bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of the bladder in traumatic injuries of the spinal cord during the First World War and its implications for the current practice of urology
Authors: Silver John R.
Published: May 2011

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

Prior to the First World War, traumatic injuries to the spinal cord rapidly led to death from severe infections of the bladder. During the Second World War, Ludwig Guttmann resurrected the use of intermittent catheterisation at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, by meticulous attention to detail and was so successful, that this method was introduced into general urological practice.

Historical review of the management of the bladder in patients with spinal injuries. Spinal injury patients – literature review – personal experience at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Review of the different methods of catheterisation from the 19th century to today. Methods learned from the management of the bladder of spinal injuries patients were adopted into mainstream urology.
Breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes among Egyptian baccalaureate students
Authors: Ahmed A. , El Guindy S.R.
Published: May 2011

AHMED A. & EL GUINDY S.R. (2011) Breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes among Egyptian baccalaureate students. International Nursing Review58, 372–378

Aim:  To assess the breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes and perceived adequacy of breastfeeding education among baccalaureate nursing students in Cairo, Egypt. Self‐confidence to provide breastfeeding support for mothers was also investigated.

Background:  Nurses play a crucial role in promoting breastfeeding. Studies in Western countries have found inadequate breastfeeding knowledge among undergraduate nursing students. No published literature about breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes among nursing students in Egypt was found.

Method:  An exploratory descriptive study used a sample of 110 baccalaureate nursing students from Cairo, Egypt. Students who had completed maternal/child nursing didactic and clinical courses were eligible to participate. Ninety two (83.6%) students completed the survey during spring 2009. We used a Breastfeeding Knowledge Questionnaire adapted from Brodribb et al. to measure breastfeeding knowledge and the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale to test students' breastfeeding attitudes.

Results:  Students' age ranged from 18 to 21 years with a mean of 19.5 ± 1.2 with 75% being female. The mean breastfeeding knowledge score was 12.41 points out of 24, which represents 52% of the total score. The attitudes mean score was 3.13 ± 0.64. There was a significant relationship between the students' knowledge and attitudes scores (r = 0.236, P = 0.011). Eighty per cent of the students reported that they received adequate breastfeeding knowledge and skills in their nursing programme, and 70% were confident in their ability to provide breastfeeding support.

Conclusion:  Results revealed weak breastfeeding knowledge scores among students and neutral breastfeeding attitudes. Strategies to improve breastfeeding education in nursing curriculum focusing on breastfeeding management skills are warranted.
Selecting examinable nursing core competencies: a Delphi project
Authors: Lock L.R.
Published: May 2011

LOCK L.R. (2011) Selecting examinable nursing core competencies: a Delphi project. International Nursing Review58, 347–353

Aim:  To establish a set of core competencies that could be practically examined in a pre‐registration practical examination for Indonesian candidates completing their pre‐service education.

Background:  Indonesia is planning to institute a register for nurses to ensure a minimum standard of safe practice for new nurses completing their pre‐service education. A proposed route to registration includes the practical examination of a minimum set of core competencies. This Delphi project aimed to reduce 192 existing standard competencies to an examinable group of 12 core competences that all nurses registering in Indonesia must meet.

Method:  A modified Delphi method was used by 12 expert Indonesian nurses and a facilitator to determine which standard competencies should be considered core.

Results:  Five Delphi rounds were used. One hundred and ninety‐two standard competencies were reduced to a core set of 12. Selected competencies are assessable in a practical examination and can be used to determine a minimum level of safe practice for all nurses seeking to register at the completion of their pre‐service education.

Conclusion:  The expert panel met the project aim and provided a set of examinable competencies/activities that they consider will demonstrate the fundamental safety of new registered nurses. The subsequent responsibility for setting up a register for nurses in Indonesia now rests with the Indonesian Ministry of Health. The Indonesian National Nursing Association is working with the Ministry of Health to determine the route and criteria for registration in order to establish a common level of competence for nurses across the country exiting their pre‐service education.
The Thin Line Between Choice and Flight: Environment and Migration in Rural Benin
Authors: Doevenspeck Martin
Published: May 2011

Internal migration in rural Benin is not directed to the southern coastal regions as in many neighbouring countries. Instead, peasants from the densely populated and environmentally critical northwest of Benin are engaging in a process of agricultural colonization of the central region. Consequently, the predominant approach to understanding these processes of internal population movement in Benin is to focus on environmental degradation. But why do people stay in degraded areas while others leave? Why do migrants again leave the environmentally still stable destination areas and why does migration itself becomes causation for new migration? It is obvious that one needs a structural understanding of the environment in the political and cultural context of this region to understand its role as a driver for migration. On the basis of an empirical case‐study the impact of progressive deterioration of environmental conditions is embedded in social and cultural structures. Being aware of this is necessary in order to really understand a migration pattern that at first glance could be misconstrued as being purely environmentally induced. Since migration theories are somehow overlooked in the debate on environment and forced migration the empirical findings will be embedded in a theoretical approach that places greater emphasis on a cumulative causation of migration and on the inter‐temporal dimension of migration.
Contrasted Views on Environmental Change and Migration: the Case of Tuvaluan Migration to New Zealand
Authors: Shen Shawn , Gemenne François
Published: May 2011

As one of the smallest and most remote low‐lying atoll countries on earth, Tuvalu seems to exemplify a typical case of forced migration induced by environmental change. Tuvalu has been essentially perceived through the lens of environmental displacement and vulnerability to climate change – a perception that has been consistently reinforced and sustained by the discourse of its government and media interests. For Pacific Islanders, migration is often seen as a significant pattern of lifestyle, and even a social routine at times. This study employed a qualitative research approach, involving questionnaires and interviews with Tuvaluans, in both the migration origin of Tuvalu and migration destination of New Zealand. We show that the majority of Tuvaluans who migrated to New Zealand did not necessarily do so for climate change reasons. However, the issue of climate change remains a common theme in the minds of Tuvaluan migrants interviewed. This research shows the importance of climate change as a migration driver, in a context of increasing number of Tuvaluan migrants relocating to New Zealand through various immigration schemes, such as the Pacific Access Category scheme. We review and assess the motives underpinning the migration decision of those who have resettled in New Zealand. Contemporary Tuvaluan migration to New Zealand is uniquely related to and defined by complex relationships between people and environment. The migration drivers include environmental change, employment, education and for the betterment of future generations. Whether by design or not, these socio‐economic and environmental developments are all responsible for the creation of environmental change in which some Tuvaluans have sought to respond through emigration to New Zealand.
Western Sahara: Migration, Exile and Environment
Authors: Gila Oscar Alvarez , Zaratiegui Ana Ugalde , De Maturana Diéguez Virginia López
Published: May 2011

There is historical evidence indicating migration has been a traditional response of Sahrawi societies to the changing challenges of environmental conditions, especially the climatic shift and severe periods of droughts. The disintegration of traditional society, together with modernization, the introduction of agriculture, and sedentarization, the process of urbanization and the implementation of new strict political borders that fractured the once open space they used to move within, modified dramatically the previous patterns of climatic periodic migrations. Although we have not been able to establish a clear link between environmental conditions and migration within Moroccan controlled Western Sahara, on the contrary the environment seems to play a crucial role in determining the rhythm and other features of the migratory flows abroad from the refugee camps on the Polisario ruled part of Western Sahara and Tindouf.
An Epistemic Defence of the Blogosphere
Authors: COADY DAVID
Published: May 2011

abstract

Alvin Goldman claims that the conventional media is in decline as a result of competition from the blogosphere, and that this is a threat to our epistemic wellbeing and, as a result, a threat to good democratic decision‐making. He supports this claim with three common complaints about the blogosphere: first, that it is undermining professional journalism, second, that, unlike the conventional media, it lacks ‘balance’, and finally that it is a parasite on the conventional media. I defend the blogosphere against these charges. I argue that the blogosphere has benefited us epistemically and improved our democratic practices, and that there is every reason to expect that it will continue to do so.
Nutritional care in inflammatory bowel disease – a literature review
Authors: Skrautvol Kari , Nåden Dagfinn
Published: May 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 818–827
 
Nutritional care in inflammatory bowel disease – a literature review

Aim and method:  During recent years, an increasing number of young adults have developed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The caring perspective on IBD is now changing to adapt to the development of the illness and prescribing new health promotion methods of care, with a focus on nutrition, education and patient supervision. IBD, immunology and nutrition are the main focus in the selected articles, with presentation of possible connections to contribute to broader understanding of the illness. This present article is part of an empirical research project and is providing an overview of the current research knowledge in this field. The article is based on an extensive, systematic survey of literature comprising 28 review and original articles from June 2008 to July 2009. The important topics are emphasized and described.

Results:  Two areas of knowledge are considered instrumental in inter‐disciplinary health‐promoting work with IBD patients: a focus on gut immunology and stress, nutritional care and diet. Healing damage to the gut wall by introducing an individually prescribed diet may take time, but will reduce internal stress on the body. Documentation shows that use of probiotics, fatty acids and antioxidants has been effective in a number of clinical scenarios relating to IBD. Individually prescribed nutrition, primarily through the diet, may be decisive in terms of a sustainable improvement in outcomes for patients with IBD.

Conclusions:  Addressing the educational challenges in caring to cure suffering from IBD is crucial. Emergency medical treatment helps patients during the acute phase of the disease. Once the acute phase is passed, the recommendation is a focus on investigating the environmental factors that could act as triggers for IBD in humans. Diet is the most important environmental factor in terms of the gut. Proper nutrition and micronutrients assist the body by subtly strengthening its capacity for self‐healing and regeneration. Education, confirmation, and a reflection into ones illness, create insight and a basis for coping.
Adult attachment and cortisol responses to discussions with a romantic partner
Authors: BROOKS KATHRYN P. , ROBLES THEODORE F. , SCHETTER CHRISTINE DUNKEL
Published: May 2011

This study examines the effects of actor and partner attachment security on cortisol responses to discussions of personal and relationship concerns with a romantic partner. Dating couples (N = 30) completed two 20‐min discussions and provided saliva samples at 4 time points before and after. Hierarchical linear modeling revealed that among women, higher levels of partner avoidance predicted greater cortisol reactivity to both discussions and among men, higher levels of actor anxiety predicted greater reactivity to the relationship concern discussion. These findings extend previous work by demonstrating that the effects of attachment on physiology vary by gender and by discussion context, which informs our understanding of how individual differences in attachment moderate the effects of romantic relationships on health.
Bisphosphonates significantly increase the activity of doxorubicin or vincristine against canine malignant histiocytosis cells
Authors: Hafeman S. D. , Varland D. , Dow S. W.
Published: May 2011

Canine malignant histiocytosis (MH) is an aggressive neoplasm of macrophages and dendritic cells. It carries a poor prognosis because of the development of widespread metastasis and poor sensitivity to chemotherapy. Thus, there is a large need for new treatments for MH. We hypothesized that bisphosphonates might be useful to increase the effectiveness of cytotoxic chemotherapy against MH. To address this question, we conducted in vitro screening studies using MH cell lines and a panel of 6 chemotherapy and 5 bisphosphonate drugs. The combination of clodronate with vincristine was found to elicit synergistic killing which was associated with a significant increase in cell cycle arrest. Second, zoledronate combined with doxorubicin also significantly increased cell killing. Zoledronate significantly increased the uptake of doxorubicin by MH cells. On the basis of these findings, we conclude that certain bisphosphonate drugs may increase the overall effectiveness of chemotherapy for MH in dogs.
Development of Artificial Muscles Based on Electroactive Ionomeric Polymer‐Metal Composites
Authors: Hirano Laos A. , Escote Márcia T. , Martins‐Filho Luiz S. , Mantovani Gerson L. , Scuracchio Carlos H.
Published: May 2011

This work contextualizes the research of materials that can be applied as artificial muscles. The main motivation of this research is the importance of the development of mechatronic systems for the replacement of traditional devices of actuation and motion based on rotational electrical motors by other devices that reproduce biological muscle movements. Electroactive polymers (EAPs) are materials that respond to electric stimuli with shape and/or dimension changes, and accomplish movements that are smooth enough to mimic biological muscles. Among EAPs, the ionomeric polymer‐metal composites (IPMCs) are an interesting alternative to biomimetic devices due to large displacements when submitted to low applied voltage. This article presents a brief review of IPMCs, a sample preparation procedure, and some electromechanical experimental results. We also discuss the applicability of this technology in medical devices and as artificial muscles.
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Lyophilized Bioprosthetic Valve
Authors: Maizato Marina J.S. , Hayashida Sérgio A. , Taniguchi Fabio P. , Higa Olga Z. , Pitombo Ronaldo N.M. , Cestari Idágene A. , Leirner Adolfo A. , Stolf Noedir A.G.
Published: May 2011

Freeze‐drying of biological tissues allows for dry storage and gamma ray sterilization, which may improve their use as a medical prosthesis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the rehydration characteristics and hydrodynamic performance of prosthetic valves before and after lyophilization. Two size 23 bovine pericardium aortic valve prostheses from different manufacturers were evaluated in a Shelhigh (Union, NJ, USA) pulse duplicator (80 ppm, 5 L/min) before and after lyophilization. Flow and transvalvular pressure gradient were registered in vitro and in vivo, and images of opening and closing of the prosthesis were obtained in the pulse duplicator in a digital camera. Rehydration was evaluated by comparison of dry valve weight with valve weight after 15 min, and 1, 24, 48, and 72 h in saline solution, inside the pulse duplicator. In vivo performance was assessed by surgical implantation in Santa Inês young male sheep in the pulmonary position after 30 min rehydration with 0.9% saline. Transvalvular pressure gradient and flow measurements were obtained immediately after implantation and 3 months after surgery when valves were explanted. Captured images showed a change in the profile opening and closing of valve prosthesis after lyophilization. The gradient measured (in vitro) in two valves was 17.08 ± 0.57 and 18.76 ±  0.70 mm Hg before lyophilization, and 34.24 ± 0.59 and 30.40 ± 0.97 mm Hg after lyophilization. Rehydration of both lyophilized valves was approximately 82%. Drying changed the profile of the opening and closing of valve prostheses, and increased on average by 83% the gradient in vitro tests. The result of the in vivo tests suggests maintaining pressure levels of the animal with the lyophilized prostheses within acceptable levels.
Deconstructing the risk for malaria in United States donors deferred for travel to Mexico
Authors: Spencer Bryan , Kleinman Steven , Custer Brian , Cable Ritchard , Wilkinson Susan L. , Steele Whitney , High Patrick M. , Wright David ,   for the NHLBI Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study‐II (REDS‐II)
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND: More than 66,000 blood donors are deferred annually in the United States due to travel to malaria‐endemic areas of Mexico. Mexico accounts for the largest share of malaria travel deferrals, yet it has extremely low risk for malaria transmission throughout most of its national territory, suggesting a suboptimal balance between blood safety and availability. This study sought to determine whether donor deferral requirements might be relaxed for parts of Mexico without compromising blood safety.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Travel destination was recorded from a representative sample of presenting blood donors deferred for malaria travel from six blood centers during 2006. We imputed to these donors reporting Mexican travel a risk for acquiring malaria equivalent to Mexican residents in the destination location, adjusted for length of stay. We extrapolated these results to the overall US blood donor population.

RESULTS: Risk for malaria in Mexico varies significantly across endemic areas and is greatest in areas infrequently visited by study donors. More than 70% of blood donor deferrals were triggered by travel to the state of Quintana Roo on the Yucatán Peninsula, an area of very low malaria transmission. Eliminating the travel deferral requirement for all areas except the state of Oaxaca might result in the recovery of almost 65,000 blood donors annually at risk of approximately one contaminated unit collected every 20 years.

CONCLUSION: Deferral requirements should be relaxed for presenting donors who traveled to areas within Mexico that confer exceptionally small risks for malaria, such as Quintana Roo.
Racial Inequality in the Uruguayan Labor Market: An Analysis of Wage Differentials between Afro-descendants and Whites
Authors: Bucheli Marisa , Porzecanski Rafael
Published: May 2011

Latin America is a region of sharp ethnic inequalities. Uruguay has usually been considered an exception to this pattern, although no data were available to confirm this assumption until recently. This article uses the Household Survey of 2006 to analyze the wage gap between Afro-descendants and whites through OLS equations, decompositions, and quantile regressions. The analysis finds that discrimination explains approximately 50 percent of the racial wage gap for men and 20 percent for women. Discrimination operates partly through occupational segregation. Differences in schooling are the most important explanatory factor for the rest of the gap. Quantile regressions show that discrimination declines across percentiles for men.
In Situ Measurement of the Toughness of the Interface Between a Thermal Barrier Coating and a Ni Alloy
Authors: Eberl Christoph , Wang Xi , Gianola Daniel S. , Nguyen Thao D. , He Ming Y. , Evans Anthony G. , Hemker Kevin J.
Published: May 2011

A flexural test for the in situ measurement of the delamination toughness of the interface between a thermally grown oxide and a bond coat in the presence of a thermal barrier coating (TBC) has been implemented. To accomplish the testing, a section of the substrate was removed by microelectro‐discharge machining and a precrack introduced through the TBC by center point loading. This was followed by application of an asymmetric single‐point load to extend a delamination along the interface. A displacement and strain mapping method was used to locate the delamination and to ascertain its extension. To relate the energy release rate and mode mixity to the crack extension and the loads, a finite‐element method was implemented. The ensuing fracture resistance was found to vary along the interface with values in the range of 25–95 J/m2.
Changes of electric patterns related to feeding in a mesophyll feeding leafhopper
Authors: Marion‐Poll F. , Giustina W. Della , Mauchamp B.
Published: May 2011

Zyginidia scutellaris H.‐S. (Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae) is a leafhopper feeding on corn leaves. As most Typhlocybinae, it feeds from parenchymal cells, producing typical white spots on infested leaves. Z. scutellaris feeding activities exhibit different waveforms that are tentatively associated with penetration, salivation and active pumping. During ingestion, patterns are composed of a succession of spikes, probably reflecting alimentary and/or salivary pump activity. Labium twisting movements are correlated with specific transition patterns. Alimentation sequences can last some hours. This suggests that feeding occurs also from fluids flowing into the damaged plant tissue area. As mesophyll‐feeding seems to be simpler than sap‐feeding, this model may help to further elucidate waveforms recorded with this method on other insects.

Activités électriques liées a l'alimentation dans le mésophylle des feuilles chez un auchenorrhynche, Zyginidia scutellaris

Zyginidia scutellaris (Homoptera, Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae) s'alimente principalement sur les graminées, en particulier le maïs. Comme beaucoup de Typhlocybinae, il s'alimente dans le mésophylle des feuilles en vidant le contenu des cellules de l'épiderme, provoquant des stries blanches typiques. L'observation des enregistrements permet de différencier une phase initiale de pénétration caractérisée par une succession de pics de grande amplitude, et des séquences successives de pics de moindre amplitude probablement liés à Palimentation. Ces tracés permettent également de distinguer des piqǔres d'essai (quelques minutes) et des piqǔres d'alimentation de longue durée (jusqu'à cinq heures). L'observation simultanée des mouvements des pièces buccales externes comme le labium montre que les tracés peuvent ětre corrélés aux mouvements des pièces buccales et probablement à l'activité des pompes alimentaires et salivaires. La durée des séquences d'alimentation suggère que l'alimentation consiste non seulement à vider les cellules du mésophylle, mais aussi à aspirer les liquides envahissant la zone de parenchyme détruite. L'origine des signaux enregistrés par cette technique est discutée.
Reversibility of predator‐induced plasticity and its effect at a life‐history switch point
Authors: Orizaola Germán , Dahl Emma , Laurila Anssi
Published: May 2011

In natural systems, organisms are frequently exposed to spatial and temporal variation in predation risk. Prey organisms are known to develop a wide array of plastic defences to avoid being eaten. If inducible plastic defences are costly, prey living under fluctuating predation risk should be strongly selected to develop reversible plastic traits and adjust their defences to the current predation risk. Here, we studied the induction and reversibility of antipredator defences in common frogRana temporariatadpoles when confronted with a temporal switch in predation risk by dragonfly larvae. We examined the behaviour and morphology of tadpoles in experimental treatments where predators were added or withdrawn at mid larval development, and compared these to treatments with constant absence or presence of predators. As previous studies have overlooked the effects that developing reversible anti‐predator responses could have later in life (e.g. at life history switch points), we also estimated the impact that changes in antipredator responses had on the timing of and size at metamorphosis. In the presence of predators, tadpoles reduced their activity and developed wider bodies, and shorter and wider tails. When predators were removed tadpoles switched their behaviour within one hour to match that found in the constant environments. The morphology matched that in the constant environments in one week after treatment reversal. All these responses were highly symmetrical. Short time lags and symmetrical responses for the induction/reversal of defences suggest that a strategy with fast switches between phenotypes could be favoured in order to maximise growth opportunities even at the potential cost of phenotypic mismatches. We found no costs of developing reversible responses to predators in terms of life‐history traits, but a general cost of the induction of the defences for all the individuals experiencing predation risk during some part of the larval development (delayed metamorphosis). More studies examining the reversibility of plastic defences, including other type of costs (e.g. physiological), are needed to better understand the adaptive value of these flexible strategies.
Therapy of psoriasis in childhood and adolescence ‐ a German expert consensus
Authors: Sticherling Michael , Augustin Matthias , Boehncke Wolf‐Henning , Christophers Enno , Domm Silja , Gollnick Harald , Reich Kristian , Mrowietz Ulrich
Published: May 2011

Psoriasis of childhood shows an annual prevalence of 0.71 % and accordingly has to be regarded as a frequent chronic inflammatory skin disorder of this age. The impact on the quality of life as well as development of the afflicted children and their parents is evident. On the other side, therapy is demanding with regard to the specific juvenile metabolism, physical development and skin penetration of topical drugs. Long‐term treatment at an early age has to be critically judged regarding the chronicity of the disease. Topical corticosteroids, alternatively dithranol may be used first‐line, followed by vitamin D derivatives. A combination with UV‐light, preferably UV‐B, has to be decided on an individual basis. Systemic treatment may be initiated in recalcitrant disease with methotrexate and cyclosporine where long‐term experience is available from juvenile rheumatology and transplantation medicine. Alternatively fumaric acid esters or retinoids are available. Rehabilitation procedures will help the children and their parents to cope with the disease and its treatment. The different treatment options are presented here as a German expert consensus, as clinical studies are hardly available and only a few therapeutics are licensed for this age. In any case the therapy has to be individually planned and decided together with the patients and their parents to gain maximal safety, comfort and success.
Localized Management of Sinus Floor Technique for Implant Placement in Fresh Molar Sockets
Authors: Bruschi Giovanni B. , Crespi Roberto , Capparè Paolo , Bravi Fabrizio , Bruschi Ernesto , Gherlone Enrico
Published: May 2011

Background: The use of osteotome for vertical bone augmentation and localized sinus elevation with minimal surgical trauma represents a suitable procedure to increase the vertical dimension of available bone for implant placement.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to report clinical and radiographic results of localized management of sinus floor (LMSF) in fresh molar sockets at 13‐year follow‐up.

Materials and Methods: Fifty‐three patients, needing one or two maxillary molar extraction, were enrolled in this study. LMFS procedure was performed and 68 implants were positioned. A presurgical distance from the alveolar crest to the floor of the maxillary sinus and the amount of new radiopacity between the sinus floor and alveolar crest were measured from the mesial and distal surfaces of each dental implant surface.

Results: After a mean follow‐up period of 9.76 ± 5.27 years (ranged from 4 to 17 years) a survival rate of 100% was reported. Mean bone height at temporary prosthesis placement was 7.99 ± 1.16 mm. They were stable over time, reporting a mean value of 8.01 ± 1.46 mm at 13‐year follow‐up.

Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrated that LMSF procedure in fresh molar sockets allowed to expand the dimensions of resorbed posterior maxillary alveolar bone both vertically and horizontally with a success rate of 100% of implant osseointegration over time.
Clinical Outcome of Dental Implants Placed with High Insertion Torques (Up to 176 Ncm)
Authors: Khayat Philippe G. , Arnal Hélène M. , Tourbah Bahige I. , Sennerby Lars
Published: May 2011

Background: Primary stability can be improved by using a tapered implant in a slightly underprepared implant site. This may lead to high compression forces and elevated insertion torques. It has been postulated that disturbance of the local microcirculation may occur, leading to necrosis of the osteocytes and bone resorption.

Purpose: Report on the clinical outcome of 42 implants placed with an insertion torque equal or greater than 70 Ncm and evaluate bone levels around these implants.

Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 48 patients treated with 66 4.5 mm diameter Tapered Screw‐Vent implants (Zimmer Dental®, Carlsbad, CA, USA). Maximum insertion torque (MIT) was recorded with an electronic torque measuring device (Tohnichi® STC200CN, Hitachi, Tokyo, Japan).

Nine implants (control group) presented MIT between 30 and 50 Ncm (mean = 37.1 Ncm) and 42 implants (experimental group) MIT greater than 70 Ncm (mean = 110.6 Ncm, range: 70.8–176 Ncm). Marginal bone levels were recorded at the time of loading and 1 year later for the two groups.

Results: After 2–3 months of non‐sumerged healing, all implants were clinically stable. Mean marginal bone resorption was 1.03 mm (SD = 0.44) for the control group (low torque) and 0.72 mm (SD = 0.56) for the experimental group (high torque) at time of loading, and 1.09 (SD = 0.62) and 1.24 mm (SD = 0.75), respectively, after 1 year. There were no significant differences between the two groups for bone stability and implant success rate.

Conclusions: The use of high insertion torques (up to 176 Ncm) did not prevent osseointegration. Marginal bone levels in the control and experimental groups were similar both at the time of loading and 1 year later.
ANATOMY OF EXTRAHEPATIC PORTOSYSTEMIC SHUNTS IN DOGS AS DETERMINED BY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY
Authors: NELSON NATHAN C. , NELSON LAURA L.
Published: May 2011

Congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts are anomalous vessels joining portal and systemic venous circulation. These shunts are often diagnosed sonographically, but computed tomography (CT) angiography produces high‐resolution images that give a more comprehensive overview of the abnormal portal anatomy. CT angiography was performed on 25 dogs subsequently proven to have an extrahepatic portosystemic shunt. The anatomy of each shunt and portal tributary vessels was assessed. Three‐dimensional images of each shunt type were created to aid understanding of shunt morphology. Maximal diameter of the extrahepatic portosystemic shunt and portal vein cranial and caudal to shunt origin was measured. Six general shunt types were identified: splenocaval, splenoazygos, splenophrenic, right gastric‐caval, right gastric‐caval with a caudal shunt loop, and right gastric‐azygos with a caudal shunt loop. Slight variations of tributary vessels were seen within some shunt classes, but were likely clinically insignificant. Two shunt types had large anastomosing loops whose identification would be important if surgical correction were attempted. A portal vein could not be identified cranial to the shunt origin in two dogs. In conclusion, CT angiography provides an excellent overview of extrahepatic portosystemic shunt anatomy, including small tributary vessels and loops. With minor variations, most canine extrahepatic portosystemic shunts will likely be one of six general morphologies.
Candida albicans biofilm formation on soft denture liners and efficacy of cleaning protocols
Authors: Hahnel Sebastian , Rosentritt Martin , Bürgers Ralf , Handel Gerhard , Lang Reinhold
Published: May 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00485.x
 

Candida albicans biofilm formation on soft denture liners and efficacy of cleaning protocols

Objective:  The aim of this study was to investigate Candida albicans biofilm formation on denture liners and to analyse the efficacy of cleaning protocols.

Material and methods:  Specimens were prepared from four silicone‐based soft denture liners. After artificial ageing and surface free energy determination, specimens were incubated with saliva (2 h) and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 for either short‐ (2.5 h) or long‐term (24 h) biofilm formation. Adherent cells were determined either after incubation of specimens with Candida albicans or after treatment with different denture cleaning protocols. Statistical analysis was performed using one‐way anova and the Games–Howell test (α = 0.05).

Results:  For both short‐ and long‐term biofilm formation, similar amounts of Candida albicans cells were found on the surface of the different liners (p = 0.295 and 0.178, respectively). For both short‐ and long‐term biofilm formation, the highest cleaning efficacy was observed for sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl; p < 0.01). The efficacy of the chemical denture cleaner in removing long‐term Candida albicans biofilms was significantly lower than the efficacy of removal by brushing (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:  Different silicone‐based soft denture liners yield similar Candida albicans biofilm formation on their surface. The highest efficacy for the removal of Candida albicans biofilms was identified for NaOCl. Chemical denture cleaners appear to have rather low efficacy to remove mature Candida albicans biofilms.
How do we apply adjuvant FOLFOX to Japanese patients with curatively resected colorectal cancer?
Authors: SUENAGA Mitsukuni , MATSUSAKA Satoshi , WATANABE Toshiyasu , KUBOKI Yasutoshi , SHINOZAKI Eiji , CHIN Keisho , MIZUNUMA Nobuyuki , UENO Masashi , YAMAGUCHI Toshiharu , HATAKE Kiyohiko
Published: May 2011

Aim:  In Japan the combination of fluorouracil (5‐FU), leucovorin and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) was approved as adjuvant therapy for stage III or high‐risk stage II colon cancer only in September 2009. In this study we evaluated the safety and efficacy of FOLFOX as adjuvant chemotherapy for stage IIIb or IV colorectal cancer (CRC) patients in a Japanese group at a single institute.

Methods:  A total of 45 consecutive patients received 12 cycles of adjuvant FOLFOX for stage IIIb (n = 31) or IV (n = 14) CRC. Toxicity and disease‐free survival (DFS) were analyzed retrospectively.

Results:  The median dose intensities of oxaliplatin and 5‐FU were 0.7 and 0.74, respectively. Oxaliplatin was discontinued in 10 (22%) patients due to an allergic reaction in five, neurotoxicity in four and gastrointestinal toxicity in one. No severe neurotoxicity occurred. The median duration from completion of treatment until complete recovery from peripheral neuropathy was 582 days (95% CI, 486–678). Two‐year DFS for stages IIIb and IV was 56.9% and 56.3%, respectively (log–rank, P = 0.533). Univariate analysis revealed that severe vessel invasion, liver metastasis and higher baseline levels of CA19‐9 were associated with shorter DFS in stage IV patients. Multivariate analysis including the selected biomarkers revealed none as a significant prognostic factor.

Conclusion:  Adjuvant FOLFOX was well tolerated in a Japanese cohort of both stage IIIb and IV CRC patients.
Changes in medical oncology admissions for the management of breast cancer complications: An Australian institution's experience
Authors: DAY Fiona L , BULL James M , LOMBARD Janine M , STEWART John F
Published: May 2011

Aims:  There is a scarcity of data regarding medical hospitalizations for breast cancer. The aim was to determine whether the burden of inpatient care for breast cancer was declining.

Methods:  A retrospective study was conducted of all admissions to a single medical oncology inpatient unit in 1996 and 2006 related to the treatment of breast cancer. The total number of hospitalizations, patients' length of stay in hospital, clinical indications for hospitalization and utilization of inpatient services were determined. Data analysis involved pairwise comparisons between the cohorts.

Results:  The total number of breast cancer hospitalizations was similar in 1996 and 2006. However, the number of hospitalizations for adjuvant treatment complications was 50% lower in 2006, attributable to a lower rate of chemotherapy‐associated febrile neutropenia. Acute clinical problems necessitating inpatient care differed between 1996 and 2006. Fewer hospitalizations for symptomatic hypercalcemia, uncontrolled pain and chemotherapy toxicity were required in 2006 but a significant increase was seen in central nervous system complications. Recent practice involved greater inpatient consultation of other medical and surgical teams. There was a trend towards a shorter duration of admissions in 2006 in both adjuvant and metastatic patients.

Conclusion:  Although total annual breast cancer admission numbers and length of stay did not change significantly, hospitalization for treatment‐related complications was less frequent in 2006. The clinical manifestations of metastatic breast cancer appear to be changing, and in our institution are being managed with broader multidisciplinary care.
Efficacy of bevacizumab with cisplatin and gemcitabine in Asian patients with advanced or recurrent non‐squamous non‐small cell lung cancer who have not received prior chemotherapy: A substudy of the Avastin in Lung trial
Authors: MOK Tony SK , HSIA Te‐Chun , TSAI Chun‐Ming , TSANG Kenneth , CHANG Gee‐Chen , CHANG John Wen‐Cheng , THITIYA Sirisinha , SRIURANPONG Virote , THONGPRASERT Sumitra , CHUA Daniel TT , MOORE Nicola , MANEGOLD Christian
Published: May 2011

Aim:  The phase III AVAiL study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the anti‐vascular epidermal growth factor agent bevacizumab combined with platinum‐based chemotherapy as first‐line treatment in patients with advanced non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We report the results of a preplanned analysis of Asian patients enrolled in AVAiL.

Methods:  Patients with recurrent or advanced non‐squamous NSCLC were randomized to receive bevacizumab 7.5 mg/kg, bevacizumab 15 mg/kg or placebo, plus cisplatin 80 mg/m2 and gemcitabine 1250 mg/m2 for up to six cycles, followed by bevacizumab or placebo until disease progression. An exploratory analysis was undertaken to assess efficacy and safety in an Asian subgroup.

Results:  Of the 1043 patients enrolled, 105 were Asian and were included in the subgroup analysis. Progression‐free survival was 8.5 months (95% CI 7.3–10.8) in the bevacizumab 15‐mg/kg group, 8.2 (95% CI 6.6–11.7) in the 7.5‐mg/kg group and 6.1 (95% CI 5.1–8.0) in the placebo group. Median overall survival in the 7.5‐mg/kg bevacizumab group was prolonged compared with placebo group (HR 0.46; 95% CI 0.22–0.97). Nausea was the most common adverse event, occurring at similar rates (ranging from 69–76%) in all study groups. Hypertension was the most common adverse event of special interest, seen in 29, 55 and 16% of patients in the 7.5‐mg/kg and 15‐mg/kg bevacizumab and placebo groups, respectively.

Conclusion:  Study results strongly suggest that bevacizumab at a dose of 7.5 mg/kg improves the duration of overall survival when combined with cisplatin‐gemcitabine in Asian patients. Bevacizumab was well tolerated in this patient group.
Cost‐effectiveness of bevacizumab‐based therapy versus cisplatin plus pemetrexed for the first‐line treatment of advanced non‐squamous NSCLC in Korea and Taiwan
Authors: AHN Myung‐Ju , TSAI Chun‐Ming , HSIA Te‐Chun , WRIGHT Elaine , CHANG John Wen‐Cheng , KIM Heung Tae , KIM Joo‐Hang , KANG Jin Hyoung , KIM Sang‐We , BAE Eun‐Jin , KANG Mijeong , LISTER Johanna , WALZER Stefan
Published: May 2011

Aims:  The aim of this analysis is to investigate the mean incremental costs and life expectancy associated with two first‐line treatments for advanced non‐squamous non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Korea and Taiwan; bevacizumab plus cisplatin and gemcitabine (BevCG) and cisplatin plus pemetrexed (CP).

Methods:  A health economic (area under curve) model with three health states was developed to assess health outcomes (life‐years gained [LYG]), direct costs, and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER). Progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were derived from randomized clinical trials and used in an indirect comparison in order to estimate their cost effectiveness. A life‐time horizon was used. Costs and outcomes were discounted yearly by 5% in Korea and by 3% in Taiwan.

Results:  The incremental LYG for the BevCG patients compared with patients treated with CP were 1.10 (13.2 months) in Korea and 1.19 (14.3 months) in Taiwan. The incremental costs were 37 439 968 ($33 322) in Korea and NT$1 910 615 ($64 541) in Taiwan. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio was 34 064 835 ($30 318) in Korea and NT$1 607 960 ($54 317) in Taiwan. The inputs tested in one‐way sensitivity analyses had very little impact on the overall cost effectiveness.

Conclusion:  This analysis shows that BevCG is more costly but is also associated with additional life‐years in Korea and Taiwan. The ICER per LYG suggests that BevCG is a cost‐effective therapy when compared to CP for patients with advanced NSCLC in Korea and Taiwan.
Role of Multifunctional Cell Cycle Modulators in Advanced Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Sato Tetsuhiko , Kikkawa Yamato , Hiramitsu Takahisa , Yamamoto Takayuki , Goto Norihiko , Matsuoka Susumu , Nagasaka Takaharu , Watarai Yoshihiko , Uchida Kazuharu , Tominaga Yoshihiro
Published: May 2011

Long‐term dialysis for patients with end stage renal disease leads to an unavoidable common complication, which is secondary hyperparathyroidism. Two histological patterns (nodular and diffuse hyperplasia) are detected, indicating that continuous uremia‐related stimulation promotes parathyroid cell proliferation from diffuse to nodular growth. However, the key molecular mechanism is not fully understood, which narrows the range of therapeutic options for advanced secondary hyperparathyroidism. To address this issue, we utilized surgically resected normal and hyperplastic parathyroid glands to perform immunohistochemical analysis of a multifunctional cell cycle modulator, CCAAT enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)β. In contrast to normal parathyroid tissue and diffuse hyperplasia, the intensity of C/EBPβ staining was homogeneously increased in the parathyroid cells from nodules, along with a higher cyclin D1 labeling index (108.0 ± 19.5, mean ± SEM) and Ki‐67 labeling index (31.70 ± 0.49). Normal and diffuse hyperplastic parathyroid glands had far fewer cyclin D1‐ and Ki‐67‐positive cells (P < 0.001). Immunofluorescent double staining showed abundant coexpression of Th235 (mitogen‐activated protein kinase [MAPK] phosphorylation site) C/EBPβ, along with upregulation of cytoplasmic Ras in nodular hyperplasia. In conclusion, hyperplastic parathyroid cells in nodules have an autonomous proliferation mechanism similar to that of cancer, in which C/EBPβ is upregulated and phosphorylated to interact with the oncogenic Ras/MAPK pathway. C/EBPβ may be a novel target molecule for blocking the growth circuit that underlies parathyroid tumorigenesis in secondary hyperparathyroidism.
Three staphylinid species (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) in South Korea
Authors: PARK Jong‐Seok , KIM Yoon‐Ho , AHN Kee‐Jeong
Published: May 2011

Three staphylinid species, Aleochara (Aleochara) coreana Bernhauer, A. (Coprochara) verna Say and Prosthecarthron sauteri Raffray, are recorded for the first time from South Korea. Redescriptions and line drawings of diagnostic characters of all three species are provided. Ecological notes are provided for P. sauteri.
Effect of modified meridic diet on the development and growth of tomato fruitworm Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: WAKIL Waqas , GHAZANFAR M. Usman , SAHI Shahbaz Talib , KWON Yong Jung , QAYYUM M. Abdul
Published: May 2011

The efficacy of one new modified and two old meridic diets on Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) for rearing six successive generations was studied. Duration of larval development for insects fed on the modified diet was considerably shortened as most of them went through only five stadia before pupation, while the per cent pupation and per cent eclosion were relatively higher than on other diets. The lowest pupal mortality (6.33 ± 0.13%) was recorded in the F1 generation reared on the modified diet, whereas the highest pupal mortality (19.49 ± 0.15%) was observed in insects reared on a natural diet in the F6 generation. Blending of chickpea Cicer arietinum L. and red kidney bean Phaseolus vulgaris L. flours with tomato paste proved highly favorable for adult reproduction. These results suggest that the vitality of the tomato fruitworm did not decline obviously after rearing on a modified diet for several generations.
Saltiness Enhancement by Savory Aroma Compounds
Authors: Batenburg Max , van der Velden Rob
Published: May 2011

Abstract:  The impact of elevated levels of complex savory flavorings and single aroma compounds on perceived saltiness was investigated. This study demonstrates that multisensory interaction between aroma and taste can be employed to compensate for the lower salt levels of healthier food products without disturbing the overall flavor pattern. The demonstrated saltiness enhancement by the savory flavorings was unraveled by experiments with “salt‐congruent” single aroma compounds, using trained and naïve panels. Several savory compounds, of different chemical classes and different sensory impact, could be identified as key salt‐enhancing compounds, providing a significant increase of perceived saltiness. As expected, an untrained, naïve panel appeared more suitable to demonstrate multisensory saltiness enhancement due to its synthetic attention than a trained descriptive panel. The salt enhancement results were confirmed by consumer tests. The extra aroma was also found to ameliorate the off‐flavor of potassium‐based salt replacers, and combinations of extra aroma and salt replacers could replace significant amounts of sodium chloride while keeping the original flavor profile intact.

Practical Application:  The food industry is under high pressure to significantly reduce the salt levels in their products. This study shows that it is possible to compensate salt reduction in instant bouillons by higher levels of savory aroma. A combination of potassium chloride based salt replacer and extra aroma was found to compensate approximately 30% sodium reduction without significant change of the flavor profile.