bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platelet‐rich fibrin matrix improves wound angiogenesis via inducing endothelial cell proliferation
Authors: Roy Sashwati , Driggs Jason , Elgharably Haytham , Biswas Sabyasachi , Findley Muna , Khanna Savita , Gnyawali Urmila , Bergdall Valerie K. , Sen Chandan K.
Published: November 2011

The economic, social, and public health burden of chronic ulcers and other compromised wounds is enormous and rapidly increasing with the aging population. The growth factors derived from platelets play an important role in tissue remodeling including neovascularization. Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) has been utilized and studied for the last four decades. Platelet gel and fibrin sealant, derived from PRP mixed with thrombin and calcium chloride, have been exogenously applied to tissues to promote wound healing, bone growth, hemostasis, and tissue sealing. In this study, we first characterized recovery and viability of as well as growth factor release from platelets in a novel preparation of platelet gel and fibrin matrix, namely platelet‐rich fibrin matrix (PRFM). Next, the effect of PRFM application in a delayed model of ischemic wound angiogenesis was investigated. The study, for the first time, shows the kinetics of the viability of platelet‐embedded fibrin matrix. A slow and steady release of growth factors from PRFM was observed. The vascular endothelial growth factor released from PRFM was primarily responsible for endothelial mitogenic response via extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase activation pathway. Finally, this preparation of PRFM effectively induced endothelial cell proliferation and improved wound angiogenesis in chronic wounds, providing evidence of probable mechanisms of action of PRFM in healing of chronic ulcers.
Atrionatriuretic Peptide Improves Left Ventricular Function After Myocardial Global Ischemia–Reperfusion in Hypoxic Hearts
Authors: Fujii Yasuhiro , Ishino Kozo , Tomii Tomoko , Kanamitsu Hitoshi , Fujita Yasufumi , Mitsui Hideya , Sano Shunji
Published: November 2011

Atrionatriuretic peptide (ANP) is reported to be useful for attenuating myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury and improving left ventricular function after reperfusion. However, ANP may be either ineffectual or harmful in cases where the myocardium has been chronically hypoxic since birth. This can be a result of the concomitant high levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) produced within the myocardium. This study aimed to verify the validity of using ANP to improve left ventricular function after myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury. For this purpose, a cyanotic congenital disease model that was developed using isolated rat hearts was used. Hearts were obtained from Sprague‐Dawley rats that were housed from birth until 6 weeks of age either in a hypoxic environment with 13–14% FiO2 (hypoxic group) or in ambient air (normoxic group). These hearts were subjected to 30 min of normothermic global ischemia followed by 30 min of reperfusion using the Langendorff technique. Left ventricular functional recovery in hearts administered ANP (0.1 µM) into the reperfusion solution was compared with those hearts that were not administered ANP in both hypoxic (without ANP: n = 6, with ANP: n = 6, with ANP and HS‐142‐1[an antagonist of ANP]: n = 6) and normoxic hearts (without ANP: n = 6, with ANP: n = 6). In the hypoxic hearts, ANP administration improved the percent recovery of the left ventricular developed pressure (76.3 ± 9.2% without ANP vs. 86.9 ± 6.7% with ANP), maximum first derivative of the left ventricular pressure (82.4 ± 1.1% without ANP vs. 95.8 ± 6.5% with ANP), and heart rate (85.6 ± 4.7% without ANP vs. 96.1 ± 5.2% with ANP) after reperfusion. The improvement and recovery of these cardiac functions were closely related to significantly increased levels of postischemic cGMP release after ANP administration. The effect of ANP was blocked by HS‐142‐1. The improvements observed in the hypoxic group were similar to those found in the normoxic group. ANP administration during reperfusion improved left ventricular function after myocardial acute global ischemia–reperfusion equally in both the chronically hypoxic and age‐matched normoxic groups.
Physiologic Effect and Safety of the Pumpless Extracorporeal Interventional Lung Assist System in Patients With Acute Respiratory Failure—A Pilot Study
Authors: Cho Woo Hyun , Lee Kwangha , Huh Jin Won , Lim Chae‐Man , Koh Younsuck , Hong Sang‐Bum
Published: November 2011

Interventional lung assist (iLA) effectively reduces CO2 tension and permits protective lung ventilation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, there is little experience in using iLA in acute respiratory failure from various causes and no experience for small body sizes such as Asian patients. We evaluated the physiologic effect and safety of the iLA device in patients with acute respiratory failure from various causes. We enrolled 11 consecutive patients with severe respiratory failure from various causes. Wire‐enforced cannulae (13–15 Fr) were inserted under ultrasound guidance and connected to iLA. Arterial blood gas analysis, ventilator parameters, hemodynamic parameter, and adverse events were recorded serially. During the first 24 h of iLA use, mean blood flow was 1.08 ± 0.15 L/min, PaCO2 decreased from 83.9 ± 23.4 mm Hg to 40.7 ± 10.2 mm Hg, and PaO2/FiO2 ratio increased from 110 ± 37 to 141 ± 74. Minute ventilation decreased from 9.4 ± 2.5 to 6.3 ± 1.5 L/min, and peak inspiratory pressure decreased from 30.3 ±  7.1 cm H2O to 28.8 ± 9.4 cm H2O. No serious adverse events were observed during iLA use. iLA showed effective CO2 removal, allowed for reducing the invasiveness of mechanical ventilation in patients with severe respiratory failure from various causes even using a small‐sized catheter and was safe in small body‐sized patients.
Validation of an Axial Flow Blood Pump: Computational Fluid Dynamics Results Using Particle Image Velocimetry
Authors: Su Boyang , Chua Leok Poh , Wang Xikun
Published: November 2011

A magnetically suspended axial flow blood pump is studied experimentally in this article. The pump casing enclosed a three‐blade straightener, a two‐blade impeller shrouded by a permanent magnet‐embedded cylinder, and a three‐blade diffuser. The internal flow fields were simulated earlier using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and the pump characteristic curves were determined. The simulation results showed that the internal flow field was basically streamlined, except the diffuser region. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurement of the 1:1 pump model was conducted to validate the CFD result. In order to ensure the optical access, an acrylic prototype was fabricated with the impeller driven by a servomotor instead, as the magnet is opaque. In addition to the transparent model, the blood analog fluid with the refractive index close to that of acrylic was used to avoid refraction. According to the CFD results, the axial flow blood pump could generate adequate pressure head at the rotating speed of 9500 rpm and flow rate of 5 L/min, and the same flow condition was applied during the PIV measurement. Through the comparisons, it was found that the experimental results were close to those obtained by CFD and had thus validated the CFD model, which could complement the limitation of the measurement in assessing the more detailed flow fields of the axial flow pump.
Mandibular Flexure and Its Significance on Implant Fixed Prostheses: A Review
Authors: Law Constance , Bennani Vincent , Lyons Karl , Swain Michael
Published: November 2011

Purpose: The aims of this review are to determine the effect of mandibular flexure on the “implant‐framework system,” and analyze the existing literature on the topic.

Materials and Methods: A MEDLINE and PubMed search was conducted to identify any articles in English related to the topic published up to May 2010 using the search words “mandible,”“dental implants,”“dental impression technique,”“jaw movement,”“dental stress analysis,” and “mechanical stress.”

Results: The search identified 40 and 36 articles from MEDLINE and PubMed, respectively. Twenty articles met the inclusion criteria.

Conclusions: Mandibular flexure is a multifactorial phenomenon, and the effect of the implant‐framework system in this is unclear. Studies have focused mainly on the fully edentulous mandible. These have found that mandibular flexure should be taken into consideration when designing a prosthesis and have suggested that dividing the prosthesis at the symphysis region, or into multiple implant fixed dental prostheses, may minimize the effect of mandibular flexure on the implant prosthesis. At this time, no studies have investigated the effect of mandibular flexure on long‐span, unilateral, implant fixed prostheses. The clinical significance of mandibular flexure on the success of dental implant treatment is at this time unclear, and further research is needed.
Frequencies of SLC44A2 alleles encoding human neutrophil antigen‐3 variants in the African American population
Authors: Huvard Michael J. , Schmid Pirmin , Stroncek David F. , Flegel Willy A.
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND: The human neutrophil antigen‐3 (HNA‐3) epitopes reside on the choline transporter‐like protein‐2 (CTL2). A single‐nucleotide substitution (461G>A; Arg154Gln) on the CTL2 gene (SLC44A2) defines the allele SLC44A2*1, which expresses HNA‐3a, and SLC44A2*2, which expresses HNA‐3b; an additional substitution (457C>T; Leu153Phe) in SLC44A2*1:2 may impact genotyping systems. People who only express HNA‐3b may develop anti‐HNA‐3a. These alloantibodies have been linked to severe transfusion‐related acute lung injury, which may be a reason to screen blood donors for SLC44A2*2 homozygosity. For Caucasian and Asian populations, SLC44A2 allele frequencies are known. Our primary objective was to determine the SLC44A2 allele frequencies in the African American population.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Purified DNA from 334 individuals (202 male, 132 female; 241 African American, 93 Caucasian) was collected. Two real‐time polymerase chain reaction assays were developed to genotype all samples; results were confirmed by nucleotide sequencing.

RESULTS: In 241 African American donors, the allele frequency of SLC44A2*1 was 93% (85%‐<100%; 95% confidence intervals, Poisson distribution) while SLC44A2*2 was 7% (5%‐10%). In 93 Caucasian donors, the allele frequency of SLC44A2*1 was 83% (71%‐98%) and SLC44A2*2 was 17% (11%‐24%), matching previously reported data for Caucasians but differing from African Americans (p < 0.001, Fisher's exact test).

CONCLUSIONS: This study describes the allele frequencies of the three known HNA‐3 variants in an African American population. We found that African Americans have a significantly lower probability of possessing the SLC44A2*2 allele and may thus be less likely to form the clinically relevant anti‐HNA‐3a.
Retrospective chart review of catatonia in child and adolescent psychiatric patients
Authors: Ghaziuddin N. , Dhossche D. , Marcotte K.
Published: November 2011

Ghaziuddin N, Dhossche D, Marcotte K. Retrospective chart review of catatonia in child and adolescent psychiatric patients.

Objective:  Identify the frequency of catatonia among at‐risk children and adolescents receiving psychiatric treatment.

Method:  Subjects were children and adolescents (<18 years), who had received psychiatric treatment at a University Hospital during 2004–2009, and were diagnosed with disorders with known risk for catatonia or displayed symptoms suggestive of catatonia. Approval was obtained from the Investigational Review Board (IRB). The first 101 (n = 101) subjects were selected among 570 subjects identified by psychiatric diagnoses: any pervasive developmental disorder, psychosis‐NOS (Not Otherwise Specified), intermittent explosive disorder, mental retardation, catatonia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Subjects met study‐defined criteria for catatonia, if they had three or more of the following symptoms: unexplained agitation/excitement, disturbed or unusual movements, reduced movements, repetitive or stereotyped movements, or reduced or loss of speech.

Results:  Eighteen (17.8%) subjects, among a group suspected to be at a higher risk for catatonia, met the study‐defined criteria for this syndrome. However, only two subjects had been diagnosed by their treatment providers. Higher rates of intellectual disability and aggression were found among the group that met study‐criteria.

Conclusion:  We concluded that catatonia is under recognized and undertreated among children and adolescents receiving psychiatric treatment.
Inferior alveolar nerve injury associated with implant surgery
Authors: Juodzbalys Gintaras , Wang Hom‐Lay , Sabalys Gintautas , Sidlauskas Antanas , Galindo‐Moreno Pablo
Published: November 2011

Objectives

Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) is the most commonly injured nerve (64.4%) during implant treatment. At present, no standardized protocol exists for clinicians to manage IAN injury related with implant surgery. Therefore, the purposes of the present article were to analyze the reasons for nerve injury and to propose guidelines in managing IAN injury.

Material and methods

Patients with IAN sensory disturbances after implant treatment were recruited for the study. Sixteen patients, eight men and eight women, with a mean age of 52.2 ± 8.1 years participated in this study. Patient examination, treatment, and IAN sensory function recovery monitoring were performed following six‐step IAN injury during dental implant surgery (IANIDIS) protocol. The control group was composed of 25 healthy volunteers who never had IAN sensory disturbances or any trauma in the maxillofacial region.

Results

The IAN sensory disturbances were scored as following: 5 (31.25%) had hyperalgesia and 11 (68.75%) expressed hypoalgesia. The mean asymmetry index (AI) was calculated for each patient and varied from 0.6 to 3.2. Overall, 31.3% of nerve injury patients were classified as mild, 31.3% as moderate, and remaining 37.5% as severe injury. All patients were successfully treated with proposed IANIDIS protocol.

Conclusion

The most frequent (50%) risk factor for IAN injury was intraoperative bleeding during bone preparation. The most common (56.3%) etiological risk factor of nerve injury was dental implant. A six‐step protocol aimed at managing patients with IAN injury, during dental implant surgery, was a useful tool that could provide successful treatment outcome.
Comparison of platelet rich fibrin and collagen as osteoblast‐seeded scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications
Authors: Gassling Volker , Hedderich Jürgen , Açil Yahya , Purcz Nicolai , Wiltfang Jörg , Douglas Timothy
Published: November 2011

Objectives

The loss of jaw bone caused by different kinds of pathologies leads to dysfunction and reduced quality of life in affected patients. Thus, the pivotal goal in bone tissue engineering is to reconstruct these defects. The essential precondition for new tissue generation is an extracellular matrix which acts as a scaffold so that cells can migrate, differentiate, and proliferate. Fibrin, a biopolymer responsible for blood clot formation, has been shown to be suitable for tissue engineering applications. The aim of the present study is a comparison of platelet rich fibrin (PRF) with the commonly used collagen membrane BioGide® as a scaffold for human osteoblast cell seeding for bone tissue engineering.

Material and methods

Human osteoblasts were cultured with eluates from PRF (n = 7) and BioGide® (n = 8) membranes incubated in serum‐free cell culture medium. Vitality of these cells was assessed by fluorescein diacetate and propidium iodide staining, biocompatibility with the lactate dehydrogenase test and proliferation levels with the MTT ([3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium‐bromide]), and BrdU (5‐bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine) tests. In addition, human osteoblasts were seeded on both membrane systems and cell growth was compared by the water soluble tetrazolium (WST‐1) (4‐[3‐(4‐iodophenyl)‐2‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐2H‐5‐tetrazolio]‐1,3‐benzene disulfonate) test and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Osteoblastic differentiation was assessed by alkaline phosphatase activity measured by ELISA in the supernatant of osteoblasts cultivated on PRF membranes (n = 10), PRF clots (n = 10), and BioGide® membranes (n = 10).

Results

Lactate dehydrogenase test values were higher for PRF compared to BioGide®. The BrdU test showed superior cell growth after cultivation in eluate from PRF than in eluate from BioGide®. The WST‐1 assay demonstrated superior cell proliferation on PRF than on BioGide®. SEM revealed osteoblast colonization of both membranes. Cultivation of osteoblasts on PRF membranes and PRF clots showed significantly higher alkaline phosphatase activity than on BioGide® membranes.

Conclusion

Metabolic activity and proliferation of human osteoblast cells in vitro were supported to a significant higher extent by eluates from PRF membranes. Both membranes are suitable as scaffolds for cultivation of human osteoblast cells in vitro; proliferation was significant higher on PRF membranes and on PRF clot than on BioGide® membranes.
In vitro study of the biological interface of Bio‐Oss: implications of the experimental setup
Authors: Mladenović Živko , Sahlin‐Platt Annika , Andersson Britta , Johansson Anders , Björn Erik , Ransjö Maria
Published: November 2011

Objectives

To systematically investigate the biological interface of Bio‐Oss by analysing dissolution–precipitation behaviour and osteogenic responses using in vitro experimental systems.

Material and methods

Different concentrations (1–100 mg/ml) of Bio‐Oss were incubated in cell culture medium for 24 h before elemental concentrations for calcium, phosphorus and silicon in the medium were analysed with inductive coupled plasma‐optical emission spectroscopy. Radioactive calcium‐45 isotope labelling technique was used to study possible precipitation of calcium on the Bio‐Oss particle. Biological interface of Bio‐Oss was studied in osteogenic experiments using mineralization medium and three different sources of cells (primary mouse bone marrow stromal cells, primary rat calvarial cells and MC3T3‐E1 mouse pre‐osteoblast cell line). Cells were fixed and stained with Toulidine blue, von Kossa or Alizarin Red staining for confirmation of extracellular matrix mineralization.

Results

Elemental analysis of the cell culture medium demonstrated a significant decrease of calcium and phosphorus and a dose‐dependent release of silicon to the medium after incubation with Bio‐Oss. A significant decrease of calcium and phosphorus in the medium occurred even at low concentrations of Bio‐Oss. Uptake of calcium on the Bio‐Oss particle was confirmed with radioactive calcium‐45 isotope labelling technique. In osteogenic experiments with Bio‐Oss (<1 mg/ml), matrix mineralization around the Bio‐Oss particles were demonstrated in all three cell types with von Kossa and Alizarin Red staining.

Conclusion

Dissolution–precipitation reactions occur at the surface of Bio‐Oss, and osteogenic responses are seen at the biological interface. The concentration of Bio‐Oss is a key factor for the experimental in vitro results, and may also have implications for the clinic.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of burning mouth syndrome therapy
Authors: Hens Manuel J. , Alonso‐Ferreira Veronica , Villaverde‐Hueso Ana , Abaitua Ignacio , Posada de la Paz Manuel
Published: November 2011

Hens MJ, Alonso‐Ferreira V, Villaverde‐Hueso A, Abaitua I, Posada de la Paz M. Cost‐effectiveness analysis of burning mouth syndrome therapy. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2012; 40: 185–192. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract –  Objective:  To study the cost‐effectiveness of four alternative treatments for burning mouth syndrome (BMS).

Methods:  A cost‐effectiveness analysis was conducted from a healthcare payer perspective of four therapy strategies (amisulpride, paroxetine, sertraline and topical clonazepam), using a decision‐tree model that incorporated direct healthcare costs and probabilities associated with the possible events and outcomes. Average cost‐effectiveness and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios were calculated. Sensitivity analyses included the costs of brand name and generic drugs in five European countries (France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and UK), as well as two scenarios with different treatment length.

Results:  Of the drugs analysed, topical clonazepam proved to be the most cost‐effective therapy. Although generic proved more efficient than brand name drugs, they displayed no advantage over brand name topical clonazepam. The Netherlands was the country with the highest overall drug efficiency. Sensitivity analyses highlighted the robustness of the model, because topical clonazepam proved to be the most efficient therapy under all the different scenarios.

Conclusions:  Topical clonazepam, which previous analyses of clinical evidence have shown to be the drug of choice for BMS, also proved to be the most cost‐effective of the drugs analysed for this condition.
Self‐assessed oral health, cognitive vulnerability and dental anxiety in children: testing a mediational model
Authors: Carrillo‐Díaz María , Crego Antonio , Armfield Jason M. , Romero Martín
Published: November 2011

Carrillo‐Díaz M, Crego A, Armfield JM, Romero M. Self‐assessed oral health, cognitive vulnerability and dental anxiety in children: testing a mediational model. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2012; 40: 8–16. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract –  Objective:  To explain the association between children’s self‐perceived oral health status and dental anxiety, by considering their levels of cognitive vulnerability.

Methods:  Participants were 161 children (47.8% female; mean age = 11.93 years) who filled in a questionnaire comprising self‐assessed oral health‐related status, dental treatment‐related cognitive vulnerability and dental anxiety measures. Gender, age and number of decayed, missing and filled permanent teeth were controlled for. Bivariate correlations, hierarchical regression analyses and structural equation modelling were conducted to test the hypotheses.

Results:  Subjective oral health status, cognitive vulnerability variables and dental anxiety were strongly correlated. Regression and structural models testing the mediating effects of cognitive vulnerability variables on the relationship between perceived oral health and dental anxiety were supported.

Conclusions:  The activation of the cognitive vulnerability schema, as a mediating variable, is a mechanism by means of which children’s self‐perceptions of a poor oral health might lead to dental anxiety. Both components of vulnerability analysed (threat and disgust) contribute decisively to this potential process.
Tooth‐related risk factors for tooth loss in community‐dwelling elderly people
Authors: Hirotomi Toshinobu , Yoshihara Akihiro , Ogawa Hiroshi , Miyazaki Hideo
Published: November 2011

Hirotomi T, Yoshihara A, Ogawa H, Miyazaki H. Tooth‐related risk factors for tooth loss in community‐dwelling elderly people. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2012; 40: 154–163. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract –  Objective:  To appropriately explore risk factors for tooth loss operating at the tooth‐level, subject‐related factors and a hierarchical data structure have to be considered. The purpose of this study was to evaluate tooth‐related and subject‐related risk factors affecting tooth loss.

Methods:  A 10‐year longitudinal survey was carried out on 286 elderly subjects. At baseline, the prosthodontic status and abutment function of the 5574 teeth were recorded. Tooth loss was defined as the main outcome variable, and a multilevel logistic regression model considering subject and tooth levels was applied.

Results:  Tooth loss was found in 75% of subjects and most frequently in molars. A multivariable, multilevel logistic regression revealed that the following tooth‐related variables were significantly related to tooth loss over 10 years: maxillary teeth, multirooted teeth, single crowns, abutment teeth for a fixed/removable partial denture (FPD/RPD), and periodontally involved teeth. Among them, single crowns, abutment teeth for an FPD, and teeth with severe periodontal disease at baseline had the highest odds of 5.1, 6.0, and 7.1, respectively.

Conclusions:  The findings of this study suggest that tooth loss is the result of complex interactions of tooth‐related factors. Several tooth‐related variables including multirooted teeth, abutments, and single crowns were found to be possible risk factors for tooth loss. Thus, these findings confirm and underline the potential benefit of minimizing prosthetic treatment of molars.
Dynamic Systems (Complexity) theory as a new conceptual model for researching PBL in dental education
Authors: Townsend G. C. , Kim M. , Sankey D.
Published: November 2011

Although problem‐based learning (PBL) was introduced into dental education some 20 years ago, there have been relatively few well‐designed studies carried out to clarify whether, how or why it works in a dental context. This paper introduces the Dynamic Systems (Complexity) theory as a new and potentially productive theoretical framework for researching PBL in dental education. This framework emphasises the importance of emergent self‐organisation, perception and brain plasticity in learning. In this paper, a brief overview of the history of PBL in dentistry is presented and then the fundamentals of a Dynamic Systems Approach (DSA) are explained, drawing on two recently published papers advocating the DSA in medical education and teacher education. We focus on three key points related to this new approach: emergent self‐organisation rather than simple construction of knowledge; the notion that perception drives the learning process; and the brain as the substrate of all learning. The paper also suggests how the DSA can help us move forward, both in terms of the future application of PBL in dental education and also in relation to posing new types of research questions.
Diet overlap of non‐native alewife with native yellow perch and spottail shiner in nearshore waters of southwestern Lake Michigan, 2000–2007
Authors: Creque Sara M. , Czesny Sergiusz J.
Published: November 2011

Abstract – Lake Michigan has experienced many ecological changes as a result of introductions of non‐native species. Arguably the most significant was that of alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), yet studies on diet overlap with native species are lacking. We analysed diet trends of alewife, spottail shiner (Notropis hudsonius) and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) collected in summer and fall 2000–2007 near Waukegan, IL, in 3–10 m depths. Mean percentage composition by dry weight for 23 prey taxa was used in multivariate analysis to test whether diet differed across species and size classes. We also tested whether zooplankton and benthic invertebrate community composition changed over time. Fish diets were similar over all years but differed seasonally. In summer, diets of large alewife were similar to both small alewife and small yellow perch, with Bosminidae, chironomid larvae and copepods as primary common prey. During fall, alewife and yellow perch size classes exhibited strong intraspecific diet overlap, while there was low diet overlap between species. Primary distinctions between species’ diets in fall were higher consumption of amphipods by yellow perch and dreissenids by spottail shiners compared to alewife, which consumed higher proportions of zooplankton. Overall, high yellow perch diet overlap with alewife during summer and with their larger conspecifics during fall could lead to negative implications for yellow perch growth before the critical overwintering period. Detailed insights into diet overlap and prey availability are critical first steps in understanding competitive interactions between native and non‐native fish that dominate the nearshore community in southwestern Lake Michigan.
Effect on the Production of Soluble Endoglin from Human Choriocarcinoma Cells by Preeclampsia Sera
Authors: Aoki Youichi , Yamamoto Tatsuo , Fumihisa Chishima , Nakamura Akikazu , Asanuma Aki , Suzuki Manami
Published: November 2011

Citation Aoki Y, Yamamoto T, Fumihisa C, Nakamura A, Asanuma A, Suzuki M. Effect on the production of soluble endoglin from human choriocarcinoma cells by preeclampsia sera. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67: 413–420

Problem  The soluble endoglin (sEng) is an antiangiogenic protein that may inhibit TGF‐β1 signaling and endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation in endothelial cells. The levels of sEng increased in sera obtained from preeclampsia. The factors that increase the sEng in preeclampsia have not been known well. To investigate the factors that may increase sEng in preeclampsia, we examined the effect of preeclampsia sera on the production of sEng from human choriocarcinoma (JEG‐3) cells.

Methods  Serum samples were taken from women with normal pregnancy and from those with preeclampsia. JEG‐3 cells were cultured with serum for 24 hrs, and the sEng levels in supernatants and expression of sEng and Hemo oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) mRNA in cells were measured.

Results  The addition of preeclampsia sera into JEG‐3 cells led to increased release of sEng and expression of Eng mRNA. Preeclampsia sera inhibited the expression of HO‐1 mRNA in JEG‐3 cells.

Conclusion  The results suggest that preeclampsia sera may increase the protein production of sEng and mRNA expression of Eng from JEG‐3 cells like trophoblast without hypoxia and that in addition to hypoxia, preeclampsia sera may play a role of high level of serum sEng in preeclampsia patients. Decreased HO‐1 activity may relate to increased sEng release.
Assessment of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activity: glucocorticoid receptor and mineralocorticoid receptor function in depression with early life stress – a systematic review
Authors: Von Werne Baes Cristiane , de Carvalho Tofoli Sandra M. , Martins Camila Maria S. , Juruena Mario F.
Published: November 2011

Objective:The mechanisms involved in the dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, especially in the functioning of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in depressed patients, are not well elucidated. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of articles that assess the HPA axis activity from GR and MR in depressed patients and healthy controls with or without early life stress.

Methods:We conducted a systematic review of articles in PubMed, SCOPUS and SciELO published between 2000 and 2011, using the following search terms:child abuse,depression,HPA axis,dexamethasone,prednisolone,fludrocortisoneandspironolactone. Thirty-four papers were selected for this review.

Results:Most studies identified in this review used the dexamethasone/corticotropin-releasing hormone test and dexamethasone suppression test. In these studies, hypercortisolaemia was associated with depression. We identified three studies with the Prednisolone suppression test, only one study with the use of fludrocortisone and one with spironolactone. This review found nine studies that evaluated the HPA axis in individuals with early life stress.

Conclusions:The majority of the studies assessed in this review show that early life stress leads to permanent changes in the HPA axis and may lead to development of depression in adults. The most consistent findings in the literature show increased activity of the HPA axis in depression associated with hypercortisolaemia and reduced inhibitory feedback. These findings suggest that this dysregulation of the HPA axis is partially attributable to an imbalance between GR and MR. Evidences have consistently showed that GR function is impaired in major depression, but few studies have assessed the activity of MR in depression and early life stress.
Protracted delirium with Sheehan's syndrome
Authors: Gahr Maximilian , Hügl Sigrun , Freudenmann Roland
Published: November 2011

Objective: Delirium is a common problem, but often misdiagnosed and unidentified. Apart from the manifold clinical picture variable durations can also be an obstacle for its diagnosis.

Methods: We present a case of protracted delirium that has developed after severe somatic illness in association with previously undiagnosed Sheehan's syndrome.

Results: The variety of psychiatric symptoms with initial psychotic disorder and the long run of the disease delayed the diagnosis of delirium and meantime gave reason to assume personality change.

Conclusion: This case report calls attention to the possibility of protracted delirium in patients with neuropsychiatric deficit symptoms that persist subsequent to somatic illness.
Fas expression promotes proteasomal activity in toxin-induced parkinsonism
Authors: Landau Anne M. , Siegrist-Johnstone Rosmarie , Desbarats Julie
Published: November 2011

Objective: Fas (CD95), commonly categorised as a death receptor due to its well-defined role in apoptosis, can paradoxically also promote neuroprotection. We have previously found that defects in Fas signalling render mice highly susceptible to neural degeneration in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Decreased activity of the ubiquitin proteasome system and accumulation of protein aggregates are implicated in PD pathogenesis. Here, we investigate the relationship between Fas and ubiquitin proteasomal activity in neuronal cells.

Methods: We performed proteasome assays in neuroblastoma cells and in midbrain cultures of wild-type and Fas-deficient mice.

Results: Neuroblastoma cells upregulated proteasomal activity in response to an activating Fas antibody in vitro. Furthermore, neural tissue from Fas-deficient mice showed decreased proteasomal activity compared with the tissue from wild-type mice when exposed to a PD-inducing toxin in vivo.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that mechanisms for Fas-mediated neuroprotection may include Fas-induced upregulation of proteasomal activity, and consequently less accumulation of toxic protein aggregates.
Patients with univentricular heart in early childhood: parenting stress and child behaviour
Authors: Sarajuuri A , Lönnqvist T , Schmitt F , Almqvist F , Jokinen E
Published: November 2011

Aims:  To assess perceptions of child behaviour and parenting stress among the parents of young children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and other forms of functionally univentricular heart defects (UVH).

Methods:  As part of our prospective nation‐wide neurodevelopmental follow‐up study, the parents of 23 patients with HLHS, 14 with UVH and 46 healthy controls at the mean age of 18 months received the questionnaires Child Behavior Checklist and Parenting Stress Index.

Results:  The reported level of total parenting stress was significantly higher among the mothers (mean score 241 vs 205, p < 0.001) and fathers (235 vs 202, p = 0.003) of patients with HLHS compared with those of controls. The parents of patients with HLHS reported significantly more total (mean T score 52 vs 45, p = 0.005) and internalizing (51 vs 41, p < 0.001) behaviour problems than the controls, but among the syndrome scales, a significant difference was only found in somatic complaints. The parents of patients with UVH did not report more parenting stress or emotional problems than the controls.

Conclusion:  Hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a severe congenital heart defect, increases parenting stress. The reported emotional maladjustment in affected children might in part be owing to somatic complaints.
THE ELECTRON BEAM ATTENUATING PROPERTIES OF SUPERFLAB, PLAY‐DOH, AND WET GAUZE, COMPARED TO PLASTIC WATER
Authors: Nagata Koichi , Lattimer Jimmy C. , March Jeffrey S.
Published: November 2011

Bolus material is used commonly with electron treatments. The purpose of this study was to compare the electron beam attenuating properties of SuperFlab, Play‐Doh, and wet gauze to that of plastic water, and evaluate their characteristics as bolus materials for electron beam therapy. Electron beams of 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, and 12 MeV were used. Dose reduction from a range of bolus thicknesses from 2 mm to a thickness well beyond the thickness required to reach peak ioization was measured for each of the bolus materials to establish independent isodose curves. Measurements performed at the known water Dmax for all bolus materials indicated similar results for SuperFlab and plastic water with less than 3% difference for most energies. Play‐Doh resulted in more attenuation or less dose buildup compared with plastic water, especially at lower energies. The difference was as high as 24.7% for the beam energy of 5 MeV for Play‐Doh. Evaluation of the dose build up curves for all materials indicated the peak dose build up for wet gauze and Play‐Doh occurred at lesser thicknesses compared to plastic water and SuperFlab, particularly at lower energies. If Play‐Doh and wet gauze are to be used for electron bolus materials, dose build up curves should be established for the machine being used and the appropriate thickness of bolus material be chosen based on those curves.
Overweight and obesity among White, Black, and Mexican American children: Implications for when to intervene
Authors: Long Janice M. , Mareno Nicole , Shabo Rebecca , Wilson Astrid H.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.  The study sought to determine if race/ethnicity, age, gender, and poverty index influence the development of overweight (OW) or obesity (OB) in children 6–11 years of age and whether a desirable time to intervene could be established.

Methods.  A descriptive and comparative analysis was conducted using data from the 1999–2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Results.  Advancing age was the single largest predictor of OW or OB followed by race/ethnicity.

Practice Implications.  Culturally sensitive interventions targeting children in their early elementary school years could reduce the consequences of OW and OB in childhood.
A review of nonsurgical treatment for the symptom of irritability in infants with GERD
Authors: Neu Madalynn , Corwin Elizabeth , Lareau Suzanne C. , Marcheggiani‐Howard Cassandra
Published: November 2011

Purpose.  The purpose of this review was to assess effectiveness of nonsurgical treatment on irritable behavior of infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Design and Methods.  A systematic literature review was conducted.

Results.  Research targeted treatment for irritability in infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease. All interventions including placebo were similar in reducing irritability. Which specific intervention is best for which infant is not yet known. Minor adverse effects that could increase discomfort in infants were found with pharmacologic treatments.

Practice Implications.  Knowledge of the effects of treatment on irritability and regurgitation can assist the nurse to work with other care providers in deciding how best to treat an individual infant.
Health behaviors and mental health of students attending alternative high schools: A review of the research literature
Authors: Johnson Karen E. , Taliaferro Lindsay A.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.  The purpose of this review is to describe current knowledge about health‐risk behaviors and mental health among alternative high school students.

Conclusions.  Substance use, diet and/or physical activity, sexual‐risk behaviors, mental health, and violence were reviewed. Students were described as marginalized youth facing significant social environmental challenges. Findings from 43 studies published from 1997–2010 suggested a high prevalence of health‐risk behaviors among alternative high school students. Very few studies were conducted by nurse researchers. Suggestions for future research include addressing social environmental factors, resiliency, and emotional/mental health outcomes.

Practice Implications.  Alternative high schools offer a venue to conduct research and implement nursing interventions with high‐risk, yet resilient, youth.
Feasibility of Using Dialysis for Determining Calcium Ion Concentration and pH in Calcium‐Fortified Soymilk at High Temperature
Authors: Pathomrungsiyounggul P. , Grandison A.S. , Lewis M.
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Dialysis was performed to examine some of the properties of the soluble phase of calcium (Ca) fortified soymilk at high temperatures. Dialysates were obtained while heating soymilk at temperatures of 80 and 100 °C for 1 h and 121 °C for 15 min. It was found that the pH, total Ca, and ionic Ca of dialysates obtained at high temperature were all lower than in their corresponding nonheated Ca‐fortified soymilk. Increasing temperature from 80 to 100 °C hardly affected Ca ion concentration ([Ca2+]) of dialysate obtained from Ca chloride‐fortified soymilk, but it increased [Ca2+] in dialysates of Ca gluconate‐fortified soymilk and Ca lactate‐fortified soymilk fortified with 5 to 6 mM Ca. Dialysates obtained at 100 °C had lower pH than dialysate prepared at 80 °C. Higher Ca additions to soymilk caused a significant (P≤ 0.05) reduction in pH and an increase in [Ca2+] of these dialysates. When soymilk was dialyzed at 121 °C, pH, total Ca, and ionic Ca were further reduced. Freezing point depression (FPD) of dialysates increased as temperature increased but were lower than corresponding soymilk samples. This approach provides a means of estimating pH and ionic Ca in soymilks at high temperatures, in order to better understand their combined role on soymilk coagulation.
Aggregation and Hydrophobicity Properties of 6 Dairy Propionibacteria Strains Isolated from Homemade Turkish Cheeses
Authors: Darilmaz D.O. , Beyatli Y. , Yuksekdag Z.N.
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  In the present study, 6 dairy Propionibacterium strains were assessed with regard to their hydrophobic characteristics and their autoaggregation and coaggregation abilities since these traits have been shown to be indicative of adherence in other microorganisms. Aggregation assays and bacterial adhesion to hydrocarbons demonstrated significant differences in cell surface properties among the tested propionibacteria strains. Almost all strains appeared relatively hydrophilic, which showed low affinity for p‐xylene. Four of the tested strains showed the strong adhesion to ethyl acetate, a basic solvent, in comparison with microbial adhesion to chloroform, an acidic solvent, which demonstrated the particularity of propionibacteria to have an important electron donor and acidic character. Also, these strains simultaneously showed affinity to 3 hydrocarbons, suggesting a high complexity of the cell surface. All propionibacteria strains tested showed autoaggregation and coaggregation ability with the Escherichia coli ATTC 11229, but the results were strain‐specific and dependent on incubation conditions. Anaerobic incubation conditions were determined as the best condition for aggregation abilities of propionibacteria strains. A relationship was obtained between aggregation abilities (auto‐ and coaggregation) and a correlation between adhesion to hydrocarbon (chloroform) and autoaggregation was possible. Our results indicate that the ability to autoaggregation together with cell surface hydrophobicity and coaggregation abilities with E. coli strain can be used for preliminary screening in order to identify potentially probiotic bacteria suitable for human or animal use.

Practical Application:  Autoaggregation, cell surface hydrophobicity, and coaggregation abilities with E. coli of the selected dairy propionibacteria strains could be used as probiotic in foods after in vivo studies.
The Effects of Different Chilling Methods on Meat Quality and Calpain Activity of Pork Muscle Longissimus Dorsi
Authors: Xu Yang , Huang Ji‐Chao , Huang Ming , Xu Bao‐Cai , Zhou Guang‐Hong
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of conventional chilling (0 to 4 °C), rapid chilling (RC, –20 °C for 30 min, followed by 0 to 4 °C), and short‐duration chilling (0 to 4 °C for 30 min, followed by 25 °C) on meat quality and calpain activity of pork muscle longissimus dorsi (LD). The muscle quality characteristics pH, color, cooking loss, pressing loss and tenderness, and calpain activities were measured 0‐, 3‐, 12‐, and 24‐h postmortem. Results show that the RC resulted in a faster temperature decline of the muscle, and prevented the meat pH and Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage L* value from declining during postmortem aging. RC also reduced meat cooking loss and pressing loss compared with the other two chilling methods. However, the chilling methods did not significantly affect meat shear force. During the first 24‐h postmortem, there was not a noticeable change in the activity of m‐calpain. But μ‐calpain activity decreased regardless of chilling method. In the rapidly chilled carcasses, μ‐calpain activity remained the same 3‐ and 12‐h postmortem. However, in the short‐duration chilled and conventionally chilled carcasses, the activity was visibly reduced. At 24‐h postmortem, no clear zones on the gel were observed in all three treatments.

Practical Application:  Conventional and RC methods are commonly used for pork in commercial practice nowadays. Compared with conventional chilling, the effect of RC on quality parameters of pork varies. In recent years, short‐duration chilling (SC) is widely used in many Chinese pig slaughtering facilities. However, few researchers have studied the effect of SD on pork quality. Therefore, the present study investigated the effect of different chilling methods on functionalities or quality of chilled pork meat.
Ultrastructural Analysis of Buckwheat Starch Components Using Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Neethirajan Suresh , Tsukamoto Kazumi , Kanahara Hiroko , Sugiyama Shigeru
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Morphological and structural features of buckwheat starch granules and nanocrystals were examined using atomic force microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Partially digested starch granules revealed a clear pattern of growth rings with the central core revealing lamellar structure. Atomic force microscopy and dynamic light scattering experiments revealed that the buckwheat starch granules were polygonal in shape and were in the range of 2 to 19 μm in diameter. The optimized acid hydrolysis process produced nanocrystals with the shape of spherical structure with lengths ranging from 120 to 200 nm, and the diameter from 4 to 30 nm from aqueous suspensions of buckwheat starch solution. The sorption isotherms on buckwheat starch nanocrystal/glycerol composite exhibited a 3‐stage transition of moisture in the blending. The biocompatible nature of buckwheat starch nanocrystals and their structural properties make them a promising green nanocomposite material.

Practical Application:  Buckwheat starches had never been studied on a nanoscale, but we have achieved new understanding of starch granule morphology and concentric growth rings using nanoscale imaging. Since buckwheat is an underutilized crop, we foresee the potential application of buckwheat starch, starch‐based nanocrystals, and nanoparticles, to expand markets and encourage producers to expand their buckwheat acreage. The atomic force image analysis suggests that buckwheat starch could be used as a new biopolymer material in food industries.