bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced bone regeneration around dental implant with bone morphogenetic protein 2 gene and vascular endothelial growth factor protein delivery
Authors: Luo Tao , Zhang Wei , Shi Bin , Cheng Xiangrong , Zhang Yufeng
Published: March 2011

Objective: To evaluate the synergistic effect of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP‐2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on the repair of bone defects around dental implants.

Material and methods: Five groups of scaffold were fabricated by a freeze‐drying method, including pure chitosan/collagen scaffold; scaffold loaded with adenoviruses expressing BMP‐2, adenoviruses expressing VEGF, both adenoviruses expressing BMP‐2 and VEGF, VEGF protein and adenovirus expressing BMP‐2. In vitro studies examined whether bone marrow stromal cells were responsive to these scaffolds over time. Bone formation capacity, bone‐to‐implant contact, as well as removal torque values were investigated in vivo. Differences between the various groups were statistically analyzed using the one‐way analysis of variance test.

Results: The in vitro study revealed a burst and rapid release of VEGF with a sustained high‐level expression of BMP‐2 in scaffold combined with VEGF protein and adenoviruses expressing BMP‐2. Histomorphometry demonstrated that scaffolds expressing BMP‐2 enhanced more bone formation compared with other groups; VEGF alone is insufficient to promote bone formation. New bone formation in the bone defects around dental implants, bone‐to‐implant contact and mean peak removal torque showed statistically significant difference for the adenoviral vector encoding human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (Ad‐BMP‐2) and VEGF protein and adenovirus expressing BMP‐2 groups. Furthermore, scaffold combined with VEGF protein and Ad‐BMP‐2 represented the best outcomes in this model.

Conclusions: A combination of BMP‐2 gene and VEGF protein could have a synergistic effect in promoting bone healing.

To cite this article: Luo T, Zhang W, Shi B, Cheng X, Zhang Y. Enhanced bone regeneration around dental implant with bone morphogenetic protein 2 gene and vascular endothelial growth factor protein delivery. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 23, 2012 467–474. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2011.02164.x
Bone healing in critical‐size defects treated with either bone graft, membrane, or a combination of both materials: a histological and histometric study in rat tibiae
Authors: Bernabé Pedro Felício Estrada , Melo Luiz Gustavo Nascimento , Cintra Luciano Tavares Angelo , Gomes‐Filho João Eduardo , Dezan Jr Eloi , Nagata Maria José Hitomi
Published: March 2011

Objectives: The aim of the present investigation was to histologically analyze the effect of using lyophilized bovine bone (GenOx® organic matrix) with (or without) guided tissue regeneration (using a decalcified cortical osseous membrane [GenDerm®]) on bone healing in surgically created critical‐size defects created in rat tibia.

Material and methods: Surgical critical‐size bone defects were created in 64 animals that were randomly divided into four groups: group I (control); group II (defect filled with GenOx®); group III (defect covered by GenDerm®); group IV (defect filled with GenOx® and covered by GenDerm®). Animals were killed at 30 or 90 days post‐surgery. The specimens were embedded in paraffin, serially cut, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for analysis under light microscopy. The formation of new bone in the cortical area of the defect was histomorphometrically evaluated.

Results: All experimental groups demonstrated superior bone healing compared with the control group. However, group IV samples showed evidence of more advanced healing at both 30 and 90 days post‐surgery as compared with the other experimental groups.

Conclusions: The bovine organic bone graft GenOx® associated with GenDerm® this produced the best treatment results in the case of critical‐size defects in rat tibia.

To cite this article: Bernabé PFE, Melo LGN, Cintra LTA, Gomes‐Filho JE, Dezan E Jr, Nagata MJH. Bone healing in critical‐size defects treated with either bone graft, membrane, or a combination of both materials: a histological and histometric study in rat tibiae. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 23, 2012; 384–388. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2011.02166.x
Bone healing pattern in surgically created circumferential defects around submerged implants: an experimental study in dog
Authors: Rossi Fabio , Botticelli Daniele , Pantani Fabio , Pereira Flávia Priscila , Salata Luiz Antonio , Lang Niklaus P.
Published: March 2011

Objective: To describe the healing of marginal defects below or above 1 mm of dimension around submerged implants in a dog model.

Material and methods: In 12 Labrador dogs, all mandibular premolars and first molars were extracted bilaterally. After 3 months of healing, full‐thickness flaps were elevated in the edentulous region of the right side of the mandible. Two recipient sites were prepared and the marginal 5 mm were widened to such an extent to obtain, after implant installation, a marginal gap of 0.5 mm at the mesial site (small defect) and of 1.25 mm at the distal site (large defect). Titanium healing caps were affixed to the implants and the flaps were sutured allowing a fully submerged healing. The experimental procedures were subsequently performed in the left side of the mandible. The timing of the experiments and sacrifices were planned in such a way to obtain biopsies representing the healing after 5, 10, 20 and 30 days. Ground sections were prepared and histomorphometrically analyzed.

Results: The filling of the defect with newly formed bone was incomplete after 1 month of healing in all specimens. Bone formation occurred from the base and the lateral walls of the defects. A larger volume of new bone was formed in the large compared with the small defects. Most of the new bone at the large defect was formed between the 10‐ and the 20‐day period of healing. After 1 month of healing, the outline of the newly formed bone was, however, located at a similar distance from the implant surface (about 0.4 mm) at both defect types. Only minor newly formed bone in contact with the implant, starting from the base of the defects, was seen at the large defects (about 0.8 mm) while a larger amount was detected at the small defects (about 2.2 mm).

Conclusion: Marginal defects around titanium implants appeared to regenerate in 20–30 days by means of a distance osteogenesis. The bone fill of the defects was, however, incomplete after 1 month.

To cite this article: Rossi F, Botticelli D, Pantani F, Pereira FP, Salata LA, Lang NP. Bone healing pattern in surgically created circumferential defects around submerged implants: an experimental study in dog. Clin. Oral Impl. Res23, 2012; 41–48. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2011.02170.x
Trophic relationships between a native and a nonnative predator in a system of natural lakes
Authors: Meeuwig Michael H. , Guy Christopher S. , Fredenberg Wade A.
Published: March 2011

Abstract –  Bull trout, a species of char listed as threatened under the US Endangered Species Act, have been displaced from portions of their historic range following the introduction of nonnative lake trout. It has been suggested that competitive exclusion as a result of trophic overlap between bull trout and lake trout may be the causal mechanism associated with displacement of bull trout. This study used stable isotope data to evaluate trophic relationships among native bull trout, nonnative lake trout and other fishes in seven lakes in Glacier National Park (GNP), Montana. Bull trout and lake trout had greater δ15N values relative to other fishes among lakes (δ15N ≥ 3.0‰). Lake trout had greater δ15N values relative to bull trout (δ15N = +1.0‰). Bull trout had greater δ13C values relative to lake trout in six of the seven lakes examined. Although both bull trout and lake trout had greater δ15N values relative to other fishes within lakes in GNP, differences in δ15N and δ13C between bull trout and lake trout suggest that they are consuming different prey species or similar prey species in different proportions. Therefore, displacement of bull trout as a direct result of complete overlap in food resource use is not anticipated unless diet shifts occur or food resources become limiting. Additionally, future studies should evaluate food habits to identify important prey species and sources of partial dietary overlap between bull trout and lake trout.
Mate limitation causes sexes to coevolve towards more similar dispersal kernels
Authors: Meier Christoph M. , Starrfelt Jostein , Kokko Hanna
Published: March 2011

Sex‐specific dispersal behavior has been documented in a wide range of different species. Avoidance of inbreeding and kin competition as well as different benefits of philopatry have been invoked as explanations for these patterns. All of these factors have, however, focused on explaining why dispersal behavior differs between the sexes. In this paper, we make the case that dispersal causes an increase in spatial variability in the sex ratio which can reduce the local availability of mates, and thus feed back to influence the evolution of sex‐specific dispersal and lead to more, rather than less, similar dispersal behavior in the sexes. We investigate this mechanism in two different models, first in a conceptually simple case showing why the coevolutionary effect arises, second in an individual‐based model where we model a population in explicit space with dispersal implemented as dispersal kernels. While our mechanism is not expected to completely remove sex‐bias in dispersal, it can act alongside other selection pressures to reduce such biases. Our model thus shows that dispersal of one sex can have an effect on the selective pressures on the opposite sex, without implementing inbreeding avoidance or differential benefits or costs of dispersal.
The effect of beta‐blocker therapy on progressive aortic dilatation in children and adolescents with Marfan’s syndrome: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Gao Linggen , Mao Qunxia , Wen Dan , Zhang Lin , Zhou Xianliang , Hui Rutai
Published: March 2011

Aim:  To assess the effect of beta‐blockade therapy on progressive aortic dilatation and on clinical outcome in children and adolescents with Marfan’s syndrome (MFS).

Methods:  The meta‐analysis was instituted, which included studies identified by a systematic review of MEDLINE of peer‐reviewed publications. Echocardiogram measurements of the aortic root dimension and outcome measures of mortality and major morbidity were compared between patients who were treated and untreated with beta‐blockade therapy.

Results:  Five studies were included. A total of 224 young patients treated with beta‐blocker therapy and 168 patients did not accept medical management. Compared with non‐beta‐blockade treatment, beta‐blockade therapy significantly decreased the rate of aortic dilatation (SMD = −1.30 with 95% CI −2.11 to −0.49). A tendency of clinical outcome beneficial was observed in the beta‐blocker treatment group when compared with no beta‐blocker treatment group (odds ratio = 0.87 with 95% CI 0.37–2.04).

Conclusion:  There is evidence that beta‐blockade therapy can slow down the rate of dilatation of the aorta and has clinical benefits on children and adolescents with MFS.
Log jammed by standard assessment tests: how feedback can help writers
Authors: Burke Winifred
Published: March 2011

Standard assessment tests have been part of the literacy practice in English primary schools for many years. While educators point to the dangers of ‘teaching to the test’, politicians continue to believe that the best way of achieving accountability is by retaining league tables of these test results. Currently the curriculum is too readily restricted by what can be tested with little time allowed to stimulate children's imaginative thinking. This article looks critically at practice in an English junior school that has been in the top 9 per cent of performing schools and the effect on two Level 5 writers. The author offers a more complex approach for consideration, with herself as the teacher assessor concentrating on what is good in the writing as well as what is weak and offering interactive, followed by remedial, feedback to the writer.
“The three hags and Pocohontas”: how collaboration develops Early Years writing skills
Authors: Boyle Bill , Charles Marie
Published: March 2011

This article relates a child's development in story writing and the progress that she made in achieving text cohesion, spelling development and ideation through the collaborative process. The case study investigates the integration of major aspects of writing development such as collaboration, the importance of peer interactions through social learning and the fusion of illustrations and writing to assist children's communication and understanding. The authors examine the rationale for the inclusion of collaborative peer‐assisted writing and peer interaction as a social writing process, supporting the young writer's affective domain. The case study investigates the integration of major aspects of writing development such as collaboration, the importance of peer interactions through social learning and the fusion of illustrations and writing to assist children's communication and understanding. The authors examine the rationale for the inclusion of collaborative peer‐assisted writing and peer interaction as a social writing process, supporting the young writer's affective domain development. The strengths and complexities of peer interaction, the role of illustrations and their positive impact on composition are discussed.
Hot Corrosion of (Sm1−xYbx)2Zr2O7 (x=0, 0.5, 1.0) Ceramics Against V2O5 Molten Salt in Air at 800°C
Authors: Li Sa , Liu Zhan‐Guo , Ouyang Jia‐Hu
Published: March 2011

(Sm1−xYbx)2Zr2O7 (x=0, 0.5, 1.0) powders synthesized by chemical‐coprecipitation and calcination method were pressureless‐sintered at 1700°C for 10 h in air. Molten V2O5 reacts with (Sm1−xYbx)2Zr2O7 to form m‐ZrO2 and rare‐earth vanadates at 800°C. The thickness of corrosion scales was investigated to evaluate the hot corrosion resistance of (Sm1−xYbx)2Zr2O7. The hot corrosion resistance of (Sm1−xYbx)2Zr2O7 against molten V2O5 increases with increasing Yb content. The hot corrosion mechanisms were proposed based on phase diagrams and the difference in hot corrosion resistance was discussed on terms of basicity of (Sm1−xYbx)2Zr2O7 ceramics.
ZrB2‐Based Laminates Produced by Tape Casting
Authors: Medri Valentina , Pinasco Paola , Sanson Alessandra , Roncari Edoardo , Guicciardi Stefano , Bellosi Alida
Published: March 2011

ZrB2‐based laminates were produced by tape casting and pressureless sintered at 2150°C in argon atmosphere using silicon nitride as sintering aids. Two different configurations were considered: planar (tile) and tubular (roll). After sintering, the laminates reached different relative densities depending on their composition (with or without SiC additions as secondary phase) or the final shape (tiles or rolls). Traces of the formation of oxygen\xE2\x80\x90free crystalline phases such as B4C and BN were found in all samples. The RT flexural strength of bars cut from the tile configuration was mainly affected by the coarse microstructure, residual porosity, and layer stacking sequence. A very low scattering of the flexural strength values was registered in ZrB2–SiC laminates because of the homogeneous microstructure and the absence of any defects between the layers. Tape casting allowed the production of thin homogenous laminates with a significant reduction of weight and a careful microstructure control.
Biodegradation of Soybean and Castor Oil Biodiesel: Implications on the Natural Attenuation of Monoaromatic Hydrocarbons in Groundwater
Authors: Corseuil Henry X. , Monier Amy L. , Gomes Ana P.N. , Chiaranda Helen S. , do Rosario Mario , Alvarez Pedro J.J.
Published: March 2011

The potential groundwater impacts of biodiesel releases have received limited attention despite the increasing probability of such events. In this work, microcosms were prepared with unacclimated sediment and groundwater from the Ressacada Experimental Site (Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil) and spiked with 54.8 mg/L of pure soybean or castor oil biodiesel (B100). Oxygen was purged from the microcosms to mimic commonly anoxic and hypoxic conditions at fuel‐impacted sites; low background concentrations of nitrate (1.2 to 2.5 mg/L) and sulfate (2.2 to 3.0 mg/L) were present. Biodegradation was assessed by the removal of fatty acid methyl esters and hydrocarbon components relative to sterile controls. Approximately 80% of soybean biodiesel was biotransformed in 41 d, compared to only 40% of castor oil biodiesel removed in 90 d. The higher persistence of castor biodiesel was attributed to its higher viscosity and lower bioavailability. Additional microcosms were prepared similarly to assess the impact of biodiesel on hydrocarbon degradation. These microcosms were spiked with benzene (2.9 mg/L) and toluene (0.8 mg/L) with or without soybean biodiesel (54.8 mg/L). The biodiesel had an inhibitory effect, increasing the time required to remove toluene from 25 to 34 d. Similarly, 45% of benzene was removed in the presence of biodiesel within 34 d, compared to 90% in the absence of biodiesel. Overall, we postulate that the relatively high viscosity of biodiesel is conducive to limited migration potential and a smaller but longer lasting inhibitory region of influence, compared to that exerted by more soluble, more mobile, and readily degradable biofuels such as ethanol. However, controlled release studies are needed to test this hypothesis and characterize the complex dynamics of such releases.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of β‐Lactam Antibiotic‐Based Imidazolium‐ and Pyridinium‐Type Ionic Liquids
Authors: Cole Marsha R. , Li Min , El‐Zahab Bilal , Janes Marlene E. , Hayes Daniel , Warner Isiah M.
Published: March 2011

We herein report the preparation and investigation of antibacterial activity of biocidal ionic liquids (ILs) consisting of cationic imidazolium or pyridinium and an anionic β‐lactam antibiotic. The antibacterial properties were quantified by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration againstEscherichia coli O157:H7,Klebsiella pneumoniae,Staphylococcus aureus, andEnterococcus faecium. In general, the ILs had improved antibacterial activity than their parent materials, whether individually or in combination. In 83% of the experiments, the ampicillin ILs (Amp‐ILs) had better antibacterial activities than their quaternary halide parent materials, whereas in 92% of the experiments, Amp‐ILs outperformed the commercially available sodium ampicillin salt. Amp‐ILs had up to 43 times improved antibacterial activity than sodium ampicillin. Overall, when normalized for ampicillin content, ILs had greater antimicrobial activity againstE. coli O157:H7,K. pneumoniae,S. aureus, andE. faeciumthan sodium ampicillin alone.
A Novel Comparative Genomics Analysis for Common Drug and Vaccine Targets inCorynebacterium pseudotuberculosisand other CMN Group of Human Pathogens
Authors: Barh Debmalya , Jain Neha , Tiwari Sandeep , Parida Bibhu Prasad , D’Afonseca Vivian , Li Liwei , Ali Amjad , Santos Anderson Rodrigues , Guimarães Luís Carlos , de Castro Soares Siomar , Miyoshi Anderson , Bhattacharjee Atanu , Misra Amarendra Narayan , Silva Artur , Kumar Anil , Azevedo Vasco
Published: March 2011

Caseous lymphadenitis is a chronic goat and sheep disease caused byCorynebacterium pseudotuberculosis(Cp) that accounts for a huge economic loss worldwide. Proper vaccination or medication is not available because of the lack of understanding of molecular biology of the pathogen. In a recent approach, fourCp(CpFrc41,Cp1002,CpC231, andCpI‐19) genomes were sequenced to elucidate the molecular pathology of the bacteria. In this study, using these four genome sequences along with other eight genomes (total 12 genomes) and a novel subtractive genomics approach (first time ever applied to a veterinary pathogen), we identified potential conserved common drug and vaccine targets of these fourCpstrains along with otherCorybacterium, MycobacteriumandNocardia(CMN) group of human pathogens (Corynebacterium diphtheriaeandMycobacterium tuberculosis) considering goat, sheep, bovine, horse, and human as the most affected hosts. The minimal genome ofCp1002was found to consist of 724 genes, and 20 conserved common targets (to allCpstrains as well as CMN group of pathogens) from various metabolic pathways (13 from host‐pathogen common and seven from pathogen’s unique pathways) are potential targets irrespective of all hosts considered. ubiA from host‐pathogen common pathway and an ABC‐like transporter from unique pathways may serve dual (drug and vaccine) targets. TwoCorynebacterium‐specific (mscL and resB) and one broad‐spectrum (rpmB) novel targets were also identified. Strain‐specific targets are also discussed. Six important targets were subjected to virtual screening, and one compound was found to be potent enough to render two targets (cdc and nrdL). We are currently validating all identified targets and lead compounds.
Multiple‐Targeting and Conformational Selection in the Estrogen Receptor: Computation and Experiment
Authors: Yuan Peng , Liang Kaiwei , Ma Buyong , Zheng Nan , Nussinov Ruth , Huang Jian
Published: March 2011

Conformational selection is a primary mechanism in biomolecular recognition. The conformational ensemble may determine the ability of a drug to compete with a native ligand for a receptor target. Traditional docking procedures which use one or few protein structures are limited and may not be able to represent a complex competition among closely related protein receptors in agonist and antagonist ensembles. Here, we test a protocol aimed at selecting a drug candidate based on its ability to synergistically bind to distinct conformational states. We demonstrate, for the case of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and estrogen receptor β (ERβ), that the functional outcome of ligand binding can be inferred from its ability to simultaneously bind both ERα and ERβ in agonist and antagonist conformations as calculated docking scores. Combining a conformational selection method with an experimental reporter gene system in yeast, we propose that several phytoestrogens can be novel estrogen receptor β selective agonists. Our work proposes a computational protocol to select estrogen receptor subtype selective agonists. Compared with other models, present method gives the best prediction in ligands’ function.
Recent Work on the Ethics of Self‐Defense
Authors: Doggett Tyler
Published: March 2011

Over the past 20 years, there has been a huge amount of work on which things you can kill in self‐defense and why. This paper surveys that work.
Ancient Skepticism: Overview
Authors: Machuca Diego E.
Published: March 2011

Scholarship on ancient skepticism has witnessed a remarkable renaissance in the last three decades. Specialists in ancient philosophy have explored the complex history of the Greco‐Roman skeptical traditions and discussed difficult philological and exegetical issues. But they have also assessed the philosophical significance of the various ancient skeptical outlooks. In this first paper, I provide a general presentation of this area of study, while in the two subsequent articles I will focus on some of the topics that have been the object of much attention in the recent literature on ancient skepticism.
Logic and Divine Simplicity
Authors: Kraal Anders
Published: March 2011

The paper surveys two contrasting views of first‐order analyses of classical theistic doctrines about the existence and nature of God. On the first view, first‐order logic provides methods for the adequate analysis of these doctrines, for example by construing ‘God’ as a singular term or as a monadic predicate, or by taking it to be a definite description. On the second view, such analyses are conceptually inadequate, at least when the doctrines in question are viewed against the background of classical theism’s doctrine of divine simplicity, for first‐order analyses presuppose an ontological complexity on the part of the propositions which they analyze, which fits ill with this doctrine.
Ancient Skepticism: Pyrrhonism
Authors: Machuca Diego E.
Published: March 2011

Pyrrhonism was one of the two main ancient skeptical traditions. In this second paper of the three‐part series devoted to ancient skepticism, I present and discuss some of the issues on Pyrrhonian skepticism which have been the focus of much attention in the recent literature. The topics to be addressed concern the outlooks of Pyrrho, Aenesidemus, and Sextus Empiricus.
Resistant Hypertension and Undiagnosed Primary Hyperaldosteronism Detected by Use of a Computerized Database
Authors: Garcia Emmeline A. , Lopez Julio R. , Meier Joy L. , Swislocki Arthur L. M. , Siegel David
Published: March 2011

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011;13:487–491.©2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A pharmacy database was used to identify patients with resistant hypertension who could then be tested for the presence of primary hyperaldosteronism. Inclusion criteria were: (1) resistant hypertension defined as uncontrolled hypertension and use of 3 antihypertensive medication classes or ≥4 antihypertensive classes regardless of blood pressure; (2) low or normal potassium levels (≤4.9 mEq/L); and (3) continuous health care from October 1, 2008, to February 28, 2009. Exclusion criteria were: (1) past or current use of an aldosterone antagonist, or (2) a medication possession ratio (adherence) <80% for any antihypertensive drug. Hyperaldosteronism was classified as an aldosterone/renin ratio (ARR) ≥30. Using the computer, 746 patients were identified who met criteria. After manual chart review to verify inclusion and exclusion criteria, 333 patients remained. Of 184 individuals in whom an ARR was obtained, 39 (21.2%) had a ratio of ≥30. A computer database is useful to identify patients with resistant hypertension and those who may have primary aldosteronism.
Flood hydraulics due to cascade landslide dam failure
Authors: Cao Z. , Yue Z. , Pender G.
Published: March 2011

Landslide dams are usually unconsolidated and when they act to impound water, they are subjected to failure that triggers catastrophic flooding downstream. However, the flood hydraulics due to landslide dam failure has remained poorly understood and cannot be reliably predicted at present. Inevitably, this militates against effective flood risk management in areas prone to landslides. Extending the recent investigation of a single landslide dam failure and the resulting flood, here, we present an experimental and computational study on the flood flow induced by cascade landslide dam failure. A total of 12 runs of experiments are conducted in a flume of 80 m × 1.2 m × 0.8 m, with differing inflow discharge and dam composition. An array of 12 automatic water‐level probes is deployed to measure the stage hydrographs along the flume. The coupled shallow water hydrodynamic model calibrated for cases of a single landslide dam failure is demonstrated to perform reasonably well for cascade landslide dam failure. Most notably, under appropriate conditions, the occurrence of streamwise progressive enhancement of the flood induced by cascade landslide dam failure is demonstrated. This features a higher risk of flooding downstream and therefore warrants careful consideration in flood risk management.
Nanomaterials-Based PEM Electrodes by Combining Chemical and Physical Depositions
Authors: Giorgi R. , Giorgi L. , Gagliardi S. , Salernitano E. , Alvisi M. , Dikonimos Th. , Lisi N. , Valerini D. , De Riccardis M. F. , Serra E.
Published: March 2011

The real market penetration of polymer electrolyte fuel cells is hindered by the high cost of this technology mainly due to the expensive platinum catalyst. Two approaches are followed to reduce the cost: one way is to increase the Pt utilization efficiency reducing at the same time the total load and the other way is to increase the catalytic activity of the catalyst/support assembly. In this work, the increase of utilization efficiency is addressed by optimizing the catalyst distribution on the uppermost layer of the electrode via electrodeposition and sputter deposition, while the improvement of the catalyst activity is pursued by nanostructuring the catalysts and the carbon-based supports. A very low Pt loading (0.006 mg cm−2) was obtained by sputter deposition on electrodes that exhibited a mass specific activity for methanol oxidation reaction better than a commercial product. Carbon nanofibers used as catalyst support of electrodeposited platinum nanoparticles resulted in improved mass specific activity and long term stability compared to conventional carbon-based supports. Finally, PtAu alloys developed by sputter deposition were found more efficient than commercial PtRu catalyst for the methanol oxidation reaction. In conclusion, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell electrode based on nanomaterials, developed by combining physical and chemical deposition processes, showed outstanding electrochemical performance.
Trends in Antifungal Drug Susceptibility of Cryptococcus neoformans Isolates Obtained through Population-Based Surveillance in South Africa in 2002-2003 and 2007-2008
Authors: Govender Nelesh P. , Patel Jaymati , van Wyk Marelize , Chiller Tom M. , Lockhart Shawn R. ,   for the Group for Enteric, Respiratory and Meningeal Disease Surveillance in South Africa (GERMS-SA)
Published: March 2011

Cryptococcus neoformans
is the most common cause of meningitis among adult South Africans with HIV infection/AIDS. Widespread use of fluconazole for treatment of cryptococcal meningitis and other HIV-associated opportunistic fungal infections in South Africa may lead to the emergence of isolates with reduced fluconazole susceptibility. MIC testing using a reference broth microdilution method was used to determine if isolates with reduced susceptibility to fluconazole or amphotericin B had emerged among cases of incident disease. Incident isolates were tested from two surveillance periods (2002-2003 and 2007-2008) when population-based surveillance was conducted in Gauteng Province, South Africa. These isolates were also tested for susceptibility to flucytosine, itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole. Serially collected isolate pairs from cases at several large South African hospitals were also tested for susceptibility to fluconazole. Of the 487 incident isolates tested, only 3 (0.6%) demonstrated a fluconazole MIC of ≥16 μg/ml; all of these isolates were from 2002-2003. All incident isolates were inhibited by very low concentrations of amphotericin B and exhibited very low MICs to voriconazole and posaconazole. Of 67 cases with serially collected isolate pairs, only 1 case was detected where the isolate collected more than 30 days later had a fluconazole MIC value significantly higher than the MIC of the corresponding incident isolate. Although routine antifungal susceptibility testing of incident isolates is not currently recommended in clinical settings, it is still clearly important for public health to periodically monitor for the emergence of resistance.
Genetic indicators and susceptibility to osteoarthritis: Figure 1
Authors: Loughlin J
Published: March 2011

A large number of experiments have been performed to identify genetic loci that influence osteoarthritis (OA) susceptibility, with a particular focus on the primary form of the disease. Unfortunately, the currently reported candidate-gene, genome-wide linkage scans and genome-wide association scans have tended to highlight the heterogeneous nature of OA rather than generate statistically compelling genome signals. Nevertheless, some breakthroughs have been made. For example, genetic susceptibility within genes coding for components of the transforming growth factor β pathway has emerged as a particularly interesting find, while completely novel loci are also being uncovered, such as the signal to a cluster of genes on chromosome 7q22. It also appears that quantitative effects on gene expression, rather than qualitative effects on protein function, are particularly important, and that we need to consider the effects of genetic susceptibility in joint formation as much as we do in joint maintenance. Nevertheless, we are still only at the beginning of our search, and much more sophisticated clinical and laboratory approaches will need to be applied before we get a clear understanding of the genetic indicators that influence OA susceptibility.
Contact sport and osteoarthritis
Authors: Molloy Michael G , Molloy Catherine B
Published: March 2011

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease in the world and the single largest cause of disability for those over 18 years. It affects more than twice as many people as does cardiac disease, and increases in incidence and prevalence with age. Animal and human studies have shown no evidence of increased risk of hip or knee OA with moderate exercise and in the absence of traumatic injury, sporting activity has a protective effect. One age-matched case control study found recreational runners who ran 12–14 miles per week for up to 40 years had no increase in radiological or symptomatic hip or knee OA. However, higher rates of hip OA occur in contact sports than in age-matched controls, with the highest rate in professional players. Soccer players with torn anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) are more likely to develop knee OA than those with intact ACL. Early ACL repair reduces the risk of knee OA, but does not prevent it. Established injury prevention programmes have been refined to prevent injuries such as ACL rupture.
A pilot study about causes of dropouts in high-level decathlon competitions
Authors: Edouard P , Pruvost J , Edouard J-L , Morin J-B
Published: March 2011

Background

Decathlon is a track and field discipline where participants run, jump, and throw; and the competitions are highly demanding from both the physical and psychological standpoints because of the frequency and intensity of the events. Knowing the frequency and causes of dropouts in decathlon competitions seems relevant and helpful to develop strategies of injury prevention for decathletes.

Objective

To determine the causes of dropouts and the frequency of injury as the cause of dropout in decathlon.

Design

Pilot prospective epidemiological study.

Setting

This study focused on three senior male national or international level (high-level) decathlon competitions.

Participants

50 senior male national or international decathletes.

Interventions

Data concerning athlete's participation (number of participating athletes listed on the start list, number of athletes in the final ranking), the event (or time) of dropout, and the causes of dropouts were collected prospectively during the three high-level decathlon competitions. In case injury was retained as the cause of dropout, its description was made following the IAAF and IOC recommendations.

Main outcome measurements

Percentage of dropouts and percentage of each dropout cause, description and percentage of injuries (circumstance, location, type).

Results

38% of decathletes did not complete these competitions. The causes of dropout were: injury (36%), loss of motivation (36%), tiredness (9%), and indeterminate (18%). 50% of injuries were acute hamstring injuries during explosive events on the first day (100-m and long jump).

Conclusion

Not completing a decathlon is rather common due to various difficulties (physical, technical and psychological). Although caution is needed when interpreting these results due to methodological limitations, musculoskeletal injury prevention and motivational aspects seem important to complete an entire decathlon and to aim at best performance. More detailed prospective studies are needed to determine the exact medical causes of dropouts in decathlon.
Determining the running-related injury risk factors in long distance runners
Authors: Genin J , Mann R , Theisen D
Published: March 2011

Background

Increased popularity in long-distance running over the last 30–40 years has induced an increase in the incidence of running-related injuries (RRI). Among others, running experience could be a determining factor in the RRI incidence.

Objective

To explore whether novice runners sustain more RRI than experienced runners and to determine RRI risk factor variables.

Design

Prospective epidemiological study.

Setting

A 27-week follow-up of runners at the Luxembourg National Sport Centre ending on the ING-Europe (semi)Marathon of Luxembourg (05.15.2010).

Participants

39 compliant runners (40.2±8.5 years) out of the initial cohort (n=85).

Assessment of risk factors

Extrinsic, training-related characteristics (context, volume, etc).

Main outcome measurements

Running and other sports data were recorded using an innovative internet-based diary. Similarly, RRIs, which were defined as any pain or physical complaint impeding or altering a training session for at least 1 day, were recorded.

Results

From the 39 athletes, 14 were classified as novice runners (ie, <3 months of regular running during the 12 months before the training period). Overall RRI incidence was evaluated at 8.07 RRI/1000 h of running. The RRI incidence was 3.3 times higher (95%CI 1.27 to 8.54) in novice than in experienced runners (16.8 and 5.1 RRI/1000 h of running, respectively; p=0.009), confirming the initial hypothesis. Dichotomous RRI risk factors such as gender or running experience were not significant. RRI incidence was significantly associated with a lower competition volume per week, a lower number of training session, a lower percentage of competition run on a soft surface and a higher average work rate (av. HR/(220-age) during competition. A logistic regression including all individual variables with a p-value<0.2 yielded no significant results.

Conclusion

Although the initial hypothesis was confirmed, no risk factors were significant within the logistic regression. In order to be able to construct an individual RRI risk profile, a greater sample size is necessary to provide more conclusive results.
The relationship between indicators of ‘high risk’ landing mechanics and knee translations in female athletes
Authors: Myers C A , Giphart J E , Torry M R , Shelburne K B , Woo S L Y , Steadman J R
Published: March 2011

Background

When assessing non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk, prospective measures of high valgus knee angle (>8°) and high knee abduction moment (>25 Nm) measured during landings have been shown to predict ACL injury in female athletes.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between these ‘high risk’ landing variables and anterior tibial translation (ATT) and lateral tibial translations (LTT). We hypothesised individuals exhibiting high knee valgus angles and/or knee abductor moments will also experience larger ATT and/or LTT during a landing.

Design

Descriptive laboratory study.

Setting

Controlled laboratory setting; highly active recreational, high school and college athletes.

Participants

15 healthy female athletes (26.1 ± 6.3 years; 167.9 cm ± 6.3, 58.2 ± 5.2 Kg).

Assessment of risk factors

The subjects performed a drop-landing motion by stepping off a 40 cm platform onto a force plate and then immediately performed a maximum effort vertical jump.

Main outcome measurements

Knee abductor moment and valgus angle were measured using motion capture and inverse dynamic analyses. ATT and LTT were measured concurrently using high-speed biplane fluoroscopy with sub-millimeter accuracy.

Results

No significant relationship was noted between peak knee valgus angle (range: −2.9° to 20.8°) and peak ATT or LTT (r=−0.17, r=-0.42, respectively); nor, between peak knee abductor moment (range: 2.5–37.2 N*m) and peak ATT or LTT (r=-0.23, r=-0.09, respectively)(p>0.05).

Conclusion

The results did not support the hypothesis that high knee valgus angles or abductor moment values will lead to larger ATT or LTT during landing. Although compelling evidence has identified high knee valgus angle and high knee abductor moment as predictive of ACL injury, these parameters did not result in greater knee translations during landing.
A neuromuscular training and educational counselling programme to decrease the risk of lower limb injury in young men during military service: a population based cluster randomised study
Authors: Parkkari J , Taanila H , Suni J , Mattila V , Ohrankämmen O , Vuorinen P , Kannus P , Pihlajamäki H
Published: March 2011

Objective

To investigate whether a neuromuscular training programme and educational counselling are effective in preventing acute lower limb injuries in young men during military service.

Design

Cluster randomised controlled study.

Setting

Two successive cohorts of male conscripts in four companies of one brigade (Pori Brigade, Säkylä) in the Finnish Defence Forces were first followed prospectively for one 6-month term (pre-study period). After this, two new successive cohorts in the same four companies were randomised into two groups and followed prospectively for one term (6 months) comprising data during the intervention (study period).

Participants

944 conscripts participated in the study during the pre-study period. The randomised controlled trial included 968 conscripts (mean age 19 years): 501 conscripts in the intervention group and 467 conscripts in the control group.

Intervention

A neuromuscular training programme was used to enhance conscripts' motor skills and body control, and an educational counselling programme was used to increase knowledge and awareness of acute injuries during compulsory military service.

Main outcome measures

Acute injuries of the lower limbs.

Results

In the intervention companies, the risk for acute ankle injuries decreased significantly compared to control companies (adjusted Hazard ratio (HR)=0.34; 95% CI 0.15 to 0.78, p=0.011). This risk decline was observed in conscripts with low, as well as medium-to-high, baseline fitness. In addition, the intervention companies tended to have fewer severe injuries (adjusted HR=0.42; 95% CI 0.17 to 1.06). On the other hand, among men with low baseline fitness, intervention-induced additional training was associated with an increased risk for overuse injuries (adjusted HR=1.81; 95% CI 1.16 to 2.84, p=0.009).

Conclusion

A neuromuscular training programme was effective in preventing acute ankle injuries in young Finnish men during compulsory military service. Among conscripts with low baseline fitness, the amount and intensity of neuromuscular training requires careful planning and execution to avoid overuse injuries.
The difference of hip adductor longus activity between side-foot kicks and instep kicks
Authors: Ikeda Y , Yoshida M , Sugawara K , Katayose M
Published: March 2011

Background

Hip adductor longus (AL) strains, which could result in missed playing time for athletes in many sports, are encountered in soccer frequently. Although, two of main kicking techniques in soccer, which are side-foot kicks and instep kicks, might be risk factors of AL strains, AL activity was unknown in each kicking technique.

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare AL activity of kicking limb between side-foot kicks and instep kicks.

Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Setting

Participants competitive level was collegiate league level.

Participants

10 male collegiate soccer players with no history of previous significant lower extremity injury were tested.

Interventions

Side-foot kicks and instep kicks were recorded in three times for each player. Side-foot kicks approach was 45° and instep kicks approach was straight to the direction of ball movement. Because the approach angle affects pelvic rotation and it will affect adductor muscle activity.

Main outcome measurements

Video-based 3-dimensional motion analysis and surface electromyography (EMG) of AL in the kicking limb were conducted. The motion analysis data were used for the phase definition of the kicks. In this study, the phase of kicking was defined as the following: first phase was kicking limbs toe-off to ball impact (pre-impact phase) and second phase was to toe velocity inflection (post-impact phase). EMG data was normalised by maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) and averaged by the phase time.

Results

Comparing the pre-impact phase between two type kicks, side-foot kicks demonstrated significantly greater activity than instep kicks (p=0.030). In contrast, during the post-impact phase, instep kicks demonstrated significant greater activity than side-foot kicks (p=0.003).

Conclusions

AL activities between side-foot kicks and instep kicks were different. Better definition of AL function during kicking provides a basis for improved insight into soccer player performance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation.
Prevention of ankle sprains in sport: a systematic literature review
Authors: Kaplan Y
Published: March 2011

Background

Ankle sprains are the most common musculoskeletal injuries that occur in athletes. The importance of finding ways to prevent these injuries is therefore of paramount importance to athletes, their teams and the medical system as a whole.

Objective

To review the published evidence on the effectiveness of various methods in the prevention of ankle sprains in the athletic population.

Design

A literature search was conducted using multiple databases and only included prospective, level 1 and 2, randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published between 1980 and August 2010. Keywords used in the search were prevention in combination with ankle sprains.

Results

Overall, 19 RCTs were reviewed consisting of a total of 12 233 participants. The studies showed a significant reduction in the number of ankle sprains in individuals allocated to an external ankle support group. This reduction was greater for those with a previous history of ankle sprains. Braces seemed to be more effective in preventing ankle sprains than tape. Appropriately applied braces, tape or orthoses, do not adversely affect performance. Proprioceptive training reduced the incidence of ankle sprains in athletes with recurrent ankle sprains to the same level as subjects without any history of ankle sprains.

Conclusion

Semi–rigid orthoses or aircasts are more effective than taping to reduce the incidence of sprains. Sensori-motor control can seemingly be improved in previously injured ankles, such that the risk equals that of healthy ankles. Rules must be changed to limit contact between players and possibly harsher penalties introduced. When the above interventions are utilised effectively, ankle sprains can be significantly prevented.