvasive procedure employed to replace large volumes of lost soft tissue architecture while overcoming the pitfalls of surgical treatment modalities. A removable gingival prosthesis has a definite set of superior advantages compared to the extensive surgical treatment options or the employment of a fixed prosthesis. The removable gingival prosthesis helps to render an esthetically pleasing and functional restoration which is economical and less time-consuming for patients who report with large areas of esthetic and functional deficits. This case report highlights the fabrication of a light-weight design of removable gingival veneer to effectively mask the large area of tissue distortion whilst achieving superior esthetics.
Clinical Implications of Regressive Alterations of Teeth and their Management
Authors: Bhat Vinaya , Alva Harshitha , Krishna Prasad D , Shetty Manoj
Published: August 2012

Regressive alteration is a multifactorial condition causing loss of enamel and dentine. The cause is generally erosion, abrasion, abfraction, attrition and resorption or a combination of these lesions. Progression of regressive changes is found to be slow with periods of activity and inactivity. Although restorations are indicated, prevention remains the prime strategy in maintaining the longevity of a tooth. A thorough knowledge of the etiology, signs and symptoms of these lesions is of utmost importance in the diagnosis and management.

Conclusion and clinical implications

This article describes the etiological factors and assists the readers in reaching a diagnosis on the type of lesion and their appropriate management.

Abbreviations

NCCL: Noncarious cervical lesion; VDO: Vertical dimension at occlusion; RMGIC: Resin-modified glass ionomer cement.