bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cutaneous human papillomavirus infection, the EVER2 gene and incidence of squamous cell carcinoma: A case‐control study
Authors: Patel Anita S. , Karagas Margaret R. , Pawlita Michael , Waterboer Tim , Nelson Heather H.
Published: January 2008

The first evidence of an association between HPV and non‐melanoma skin cancer comes from patients with epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV). EV is a rare heritable disease characterized by cutaneous warts that display not only a high rate of progression to squamous cell carcinoma on sun‐exposed sites, but also a strong predisposition to infection by β‐HPVs, for which HPV 5 and 8 predominate. Two EV genes (EVER1 and EVER2) have been identified, and we tested the hypothesis that variation in the EVER2 gene (rs7208422) is related to seropositivity to HPV (of the genus β types) and risk of squamous cell carcinoma in a population‐based case‐control study of SCC (n = 239 cases and 432 controls). Among controls, variant genotype was associated with β‐HPV seropositvity (OR = 2.3, 95%CI = 1.2–4.3), specifically HPV5 or 8 seropositivity (OR = 2.4, 95%CI = 1.1–5.1) and seropositivity for multiple β‐HPV types (OR = 2.7, 95%CI = 1.1–6.6). Furthermore, variant genotype was also related to SCC risk [adjusted OR for homozygous variant versus homozygous wild type for the EVER2 polymorphism 1.7, 95% CI 1.1–2.7]. These data provide evidence for a role of genetic variation in the EVER2 gene in β‐HPV infection and risk of SCC, shedding light on the link between HPVs and skin cancers. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tobacco smoking and the risk of upper aero‐digestive tract cancers: A reanalysis of case–control studies using spline models
Authors: Polesel Jerry , Talamini Renato , La Vecchia Carlo , Levi Fabio , Barzan Luigi , Serraino Diego , Franceschi Silvia , Dal Maso Luigino
Published: January 2008

Although tobacco smoking has long been recognized as a major risk factor for cancer of the upper aero‐digestive tract (UADT, i.e., oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and oesophagus), very few studies have provided estimates of the effect of very low tobacco consumption. Step‐functions have been the common statistical methods for risk estimates, but the choice of reference category and of interval cutpoints influence the results, especially when data are sparse. In the present analysis, the dose–response relationship between UADT cancers and tobacco smoking was evaluated through logistic regression spline models. We included 1,241 UADT male cases and 2,835 male controls pooled from a large series of case–control studies conducted in northern Italy and in the Swiss Canton of Vaud during the last 2 decades. For cancers of the pharynx, larynx and oesophagus, the risk steadily increased with number of cigarettes/day. The risk of oral, pharyngeal and oesophageal cancers was significantly higher in smokers than in nonsmokers beginning with as low as 2 cigarettes/day. The effect of tobacco smoking at low levels seemed less evident for laryngeal cancer since the raise in risk begun with 6 cigarettes/day. In conclusion, for all the examined UADT sites, a monotonic dose–response relationship between cancer risk and cigarette smoking emerged. The excess of risk among people smoking 2 cigarettes/day highlights the absence of any harmless level for cigarette smoking, and it further supports the need of public health programs against tobacco smoking. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Macronutrients, fatty acids, cholesterol and renal cell cancer risk
Authors: Bidoli Ettore , Talamini Renato , Zucchetto Antonella , Polesel Jerry , Bosetti Cristina , Negri Eva , Maruzzi Daniele , Montella Maurizio , Franceschi Silvia , La Vecchia Carlo
Published: January 2008

The role of selected macronutrients, fatty acids and cholesterol in the etiology of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was analyzed using data from a case–control study conducted in 4 Italian areas between 1992 and 2004. Cases were 767 patients with incident, histologically confirmed RCC, admitted to major teaching and general hospitals of the study areas. Controls were 1,534 subjects admitted for acute, nonneoplastic conditions to the same hospitals. Information on dietary habits and nutrient intake was elicited using a validated food frequency questionnaire including 78 food groups and recipes. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for increasing levels of nutrient intake were estimated after allowance for total energy intake and other potential confounding factors. A direct association with RCC was found for starch intake (OR = 1.9 for highest versus lowest quintile of intake; 95% CI: 1.4–2.6, p‐value for trend = 0.001), while an inverse association was found for fats from vegetable sources (OR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.5–0.8; p‐value for trend = 0.002), unsaturated fatty acids (OR = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.4–0.7; p‐value for trend = 0.0002), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (OR = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.4–0.7; p‐value for trend = 0.001). Among polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid (OR = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.4–0.7; p‐value for trend = 0.0001) and linolenic acid (OR = 0.7; 95% CI: 0.5–1.0; p‐value for trend = 0.01) were inversely related to RCC. When 6 major macronutrients were included in the same model, the adverse effect of high intake of starch remained statistically significant, together with the protective effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Results were consistent in strata of age, body mass index, treated hypertension, energy intake, stage and family history of RCC. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mutations in the RAS‐MAPK, PI(3)K (phosphatidylinositol‐3‐OH kinase) signaling network correlate with poor survival in a population‐based series of colon cancers
Authors: Barault Ludovic , Veyrie Nicolas , Jooste Valerie , Lecorre Delphine , Chapusot Caroline , Ferraz Jean‐Marc , Lièvre Astrid , Cortet Marion , Bouvier Anne‐Marie , Rat Patrick , Roignot Patrick , Faivre Jean , Laurent‐Puig Pierre , Piard Francoise
Published: January 2008

The RAS‐MAPK, PI (3)K signaling pathways form a network that play a central role in tumorigenesis. The BRAF, KRAS and PI3KCA genes code 3 partners of this network and have been found to be activated by mutation in colorectal cancer; these mutations lead to unrestricted cell growth. We evaluated the clinicopathological features and the prognosis of patients with activated‐network colon cancers in a population‐based study. A total of 586 colon adenocarcinomas were evaluated using sequencing for mutations of KRAS and PI3KCA, and allelic discrimination for mutation of BRAF. Clinicopathological characteristics were correlated to the risk of bearing a mutation of the network using logistic regression. Three‐year survival rates were compared with the Log rank test. A multivariate survival analysis using the Cox model was performed. After adjustment for age and microsatellite instability, activation of the network by mutation of at least 1 of the 3 genes was significantly associated with female sex (p = 0.02) and proximal location (p < 0.001). Lower levels of 3‐year survival were associated with activation of the network by mutation of at least 1 of the 3 genes (59.4 and 69.4%, respectively; p = 0.009). These results remained significant in a multivariate analysis adjusted for sex, age, location, stage and microsatellite instability (HR = 1.48; CI CI95% = [1.07–2.04]). Our study is the first report to underline the potential role of RAS‐MAPK, PI (3)K network mutations on survival in colon cancers. Because of the role of this signaling network on anticancer agents, the evaluation of its mutations could have clinical implications. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Difference in characteristics of APC mutations between colonic and extracolonic tumors of FAP patients: Variations with phenotype
Authors: Miyaki Michiko , Yamaguchi Tatsuro , Iijima Takeru , Takahashi Keiichi , Matsumoto Hiroshi , Yasutome Michiya , Funata Nobuaki , Mori Takeo
Published: January 2008

To clarify the differences in characteristics of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) mutations between colorectal tumors from various phenotypes of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and between colorectal and extracolonic tumors, we analyzed APC mutations in 86 colorectal tumors from FAP patients including profuse, sparse and attenuated types, 23 sporadic colorectal tumors and 40 FAP extracolonic tumors including duodenal, gastric and desmoid tumors. In all tumors, 1 allele of the truncated APC gene retained armadillo repeats, 15‐amino‐acid (aa) repeats and various numbers of 20‐aa repeats, but lacked SAMP repeats, as a result of germline and somatic mutations. Regarding 20‐aa repeats, the truncated APC gene retained 1 repeat due to allele loss in 96% (27/28) of colorectal tumors from profuse‐type FAP, 69% (36/52) of sparse‐type retained 2 repeats due to somatic mutation, and 100% (6/6) of attenuated‐type retained 2 or 3 repeats due to the third or second hit. In sporadic colorectal tumors 74% (17/23) retained 1 or 2 repeats. The truncated APC gene retained 3 repeats in 88% (7/8) of FAP duodenal tumors, 100% (26/26) of gastric tumors retained 2 or 3 repeats and 83% (5/6) of desmoid tumors retained 2 repeats. These data suggest that the number of β‐catenin downregulating 20‐aa repeats in truncated APC gene associated with colorectal tumorigenesis is different in profuse, sparse and attenuated types of FAP, and that the association with tumorigenesis is also different between colorectal and extracolonic tumors. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The infant protection system in France: How does it work?
Authors: Guedeney Antoine , Guedeney Nicole
Published: January 2008

The French system for protection of infants and toddlers relies on the collaboration of several different partners for preventing, screening, assessing, intervening in, and treating cases of infant abuse and neglect. This article first provides a brief historic overview and some data about the protection of infants in France, with data focused on the Parisian area. We then describe the tasks and interconnections of these different agencies and administrations, and offer some reflections on the actual functioning of the system. Finally, some suggestions for changes are provided. Discussion should begin on a theoretical level regarding whether we should continue with institutionalization of infants for long periods of time, as is still the case in Paris. Discussion also should take place regarding which is the higher priority when infants and children are in situations of danger, abuse, and/or neglect of infants: (a) the hope of reestablishing parental rights or (b) the need of the infant for a secure and stable attachment relationship. The process of evaluating parental caregiving skills would benefit from more clinical observation as well as structured methods of assessment.
A judicial–mental health partnership to heal young children in juvenile court
Authors: Lederman Judge Cindy , Osofsky Joy D.
Published: January 2008

In this article, we describe the background and issues to be addressed related to dependent children in juvenile court. In an important effort to systematically examine developmental functioning and treatment needs in maltreated and violence‐exposed young children, the Prevention and Evaluation of Early Neglect and Trauma (PREVENT) initiative of the Dependency Court Intervention Program for Family Violence, a national demonstration project in the Miami‐Dade Juvenile Court, developed a program to evaluate all infants, toddlers, and preschoolers who are adjudicated dependent by the court. The goal of the intervention is to raise awareness of the needs of infants and toddlers in juvenile court and to work toward healing the child. The PREVENT program involved the evolution of a judicial–mental health partnership designed to assist the court in making more informed decisions about the best interest of the child by adding scientific knowledge about development, prevention, intervention, evaluation, and treatment. The outcome of the partnership and multidisciplinary approach is illustrated through presenting a case vignette of a mother and baby showing the challenges and strengths of intervention. Finally, we consider overall outcomes of the intervention and directions for the future.
Predictors of permanent loss of custody for mothers of infants and toddlers in foster care
Authors: Larrieu Julie A. , Heller Sherryl S. , Smyke Anna T. , Zeanah Charles H.
Published: January 2008

The maltreating mothers of abused and neglected infants and toddlers were evaluated as part of an intensive intervention program. The purpose of this study was to examine cumulative risk versus specific risk factors that led to permanent loss of custody by mothers, predicated upon decisions by the Juvenile Court with regard to permanency planning. The following risk factors were analyzed as potential predictors of placement outcomes: maternal education, maternal history of abuse as a child, history of psychiatric difficulties, substance‐abuse history, conviction history (excluding child‐abuse charges), depressive symptomatology, degree of partner violence experienced, and cumulative number of risks the mother experienced. Results indicated that mothers who lost custody had significantly more risk factors than those who were reunified with their children. Cumulative risk was a stronger predictor than specific risk factors. Implications for intervention are discussed.
Filicide: Historical review and prevention of child death by parent
Authors: Koenen Mark A. , Thompson, Jr. John W.
Published: January 2008

Filicide has occurred throughout the world since before recorded history. Although rates have declined in developed nations, it remains a leading cause of child death with approximately equal numbers of children killed by fathers and mothers. A large percentage of filicides is associated with mental illness, particularly postpartum depression and psychosis. The remainder results from child abuse and neglect. Men convicted of filicide are usually incarcerated whereas female perpetrators are more likely to receive treatment‐oriented sentences. Individuals working with families and children should be trained to recognize risk factors and intervene to protect endangered children.
Three‐dimensional MRI assessment of regional wall stress after acute myocardial infarction predicts postdischarge cardiac events
Authors: Prunier Fabrice , Brette Stéphanie , Delépine Stéphane , Geslin Philippe , Le Jeune Jean‐Jacques , Furber Alain P.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

To determine the prognostic significance of systolic wall stress (SWS) after reperfused acute myocardial infarction (AMI) using MRI.

Materials and Methods

A total of 105 patients underwent MRI 7.8 ± 4.2 days after AMI reperfusion. SWS was calculated by using a three‐dimensional (3D) MRI approach to left ventricular (LV) wall thickness and to the radius of curvature. Between hospital discharge and the end of follow‐up, an average of 4.1 ± 1.7 years after AMI, 19 patients experienced a major cardiac event, including cardiac death, nonfatal reinfarction or heart failure (18.3%).

Results

The results were mainly driven by heart failure outcome. In univariate analysis the following factors were predictive of postdischarge major adverse cardiac events: 1) at the time of AMI: higher heart rate, previous calcium antagonist treatment, in‐hospital congestive heart failure, proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD) occlusion, a lower ejection fraction, higher maximal ST segment elevation before reperfusion, and ST segment reduction lower than 50% after reperfusion; 2) MRI parameters: higher LV end‐systolic volume, lower ejection fraction, higher global SWS, higher SWS in the infarcted area (SWS MI) and higher SWS in the remote myocardium (SWS remote). In the final multivariate model, only SWS MI (odds ratio [OR]: 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–2.60; P = 0.046) and SWS remote (OR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.02–4.65; P = 0.046) were independent predictors.

Conclusion

Regional SWS assessed by means of MRI a few days after AMI appears to be strong predictor of postdischarge cardiac events, identifying a subset of at risk patients who could qualify for more aggressive management. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vivo diffusion tensor imaging of the rat spinal cord at 9.4T
Authors: Ellingson Benjamin M. , Kurpad Shekar N. , Li Shi‐Jiang , Schmit Brian D.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

To determine differences in diffusion measurements in white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM) regions of the rat cervical, thoracic, and cauda equina spinal cord using in vivo diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) with a 9.4T MR scanner.

Materials and Methods

DTI was performed on seven rats in three slices at the cervical, thoracic, and cauda equina regions of the spinal cord using a 9.4T magnet. Axial diffusion weighted images (DWIs) were collected at a b‐value of 1000 seconds/mm2 in six directions. Regions of interest were identified via T2‐weighted images for the lateral, dorsal, and ventral funiculi, along with GM regions.

Results

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) results indicated significant differences between every WM funiculus compared to GM for longitudinal apparent diffusion coefficient (lADC), transverse apparent diffusion coefficient (tADC), fractional anisotropy (FA), measured longitudinal anisotropy (MA1), and anisotropy index (AI). A significant difference in mean diffusivity (MD) between regions of the spinal cord was not found. Diffusion measurements were significantly different at each spinal level. In general, GM regions were significantly different than WM regions; however, there were few significant differences between individual WM regions.

Conclusion

In vivo DTI of the rat spinal cord at 9.4T appears sensitive to the architecture of neural structures in the rat spinal cord and may be a useful tool in studying trauma and pathologies in the spinal cord. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Water diffusion anisotropy in white and gray matter of the human spinal cord
Authors: Rossi Cristina , Boss Andreas , Steidle Günter , Martirosian Petros , Klose Uwe , Capuani Silvia , Maraviglia Bruno , Claussen Claus D. , Schick Fritz
Published: January 2008

Purpose

To develop a reliable technique for diffusion imaging of the human spinal cord at 1.5 Tesla and to assess potential differences in diffusion anisotropy in cross‐sectional images.

Materials and Methods

A single‐shot echo‐planar imaging sequence with double spin‐echo diffusion preparation was optimized regarding cerebrospinal fluid artifacts, effective resolution, and contrast‐to‐noise ratios. Eleven healthy volunteers participated in the study for quantitative characterization of diffusion anisotropy in white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM) by means of two diffusion encoding schemes: octahedral‐six‐directions for fractional anisotropy (FA) evaluation and orthogonal‐three‐directions for anisotropy index (AI) calculation.

Results

Pulse‐trigger gated sequences with optimal matrix size (read × phase = 64 × 32) and b‐value (700 s/mm2) allowed the acquisition of high‐resolved images (voxel size = 0.9 × 0.9 × 5.0 mm3). The GM butterfly shape was recognizable in both AI and FA maps. Both encoding schemes yielded high diffusion anisotropy in dorsal WM (FA = 0.79 ± 0.07; AI = 0.39 ± 0.04). Lateral WM showed slightly lower anisotropy (FA = 0.69 ± 0.08; AI = 0.35 ± 0.03) than dorsal WM. Clearly smaller anisotropy was found in regions containing GM (FA = 0.45 ± 0.06; AI = 0.21 ± 0.05).

Conclusion

Diffusion anisotropy data of the spinal cord can be obtained in a clinical setting. Its application seems promising for the assessment of neurological disorders. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fast four‐dimensional coronary MR angiography with k‐t GRAPPA
Authors: Lai Peng , Huang Feng , Larson Andrew C. , Li Debiao
Published: January 2008

Purpose

To investigate the effectiveness of k‐t GRAPPA for accelerating four‐dimensional (4D) coronary MRA in comparison with GRAPPA and the feasibility of combining variable density undersampling with conventional k‐t GRAPPA (k‐t2 GRAPPA) to alleviate the overhead of acquiring autocalibration signals.

Materials and Methods

The right coronary artery of nine healthy volunteers was scanned at 1.5 Tesla. The 4D k‐space datasets were fully acquired and subsequently undersampled to simulate partially parallel acquisitions, namely, GRAPPA, k‐t GRAPPA, and k‐t2 GRAPPA. Comparisons were made between the images reconstructed from full k‐space datasets and those reconstructed from undersampled k‐space datasets.

Results

k‐t GRAPPA significantly reduced artifacts compared with GRAPPA and high acceleration factors were achieved with only minimal sacrifices in vessel depiction. k‐t2 GRAPPA could further increase imaging speed without significant losses in image quality.

Conclusion

By exploiting high‐degree spatiotemporal correlations during the rest period of a cardiac cycle, k‐t GRAPPA and k‐t2 GRAPPA can greatly increase data acquisition efficiency and, therefore, are promising solutions for fast 4D coronary MRA. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantifying subclinical central nervous lesions in primary antiphospholipid syndrome: The role of magnetization transfer imaging
Authors: Oliveira de Andrade Danieli Castro , Borba Eduardo Ferreira , Bonfá Eloísa , Freire de Carvalho Jozélio , José da Rocha Antônio , Carlos Maia Antônio
Published: January 2008

Purpose

To define the role of magnetization transfer imaging (MTI) in detecting subclinical central nervous system (CNS) lesions in primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS).

Materials and Methods

Ten non‐CNS PAPS patients were compared to 10 CNS PAPS patients and 10 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. All PAPS patients met Sapporo criteria. All subjects underwent conventional MRI and complementary MTI analysis to compose histograms. CNS viability was determined according to the magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) by mean pixel intensity (MPI) and the mean peak height (MPH). Volumetric cerebral measurements were assessed by brain parenchyma factor (BPF) and total/cerebral volume.

Results

MTR histograms analysis revealed that MPI was significantly different among groups (P < 0.0001). Non‐CNS PAPS had a higher MPI than CNS PAPS (30.5 ± 1.01 vs. 25.1 ± 3.17 percent unit (pu); P < 0.05) although lower than controls (30.5 ± 1.01 vs. 31.20 ± 0.50 pu; P < 0.05). MPH in non‐CNS PAPS (5.57 ± 0.20% (1/pu)) was similar to controls (5.63 ± 0.20% (1/pu), P > 0.05) and higher than CNS PAPS (4.71 ± 0.30% (1/pu), P < 0.05). A higher peak location (PL) was also observed in the CNS PAPS group in comparison with the other groups (P < 0.0001). In addition, a lower BPF was found in non‐CNS PAPS compared to controls (0.80 ± 0.03 vs. 0.84 ± 0.02 units; P < 0.05) but similar to CNS PAPS (0.80 ± 0.03 vs. 0.79 ± 0.05 units; P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that non‐CNS PAPS patients have subclinical cerebral damage. The long‐termclinical relevance of MTI analysis in these patients needs to be defined by prospective studies. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extent of the last ice sheet in northern Scotland tested with cosmogenic 10Be exposure ages
Authors: Phillips William M. , Hall Adrian M. , Ballantyne Colin K. , Binnie Steven , Kubik Peter W. , Freeman Stewart
Published: January 2008

The extent of the last British–Irish Ice Sheet (BIIS) in northern Scotland is disputed. A restricted ice sheet model holds that at the global Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; ca. 23–19 ka) the BIIS terminated on land in northern Scotland, leaving Buchan, Caithness and the Orkney Islands ice‐free. An alternative model implies that these three areas were ice‐covered at the LGM, with the BIIS extending offshore onto the adjacent shelves. We test the two models using cosmogenic 10Be surface exposure dating of erratic boulders and glacially eroded bedrock from the three areas. Our results indicate that the last BIIS covered all of northern Scotland during the LGM, but that widespread deglaciation of Caithness and Orkney occurred prior to rapid warming at ca. 14.5 ka. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frequency-domain diffuse optical tomography with single source-detector pair for breast cancer detection
Authors: Orlova A G , Turchin I V , Plehanov V I , Shakhova N M , Fiks I I , Kleshnin M I , Konuchenko N Yu , Kamensky V A
Published: January 2008

An experimental setup for multicolor frequency-domain diffuse optical tomography (FD DOT) was created to visualize neoplasia of breast tissue and to estimate its size. The breast is gently pressed between two glass plates and scanned in the transilluminative configuration by a single source and detector pair. Illumination at three wavelengths (684 nm, 794 nm, and 850 nm) which correspond to different parts of the absorption spectrum in a therapeutic transparency window provides information about concentration of the main absorbers (oxygenated hemoglobin, deoxygenated hemoglobin, and fat/water). Source amplitude modulation at 140 MHz increases spatial resolution and provides separate reconstruction of scattering and absorption coefficients. Moreover, it gives information about breast thickness, which is important for reconstruction. The sensitivity of the system enables one to detect the light propagated through tissue having thickness up to 8 cm. Studies on model media and preliminaryin vivoexperiments with normal breast and breast carcinoma were performed. An increase of scattering coefficient and total hemoglobin concentration is observed in the tumor area. This corroborates validity of the FD DOT method for breast cancer diagnosis.
Effects of light irradiation on bleaching by a 3.5% hydrogen peroxide solution containing titanium dioxide
Authors: Suemori T , Kato J , Nakazawa T , Akashi G , Igarashi A , Hirai Y , Kumagai Y , Kurata H
Published: January 2008

A low-concentration hydrogen peroxide solution containing titanium dioxide as a photocatalyst has attracted attention as a safe office bleaching agent. In this study, the influence of different kinds of light on the bleaching effect of this agent was examined. The bleaching agent was applied to hematoporphyrin-stained paper strips that were then irradiated with a 405-nm diode laser (800 mW/cm2), a halogen lamp (720 mW/cm2), or an LED (835 mW/cm2) for 5 minutes. The color was measured spectrophotometrically before treatment and every 30 seconds thereafter, and the effects of bleaching on the strip were assessed using the CIE 1976 L
* a* b* color coordinate system. Of the three different irradiation conditions, 405-nm laser irradiation gave the strongest bleaching effect with 3.5% hydrogen peroxide containing titanium dioxide. The laser provides strong irradiance at 405 nm, which corresponds to the absorption range of the bleaching agent, and consequently the largest effect was obtained.
A new non-vital tooth bleaching method using titanium dioxide and 3.5% hydrogen peroxide with a 405-nm diode laser or a halogen lamp
Authors: Suemori T , Kato J , Nakazawa T , Akashi G , Hirai Y
Published: January 2008

To establish a safer and more effective bleaching method for discolored pulpless teeth, we examined bleaching from the pulpal dentin side using a 3.5% hydrogen peroxide solution containing titanium dioxide. The twenty bovine blood-stained discolored enamel-dentin plates of 1.0 mm enamel thickness and 2.0 mm dentin thickness were used. The bleaching agent was applied to the dentin side that was then irradiated with a 405-nm diode laser (800 mW/cm2) or a halogen lamp (720 mW/cm2) for 15 minutes. The bleaching effect was assessed by spectrophotometric measurement of the color of the specimens from the dentin and enamel side for every 5 minutes, and then dentin or enamel surface was examined with a scanning electron microscope. The 3.5% hydrogen peroxide solution containing titanium dioxide proved to have a strong bleaching effect. The color difference after laser irradiation was higher than that after halogen lamp irradiation, however, there was no significant difference between them. No changes in the enamel surface morphology were found and open dentinal tubules with no smear layer were clearly observed at the pulpal dentin surface in both groups.
Diode-pumped high efficient Tm:YLF laser output at 1908 nm with near-diffraction limited beam quality
Authors: Duan X M , Yao B Q , Zhang Y J , Song C W , Zheng L L , Ju Y L , Wang Y Z
Published: January 2008

High power and high beam quality continuous wave Tm:YLF laser by the dual-end-pumped is presented in this letter. The highest output power reaches 21.3 W when the totally input pump power is 54.6 W. The optical conversion efficiency is 39.0% and the slope efficiency is 47.3%. With an F-P etalon in the cavity, the output center wavelength is tuned to 1908 nm with about 0.5 nm FWHM. With the optimal cavity, the beam quality factor M2 can be ∼ 1.1. As we know, our work is the first time to investigate the Tm:YLF laser output spectrum with an F-P etalon in the cavity, and acquire near-diffraction limited laser output.
Applications of femtosecond laser induced self‐organized planar nanocracks inside fused silica glass
Authors: Taylor R. , Hnatovsky C. , Simova E.
Published: January 2008

We review our recent experimental efforts towards developing photonic and biophotonic applications of femtosecond laser induced self‐organized planar nanocracks inside fused silica glass. Our results show that sub‐diffraction limited, periodic, planar cracks can be produced, organized, erased and rewritten and basically controlled inside fused silica glass where they can be diagnosed optically using form birefringence. The high degree of control over these self‐replicated periodic structures allows us to investigate applications in micro‐ and nanofluidics, porous capillaries for biofiltering and rewritable data storage for harsh environments.
Interaction of the photobactericides methylene blue and toluidine blue with a fluorophore in Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells
Authors: Usacheva M.N. , Teichert M.C. , Usachev Y.M. , Sievert C.E. , Biel M.A.
Published: January 2008

Background and Objectives

The difference in photobactericidal efficacy between methylene blue (MB) and toluidine blue (TB) may be explained by their involvement with proteins, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and siderophores and siderophore‐receptor protein complexes on the bacterial outer membrane. This study aims to determine if this is the case by using the fluorescence given off by a pseudomonal siderophore named pyoverdin.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to observe the fluorescence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells excited at 488 nm in the presence of increasing dye concentrations.

Results

Cellular fluorescence at 522 nm progressively decreased with increasing dye concentrations. The Stern–Volmer constants for cellular fluorescence quenching with the dyes were compared to the association constants for dyes complexed with LPS. The quenching of cellular fluorescence was associated with the formation of a ground‐state complex between the dyes and pyoverdin–FpvA protein system. MB readily complexed with this system, whereas TB complexed more strongly with LPS.

Conclusion

The different affinities of the dyes for both pyoverdin–protein and LPS will affect the contributions of the dyes' interactions with these biopolymers to the overall bacterial photodamage. Lesers Surg. Med. 40:55–61, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Repair of a large congenital diaphragmatic defect with a reverse latissimus dorsi muscle flap
Authors: Barbosa Rui F. , Rodrigues Jorge , Correia‐Pinto Jorge , Costa‐Ferreira António , Cardoso Augusta , Reis Jorge C. , Amarante José M.
Published: January 2008

Advances in neonatal care have led to an increase in the survival rate of children with large congenital diaphragmatic defects. Reconstruction by direct closure is not usually possible and surgical correction in the newborn consists of synthetic patch closure. Recurrence and complications are high with this technique and a latter reconstruction with living tissue is now advocated. We report a case of congenital diaphragmatic hernia treated initially by synthetic patch closure and 10 months latter, after a recurrence, with a reinnervated reverse latissimus dorsi (RLD) flap. We used an end‐to‐side neural coaptation of the thoracodorsal nerve to the phrenic nerve. The result was satisfactory, with remission of symptoms and improvement in growth and development, with permanent pleuro‐peritoneal separation, normal lung growth, and apparent neodiaphragmatic function. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.
Free‐tissue transfers for reconstruction of oromandibular area in children
Authors: Bilkay Ufuk , Tiftikcioglu Yigit Ozer , Temiz Gokhan , Ozek Cuneyt , Akin Yalcin
Published: January 2008

Introduction: Currently, free‐tissue transfers are commonly used for various reconstructive purposes in adults. However, there is a lack of large series of free flap reconstruction in children, especially for reconstruction of oromandibular defects. Our study aims to share our experience in free‐flap reconstruction of some challenging pediatric cases. Materials and methods: Pediatric free‐flap interventions (<18‐year‐old) that were performed between 2000 and 2006 in our clinic were retrospectively evaluated. Eighteen free‐tissue transfers were performed in 17 pediatric cases. Epidemiologic data, etiology, defects, preferred free flaps, and results have been compared and analyzed. Results: A total of 17 patients (18 free flaps) were analyzed. Mean age was 10.4 years. The etiology was tumor in 11 cases, traffic accident in 5 cases, and gunshot in 1 case. Double‐flap transfer was performed to one patient with a devastating shotgun wound and single flap transfers to others. A total of 8 osseous flaps, 7 osteocutaneous flaps, and 3 septocutaneous flaps were transferred. Total superficial flap necrosis was encountered in one flap (5.8%) while partial superficial necrosis was seen on two flaps (11.7%). Sixteen of the 17 cases reconstructed, including the three cases with complications, resulted in good functional and cosmetic outcome. One case was lost in the sixth postoperative month due to septisemia during chemotherapy. All the surviving 16 cases acquired bony fusion, mastication, and speech in addition to good cosmetic results. Conclusion: Pediatric free‐tissue transfers are increasing due to the development of better equipment, finer surgical technique, and a better understanding of the unique characteristics of pediatric cases. In our opinion, high success rates with good cosmetic and functional results can be obtained if the specific requirements of the pediatric procedures are met. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.
From diffusion‐weighted MRI to anomalous diffusion imaging
Authors: Hall Matt G. , Barrick Thomas R.
Published: January 2008

We present a novel interpretation of non‐monoexponential diffusion‐weighted signal decay with b‐value in terms of the theory of anomalous diffusion. Anomalous diffusion is the theory of diffusing particles in environments that are not locally homogeneous, such as brain tissue. In such environments the model of restricted diffusion commonly employed in the analysis of diffusion MR data is not valid, leading to a nonlinear time dependence for the mean‐squared displacement of spins, and to a prediction of a stretched exponential form for the signal decay. We show that this prediction leads directly to a new parameter, the anomalous exponent, which may be measured from scan data and from this we can estimate a fractal dimension, dw, which categorizes the complexity of the excursions of diffusing spins. We construct images of the anomalous exponent and fractal dimension from in vivo human brain data. Distributions of exponents and dimensions are constructed in grey and white matter and cerebrospinal fluid. We observe that these distributions peak at biologically plausible values consistent with previous studies: grey matter dw = 2.366 ± 0.31, white matter dw = 2.587 ± 0.39, CSF dw = 1.970 (mode). Marked contrast is observed between grey and white matter when compared with lateral ventricle CSF. We then consider the anisotropy of the value of the anomalous exponent and define quantities analogous to the mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy that are commonly generated from diffusion tensor images. Magn Reson Med, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rapid in vivo musculoskeletal MR with parallel imaging at 7T
Authors: Banerjee Suchandrima , Krug Roland , Carballido‐Gamio Julio , Kelley Douglas A.C. , Xu Duan , Vigneron Daniel B. , Majumdar Sharmila
Published: January 2008

The purpose of this work was to implement autocalibrating GRAPPA‐based parallel imaging (PI) for in vivo high‐resolution (HR) MRI of cartilage and trabecular bone micro‐architecture at 7T and to evaluate its performance based on comparison of MR‐derived morphology metrics between accelerated and conventional images and comparison of geometry factor measures between 3T and 7T. Using an eight channel coil array for trabecular MRI at the ankle, a higher maximum feasible acceleration (R) = 6 and lower geometry factor values than that at 3T were observed. The advantages of two‐dimensional acceleration were also demonstrated. In knee cartilage and bone acquisitions, feasibility of PI with a dual‐channel quadrature coil was investigated. Robust quantification of bone and cartilage metrics could be derived from accelerated ankle and knee acquisitions. PI can enhance the clinical feasibility of in vivo bone and cartilage HR‐MRI for osteoporosis and osteoarthritis at 7T. Magn Reson Med, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diffusion tensor imaging and MR spectroscopy in hypertension and presumed cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Nitkunan Arani , Charlton Rebecca A. , McIntyre Dominick J.O. , Barrick Thomas R. , Howe Franklyn A. , Markus Hugh S.
Published: January 2008

In patients with cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is sensitive to white matter damage and correlates better with cognitive function than conventional imaging. It has been proposed as a surrogate marker for treatment trials. However, the pathological changes underlying DTI are not known. The purpose of this study was to use magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to determine the pathological changes underlying DTI abnormalities in a range of patients from asymptomatic white matter hyperintensities to symptomatic cerebral SVD. 29 SVD patients, 63 hypertensive subjects, and 42 normotensive controls were recruited. The relationship between the DTI and MRS parameters in the centrum semiovale white matter was determined. There was a significant reduction in N‐acetylaspartate (NAA; 2.067 ± 0.042 vs 2.299 ± 0.029 and 2.315 ± 0.036, P = 9 × 10−6) and increase in mean diffusivity (mm2/s × 10−3; 0.942 ± 0.123 vs 0.822 ± 0.064 and 0.792 ± 0.057, P = 1 × 10−8) in symptomatic SVD patients compared with the other two groups. DTI parameters correlated with NAA in all three groups, in a graded manner depending on severity of disease (r −SVD −0.827, hypertensive subjects −0.457, controls −0.317). NAA is a marker of axonal loss/dysfunction. These findings are consistent with axonal loss/dysfunction being the principal process causing the DTI changes found in cerebral SVD and ageing. Magn Reson Med, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gaussian process modeling for image distortion correction in echo planar imaging
Authors: Stevick Joseph W. , Harding Sally G. , Paquet Ulrich , Ansorge Richard E. , Carpenter T. Adrian , Williams Guy B.
Published: January 2008

An enhanced method for correction of image distortion due to B0‐field inhomogeneities in echo planar imaging (EPI) is presented. The algorithm is based on the measurement of the point spread function (PSF) associated with each image voxel using a reference scan. The expected distortion map in the phase encode direction is then estimated using a nonparametric inference algorithm known as Gaussian process modeling. The algorithm is shown to be robust to the presence of regions of low signal‐to‐noise in the image and large inhomogeneities. Magn Reson Med, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamic monitoring of localized tumor oxygenation changes using RF pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance in conscious mice
Authors: Matsumoto Shingo , Espey Michael Graham , Utsumi Hideo , Devasahayam Nallathamby , Matsumoto Ken‐Ichiro , Matsumoto Atsuko , Hirata Hiroshi , Wink David A. , Kuppusamy Periannan , Subramanian Sankaran , Mitchell James B. , Krishna Murali C.
Published: January 2008

Oxygenation status is a key determinant in both tumor growth and responses to therapeutic interventions. The oxygen partial pressure (pO2) was assessed using a novel pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy at 750 MHz. Crystals of lithium phthalocyanine (LiPc) implanted into either squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) tumor or femoral muscle on opposing legs of mice were tested by pulsed EPR. The results showed pO2 of SCC tumor was 2.7 ± 0.4 mmHg, while in the femoral muscle it was 6.1 ± 0.9 mmHg. A major advantage of pulsed EPR oximetry over conventional continuous‐wave (CW) EPR oximetry is the lack of influence from subject motion, while avoiding artifacts associated with modulation or power saturation. Resonators in pulsed EPR are overcoupled to minimize recovery time. This makes changes in coupling associated with object motion minimal without influencing spectral quality. Consequently, pulsed EPR oximetry enables approximately a temporal resolution of ∼ one second in pO2 monitoring in conscious subjects, avoiding significant influence of anesthetics on the physiology being studied. The pO2 in SCC tumor and muscle was found to be higher without anesthesia (3.9 ± 0.5 mmHg for tumor, 8.8 ± 1.2 mmHg for muscle). These results support the advantage of pulsed EPR in examining pO2 in conscious animals with LiPc chronically implanted in predetermined regions. Magn Reson Med, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
13C saturation transfer effect of carbon dioxide–bicarbonate exchange catalyzed by carbonic anhydrase in vivo
Authors: Yang Jehoon , Singh Sujata , Shen Jun
Published: January 2008

Carbonic anhydrase catalyzes reversible hydration of carbon dioxide and dehydration of bicarbonate. In this article we report that the rapid exchange catalyzed by carbonic anhydrase causes a large magnetization (saturation) transfer effect on the 13C signal of bicarbonate at 160.7 ppm in vivo when the resonance of the undetectable carbon dioxide at 125.0 ppm is irradiated with RF pulses. In isoflurane‐anesthetized adult rat brain the unidirectional, pseudo first‐order rate constant of this exchange in the dehydration direction was determined to be 0.47 ± 0.05 sec−1 following intravenous infusion of uniformly 13C‐labeled glucose for labeling bicarbonate. Intralateral ventricular administration of the highly specific carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide, which is a drug used for treating glaucoma and epilepsy, was also shown to significantly attenuate the observed 13C magnetization transfer effect of the carbon dioxide–bicarbonate exchange in the rat brain. Magn Reson Med, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quadratic Störmer‐type methods for the solution of the Boussinesq equation by the method of lines
Authors: Tsitouras Ch. , Famelis I. Th.
Published: January 2008

We study the numerical treatment of Boussinesq PDE equation using the method of lines. For the space discretization, we choose either classical finite differences or Fourier pseudospectral methods. Both cases result in a system of second‐order ordinary differential equations (ODEs) that is quadratic. In order to take advantage of this special feature, we choose to solve the ODE system using a new type of hybrid Numerov method specially constructed for such problems. Other efficient ODE solvers taken from the literature are used to solve the system of ODEs as well. By taking all the combinations of space discretization methods and ODE solvers, we discuss the stability and accuracy features revealed from the numerical tests. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2008
A multidomain integrated‐radial‐basis‐function collocation method for elliptic problems
Authors: Mai‐Duy N. , Tran‐Cong T.
Published: January 2008

This article is concerned with the use of integrated radial‐basis‐function networks (IRBFNs) and nonoverlapping domain decompositions (DDs) for numerically solving one‐ and two‐dimensional elliptic problems. A substructuring technique is adopted, where subproblems are discretized by means of one‐dimensional IRBFNs. A distinguishing feature of the present DD technique is that the continuity of the RBF solution across the interfaces is enforced with one order higher than with conventional DD techniques. Several test problems governed by second‐ and fourth‐order differential equations are considered to investigate the accuracy of the proposed technique. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2008
Numerical solutions of the space‐time fractional advection‐dispersion equation
Authors: Momani Shaher , Odibat Zaid
Published: January 2008

Fractional advection‐dispersion equations are used in groundwater hydrologhy to model the transport of passive tracers carried by fluid flow in a porous medium. In this paper we present two reliable algorithms, the Adomian decomposition method and variational iteration method, to construct numerical solutions of the space‐time fractional advection‐dispersion equation in the form of a rabidly convergent series with easily computable components. The fractional derivatives are described in the Caputo sense. Some examples are given. Numerical results show that the two approaches are easy to implement and accurate when applied to space‐time fractional advection‐dispersion equations. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2008
Effect of fiber length and composition on mechanical properties of carbon fiber‐reinforced polybenzoxazine
Authors: Kumar K. S. Santhosh , Nair C. P. Reghunadhan , Ninan K. N.
Published: January 2008

The mechanical strength and modulus of chopped carbon fiber (CF)‐reinforced polybenzoxazine composites were investigated by changing the length of CFs. Tensile, compressive, and flexural properties were investigated. The void content was found to be higher for the short fiber composites. With increase in fiber length, tensile strength increased and optimized at around 17 mm fiber length whereas compressive strength exhibited a continuous diminution. The flexural strength too increased with fiber length and optimized at around 17 mm fiber length. The increase in strength of composites with fiber length is attributed to the enhancement in effective contact area of fibers with the matrix. The experimental results showed that there was about 350% increase in flexural strength and 470% increase in tensile strength of the composites with respect to the neat polybenzoxazine, while, compressive properties were adversely affected. The composites exhibited an optimum increase of about 800% in flexural modulus and 200% in tensile modulus. Enhancing the fiber length, leads to fiber entanglement in the composites, resulted in increased plastic deformation at higher strain. Multiple branch matrix shear, debonded fibers and voids were the failures visualized in the microscopic analyses. Defibrillation has been exhibited by all composites irrespective of fiber length. Fiber debonding and breaking were associated with short fibers whereas clustering and defibrillation were the major failure modes in long fiber composites. Increasing fiber loading improved the tensile and flexural properties until 50–60 wt% of fiber whereas the compressive property consistently decreased on fiber loading. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.