bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single‐incision sling system as primary treatment of female stress urinary incontinence: prospective 12 months data from a single institution
Authors: Oliveira Rui , Botelho Francisco , Silva Pedro , Resende Alexandre , Silva Carlos , Dinis Paulo , Cruz Francisco
Published: April 2011

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Single‐incision slings (SIS), requiring very limited intracorporeal dissection, have been recently introduced on the premise that they might increase safety of female stress urinary incontinence treatment. However, their success rate has been insufficiently evaluated.

This is a large prospective series on Mini‐Arc SIS, with data on 105 patients available at a mean follow‐up of 12 months. Success rates are comparable while morbidity was lower and milder than that associated retropubic or transobturator slings. This study warrants a large‐scale randomized comparative study between Mini‐Arc and standard mid‐urethral tapes, matured at longer follow‐up time.

OBJECTIVE

• To investigate the success and complication rates for Mini‐ArcTM single incision sling in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

• A total of 119 female patients with pure SUI were enrolled in a prospective study. From these, 105 were available with a minimum follow‐up of 6 months and a mean follow‐up of 12 months.

• Success, as determined by patient‐ reported outcomes, and complication rates, as well as impact of learning curve, body mass index (BMI), intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD), incontinence severity and age were investigated.

RESULTS

• Cure rate was 80% and improvement rate was 11%. Pain intensity was minimal on a visual analogue scale and transient urinary retention occurred in three patients, one requiring sling section.

• De novo urgency was reported by 6% of women. Severe incontinence was less likely to be cured: 70% if >5 pads per day (ppd); 94% if <2 ppd; 94% if 2–4 ppd, P  <  0.05).

• There was no difference in success rates between the first 50 and the last 50 patients. BMI, ISD and age also did not influence success rate.

CONCLUSION

• Mini‐ArcTM attained high success rates at 1 year follow‐up. The procedure was easy to learn and was associated with very low and mild morbidity. Severe incontinence was identified as a risk factor for failure.
The genuine etymological story of phon(e)y1
Authors: Cohen Paul S.
Published: April 2011

The etymological source and history of English phon(e)y‘fake, sham, counterfeit’ have been the subject of speculation and disagreement for over 100 years, and are still problematic. In the present paper, I outline the treatment of phon(e)y in the three editions of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) as well as in more specialised dictionaries, and in the relevant scholarly and popular literature; where appropriate, I make a careful examination of cited documents in the original. I go on to make a critical analysis of all these, adduce new evidence, and advance a coherent theory to account for the data, including heretofore unexplained phonological aspects.
Pronominal affixes, the best of both worlds: the case of Yurakaré1
Authors: Van Gijn Rik
Published: April 2011

Pronominal affixes in polysynthetic languages have an ambiguous status in the sense that they have characteristics normally associated with free pronouns as well as characteristics associated with agreement markers. This situation arises because pronominal affixes represent intermediate stages in a diachronic development from independent pronouns to agreement markers. Because this diachronic change is not abrupt, pronominal affixes can show different characteristics from language to language. By presenting an in‐depth discussion of the pronominal affixes of Yurakaré, an unclassified language from Bolivia, I argue that these so‐called intermediate stages as typically attested in polysynthetic languages actually represent economical systems that combine advantages of agreement markers and of free pronouns. In terms of diachronic development, such ‘intermediate’ systems, being functionally well‐adapted, appear to be rather stable, and it can even be reinforced by subsequent diachronic developments.
Oro‐buccal symptoms (dysphagia, dysarthria, and sialorrhea) in patients with Parkinson’s disease: preliminary analysis from the French COPARK cohort
Authors: Perez‐Lloret S. , Nègre‐Pagès L. , Ojero‐Senard A. , Damier P. , Destée A. , Tison F. , Merello M. , Rascol O. ,   for the COPARK Study Group
Published: April 2011

Introduction:  Abnormal oro‐buccal functions including dysarthria, sialorrhea and dysphagia commonly affect patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Objectives:  To estimate the prevalence of such oro‐buccal symptoms at baseline in the first 419 patients with PD included in the COPARK cohort and to analyze their correlations with patients’ demographics, clinical characteristics, and drugs consumption.

Methods:  Patients were assessed using the Unified PD Rating Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the PDQ‐39. Dysarthria, sialorrhea, and dysphagia were defined as UPDRS items 5, 6, or 7 ≥ 1.

Results:  Dysarthria, sialorrhea, or dysphagia were present in 51%, 37%, or 18% out of the 419 patients, respectively. At least one of these symptom was present in 267/419 patients (65%), whilst a combination of symptoms was present in 136/419 (33%). Logistic regression showed that the presence of each of the three oro‐buccal symptoms was significantly correlated with that of the two others. Other correlations included male gender, hallucinations, disease severity, levodopa use and lack of opiates consumption for dysarthria; disease severity, orthostatic hypotension and absence of antidepressants consumption for sialorrhea; female gender, motor fluctuations, and depressive symptoms for dysphagia. None of the three oro‐buccal symptoms were associated with a reduced PDQ‐39 score.

Conclusion:  Oro‐buccal symptoms were present in two of three patients with moderate PD, the presence of each symptoms being significantly correlated with that of the two others.
Acute exercise improves endothelial function despite increasing vascular resistance during stress in smokers and nonsmokers
Authors: Rooks Cherie R. , McCully Kevin K. , Dishman Rod K.
Published: April 2011

The present study examined the effect of acute exercise on flow mediated dilation (FMD) and reactivity to neurovascular challenges among female smokers and nonsmokers. FMD was determined by arterial diameter, velocity, and blood flow measured by Doppler ultrasonography after forearm occlusion. Those measures and blood pressure and heart rate were also assessed in response to forehead cold and the Stroop Color‐Word Conflict Test (CWT) before and after 30 min of rest or an acute bout of cycling exercise (∼50% VO2peak). Baseline FMD and stress responses were not different between smokers and nonsmokers. Compared to passive rest, exercise increased FMD and decreased arterial velocity and blood flow responses during the Stroop CWT and forehead cold in both groups. Overall, acute exercise improved endothelial function among smokers and nonsmokers despite increasing vascular resistance and reducing limb blood flow during neurovascular stress.
Age‐related differences in corticospinal excitability during a Go/NoGo task
Authors: Fujiyama Hakuei , Tandonnet Christophe , Summers Jeffery J.
Published: April 2011

Age‐related slowing of reaction times (RTs) is well documented but whether the phenomenon reflects deficits in movement preparation and/or response generation processes is unclear. To gain further insight into this issue, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to investigate motor cortex (M1) excitability and short‐interval intracortical inhibitory (SICI) processes during a Go/NoGo RT task in younger and older adults. Single‐ and paired‐pulse TMS was delivered over the left M1 during preparation and response generation periods in a right‐hand muscle. Younger adults had shorter RTs and a larger increase in corticospinal excitability at response generation period than older adults. SICI modulation for both groups showed a large reduction in inhibition immediately prior to EMG onset. These findings indicate age‐related differences in corticospinal excitability during the response generation stage of sensorimotor information processing.
Behavioral and ERP indices of response conflict in Stroop and flanker tasks
Authors: Tillman Carin M. , Wiens Stefan
Published: April 2011

We investigated effects of different proportions of incongruent trials on behavioral and event‐related potential (ERP) interference measures associated with response conflict in the Stroop and flanker task. From the literature, we hypothesized that response conflict is greater when incongruent trials are rare compared to when incongruent trials are frequent. In support, the behavioral results on both tasks and the ERP results on the Stroop task (N450) showed that interference effects were significantly larger when incongruent trials were rare than frequent. In contrast, the ERP results on the flanker task N200 showed a larger interference effect when incongruent trials were frequent than rare. Because results for the flanker N200 were opposite to behavioral effects and theoretical predictions, our findings challenge the notion of the flanker N200 as a valid index of response conflict.
Pharmacological properties of the rhesus macaque monkey P2X7 receptor
Authors: Bradley Helen J , Browne Liam E , Yang Wei , Jiang Lin‐Hua
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The human P2X7 (hP2X7) receptor exhibits striking pharmacological differences from its rodent counterparts, particularly in terms of its antagonist profile. Here, we characterized the functional and pharmacological properties of the rhesus macaque monkey P2X7 (rmP2X7) receptor in comparison with the hP2X7 receptor.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The rmP2X7 and hP2X7 receptors were heterologously expressed in HEK293 cells. The receptor surface and total expression levels were examined by biotin‐labelling and Western blotting. The functional and pharmacological properties were characterized using patch‐clamp recording and single‐cell imaging.

KEY RESULTS The rmP2X7 receptor showed strong cell surface expression. Both ATP and 2′(3′)‐O‐(4‐benzoylbenzoyl) adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate (BzATP) were full agonists in activating the rmP2X7 receptor; the EC50 values were 802 µM for ATP and 58 µM for BzATP, respectively, in extracellular low divalent cation solution. Prolonged activation of the rmP2X7 receptors induced detectable but low level YO‐PRO‐1 uptake. KN‐62, AZ11645373 and A‐438079, three hP2X7 selective antagonists, all potently inhibited the rmP2X7 receptor‐mediated currents; the IC50 values were 86, 23 and 297 nM respectively.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS The rmP2X7 receptor exhibits similar pharmacological properties to the hP2X7 receptor. The rhesus macaque monkey thus may represent a valuable model species in elucidating the mechanisms and pharmacological interventions of hP2X7 receptor‐related diseases.
Pulsatile Culture of a Poly(DL‐Lactic‐Co‐Glycolic Acid) Sandwiched Cell/Hydrogel Construct Fabricated Using a Step‐by‐Step Mold/Extraction Method
Authors: Wang Xiaohong , Sui Shaochun
Published: April 2011

To overcome the weak mechanical properties of cell/hydrogel composites, a poly(DL‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) sandwiched adipose‐derived stem cell (ADSC)/fibrin construct was fabricated using a step‐by‐step mold/extraction method to generate the middle smooth muscle layer of natural blood vessels. A pulse bioreactor with an adjustable 0–0.2 MPa pressure, 0–7% pulse amplitude, and 0–80 times/min pulse frequency was developed to mimic the liquid movement in the natural blood vessels. This new type of pulse bioreactor is sterilizable and dismantles easily. A comparative study was conducted with static and dynamic in vitro cultures. Exogenous growth factors, such as hepatocyte growth factor, platelet‐derived growth factor BB, transforming growth factor β1, and basic fibroblast growth factor were used as additives in the culture medium for inducing the ADSCs into smooth muscle cells. The dynamic training, integrated with the growth factor, induced the transformation of ADSCs into smooth muscle‐like cells with regular arrangement. This strategy shows promise of being widely used in tissue engineering and complex organ manufacturing.
Temperature Effect on the Shear‐Induced Cell Damage in Biofabrication
Authors: Li Ming G. , Tian Xiao Y. , Chen Xiongbiao
Published: April 2011

Biofabrication that incorporates living cells to manufacture various bioproducts is often carried out at different temperatures as the process demands. In the process, cells are subjected to mechanical forces, which may damage cells if the forces reach a certain level. Previous studies have shown that the cell damage is mainly caused by shear stress; however, none of them looked at the temperature effect on cell damage. In the present work, the influence of temperature on shear‐induced cell damage was investigated experimentally by using a cone‐and‐plate rheometer, and based on the experimental results, a cell damage law was established to quantitatively describe the relationship between the cell damage percent and temperature. The so‐established cell damage law was then applied to the modeling of the cell damage percent that occurs in the biofabrication process in which pressurized air was applied to dispense Schwann cells suspended in the alginate solution at different temperatures. The agreement between the model predictions and the experimental results suggests that the method presented in this article is effective for use in the investigation of the temperature effect, thereby providing a cue to preserve cell viability in the biofabrication processes.
Headaches Secondary to Psychiatric Disorders (HSPD): A Retrospective Study of 87 Patients
Authors: Radat Françoise , Milowska Dorota , Valade Dominique
Published: April 2011

(Headache 2011;51:789‐795)

Objective.— We describe a sample of patients receiving a diagnosis of headache attributed to psychiatric disorder (HSPD).

Background.— The international literature to date provides only a few case reports of patients presenting with HSPD.

Method.— A retrospective study of the medical records of all patients having received HSPD when consulting at a headache emergency center during 2009.

Results.— Out of a total of 8479 patients seen during one year, 25 men and 62 women received an HSPD diagnosis (1.02%), mean age 40.3 ± 14 years. The psychiatric disorders concerned were: depressive disorder (n = 37), generalized anxiety (n = 25), panic disorder (n = 5), psychotic disorder (n = 5) undifferentiated somatoform disorder (n = 4), somatization disorder (n = 1), and posttraumatic stress disorder (n = 1). Data were missing for 10 patients. Whether the headache had occurred only during the evolution of a psychiatric disorder was not recorded for any of the patients. Headache description was tension type (n = 45), atypical (n = 23), and migraine (n = 19). Half of the sample were chronic daily headaches (n = 44), but only 14.8% (n = 13) presented with medication overuse. One‐fourth of the patients suffered from pain in other parts of the body (n = 21), 40% had already had complementary investigations and consultations for their headache.

Conclusion.— This study shows that in practice HSPD diagnosis is rarely used. When used, International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edition criteria are not strictly applied. The criterion “headache occurring only during the evolution of the psychiatric disorder” is not checked. Not only are atypical headaches considered but, in the majority of cases, HSPD diagnosis is given with tension‐type or migraine‐type headache. Even though psychotic disorder and somatization disorder are the only psychiatric disorders accepted for HSPD in the classification itself (International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edition code 12), in clinical practice they are not frequently involved whereas depression and generalized anxiety are. It may call for the removal of those appendix diagnoses in the classification itself.
Predictors of Post‐Traumatic Headache Severity Among Deployed Military Personnel
Authors: Bryan Craig J. , Hernandez Ann M.
Published: April 2011

(Headache2011;51:945‐953)

Objective.—The current study used a cross‐sectional observational design to evaluate the relationship between psychological, physiological, and contextual factors and headache severity among 133 deployed military personnel and 4 civilian contractors diagnosed with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) referred to a combat support hospital in Iraq.

Background.—Although TBI and headache sequelae have been documented for military combatants, little is known about factors associated with headache severity.

Methods.—Military personnel (n = 157) and civilian (n = 4) contractors referred to a combat support hospital in Iraq underwent a standardized intake evaluation which included computerized neurocognitive testing, psychological and physical health questionnaires, a clinical interview, and a physical examination by a physician.

Results.—Results of zero‐inflated Poisson regression modeling suggest that insomnia is associated with increased likelihood for endorsement of any headache, but loss of consciousness, post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms, and slowed reaction time only are predictive of headache severity. Among the subset of patients presenting to the combat support hospital within 7 days of mTBI (n = 101), number of TBI symptoms demonstrated a non‐significant trend toward increased likelihood of headache endorsement of any kind, with loss of consciousness, post‐traumatic stress disorder, and slowed reaction time demonstrating significant relationships with headache severity.

Conclusion.—Knowledge of predictors of post‐concussive headache onset and severity may assist clinicians in making important decisions regarding treatment recommendations for veterans with mTBI.
Remarkably Strong Piezoelectricity of Lead‐Free (K0.45Na0.55)0.98Li0.02(Nb0.77Ta0.18Sb0.05)O3 Ceramic
Authors: Gao Yong , Zhang Jialiang , Qing Yalin , Tan Yongqiang , Zhang Zong , Hao Xiaopeng
Published: April 2011

Various lead‐free (KxNa1−x)0.98Li0.02(Nb0.82−yTa0.18Sby)O3 ceramics with x=0.50, y=0.00–0.07 or x=0.40–0.60, y=0.05 were prepared by the conventional solid‐state reaction method. Systematic investigation on the microstructures, crystalline structures, and dielectric and piezoelectric properties was carried out. Remarkably strong piezoelectricity has been achieved in (K0.45Na0.55)0.98Li0.02(Nb0.77Ta0.18Sb0.05)O3 ceramic, which shows the excellent piezoelectric properties of d33=413 pC/N, d31=−153 pC/N, kp=0.50, and k33=0.62. It is considered that the observed strong piezoelectricity should be ascribed to several combined decisive factors, such as the phase coexistence due to an orthorhombic–tetragonal polymorphic phase transition near room temperature, the high electronegativity of Sb5+ ions as compared with those of Nb5+ ions and Ta5+ ions, and the relatively ideal microstructure with high density, large average grain size and narrow grain‐size distribution.
Controlled Introduction of Anelasticity in Plasma‐Sprayed Ceramics
Authors: Dwivedi Gopal , Nakamura Toshio , Sampath Sanjay
Published: April 2011

Recent studies on the mechanical compliance measurements of plasma‐sprayed ceramic coatings have revealed anelastic response, i.e. the stress–strain relations are nonlinear and hysteretic, collectively. The anelasticity stems from the “brick” layered assemblage of spray‐deposited droplets along with the presence of porosity and other geometric discontinuities. This anelastic response is reproducible and can provide a quantitative description on the mechanical properties of the sprayed ceramic coating. In this paper, we have examined strategies to manipulate and control these anelastic characteristics through plasma spray processing parameters as well as through extrinsic modifications of the defect interfaces. Plasma‐sprayed ceramic coatings are fabricated under various conditions and their unique anelastic parameters are computed. These results reveal that the novel properties are tunable via process and material manipulation, opening up opportunities for microstructural design and optimization of mechanical compliance in industrially relevant coating systems.
Root canal treatment and apical periodontitis: What can be learned from observational studies?
Authors: KIRKEVANG LISE‐LOTTE
Published: April 2011

To assess the disease burden in the general population, observational studies and epidemiological methods must be employed. Epidemiological studies describe the distribution of diseases, prevalence, and incidence; they can be used to identify causative relationships or pathways and may form the basis for an intervention strategy. The aim of the present paper is to review previously conducted observational studies on root canal treatment and apical periodontitis (AP). Clinical studies focus on the treatment of a diseased tooth and estimate success rates of a specific treatment. Longitudinal observational studies focus on all teeth, treated/untreated as well as healthy/unhealthy, and may provide knowledge of disease incidence and/or persistence. Findings from the two types of studies reveal that the factors found to be associated with successful outcomes of root canal treatment in clinical studies are similar to the factors found to be related to persistence of AP in observational studies: pre‐operative diagnosis, quality of root filling, and coronal restoration. When initially healthy teeth are followed, the observational study provides information that is not obtainable in clinical studies. It has been demonstrated that factors related to the incidence of AP differ slightly from factors related to persistence. It is obvious that besides the quality of the root filling, other factors play a role in relation to AP, in particular the presence of bacteria. Therefore, to estimate the need for root canal treatment and re‐treatment in the general population, well‐conducted studies, both randomized controlled trials and observational longitudinal studies, are needed.
Outcome of non‐surgical re‐treatment
Authors: NG YUAN‐LING , GULABIVALA KISHOR
Published: April 2011

The purpose of this review was to critically analyze the relevant literature in order to synthesize an overview on the clinical outcomes (radiographically judged periapical healing and tooth survival) following root canal re‐treatment and the factors influencing them. A further aim was to explain the findings on the basis of current knowledge and understanding. The relevant literature was captured and critiqued using the principles of a systematic review. The data were classified into a coherent structure for analyses and presentation but are not presented as a systematic review; rather, the authors have chosen a narrative style to enable integration of the clinical outcomes with relevant findings from laboratory and animal studies. Overall, the outcomes were similar to those for teeth undergoing primary treatment with common factors influencing the outcomes. The major differences between the outcomes of primary and secondary root canal (re‐)treatment reside only in the ability to predictably access and negotiate the root canal system to the (residual) apical infection. The data offer a very favorable prognosis for non‐surgical root canal re‐treatment performed to guideline standards.
New guidelines for newborn resuscitation – a critical evaluation
Authors: Saugstad OD
Published: April 2011

The 2010 International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation guidelines for newborn resuscitation represent important progress. The criteria for assessment are simplified based on heart rate and respiration only and there is no timing of stages after the first 60 sec. Instead of giving supplemental oxygen, the guidelines state that ‘it is best to start with air’. However, the optimal oxygen concentration later in the process and for premature babies is not yet clear. A description of an adequate heart rate response is not given, and the cut‐off of 100 bpm may be arbitrary. There are still no clear recommendations regarding ventilation, inspiratory time, use of positive end expiratory pressure or continuous positive airway pressure. The guidelines do not mention which paCO2 level might be optimal. As colour pink assessment and routine suctioning of airways are not recommended anymore, there is an urgent need to obtain international consensus and create a new and revised Apgar score without these two variables.

Conclusion:  In spite of improved guidelines for newborn resuscitation, there is still a number of unanswered questions and a need for more delivery room studies.
Effect of thermocycling on the flexural and impact strength of urethane‐based and high‐impact denture base resins
Authors: Machado Ana Lucia , Puckett Aaron D. , Breeding Larry C. , Wady Amanda Fucci , Vergani Carlos Eduardo
Published: April 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00474.x
 
Effect of thermocycling on the flexural and impact strength of urethane‐based and high‐impact denture base resins

Objective:  Mechanical properties of the acrylic resins used for denture fabrication may be influenced by water and temperature. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of thermocycling on the flexural and impact strength of a high‐impact (Lucitone 199) and a urethane‐based denture material (Eclipse).

Materials and methods:  Flexural strength (64 × 10 × 3.3 mm) and impact strength (60 × 6 × 4 mm) specimens were made following the manufacturers’ instructions and assigned to two groups (n = 10): control (C) – not thermocycled – and T – thermocycled (5000 cycles between 5 and 55°C). Specimens were submitted to three‐point bending and Charpy impact tests.

Results:  Flexural strength (MPa) and impact strength (kJ/m2) data were analysed with two‐way anova (p = 0.05). The flexural strength of material Eclipse (C, 136.5; T, 130.7) was significantly higher than that of resin Lucitone 550 (C, 99.4; T, 90.1). Material Eclipse exhibited significantly higher impact strength (C, 6.9; T, 5.3) than the resin Lucitone 550 (C, 3.5; T, 3.0). For both materials, a significant decrease in flexural and impact strengths was observed when the specimens were thermocycled.

Conclusion:  Flexural and impact strengths were higher for Eclipse than for Lucitone 550, in both groups. Thermocycling decreased the flexural and impact strengths of Eclipse and Lucitone 550.
Salivary immunity in elderly individuals presented with Candida‐related denture stomatitis
Authors: Gasparoto Thaís H. , Sipert Carla R. , de Oliveira Carine E. , Porto Vinicius C. , Santos Carlos F. , Campanelli Ana P. , Lara Vanessa S.
Published: April 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00476.x
 
Salivary immunity in elderly individuals presented with Candida‐related denture stomatitis

Objectives:  Elderly individuals with Candida‐related denture stomatitis (DS) present with a reduced defence against Candida albicans. This study evaluated levels of antimicrobial mediators in the elderly DS saliva and salivary neutrophils’ activation characteristics compared with elderly and young without DS.

Methods:  Salivary peroxidases (SPO) and elastase activities (ELA), nitric oxide (NO), transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β), IL‐6 and CCL3 production were determined in saliva from elderly with or without DS, and young control individuals. TLR4, CXCR1, CD11b, CD16 and CD32 expression on salivary neutrophils were evaluated. Correlations between number and apoptosis rate of salivary neutrophils, enzymatic activities and cytokine levels were determined.

Results:  Elderly DS individuals exhibited the lowest SPO and ELA activities. Also, the activity of both enzymes was low in elderly without DS. Although both elderly groups showed higher salivary NO and TGF‐β levels compared to young control groups, elderly DS presented the highest salivary NO, TGF‐β, IL‐6 and CCL3 levels. Decreased percentages of salivary TLR4+ and CD16+ neutrophils were detected in both elderly groups. Although these damages could influence the establishment and persistence of DS, the highest levels of salivary IL‐6 and CCL3 in elderly DS could be preventing more serious complications.
Telescopic crowns: extra‐oral and intra‐oral retention force measurement –in vitro/in vivo correlation
Authors: Bayer Stefan , Stark Helmut , Gölz Lina , Keilig Ludger , Kraus Dominik , Hansen Anja , Enkling Norbert
Published: April 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00477.x
 
Telescopic crowns: extra‐oral and intra‐oral retention force measurement –in vitro/in vivo correlation

Objective:  This study deals with the determination of the retentive forces of telescopic crowns measured extra‐ and intra‐orally and the correlation of these values.

Background:  The telescopic denture is a well‐documented solution for prosthetic rehabilitation for a partially edentulous jaw. Acceptable retention forces are needed to avoid inadvertent removal of the denture during movement of the jaws. Recent literature suggests 3–7 N per attachment to be acceptable. These values are only supported by in vitro studies. In vivo data are scarce, and a correlation of the in vitro and in vivo values is lacking.

Material and Methods:  Twenty‐five combined fixed‐removable prostheses with a total of 72 double crowns were used for extra‐oral retention force measurement prior to cementation (in vitro). The intra‐oral measurement was performed at 72 defined measuring points of the dentures 4–6 weeks after prosthetic rehabilitation (in vivo). A specifically designed measuring device was used.

Results:  The rank correlation showed that the in vitro and in vivo values correlate with each other (Spearman’s ρ = 0.5052). Additionally, it was found that the median values measured before (1.97N) insertion of the dentures were significantly lower than after (4.70N) insertion (Mann–Whitney test, p ≤ 0.0001).

Conclusion:  The retention forces measured before and after insertion of the denture correlate with each other although their dimension is significantly higher after insertion. The reason for this behaviour might be some tilting during removal. Nevertheless, the correlation allows a prediction of the clinically relevant forces by a measurement of the extra‐orally measured retentive values.
Anti‐biofilm efficacy of a lactoferrin/xylitol wound hydrogel used in combination with silver wound dressings
Authors: Ammons Mary Cloud B , Ward Loren S , James Garth A
Published: April 2011

With an epidemic increase in obesity combined with an ageing population, chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers and venous leg ulcers are an increasing clinical concern. Recent studies have shown that bacterial biofilms are a major contributor to wound bioburden and interfere with the normal wound healing process; therefore, rational design of wound therapies should include analysis of anti‐biofilm characteristics. Studies using the combined treatment of bacterial biofilms with the innate immune molecule lactoferrin and the rare sugar‐alcohol xylitol have demonstrated an antimicrobial capacity against a clinical wound isolate. Studies presented here used a colony‐drip‐flow reactor biofilm model to assess the anti‐biofilm efficacy of a lactoferrin/xylitol hydrogel used in combination with commercially available silver‐based wound dressings. Log reductions in biofilm viability are compared with a commercially available wound hydrogel used in combination with the silver‐based wound dressings. For both a single species biofilm and a dual species biofilm, the lactoferrin/xylitol hydrogel in combination with the silver wound dressing Acticoat™ had a statistically significant reduction in biofilm viability relative to the commercially available wound hydrogel. This study also demonstrated a statistical interaction between the lactoferrin/xylitol hydrogel and the silver wound dressing.
Silencing NOA1 Elevates Herbivory‐Induced Jasmonic Acid Accumulation and Compromises Most of the Carbon‐Based Defense Metabolites in Nicotiana attenuataF
Authors: Wünsche Hendrik , Baldwin Ian T. , Wu Jianqiang
Published: April 2011

Nitric oxide‐associated protein 1 (NOA1) is involved in various abiotic stress responses and is required for plant resistance to pathogen infections. However, the role of NOA1 in plant‐herbivore interactions has not been explored. We created NOA1‐silenced Nicotiana attenuata plants (irNaNOA1). Compared with wild‐type (WT) plants, irNaNOA1 plants had highly decreased photosynthesis rates. We further examined various traits important for plant defense against its specialist herbivore Manduca sexta by treating WT and irNaNOA1 plants with mechanical wounding and M. sexta oral secretions (OS). NOA1‐silenced plants showed elevated levels of herbivory‐induced jasmonic acid (JA), but decreased JA‐isoleucine conjugate (JA‐Ile) levels. The decreased JA‐Ile levels did not result from compromised JAR (jasmonic acid resistant) activity in irNOA1 plants. Moreover, nitrogen‐rich defensive compounds, nicotine and trypsin proteinase inhibitors, did not differ between WT and irNaNOA1 plants. In contrast, concentrations of most carbon‐based defensive compounds were lower in these plants than in WT plants, although the levels of chlorogenic acid were not changed. Therefore, silencing NOA1 alters the allocation of carbon resources within the phenylpropanoid pathway. These data suggest the involvement of NOA1 in N. attenuata's defense against M. sexta attack, and highlight its role in photosynthesis, and biosynthesis of jasmonates and secondary metabolites.
Preparation of Kepler light curves for asteroseismic analyses
Authors: García R. A. , Hekker S. , Stello D. , Gutiérrez-Soto J. , Handberg R. , Huber D. , Karoff C. , Uytterhoeven K. , Appourchaux T. , Chaplin W. J. , Elsworth Y. , Mathur S. , Ballot J. , Christensen-Dalsgaard J. , Gilliland R. L. , Houdek G. , Jenkins J. M. , Kjeldsen H. , McCauliff S. , Metcalfe T. , Middour C. K. , Molenda-Zakowicz J. , Monteiro M. J. P. F. G. , Smith J. C. , Thompson M. J.
Published: April 2011

The Kepler mission is providing photometric data of exquisite quality for the asteroseismic study of different classes of pulsating stars. These analyses place particular demands on the pre-processing of the data, over a range of time-scales from minutes to months. Here, we describe processing procedures developed by the Kepler Asteroseismic Science Consortium to prepare light curves that are optimized for the asteroseismic study of solar-like oscillating stars in which outliers, jumps and drifts are corrected.
Temporal variability in organochlorine contamination in blood and blubber of captive Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus)
Authors: Myers Matthew J. , Atkinson Shannon
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Three adult captive Steller sea lions (SSL; two females, one male) housed in Alaska were longitudinally sampled for organochlorine contaminant (OC) analysis in both blubber (n= 19) and blood (n= 69) over a 2 yr period (March 2001 to March 2003). Blood OC concentrations were similar between individuals, and exhibited significant increases in summer months (July through September) relative to winter (January through March). Additionally, paired blood and blubber sample (n= 18) OC were significantly related for all animals. The relationship of blubber OC concentrations to lipid content was significant in all animals. Although limited to a small number of animals, our study results indicate that in SSLs, blood OC were both consistent among all animals and likely changed in association with physiologically driven metabolism of blubber.
Population, density estimates, and conservation of river dolphins (IniaandSotalia) in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins
Authors: Gomez‐Salazar Catalina , Trujillo Fernando , Portocarrero‐Aya Marcela , Whitehead Hal
Published: April 2011

Abstract

This study is part of an on‐going effort to evaluate and monitor river dolphin populations in South America. It comprises the largest initiative to estimate population size and densities ofIniaandSotaliadolphins using statistically robust and standardized methods. From May 2006 to August 2007, seven visual surveys were conducted in selected large rivers of Bolivia, Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. Population sizes ofIniaandSotaliawere estimated for different habitats (main river, tributary, lake, island, confluence, and channel). A total of 291 line and 890 strip transects were conducted, covering a distance of 2,704 linear kilometers. We observed 778Inia geoffrensis, 1,323Inia boliviensis, and 764Sotalia fluviatilis. High‐density areas were identified (within 200 m from the river banks, confluences, and lakes) and we propose that these constitute critical habitat for river dolphins. High densities of river dolphins seem to coincide with well‐managed freshwater protected areas and should be considered as hot spots for river dolphins in South America.
Initial Attachment, Metamorphosis, Settlement, and Survival of Black‐footed Abalone,Haliotis iris, on Microalgal Biofilms Containing Different Amino Acid Compositions
Authors: Tung Che‐Huang , Alfaro Andrea C.
Published: April 2011

Microalgal biofilms with different amino acid profiles were investigated for their ability to induce abalone,Haliotis iris, attachment, metamorphosis, shell stage, and survival. Twenty microalgal strains, isolated from rocky shores and sandy estuaries, were grown in the laboratory to produce young and matured monospecific biofilms. Abalone larvae were exposed to the different biofilm treatments and controls (no biofilms) for 7 (attachment and metamorphosis) and 14 (shell stage and survival) d. The larvae performed significantly better in biofilms compared with controls across microalgal strains, but attachment, metamorphosis, shell stage, and survival were generally less than about 50, 35, 25, and 25%, respectively. Some microalgal strains belonging to the same species but collected from different sites had different effects on the larvae, likely due to variations in biochemical composition and activity among strains. Although no clear relationship was found between the microalgal amino acid profiles and larval processes, percentage biofilm cover and total amino acids were positively correlated with some of these processes. In addition, abalone performed significantly better when exposed to mature compared with young biofilms. These results may be due to the greater amounts of microalgal cells and their extracellular polymers within older biofilms, which may cue larvae toward more nutritionally favorable environments.
Incorporation of Whole Lupin, Lupinus albus, Seed Meal in Commercial Extruded Diets for Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss: Effect on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Muscle Fatty Acid Composition
Authors: Bórquez Aliro S. , Hernández Adrián J. , Dantagnan Patricio , Saez Patricio , Serrano Edison
Published: April 2011

Whole lupin seed meal was evaluated as partial replacement for fishmeal in extruded diets for rainbow trout, with particular emphasis on the effect on growth performance and apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of protein, lipids, carbohydrates, and energy. Effect on muscle fatty acid composition was also evaluated. All diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isoenergetic and to contain approximately 45% crude protein and 5.5 kcal energy g/diet. Diets were formulated to include whole lupin seed meal at 0, 10, 15, and 20%. Triplicate groups of fish weighing 65.9 ± 15.1 g on average were fed twice a day until apparent satiation during 12 wk. Growth, feed intake, hepatosomatic index, hepatic histology, proximate composition of whole body, and muscular fatty acid profile were determined. Growth and feed utilization were similar in all treatments and whole‐body composition did not vary among treatments. Polyunsaturated fatty acids of the n‐6 and n‐3 series remained constant in muscle as the amount of lupin in diets increased. Furthermore, the ADCs were similar among all diets. These results suggest that inclusion of whole lupin seed meal up to 20% in extruded diets for rainbow trout do not have any negative effect on growth, feed performance, or flesh quality.
Effects of Dietary Mineral Supplementation on Quality of Fresh and Salt‐Cured Fillets from Farmed Atlantic Cod, Gadus morhua
Authors: Herland Hilde , Cooper Marie , Esaiassen Margrethe , Olsen Ragnar L.
Published: April 2011

The aims of this study were to investigate effects of dietary mineral supplementation on chemical and sensory quality parameters of fresh farmed cod fillets and on the quality of salt‐cured farmed cod. Farmed cod were fed three experimental diets with different levels of mineral supplements (no supplementation, supplementation without zinc and copper, full supplementation) for approximately 2 yr. After slaughter, one‐third of the experimental fish were subjected to chemical and physical analysis, another third were used for sensory analysis and the remaining fish were salt cured. Potassium, copper, and muscle protein were higher in muscle tissue of cod fed full supplementation than cod fed without supplementation. Instrumental color analysis showed that the cut side of fresh fillets of cod fed full supplementation were slightly more green and yellow than fillets of cod fed without extra supplements. A sensory panel could, however, not detect any differences between heated fresh cod given feed with or without mineral supplements. However, the quality of salt ripened cod which had received a complete mineral supplement in the diet was reduced because of increased yellowness, probably caused by the increased level of copper in the muscle.
Negotiation Offers and the Search for Agreement
Authors: Prietula Michael J. , Weingart Laurie R.
Published: April 2011

A key component of negotiation dynamics is the search for mutually beneficial agreements, and offer exchange is a key element of that process. Rooted in the tradition of information processing psychology, we develop a theoretical model that conceives of negotiation as the collaborative search of a complexoffer space. Negotiators simplify and coordinate search via information contained inoffer exchanges, isolating subregions of the offer space for potential solutions. We suggest that early search is more exploratory and primarily influenced by thevalueof offers; later search is more focused on refinement and is influenced by thecontentof offers. In that, search by value is substantially more difficult than search by content, and parties seek value through communicating about content. Important information about the negotiators’ perspectives is revealed in comprehensive offers, and critical insight into this search process can be gained by examining the pattern of comprehensive offers.
Permanent Genetic Resources added to Molecular Ecology Resources Database 1 December 2010–31 January 2011
Authors:   Molecular Ecology Resources Primer Development Consortium, AGATA KIYOKAZU , ALASAAD SAMER , ALMEIDA‐VAL VERA MARIA FONSECA , ÁLVAREZ‐DIOS J. A. , BARBISAN F. , BEADELL JON S. , BELTRÁN J. F. , BENÍTEZ M. , BINO G. , BLEAY COLIN , BLOOR P. , BOHLMANN JÖRG , BOOTH WARREN , BOSCARI E. , CACCONE ADALGISA , CAMPOS TATIANA , CARVALHO B. M. , CLIMACO GISELE TORRES , CLOBERT JEAN , CONGIU L. , COWGER CHRISTINA , DIAS G. , DOADRIO I. , FARIAS IZENI PIRES , FERRAND N. , FREITAS PATRÍCIA D. , FUSCO G. , GALETTI PEDRO M. , GALLARDO‐ESCÁRATE CRISTIAN , GAUNT MICHAEL W. , GOMEZ OCAMPO ZANELI , GONÇALVES H. , GONZALEZ E. G. , HAYE PILAR , HONNAY O. , HYSENI CHAZ , JACQUEMYN H. , JOWERS MICHAEL J. , KAKEZAWA AKIHIRO , KAWAGUCHI ERI , KEELING CHRISTOPHER I. , KWAN YE‐SEUL , LA SPINA MICHELANGELO , LEE WAN‐OK , LEŚNIEWSKA M. , LI YANG , LIU HAIXIA , LIU XIAOLIN , LOPES S. , MARTÍNEZ P. , MEEUS S. , MURRAY BRENT W. , NUNES ALINE G. , OKEDI LOYCE M. , OUMA JOHNSON O. , PARDO B. G. , PARKS RYAN , PAULA‐SILVA MARIA NAZARÉ , PEDRAZA‐LARA C. , PERERA OMATHTHAGE P. , PINO‐QUERIDO A. , RICHARD MURIELLE , ROSSINI BRUNO C. , SAMARASEKERA N. GAYATHRI , SÁNCHEZ ANTONIO , SANCHEZ JUAN A. , SANTOS CARLOS HENRIQUE dos ANJOS , SHINOHARA WATARU , SORIGUER RAMÓN C. , SOUSA ADNA CRISTINA BARBOSA , SOUSA CAROLINA FERNANDES da SILVA , STEVENS VIRGINIE M. , TEJEDO M. , VALENZUELA‐BUSTAMANTE MYRIAM , VAN de VLIET M. S. , VANDEPITTE K. , VERA M. , WANDELER PETER , WANG WEIMIN , WON YONG‐JIN , YAMASHIRO A. , YAMASHIRO T. , ZHU CHANGCHENG
Published: April 2011

This article documents the addition of 238 microsatellite marker loci to the Molecular Ecology Resources Database. Loci were developed for the following species: Alytes dickhilleni, Arapaima gigas, Austropotamobius italicus, Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici, Cobitis lutheri, Dendroctonus ponderosae, Glossina morsitans morsitans, Haplophilus subterraneus, Kirengeshoma palmata, Lysimachia japonica, Macrolophus pygmaeus, Microtus cabrerae, Mytilus galloprovincialis, Pallisentis (Neosentis) celatus, Pulmonaria officinalis, Salminus franciscanus, Thais chocolata and Zootoca vivipara. These loci were cross‐tested on the following species: Acanthina monodon, Alytes cisternasii, Alytes maurus, Alytes muletensis, Alytes obstetricans almogavarii, Alytes obstetricans boscai, Alytes obstetricans obstetricans, Alytes obstetricans pertinax, Cambarellus montezumae, Cambarellus zempoalensis, Chorus giganteus, Cobitis tetralineata, Glossina fuscipes fuscipes, Glossina pallidipes, Lysimachia japonica var. japonica, Lysimachia japonica var. minutissima, Orconectes virilis, Pacifastacus leniusculus, Procambarus clarkii, Salminus brasiliensis and Salminus hilarii.
Why Do Homocysteine‐Lowering B Vitamin and Antioxidant E Vitamin Supplementations Appear To Be Ineffective in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases?
Authors: Debreceni Balazs , Debreceni Laszlo
Published: April 2011

Homocysteine has been established as a serious, independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. An elevated plasma homocysteine concentration is accompanied by increased cardiovascular risk; therefore, it can be assumed that lowering the plasma homocysteine level results in a decreased risk. Vitamin B complex (folic acid, and vitamins B6 and B12) substitution therapy decreases the plasma homocysteine level, inhibits oxidative stress, and ameliorates some biochemical and clinical parameters that indicate the progression of atherosclerosis. Vitamin E administration may also reduce atherogenesis through its antioxidant effect. The effectiveness of B and E vitamin substitution in decreasing cardiovascular risk has been suggested by cohort as well as prospective and retrospective studies undertaken during the last two decades. On the other hand, recent large, randomized clinical trials did not substantiate a beneficial effect of homocysteine‐lowering B vitamin supplementation or vitamin E antioxidant therapies in reducing cardiovascular risk in humans. We analyzed eight B vitamin and four E vitamin trials from a critical point of view, and in this article we reviewed and commented on their results and focused on the contradictions found in them. We showed that the possible factors implicated in the failure of vitamin therapies included inappropriate designs. The protocols neglected an essential fact: that the impact of some confounding factors, such as concomitant use of statins, acetylsalicylic acid, folic acid, and other drugs, might have led to bias and an inappropriate interpretation of the data. The cardiovascular protective and preventive effects of statins and aspirin might have reduced or abolished the possibility of observing a difference in the number of events between the vitamin and placebo groups for the clinical endpoints. We concluded that the vitamin preventive effect on cardiovascular disease may not be rejected in reference to the negative trial evidence.