bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FGF‐2‐loaded collagen scaffolds attract cells and blood vessels in rat oral mucosa
Authors: Jansen Richard G. , Van Kuppevelt Toin H. , Daamen Willeke F. , Kuijpers‐Jagtman Anne M. , Von den Hoff Johannes W.
Published: July 2009

Background:  Wound contraction and scar formation after cleft palate repair impair the growth of the maxilla. The implantation of a growth factor‐loaded scaffold might solve these problems.

Methods:  The tissue response to fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐2 loaded collagen scaffolds was evaluated after implantation in the palate of rats. Scaffolds, with and without FGF‐2, were implanted submucoperiosteally in the palate of 25 rats and evaluated after up to 16 weeks. On hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)‐stained sections, the cell density and the number of giant cells within the scaffolds were quantified. Infiltration of inflammatory cells, myofibroblasts, and the number of blood vessels were quantified after immunohistochemistry.

Results:  The cell density was significantly higher in the FGF‐2 group up to 4 weeks after implantation (102% at 2 weeks, P < 0.001). The number of blood vessels was also significantly higher in the FGF‐2 group at 1 and 2 weeks (316% at 1 week, P = 0.003), but the myofibroblast score was lower (100% at 2 weeks, P = 0.008). A comparable mild and rapidly subsiding inflammatory response and foreign body reaction were found in both groups.

Conclusion:  FGF‐2‐loaded scaffolds displayed a faster influx of host cells, an increased rate of vascularization, and a reduced differentiation of myofibroblasts. These scaffolds might therefore be highly suitable for intra‐oral reconstructions, such as cleft palate repair.
Cellular effects of genotoxic stress and gene silencing of the checkpoint kinases in human oral cells
Authors: Ji Jae‐Hoon , Jang Young‐Joo
Published: July 2009

Backround: The human oral cells have different physiological properties and different origins in developmental stages. Mechanical, physiological, and chemical stress can cause damage and irritation during clinical treatment in various oral tissues.

Purpose: The effects of DNA damage response and gene silencing of checkpoint kinases (Chk1/2) is not unclear in oral primary and cancer cells.

Method: Treatment with doxorubicin involving DNA damage and gene silencing of Chk1/2 by shRNA constructs was performed in pulp, periodontal ligament, gingival tissues (HGF), and mouth epithelial carcinoma cells (KB).

Results: The KB cells were more sensitive to genotoxic stress response than oral primary cells. Endogenous levels of Chk1/2 in KB cell were higher than in pulp cells. When doxorubicin was administered, Chk2 activation was induced in KB cell, but not in pulp cells. However, viability in KB cells did not decrease by the suppression of the checkpoint proteins, whereas primary cells were defective in gene silencing. When doxorubicin treatment and gene silencing were combined, both primary cells and KB cell were defective. Moreover, in case of KB cell, cell death was increased and activation of Chk2 was increased in doxorubicin dose‐dependent.

Conclusion: These data indicate that not only stress response mechanism may be different in oral primary and cancer cells but also Chk1/2 proteins may have essential roles in oral primary cells. Based on these data, checkpoint proteins may be crucial drug targets for oral cancer therapy.
Activation of nuclear factor‐kappa B correlates with tumor necrosis factor‐alpha in oral lichen planus: a clinicopathologic study in atrophic‐erosive and reticular form
Authors: Zhou Gang , Xia Kun , Du Ge‐fei , Chen Xin‐ming , Xu Xue‐yi , Lu Rui , Zhou Hong‐mei
Published: July 2009

Backgroud:  Nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) is believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases, including oral lichen planus (OLP). The objective of the present study was to investigate the possible relationship between NF‐κB activation and expression of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) in OLP and their expression pattern in relation to several clinical features.

Methods:  Thirty OLP cases were divided into atrophic‐erosive form (14 cases) and reticular form (16 cases) according to their clinical manifestations. The expression of NF‐κB p65 and TNF‐α of both two groups were investigated by immunohistochemical staining, and the percentage of positive cells was calculated in each case. Biopsies of 10 normal oral mucosa (NOM) also underwent the same procedure as controls.

Results:  Nuclear factor‐kappa B p65 nuclear staining was found in nuclei of basal and suprabasal epithelial keratinocytes in OLP, however, no positive staining was found in NOM. Positive TNF‐α staining was detected in cytoplasm of basal epithelial keratinocytes in OLP, and only scattered staining was detected in NOM. Expression of NF‐κB p65 and TNF‐α were significantly different with respect to clinical forms and lesion sites (P < 0.05), except for genders (P > 0.05) in 30 OLP cases. NF‐κB nuclear staining positively correlated (r = 0.676, P < 0.01) with TNF‐α overexpression in OLP.

Conclusions:  Nuclear factor‐kappa B activation and its correlation with overexpression of TNF‐α may play an important role in pathogenesis of OLP. There might be a positive regulatory loop between NF‐κB and TNF‐α, which may contribute to inflammation in OLP; NF‐κB may also protect epithelial keratinocytes from excessive apoptosis.
Detection of human papilloma virus DNA in seven cases of focal epithelial hyperplasia in Iran
Authors: Falaki F. , Amir Chaghmaghi M. , Pakfetrat A. , Delavarian Z. , Mozaffari P. M. , Pazooki N.
Published: July 2009

Background:  Focal epithelial hyperplasia (FEH), also known as Heck’s disease, is a very rare disease of the oral cavity especially in Asia. It is a disease of children and young adults. Various causes have been implicated but in majority of cases FEH is caused by some subtypes of human papilloma virus (HPV) especially 13 and 32. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a useful tool to identify HPV in FEH as it is a rapid and sensitive method.

Objective:  This study was designed to determine special HPV subtypes in seven cases of Heck’s disease referring to our department by using PCR analysis.

Method:  Paraffin sections of seven patients clinically diagnosed as FEH with compatible histhopathological features underwent DNA extraction procedures for PCR examination. Initially, all specimens were tested for presence of HPV virus followed by specific PCR testing for 16, 18, 13, and 32 subtypes in positive samples.

Results:  Human papilloma virus was found in all samples. In five cases HPV13 and in one case HPV32 was positive. One case showed strong reactivity for HPV but none of tested subtypes were positive. All cases were negative for HPV 16 and 18.

Conclusions:  Similar with other studies about FEH, most of our cases were associated with HPV 13 but other subtypes may also be implicated.
Immunohistochemical expression of RANKL, RANK, and OPG in human oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chuang Fu‐Hsiung , Hsue Shue‐Sang , Wu Chung‐Wei , Chen Yuk‐Kwan
Published: July 2009

Background:  The mechanism of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) invading jawbone remains controversial. Interactions between receptor activator of NF‐κB (RANK) and its ligand (RANKL) are required for osteoclastogenesis. The binding of RANK and RANKL induces differentiation of osteoclasts, leading to bony destruction. Osteoprotegerin (OPG), a decoy receptor for RANKL, also binds to RANKL by competing with RANK, and this could protect against osseous destruction.

Materials and methods:  Immunoexpression of RANKL, RANK, and OPG in 25 cases of human buccal SCCs without bony invasion and 15 cases of gingival SCCs with mandibular bony invasion was investigated. Normal oral mucosa from five individuals without betel‐quid chewing or cigarette smoking was used as a control. The scores are designated as percentage of positive staining × intensity of staining for each section.

Results:  Strong cytoplasmic staining of RANKL proteins is detected in cancer cells of both buccal and gingival SCCs. The same protein is identified in cytoplasm of osteoclasts for all cases involving bony invasion. Strong cytoplasmic staining of RANKL is confined to basal layer for all normal mucosa. A similar staining pattern is noted for RANK protein in all buccal and gingival SCCs. An absence of staining of RANK protein is noted for all normal tissues. Weak to negative cytoplasmic stained OPG protein is present in all buccal and gingival SCCs, but is absent in all normal tissues.

Conclusion:  These findings suggest the potential value of the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway as biomarkers in human oral SCCs.
Angiogenic and lymphangiogenic microvessel density in recurrent pleomorphic adenoma
Authors: Soares Andresa B. , De Araújo Vera C. , Juliano Priscila B. , Altemani Albina
Published: July 2009

Background:  Recurrent pleomorphic adenoma (RPA) is an uncommon and challenging disease. The aim of this study was to determine if there is a difference between RPA and the pleomorphic adenoma (PA) without recurrence related to tumor blood and lymphatic vascularization. Moreover, we compared the microvessel density (MVD) between cell‐rich areas (predominance of epithelial cells) and cell‐poor areas (predominance of myxoid and chondroid areas) of the stroma of PA and RPA. In addition, immunohistochemical staining for the Ki‐67 antigen was conducted simultaneously to evaluate cell proliferation in PA and RPA.

Methods:  A total of 19 cases of PA and 24 cases of RPA, blood, and lymphatic vessels were analyzed by immunohistochemical technique using the antibodies CD34, CD105, D2‐40, and Ki‐67.

Results:  Comparing no recurrent with recurrent tumor, no significant difference was found in terms of lymphatic vessel density, MVD, and proliferation index. When MVD and proliferation index were compared with different areas in cellular composition (cell‐rich and cell‐poor areas), there was a significant difference in PA, as well as in RPA.

Conclusion:  This study shows that although RPA presents more aggressive clinical behavior than PA, there is no difference between tumor blood and lymphatic vascularization, suggesting that there is no correlation between vascularity and risk of recurrence. Furthermore, vascularized stroma in PA, as well as RPA, depends on the proportion of the cellular composition.
Up‐regulation of osteolytic mediators in human osteosarcoma cells stimulated with nicotine
Authors: Ho Y.‐C. , Yang S.‐F. , Huang F.‐M. , Chang Y.‐C.
Published: July 2009

Background and Objective:  Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor in the development and further progression of periodontal diseases. However, little is known about how nicotine influences the expression of osteolytic mediators in cigarette smoking‐associated periodontal diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of interleukin‐1, interleukin‐8, receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL), gelatinases and tissue‐type plasminogen activator in U2OS cells (from the human osteosarcoma cell line) stimulated with nicotine.

Material and Methods:  Differences in the expression of interleukin‐1, interleukin‐8 and RANKL mRNAs, in response to exposure to various concentrations of nicotine (0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5 and 1 mm) were evaluated in U2OS cells using the reverse transcripttion–polymerase chain reaction.In addition, the levels of interleukin‐1, interleukin‐8 and RANKL proteins were determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. The gelatinolytic and caseinolytic activities in nicotine treated‐U2OS cells were demonstrated using gelatin and casein zymography, respectively.

Results:  Nicotine was found to increase the expression of interleukin‐1, interleukin‐8 and RANKL mRNA and protein in U2OS cells (p < 0.05). The gelatin zymograms revealed that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and MMP‐9 were secreted by U2OS cells. The secretion of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 occurred in a dose‐dependent manner that was dependent on the concentration of nicotine (p < 0.05). Casein zymography exhibited a caseinolytic band with a molecular weight of 70 kDa, indicative of the presence of tissue‐type plasminogen activator. Tissue‐type plasminogen activator was also found to be up‐regulated by nicotine in a dose‐dependent manner (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:  Taken together, the results of the present study indicated that smoking modulation of bone destruction in periodontal disease may involve various osteolytic mediators, such as interleukin‐1, interleukin‐8, RANKL, MMP‐2, MMP‐9, and tissue‐type plasminogen activator.
Regulation of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases by basic fibroblast growth factor and dexamethasone in periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Hakki S. S. , Hakki E. E. , Nohutcu R. M.
Published: July 2009

Background and Objectives:  In this study, we investigated the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and dexamethasone (Dex) on mRNA expressions of collagen (COL) type I, III and X, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐1, ‐2, ‐3 and ‐9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP)‐1 and ‐2, and also on mineralization and morphology of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells.

Material and Methods:  Periodontal ligament cells were obtained from premolar teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons. Periodontal ligament cells were cultured with Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium containing: (1) 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS); (2) 5% FBS + ascorbic acid (AA, 50 μg/mL); (3) 5% FBS + Dex (10−7 m) + AA; (4) 5% FBS + bFGF (10 ng/mL) + AA; or (5) 5% FBS + Dex (10−7 m) + bFGF + AA. Cells within each group were evaluated for gene expression profile using semi‐quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction for COL I, III and X, MMP‐1, ‐2, ‐3 and ‐9 and TIMP‐1 and ‐2 on days 14 and 21 and for biomineralization by von Kossa stain in vitro on day 21. Images of PDL cells were examined using a phase contrast microscope.

Results:  Basic fibroblast growth factor stimulated MMP‐1, MMP‐3 and MMP‐9 mRNA expressions and inhibited TIMP‐2 mRNA expression. Treatment of cells with Dex + bFGF led to downregulation of MMP‐1, MMP‐3 and MMP‐9 transcripts. Whilst AA alone and Dex alone induced biomineralization of PDL cells, bFGF blocked the mineralization activity of the cells. In the Dex + bFGF group, more mineral nodules were noted when compared to AA alone and Dex alone groups.

Conclusion:  The addition of Dex to culture reversed bFGF‐mediated inhibition of mineralization. Use of combined bFGF and Dex to regulate PDL cell function may be a good therapeutic option to obtain periodontal regeneration.
Dramatic clearance of a recalcitrant acral viral wart using methyl aminolevulinate‐red light photodynamic therapy
Authors: Chong Wei‐Sheng , Kang Gregory Yirun Michael
Published: July 2009

A 20‐year‐old man presented with a 3‐month history of a viral wart located on his right thumb. Cryotherapy was administered weekly to the wart over 5 months without any significant improvement. A decision was made to treat the wart with red light photodynamic therapy (PDT) using topical methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) administered as three treatments 1‐week apart. The patient was reviewed 4 weeks after the third treatment and the wart was found to have cleared completely. Three months after the last treatment, there remained no clinical evidence of recurrence of the wart. Pain was the main problem with the treatment but it was tolerable. Although the successful treatment of recalcitrant acral viral warts with PDT using 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is well documented, this is the first report of the successful PDT treatment of a recalcitrant acral viral wart using the methylester derivative of ALA. We believe that MAL is a valuable alternative photosensitizer to ALA as it is more lipophilic, has better penetration and causes less pain.
Indoor tanning injuries: an evaluation of FDA adverse event reporting data
Authors: Dowdy John C. , Sayre Robert M. , Shepherd James G.
Published: July 2009

Background/Aims: In 1979 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designated indoor tanning units would be regulated medical devices and that each must have an exposure timer. In 1985 FDA added a scheduled series of doses designed to allow tanning with little risk of concomitant sunburn. Subsequently FDA/CDRH maintained databases in which medical device associated injuries were reported. The databases, MAUDE and its predecessor MDR, are available online. While these records, in part, are not intended for evaluation of adverse event rates, analysis provides insight into the etiology of UV‐related tanning injuries.

Methods/Results: We compiled 142 records reported for 1985‐2006 including 22% noninjury malfunctions. Of the reported injuries ∼50% resulted from UV exposure, an average of <1/year resulted in hospitalization. At least 36% of the UV‐related injuries were attributable to various (user/operator) noncompliance with FDA sunlamp guidance policies. During 1985–1995 there were six times more UV injuries than 1996–2006, presumably reflecting cessation of much mandatory reporting in 1996. Injury reports declined steady from 1997 to 2006.

Conclusions: FDA guidance appears most efficacious in injury prevention and we encourage its incorporation into the enforceable performance standard. We also advise that tanning industry professional training programs seek standardization/accreditation of their personnel certifications through recognized accreditation bodies such as ANSI or ISO/IEC.
Estimated ultraviolet doses to psoriasis patients during climate therapy
Authors: Nilsen Lill T. N. , Søyland Elisabeth , Krogstad Anne. L.
Published: July 2009

Background/purpose: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting about 2–3% of the population. Sun exposure has a positive effect on most lesions, but ultraviolet (UV) radiation also constitutes a carcinogenic potential. Climate therapy is frequently used to treat patients, with the consequence that they may receive high doses of UV. This paper explores UV doses to patients treated in Gran Canaria.

Methods: Patient UV doses have been estimated for 20 psoriasis patients during a 15‐day climate therapy study and compared with the predetermined exposure schedule and doses reported from other studies. Estimates were based on UV measurements and the patients' diaries with information on the time spent in the sun.

Results: On the first day of exposure, the patients received on average 5.1 standard erythema doses (SED) estimated to the skin. The average dose for the 15‐day study was 166 SED (250 SED for a regular 3‐week treatment period). We found no significant correlation between the reduction in psoriasis area severity index scores and UV doses.

Conclusion: The UV doses were higher than if they had followed the prescribed exposure schedule and also higher than those reported from other climate therapy studies. It seems beneficial to focus on following the prescribed exposure schedule.
Validation of the body scanner as a measuring tool for a rapid quantification of body shape
Authors: Bretschneider Thorsten , Koop Urte , Schreiner Volker , Wenck Horst , Jaspers Sören
Published: July 2009

Background: Currently, the body scanner, using laser‐triangulation, is one of the most precise measuring tools for the rapid quantification of body shape. The VITUS body scanner is a laser‐based system based on a principle called triangulation and the scan produced describes the distance to a surface at each point in the picture. The body scanner has multiple applications such as determining body measurements for tailoring, anthropometric investigations and cosmetic surgery. There are also intensive investigations into the effect of weight gain and thus body shape on health risks. In order to be of value, the body scanner needs to generate precise, accurate and reproducible data.

Aims: To determine the precision and reproducibility of the VITUS XXL 3D body scanner.

Methods: The measurements of geometric shapes (cones, columns) and human body parts (mid‐thigh) were compared using a measuring tape and the body scanner.

Results: The precision of the measurements of the circumferences of a truncated cone and a column was within 1 mm of the actual values (0.29%). The reproducibility of the measurements was very good. The standard deviation in the measurement of a truncated cone was only 0.13% of the actual value. Likewise, the standard deviation of the thigh measurement of 12 human subjects was <1%.

Conclusion: These results show that the body scanner can accurately, precisely and reproducibly measure the circumference of objects and human body parts.
Factors associated with traumatic dental injuries among 12‐year‐old schoolchildren in South India
Authors: David Jamil , Åstrøm Anne N. , Wang Nina J.
Published: July 2009

Abstract –  Aims: To assess the prevalence of, and correlates of traumatic dental injuries among 12‐year‐old schoolchildren in Kerala. Material and Methods:  A cross‐sectional, two‐stage cluster sampling technique was used. The sample size included 838 12‐year‐old school children. Traumatic dental injuries to the anterior teeth were evaluated clinically by one examiner. Teeth examined were maxillary and mandibular incisors and canines. The children answered a structured questionnaire on sociodemographics, subjective oral health assessments and behavioural aspects. Results:  Six per cent of the 12‐year‐old school children had traumatic dental injuries to the anterior teeth. The right central incisors were most frequently affected. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that boys (Adjusted Odds Ratio (Adj OR) = 2.2, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.1–4.1) and children who disagreed that good marks in school were important to them (Adj OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.2–4.3) had a higher probability of having traumatized teeth than other children. Conclusions: The prevalence of traumatized anterior teeth among 12‐year‐olds in Kerala was low compared with other studies. Being male and negative about future career were associated with a higher probability of having a traumatized tooth.
Customized mandibular orthotics in the prevention of concussion/mild traumatic brain injury in football players: a preliminary study
Authors: Dave Singh G. , Maher Gerald J. , Padilla Ray R.
Published: July 2009

Abstract –  Background/Aim:  It is accepted that sports mouthguards decrease the incidence of dental injuries in athletes, but the value of oral orthotics in the prevention of concussion/mild traumatic brain injuries in footballers remains contentious. However, previous investigations have primarily studied non‐customized mouthguards without dental/temporo‐mandibular joint examinations of the subjects. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine whether the use of a customized mandibular orthotic after temporo‐mandibular joint assessment reduces the incidence of concussion/mild traumatic brain injuries in high‐school football players.

Materials and methods:  Using a longitudinal, retrospective design, data were collected from a cohort of football players (n = 28) over three seasons using a questionnaire. The mean age of the sample prior to the use of the customized mandibular orthotic was 17.3 years ± 1.9. Prior to deployment, dental records and temporo‐mandibular joint evaluations were undertaken, as well as neurocognitive assessment, including history of concussion/mild traumatic brain injuries. After establishing optimal jaw position, a customized mandibular orthotic was fabricated to the new spatial relations.

Results:  The mean age of the sample after three seasons was 19.7 years ± 2.0. Prior to the use of the customized mandibular orthotic, the mean self‐reported incidence of concussion/mild traumatic brain injuries was 2.1 ± 1.4 concussive events. After the deployment of the customized mandibular orthotic the number of concussive events fell to 0.11 ± 0.3 with an odds ratio of 38.33 (95% CI 8.2–178.6), P < 0.05.

Conclusion:  The preliminary results of this study suggest that a customized mandibular orthotic may decrease the incidence of concussion/mild traumatic brain injuries in high‐ school football athletes, but a comprehensive study is required to confirm these initial findings. Furthermore, additional research is necessary to indicate the possible mode(s) of action of a customized mandibular orthotic in the prevention of concussion/mild traumatic brain injuries.
Fear conditioning induces distinct patterns of gene expression in lateral amygdala
Authors: Lamprecht R. , Dracheva S. , Assoun S. , LeDoux J. E.
Published: July 2009

The lateral nucleus of the amygdala (LA) has been implicated in the formation of long‐term associative memory (LTM) of stimuli associated with danger through fear conditioning. The current study aims to detect genes that are expressed in LA following associative fear conditioning. Using oligonucleotide microarrays, we monitored gene expression in rats subjected to paired training where a tone co‐terminates with a footshock, or unpaired training where the tone and footshock are presented in a non‐overlapping manner. The paired protocol consistently leads to auditory fear conditioning memory formation, whereas the unpaired protocol does not. When the paired group was compared with the unpaired group 5 h after training, the expression of genes coding for the limbic system‐associated membrane protein (Lsamp), kinesin heavy chain member 2 (Kif2), N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive fusion protein (NSF) and Hippocalcin‐like 4 protein (Hpcal4) was higher in the paired group. These genes encode proteins that regulate neuronal axonal morphology (Lsamp, Kif2), presynaptic vesicle cycling and release (Hpcal4 and NSF), and AMPA receptor maintenance in synapses (NSF). Quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) showed that Kif2 and Lsamp are expressed hours following fear conditioning but minutes after unpaired training. Hpcal4 is induced by paired stimulation only 5 h after the training. These results show that fear conditioning induces a unique temporal activation of molecular pathways involved in regulating synaptic transmission and axonal morphology in LA, which is different from non‐associative stimulation.
Wordsworth, Scott, and the Stereographic Picturesque
Authors: Graver Bruce
Published: July 2009

This essay examines the relationship between nineteenth‐century stereo photography and the picturesque tradition. Stereo photography and the stereoscope made possible a technological extension of the principles of picturesque representation, and early landscape stereographers exploited these possibilities in ways that sometimes heightened the realism of their photographs, and sometimes distorted it. These same stereographers also extensively photographed scenes associated with the life and works of William Wordsworth and Walter Scott, creating a photographic iconography of these authors that is an essential, and as yet largely unwritten, part of their reception history. The last part of the essay attempts to sketch out this reception history, concentrating especially on the stereo photographs of George Washington Wilson and Thomas Ogle.
Age, Gender, Depression, and Sexual Dysfunction in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Kao Ching , Yeh Tzung Lieh , Lee I Hui , Chen Po See , Huang Hui-Chun , Yang Yen Kuang , Shen Winston W. , Lu Ru-Band
Published: July 2009

Introduction

The effects of age and gender on sexual function have attracted much attention in recent years, though few studies have focused on this issue in Asian populations.

Aims

The Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ) was used to: (i) assess the differences in sexual functioning between unmedicated outpatients with depressive disorders and healthy volunteers; and (ii) investigate the influences of gender and age on sexual functioning in both groups.

Main Outcome Measures

The CSFQ was used to assess sexual dysfunction.

Methods

Two groups of subjects, 73 unmedicated patients with depressive disorders and 116 healthy volunteers, were recruited to the study, and changes in their sexual function were assessed using the CSFQ. Subjects’ global depressive level and psychiatric morbidity were assessed using the Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire (TDQ) and the Chinese Health Questionnaire (CHQ).

Results

The depressed subjects had significantly lower total CSFQ scores than did the controls. A negative correlation between age and total CSFQ score was found in both genders of depressed patients. Age generally predicted the sum of the CSFQ scores for both genders in the depressed group after controlling for TDQ score; however, a positive correlation between age and total CSFQ score was identified in the female controls. We also found that the S-curve was the best-fit curve for both the male and female controls, the cut-off point for which was the age of 40.

Conclusions

Our study confirmed that, as a screening tool for clinically significant sexual dysfunction, the CSFQ offered good sensitivity for both the healthy and depressed subjects. In addition, our findings suggested that age and gender differences should be taken into account when measuring sexual satisfaction. It is possible that the age of 40 could be an anchor point in sexual functioning for the female population of Taiwan.
Sexual, Marital, and Social Impact of a Man’s Perceived Infertility Diagnosis
Authors: Smith James F. , Walsh Thomas J. , Shindel Alan W. , Turek Paul J. , Wing Holly , Pasch Lauri , Katz Patricia P.
Published: July 2009

Introduction

Male factor infertility is a relatively common problem. This diagnosis may increase sexual, marital, and relationship strain in male partners of infertile couples.

Aim

To measure the personal, social, sexual, and marital impacts of a male factor infertility diagnosis among men in couples evaluated for infertility.

Methods

Cross-sectional analysis of 357 men in infertile couples from eight academic and community-based fertility clinics. Participants completed written surveys and face-to-face and telephone interviews at study enrollment. This interview queried each participant’s perception of their infertility etiology to determine the primary study exposure (i.e., male factor only, male and female factors, female factor only, unknown).

Main Outcome Measures

Personal Impact, Social Impact, Marital Impact, and Sexual Impact scales.

Results

Among the 357 men, no male factor was reported in 47%, isolated male factor was present in 12%, combined male and female factors were present in 16%, and unexplained infertility was present in 25% of couples. Male factor infertility was independently associated with worse Sexual (mean 39 vs. 30, standard deviation [SD] 2.7, P = 0.004) and Personal (mean 37 vs. 29, SD 3.8, P = 0.04) Impact scores relative to men in couples without male factor infertility. These differences remained statistically significant after controlling for male age, partner age, race, religion, educational level, employment status, prior pregnancy, duration of infertility, and prior paternity.

Conclusions

Male partners in couples who perceive isolated male factor infertility have a lower sexual and personal quality of life compared with male partners of couples without perceived male factor infertility. Social strain is highest among couples without a clear etiology for infertility. These findings highlight the clinically significant negative sexual, personal, and social strains of a perceived infertility diagnosis for men.
Protective Effects of Self‐Esteem and Family Support on Suicide Risk Behaviors among At‐Risk Adolescents
Authors: Sharaf Amira Y. , Thompson Elaine A. , Walsh Elaine
Published: July 2009

PROBLEM:  If and how family support and self‐esteem might interact to protect against adolescent suicide risk is not well understood.

METHODS:  Hierarchical multiple regression was used to examine the moderating effect of family support on the relationship between self‐esteem and suicide risk behaviors among potential high school dropouts (N= 849), using questionnaires and in‐depth assessment interviews.

FINDINGS:  Family support moderated the impact of self‐esteem on suicide risk; the ameliorating effect of self‐esteem was stronger among adolescents with low versus high family support.

CONCLUSIONS:  Self‐esteem influences adolescent suicide risk behaviors for youth with low as well as high family support. Interventions designed to strengthen both self‐esteem and support resources are appropriate.
Effects of Preheat‐Treated Aluminosilicate Addition on the Phase Development, Microstructure, and Mechanical Properties of Mullitized Porous OBSC Ceramics
Authors: Liu Shifeng , Zeng Yu‐Ping , Jiang Dongliang , Liu Shifeng
Published: July 2009

Mullitized porous oxidation‐bonded SiC (OBSC) ceramics were fabricated with and without preheat‐treated aluminosilicate by an in situ reaction‐bonding process. The effects of the preheat‐treated aluminosilicate on the phase development, microstructure, and mechanical properties of porous SiC ceramics were investigated. With 5.0 wt% preheat‐treated aluminosilicate addition, the process of mullitization was significantly promoted. Owing to the enhancement of neck growth by the preheat‐treated aluminosilicate, a high flexural strength of 86.9 MPa was achieved at an open porosity of 35.3%, and the porous SiC ceramics maintained good thermal shock resistance. With 5.0 wt% preheat‐treated aluminosilicate addition, the average pore size of porous SiC ceramics was enlarged from 2.8 to 4.0 μm. The effects of preheat‐treated aluminosilicate content on the oxidation degree of SiC, open porosity, and flexural strength of porous SiC ceramics were also investigated.
Surface Functionalization of Electrospun TiO2 Nanofibers by Au Sputter Coating for Photocatalytic Applications
Authors: Pan Chao , Dong Li , Gu Zhong‐Ze
Published: July 2009

Au‐doped titania (TiO2:Au) nanofibers were prepared by a combination of the electrospinning method and sputtering technology. The results show that the morphologies of Au‐deposited TiO2 nanofibers can be well controlled by the sputtering time. The photocatalytic decomposition of acetaldehyde on the TiO2:Au nanofibers was investigated at room temperature. Compared with pure TiO2 nanofibers, the TiO2:Au nanofibers exhibited higher photocatalytic activities.
Repellent effect of guava leaf volatiles on settlement of adults of citrus psylla, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, on citrus
Authors: Zaka Syed Muhammad , Zeng Xin‐Nian , Holford Paul , Beattie George Andrew Charles
Published: July 2009

Abstract  The Asiatic citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama [Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Psyllidae]) is a vector of huanglongbing (citrus greening), a devastating disease of citrus caused by phloem‐limited bacteria. Growing guava (Psidium guajava) as an intercrop appears to be a successful means of reducing psyllid numbers within citrus orchards; however, the mechanism by which such a reduction is achieved is unknown. To determine the repellent effect of guava leaf and factors attributed to this activity, responses of adult psyllids to guava leaf and its odor were evaluated in cage tests and Y‐tube olfactometer test. The results showed that guava leaf possessed a repellent effect against the adult citrus psyllids. Fewer psyllids were found on citrus leaves in the presence of guava foliage than in its absence. Young and old guava leaf showed equal repellent activity. By covering the guava shoots with net cloth, it was revealed that the repellent effect of guava leaf against adult psyllids on citrus was attributed to the volatile compounds, rather than physical factors. The olfactometer response of adult psyllids to guava leaf odor was dosage‐dependent. Between guava odor and control, only 35.00%, 25.00% and 16.25% of the psyllids moved toward guava odor when presented with 5.0, 10.0 and 15.0 g of guava shoots, respectively. The olfactometer experiments also showed that both male and female psyllids responded similarly to the guava leaf odor.
99mTc‐DTPA‐Amino Acids Conjugate as Specific SPECT Pharmaceuticals for Tumor Imaging
Authors: Sinha Deepa , Shukla Gauri , Tiwari Anjani K. , Chaturvedi Shubhra , Chuttani Krishna , Chandra Harish , Mishra Anil K.
Published: July 2009

99mTc‐Diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid‐bis (amide) conjugates have been synthesized and evaluated as a potential radiopharmaceutical for tumor imaging. The compounds were synthesized by the condensation reaction of DTPA bis(anhydride) with different l‐amino acids (methyl tryptophan, and 5‐hydroxy tryptophan) and were characterized on the basis of IR, NMR, and Mass spectroscopy. 99mTc‐labeled compounds were found stable for about 24 h under physiological conditions with more than 95% radiolabeling yield. Blood kinetic studies of all these complexes showed a bi‐exponential pattern as well as quick wash out from the blood circulation. The biological t1/2(F) and t1/2(S) were found to be 20 ± 0.001 min for DTPA‐(Me‐Trp)2 and 18 ± 0.001 min for DTPA‐(5HT)2 and t1/2 (slow) 5 h 45 min ± 0.001, 5 h 30 ± 0.001 min for DTPA‐(Me‐Trp)2, and DTPA‐(5HT)2, respectively. Imaging and biodistribution studies were performed in mice bearing Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) tumors in right thigh. Radioconjugate derived from l‐5‐hydroxytryptophan exhibited remarkable localization at tumor site; whereas radiotracer derived from l‐methyl tryptophan shows relatively less accumulation at the tumor site. Tumor‐to‐muscles ratios were 5.07 ± 0.001, and 4.2 ± 0.001 at 1 and 4 h for 99mTc‐DTPA‐(Me trp)2 and 4.97 ± 0.001 and 5.8 ± 0.001 at 1 and 4 h after postinjection for 99mTc‐DTPA‐(5HT)2, respectively. The preliminary results with these amino acid based ligands are encouraging to carrying out further in vivo experiments for targeted tumor imaging.
Word Order Patterns and Principles: An Overview
Authors: Song Jae Jung
Published: July 2009

Over the last several decades, word order has established itself as one of the most recurrent research topics in linguistic typology, generating insightful theories and data. This work provides an overview of recent word order research carried out within the broad framework of linguistic typology, highlighting some of the major word order patterns, and theories that have been proposed to explain them. The trend among recent studies on word order is that more and more attention is being directed towards developing processing‐based explanations. There also seems to be a tension between unifying and multiple principles (or explanations).
Robust Detection of EGFR Copy Number Changes and EGFR Variant III: Technical Aspects and Relevance for Glioma Diagnostics
Authors: Jeuken Judith , Sijben Angelique , Alenda Cristina , Rijntjes Jos , Dekkers Marieke , Boots‐Sprenger Sandra , McLendon Roger , Wesseling Pieter
Published: July 2009

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is commonly affected in cancer, generally in the form of an increase in DNA copy number and/or as mutation variants [e.g., EGFR variant III (EGFRvIII), an in‐frame deletion of exons 2–7]. While detection of EGFR aberrations can be expected to be relevant for glioma patients, such analysis has not yet been implemented in a routine setting, also because feasible and robust assays were lacking.

We evaluated multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for detection of EGFR amplification and EGFRvIII in DNA of a spectrum of 216 diffuse gliomas. EGFRvIII detection was verified at the protein level by immunohistochemistry and at the RNA level using the conventionally used endpoint RT‐PCR as well as a newly developed quantitative RT‐PCR. Compared to these techniques, the DNA‐based MLPA assay for EGFR/EGFRvIII analysis tested showed 100% sensitivity and specificity. We conclude that MLPA is a robust assay for detection of EGFR/EGFRvIII aberrations. While the exact diagnostic, prognostic and predictive value of such EGFR testing remains to be seen, MLPA has great potential as it can reliably and relatively easily be performed on routinely processed (formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded) tumor tissue in combination with testing for other relevant glioma markers.
MULTI‐FAMILY PSYCHOEDUCATION GROUPS IN THE TREATMENT OF CHILDREN WITH MOOD DISORDERS
Authors: Fristad Mary A. , Goldberg‐Arnold Jill S. , Gavazzi Stephen M.
Published: July 2009

This study examined the impact of adjunctive multi‐family psychoeduction grups (MFPG) on mood‐disordered children aged 8 to 11 and their families. Participants were 35 children and 47 parents from families randomly assigned to either immediate MFPG plus treatment as usual (n = 18) or a 6‐month wait‐list condition plus treatment as usual (n = 17). At the 6 month follow up immediate treatment families reported: Increased parental knowldege about childhood mood symptoms; increased positive family interactions as reported by the parent; increased perceptions of parental support as reported by children; and increased utilization of appropriate services by families. Expected impact on decreasing negative family interactions was not found. Results are largely consistent with hypothesized findings and support the need to further investigate the adjunctive role of psychoeducation in the treatment of childhood mood disorders.
The Ability of Urban Residential Lawns to Disconnect Impervious Area from Municipal Sewer Systems1
Authors: Mueller Gregory D. , Thompson Anita M.
Published: July 2009

Abstract:  Runoff from urban catchments depends largely on the amount of impervious surface and the connectivity of these surfaces to the storm sewer drainage system. In residential areas, pervious lawns can be used to help manage stormwater runoff by intercepting and infiltrating runoff from impervious surfaces. The goal of this research was to develop and evaluate a simple method for estimating the reduction in stormwater runoff that results when runoff from an impervious surface (e.g., rooftop) is directed onto a pervious surface (e.g., lawn). Fifty‐two stormwater runoff reduction tests were conducted on six residential lawns in Madison, Wisconsin during the summer of 2004. An infiltration‐loss model that requires inputs of steady‐state infiltration rate, abstraction (defined here as surface storage, vegetation interception and cumulative total infiltration minus steady‐state infiltration during the period prior to steady‐state), and inundated area was evaluated using experimental data. The most accurate results were obtained using the observed steady‐state infiltration rates and inundated areas for each test, combined with a constant abstraction for all tests [root mean squared (RMS) difference = 1.0 cm]. A second case utilized lawn‐averaged steady‐state infiltration rates, a regression estimate of inundated area based on flow‐path length, and lawn‐specific abstractions based on infiltration rate (RMS difference = 2.2 cm). In practice, infiltration rates will likely be determined using double‐ring infiltration measurements (RMS difference = 3.1 cm) or soil texture (RMS difference = 5.7 cm). A generalized form of the model is presented and used to estimate annual stormwater runoff volume reductions for Madison. Results indicate the usefulness of urban lawns as a stormwater management practice and could be used to improve urban runoff models that incorporate indirectly connected impervious areas.
Social Optimization in the Presence of Cognitive Local Optima: Effects of Social Network Topology and Interaction Mode
Authors: Kennedy James
Published: July 2009

The combined tendency for positive self‐presentation and mimicry or social learning results in the capability of a population of simulated individuals to optimize their cognitive structures. A population of parallel constraint satisfaction networks was created, with globally and locally optimal activation patterns. Individuals started with random activations and interacted to find optimal vectors. Two social network topologies were tested, as well as two modes of interaction; results indicated that the ability to optimize activation vectors depends on the social network configuration and whether individuals are influenced by their best neighbor or are attracted to a neighborhood centroid. Simulated individuals are able to find suitable patterns of belief or attitude with very little internal information processing, using social interaction.
Phylogenetic placement of Cynomorium in Rosales inferred from sequences of the inverted repeat region of the chloroplast genome
Authors: ZHANG Zhi‐Hong , LI Chun‐Qi , LI Jianhua
Published: July 2009

Abstract  Cynomorium is a herbaceous holoparasite that has been placed in Santalales, Saxifragales, Myrtales, or Sapindales. The inverted repeat (IR) region of the chloroplast genome region is slow evolving and, unlike mitochondrial genes, the chloroplast genome experiences few horizontal gene transfers between the host and parasite. Thus, in the present study, we used sequences of the IR region to test the phylogenetic placements of Cynomorium. Phylogenetic analyses of the chloroplast IR sequences generated largely congruent ordinal relationships with those from previous studies of angiosperm phylogeny based on single or multiple genes. Santalales was closely related to Caryophyllales and asterids. Saxifragales formed a clade where Peridiscus was sister to the remainder of the order, whereas Paeonia was sister to the woody clade of Saxifragales. Cynomorium is not closely related to Santalales, Saxifragales, Myrtales, or Sapindales; instead, it is included in Rosales and sister to Rosaceae. The various placements of the holoparasite on the basis of different regions of the mitochondrial genome may indicate the heterogeneous nature of the genome in the parasite. However, it is unlikely that the placement of Cynomorium in Rosales is the result of chloroplast gene transfer because Cynomorium does not parasitize on rosaceous plants and there is no chloroplast gene transfer between Cynomorium and Nitraria, a confirmed host of Cynomorium and a member of Sapindales.
Effects of taxon sampling on molecular dating for within‐genus divergence events, when deep fossils are used for calibration
Authors: MILNE Richard I.
Published: July 2009

A universal method of molecular dating that can be applied to all families and genera regardless of their fossil records, or lack thereof, is highly desirable. A possible method for eudicots is to use a large phylogeny calibrated using deep fossils including tricolpate pollen as a fixed (124 mya) calibration point. This method was used to calculate node ages within three species‐poor disjunct basal eudicot genera, Caulophyllum, Podophyllum and Pachysandra, and sensitivity of these ages to effects such as taxon sampling were then quantified. By deleting from one to three accessions related to each genus in 112 different combinations, a confidence range describing variation due only to taxon sampling was generated. Ranges for Caulophyllum, Podophyllum and Pachysandra were 8.4–10.6, 7.6–20.0, and 17.6–25.0 mya, respectively. However, the confidence ranges calculated using bootstrapping were much wider, at 3–19, 0–32 and 11–32 mya, respectively. Furthermore, deleting 10 adjacent taxa had a large effect in Pachysandra only, indicating that undersampling effects are significant among Buxales. Changes to sampling density in neighboring clades, or to the position of the fixed fossil calibration point had small to negligible effects. Non‐parametric rate smoothing was more sensitive to taxon sampling effects than was penalized likelihood. The wide range for Podophyllum, compared to the other two genera, was probably due to a high degree of rate heterogeneity within this genus. Confidence ranges calculated by this method could be narrowed by sampling more individuals within the genus of interest, and by sequencing multiple DNA regions from all species in the phylogeny.