bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Refractory Headache: Historical Perspective, Need, and Purposes for an Operational Definition
Authors: Schulman Elliott A. , Brahin Eric J.
Published: May 2008

The study of migraine has yielded many benefits for headache patients. Little research, however, has been performed on refractory migraine (RM) headache, a term often used interchangeably with intractable migraine. This may be a consequence of a lack of a well‐accepted definition. In a survey performed by the Refractory Headache Special Interest Section (RHSIS) on the American Headache Society (AHS) in 2006, 58% of the members agreed that a definition for refractory headache should be added to the International Classification of Headache Disorders‐2. A PubMed search identified 21 articles that defined refractory or intractable headache/migraine. Sixteen (76%) defined the term “refractory” and 5 (24%) defined the term “intractable.” Many of these definitions did not address the need for an adequate trial of a preventive medicine, disability, and medication overuse. An operational definition will allow us to better characterize the disorder, address unmet medical needs, and identify the most effective treatments. RHSIS of the AHS has proposed a definition of RM. It is our hope that this definition will spur interest in this entity and will lead to further research in the area.
Glut‐1 deficiency syndrome masquerading  as idiopathic generalized epilepsy
Authors: Roulet‐Perez Eliane , Ballhausen Diana , Bonafé Luisa , Cronel‐Ohayon Stephanie , Maeder‐Ingvar Malin
Published: May 2008

To report the case of a child with short absences and occasional myoclonias since infancy who was first diagnosed with an idiopathic generalized epilepsy, but was documented at follow‐up to have a mild phenotype of glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome. Unlike other reported cases of Glut‐1 DS and epilepsy, this child had a normal development as well as a normal head growth and neurological examination. Early onset of seizures and later recognized episodes of mild confusion before meals together with persistent atypical EEG features and unexpected learning difficulties led to the diagnosis. Seizure control and neuropsychological improvements were obtained with a ketogenic diet.
Effect of Aluminum Oxide Addition on the Flexural Strength and Thermal Diffusivity of Heat‐Polymerized Acrylic Resin
Authors: Ellakwa Ayman E. , Morsy Mohamed A. , El‐Sheikh Ali M.
Published: May 2008

Purpose: This work was undertaken to investigate the effect of adding from 5% to 20% by weight aluminum oxide powder on the flexural strength and thermal diffusivity of heat‐polymerized acrylic resin.

Materials and Methods: Seventy‐five specimens of heat‐polymerized acrylic resin were fabricated. The specimens were divided into five groups (n = 15) coded A to E. Group A was the control group (i.e., unmodified acrylic resin specimens). The specimens of the remaining four groups were reinforced with aluminum oxide (Al2O3) powder to achieve loadings of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by weight. Specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 1 week before flexural strength testing to failure (5 mm/min crosshead speed) in a universal testing machine. Results were analyzed by one‐way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey paired group comparison tests (p < 0.05). Weibull analysis was used to calculate the Weibull modulus, characteristic strength, and the required stress for 1% and 5% probabilities of failure. Cylindrical test specimens (5 specimens/group) containing an embedded thermocouple were used to determine thermal diffusivity over a physiologic temperature range (0 to 70°C).

Results: The mean flexural strength values of the heat‐polymerized acrylic resin were (in MPa) 99.45, 119.92, 121.19, 130.08, and 127.60 for groups A, B, C, D, and E, respectively. The flexural strength increased significantly after incorporation of 10% Al2O3. The mean thermal diffusivity values of the heat‐polymerized acrylic resin (in m2/sec) were 6.8, 7.2, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.3 for groups A, B, C, D, and E, respectively. Thermal diffusivities of the composites were found to be significantly higher than the unmodified acrylic resin. Thermal diffusivity was found to increase in proportion to the weight percentage of alumina filler, which suggested that the proper distribution of alumina powders through the insulating polymer matrix might form a pathway for heat conduction.

Conclusion: Al2O3 fillers have potential as added components in denture bases to provide increased flexural strength and thermal diffusivity. Increasing the flexural strength and heat transfer characteristics of the acrylic resin base material could lead to more patient satisfaction.
Effect of Surface Acid Etching on the Biaxial Flexural Strength of Two Hot‐Pressed Glass Ceramics
Authors: Hooshmand Tabassom , Parvizi Shaghayegh , Keshvad Alireza
Published: May 2008

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of surface acid etching on the biaxial flexural strength of two hot‐pressed glass ceramics reinforced by leucite or lithium disilicate crystals.

Materials and Methods: Forty glass ceramic disks (14‐mm diameter, 2‐mm thick) consisting of 20 leucite‐based ceramic disks (IPS Empress®) and 20 lithia disilicate‐based ceramic (IPS Empress 2®) were produced by hot‐pressing technique. All specimens were polished and then cleaned ultrasonically in distilled water. Ten specimens of each ceramic group were then etched with 9% hydrofluoric (HF) acid gel for 2 minutes and cleaned ultrasonically again. The biaxial flexural strength was measured by the piston‐on‐three‐ball test in a universal testing machine. Data based on ten specimens in each group were analyzed by two‐way ANOVA (α= 0.05). Microstructure of ceramic surfaces before and after acid etching was also examined by a scanning electron microscope.

Results: The mean biaxial flexural strength values for each group tested were (in MPa): nonetched IPS Empress = 118.6 ± 25.5; etched IPS Empress = 102.9 ± 15.4; nonetched IPS Empress 2 = 283.0 ± 48.5; and etched IPS Empress 2 = 250.6 ± 34.6. The results showed that the etching process reduced the biaxial flexural strengths significantly for both ceramic types (p= 0.025). No significant interaction between the ceramic type and etching process was found (p= 0.407).

Conclusion: From the results, it was concluded that surface HF acid etching could have a weakening effect on hot‐pressed leucite or lithia disilicate‐based glass ceramic systems.
Failure Modes with Point Loading of Three Commercially Available Denture Teeth
Authors: Moffitt Andrew R. , Woody Ronald D. , Parel Stephen M. , Miller Barbara H.
Published: May 2008

Purpose: A common problem associated with implant‐supported prostheses is the fracture of denture teeth. This study was designed to compare the fracture modes of three denture teeth by compressive load at a 30° off‐axis angle.

Material and Methods: Three denture teeth (Vident Duostat, Ivoclar Vivadent, and Dentsply Trubyte) processed to two denture base processing systems [injection‐molded (IM) SR‐Ivocap system and compression‐molded (CM) denture base resin] were evaluated. Each specimen was processed to a metal framework. Ultimate failure strength of each system when point loaded at a 30° off‐axis angle was recorded, along with a visual inspection of each specimen.

Results: The average load fracture for each group was (in N): Vident CM 1106.97 ± 223.20, Vident IM 1168.18 ± 322.52, Dentsply CM 1098.08 ± 286.32, Dentsply IM 1023.80 ± 282.45, Ivoclar CM 1616.98 ± 204.87, and Ivoclar IM 1373.54 ± 282.58. There was a significant difference between the groups and the Ivoclar CM group. The Ivoclar CM group had the highest average load force, and the Dentsply IM group had the lowest average load force. On average, the teeth within the groups fractured at a higher compression force than the average maximum occlusal force in natural dentition. Dentsply and Vident denture teeth fractured more horizontally, and the Ivoclar denture teeth fractured more vertically within the groups. There was no significant difference among the groups between the IM and CM processing methods.

Conclusions: In the present in vitro study, all specimens were able to withstand 30° off‐axis loading with the exception of one specimen. With these results, this would indicate that these denture teeth are able to withstand normal occlusal forces.
Cranial Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension after Epidural Blood Patch
Authors: Bakir Baris , Aydin Kubilay , Talu Gul , Ozyalcin Suleyman
Published: May 2008

▪ Abstract:  Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a syndrome characterized by orthostatic headache, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and diplopia. Subdural effusion, diffuse dural enhancement, dilatation of epidural veins, and increased height of hypophysis are cranial magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings in SIH. Epidural blood patch is reportedly one of the effective treatment options. We present the follow‐up MR imaging findings in a case of SIH after a successful epidural blood patch treatment. We propose that cranial MR imaging as an objective test to evaluate the success of epidural blood patch treatment. ▪
Technology Acceptance Model 3 and a Research Agenda on Interventions
Authors: Venkatesh Viswanath , Bala Hillol
Published: May 2008

Prior research has provided valuable insights into how and why employees make a decision about the adoption and use of information technologies (ITs) in the workplace. From an organizational point of view, however, the more important issue is how managers make informed decisions about interventions that can lead to greater acceptance and effective utilization of IT. There is limited research in the IT implementation literature that deals with the role of interventions to aid such managerial decision making. Particularly, there is a need to understand how various interventions can influence the known determinants of IT adoption and use. To address this gap in the literature, we draw from the vast body of research on the technology acceptance model (TAM), particularly the work on the determinants of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, and: (i) develop a comprehensive nomological network (integrated model) of the determinants of individual level (IT) adoption and use; (ii) empirically test the proposed integrated model; and (iii) present a research agenda focused on potential pre‐ and postimplementation interventions that can enhance employees' adoption and use of IT. Our findings and research agenda have important implications for managerial decision making on IT implementation in organizations.
Growth versus Margins: Destabilizing Consequences of Giving the Stock Market What It Wants
Authors: AGHION PHILIPPE , STEIN JEREMY C.
Published: May 2008

We develop a model in which a firm can devote effort either to increasing sales growth, or to improving per‐unit profit margins. If the firm's manager cares about the current stock price, she will favor the growth strategy when the market pays more attention to growth numbers. Conversely, it can be rational for the market to weight growth measures more heavily when it is known that the firm is following a growth strategy. This two‐way feedback between firms' strategies and the market's pricing rule can lead to excess volatility in real variables, even absent any external shocks.
Volatility Information Trading in the Option Market
Authors: NI SOPHIE X. , PAN JUN , POTESHMAN ALLEN M.
Published: May 2008

This paper investigates informed trading on stock volatility in the option market. We construct non‐market maker net demand for volatility from the trading volume of individual equity options and find that this demand is informative about the future realized volatility of underlying stocks. We also find that the impact of volatility demand on option prices is positive. More importantly, the price impact increases by 40% as informational asymmetry about stock volatility intensifies in the days leading up to earnings announcements and diminishes to its normal level soon after the volatility uncertainty is resolved.
The Corporate Governance Role of the Media: Evidence from Russia
Authors: DYCK ALEXANDER , VOLCHKOVA NATALYA , ZINGALES LUIGI
Published: May 2008

We study the effect of media coverage on corporate governance by focusing on Russia in the period 1999 to 2002. We find that an investment fund's lobbying increases coverage of corporate governance violations in the Anglo‐American press. We also find that coverage in the Anglo‐American press increases the probability that a corporate governance violation is reversed. This effect is present even when we instrument coverage with an exogenous determinant, the fund's portfolio composition at the beginning of the period. The fund's strategy seems to work in part by impacting Russian companies' reputation abroad and in part by forcing regulators into action.
Stock Returns in Mergers and Acquisitions
Authors: HACKBARTH DIRK , MORELLEC ERWAN
Published: May 2008

This paper develops a real options framework to analyze the behavior of stock returns in mergers and acquisitions. In this framework, the timing and terms of takeovers are endogenous and result from value‐maximizing decisions. The implications of the model for abnormal announcement returns are consistent with the available empirical evidence. In addition, the model generates new predictions regarding the dynamics of firm‐level betas for the period surrounding control transactions. Using a sample of 1,086 takeovers of publicly traded U.S. firms between 1985 and 2002, we present new evidence on the dynamics of firm‐level betas, which is strongly supportive of the model's predictions.
A Search‐Based Theory of the On‐the‐Run Phenomenon
Authors: VAYANOS DIMITRI , WEILL PIERRE‐OLIVIER
Published: May 2008

We propose a model in which assets with identical cash flows can trade at different prices. Infinitely lived agents can establish long positions in a search spot market, or short positions by first borrowing an asset in a search repo market. We show that short‐sellers can endogenously concentrate in one asset because of search externalities and the constraint that they must deliver the asset they borrowed. That asset enjoys greater liquidity, a higher lending fee (“specialness”), and trades at a premium consistent with no‐arbitrage. We derive closed‐form solutions for small frictions, and provide a calibration generating realistic on‐the‐run premia.
The Politics of Financial Development: Evidence from Trade Liberalization
Authors: BRAUN MATIAS , RADDATZ CLAUDIO
Published: May 2008

Incumbents in various industries have different incentives to promote or oppose financial development. Changes in the relative strength of promoter and opponent industries thus result in changes in the political equilibrium level of financial development. We conduct an event study using a sample of 41 countries that liberalized trade during 1970 to 2000, and show that the strengthening of promoter relative to opponent industries resulting from liberalization is a good predictor of subsequent financial development. The benefits of developing the financial system are insufficient for financial development, and rents in particular hands appear to be necessary to achieve it.
Intracoronary Infusion of Catecholamines Causes Focal Arrhythmias in Pigs
Authors: DOPPALAPUDI HARISH , JIN QI , DOSDALL DEREK J. , QIN HAO , WALCOTT GREGORY P. , KILLINGSWORTH CHERYL R. , SMITH WILLIAM M. , IDEKER RAYMOND E. , HUANG JIAN
Published: May 2008

Background:
Acute ischemia causes myriad changes including increased catecholamines. We tested the hypothesis that elevated catecholamines alone are arrhythmogenic. 

Methods and Results:
A 504 electrode sock was placed over both ventricles in six open‐chest pigs. During control infusion of saline through a catheter in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), no sustained arrhythmias occurred, and the refractory period estimated by the activation recovery interval (ARI) was 175 ± 14 ms in the LAD bed below the catheter. After infusion of isoproterenol at 0.1 μg/kg/min through the catheter, the ARI in this bed was significantly reduced to 109 ± 10 ms. A sharp gradient of refractoriness of 43 ± 10 ms was at the border of the perfused bed. Sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia occurred after drug infusion in the perfused bed or near its boundary in all animals with a cycle length of 329 ± 26 ms and a focal origin. The maximum slope of the ARI restitution curve at the focal origins of the tachyarrhythmias was always <1 (0.62 ± 0.15). Similar results with a focal arrhythmia origin occurred in two additional pigs in which intramural mapping was performed with 36 plunge needle electrodes in the left ventricular perfused bed. 

Conclusion:
Regional elevation of a catecholamine, which is one of the alterations produced by acute ischemia, can by itself cause tachyarrhythmias. These arrhythmias are closely associated with a shortened refractory period and a large gradient of the spatial distribution of refractoriness but not with a steep restitution curve.
Effects of Procainamide and Sotalol on Restitution Properties, Dispersion of Refractoriness, and Ventricular Fibrillation Activation Patterns in Pigs
Authors: JIN QI , CHEN XIAOZHONG , SMITH WILLIAM M. , IDEKER RAYMOND E. , HUANG JIAN
Published: May 2008

Background:
Interest in combining antiarrhythmic drugs has been prompted by the lack of efficacy of monotherapies and the toxicity resulting from high doses of individual agents. 

Objectives:
We tested the hypothesis that procainamide and sotalol combined have greater beneficial effects on restitution, on the dispersion of refractoriness, and on decreasing the complexity of ventricular fibrillation (VF) than either drug alone. 

Methods:
Six open‐chest pigs received intravenous procainamide (15 mg/kg load and 50 μg/kg/min maintenance) followed by sotalol (1.5 mg/kg). Another six pigs received sotalol first and procainamide second. Before drugs and after each drug, 20‐second episodes of electrically induced VF were recorded from a 21 × 24 unipolar electrode plaque (2 mm spacing) sutured on the lateral posterior left ventricular epicardium. Restitution properties and dispersion of refractoriness were estimated from activation recovery intervals during pacing. 

Results:
The combination of the two drugs reduced the maximum slope of the restitution curve and during VF reduced the number of wavefronts, the activation rate, the percentage of wavefront families exhibiting reentry, and the conduction velocity more than either drug alone. In addition, in the group that received sotalol first, both drugs together reduced the SD and the coefficient of variation of the spatial dispersion of refractoriness compared with baseline. 

Conclusions:
Procainamide and sotalol combined have greater beneficial effects on restitution properties, dispersion of refractoriness, and the complexity of VF than either drug alone compared with baseline.
Spatial Distribution and Extent of Electroporation by Strong Internal Shock in Intact Structurally Normal and Chronically Infarcted Rabbit Hearts
Authors: KIM SEOK C. , VASANJI AMIT , EFIMOV IGOR R. , CHENG YUANNA
Published: May 2008

Introduction:
Although life‐saving, a strong internal defibrillation shock may temporarily or permanently damage the heart via disruption of cell membranes (electroporation). Spatial extent of electroporation in intact, normal, or infarcted hearts has not been investigated. In this study, shock‐induced electroporation in intact rabbit hearts with and without chronic (>4 weeks) left ventricular myocardial infarction (MI) was characterized. 

Methods and Results:
A coil shock electrode was inserted in the right ventricle of Langendorff‐perfused hearts. One truncated exponential monophasic shock (+300 V, 8 ms) was delivered by a 150 μF capacitor clinical defibrillator while the heart was perfused with membrane‐impermeant dye propidium iodide (PI). The heart was sectioned transversely, and uptake of PI into ventricular myocardium through electropores was quantified. Histological evaluation was performed via Masson's trichrome staining. PI accumulation was minimal in the control (n = 3) and MI (n = 3) hearts without shock. Following shock delivery, (1) in control (n = 5) and MI (n = 5) hearts, electroporation mostly occurred near the shock electrode and was longitudinally distributed along the active region of the shock electrode; (2) in MI group, electroporation was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the surviving anterior epicardial layers of the infarcted region; and (3) between the control and MI groups, the overall extent of electroporation was similar. 

Conclusion:
Shock‐induced electroporation was spatially dependent on the location and dimension of the active region of the shock electrode. The overall extent of electroporation in the MI heart was comparable with the control heart, but the surviving anterior epicardial layers in the infarcted region were more susceptible to electroporation.
Learning from the Spirits: Candomblé, Umbanda, and Kardecismo in Recife, Brazil
Authors: KRIPPNER STANLEY
Published: May 2008

Brazilian spiritistic religions have developed along elaborate historical and cultural trajectories with spirit mediumship as a central feature of ritual practice in Candomblé, Umbanda, Kardecismo, and similar groups. In these studies, several Brazilian spiritistic practitioners who worked as mediums were interviewed and, in some cases, tested with psychological measures for dissociation using the Dissociative Experiences Scale, for absorption using the Tellegen Absorption Scale, and for sexual orientation using the Kinsey Scale. Few significant gender differences were noted in these measures. In two cases, psychophysiological measures were employed including electroencephalography, heart rate, skin conductance, and electromyography. In general, the research participants scored highly on measures of dissociation while scoring in the average range on absorption (using U.S. norms). The psychophysiological results indicated that for the two spiritistic practitioners investigated overall peripheral autonomic nervous system activation was negatively associated with sympathetic cortical level deactivation. The data suggested a psychophysiological incongruence between the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system functioning on the part of the two practitioners. However, the two variables were positively associated and congruent in data obtained from a control subject. Interview data identified five ways in which mediums received their “call to heal,” visions, dreams, and unexpected incorporations being the most frequent factors cited. One medium who engages in surgical procedures was observed; tissues were collected from ten clients and were found to be consistent with the site of the surgery. In conclusion, it is apparent that mediumship is a complex phenomenon, one deserving of further investigation by anthropologists, psychologists, and sociologists interested in human consciousness, in indigenous health care, and in the psychophysiology of practitioners who claim to work under the direction of spirit entities.
Yanomami Shamanic Initiation: The Meaning of Death and Postmortem Consciousness in Transformation
Authors: JOKIC ZELJKO
Published: May 2008

The main aim of shamanic initiation among the Yanomami people of the Upper Orinoco River region in Venezuela is the metamorphosis of the human body into a cosmic body, or what I term “corporeal cosmogenesis.” During the initiatory ordeal, the neophyte undergoes an intense experience of death through dismemberment by the spirits and subsequent rebirth, thus overcoming the human condition and becoming an individual living spirit. But, at the same time, he becomes a “collection” of other spirits who leave their natural habitats—located on the mountaintops and in the forest—and move into the initiate's body, which becomes their abode. As the candidate surrenders his soul and humanness to the spirits, the latter become his personal allies and sources of power while imbuing the shaman's postmortem ego with certain properties that can best be described in holographic terms. After the shaman's biological death, his personal spirits become disembodied again and disperse back into the forest and on the mountaintops. When the shaman dies, his soul multiplies, as each of the disembodied spirits becomes a carrier of the shaman's soul image. In this way, through initiations, the shaman becomes a part of a dynamic cosmic circuity, as his hekura can be called upon to invade the bodies of new shamans, and start a cosmogonic initiatory act anew.
Ego Boundaries, Shamanic‐Like Techniques, and Subjective Experience: An Experimental Study
Authors: ROCK ADAM J. , WILSON JESSICA M. , JOHNSTON LUKE J. , LEVESQUE JANELLE V.
Published: May 2008

The subjective effects and therapeutic potential of the shamanic practice of journeying is well known. However, previous research has neglected to provide a comprehensive assessment of the subjective effects of shamanic‐like journeying techniques on non‐shamans. Shamanic‐like techniques are those that demonstrate some similarity to shamanic practices and yet deviate from what may genuinely be considered shamanism. Furthermore, the personality traits that influence individual susceptibility to shamanic‐like techniques are unclear. The aim of the present study was, thus, to investigate experimentally the effect of shamanic‐like techniques and a personality trait referred to as “ego boundaries” on subjective experience including mood disturbance. Forty‐three non‐shamans were administered a composite questionnaire consisting of demographic items and a measure of ego boundaries (i.e., the Short Boundary Questionnaire; BQ‐Sh). Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: listening to monotonous drumming for 15 minutes coupled with one of two sets of journeying instructions; or sitting quietly with eyes closed for 15 minutes. Participants' subjective experience and mood disturbance were retrospectively assessed using the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory (PCI) and the Profile of Mood States‐Short Form, respectively. The results indicated that there was a statistically significant difference between conditions with regard to the PCI major dimensions of visual imagery, attention and rationality, and minor dimensions of imagery amount and absorption. However, the shamanic‐like conditions were not associated with a major reorganization of the pattern of subjective experience compared to the sitting quietly condition, suggesting that what is typically referred to as an altered state of consciousness effect was not evident. One shamanic‐like condition and the BQ‐Sh subscales need for order, childlikeness, and sensitivity were statistically significant predictors of total mood disturbance. Implications of the findings for the anthropology of consciousness are also considered.
Bromadiolone Poisoning: LC–MS Method and Pharmacokinetic Data
Authors: Vindenes Vigdis , Karinen Ritva , Hasvold Inger , Bernard Jean‐Paul , Mørland Jørg G. , Christophersen Asbjørg S.
Published: May 2008

Abstract:  Poisoning with superwarfarins, like bromadiolone, is a growing public health problem, and the mortality is high. Pharmacokinetic data on bromadiolone in humans are however scarce, and there are no reports following repeated exposures to bromadiolone. We have developed a method for quantification of bromadiolone in whole blood, using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐MS). The analytical method is reported. Limit of detection was 0.005 mg/L and limit of quantification was 0.01 mg/L. The concentrations of bromadiolone in whole blood and plasma in serial samples from a 62‐year‐old woman were measured. The half‐life of bromadiolone in blood was estimated to be about 6 days in the initial phase of elimination and about 10–13 days in the terminal phase. The mean plasma/blood ratio of bromadiolone was 1.7 ± 0.6. Stability testing of bromadiolone in whole blood samples after two cycles of freeze and thaw revealed that bromadiolone concentrations decreased.
An Evaluation of Determination of Handedness Using Standard Osteological Measurements*
Authors: Danforth Marie Elaine , Thompson Andrew
Published: May 2008

Abstract:  Numerous studies have assessed side dominance assuming arm bones on the side of handedness will be larger, but concerns over sample size or replicability of measurements usually emerged. Attempting to improve upon these limitations, this investigation analyzes patterns of side difference for standard length and transverse dimensions of the scapula, clavicle, humerus, ulna, and radius for 137 individuals of known handedness. The results showed that with few exceptions, the right side of the skeleton was consistently larger in most individuals regardless of side dominance. Combinations of other measurements previously suggested to be indicative of handedness as well as the use of discriminant analysis also failed to provide reliable estimators. These findings are likely related to the fact that activities of modern individuals are generally not sufficiently unilateral in their stresses to cause asymmetrical development in the arm bones. Therefore, it is recommended that other means be developed to assess side dominance.
Therapy of peri‐implantitis: a systematic review
Authors: Kotsovilis Sotirios , Karoussis Ioannis K. , Trianti Maria , Fourmousis Ioannis
Published: May 2008

Aim: The objective of this study was to provide a systematic review of randomized controlled and/or comparative clinical trials published in the international peer‐reviewed literature in the English language, up to and including July 2007, concerning the efficacy of all treatment modalities implemented for the therapy of peri‐implantitis.

Material and Methods: PubMed and The Cochrane Library databases were searched electronically and numerous journals were examined manually. In the first phase of selection, the titles and abstracts, and in the second phase, complete papers were screened independently and in duplicate by three reviewers (S. K., I. K. K. and M. T.).

Results: The search yielded 1304 possibly relevant titles and abstracts. After the first phase of selection, 13 publications were singled out for a rigorous evaluation. Following the second phase, five studies were selected.

Conclusions: The selected studies are too limited in number and exhibit small sample sizes and short follow‐up periods. Therefore, there is a definite need for more well‐designed, preferably longitudinal, randomized controlled clinical trials. Within the limitations of the selected studies, mechanical debridement combined with antiseptic/antibiotic therapy, the Er:YAG laser or regenerative techniques may be used for treating peri‐implantitis, but the indications for each of these techniques have not been delineated clearly.
Genetic refuges for a self‐sustained fishery: experience in wild brown trout populations in the eastern Pyrenees
Authors: Araguas R. M. , Sanz N. , Fernández R. , Utter F. M. , Pla C. , García‐Marín J.‐L.
Published: May 2008

Abstract –  Management policies balancing harvest and conservation of natural populations of fish are difficult to establish, both scientifically and politically. This issue is particularly difficult when those populations represent native genetic resources. Since 1997, several brown trout populations in the eastern Pyrenees Mountains (Spain) were designated as ‘genetic refuges’ under varying fishing regulations, where releases of hatchery‐origin fish are not permitted. We analysed genetic variation in samples of brown trout from six of those refuge populations and four non‐refuge populations within the same region. Each population was sampled in four separate years: 1993, 1999, 2004 and 2006. Our analyses were based on a diagnostic allele (LDH‐C*90) that distinguishes native and exogenous hatchery populations. Comparisons were based on stocking histories before and after refuge designations and on three management strategies: fished, unfished and catch‐and‐release. Overall, we detected significant genetic introgression resulting from past stocking practices despite the current restriction of hatchery releases imposed by the recent genetic refuge policy. However, this new policy has prevented detectable introgression from increasing throughout the region and together with additional measures on length and number of captured fish is contributing to self‐sustained fisheries that are achieving conservation goals. Quick acceptance of ‘genetic refuges’ by anglers in one particular river, the Ter River basin, has been a key factor in protecting native gene pools compared with the Segre River basins where refuges were not readily accepted.
The metalloprotease PrtV from Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Vaitkevicius Karolis , Rompikuntal Pramod K. , Lindmark Barbro , Vaitkevicius Rimas , Song Tianyan , Wai Sun N.
Published: May 2008

The Vibrio metalloprotease PrtV was purified from the culture supernatant of a Vibrio cholerae derivative that is deficient in several other secreted peptidases, including the otherwise abundant hemagglutinin/protease HapA. The PrtV is synthesized as a 102 kDa protein, but undergoes several N‐ and C‐terminal processing steps during V. cholerae envelope translocation and prolonged incubation. Purified V. cholerae PrtV protease forms of 81 or 73 kDa were stabilized by calcium ions. Removal of calcium resulted in further rapid autoproteolysis. The two major products of autoproteolysis of the PrtV protease were approximately 37 and 18 kDa and could not be separated under non‐denaturing conditions, indicating they are interacting domains. In an assay using cultured cells of the human intestinal cell line HCT8, the PrtV protein showed a cytotoxic effect leading to cell death. Using human blood plasma as a source of potential substrates of mammalian origin for the PrtV protease, we found that the extracellular matrix components fibronectin and fibrinogen were degraded by the enzyme. Additional tests with individual protein substrates revealed that plasminogen was also a possible target for the PrtV protease.
Implication of the glutamine synthetase/glutamate synthase pathway in conditioning the amino acid metabolism in bundle sheath and mesophyll cells of maize leaves
Authors: Valadier Marie‐Hélène , Yoshida Ayako , Grandjean Olivier , Morin Halima , Kronenberger Jocelyne , Boutet Stéphanie , Raballand Adeline , Hase Toshiharu , Yoneyama Tadakatsu , Suzuki Akira
Published: May 2008

We investigated the role of glutamine synthetases (cytosolic GS1 and chloroplast GS2) and glutamate synthases (ferredoxin‐GOGAT and NADH‐GOGAT) in the inorganic nitrogen assimilation and reassimilation into amino acids between bundle sheath cells and mesophyll cells for the remobilization of amino acids during the early phase of grain filling in Zea mays L. The plants responded to a light/dark cycle at the level of nitrate, ammonium and amino acids in the second leaf, upward from the primary ear, which acted as the source organ. The assimilation of ammonium issued from distinct pathways and amino acid synthesis were evaluated from the diurnal rhythms of the transcripts and the encoded enzyme activities of nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, GS1, GS2, ferredoxin‐GOGAT, NADH‐GOGAT, NADH‐glutamate dehydrogenase and asparagine synthetase. We discerned the specific role of the isoproteins of ferredoxin and ferredoxin:NADP+ oxidoreductase in providing ferredoxin‐GOGAT with photoreduced or enzymatically reduced ferredoxin as the electron donor. The spatial distribution of ferredoxin‐GOGAT supported its role in the nitrogen (re)assimilation and reallocation in bundle sheath cells and mesophyll cells of the source leaf. The diurnal nitrogen recycling within the plants took place via the specific amino acids in the phloem and xylem exudates. Taken together, we conclude that the GS1/ferredoxin‐GOGAT cycle is the main pathway of inorganic nitrogen assimilation and recycling into glutamine and glutamate, and preconditions amino acid interconversion and remobilization.
Evaluation of a community‐based weight management program for overweight and obese adolescents: The Loozit study
Authors: O'CONNOR Janice , STEINBECK Katharine , HILL Andrew , BOOTH Michael , KOHN Michael , SHAH Smita , BAUR Louise
Published: May 2008

Aim: To evaluate a community‐based weight management program for overweight and obese adolescents aged 13–16 years.

Methods: The present study was a group‐based intervention over five months conducted in Australian community health centres. Program evaluation questionnaires were completed by adolescents and their parents. Seven semi‐structured group sessions were held for adolescents: weekly for four weeks and then at two, four and five months. The program sessions focused on healthy eating, increasing physical activity, decreasing sedentary behaviour and increasing self‐esteem. Adolescents' anthropometry, blood pressure and fasting blood biochemistry were measured. Adolescents completed validated questionnaires on diet, physical activity and self‐esteem.

Results: Twenty‐two overweight and obese adolescents were recruited with a median body mass index (BMI) z‐score 2.30. Recruitment strategies were identified and a high retention rate (91%) was achieved. The program was well received by adolescents. Parents reported their adolescents were making healthier food choices and increasing physical activity. At treatment end there were clinically significant improvements in self‐perception scores for physical appearance and romantic appeal (P < 0.05), waist circumference (median 100.1 cm vs 97.1 cm;P < 0.0001) and HDL cholesterol (median 1.10 mmol/L vs 1.20 mmol/L;P = 0.02), but not BMI or BMI z‐score.

Conclusions: The Loozit weight management intervention is one of the first to involve adolescents in the evaluation of the program and to operate at a sustainable intensity in an accessible community setting. The present study provides valuable insights into the elements of a program that is acceptable to adolescents.
A best practice dietetic service for rural patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy: A pilot of a pseudo‐randomised controlled trial
Authors: BROWN Leanne , CAPRA Sandra , WILLIAMS Lauren
Published: May 2008

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to test a predetermined model of best practice for rural patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy treatment by assessing patient satisfaction and patient outcomes.

Methods:  The study design was a pseudo‐randomised controlled trial, comparing a predetermined best practice protocol with usual service delivery, as provided by the local hospital. Patient outcomes were measured using the Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG‐SGA), Modified Constipation Assessment Scale (MCAS) and Global Quality of Life questionnaire C30 (QLQ‐C30). Patient satisfaction and feedback were also assessed.

Results:  Twenty‐four cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment in a rural oncology treatment centre were recruited to the study, with complete data sets for 12 participants. The median age of participants was 60 years (range 41–74), with equal numbers of male and female participants. No statistically significant results were found for any of the outcome variables. More than half of all the service delivery provided to the intervention group was outside the designated clinic times, with services provided most days of the week. The preferred method of review for respondents was by telephone or in person at the time of treatment.

Conclusions:  This pilot study indicates the need to further investigate this best practice dietetic service model to determine if patient outcomes are significant. Patient feedback indicates that a rural dietetic service to oncology patients needs to be well organised with a screening process and provided in a timely and flexible way.
PDBcal: A Comprehensive Dataset for Receptor–Ligand Interactions with Three‐dimensional Structures and Binding Thermodynamics from Isothermal Titration Calorimetry
Authors: Li Liwei , Dantzer Justin J. , Nowacki Jonathan , O’Callaghan Brian J. , Meroueh Samy O.
Published: May 2008

Compounds designed solely based on structure often do not result in any improvement of the binding affinity because of entropy–enthalpy compensation. Thermodynamic data along with structure provide an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of this effect and aid in the refinement of scoring functions used in computational drug design. Here, we scoured the literature and constructed the most comprehensive hand‐curated calorimetry dataset to date. It contains thermodynamic and structural data for more than 400 receptor–ligand complexes. The dataset can be accessed through a web interface at http://www.pdbcal.org. The thermodynamic data consists of free energy, enthalpy, entropy and heat capacity as measured by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The dataset also contains the experimental conditions that were used to carry out the ITC experiments. The chemical structures of the ligands are also provided. Analysis of the data confirms the existence of enthalpy‐entropy compensation effect for the first time using strictly ITC data.
Structure‐Based Design of a Potent and Selective Small Peptide Inhibitor of Mycobacterium tuberculosis 6‐Hydroxymethyl‐7, 8‐Dihydropteroate Synthase: A Computer Modelling Approach
Authors: Rao Gita Subba , Kumar Manoj
Published: May 2008

In an attempt to design novel anti‐TB drugs, the target chosen is the enzyme 6‐hydroxymethyl‐7,8‐dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS), which is an attractive target since it is present in microorganisms but not in humans. The existing drugs for this target are the sulfa drugs, which have been used for about seven decades. However, single mutations in the DHPS gene can cause resistance to sulfa drugs. Therefore, there is a need for the design of novel drugs. Based on the recently determined crystal structure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) DHPS complexed with a known substrate analogue, and on the crystal structures of E. coli DHPS and Staphylococcus aureus DHPS, we have identified a dipeptide inhibitor with the sequence WK. Docking calculations indicate that this peptide has a significantly higher potency than the sulfa drugs. In addition, the potency is 70–90 times higher for M.tb DHPS as compared to that for the pterin and folate‐binding sites of key human proteins. Thus, the designed inhibitor is a promising lead compound for the development of novel antimycobcaterial agents.
In vitro analysis of the penetration of methylene blue dye in human radicular dentin using different methods of impregnation
Authors: Ferreira Ronise , Bombana Antonio C. , Sayeg Isaac J.
Published: May 2008

The purpose of the present study was to verity whether different conditions of contact with a dye solution would result in different levels of the impregnation by the marker agent in human radicular dentin. The root canals of 60 upper human canines were immersed in methylene blue dye (0.5%, pH 7.0) for 24 h under six different conditions: passive immersion; pre‐agitation for 10 min using an endodontic ultrasound; pre‐agitation for 10 min using a cleaning ultrasound; 25‐mmHg vacuum for 10 min followed by passive immersion; 30‐mmHg and 650‐mmHg vacuum for 24 h. The roots were longitudinally sectioned and dye impregnation was assessed by a trained and calibrated examiner, using the Q 550 IW image analyser (Leica Qwin™, Cambridge, England). The measurements were analysed with anova and Tukey test. The results revealed no significant difference among the different methods for dye impregnation. In the cervical third, impregnation with 30 mmHg was significantly more effective than with endodontic ultrasound or 25 mmHg. At the apical third, no differences were observed between any of the dye impregnation methods. The comparison of different thirds revealed a statistically significant difference between the cervical and apical and the middle and apical thirds, but not between the cervical and middle thirds.
Detection of presence or absence of herpes simplex virus, Epstein Barr virus and human cytomegalovirus in infected pulp using a polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Rosaline Hannah , Satish Emmanuel S. , Kandaswamy Deivanayagam
Published: May 2008

The development of methods to amplify nucleic acids has provided a way of identifying and quantifying infectious pathogens in infected pulp and periapical region. Recent studies have detected human herpes virus in periapical pathosis and periodontitis. The aim of this study is to detect the presence or absence of herpes simplex virus, human cytomegalovirus and Epstein Barr virus in an infected pulp. Ten pulp tissue samples from teeth with irreversible pulpitis and eight control samples were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (Perkin – Elmer Gene Amplification System) for detection of human herpes virus. The results of this study did not reveal any human herpes virus in both the control and infected pulp tissue samples. According to this study, human herpes virus may not have an entry through the infected pulp to reach the periapical region and may not be a causative organism in the pulp.
Radiological evaluation of the morphological changes of root canals shaped with ProTaper™ for hand use and the ProTaper™ and RaCe™ rotary instruments
Authors: Aguiar Carlos M. , Câmara Andréa C.
Published: May 2008

This study evaluated, by means of the radiography examination, the occurrence of deviations in the apical third of root canals shaped with hand and rotary instruments. Sixty mandibular human molars were divided into three groups. The root canals in group 1 were instrumented with ProTaper™ (Dentsply/Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) for hand use, group 2 with ProTaper™ and group 3 with RaCe™. The images obtained by double superimposition of the pre‐ and postoperative radiographs were evaluated by two endodontists with the aid of a magnifier‐viewer and a fivefold magnifier. Statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher‐Freeman‐Halton. The instrumentation using the ProTaper™ for hand use showed 25% of the canals with a deviation in the apical third, as did the ProTaper™, while the corresponding figure for the RaCe™ (FKG Dentaire, La‐Chaux‐de‐Fonds, Switzerland) was 20%, but these results were not statistically significant. There was no correlation between the occurrence of deviations in the apical third and the systems used.
Effect of 17% EDTA and MTAD on intracanal smear layer removal: A scanning electron microscopic study
Authors: Ali Mozayeni Mohammad , Hossein Javaheri Ghasem , Poorroosta Pardis , Asna Ashari Mohammad , Hossein Javaheri Homan
Published: May 2008

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of MTAD as the final irrigant to remove the smear layer, compared with that of 17% EDTA, both following root canal irrigation with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Fifty‐five extracted maxillary and mandibular single‐rooted human teeth were prepared by a crown‐down technique using rotary 0.04 and 0.06 taper nickel‐titanium files. 5.25% sodium hypochlorite was used as the intracanal irrigant. The canals were then treated with 5 mL of one of the following solutions as final rinse: 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, 17% EDTA or MTAD. The presence or absence of smear layer in the coronal, middle and apical portion of each canal was examined with a scanning electron microscope. The results showed that MTAD is an effective final rinse solution for removing the smear layer in canals irrigated with sodium hypochlorite. When 17% EDTA was used as a final rinse, the smear layer was removed from the middle and coronal thirds of canal preparations, but it was less effective in the apical third of the canals.