bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Periodontal therapy for pregnant women and cases of low birthweight: An intervention study
Authors: Cruz Simone S. , Costa Maria da Conceição N. , Gomes‐Filho Isaac S. , Barreto Maurício L. , Dos Santos Carlos Antônio S.T. , Martins Ângela Guimarães , Passos Johelle de S. , De Freitas Camila Oliveira T. , Sampaio Fábio P. , Cerqueira Eneida de M.M.
Published: May 2009

Background:  Over the past decade, strong evidence for an association between maternal periodontitis and low birthweight has started to appear. However, few intervention studies have been proposed for investigating this hypothesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether periodontal therapy among pregnant women would reduce the incidence of low birthweight.

Methods:  A nonrandomized intervention study was performed, with two control groups. The sample comprised 339 pregnant women: 141 in the experimental group (treated for periodontitis), 145 in control group 1 (without periodontitis) and 53 in control group 2 (with untreated periodontitis). The experimental group received periodontal treatment throughout pregnancy, whereas control group 1 was only monitored over the same period. After delivery, birthweight information on the newborns was obtained. The analysis procedures consisted of stratified analysis followed by logistic regression.

Results:  The frequency of low birthweight among the women with treated periodontitis was 9.22%, while it was 13.10% in the group without periodontal disease. However, the difference was not statistically significant (RR 0.72; 95% CI 0.36–1.45). The occurrence of this outcome in the group with untreated periodontitis (24.53%) was greater than in the other two groups.

Conclusion:  This suggests that periodontal therapy is a protective factor for birthweight.
Split‐shot sinker facilitates seton treatment of anal fistulae
Authors: Awad M. L. , Sell H. W. , Stahlfeld K. R.
Published: May 2009

Objective  The cutting seton is an inexpensive and effective method of treating high complex perianal fistulae. Following placement of the seton, advancement through the external sphincter muscles requires progressive tightening of the seton. The requirement for maintaining the appropriate tension and onset of perianal pressure necrosis are problems frequently encountered using this technique.

Method  Using a 3‐0 polypropylene suture, a red‐rubber catheter, and a nontoxic tin split‐shot sinker, we minimized or eliminated these problems.

Results  We initially used this technique in one patient with satisfactory results.

Conclusion  This technique is technically easy, safe, inexpensive, and efficient, and we are using it in all patients with high perianal fistulae who require a seton.
Spontaneous changes in tumour cell dissemination to bone marrow in colorectal cancer
Authors: Buxhofer‐Ausch V. , Ausch C. , Kitzweger E. , Mollik M. , Reiner‐Concin A. , Ogris E. , Stampfl M. , Hamilton G. , Schiessel R. , Hinterberger W.
Published: May 2009

Aim  The study aimed to evaluate the incidence of disseminated tumour cells (DTCs) in bone marrow (BM) preoperatively and during follow up and to correlate these with established risk factors in patients with colorectal cancer.

Method  We prospectively studied BM in 57 patients using the anti‐cytokeratin antibody A45‐B/B3.

Results  The overall detection rate of DTCs was 23% with a similar detection rate through all stages of the disease. No significant association was found between the presence of DTCs and clinicopathological parameters. After a median follow up of 35.4 months, no differences were found in relapse and overall survival between patients with and without DTC preoperatively. In 31 of 45 patients with local disease, we performed a follow‐up BM examination after 1 year. In 26% of the patients, the BM status had changed as compared with the preoperative finding.

Conclusion  This is the first study to report the follow up of DTC in BM in colorectal cancer using the A45‐B/B3 antibody. The presence of tumour cells in the preoperative BM had no impact on outcome. The BM status had changed after 12 months in a quarter of patients.
LOYAUTÉ ET PERFORMANCE: UNE ANALYSE EMPIRIQUE DANS UN RÉSEAU COOPÉRATIF BANCAIRE
Authors: Côté Daniel , Belhouari Adil
Published: May 2009

RESUME:  Dans cet article, nous analysons la relation entre l’orientation‐marché, la position concurrentielle, la loyauté et la performance financière de l’entreprise. L’analyse empirique, basée sur une approche d’équations structurelles, est menée en contexte coopératif. Notre modèle s’appuie sur l’approche des ressources et intègre les inputs opérationnels, le profil stratégique, la position concurrentielle, la loyauté‐client ainsi que la performance de l’entreprise (croissance des ventes et rentabilité). Les résultats obtenus supportent le lien entre la stratégie d’orientation‐marché et la performance de l’entreprise en contexte coopératif (secteur bancaire) alors que le rôle de médiation de la loyauté relativement aux dimensions stratégiques est démontré.
Immunopathogenesis of psoriasis: focus on natural killer T cells
Authors: Peternel S , Kaštelan M
Published: May 2009

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease triggered by dysregulated immune response and characterized by hyperproliferation and altered differentiation of keratinocytes. Formation of psoriatic lesions is thought to be elicited by the complex cellular and cytokine network arising from the pathogenic interactions between keratinocytes and components of innate and acquired immune system. Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a heterogenous T‐cell lineage that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases including psoriasis. Due to the numerous functions of NKT cells that link innate and adaptive immunity, their role in psoriasis is complex and still elusive. We summarize the currently available literature data on this issue and discuss the possible role of NKT cells in the immunopathogenesis of this autoimmune disease.
P2X7 and P2Y13 purinergic receptors mediate intracellular calcium responses to BzATP in rat cerebellar astrocytes
Authors: Carrasquero Luz María G. , Delicado Esmerilda G. , Bustillo Diego , Gutiérrez‐Martín Yolanda , Artalejo Antonio R. , Miras‐Portugal Ma Teresa
Published: May 2009

Previous work has established the presence of functional P2X7 subunits in rat cerebellar astrocytes, which after stimulation with 3′‐O‐(4‐benzoyl)benzoyl ATP (BzATP) evoked morphological changes that were not reproduced by any other nucleotide. To further characterize the receptor(s) and signaling mechanisms involved in the action of BzATP, we have employed fura‐2 microfluorometry and the patch‐clamp technique. BzATP elicited intracellular calcium responses that typically exhibited two components: the first one was transient and metabotropic in nature – sensitive to phospholipase C inhibition and pertussis toxin treatment –, whereas the second one was sustained and depended on the presence of extracellular calcium. The ionotropic nature of this latter component was corroborated by measurements of Mn2+ entry and macroscopic non‐selective cation currents evoked by either BzATP (100 μM) or ATP (1 mM). The two components of the calcium response to BzATP differed in their pharmacological sensitivity. The metabotropic component was partially sensitive to pyridoxalphosphate‐5′‐phosphate‐6‐azo‐(‐2‐chloro‐5‐nitrophenyl)‐2,4‐disulfonate, a selective antagonist of P2Y13 receptors, while the ionotropic component was modulated by external magnesium and markedly reduced by brilliant blue G and 3‐(5‐(2,3‐dichlorophenyl)‐1H‐tetrazol‐1‐yl)methyl pyridine (A438079), thus implying the involvement of P2X7 purinergic receptors. It is concluded that P2Y13 and P2X7 purinergic receptors are functionally expressed in rat cerebellar astrocytes and mediate the increase in intracellular calcium elicited by BzATP in these cells.
The amyloid hypothesis for Alzheimer’s disease: a critical reappraisal
Authors: Hardy John
Published: May 2009

The amyloid hypothesis has been the basis for most work on the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Recent clinical trials based on this hypothesis have been inconclusive. In this article I review the current status of the hypothesis and suggest that a major scientific need is to understand the normal function of amyloid‐β precursor protein (APP) and think how this may relate to the cell death in the disease process.
Nitric oxide‐cGMP signaling regulates axonal elongation during optic nerve regeneration in the goldfish in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Koriyama Yoshiki , Yasuda Rie , Homma Keiko , Mawatari Kazuhiro , Nagashima Mikiko , Sugitani Kayo , Matsukawa Toru , Kato Satoru
Published: May 2009

Nitric oxide (NO) signaling results in both neurotoxic and neuroprotective effects in CNS and PNS neurons, respectively, after nerve lesioning. We investigated the role of NO signaling on optic nerve regeneration in the goldfish (Carassius auratus). NADPH diaphorase staining revealed that nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity was up‐regulated primarily in the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) 5–40 days after axotomy. Levels of neuronal NOS (nNOS) mRNA and protein also increased in the RGCs alone during this period. This period (5–40 days) overlapped with the process of axonal elongation during regeneration of the goldfish optic nerve. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of NO signaling molecules upon neurite outgrowth from adult goldfish axotomized RGCs in culture. NO donors and dibutyryl cGMP increased neurite outgrowth dose‐dependently. In contrast, a nNOS inhibitor and small interfering RNA, specific for the nNOS gene, suppressed neurite outgrowth from the injured RGCs. Intra‐ocular dibutyryl cGMP promoted the axonal regeneration from injured RGCs in vivo. None of these molecules had an effect on cell death/survival in this culture system. This is the first report showing that NO‐cGMP signaling pathway through nNOS activation is involved in neuroregeneration in fish CNS neurons after nerve lesioning.
Searching for the Mecca of finance: Islamic financial services and the world city network
Authors: Bassens David , Derudder Ben , Witlox Frank
Published: May 2009

This paper presents an analysis of the geography of the booming ‘Islamic financial services’ (IFS) sector, which provides a host of financial services based on Islamic religious grounds. The relevance of such an analysis is discussed against the conceptual backdrop of the world city network literature. It is argued that a focus on the globalisation of the IFS sector may provide an alternative to hegemonic geographical imaginations of world city‐formation through its focus on other forms of globalising economic processes and regions that do not commonly feature in this literature. Based on information on the location strategies of 28 leading IFS firms in 64 cities across the world, we analyse different features of this decentred global urban geography. Manama is hereby identified as the Mecca of the IFS sector, while other major Gulf cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi are also primary nodes in this urban network. Other major Middle East North Africa (MENA) cities such as Tehran follow suit, but also more traditional financial centres such as London are well connected.
On Advocacy by Environmental Scientists: What, Whether, Why, and How
Authors: NELSON MICHAEL P. , VUCETICH JOHN A.
Published: May 2009

Abstract:  Debate about the nature and appropriateness of advocacy by environmental scientists is important—it represents understanding the role of these citizens in our society. Much has been written about advocacy by scientists, and that literature describes substantial diversity in reasons why advocacy by scientists is or is not appropriate. Despite the nature of this literature there has been no comprehensive, systematic review of why some favor and others oppose advocacy by environmental scientists. Through a literature review we catalogued, categorized, and critiqued the arguments used for and against the appropriateness of advocacy by environmental scientists. Most arguments, whether for or against advocacy, are characterized by some significant deficiency. From our analysis of the literature an argument emerges that to date has never been fully articulated: that advocacy is nearly unavoidable, and that scientists, by virtue of being citizens first and scientists second, have a responsibility to advocate to the best of their abilities, to improve their advocacy abilities, and to advocate in a justified and transparent manner. We also discuss the meaning and relevance of advocacy being justified and transparent. We suggest scientists expend their efforts to better understand what constitutes appropriate advocacy and spend less effort pondering whether they should advocate.
Bushmeat Supply and Consumption in a Tropical Logging Concession in Northern Congo
Authors: POULSEN J. R. , CLARK C. J. , MAVAH G. , ELKAN P. W.
Published: May 2009

Abstract:  Unsustainable hunting of wildlife for food empties tropical forests of many species critical to forest maintenance and livelihoods of forest people. Extractive industries, including logging, can accelerate exploitation of wildlife by opening forests to hunters and creating markets for bushmeat. We monitored human demographics, bushmeat supply in markets, and household bushmeat consumption in five logging towns in the northern Republic of Congo. Over 6 years we recorded 29,570 animals in town markets and collected 48,920 household meal records. Development of industrial logging operations led to a 69% increase in the population of logging towns and a 64% increase in bushmeat supply. The immigration of workers, jobseekers, and their families altered hunting patterns and was associated with increased use of wire snares and increased diversity in the species hunted and consumed. Immigrants hunted 72% of all bushmeat, which suggests the short‐term benefits of hunting accrue disproportionately to “outsiders” to the detriment of indigenous peoples who have prior, legitimate claims to wildlife resources. Our results suggest that the greatest threat of logging to biodiversity may be the permanent urbanization of frontier forests. Although enforcement of hunting laws and promotion of alternative sources of protein may help curb the pressure on wildlife, the best strategy for biodiversity conservation may be to keep saw mills and the towns that develop around them out of forests.
Granulite facies thermal aureoles and metastable amphibolite facies assemblages adjacent to the Western Fiordland Orthogneiss in southwest Fiordland, New Zealand
Authors: ALLIBONE A. H. , MILAN L. A. , DACZKO N. R. , TURNBULL I. M.
Published: May 2009

In southwest New Zealand, a suite of felsic diorite intrusions known as the Western Fiordland Orthogneiss (WFO) were emplaced into the mid to deep crust and partially recrystallized to high‐P (12 kbar) granulite facies assemblages. This study focuses on the southern most pluton within the WFO suite (Malaspina Pluton) between Doubtful and Dusky sounds. New mapping shows intrusive contacts between the Malaspina Pluton and adjacent Palaeozoic metasedimentary country rocks with a thermal aureole ∼200–1000 m wide adjacent to the Malaspina Pluton in the surrounding rocks. Thermobarometry on assemblages in the aureole indicates that the Malaspina Pluton intruded the adjacent amphibolite facies rocks while they were at depths of 10–14 kbar. Similar P–T conditions are recorded in high‐P granulite facies assemblages developed locally throughout the Malaspina Pluton. Palaeozoic rocks more than ∼200–1000 m from the Malaspina Pluton retain medium‐P mid‐amphibolite facies assemblages, despite having been subjected to pressures of 10–14 kbar for > 5 Myr. These observations contradict previous interpretations of the WFO Malaspina Pluton as the lower plate of a metamorphic core complex, everywhere separated from the metasedimentary rocks by a regional‐scale extensional shear zone (Doubtful Sound Shear Zone). Slow reaction kinetics, lack of available H2O, lack of widespread penetrative deformation, and cooling of the Malaspina Pluton thermal anomaly within c. 3–4 Myr likely prevented recrystallization of mid amphibolite facies assemblages outside the thermal aureole. If not for the evidence within the thermal aureole, there would be little to suggest that gneissic rocks which underlie several 100 km2 of southwest New Zealand had experienced metamorphic pressures of 10–14 kbar. Similar high‐P metamorphic events may therefore be more common than presently recognized.
IDENTIFICATION AND TOXICITY OF ALEXANDRIUM TAMARENSE (DINOPHYCEAE) IN SCOTTISH WATERS1
Authors: Collins C. , Graham J. , Brown L. , Bresnan E. , Lacaze J.‐P. , Turrell E. A.
Published: May 2009

Contamination of shellfish with paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins produced by Alexandrium species poses a potential threat to the sustainability of the Scottish aquaculture industry. Routine LM analysis of water samples from around the Scottish coast has previously identified Alexandrium (Dinophyceae) as a regular part of the spring and summer phytoplankton communities in Scottish coastal waters. In this study, Alexandrium tamarense (M. Lebour) Balech isolated from sediment and water samples was established in laboratory culture. Species identification of these isolates was confirmed using thecal plate dissections and by molecular characterization based on their LSU and, in some cases, ITS rDNA sequence. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis showed the presence of two ribotypes of A. tamarense: Group I (North American ribotype) and Group III (Western European ribotype). Assessment of PSP toxin production using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC–MS/MS) showed that A. tamarense Group I produced a complex array of toxins (∼2,000 fg STX equivalents · cell−1) with the major toxins being C2, neosaxitoxin (NEO), saxitoxin (STX), gonyautoxin‐4 (GTX‐4), and GTX‐3, while A. tamarense Group III did not produce toxins. Historically, it was considered that all Alexandrium species occurring in Scottish waters produce potent PSP toxins. This study has highlighted the presence of both PSP toxin‐producing and benign species of A. tamarense and questions the ecological significance of this finding.
A Likelihood‐Based Trait‐Model‐Free Approach for Linkage Detection of Binary Trait
Authors: Basu S. , Stephens M. , Pankow J. S. , Thompson E. A.
Published: May 2009

Summary Trait‐model‐free (or “allele‐sharing”) approach to linkage analysis is a popular tool in genetic mapping of complex traits, because of the absence of explicit assumptions about the underlying mode of inheritance of the trait. The likelihood framework introduced by Kong and Cox (1997, American Journal of Human Genetics 61, 1179–1188) allows calculation of accurate p‐values and LOD scores to test for linkage between a genomic region and a trait. Their method relies on the specification of a model for the trait‐dependent segregation of marker alleles at a genomic region linked to the trait. Here we propose a new such model that is motivated by the desire to extract as much information as possible from extended pedigrees containing data from individuals related over several generations. However, our model is also applicable to smaller pedigrees, and has some attractive features compared with existing models (Kong and Cox, 1997), including the fact that it incorporates information on both affected and unaffected individuals. We illustrate the proposed model on simulated and real data, and compare its performance with the existing approach (Kong and Cox, 1997). The proposed approach is implemented in the program lm_ibdtests within the framework of MORGAN 2.8 (http://www.stat.washington.edu/thompson/Genepi/MORGAN/Morgan.shtml).
Analysis of growth and development in the final instar of three species of predatory Coccinellidae under varying prey availability
Authors: Phoofolo Mpho W. , Elliott Norman C. , Giles Kristopher L.
Published: May 2009

For insects such as aphidophagous lady beetles, whose preferred food varies naturally in space and time, variation in adult body size is most likely a reflection of food acquired and allocated to growth by the final instar. We conducted a laboratory study to evaluate the nature of body size variation in Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer), Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), and Hippodamia convergens Guerin‐Meneville (all Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) by assessing how fourth instars respond developmentally to food deprivation. We also determined which growth functions best describe larval growth trajectories and evaluated whether these fourth instars regulate their growth based on initial body size. Access to food for a minimum of 1 day during the fourth stadium appeared to be a requirement for pupation in all three species. Putative critical weight for pupation falls within 10–14 mg for C. maculata, 13–16 mg for H. convergens, and 19–22 mg for H. axyridis, and development period after attaining the critical weight is not affected by food deprivation. The mixed‐effect logistic function that accounted for individual and gender differences provided the best description of growth in the fourth instars of the three species. The reduced major axis regression revealed that growth in these lady beetles was convergent‐regulated. The logistic growth trajectory, existence of critical weight, and determinate developmental response to food deprivation are traits that seem to suggest that fitness increase is attained by maximizing body size rather than survival in these beetles.
Attraction and mortality of oriental fruit flies to SPLAT‐MAT‐methyl eugenol with spinosad†
Authors: Vargas Roger I. , Piñero Jaime C. , Mau Ronald F. L. , Stark John D. , Hertlein Mark , Mafra‐Neto Agenor , Coler Reginald , Getchell Anna
Published: May 2009

Studies were conducted in 2007 and 2008 in Hawaii, USA to quantify attraction and feeding responses resulting in mortality of the male oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae), to a novel male annihilation treatment (MAT) formulation consisting of specialized pheromone and lure application technology (SPLAT) in combination with methyl eugenol (ME) and spinosad (=SPLAT‐MAT‐ME with spinosad) in comparison with Min‐U‐Gel‐ME with naled (Dibrom). Our approach involved a novel behavioral methodology for evaluation of slow‐acting reduced‐risk insecticides. Methyl eugenol treatments were weathered for 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks in California, USA, and shipped to Hawaii for bioassays. In field tests involving bucket traps to attract and capture wild males, and in toxicity studies conducted in 1 m3 cages using released males of controlled ages, SPLAT‐MAT‐ME with spinosad performed similar to or outperformed the standard formulation of Min‐U‐Gel‐ME with naled for material aged for up to 8 weeks in the 2008 tests. In laboratory feeding tests in which individual males were exposed for 5 min to the different ME treatments, mortality induced by SPLAT‐MAT‐ME with spinosad recorded at 24 h did not differ from that caused by Min‐U‐Gel ME with naled at 1, 2, and 4 weeks. Spinosad has low contact toxicity, and when mixed with SPLAT offers a reduced‐risk alternative for control of B. dorsalis, without many of the negative effects to humans and non‐targets of broad‐spectrum contact poisons such as naled. Our results indicate that SPLAT‐MAT‐ME with spinosad offers potential for control of males in an area‐wide integrated pest management (IPM) system without the need for conventional organophosphates.
Insecticidal activity of Cry3Bb1 expressed in Bt maize on larvae of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata
Authors: Meissle Michael , Romeis Jörg
Published: May 2009

Environmental risk assessment for genetically modified crops producing insecticidal Cry proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) includes the evaluation of adverse effects on non‐target organisms. Although ELISA concentration measurements indicate the presence of Cry proteins, sensitive insect bioassays determine whether there is biological activity. The insecticidal activity of the coleopteran‐active Cry3Bb1 expressed in different tissues of Bt maize, contained in maize‐fed herbivores, and in spiked soil was measured in sensitive insect bioassays using larvae of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Biological activity was confirmed of Cry3Bb1 contained in pulverized Bt maize pollen, roots, leaves, silk, and Bt maize‐fed spider mites and western corn rootworm adults. When test substances were incorporated into artificial diet at the same concentrations of Cry3Bb1 (measured by ELISA), maize pollen and leaf litter exhibited lower toxicity than fresh plant material and maize‐fed arthropods. This suggests that nutritional quality of food and degradation of Cry proteins may influence toxicity to insects. When soil was spiked with Cry3Bb1, the Bt protein was highly adsorbed and retained its full biological activity. Because toxicity of Cry proteins contained in different matrices cannot always be determined from ELISA values alone, sensitive insect bioassays can improve hazard and exposure assessments in environmental risk assessment of Bt crops.
Quantification of Porphyromonas gingivalis and fimA genotypes in smoker chronic periodontitis
Authors: Teixeira Sílvia R. L. , Mattarazo Flávia , Feres Magda , Figueiredo Luciene C. , De Faveri Marcelo , Simionato Maria R. L. , Mayer Marcia P. A.
Published: May 2009

Aim: Porphyromonas gingivalis fimA genotypes were associated with virulence factors in vitro, but little evidence of an association with disease severity were shown in humans. We aimed to correlate levels of P. gingivalis fimA genotypes II and IV and probing depth in smoker‐chronic periodontitis subjects.

Material and Methods: One hundred and sixty eight subgingival samples of 20 smokers non‐treated chronic periodontitis subjects obtained from sites with different probing depths [shallow (3 mm), intermediate (4–6 mm), deep (7 mm)] were analysed by real‐time PCR for P. gingivalis and genotypes fimA II and IV.

Results: P. gingivalis and fimA IV were detected in all subjects, whereas fimA II was detected in 18 subjects (90%). One hundred and fifty two sites (90.5%) harboured P. gingivalis. Genotypes II and IV were detected in 28% and 69.6% of sites, respectively. The proportions of genotypes II and IV in relation to P. gingivalis levels were similar in shallow, intermediate and deep probing sites (2.4%, 4.6%, 1.4% for genotype II and 15.5%, 17.7%, 11.7% for genotype IV, respectively), indicating that other non‐tested genotypes were more abundant. Increased levels of genotype IV were associated with increasing probing depth, but not of genotype II.

Conclusions: The data suggested an association between P. gingivalis genotype fimA IV and disease severity in smoker‐chronic periodontitis subjects.
Congenital disseminated juvenile xanthogranuloma with unusual skin presentation and renal involvement
Authors: Kolivras Athanassios , Theunis Anne , De Saint‐Aubain Nicolas , Zelger Bernhard , Sass Ursula , Dangoisse Chantal , André Josette
Published: May 2009

We present a case of congenital juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) with both cutaneous and renal involvement. Skin lesions consisted of bluish papules and nodules (blueberry muffin baby) located on the head, trunk and proximal extremities. Subsequent investigations revealed a renal mass. Histopathology of both cutaneous and renal specimens was consistent with JXG. Both clinical presentation and extracutaneous localization were remarkable.
The current state of dermatopathology education: a survey of the association of professors of dermatology
Authors: Hinshaw Molly , Hsu Philip , Lee Li‐Yin , Stratman Erik
Published: May 2009

Background:  Dermatology training programs develop program‐specific dermatopathology (DP) curricula. We summarize the current state of DP education in dermatology residency programs and identify opportunities for DP education resource development.

Methods:  A 27‐question survey was emailed to members of the Association of Professors of Dermatology (APD).

Results:  Fifty‐two of 109 programs responded for a response rate of 48%. Results were calculated using a non‐response adjustment. Thirty per cent of the overall education time during residency is spent in DP‐specific education. Lever and Weedon are the texts most often cited as primary texts utilized for DP education. Three‐quarters of programs have third year residents spend three or more weeks on the DP service. The majority of dermatology residency programs have a specific DP service rotation at some point during residency.

Conclusions:  The majority of training programs use a variety of resources and mechanisms for teaching DP to dermatology residents. Some programs list barriers to DP education including lack of cases, microscopes, resident education time for DP‐related teaching and availability of educators. We conclude that a greater depth and breadth of resources for DP education would be of benefit to dermatology residency programs.
An awkward introduction: phylogeography of Notropis lutipinnis in its ‘native’ range and the Little Tennessee River
Authors: Scott C. H. , Cashner M. , Grossman G. D. , Wares J. P.
Published: May 2009

Abstract –  We evaluate the putative introduction of the yellowfin shiner, Notropis lutipinnis, in the Little Tennessee river basin. This species has only been noted in the Little Tennessee in the past several decades and appears to be expanding its range, even though there have been many potential historical pathways for dispersal from native drainages in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. We use a phylogeographic approach, examining sequence data from one mitochondrial and one nuclear locus, to determine the likely source of the population in the Little Tennessee. Our results suggest a complex history and cannot reject the possibility that N. lutipinnis is native to the Little Tennessee. Our data also indicate that particular drainages, including populations in the Altamaha and Flint Rivers, may be subject to local adaptation at the nuclear transferrin locus.
Initial comparison of proteomic profiles of whole unstimulated saliva obtained from generalized aggressive periodontitis patients and healthy control subjects
Authors: Wu Y. , Shu R. , Luo L‐J. , Ge L‐H. , Xie Y‐F.
Published: May 2009

Background and Objective:  Salivary proteomics technology can be used to evaluate the disease progession of periodontitis and the systemic screening of proteomes of saliva from subjects with aggressive periodontitis has not been available. The objective of this preliminary study was to compare the proteomic profile of whole unstimulated saliva of subjects with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) with that of healthy volunteers to identify proteins, the levels of which were significantly altered between the two groups.

Material and Methods:  Whole unstimulated saliva was obtained from five subjects with GAgP and five healthy subjects, and proteins were separated using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis. Proteins, the levels of which were significantly different between the two groups, were identified by computer image analyses and subsequent electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

Results:  Eleven proteins that exhibited a different level in the GAgP group vs. the control group were identified. Compared with whole saliva of healthy control subjects, the levels of serum albumin, immunoglobulin (Ig) γ2 chain C region, Ig α2 chain C region, vitamin D‐binding protein, salivary α‐amylase and zinc‐α2 glycoprotein were increased in whole unstimulated saliva of GAgP subjects, while those of lactotransferrin, elongation factor 2, 14‐3‐3 sigma, short palate, lung and nasal epithelium carcinoma‐associated protein 2 precursor and carbonic anhydrase 6 were decreased.

Conclusion:  Comparison of the proteomic profile of whole unstimulated saliva of GAgP subjects with that of healthy control subjects revealed at least 11 differential proteins. The approach applied herein might be helpful to aid understanding of the etiology of GAgP.
Interleukin‐2 −330 and 166 gene polymorphisms in relation to aggressive or chronic periodontitis and the presence of periodontopathic bacteria
Authors: Reichert S. , Machulla H. K. G. , Klapproth J. , Zimmermann U. , Reichert Y. , Gläser C. , Schaller H‐G. , Schulz S.
Published: May 2009

Background and Objective:  As a pro‐inflammatory cytokine, interleukin‐2 mediates the activation, growth and differentiation of T and B lymphocytes and natural killer cells. Promoter polymorphisms of the interleukin‐2 gene have been associated with altered interleukin‐2 production or identified as prognostic markers for various infectious diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate two polymorphisms at positions −330 T/G and 166 G/T in patients with generalized chronic periodontitis (n = 58) or generalized aggressive periodontitis (n = 73) in comparison with periodontitis‐free controls (n = 69).

Material and Methods:  Both interleukin‐2 polymorphisms were analyzed using the polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers. Distributions of single alleles, genotypes and haplotypes were calculated using the chi‐square test. Risk factor analyses were carried out by logistic regression with respect to established cofactors for periodontitis. The presence of subgingival bacteria in an individual were analyzed using a molecular biological method (the micro‐Ident® test).

Results:  The interleukin‐2 genotype −330 TG occurred less frequently in patients with chronic periodontitis (25.9% vs. 49.3%). Moreover, this genotype decreased the adjusted odds ratio for chronic periodontitis (odds ratio = 0.394), whereas the interleukin‐2 genotype 166 TT and the haplotype combination interleukin‐2 −330,166 TT : TT were associated with an increased adjusted odds ratio (odds ratio = 2.82 or 2.97). For the latter interleukin‐2 combination, a positive association for the subgingival presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis (81.3% vs. 59.5%) and bacteria of the ‘red complex’ (78.1% vs. 56.0%) was shown.

Conclusion:  The interleukin‐2 genotypes −330 TG and 166 TT, as well as the combination genotype interleukin‐2 TT : TT, could be putative prognostic factors for chronic periodontitis.
Extracellular neutrophil traps in periodontitis
Authors: Vitkov L. , Klappacher M. , Hannig M. , Krautgartner W. D.
Published: May 2009

Background and Objective:  Chronic periodontitis, the chronic inflammatory disease of the periodontium, is caused by bacteria and is characterized by an influx of neutrophils into the gingival crevice. Recently, a ‘new’ extracellular neutrophil defense mechanism – neutrophil extracellular traps – has been described. However, their role in periodontitis has not yet been investigated.

Material and Methods:  Clinical examinations, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, as well as cytology and confocal laser‐scanning microscopy, were employed to analyze gingiva biopsies and crevicular exudate from patients with chronic periodontitis.

Results:  An abundance of neutrophil extracellular traps and some phagocytic neutrophils was found on the gingival pocket surface and in the purulent crevicular exudate. Finding neutrophil extracellular traps in the spontaneously effused purulent crevicular exudate clearly indicated that they are flushed from the pocket by the crevicular exudate. In cases of dispersal of subgingival plaque bacteria, their trapping by neutrophil extracellular traps in purulent crevicular exudate and on the gingival surface was demonstrated.

Conclusion:  Trapping the crevicular bacteria prevents their adhesion to and invasion of the gingiva. The combination of neutrophil extracellular traps and crevicular exudate outflow appears to be a ‘novel’ defense mechanism for the clearance of crevicular bacteria in chronic periodontitis.
B‐1a cells and plasma cells in periodontitis lesions
Authors: Donati M. , Liljenberg B. , Zitzmann N. U. , Berglundh T.
Published: May 2009

Background and Objective:  Host response mechanisms in periodontal tissues are complex and involve numerous systems of interactions between cells. The B‐cell lineage seems to predominate in chronic periodontitis lesions. The aim of the present investigation was to study the correlation between inflammatory cells and some functional markers in gingival lesions obtained from subjects with severe chronic periodontitis.

Material and Methods:  Thirty‐eight Caucasian subjects volunteered to take part in the study. A gingival biopsy from one randomly selected diseased proximal site (probing pocket depth > 6 mm and bleeding on probing positive) was obtained from each patient. Immunohistochemical preparation was used to identify inflammatory cells and functional markers. Correlations between the different percentages of cell markers were analyzed by pairwise correlation.

Results:  B cells (B‐1a and B‐2 cells) occurred in larger proportions than T cells and plasma cells. A statistically significant correlation was found between the percentage of B‐1a cells and plasma cells and between all B lymphocytes and plasma cells. About 60% of B lymphocytes exhibited autoreactive features.

Conclusion:  It is suggested that B‐1a cells constitute a significant part of the host response in periodontitis lesions and that plasma cells may develop from both B‐2 and B‐1a cells.
ENERGY CONSIDERATIONS ON EXTRUSION OF TARHANA, A WHEAT FLOUR BASED PRODUCT
Authors: IBANOGLU ŞENOL , AINSWORTH PAUL
Published: May 2009

Tarhana, a traditional Turkish cereal food, was extruded using a twin‐screw extruder. The effect of the changes in barrel temperature (60–120C), feed rate (10–20 kg/h, wet basis) and screw speed (100–300 rpm) on the mechanical and thermal energy inputs was investigated. Energy balances showed that increasing barrel temperature tends to reduce the contribution of heat energy converted from the mechanical energy (ME) to the total heat energy absorbed by tarhana. The use of high‐screw speeds at relatively high barrel temperatures and at low feed rates is not suitable from an energy point of view because only a small portion of the ME introduced into the system is absorbed by tarhana. It is concluded that higher barrel temperatures, lower screw speeds and higher feed rates are more suitable for economic tarhana extrusion.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Traditional batch method of tarhana production is not automated with manufacturing capacities being low and highly labor extensive. Developing tarhana using extrusion cooking would allow tarhana to be produced at a lower cost because of more efficient use of energy and greater process control; production capacity would be greater, and quality control could be more easily monitored, leading to a standard product. Moreover, an easier preparation of instant tarhana soup would facilitate its usage at home for households and in school, hospital and military canteens. Investigating the energy changes during tarhana extrusion could lead to a clearer understanding of tarhana extrusion from an engineering point of view.
D72°C VALUES OF SALMONELLA TYPHIMURIUM IN CITRUS JUICES: PREDICTIVE EFFICACY OF A MODEL
Authors: GABRIEL ALONZO A. , AZANZA MARIA PATRICIA V.
Published: May 2009

A previously developed predictive model for the decimal reduction times (D72°C) of Salmonella typhimurium (ATCC 13311) in simulated citrus systems was validated for its efficacy to estimate the D72°C of the reference organism in real citrus juices. Model predictive efficacy was assessed by calculating performance indices for accuracy (Af) and bias (Bf); and through graphical validations. In all validating citrus juices, the predicted D72°C of the reference strain were greater than the actual values calculated from thermal inactivation studies. The model overestimations were also demonstrated in the graphical validations where all model predictions were classified as fail‐safe predictions. Results obtained in this study may be used in establishing new processes as well as in the verification of existing processes for citrus juices to ensure the safety of the products against the reference organism.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This study dealt with the validation of the predictive efficacy of a previously developed regression model for the thermal death times of the pathogen Salmonella typhimurium in citrus juices. The validated model may be used in estimating the thermal death times of the reference pathogen in appropriate citrus juices and applied in establishing thermal process schedules. Recognizing that the more traditional means of establishing the thermal death times of a specific organism in a specific food system entails rigorous work, the use of the validated model may be considered as a convenient alternative.
Monitoring the Removal of Phosphate from Ground Water Discharging through a Pond‐Bottom Permeable Reactive Barrier
Authors: McCobb Timothy D. , LeBlanc Denis R. , Massey Andrew J.
Published: May 2009

Installation of a permeable reactive barrier to intercept a phosphate (PO4) plume where it discharges to a pond provided an opportunity to develop and test methods for monitoring the barrier’s performance in the shallow pond‐bottom sediments. The barrier is composed of zero‐valent‐iron mixed with the native sediments to a 0.6‐m depth over a 1100‐m2 area. Permanent suction, diffusion, and seepage samplers were installed to monitor PO4 and other chemical species along vertical transects through the barrier and horizontal transects below and near the top of the barrier. Analysis of pore water sampled at about 3‐cm vertical intervals by using multilevel diffusion and suction samplers indicated steep decreases in PO4 concentrations in ground water flowing upward through the barrier. Samples from vertically aligned pairs of horizontal multiport suction samplers also indicated substantial decreases in PO4 concentrations and lateral shifts in the plume’s discharge area as a result of varying pond stage. Measurements from Lee‐style seepage meters indicated substantially decreased PO4 concentrations in discharging ground water in the treated area; temporal trends in water flux were related to pond stage. The advantages and limitations of each sampling device are described. Preliminary analysis of the first 2 years of data indicates that the barrier reduced PO4 flux by as much as 95%.
Overall Quality and Shelf Life of Minimally Processed and Modified Atmosphere Packaged “Ready‐to‐Eat” Pomegranate Arils
Authors: Ayhan Zehra , Eştürk Okan
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT: Minimally processed ready‐to‐eat pomegranate arils have become popular due to their convenience, high value, unique sensory characteristics, and health benefits. The objective of this study was to monitor quality parameters and to extend the shelf life of ready‐to‐eat pomegranate arils packaged with modified atmospheres. Minimally processed pomegranate arils were packed in PP trays sealed with BOPP film under 4 atmospheres including low and super atmospheric oxygen. Packaged arils were stored at 5 °C for 18 d and monitored for internal atmosphere and quality attributes. Atmosphere equilibrium was reached for all MAP applications except for high oxygen. As a general trend, slight or no significant change was detected in chemical and physical attributes of pomegranate arils during cold storage. The aerobic mesophilic bacteria were in the range of 2.30 to 4.51 log CFU/g at the end of the storage, which did not affect the sensory quality. Overall, the pomegranate arils packed with air, nitrogen, and enriched oxygen kept quality attributes and were acceptable to sensory panelists on day 18; however, marketability period was limited to 15 d for the low oxygen atmosphere. PP trays sealed with BOPP film combined with either passive or active modified atmospheres and storage at 5 °C provided commercially acceptable arils for 18 d with high quality and convenience.
Changes in the Composition of Raw Tea Leaves from the Korean Yabukida Plant during High‐Temperature Processing to Pan‐Fried Kamairi‐Cha Green Tea
Authors: Friedman Mendel , Levin Carol E. , Choi Suk‐Hyun , Lee Seung‐Un , Kozukue Nobuyuki
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT:  To develop a better understanding of compositional changes occurring during the production of commercial teas, we determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) changes in ingredient levels during each of several manufacturing steps used to produce Kamairi‐cha, a premium green tea. Kamairi‐cha uses pan‐frying instead of the usual blanching technique to inactivate the enzymes responsible for producing traditional black tea. The resulting tea lacks the characteristic bitterness of green tea, producing a green tea that is described as sweet tasting. The processing steps used to produce this pan‐fried tea were as follows: 1st roasting, 1st rolling, 2nd roasting, 2nd rolling, 1st firing, and 2nd firing. The results show that during production at temperatures up to 300 °C, raw leaves lost (in percent) 97.3 water, 94 two chlorophylls, 14.3 seven catechins, and 2.75 caffeine. A separate analysis showed that the final product contained 21.67 mg/g dry wt of the biologically active amino acid theanine. The results of this 1st report on changes in individual catechins and other tea ingredients in tea leaves during pan‐frying make it possible to select production conditions that maximize levels of beneficial tea ingredients. The possible significance of the results for the human diet is discussed.
Heat Transfer Enhancement in Channel Flow Using an Inclined Square Cylinder
Authors: Yoon Dong-Hyeog , Yang Kyung-Soo , Choi Choon-Bum
Published: May 2009

Heat transfer enhancement in channel flow by using an inclined vortex generator has been numerically investigated. A square cylinder is located on the centerline of laminar channel flow, which is subject to a constant heat flux on the lower channel wall. As the cylinder is inclined with some angle of attack with respect to the main flow direction, flow characteristics change downstream of the cylinder, and significantly affect heat transfer on the channel wall. A parametric study has been conducted to identify the cause, and to possibly find the optimal inclination angle. It turns out that the increased periodic fluctuation of the vertical velocity component in the vicinity of the channel walls is responsible for the heat transfer enhancement. The large fluctuation is believed to be induced by the large-scale vortices shed from the inclined square cylinder, as well as by the secondary vortices formed near the channel walls.
Darcy–Forchheimer Flow With Viscous Dissipation in a Horizontal Porous Layer: Onset of Convective Instabilities
Authors: Barletta A. , Celli M. , Rees D. A. S.
Published: May 2009

Parallel Darcy–Forchheimer flow in a horizontal porous layer with an isothermal top boundary and a bottom boundary, which is subject to a third kind boundary condition, is discussed by taking into account the effect of viscous dissipation. This effect causes a nonlinear temperature profile within the layer. The linear stability of this nonisothermal base flow is then investigated with respect to the onset of convective rolls. The third kind boundary condition on the bottom boundary plane may imply adiabatic/isothermal conditions on this plane when the Biot number is either zero (adiabatic) or infinite (isothermal). The solution of the linear equations for the perturbation waves is determined by using a fourth order Runge–Kutta scheme in conjunction with a shooting technique. The neutral stability curve and the critical value of the governing parameter R=GePe2 are obtained, where Ge is the Gebhart number and Pe is the Péclet number. Different values of the orientation angle between the direction of the basic flow and the propagation axis of the disturbances are also considered.