bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Somatostatin stimulates the migration of hepatic oval cells in the injured rat liver
Authors: Jung Youngmi , Oh Seh‐Hoon , Witek Rafal P. , Petersen Bryon E.
Published: September 2011

Background

Somatostatin is a pleiotropic peptide, exerting a variety of effects through its receptor subtypes. Recently, somatostatin has been shown to act as a chemoattractant for haematopoietic progenitor cells and hepatic oval cells (HOC) via receptor subtype 2 and subtype 4 (SSTR4) respectively.

Aims

We investigated the in vivo effect of somatostatin/SSTR4 on HOC migration in the injured liver model of rats and the type of signalling molecules associated with the chemotactic function.

Methods

Migration assay, HOC transplantation and phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K) signalling were assessed with or without somatostatin and an analogue of somatostatin (TT232) that specifically binds to SSTR4.

Results

TT232 was shown to have an antimigratory action on HOC induced by somatostatin in vitro. In HOC transplantation experiments, a lower number of donor‐derived cells were detected in TT232‐treated animals, as compared with control animals. Activation of PI3K was observed in HOC exposed to somatostatin, and this activation was suppressed by either SSTR4 antibody or TT232‐pretreatment. In addition, a PI3K inhibitor abrogated the motility of HOC.

Conclusion

Together, these data suggest that somatostatin stimulates the migration of HOC within injured liver through SSTR4, and this action appears to be mediated by the PI3K pathway.
The influence of YMDD mutation patterns on clinical outcomes in patients with adefovir add‐on lamivudine combination treatment
Authors: Kim Hong J. , Park Jung H. , Park Dong I. , Cho Yong K. , Sohn Chong I. , Jeon Woo K. , Kim Byung I.
Published: September 2011

Background/Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the patterns of lamivudine (LAM)‐resistant mutations and the influence on biochemical and virological responses to adefovir (ADV) add‐on LAM combination therapy in patients with LAM‐resistant chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Methods

Seventy‐eight CHB patients with confirmed genotypic resistance to LAM, who initiated ADV add‐on LAM combination treatment, were enrolled at our institution between April 2007 and April 2009.

Results

The baseline tyrosine‐methionine‐aspartate‐aspartate (YMDD) mutation patterns were as follows: rtM204I 45 (57.7%); and rtM204V + rtM204I/V 33 (42.3%). The decrease in the mean ± standard deviation (SD) serum log10HBV‐DNA level did not differ between the patients carrying the rtM204I vs. rtM204IV +rtM204I/V mutations at 3, 6 and 12 months after the initiation of ADV add‐on LAM combination treatment. The proportion of patients who achieved ALT normalization (<40 IU/L) 12 months after the initiation of ADV add‐on LAM combination treatment were significantly higher in patients with a rtM204I mutation than rtM204V+ rtM204I/V mutations (39 [86.7%] vs. 22 [66.7%], P = 0.05). The proportion of patients in whom the log10HBV‐DNA decreased <2 log10 copies/ml, 6 months after the initiation of ADV add‐on LAM combination treatment (non‐responders), was significantly higher in patients with a rtM204V + rtM204I/V mutations than rtM204I mutation (7 [21.2%] vs. 2 [4.4%], P = 0.032).

Conclusion

Biochemical response at 12 months from baseline was better in patients with a rtM204I mutation than rtM204V+ rtM204I/V mutations. In addition, early treatment failure was more common in patients with rtM204V+ rtM204I/V mutations than a rtM204I mutation.
Fatigue in Chronic Dialysis Patients
Authors: Bossola Maurizio , Vulpio Carlo , Tazza Luigi
Published: September 2011

Fatigue is common in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients and impacts on daily living, impairs significantly the quality of life, increases the risk of cardiovascular events and negatively influences survival. Although numerous social, demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables have been associated with fatigue, the causes of this symptom are often unclear. In the absence of an underlying, treatable disorder, the results of therapeutic intervention are typically frustrating. So far, none of the drugs tested can be recommended for preventing and treating fatigue in chronic HD patients. There is some evidence that exercise may significantly improve fatigue in dialysis patients; however, this requires confirmation through large, prospective, randomized studies.
Comprehensive Renal Artery Stenosis Management by Nephrology: A More Selective Approach
Authors: Yevzlin Alexander S.
Published: September 2011

The impact of renal artery stenosis (RAS) and resulting ischemic nephropathy on kidney function has been well described. Based on several recent randomized, multicenter trials that revealed limitations to the utility of nonselective renal artery intervention, the general nephrology community has recently taken a conservative stance on this disease state. The purpose of this report is to summarize some recent contributions to our understanding of renal artery stenosis, which may cast RAS intervention in a new light.
Persistent but Less Severe Ataxia in Long‐Term Versus Short‐Term Abstinent Alcoholic Men and Women: A Cross‐Sectional Analysis
Authors: Smith Stan , Fein George
Published: September 2011

Background:  Disturbed gait and balance are among the most consistent and salient sequelae of chronic alcoholism. Results of small sample longitudinal investigations have provided evidence that partial recovery of gait and balance functions in alcoholics may be achieved with abstinence. However, abstinence durations reported have been limited, and their power and generalizability have suffered from small sample sizes.

Methods:  In this study, we employed a cross‐sectional approach to assess gait and balance functions in short‐term (6 to 15 weeks) abstinent alcoholics (STAA; n = 70) and long‐term (minimum 18 months, mean = 7.38 years) abstinent alcoholics (LTAA; n = 82). STAA and LTAA did not differ with respect to lifetime alcohol consumption, family drinking density, or years of education. In addition, we examined the effects of gender and alcohol use variables.

Results:  Our main findings were: (i) persistent disturbed gait and balance in STAA and disturbed standing balance in LTAA; (ii) overall less impaired performance of LTAA compared with STAA on gait and balance measures; and (iii) worse performance of STAA (but not LTAA) women, compared with men, on standing balance without visual control.

Conclusions:  Our results suggest that alcoholics’ gait and balance can continue to recover with long abstinence from alcohol, but that deficits persist, especially in eyes‐closed standing balance. In addition, our results are consistent with more severe alcohol‐induced ataxia in women than in men but suggest that with extended abstinence, women recover gait and balance function to a level comparable with men.
GABRG1 and GABRA2 Variation Associated with Alcohol Dependence in African Americans
Authors: Ittiwut Chupong , Yang Bao‐Zhu , Kranzler Henry R. , Anton Raymond F. , Hirunsatit Rungnapa , Weiss Roger D. , Covault Jonathan , Farrer Lindsay A. , Gelernter Joel
Published: September 2011

Background: GABRG1 and GABRA2, genes that encode the γ1 and α2 subunits, respectively, of the GABA‐A receptor, are located in a cluster on chromosome 4p. Association of alcohol dependence (AD) with markers located at the 3′ region of GABRA2 has been replicated in several studies, but recent studies suggested the possibility that the signal may be attributable to the adjacent gene, GABRG1, located 90 kb distant in the 3′ direction. Owing to strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) in European Americans (EAs), the origin, or origins, of the association signal is very difficult to discern, but our previous population‐based study suggested that decreased LD across the GABRG1–GABRA2 region in African Americans (AAs) may be useful for fine mapping and resolution of the association signal in that population.

Methods:  To examine these associations in greater detail, we genotyped 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning GABRG1 and GABRA2 in 380 AAs with AD and in 253 AA controls.

Results:  Although there was no association between any individual SNP and AD, a highly significant difference was shown between AD subjects and controls in the frequency of a 3‐SNP GABRA2 haplotype (global p = 0.00029). A similar level of significance was obtained in 6‐SNP haplotypes that combined tagging SNPs from both genes (global p = 0.00994). High statistical significance was also shown with a 6‐SNP haplotype (T‐G‐C‐G‐T‐A), p = 0.0033. The T‐G‐C‐G‐T‐A haplotype contains the most significant GABRA2 3‐SNP haplotype (p = 0.00019), G‐T‐A.

Conclusions:  These findings reflect the interrelationship between these 2 genes and the likelihood that risk loci exist in each of them. Study of an AA population allowed evaluation of these associations at higher genomic resolution than is possible in a EA population, owing to the much lower LD across these loci in AAs.
Alcohol Use Disorders, Nicotine Dependence, and Co‐Occurring Mood and Anxiety Disorders in the United States and South Korea—A Cross‐National Comparison
Authors: Chou S. Patricia , Lee Hae K. , Cho Maeng J. , Park Jong‐Ik , Dawson Deborah A. , Grant Bridget F.
Published: September 2011

Background:  The strong comorbidity between substance use disorders (SUDs) and mood and anxiety disorders has been well documented. In view of lack of research findings addressing the co‐occurrence of SUDs and mood and anxiety disorders, this study examined the pattern of comorbidity of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and nicotine dependence (ND) between 2 culturally diverse countries, the United States and South Korea.

Methods:  Using the nationally representative samples of the U.S. and Korean general populations, we directly compared rates and comorbidity patterns of AUDs, ND, and mood and anxiety disorders between the 2 countries. We further examined the rates and the comorbidity pattern among individuals with AUDs who sought treatment in the last 12 months. Twelve‐month prevalence rates were derived to estimate country differentials, and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were estimated to measure the strength of comorbid associations while adjusting for all sociodemographic characteristics in multivariate logistic models specific to each country.

Results:  The 12‐month prevalence rates of AUDs, ND, and any mood disorder and any anxiety disorder were 9.7, 14.4, 9.5, and 11.9% among Americans, whereas the corresponding rates were 7.1, 6.6, 2.0, and 5.2% among Koreans. These rates were significantly greater (except for any AUD) among Americans than among their Korean counterparts. With respect to comorbidity, both countries showed comparable patterns that the prevalence rates of mood and anxiety disorders were consistently the highest among persons with alcohol dependence (AD). Also, a disparate pattern was observed in Korea that the prevalence rates of mood and anxiety disorders were generally lower among individuals with ND than among those with alcohol abuse and AD. Furthermore, despite significantly greater prevalence of AD in Korea (5.1%) than in the United States (4.4%), alcohol‐dependent Americans were 4 times (OR = 3.93) more likely to seek treatment compared to their Korean counterparts.

Conclusions:  Our results indicated that the prevalence of AD in Korea was substantially greater than that in both Western and other Asian countries, suggesting a maladaptive pattern of alcohol use in Korea, which is different from the general use pattern of other East Asian countries. The low rate of treatment utilization among Koreans might be attributable to perceived social stigma toward SUDs or mental health problems despite the fact that the Korean government offers national health insurance.
Single Paracostal Approach to Thoracic Duct and Cisterna Chyli: Experimental Study and Case Series
Authors: Staiger Benjamin A. , Stanley Bryden J. , McAnulty Jonathan F.
Published: September 2011

Objective

To‐determine the feasibility of a single paracostal abdominal approach for thoracic duct ligation (TDL) and cisterna chyli ablation (CCA) in dogs with chylothorax.

Study Design

Observational study and prospective case series.

Animals

Normal dogs (n = 5) and dogs with chylothorax (n = 8).

Methods

A single paracostal approach with transdiaphragmatic extension for TDL and CCA was developed experimentally (n = 5) and used in 8 clinical cases with subtotal pericardectomy (SPE) performed in 4 dogs. Surgery time, complications, hospitalization time, outcome, and follow‐up of clinical cases were recorded.

Results

Exposure of relevant anatomy was excellent; vital lymphatic staining facilitated identification of lymphatic structures. In clinical cases, mean surgery time for TDL + CCA was 136 minutes. Mean hospitalization time was 3.1 days. Seven of 8 cases survived, with 1 dog dying of heart failure shortly after discharge. One dog required a second (left) paracostal approach to ligate 2 more lymphatic vessels. On follow‐up (median, 7 months; range, 2–20 months), there was complete resolution of chylothorax in 6 dogs.

Conclusions

A single paracostal approach provides excellent exposure of cisterna chyli, caudal thoracic duct, and intestinal lymphatics. This approach eliminates the need for repositioning during combined TDL + CCA procedures and avoids an intercostal thoracotomy.
Policy Tenure Under the U.S. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
Authors: Michel‐Kerjan Erwann , Lemoyne de Forges Sabine , Kunreuther Howard
Published: September 2011

In the United States, insurance against flood hazard (inland flooding or storm surge from hurricanes) has been provided mainly through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) since 1968. The NFIP covers $1.23 trillion of assets today. This article provides the first analysis of flood insurance tenure ever undertaken: that is, the number of years that people keep their flood insurance policy before letting it lapse. Our analysis of the entire portfolio of the NFIP over the period 2001–2009 reveals that the median tenure of new policies during that time is between two and four years; it is also relatively stable over time and levels of flood hazard. Prior flood experience can affect tenure: people who have experienced small flood claims tend to hold onto their insurance longer; people who have experienced large flood claims tend to let their insurance lapse sooner. To overcome the policy and governance challenges posed by homeowners’ inadequate insurance coverage, we discuss policy recommendations that include for banks and government‐sponsored enterprises (GSEs) strengthening their requirements and the introduction of multiyear flood insurance contracts attached to the property, both of which are likely to provide more coverage stability and encourage investments in risk‐reduction measures.
An Analysis of Contingent Commission Use by Property–Liability Insurers
Authors: Colquitt L. Lee , McCullough Kathleen A. , Sommer David W.
Published: September 2011

Abstract

The payment of contingent commissions in the property–liability insurance industry has long been commonplace, but recent events have made the practice highly controversial. Even prior to these events, wide variation existed among insurers in their use of contingent commissions. In this article, we examine the determinants of whether or not an insurer chooses to pay contingent commissions at all, as well as the determinants of the extent of their use for those insurers that pay them. We find a number of variables that have a significant relation to the use and extent of use of contingent commissions.
The Use of Postloss Financing of Catastrophic Risk
Authors: Cole Cassandra R. , Macpherson David A. , Maroney Patrick F. , McCullough Kathleen A. , Newman, Jr James W. (Jay) , Nyce Charles
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Catastrophic risk financing is a critical issue for many states. At the epicenter of the debate is the role of the state government in helping homeowners finance catastrophic storm risk. In general, states have used a variety of pre‐ and postloss strategies, including rate regulation, residual markets, guaranty funds, and postloss assessment structures. However, several states, including Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas have used strategies that involve potentially large postloss funding of hurricane risk. In some cases, the structure of the postloss financing mechanism is likely to create significant assessments and subsidies. This article examines the role of state government in catastrophe financing, focusing primarily on postloss financing methods. Specifically, the article provides a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of the postloss catastrophe financing as well as the political forces that motivate the use of this approach. Further, given the potential magnitude of postloss assessments and related subsidies, we use the Florida homeowners market to illustrate the implications of the state's decisions. This allows for a concrete discussion of the impact and viability of postloss financing mechanisms.
The Policy Dynamics of the Trans‐Alaska Pipeline System
Authors: Busenberg George J.
Published: September 2011

Since 1977, oil produced in northern Alaska has posed a major environmental threat across large areas of Alaska while simultaneously playing a dominant role in the economy of Alaska. This enduring dilemma was created by the building of the Trans‐Alaska Pipeline System to transport oil produced on the North Slope of Alaska, a region containing the largest oil field ever developed in North America. The Trans‐Alaska Pipeline System transports oil through an 800‐mile pipeline and ocean‐going oil tankers. This complex technological system poses an enduring risk of environmentally damaging oil spills in Alaska. This study applies the punctuated equilibrium theory of policy change to examine the processes and enduring consequences of the national policy reforms that allowed the building of the Trans‐Alaska Pipeline System.
High Energy Density Piezoelectric Ceramics for Energy Harvesting Devices
Authors: Seo In‐Tae , Cha Yu‐Joung , Kang In‐Young , Choi Jae‐Hong , Nahm Sahn , Seung Tae‐Hyun , Paik Jong‐Hoo
Published: September 2011

The ceramics, (0.65 + y)Pb(Zr0.47Ti0.53)–(0.35 − y)Pb[(Ni1−xZnx)1/3Nb2/3]O3 have a morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) of pseudo‐cubic and tetragonal structures. Their ε33T/ε0 value considerably decreased on the pseudo‐cubic side of the MPB composition, but the d33 and kp slowly decreased on both sides of the MPB. Therefore, the maximum transduction coefficient (d33 * g33) was obtained from the composition on the pseudo‐cubic side of the MPB, because g33 is given by d33/ε33T. This result could be applied to other systems containing an MPB of pseudo‐cubic and tetragonal structures. Furthermore, a d33 * g33 value of 20 056 × 10−15 m2/N, which is the highest value reported so far for polycrystalline ceramics, was obtained from the 0.68Pb(Zr0.47Ti0.53)O3–0.32Pb(Ni0.6Zn0.4)1/3Nb2/3O3 ceramic.
Preparation of Transparent Nanoceramics by Suppressing Pore Coalescence
Authors: Xiong Yan , Hu Jianfeng , Shen Zhijian , Pouchly Vaclav , Maca Karel
Published: September 2011

Microstructural developments in nanoceramics were investigated in 3Y‐TZP compacts with relative density (RD) exceeding 93%. Special attentions were paid to the evolutions of pore structures. It was found that the densification process of nanoceramic compacts with apparently close porosity was greatly jeopardized by pore coalescence. This observation was interpreted by the coalescence of locally interconnected pores originated from inhomogeneous packing of particles. The pore coalescence can be suppressed by application of an external pressure. The processing principle was demonstrated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) with extended holding at a minimized sintering temperature. The highly dense 3Y‐TZP nanoceramics containing no large pores became optically transparent.
Epidemiology of stillbirth in low‐middle income countries: A Global Network Study
Authors: MCCLURE ELIZABETH M. , PASHA OMRANA , GOUDAR SHIVAPRASAD S. , CHOMBA ELWYN , GARCES ANA , TSHEFU ANTOINETTE , ALTHABE FERNANDO , ESAMAI FABIAN , PATEL ARCHANA , WRIGHT LINDA L. , MOORE JANET , KODKANY BHALCHANDRA S. , BELIZAN JOSE M. , SALEEM SARAH , DERMAN RICHARD J. , CARLO WALDEMAR A. , HAMBIDGE K. MICHAEL , BUEKENS PIERRE , LIECHTY EDWARD A. , BOSE CARL , KOSO‐THOMAS MARION , JOBE ALAN H. , GOLDENBERG ROBERT L. ,   on behalf of the Global Network Investigators*
Published: September 2011

Objective. To determine population‐based stillbirth rates and to determine whether the timing and maturity of the stillbirths suggest a high proportion of potentially preventable deaths. Design. Prospective observational study. Setting. Communities in six low‐income countries (Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Zambia, Guatemala, India, and Pakistan) and one site in a mid‐income country (Argentina). Population. Pregnant women residing in the study communities. Methods. Over a five‐year period, in selected catchment areas, using multiple methodologies, trained study staff obtained pregnancy outcomes on each delivery in their area. Main outcome measures. Pregnancy outcome, stillbirth characteristics. Results. Outcomes of 195 400 deliveries were included. Stillbirth rates ranged from 32 per 1 000 in Pakistan to 8 per 1 000 births in Argentina. Three‐fourths (76%) of stillbirth offspring were not macerated, 63% were ≥37 weeks and 48% weighed 2 500g or more. Across all sites, women with no education, of high and low parity, of older age, and without access to antenatal care were at significantly greater risk for stillbirth (p<0.001). Compared to those delivered by a physician, women delivered by nurses and traditional birth attendants had a lower risk of stillbirth. Conclusions. In these low‐middle income countries, most stillbirth offspring were not macerated, were reported as ≥37 weeks’ gestation, and almost half weighed at least 2 500g. With access to better medical care, especially in the intrapartum period, many of these stillbirths could likely be prevented.
Bacterial vaginosis: what is physiological in vaginal bacteriology? An update and opinion
Authors: LEPPÄLUOTO PENTTI A.
Published: September 2011

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) was originally described as a sexually transmitted infection caused by a single microbe. The prevailing concept describes BV as a polymicrobial coitus‐associated disease of uncertain origin. In this overview the natural history of BV as a monobacterial and polymicrobial entity is examined with respect to the physiological concept of BV in relation to sexual behavior before and after introduction of the hormonal contraceptive pill. Bacterial vaginosis, characterized by low vaginal acidity (elevated pH) and replacement of vaginal Lactobacillus by Gardnerella vaginalis flora, could be caused by unprotected intercourse when a low pH changes through the neutralizing power of male ejaculate, vaginal coital transudate and vaginal neurogenic transudate. A monobacterial form, G. vaginalis vaginitis, could be a physiological post‐coital condition for protection of ejaculated spermatozoa, characterized by ‘pure’Gardnerella flora and elevated pH as an immediate result of an incidental unprotected coital act through neutralization of vaginal acid and replacement of Lactobacillus by Gardnerella flora. A polymicrobial form of BV could be autoinfection of the post‐coital physiological G. vaginalis flora, characterized by a mixture of G. vaginalis, Mycoplasma hominis and anaerobic bacteria at lower vaginal acidity, possibly resulting from suppression of normal vaginal acidity through repeated sexual acts, with a resultant higher pH and transfer of enteric bacteria from the perianal region. Monobacterial and polymicrobial auto‐infectious forms of BV may be clinically distinct and share a common origin. The understanding of BV as a basic physiological entity could influence the prophylaxis and treatment of the largely therapy‐resistant polymicrobial BV.
Influence of two barrier membranes on staged guided bone regeneration and osseointegration of titanium implants in dogs. Part 2: augmentation using bone graft substitutes
Authors: Mihatovic Ilja , Becker Jürgen , Golubovic Vladimir , Hegewald Andrea , Schwarz Frank
Published: September 2011

Objectives: To assess the influence of two barrier membranes and two bone graft substitutes on staged guided bone regeneration and osseointegration of titanium implants in dogs.

Materials and methods: Saddle‐type defects were prepared in the lower jaws of 6 fox hounds and randomly filled with a natural bone mineral (NBM) and a biphasic calcium phosphate (SBC) and allocated to either an in situ gelling polyethylene glycol (PEG) or a collagen membrane (CM). At 8 weeks, modSLA titanium implants were inserted and left to heal in a submerged position. At 8+2 weeks, respectively, dissected blocks were processed for histomorphometrical analysis (e.g., mineralized tissue [MT], bone‐to‐implant contact [BIC]).

Results: The mean MT values (mm2) and BIC values (%) tended to be higher in the PEG groups (MT: NBM [3.4±1.7]; SBC [4.2±2]/BIC: NBM [67.7±16.9]; SBC [66.9±17.8]) when compared with the corresponding CM groups (MT: NBM [2.5±0.8]; SBC [2.3±1.6]/BIC: NBM [54.1±22.6]; SBC [61±8.7]). These differences, however, did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion: It was concluded that all augmentation procedures investigated supported bone regeneration and staged osseointegration of modSLA titanium implants.

To cite this article: Mihatovic I, Becker J, Golubovic V, Hegewald A, Schwarz F. Influence of two barrier membranes on staged guided bone regeneration and osseointegration of titanium implants in dogs. Part 2: augmentation using bone graft substitutes. Clin Oral Impl Res. 23, 2012; 308–315. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2011.02238.x
Effect of thread size on the implant neck area: preliminary results at 1 year of function
Authors: Kang Young‐Il , Lee Dong‐Won , Park Kwang‐Ho , Moon Ik‐Sang
Published: September 2011

Objectives

To evaluate and compare the effect of the coronal thread size on the marginal bone loss around the fixtures, when both implants were provided with threads to the top of fixture.

Materials and methods

Two groups of implants, one with a macro‐thread to the top of the fixture (A) and the other with a micro‐thread to the top of the fixture (B), were placed adjacent to each other in the partially edentulous areas of 20 patients. Bone loss around each implant was analyzed after 1 year of functional loading. The bone losses after loading were compared using Wilcoxon's signed‐rank test.

Results

The mean marginal bone losses (A, 0.154 ± 0.144 mm; B, 0.125 ± 0.136 mm) were not statistically significant between the two groups (P = 0.669).

Conclusions

There was no significant difference between implant with macro‐ and micro‐neck thread in terms of marginal bone loss after 1 year of loading.
Coronally advanced flap adjunct with low intensity laser therapy: a randomized controlled clinical pilot study
Authors: Ozturan Seda , Durukan Sulhi Andac , Ozcelik Onur , Seydaoglu Gulsah , Cenk Haytac Mehmet
Published: September 2011

Aim

Coronally advanced flap (CAF) technique and its modifications have been proposed in the literature. Low intensity laser therapy (LILT) is shown to increase wound healing. The aim of this split‐mouth randomized controlled pilot study was to assess the effects of LILT with respect to root coverage after CAF procedure for the treatment of multiple‐recession type defects (MRTD).

Material and Methods

Ten patients with symmetrical 74 Miller I and II gingival recessions were included in this study (37 in test, 37 in control group). A diode laser (588 nm) was applied to test sites before and immediately after surgery, and for 5 min. daily 7 days post‐operatively. Comparisons of the surgical sites were made with clinical measurements.

Results

Statistically significant differences were observed between test and control sites in the gingival recession depth (GRD), gingival recession width (GRW) and width of the keratinized tissue (WKT) and clinical attachment level (CAL) measurements after 1 year (p = 0.014, p = 0.015, p = 0.009 and p = 0.018 respectively). The test group presented greater complete root coverage (n = 7, 70%) compared with the control group (n = 3, 30%) after treatment.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, the results indicated that LILT may improve the predictability of CAF in multiple recessions.
Periodontitis is associated with angiographically verified coronary artery disease
Authors: Buhlin Kåre , Mäntylä Päivi , Paju Susanna , Peltola Jaakko S. , Nieminen Markku S. , Sinisalo Juha , Pussinen Pirkko J.
Published: September 2011

Introduction

We investigated the association of periodontitis and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) as verified using coronary angiography.

Material and Methods

Participants were recruited among those attending coronary angiography at Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland, in 2007 and 2008. Detailed clinical periodontal examination [number of teeth, bleeding on probing, periodontal probing depth (PPD)] and oral panoramic radiographs [alveolar bone loss (ABL), angular bone defects] were performed.

Results

Of 506 patients, 123 (24.3%) had no significant CAD, whereas 184 (36.4%) had stable CAD and 169 (33.4%) acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Both stable CAD and ACS were associated with 8–17 missing teeth with ORs 4.33 (1.61–11.7, p = 0.020) and 5.24 (1.90–14.5, p = 0.014), and more than seven teeth with PPD ≥6 mm with ORs 2.44 (1.01–6.07, p = 0.049) and 2.75 (1.16–6.53, p = 0.022) respectively. Severe ABL was associated with ACS with an OR 5.39 (1.23–23.6, p = 0.025). Number of stenosed arteries was linearly associated with ABL (p for trend <0.001), number of missing teeth (p < 0.001), and pockets with probing depth ≥6 mm (p = 0.033).

Conclusions

Compared with patients with no significant stenosis, poor periodontal health including missing teeth, periodontal inflammation, and bone loss is associated with angiographically verified coronary artery narrowing in patients with stable CAD or ACS.
A phase IIa randomized controlled clinical and histological pilot study evaluating rhGDF‐5/β‐TCP for periodontal regeneration
Authors: Stavropoulos Andreas , Windisch Peter , Gera Istvan , Capsius Björn , Sculean Anton , Wikesjö Ulf M. E.
Published: September 2011

Aim

The primary objective of this study was to clinically and histologically evaluate periodontal wound healing/regeneration following surgical implantation of recombinant human growth/differentiation factor‐5 (rhGDF‐5) adsorbed onto a particulate β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) carrier rhGDF‐5/β‐TCP into periodontal defects in man.

Material & Methods

Twenty chronic periodontitis patients, each with at least one tooth scheduled for extraction exhibiting a probing depth ≥6 mm and an associated intra‐bony defect ≥4 mm participated in the study upon written informed consent. Subjects (one defect/patient) were randomized to receive open flap debridement (OFD) + rhGDF‐5/β‐TCP (n = 10) or OFD alone (control; n = 10). Block biopsies of the defect sites were collected at 6 months post‐surgery and prepared for the histological evaluation. Two masked examiners evaluated the deepest aspect of each defect site relative to bone (height/area), periodontal ligament (PDL) and cementum regeneration, and residual β‐TCP.

Results

Sites receiving rhGDF‐5/β‐TCP showed numerically greater PD reduction (3.7 ± 1.2 versus 3.1 ± 1.8 mm; p = 0.26), less gingival recession (0.5 ± 0.8 versus 1.4 ± 1.0 mm; p < 0.05) and greater clinical attachment level (CAL) gain (3.2 ± 1.7 versus 1.7 ± 2.2 mm; p = 0.14) at the deepest aspect of the defect compared with OFD alone. One biopsy in the rhGDF‐5/β‐TCP and four biopsies in the OFD group were deemed as not evaluable. Histologically, bone regeneration height was almost threefold greater for the rhGDF‐5/β‐TCP treatment compared with OFD alone (2.19 ± 1.59 versus 0.81 ± 1.02 mm; p = 0.08). Similarly an almost twofold increase was observed for PDL (2.16 ± 1.43 versus 1.23 ± 1.07 mm; p = 0.26), cementum (2.16 ± 1.43 versus 1.23 ± 1.07 mm; p = 0.26) and bone regeneration area (0.74 ± 0.69 versus 0.32 ± 0.47 mm2; p = 0.14). Root resorption/ankylosis was not observed. Residual β‐TCP occupied 8.4 ± 11.5% of the area of interest in biopsies of patients receiving rhGDF‐5/β‐TCP. Five biopsies (one rhGDF‐5/β‐TCP, four OFD) were deemed unsuitable to allow a meaningful histological or histometrical evaluation.

Conclusions

Descriptive statistics showed greater PD reduction and CAL gain, and greater alveolar bone regeneration and periodontal regeneration at sites that received rhGDF‐5/β‐TCP compared to control. However, these differences were not statistically significant. Future studies with larger sample sizes will have to be conducted to verify these findings.
Skin hydration and cooling effect produced by the Voltaren® vehicle gel
Authors: Hug Agnes M. , Schmidts Thomas , Kuhlmann Jens , Segger Dörte , Fotopoulos Grigorios , Heinzerling Johanna
Published: September 2011

Background

Voltaren vehicle gel is the carrier substance of the topical Voltaren products. This vehicle gel is especially formulated to be easily applied on the skin, while providing some sensory benefits. The present study aims to substantiate the widely perceived hydrating and cooling effect of Voltaren vehicle gel.

Methods

Volar forearm skin hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured and user satisfaction was evaluated by questionnaires, after application in 31 healthy, female volunteers. The cooling effect was investigated for 40 min with thermal imaging on 12 forearm sites of six healthy subjects.

Results

Voltaren vehicle gel application increased skin hydration by 13.1% (P = 0.0002) when compared with the untreated site, 8 h after the final treatment after 2 weeks. TEWL decreased on both treated (0.37 g/m2/h) and untreated (0.74 g/m2/h) forearm sites after 2 weeks (8 h after last treatment), demonstrating a relative increase of 6.5% in water loss. Voltaren vehicle gel application resulted in a rapid reduction of skin surface temperature by 5.1°C after only 3 min with an average maximum reduction of 5.8°C after 10 min. The cooling effect was experienced by 94% subjects, while 74% felt that their skin became softer. No adverse events, including skin irritation, were reported during the study and by the 37 participants.

Conclusion

This study showed a statistically significant increase in skin hydration as well as a rapid cooling effect lasting approximately 30 min, after application of Voltaren vehicle gel. The small relative increase in water loss may be attributed to an additional skin surface water loss secondary to the increased water content brought into the skin by the Voltaren vehicle gel. The use did not induce any skin irritation and was found acceptable to use by the majority of participants.
‘Children are exposed to temptation all the time’– parents’ lifestyle‐related discussions in focus groups
Authors: Stenhammar C , Wells M , Åhman A , Wettergren B , Edlund B , Sarkadi A
Published: September 2011

Aim: To explore parents’ perspectives on providing their preschool child with a healthy lifestyle, including obstacles and resources.

Methods: Five semi‐structured focus group interviews were conducted, with 30 parents of 4‐year‐olds in Sweden. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Systematic Text Condensation.

Results: Four themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: Lifestyle –‘The way you live is parents’ responsibility’, Challenges to promote children’s healthy lifestyle, Support from professionals, and peers might facilitate, and Request for an overall responsibility from society. Parents felt that they were role models for their child’s lifestyle, a concept including many factors. Attractive and tempting sedentary activities and unhealthy foods were perceived as obstacles, and parents were frustrated by the media’s contradictory lifestyle messages. Child health services were expected to more actively invite parents to discuss their child’s lifestyle issues. Parents desired some collective responsibility for children’s lifestyles through agencies, services and media messages that support and promote healthy choices.

Conclusion: Parents struggled to give their children a healthy lifestyle and the ‘temptations’ of daily unhealthy choices causing hassles and conflicts. Parents desired professional support from preschool, Child Health Care and a collective responsibility from society with uniform guidelines. Parents groups were mentioned as peer support.
The influence of mandibular implant‐retained overdentures in masticatory efficiency
Authors: Neto Arcelino Farias , de Farias Pereira Brunna Moreira , Xitara Rafael Lopes , Germano Adriano Rocha , Ribeiro Jaiane Augusta Medeiros , Mestriner Junior Wilson , da Fonte Porto Carreiro Adriana
Published: September 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00539.x

The influence of mandibular implant‐retained overdentures in masticatory efficiency

Objective:  To evaluate the masticatory efficiency of patients rehabilitated with conventional dentures (CDs) or implant‐retained mandibular overdentures.

Background:  Despite the evident benefits of implants on mastication as assessed by subjective patient‐based outcomes, the extent of implant overdenture treatment effect on food comminution is not well established.

Materials and methods:  A randomised clinical trial was carried out with 29 completely edentulous patients divided into two groups. The first group was rehabilitated with a mandibular overdenture retained by two splinted implants with bar‐clip system, while the second group was rehabilitated with a mandibular CD. Both groups also were rehabilitated with maxillary CDs. Masticatory efficiency and patient satisfaction were assessed 3 months after denture insertion. Masticatory efficiency was evaluated through the colorimetric method with the beads as the artificial test‐food. Comparisons for masticatory efficiency and patient satisfaction were performed using Student’s t‐test (α = 0.05).

Results:  No significant statistical difference was found for masticatory efficiency (p = 0.198). Patient overall satisfaction was significantly higher for the mandibular overdenture (p < 0.001). In addition, mandibular overdenture patients were significantly more satisfied with chewing experience (p < 0.05) and retention of the lower denture (p < 0.005).

Conclusion:  The results of this study suggest that mandibular overdenture significantly improves chewing experience, although limited effect on masticatory efficiency has been observed.
Prevalence of troublesome symptoms related to temporomandibular disorders and awareness of bruxism in 65‐ and 75‐year‐old subjects
Authors: Unell Lennart , Johansson Anders , Ekbäck Gunnar , Ordell Sven , Carlsson Gunnar E.
Published: September 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00558.x

Prevalence of troublesome symptoms related to temporomandibular disorders and awareness of bruxism in 65‐ and 75‐year‐old subjects

Objective:  To assess the prevalence of three troublesome temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms and awareness of bruxism in two cohorts of subjects aged 65 and 75 years.

Background:  Epidemiological studies have demonstrated varying prevalence of TMD symptoms. The results concerning elderly people are inconclusive.

Material and methods:  In 2007 identical questionnaires were sent to all subjects born in 1942 and 1932 living in two Swedish counties. The response rate was 73.1% for the 65‐ and 71.9% for the 75‐year‐old subjects, totally 9093 subjects.

Results:  The great majority reported no or only a few TMD problems. Less than 4% considered their TMD symptoms to be rather great or severe. The mean prevalence of TMD‐related symptoms and bruxism was greater in women than in men in both age groups. The 75‐year‐old women reported a marked lower prevalence of TMD symptoms and bruxism than the 65‐year‐old women, whereas the age differences were small among the men. Self‐reported bruxism was associated with a higher prevalence of TMD symptoms.

Conclusions:  The great majority of the subjects did not report any troublesome TMD related symptoms. However, 5.4% of the 65‐year‐old women and 3.8% of the 75‐year‐old women considered their symptoms severe or rather severe.
Stage‐specific changes in the levels of granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor and its receptor in the biological fluid and organ of mouse fetuses
Authors: Matsumoto Akihiro , Hatta Toshihisa , Ono Atsuki , Hashimoto Ryuju , Otani Hiroki
Published: September 2011

Granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) is a hematopoietic cytokine that has neurotrophic and neuroprotective functions. However, its function in the mid‐ to late‐gestational fetus remains unclear. We used enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay to analyze GM‐CSF levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), serum, and amniotic fluid of mouse fetuses. We also examined GM‐CSF and receptor α (GM‐CSFRα) levels in the fetal brain, liver, and placenta. GM‐CSF peaked between embryonic day (E) 14 and E15 in the CSF. GM‐CSF level was higher in the fetal serum than in the dam serum on E13 and decreased thereafter. GM‐CSF and GM‐CSFRα levels peaked between E13 and E15 in the brain. These results suggest that GM‐CSF plays stage‐ and organ‐specific roles in fetal development.
Calcium and Electrical Signalling along Endothelium of the Resistance Vasculature
Authors: Socha Matthew J. , Behringer Erik J. , Segal Steven S.
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  This MiniReview is focused on the nature of intercellular signalling along the endothelium that helps to co‐ordinate blood flow control in vascular resistance networks. Vasodilation initiated by contracting skeletal muscle ascends from arterioles within the tissue to encompass resistance arteries upstream and thereby increase blood flow during exercise. In resistance vessels, acetylcholine microiontophoresis or intracellular current injection initiates hyperpolarization that conducts through gap junction channels (GJCs) along the vessel wall resulting in conducted vasodilation (CVD). Both ascending vasodilation and CVD are eliminated with endothelial cell (EC) disruption, pointing to common signalling events and mutual dependence upon EC integrity. As demonstrated by electrical coupling and dye transfer during intracellular recording, their longitudinal orientation and robust expression of GJCs enable ECs to play a predominant role in CVD. Once conduction is initiated, a major interest centres on whether CVD is purely passive or involves additional ‘active’ signalling events. Here, we discuss components for Ca2+ and electrical signalling with an emphasis on intercellular coupling through endothelial GJCs. We stress the importance of understanding relationships between intracellular Ca2+ dynamics, EC hyperpolarization and CVD while integrating findings from isolated ECs into more complex interactions in vivo. Whereas endothelial dysfunction accompanies cardiovascular disease and the components of intra‐ and inter‐cellular signalling are increasingly well defined, little is known of how Ca2+ signalling and electrical conduction along microvascular endothelium are altered in diseased states. Thus, greater insight into how these relationships are governed and interact is a key goal for continued research efforts.
Aging Consumer Vulnerabilities Influencing Factors of Acquiescence to Informed Consent
Authors: GRIFFITHS MERLYN A. , HARMON TRACY R.
Published: September 2011

Rapid growth in the older population raises concerns about increasing demands that aging consumers experience in service encounters. In particular, they face challenges of informed consent that require them to make decisions that support their well‐being. Building on current knowledge of factors that diminish decision‐making capacity with age, this study examines conditions under which aging consumers acquiesce to informed consent, when not fully informed. The conceptual framework and research propositions regarding the key factors influencing consumer vulnerability during the informed consent process are (1) cognitive changes, (2) sensory factors, (3) financial changes and (4) sender and receiver interaction. Theoretical and practical implications of the framework are discussed.
Research Frontiers on Older Consumers' Vulnerability
Authors: MOSCHIS GEORGE P. , MOSTELLER JILL , FATT CHOONG KWAI
Published: September 2011

Results of studies from various fields suggest gaps in knowledge and needed research to help understand the factors that explain degrees of vulnerability among the aged to marketing communications. Suggesting the employment of more global measures of consumer vulnerability in relation to consumer welfare, a blueprint that encompasses emergent theories and methods of studying behavior in social science is presented to guide future research on older consumers' vulnerability. Insights gained from new conceptualizations and methodologies relevant to the study of older consumers' vulnerability may better inform public policy initiatives.
Team Purchase: A Case of Consumer Empowerment in China
Authors: WANG JEFF JIANFENG , ZHAO XIN , LI JULIE JUAN
Published: September 2011

This research examines the phenomenon of team purchasing, a collective action initiated and organized by consumers. Chinese consumers use team purchase to counteract the imbalance of information and power that exists in China's consumer market. Through in‐depth interviews with 30 team buyers, we find that they engage in collective information search and product evaluation, jointly uncover market fraud, seek to avoid deceptive practices and price manipulation and actively defend their rights as consumers. Their collective efforts empower them in an opaque market with inadequate government regulation. This research sheds light on this innovative, bottom‐up approach to protecting consumer interests.
Assessing toxicities of industrial effluents and 1,4‐dioxane using sulphur‐oxidising bacteria in a batch test
Authors: Gurung Anup , Kim Sang‐Hun , Joo Jin Ho , Jang Min , Oh Sang‐Eun
Published: September 2011

In this study, the qualities of the final effluents from nine different industries (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I) discharging 1,4‐dioxane mainly as effluents were assessed using sulphur‐oxidising bacteria (SOB) as a test micro‐organism in batch mode. Results showed that effluent from industry ‘B’ was the most toxic of all the effluents tested, followed by E, C and A effluents. An EC50 value of 13% was obtained for effluent from B, whereas with E, C and A effluents, the EC50 values of 23%, 25% and 29% were found, respectively. Similarly, batch tests were performed in order to evaluate the potential for 1,4‐dioxane to inhibit growth on SOB. The lowest test concentration of 1,4‐dioxane (12 μg/L) resulted in 17% of inhibition of SOB, whereas the highest test concentration (3.125 mg/L) resulted in > 75% of the inhibition. An EC50 value of 0.105 mg/L was obtained for 1,4‐dioxane.