bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Refractory Ischemic Pain from Chemotherapy‐Induced Raynaud’s Syndrome With Spinal Cord Stimulation
Authors: Ting Joseph C. , Fukshansky Mikhail , Burton Allen W.
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  We report the successful treatment of refractory ischemic pain from cisplatin‐induced Raynaud’s syndrome with spinal cord stimulation after failed pharmacologic management and surgical sympathectomy.

Case Report: A 48‐year‐old man developed ischemic pain of the hands while undergoing cisplatin and gemcitabine chemotherapy for metastatic pancreatic carcinoma. After extensive pharmacologic management and surgical sympathectomy failed to provide adequate analgesia, the patient underwent a percutaneous spinal cord stimulation trial followed by permanent implantation and received significant pain relief prior to succumbing to his illness. Spinal cord stimulation provided effective therapy for refractory ischemic pain, even after failed sympathectomy.
The residual risk of sepsis: modeling the effect of concentration on bacterial detection in two‐bottle culture systems and an estimation of false‐negative culture rates
Authors: Benjamin Richard J. , Wagner Stephen J.
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND: Septic reactions continue to be reported with culture‐tested platelet (PLT) products, probably due to false‐negative results associated with inadequate sampling of low‐concentration bacteria. The mechanism of test failure was modeled and false‐negative rates were estimated utilizing published data.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The effect of concentration on the probability of sampling one or more viable bacteria in an 8‐mL sample of a 300‐mL product was determined. The ratio of single‐ versus dual‐bottle‐positive tests in repeated cultures utilizing two‐bottle systems was used to assess mean bacterial concentrations and to predict false‐negative tests.

RESULTS: Published reports reveal a mean residual risk of sepsis of 2.3 per 105 products tested. Modeling the effect of concentration predicts that 50 and 95 percent of samples are detected at 0.09 and 0.36 CFU per mL for organisms that grow under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, and suggest a 50 and 5 percent false‐negative culture rate at these concentrations. Reanalysis of published studies documenting single‐bottle growth of nonfastidious organisms indicate that low bacterial concentrations are frequently encountered and predict false‐negative cultures in products contaminated with common bacteria at rates that varied from 4 to more than 75 percent. The model highlights the weakness of the AABB definition of false‐positive culture results at low bacterial concentrations, especially for organisms that grow poorly in aerobic storage conditions.

CONCLUSION: Continuing reports of septic reactions after transfusion of culture‐tested apheresis PLTs, and frequent single‐bottle‐positive results when testing with two‐bottle systems, suggest appreciable levels of false‐negative results with a commercially available bacterial detection system (BacT/ALERT, bioMéreiux) as implemented.
Three new high‐prevalence antigens in the Cromer blood group system
Authors: Hue‐Roye Kim , Lomas‐Francis Christine , Belaygorod Larisa , Lublin Douglas M. , Barnes Janet , Chung Amy , Fung‐Kee‐Fung Karen , Kinney Jeff , Goldman‐Lavi Ronit , Yahalom Vered , Poole Joyce , Ivankovic Zdravko , Alcantara Denden , Bekavac Marija , Cepulic Branka Golubic , Velliquette Randall W. , Mason Richard , Reid Marion E.
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND: The Cromer blood group system consists of nine high‐prevalence and three low‐prevalence antigens carried on decay‐accelerating factor (DAF). This report describes three new Cromer high‐prevalence antigens, named ZENA, CROV, and CRAM.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Sequence analyses were performed on DNA from three probands whose serum samples each contained an alloantibody to a high‐prevalence antigen in the Cromer blood group system. Polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis to detect the mutation encoding the CROV– phenotype was performed on 100 Croatian donors. To map the respective epitopes, DAF deletion mutants were tested by immunoblotting with eluates containing the antibodies.

RESULTS: In each proband, sequence analysis revealed a single‐nucleotide substitution in DAF: ZENA, 726T>G mutation, predicted change His242Gln; CROV, 466G>A mutation, predicted change Glu156Lys; and CRAM, 740A>G mutation, predicted change Gln247Arg. By analysis of DAF deletion mutants, the CROV antigenic determinant mapped to the complement control protein (CCP) domain 2, which is encoded by exon 3, whereas ZENA and CRAM mapped to CCP4, which is encoded by exon 6.

CONCLUSION: This study describes three novel high‐prevalence antigens in the Cromer blood group system each characterized by a predicted single‐amino‐acid substitution. The antigens have been assigned the following International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) numbers: ZENA is CROM13, CROV is CROM14, and CRAM is CROM15.
Intracardiac Impedance Monitors Hemodynamic Deterioration in a Chronic Heart Failure Pig Model
Authors: STAHL CARSTEN , BEIERLEIN WOLFRAM , WALKER TOBIAS , STRAUB ANDREAS , NAGY ZOLT , KNUBBEN KAROLIN , GREINER TIM O. , LIPPERT MICHAEL , CZYGAN GERALD , PAULE STEFAN , SCHWEIKA OLIVER , KÜHLKAMP VOLKER
Published: June 2007

Introduction: A large number of heart failure (HF) patients benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy. Measurements of intrathoracic impedance (ITZ) by implantable devices correlate with intrathoracic fluid content and are used for monitoring lung edema formation in HF patients. However, intrathoracic fluid is only an indirect parameter of cardiac function. We hypothesized that changes in intracardiac impedance correlate with left ventricular (LV) volume changes. Therefore, measurements of intracardiac impedance between a right ventricular lead and a LV lead may be used to monitor long‐term changes of LV function.

Methods and Results: HF was successfully induced in nine mini‐pigs by continuous high‐rate pacing. Hemodynamic parameters as well as intracardiac impedance and ITZ were measured before HF induction and after 20 ± 5 days of high‐rate pacing. After the pacing period, we found a significant deterioration of hemodynamics, reflected by a reduction of ejection fraction from 71±11% to 48±7% and an increase of LV end diastolic pressure (EDP) from 12 ± 4 mmHg to 26 ± 8 mmHg. Worsening of cardiac function correlated with a significant >30% decrease of end diastolic intracardiac impedance, in accordance with a >20% increase of end diastolic volume (EDV). ITZ decreased by more than 8%. We observed a significant inverse correlation between end diastolic intracardiac impedance and EDP (r =−0.81, P < 0.001).

Conclusions: In this animal model, changes of intracardiac impedance revealed hemodynamic deterioration as reflected by EDV and EDP pressure. Thus, intracardiac impedance is a promising new application to monitor heart failure status within implantable devices.
Time to Electrode Rewarming After Cryoablation Predicts Lesion Size
Authors: PARVEZ BABAR , GOLDBERG SCOTT M. , PATHAK VISHESH , SCHUBERT CHRISTINE M. , WOOD MARK A.
Published: June 2007

Introduction: There are no methods in clinical use to assess tissue cooling during catheter cryoablation. Cryoablation electrode temperature may be a poor predictor of lesion size. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the time necessary for the cryoablation electrode to cool to target temperature or to rewarm after cryoablation can predict lesion size.

Methods and Results: Cryoablation was performed on live porcine left ventricle in a saline bath (37°C) using 8‐mm‐tip catheter. Cryoablation was given for 300 seconds under all permutations of the following conditions: electrode orientation vertical or horizontal, contact pressure 6 or 20 g, superfusate flow over electrode–tissue interface at 0.2 or 0.4 m/s (N = 10 each condition set, total 80 experiments). The time intervals necessary to cool the electrode to the target temperature of −75°C and to rewarm to + 30°C after termination of cryoablation were recorded. Lesion volume was predicted best by the time necessary to rewarm the elctrode to +30°C (r2= 0.65, P < 0.0001), followed by electrode temperature (r2= 0.28, P < 0.0001) and time to cool the electrode to −75°C (r2= 0.24, P < 0.0001). Time to +30°C and time to −75°C were associated with superfusate flow rate, contact pressure, and electrode orientation (r2= 0.80 and 0.61, respectively, both P < 0.0001). Superfusate flow rate, contact pressure, and orientation were also highly predictive of lesion volume (r2= 0.93, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions: Time to cryoablation electrode rewarming is a better predictor of cryoablation lesion size than is electrode temperature. Time to cryoablation electrode rewarming reflects important determinants of cryoablation lesion formation—convective warming, contact pressure, and electrode orientation—that are not ascertainable during clinical ablation procedures.
Postprandial Augmentation of Bradycardia‐Dependent ST Elevation in Patients with Brugada Syndrome
Authors: MIZUMAKI KOICHI , FUJIKI AKIRA , NISHIDA KUNIHIRO , IWAMOTO JOTARO , SAKAMOTO TAMOTSU , SAKABE MASAO , TSUNEDA TAKAYUKI , SUGAO MASATAKA , INOUE HIROSHI
Published: June 2007

Introduction
: In patients with Brugada syndrome, the circadian variation of ST elevation could be modulated by the autonomic nervous activity and RR interval. Recently, glucose‐induced insulin secretion was also reported to contribute to fluctuation of ST elevation. Therefore, we assessed the effects of taking meals on the ST‐RR relationship in the daily life of patients with Brugada syndrome.

Methods and Results: Twenty‐eight patients with Brugada syndrome, who had the type I ST elevation, were categorized into 12 symptomatic and 16 asymptomatic patients. Unipolar lead (V2) Holter ECG was recorded and ST‐RR relationships for a 2‐hour period were compared before and after each meal. From ST‐RR linear regression lines, ST‐RR slope (mm/sec) and ST(mm) at RR intervals of both 0.6 seconds and 1.2 seconds (ST(0.6) and ST(1.2)) were determined. The ST‐RR slope increased significantly after lunch (2.6 ± 0.4 vs 4.4 ± 1.2, P < 0.05) and dinner (2.1 ± 1.0 vs 5.2 ± 1.9, P < 0.01) in symptomatic patients, but not in asymptomatic patients. In both groups, ST(0.6) was not different before or after each meal. However, ST(1.2) increased after each meal in symptomatic patients. After dinner, ST(1.2) was significantly higher in symptomatic patients than in asymptomatic patients (5.0 ± 2.7 vs 3.6 ± 0.8, P < 0.05). Postprandial increase in both ST‐RR slope and ST(1.2) was greatest at dinner in symptomatic patients; however, this tendency was not seen in asymptomatic patients.

Conclusions: In symptomatic patients with Brugada syndrome, bradycardia‐dependent augmentation of ST elevation was enhanced for the postprandial period, especially after dinner. This could be related to occurrence of ventricular fibrillation in the late evening.
Non‐Antiarrhythmic Drugs in Atrial Fibrillation: A Review of Non‐Antiarrhythmic Agents in Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: LALLY JAMES A. , GNALL ERIC M. , SELTZER JONATHAN , KOWEY PETER R.
Published: June 2007

This article reviews current evidence of non‐antiarrhythmic agents for the prevention and maintenance of sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation. These nontraditional agents include angiotensin coverting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, antiinflammatory agents, calcium channel blockers, and beta‐blockers. The mechanisms of action and clinical trials regarding the effectiveness of these agents in atrial fibrillation prevention are reviewed.
Live/Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiographic Visualization of Chiari Network
Authors: Pothineni Koteswara R. , Nanda Navin C. , Burri Manjula V. , Singh Anurag , Panwar Sadik R. , Gandhari Sujit
Published: June 2007

We report the usefulness of live/real time three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography in the visualization of Chiari network.
Changes in the QT Intervals, QT Dispersion, and Amplitude of T Waves after Hemodialysis
Authors: Drighil Abdenasser , Madias John E. , Benjelloun Meryem , Kamoum Hanane , Bennis Ahmed , Azzouzi Leila , Yazidi Asma , Ramdani Benyouness
Published: June 2007

Background: Increased QT dispersion (QTd) has been associated with an increased risk for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death in the general population and in various clinical states.

Methods: We investigated the impact of hemodialysis (HD) on QT, QTd, and T‐wave amplitude in subjects with end‐stage renal failure. Data on 49 patients on chronic HD were studied. The QT, QTd, and the sum of amplitude of T waves (ΣT) in millimetre in the 12 ECG leads, along with a host of other ECG parameters, body weight, blood pressure, heart rate, electrolytes, and hemoglobin/hematocrit were measured before and immediately after HD.

Results: QT decreased (380.9 ± 38.4–363.5 ± 36.8 ms, P = 0.001), the QTc did not change (406.2 ± 30.8–405.4 ± 32.2 ms, P = 0.8), the QTd increased (31.3 ± 14.6–43.9 ± 18.6 ms, P = 0.003), and the ΣT decreased (32.3 ± 15.7–25.9 ± 12.6 mm, P = 0.0001) after HD. There was no correlation between the change in QTd and the changes in serum cations, heart rate, the subjects' weight, T‐wave duration, and ΣT. However, the change in QTc correlated inversely with the change in serum Ca++ (r =−0.339, P = 0.021).

Conclusion: QTd increased, the ΣT decreased, and the QTc and T‐wave duration remained stable, after HD. The QTd increase, although may be real, could also reflect measurement errors stemming from the decrease in the amplitude of T waves (as shown recently), imparted by HD; this requires clarification, to use QTd in patient on HD.
Infrared Glass–Ceramics With Fine Porous Surfaces for Optical Sensor Applications
Authors: Delaizir Gaelle , Lucas Pierre , Zhang Xianghua , Ma Hongli , Bureau Bruno , Lucas Jacques
Published: June 2007

GeS2–Sb2S3–CsCl glass–ceramics with fine porous surfaces were synthesized and tested as optical elements. The porosity is obtained through a two‐step process, including controlled nucleation of CsCl nuclei in the glass matrix followed by selective etching of the nuclei with an acid solution. The porous surface is several hundred nanometers thick and results in a surface area increase of almost four orders of magnitude. The pores size is approximately 150 nm and can be tailored by controlling the nucleation process and the etching time. It is shown that the creation of the porous surface does not critically affect the optical transmission of these infrared (IR) transparent glass–ceramics. These materials can therefore be used for the design of optical elements and an attenuated total reflexion plate with porous surface was fabricated and tested as an optical IR sensor. The porous element shows higher detection sensitivity in initial experiments with an analyte sprayed at the plate surface and a coating of silane molecules.
Low‐Temperature Sintering and Mechanical Property Evaluation of Nanocrystalline 8 mol% Yttria Fully Stabilized Zirconia
Authors: Ghosh Abhijit , Suri Ashok K. , Rao Boddapati T. , Ramamohan Tallapragada R.
Published: June 2007

Fully stabilized zirconia containing 8 mol% yttria (8Y‐FSZ) in nanocrystalline form has been synthesized by the coprecipitation method. The formation of an easily filterable hydroxide is facilitated by the addition of ammonium sulfate and polyethylene glycol during precipitation. The precipitate is then calcined to produce nanocrystalline powder. Using this powder, it has been possible to obtain a sintering density of more than 95% at a temperature as low as 1150°C by following a conventional sintering schedule. Adoption of a two‐stage sintering schedule, in which heat treatment of the powder compact has been carried out initially to a high temperature, followed by a long holding at a lower temperature, resulted in further lowering of the sintering temperature. Hardness and toughness values have been found to be dependent on the microstructure in low‐temperature‐sintered samples.
Solution‐Based, High‐Yield Synthesis of Cobalt‐Doped Zinc Oxide Nanorods
Authors: Chu Dewei , Zeng Yuping , Jiang Dongliang
Published: June 2007

Transition metal cobalt‐doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods with room‐temperature ferromagnetism have been rationally fabricated by a facile solution‐based route. The synthesis just involves hydrolyses and condensation processes, which allow the growth of transition metal‐doped ZnO nanostructures at a high yield, low cost, and mild temperatures. The morphology of the products can be controlled by tuning the reaction conditions such as precursors, solvents, and reaction time. The nanorods show room‐temperature ferromagnetic behavior using C20H37NaO7S as a surfactant. The origin of the ferromagnetism is also discussed.
Magneto‐Dielectric Properties of Mg–Cu–Co Ferrite Ceramics: II. Electrical, Dielectric, and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Kong L. B. , Li Z. W. , Lin G. Q. , Gan Y. B.
Published: June 2007

DC resistivity, dielectric, and magnetic properties of Mg‐ferrite ceramics (Mg1−xCuxFe1.98O4, with x=0.10–0.30, and Mg0.90−xCoxCu0.10Fe1.98O4, with x=0.05–0.20) were investigated. A primary objective is to develop magneto‐dielectric materials with almost equal values of permeability and permittivity, as well as low magnetic and dielectric loss tangent, for miniaturization of antennas. The MgFe1.98O4 ceramic sintered at 1125°C possessed values of permeability and permittivity of ∼6.5, and relatively low magnetic and dielectric loss tangents of <10−2, with a sintered density of only ∼70% of the theoretical density. Incorporation of Cu was found to be able to not only improve the densification and grain growth but also alter the electrical and magnetic properties of MgFe1.98O4. Further modification by Co resulted in promising magneto‐dielectric materials, with an almost equal permeability and permittivity of ∼9.5 over 3–30 MHz (HF band). Together with their low magnetic and dielectric loss tangents and good sinterability, this class of magneto‐dielectric materials could be potential candidates for the design of small antennas in the HF band (3–30 MHz). The DC resistivities and complex relative permittivities of the ferrite ceramics were discussed with respect to their microstructure, grain size, and the formation of Fe2+ ions. The variation of high‐frequency magnetic properties of the ferrite materials with sintering temperature can be quantitatively understood by the magnetic circuit model and the Snoek‐like law.
Experimental Investigation and Thermodynamic Modeling of the ZrO2–SmO1.5 System
Authors: Wang Chong , Zinkevich Matsvei , Aldinger Fritz
Published: June 2007

Phase equilibria of the ZrO2–SmO1.5 system have been studied by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The compositions of phases in the tetragonal+fluorite, fluorite+pyrochlore, and fluorite+B‐Sm2O3 two‐phase fields have been determined for samples quenched from temperatures between 1400° and 1700°C. The heat content of the fluorite phase with 30 mol% SmO1.5 and of the pyrochlore phase with 50 mol% SmO1.5 has been measured in the temperature range 200°–1400°C using high‐temperature drop calorimetry. The transition between pyrochlore and fluorite phases is clearly first order in the SmO1.5‐rich region, while no fluorite+pyrochlore two‐phase region has been detected for the samples with ZrO2 excess. Based on the obtained experimental results and literature data, the phase diagram and thermodynamic properties were optimized using the CALPHAD approach.
Mental Health Service Recipients and Prison Work Release: How Do the Mentally Ill Fare Compared to Other Inmates in Prison Work Release Programs?
Authors: Way Bruce B. , Abreu Dan , Ramirez‐Romero Doris , Aziz David , Sawyer Donald A.
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  The objective of this study was to compare the success rate of the mentally ill and other inmates on prison work release within gender groups. Mentally ill (MI) men (n = 42) had a higher success rate (79%) than other men (NMI) (61%) (n = 49), but this difference only approached statistical significance (p = 0.07), and mental illness did not distinguish male success/failures in regression analyses. Mentally ill women (n = 51) had a statistically significant lower success rate (58%) than other women inmates (n = 49) (83%) on work release. The difference in rates, however, only occurred in the group of women who were currently in prison due to a parole violation, not new court commitments. Regression analysis confirmed the importance of mental illness and current commitment as a parole violator. A greater number of MI men should be allowed to participate in work release. Women with mental health issues who had prior trouble on parole may need enhanced services.
A Microfluidic Device for Presumptive Testing of Controlled Substances*
Authors: Bell Suzanne C. , Hanes Rebecca D.
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  A simple microfluidic device (MFD) has been developed to perform multiple color and crystal tests for controlled substance analysis. The MFD method uses less sample and reagents and generates less waste than traditional spot plate methods while performing several tests simultaneously. This methodology provides significantly more analytical information for a single sample analysis. The current generation device is the size of a microscope slide with four analytical channels: one for microcrystal tests and three for color tests. The optimized devices were subjected to a rigorous validation study using comparative replicate analyses and several operators. Target analytes were methamphetamine, amphetamine, cocaine, and oxycodone and color test reagents used were the Marquis, Simon, and cobalt thiocyanate. For the crystal tests, platinic chloride was used. The validation study showed the MFD’s limits of detection to be in the picogram range. Positive tests results were observed in complex mixtures in which the controlled substance was present at concentrations of 5–10% (w/w). The microcrystal reagents showed greater sensitivity than color test reagents when used in the device. Reagent use and waste generation using the devices was 95% less that that used and generated using the traditional methods. The device performance was also shown to be operator independent.
Fentanyl Concentrations in 23 Postmortem Cases from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office*
Authors: Thompson Jonathan G. , Baker Andrew M. , Bracey Anne H. , Seningen Justin , Kloss Julie S. , Strobl A. Quinn , Apple Fred S.
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  The purpose of this study was to compare blood fentanyl concentrations in fentanyl‐related deaths with fentanyl concentrations found incidentally at autopsy, as well as with fentanyl concentrations found in hospitalized patients receiving fentanyl. Between the years 1997 to 2005, 23 fentanyl‐positive postmortem cases were identified. Nineteen of 23 (82.6%) cases were deemed to be drug overdoses. Fentanyl alone was responsible for 8 of the 19 (42.1%) overdose deaths. Mean and median fentanyl concentrations were 36 (SD 38) μg/L and 22 μg/L, respectively, range 5–120 μg/L. Seven of the cases were accidental, one undetermined. The remaining 11 of the 19 (57.9%) cases were mixed drug overdoses. Fentanyl concentrations in these cases were 31 (SD 46) μg/L, range 5–152 μg/L. All of the mixed drug overdoses were determined to be accidental. Four cases where fentanyl was considered an incidental postmortem finding were determined to be natural deaths. In hospitalized inpatients (n = 11) receiving fentanyl 2 of the patients receiving fentanyl for chronic pain for more than 3 months had concentrations of 8.5 μg/L and 9.9 μg/L. The other nine inpatient concentrations were less than 4 μg/L. In conclusion, blood fentanyl concentrations found in cases where fentanyl alone was determined to be the cause of death were similar to cases where fentanyl was part of a mixed drug overdose. There was also considerable overlap between fentanyl concentrations in fentanyl‐related overdose deaths compared to hospitalized patients being treated for chronic pain. Fentanyl concentrations in postmortem cases must be interpreted in the context of the deceased’s past medical history and autopsy findings.
The Multifocal Electroretinogram (mfERG) in porcine eyes‐ establishment, sensitivity and functional implications of induced retinal lesions
Authors: Voss Kyhn Maria C.
Published: June 2007

Electrophysiological methods have been practiced in ophthalmology for many years. In 1992 Sutter and Tran introduced the mulitfocal technique, which enables recording of electrical currents deriving from very localized parts of the retina (Sutter & Tran, 1992). Multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) has been used in animal studies, mostly in rodents and nonhuman primates, but also in pigs (Lalonde et al., 2006). The latter without the use of retinal photo monitoring during mfERG recording, rendering an exact correlation to specific retinal changes impossible.

By modifying the experimental set‐up, as well as the settings of the mfERG software, reproducible recordings on anesthetised pigs were obtained, during continuous photo monitoring of the fundus area (Kyhn et al., 2007). The mfERG response obtained from the porcine retina, was characterized by the same three amplitude deflections also described in studies on human retinas: N1, P1 and N2 (Hood et al., 2000). mfERG responses that derived within the visual streak of the porcine retina were characterized by significantly faster implicit times and higher amplitudes of all three peaks, when compared to responses deriving within the inferior, less cone‐rich part of the retina. The spatial resolution of the developed mfERG protocol enables detection of retinal areas of reduced functionality of a size equal to or larger than 1.2 mm. In the acute‐ as well as in the late‐phase significant reduction of all the peak amplitudes was observed after retinal laser photocoagulation. The implicit times were less influenced by the treatment. This corresponded to the marked central tissue destruction found histologically.

The following surgical steps gain surgical access to the sub‐retinal space: vitrectomy, retinal detachment bleb formation, retinal diathermia and retinotomy. The extension and sizes of these interventions, necessary to perform subsequent surgery in the sub‐retinal space, all caused a statistically non‐significant tendency towards reduced amplitudes within the first post‐operative week. Only retinal diathermia significantly prolonged the implicit time of one peak (N1) after one week of observation. The functional consequences of the surgical procedures were all found to cause reversible changes in the mfERG within a six weeks observation period. Thus these findings indicate that in experimental sub‐retinal surgery on pigs, any mfERG change found six weeks postoperatively could be attributed to other factors than the surgical access to the sub‐retinal space. This renders the described animal model and mfERG‐protocol applicable in future experiments regarding pathology, treatment, surgery and stem cell transplantation in retina as well as in the sub‐retinal space of the porcine eye.
Schizophrenia trials in China: a survey
Authors: Chakrabarti A. , Adams C. E. , Rathbone J. , Wright J. , Xia J. , Wong W. , Von Reibnitz P. , Koenig C. , Baier S. , Pfeiffer C. , Blatter J. , Mantz M. , Kloeckner K.
Published: June 2007

Objective:  China's biomedical research activity is increasing and this literature is becoming more accessible online. Our aim was to survey all randomized control schizophrenia trials (RCTs) in one Chinese bibliographic database.

Method:  Chinese Academic Journals was electronically searched for RCTs and all relevant citations were also sought on PubMed to ascertain global accessibility.

Results:  The search identified 3275 records, of which 982 were RCTs relevant to schizophrenia. A total of 71% (699) could be found by using English phrases. All the main body of text of the 982 papers was in Mandarin. On average, these trials involved about 100 people, with interventions and outcome measures familiar to schizophrenia trialists worldwide. Four of the 982 records (<1%) were identified on PubMed.

Conclusion:  Those undertaking systematic reviews should search the Chinese literature for relevant material. Failing to do this will leave the results of systematic reviews prone to random error or bias, or both.
Surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis using a bone substitute with or without a resorbable membrane: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Roos‐Jansåker Ann‐Marie , Renvert Helena , Lindahl Christel , Renvert Stefan
Published: June 2007

Objectives: The aim of this prospective cohort study was to compare two regenerative surgical treatment modalities for peri‐implantitis.

Material and Methods: Thirty‐six patients having a minimum of one osseointegrated implant, with a progressive loss of bone amounting to 3 threads (1.8 mm) following the first year of healing, combined with bleeding and/or pus on probing, were involved in this study. The patients were assigned to two different treatment strategies. After surgical exposure of the defect, granulomatous tissue was removed and the infected implant surface was treated using 3% hydrogen peroxide. The bone defects were filled with a bone substitute (Algipore®). In 17 patients (Group 1), a resorbable membrane (Osseoquest®) was placed over the grafted defect before suturing. In 19 patients (Group 2), the graft was used alone.

Results: One‐year follow‐up demonstrated clinical and radiographic improvements. Probing depths were reduced by 2.9 mm in Group 1 and by 3.4 mm in Group 2. Defect fill amounted to 1.5 and 1.4 mm, respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups.

Conclusion: It is possible to treat peri‐implant defects with a bone substitute, with or without a resorbable membrane.
Post‐transplant EBV‐negative anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma with dual rearrangement: a propos of two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Magro Cynthia M. , Weinerman David J. , Porcu Pierre Luigi , Morrison Carl D.
Published: June 2007

Background:  Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is a recognized complication of the immunosuppressive regimens associated with solid organ transplantation. The vast majority of these lesions represent monomorphic B‐cell lymphoproliferative disease. Rarely, however, T‐cell malignancies may emerge, the commonest being anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma (ALCL).

Materials and methods:  We describe two patients who developed a post‐transplant ALCL several years after transplantation. Comprehensive phenotypic and molecular studies were conducted. The technique of capillary gel electrophoresis was employed.

Results:  One patient died of unrelated causes, while the other patient did achieve clinical remission. The neoplastic cell populace was composed of CD4‐positive cytotoxic T cells exhibiting CD30 positivity. There were very few B cells. Striking and prominent clonally restricted infiltrates were identified whereby there was both a heavy chain and T‐cell beta gene rearrangement. There was no evidence of lytic Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infection.

Conclusion:  T‐cell‐associated PTLD does not appear to be directly attributable to EBV infection. Iatrogenic immune dysregulation may result in excessive T‐cell proliferation to various antigenic stimuli, hence resembling other drug‐associated cell lymphoproliferative conditions such as angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy. The dual rearrangement may have some implications regarding the cell of origin.
Defective CFTR Apical Endocytosis and Enterocyte Brush Border in Myosin VI‐Deficient Mice
Authors: Ameen Nadia , Apodaca Gerard
Published: June 2007

In polarized epithelial cells such as those that line the inner ear, kidney and gut, myosin VI has been localized to the intermicrovillar domains where it is proposed to regulate clathrin‐dependent endocytosis; however, a direct role for myosin VI in apical endocytosis has not been shown. We examined the apical membrane distribution and endocytosis of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in myosin VI‐deficient Snell's Waltzer Myo6(sv/sv) mice. Confocal microscopy and cell‐surface biotinylation confirmed that surface levels of CFTR in the intestine of Myo6(sv/sv) mice were markedly higher, and CFTR internalization from the apical plasma membrane was reduced compared with heterozygous controls. Consistent with a defect in CFTR endocytosis and accumulation at the cell surface, exaggerated CFTR‐mediated fluid secretion was observed in Myo6(sv/sv) mice following treatment of isolated jejunum with the cyclic GMP‐activated heat stable enterotoxin. These data establish that myosin VI modulates apical endocytosis and may be an important physiological modulator of CFTR function and CFTR‐associated secretory diarrhea in the gut.
Innate Immune Recognition Triggers Secretion of Lysosomal Enzymes by Macrophages
Authors: Lackman Rebecca L. , Jamieson Amanda M. , Griffith Janice M. , Geuze Hans , Cresswell Peter
Published: June 2007

Gamma interferon‐induced lysosomal thiolreductase (GILT) is expressed constitutively in antigen‐presenting cells, where it reduces disulfide bonds to facilitate antigen presentation. GILT is synthesized as an enzymatically active precursor protein and is processed in early endosomes to yield the mature enzyme. The exposure of the promonocytic cell line THP‐1 to Escherichia coli causes a differentiation‐dependent induction of GILT expression in which the majority of precursor GILT is secreted as active enzyme. We confirm this result in cultured primary monocytes and macrophages, and demonstrate, as an in vivo correlate of the phenomenon, upregulation of precursor GILT levels in the serum of mice injected with lipopolysaccharide. We show that macrophage differentiation is accompanied by a transcriptional downregulation of mannose‐6‐phosphorylation, which likely prevents the recognition and proper sorting of soluble lysosomal enzymes by the mannose‐6‐phosphate receptors. We provide evidence for a mechanism of generalized soluble lysosomal enzyme secretion through the constitutive secretory pathway.
A Cytoplasmic PPPSP Motif Determines Megalin's Phosphorylation and Regulates Receptor's Recycling and Surface Expression
Authors: Yuseff María Isabel , Farfan Pamela , Bu Guojun , Marzolo María‐Paz
Published: June 2007

Megalin is a large endocytic receptor expressed at the apical surface of several absorptive epithelia. It binds multiple ligands including apolipoproteins, vitamin and hormone carrier proteins and signaling molecules such as parathyroid hormone and the morphogen sonic hedgehog. An important characteristic of megalin is its high endocytic activity, which is mediated by tyrosine‐based endocytic motifs within the receptor's cytoplasmic tail. This domain also harbors several putative consensus phosphorylation motifs for protein kinase (PK) C and casein kinase‐II and one consensus motif for PKA and glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK3). Here we report that the cytoplasmic domain of megalin is constitutively phosphorylated depending on the integrity of a PPPSP motif, a putative GSK3 site, with a minor participation of the other phosphorylation motifs. Mutation of the serine residue within the PPPSP motif as well as blocking GSK3 activity, with two different inhibitors, significantly decreased the phosphorylation levels of the receptor. Both the megalin PPPAP mutant and the underphosphorylated wild‐type receptor, by inhibition of GSK3 activity, were more expressed at the cell surface and more efficiently recycled, but they were not inhibited in their initial endocytosis rates. Altogether, these results show that the PPPSP motif and the GSK3 activity are critical to allow megalin phosphorylation and also negatively regulate the receptor's recycling.
Developmental biology and genetics of dental malformations
Authors: Hu JC‐C , Simmer JP
Published: June 2007

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Hu JC‐C, Simmer JP

The synthesis of tooth development biology with human studies focusing on inherited conditions that specifically interfere with tooth development is improving our understanding of normal and pathological tooth formation. The type of inherited dental malformations observed in a given kindred relate to when, during odontogenesis, the defective gene is critically expressed. Information about the protein encoded by the defective gene and the resulting dental phenotype helps us understand the major processes underway at different stages during tooth development. Genes affecting early tooth development (PAX9, MSX1, and AXIN2) are associated with familial tooth agenesis or oligodontia. Genes expressed by odontoblasts (COL1A1, COL1A2, and DSPP), and ameloblasts (AMELX, ENAM, MMP20, and KLK4) during the crown formation stage, are associated with dentinogenesis imperfecta, dentin dysplasia, and amelogenesis imperfecta. Late genes expressed during root formation (ALPL and DLX3) are associated with cementum agenesis (hypophosphatasia) and taurodontism. Understanding the relationships between normal tooth development and the dental pathologies associated with inherited diseases improves our ability to diagnose and treat patients suffering the manifestations of inherited dental disorders.
Treacher Collins syndrome
Authors: Dixon J , Trainor P , Dixon MJ
Published: June 2007

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Dixon J, Trainor P, Dixon MJ

Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) is an autosomal dominant disorder of craniofacial development which results from loss‐of‐function mutations in the gene TCOF1. TCOF1 encodes the nucleolar phosphoprotein, Treacle, which plays a key role in pre‐ribosomal processing and ribosomal biogenesis. In mice, haploinsufficiency of Tcof1 results in a depletion of neural crest cell precursors through high levels of cell death in the neuroepithelium, which results in a reduced number of neural crest cells migrating into the developing craniofacial complex. These combined advances have already impacted on clinical practice and provide invaluable resources for the continued dissection of the developmental basis of TCS.
Esthetic Treatment Planning: The Grid Analysis System
Authors: NAYLOR CRAIG KIRKHAM
Published: June 2007

It is sometimes difficult to identify esthetic problems let alone pre‐visualize an esthetic end‐result. The Esthetic Grid Analysis is a system for analyzing the basic problems that detract from the concept of an attractive smile. A photograph is taken of the anterior teeth with the lips retracted. The upper and lower frame of the photograph is aligned parallel with the interpupillary line, assuming that the interpupillary line is parallel with the horizon. Where this is not the case, the vertical margins of the photograph are aligned parallel with the facial midline. Through orienting the photograph to the facial guidelines and incorporating the idealized positions of the incisal plane, highest Upline, midline axis, and proportionate contact areas, a grid is formed. The grid built from these components provides a method of demonstrating deviations from an esthetic arrangement of anterior teeth.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Integrating facial guidelines with the dental composition using a grid highlights deviations from the ideal. It thereby assists in the treatment planning process by communicating esthetic problems to the patient, laboratory personnel, and other specialists.
Public Preferences for Anterior Tooth Variations: A Web‐Based Study
Authors: ROSENSTIEL STEPHEN F. , RASHID ROBERT G.
Published: June 2007

Purpose: This study was undertaken to determine the public's preferences for five esthetic variations, with the goal of linking preferences to demographic data such as age, gender, country of residence, and race.

Materials and Methods: Using photo‐editing software, five pairs of images with anterior tooth variations were put on a Web page with forms to collect demographic data and ranking of the image pairs. Opinions were solicited by sending out a large number of e‐mails with a short study description and an invitation to access the Web page. The responses were tabulated and analyzed with logistic regression (alpha = 0.05).

Results: Valid responses were received from 2185 computer users in 45 countries. Because of the small number of respondents from most countries, only the responses from the United States and Canada (n = 1934) were analyzed. Variables collected were birth date, gender, race or ethnic background, and last dental visit. Analysis indicated that different variables were significant for different questions. Last dental visit and the interaction of gender and race were not significant in any of the models. Strongest preferences concerned diastema and midline shift and the weakest concerned whiteness and proportion. The largest minority view was the straight embrasures. Statistically significant differences were attributable to age, gender, and race. Females had stronger preferences in all conditions. Respondents younger than 40 years of age had stronger preferences for whiteness and against diastema, and whites strongly rejected the diastema.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This study provides guidelines about the public's preferences concerning some commonly encountered conditions in esthetic dentistry.
Effect of Resin‐Coating Technique on Dentin Tensile Bond Strengths over 3 Years
Authors: KITASAKO YUICHI , BURROW MICHAEL F. , NIKAIDO TORU , TAGAMI JUNJI
Published: June 2007

Purpose: The resin‐coating technique has been developed to protect prepared dentin and underlying pulp tissue. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the resin‐coated dentin bond durability over a period of 3 years of a resin cement and to compare it with two representative resin cements.

Materials and Methods: Ten bovine dentin specimens were tested for tensile bond strengths with each of the following three materials: CLAPEARL DC with a resin‐coating technique (CDRC), Panavia 21 (PA21), and Super Bond C&B (SBCB) at 1 day, 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years. Mean bond strengths were compared statistically by two‐way analysis of variance and Fisher's PLSD test (p <.05). The mode of failure was classified by scanning electron microscope observation and analyzed using the Mann‐Whitney U‐test.

Results: The 3‐year bond strengths of all resin cements were significantly lower than those at the other experimental periods except for 1 year (p <.05). There was no significant difference in mean bond strength between CDRC and SBCB (p > 05). Regarding the fracture modes, in the case of CDRC, an increase in adhesive failure at the resin‐dentin interface was observed as the time period lengthened. Statistical differences were observed between SBCB and the other materials at 1 year (p <.05) and between PA21 and the other materials at 3 years (p <.05).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The mean tensile bond strengths of the three resin cements to dentin decreased at different rates during the study; the rate at which the bond decreases is likely to affect the long‐term durability of restorations.
Spline™ Implant Prospective Multicenter Study: Interim Report on Prosthetic Screw Stability in Partially Edentulous Patients
Authors: VOGEL ROBERT E. , DAVLIAKOS JOHN P.
Published: June 2007

Loosening of implant abutment and prosthesis screws during functional loading is an industrywide phenomenon that is especially well documented with the external hexagon implant connection. Although numerous efforts to reduce or eliminate screw loosening have been attempted, the problem still persists, especially with implant restorations in the partially edentulous patient. In 1992, the spline was developed as an alternative to the external hexagon implant‐abutment connection. A prospective multicenter study was begun in 1996 to evaluate the abutment and prosthesis screw joint stability of Spline® dental implants (Centerpulse Dental Division, Carlsbad, California) over 5 years of post‐loading clinical follow‐up. From October 1996 to December 2000, 73 partially edentulous patients were consecutively treated with 113 Spline implants placed in two private dental practices. Three patients with 1 implant each withdrew from the study for various reasons; of the remaining 110 implants in 70 patients who continued in the study, 82% (n = 90) were placed between 1997 and 1998. No cases of abutment or prosthesis screw loosening occurred with up to 54 months (mean = 38.95 mo; range, 3–54 mo; mode, 20 mo) of post‐loading clinical follow‐up. These interim findings of the ongoing study suggest that Spline dental implants may provide a stable prosthetic connection in partially edentulous cases during short‐term clinical follow‐up.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

If left untreated, implant‐related screw loosening can potentially lead to bone loss, component breakage, and even implant failure. The results of this study suggest that the Spline implant may provide predictable screw joint stability in partially edentulous cases.
Esthetic Rehabilitation of Anterior Teeth Affected by Enamel Hypoplasia: A Case Report
Authors: SOARES CARLOS JOSÉ , FONSECA RODRIGO BORGES , MARTINS LUIS ROBERTO MARCONDES , GIANNINI MARCELO
Published: June 2007

Alterations during tooth structure formation, mainly on anterior teeth, are known to severely compromise esthetics. This article presents a case report in which the etiology and clinical characteristics of anterior teeth affected by enamel hypoplasia are analyzed. The restoration treatment sequence is also discussed, demonstrating that the use of a hybrid and a microfilled composite associated with tooth hybridization (interdiffusing zone) can be used to conservatively rehabilitate a smile.
Critical Appraisal
Authors: Ritter André V. , Nunes Mauro E , Swift Edward J.
Published: June 2007

Ceramic inlays and onlays are conservative options for the restoration of posterior defects when an esthetic restoration is desired. These indirect restorations can be bonded to the tooth preparation with resin‐based composite cements, do not require extensive tooth preparation as for crowns, and are extremely biocompatible. However, when not properly cemented, ceramic inlays/onlays can fail catastrophically, the technique being considered very sensitive. Longitudinal clinical trials are typically designed to determine the medium‐ and long‐term performance of a technique and/or material. Even though laboratory studies are important to assess physical and mechanical properties, bond strengths, wear behavior, and biologic interactions, clinical trials are the ultimate test to determine the viability of a technique and/or material. This Critical Appraisal focuses on published clinical trials that evaluated the longevity of ceramic inlay/onlay restorations. By observing and comparing the results gathered by these studies, success/failure rates can be matched with variables such as the fabrication method and the cement used to bond the restorations, and some recommendations can be made to optimize the clinical technique.