bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dermatoses affecting desmosomes in animals: a mechanistic review of acantholytic blistering skin diseases
Authors: Olivry Thierry , Linder Keith E.
Published: December 2009

Failure of desmosomal adhesion with ensuing keratinocyte separation – a phenomenon called acantholysis – can result from genetic, autoimmune or infectious proteolytic causes. Rare hereditary disorders of desmosomal formation have been identified in animals. Familial acantholysis of Angus calves and hereditary suprabasal acantholytic mechanobullous dermatosis of buffaloes appear to be similar to acantholytic epidermolysis bullosa of human beings. A genetic acantholytic dermatosis resembling human Darier disease has been rarely recognized in dogs. In autoimmune blistering dermatoses, circulating autoantibodies bind to the extracellular segments of desmosomal proteins and induce acantholysis. Autoantibodies against desmoglein‐3 are found in canine pemphigus vulgaris and paraneoplastic pemphigus. Autoantibodies against desmoglein‐1 have been rarely detected in dogs with pemphigus foliaceus. When circulating autoantibodies target desmogleins‐1 and ‐3, mucocutaneous pemphigus vulgaris develops in dogs. Finally, several infectious agents can release proteases that cleave desmosomal bonds. In superficial pustular dermatophytosis of dogs and horses, Trichophyton hyphae colonize the stratum corneum, and acantholysis presumably develops because of proteases secreted by the dermatophytes. In exudative epidermitis of piglets, Staphylococcus bacteria – usually Staphylococcus hyicus– release exfoliatin toxins that bind to and specifically cleave desmoglein‐1. Any of the above mechanisms can result in impairment of desmosomal function with subsequent acantholysis. The end point of adhesion failure is identical among these diseases: there is cleft formation where desmosomes are affected. The similarity of mechanisms explains why clinical and microscopic skin lesions overlap between entities, thus leaving clinicians and dermatopathologists with the conundrum of determining whether the acantholysis is of genetic, autoimmune or infectious origin.
Survivin expression in canine epidermis and in canine and human cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Bongiovanni Laura , Colombi Isabella , Fortunato Carmine , Salda Leonardo Della
Published: December 2009

Survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family, is ubiquitously expressed during tissue development, undetectable in most normal tissues, but re‐expressed in most cancers, including skin malignancies. Expression of survivin was evaluated retrospectively in 19 canine cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs; one in situ; 16 well differentiated; one invasive, one lymph node metastasis) and 19 well differentiated SCCs from human beings. Seven specimens of normal canine skin were included. Immunohistochemical expression of full‐length survivin was determined using a commercially available antibody. In addition, apoptotic rate [Terminal deoxynucleotidyl Transferase Biotin‐dUTP Nick End Labelling index (TUNEL) index] and mitotic index (MI), counting mitoses in 10 high power fields (HPF), were determined. Scattered survivin positive nuclei were identified in the epidermal basal cell layer of normal canine skin. Nuclear survivin expression was identified in 18 of 19 human and in all canine SCCs, mainly along the base of the tumour cell population. Cytoplasmic survivin expression was rarely observed in human SCCs and in 84.2% of canine SCCs. The TUNEL index ranged from 0.1 to 2.6 in human beings and from 7.5 to 69.4 in dogs, while MIs ranged from 0 to 4 in human beings and dogs. No correlation was found between survivin expression and apoptotic or mitotic rates. Canine and human tumours showed similar nuclear survivin expression, indicating similar functions of the molecule. We demonstrated survivin expression in normal adult canine epidermis. Increased nuclear survivin expression in pre‐neoplastic and neoplastic lesions demonstrates a possible association of survivin with development of SCCs in human beings and dogs.
Indolent cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma presenting as cutaneous lymphocytosis in dogs
Authors: Affolter Verena K. , Gross Thelma Lee , Moore Peter F.
Published: December 2009

Cutaneous lymphoproliferative diseases encompass a spectrum of lesions, ranging from self‐limiting, reactive infiltrates to high‐grade lymphomas. In humans, cutaneous lymphocytosis (CL) refers to self‐limiting or slowly progressive monomorphic lymphocytic infiltrates of mostly unknown cause. It morphologically mimics cutaneous lymphoma. CL in cats also is a slowly progressive disease. Immunophenotyping and clonality testing of feline CL support an indolent lymphoma for the majority of cases studied. This study reports CL in dogs. Erythematous, scaly and alopecic macules, patches or plaques were present in eight dogs. Breed predilection was not observed; six of eight dogs were females; and ages ranged from 5 to 14 years. Diffuse monomorphic non‐epitheliotropic infiltrates of CD3+ (eight of eight), CD45− (four of eight) or CD45+/− (four of eight) and CD45RA− (seven of eight) T lymphocytes were present in the superficial and mid‐dermis. Further immunophenotyping of five cases revealed TCR‐γδ+ T cells (one of five) or TCR‐αβ+ (four of five) T cells. TCR‐αβ+ populations were either CD8+ (two of four) or CD4−CD8− (2/4). Clonality testing found clonal (seven of eight) or pseudoclonal (one of eight) rearrangement of the TCR‐gamma locus of the lesional T cells. Prednisone, prednisolone and methylprednisolone acetate were the most commonly administered drugs. The lesions remained stable for long periods up to 6 years. Five dogs were euthanized due to progression of the skin lesions (three of five), peripheral lymphadenopathy of unknown origin (one of five) or high‐grade lymphoma (one of five). One dog was lost for follow‐up and two dogs are still alive (17 and 9 months after diagnosis). Canine CL is best considered an initially indolent lymphoma, with slow progression and a potential for progression to high‐grade lymphoma.
Effects of dexamethasone and hydroxyzine treatment on intradermal testing and allergen‐specific IgE serum testing results in horses
Authors: Petersen Annette , Schott Harold C.
Published: December 2009

To determine whether dexamethasone or hydroxyzine affect intradermal testing (IDT) and allergen‐specific IgE serum testing (ASIST) results in horses, these tests were performed serially in five horses without signs of atopic dermatitis before and after treatment with the drugs. IDT consisted of saline, histamine (1:100,000 w/v) and eight commercial extracts; results were evaluated as subjective scores by comparison to saline (0) and histamine (4) and as objective measurement of wheal diameter (mm). After baseline testing, dexamethasone (20 mg) was administered intramuscularly daily for 7 days. Testing was repeated 3–4 h, 7 days, and 14 days after the final dose of dexamethasone. Hydroxyzine (500 mg) was subsequently administered orally twice daily for 7 days. Testing was performed 3–4 h, 3 days, and 7 days after the final dose of hydroxyzine. No differences were found between pre‐ and post‐treatment subjective IDT scores for either drug. However, wheal diameter for histamine and house dust, dust mite mix, and black ant extracts decreased (P < 0.05) at all times post‐injection for IDT performed 3–4 h after the final dose of both medications. Wheal diameter returned to pre‐treatment levels 14 days after discontinuation of dexamethasone and 7 days after discontinuation of hydroxyzine. No significant changes in ASIST results were found. In conclusion, treatment of horses with dexamethasone or hydroxyzine for 7 days had no effect on ASIST results but did decrease IDT wheal diameters. Based on findings of this study, withdrawal times of 14 and 7 days for dexamethasone and hydroxyzine, respectively, prior to IDT can be recommended.
Is season important for the diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma in southern Brazil? A 10‐year hospital‐based study
Authors: Bakos Lucio , Masiero Nathália C. M. S. , Burttet Renata M. , Moreira Laura M. , Santos Karla O. , Brunetto Leticia T. , Benzano Daniela
Published: December 2009

Background  Exposure to sunlight is an important etiologic factor in cutaneous melanoma (CM). In several countries, more cases of CM are diagnosed in summer than in winter.

Aim  To analyze whether there is seasonal variation in the diagnosis of CM in southern Brazil.

Methods  Data were collected from a hospital‐based registry, including all cases of CM diagnosed between 1996 and 2005. Summer to winter and spring to fall ratios were used for the analysis, and a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using Poisson regression.

Results  Two hundred and eighty‐one patients were diagnosed in this period. Although some months were shown to have higher absolute numbers of diagnosed melanomas (April, July, and January), there was no statistically significant seasonal variation in most of the melanomas in terms of either the summer to winter ratio [odds ratio (OR) = 1.09; 95% CI, 0.77–1.44] or spring to autumn ratio (OR = 1.01; 95% CI, 0.71–1.43). Only the number of lentigo maligna melanomas (LMMs) diagnosed in summer was higher than that in winter (OR = 2.83; 95% CI, 1.07–8.78).

Conclusions  In southern Brazil, CMs do not seem to be more frequently diagnosed in summer than in winter. Darkening of melanocytic lesions and increased awareness of skin lesions during the summer could be possible explanations for LMMs being more frequently diagnosed in summer than in winter in this sample.
Vitiligo in an urban academic setting*
Authors: Paravar Taraneh , Lee Delphine J.
Published: December 2009

Background  Vitiligo is a depigmenting disease of unknown etiology. A more complete understanding of vitiligo and associated conditions will provide better insight into the etiology and potential treatment options for this condition. We sought to gather information regarding associated conditions and other epidemiologic data on vitiligo.

Methods  A retrospective chart review was performed of 135 patients with vitiligo seen between July 1, 2002 and June 30, 2005 at an academic medical center. Epidemiologic characteristics were recorded.

Results  The patient population consisted of 80 women and 55 men with mean age of presentation of 36.8 years and average disease duration of 5.7 years. Vitiligo vulgaris was the predominant type of vitiligo and hypothyroidism was the most common co‐morbidity. Anti‐thyroid peroxidase and anti‐thyroglobulin antibodies were found in 37% and 18% of patients, respectively. The highest proportion of thyroid abnormalities was found in age of onset category 21–30. Anti‐nuclear antibodies were found in 33% of patients.

Conclusion  The prevalence of anti‐nuclear and anti‐thyroid peroxidase antibodies was higher in our vitiligo study than that reported elsewhere. In addition, autoimmune thyroid disease may be more common in adult‐onset vitiligo.
Glucagonoma syndrome and necrolytic migratory erythema
Authors: Lobo Inês , Carvalho André , Amaral Cláudia , Machado Susana , Carvalho Rui
Published: December 2009

The glucagonoma syndrome is a rare disorder, characterized by necrolytic migratory erythema, elevated serum glucagon levels, abnormal glucose tolerance, weight loss, and anemia in association with a glucagon‐secreting alpha‐cell tumor of the pancreas. We present a 67‐year‐old diabetic patient with extensive cutaneous lesions, weight loss, and poor glycemic control. The clinical investigation revealed a pancreatic glucagonoma with resolution of the cutaneous and systemic features after surgical removal. The dermatologic and endocrine approach to this syndrome is discussed here. Early recognition and treatment may prevent metastatic disease and ensure its cure with resolution of the cutaneous and catabolic manifestations.
Mycetoma caused by Nocardia caviae in the first Brazilian patient
Authors: Magalhães Geraldo Magela , De Castro Oliveira Sílvia Cristina , De Brito Soares Ana Cláudia , Machado‐Pinto Jackson , De Resende Maria Aparecida
Published: December 2009

Background  Mycetoma is a chronic subcutaneous mycosis caused by exogenous fungi or actinomycetes. This infection has a progressive course and shows a typical clinical characteristic of tumefaction, draining sinuses, and grains. Infection initiation is related to local trauma and can spread to muscle, underlying bone, and adjacent organs. Nocardia brasiliensis is the most frequent actinomycete isolated, while N. caviae is a rare agent.

Methods  We present a case of mycetoma in a 37‐year‐old African‐American man on the right hand. The infection had been apparent for four years prior to the consultation. When the infection did not respond to antibiotic therapy, the patient was referred to the Dermatology department. Routine laboratory studies were normal. X‐ray examination of the hand showed an osteolytic lesion on the hand bones. On skin biopsy culture, on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar at 28 °C, a colony was isolated which was further identified as N. caviae by biochemical and hydrolysis testing.

Results  The patient was treated with oral trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMZ) 160/800 mg twice a day for 10 months. Four months after the beginning of the therapy, the subject exhibited clinical improvement and functional recovery of the hand. Five‐year follow‐up X‐ray examination of the hand showed no osteolytic lesion on the hand bones.

Conclusion  We report the first mycetoma case caused by N. caviae in our country with an unusual location on the hand. The patient showed clinical improvement with oral TMP/SMZ.
Vohwinkel syndrome: treatment of pseudo‐ainhum
Authors: Bassetto Franco , Tiengo Cesare , Sferrazza Rossella , Belloni‐Fortina Anna , Alaibac Mauro
Published: December 2009

Background  Vohwinkel syndrome or keratoderma hereditaria mutilans is a rare autosomal dominant palmoplantar keratosis which manifests in infants and becomes more evident in adulthood.

Patients with this mutation present hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles, constricting bands of the digits, usually at the fifth, and starfish‐shaped hyperkeratosis on the dorsal aspects of the hands and feet. The disease mostly occurs in white women, where constricting fibrous bands appear on the digits and can lead to progressive strangulation and auto‐amputation (pseudo‐ainhum).

Aim  The treatment of this keratoderma is very difficult and tends to be symptomatic: topical keratolytics and systemic retinoids have been used to treat hyperkeratosis, but without consistent results. Reconstructive surgery is utilized for the treatment of pseudo‐ainhum.

Results and Conclusion  In this study, we present an additional case of Vohwinkel syndrome in which constrictive bands of the fifth digit in the left hand were treated with a cross finger flap, with a favorable outcome after 18 months of follow‐up.
Antihistamines are superior to topical steroids in managing Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)‐associated papular pruritic eruption
Authors: Navarini Alexander A. , Stoeckle Marcel , Navarini Susanne , Mossdorf Erik , Jullu Boniphace S. , Mchomvu Rehema , Mbata Marco , Kibatala Patience , Tanner Marcel , Hatz Christoph , Schmid‐Grendelmeier Peter
Published: December 2009

Papular pruritic eruption (PPE) is a frequent HIV‐comorbidity in tropical countries. Because of constant itching and social stigma, effective treatment is highly valued. In our HIV cohort in rural Tanzania with 12% prevalence of PPE, we have retrospectively analyzed responses to available treatments. Oral promethazine improved itching (P < 0.0058) and clinical scores (P < 0.032) significantly more than topical steroids. Disease activity did not correlate with CD4+ and CD8+ T cell counts and was independent of anti‐retroviral medication. Therefore, oral antihistamines are an effective first‐line treatment for PPE.
Clinical and inflammatory features of occupational asthma caused by persulphate salts in comparison with asthma associated with occupational rhinitis
Authors: Moscato G. , Pala G. , Perfetti L. , Frascaroli M. , Pignatti P.
Published: December 2009

To cite this article: Moscato G, Pala G, Perfetti L, Frascaroli M, Pignatti P. Clinical and inflammatory features of occupational asthma caused by persulphate salts in comparison with asthma associated with occupational rhinitis. Allergy 2010; 65: 784–790.

Background:  The relationships between asthma and rhinitis are still a crucial point in respiratory allergy and have scarcely been analysed in occupational setting. We aimed to compare the clinical and inflammatory features of subjects with occupational asthma only (OA) to subjects with OA associated to occupational rhinitis (OAR) caused by persulphate salts.

Methods:  The clinical charts of 26 subjects diagnosed in our Unit as respiratory allergy caused by ammonium persulphate (AP), confirmed by specific inhalation challenge (SIC), were reviewed. Twenty‐two out of twenty‐six patients underwent pre‐SIC‐induced sputum challenge test (IS) and 24/26 underwent nasal secretion collection and processing.

Results:  Twelve out of twenty‐six patients received a diagnosis of OA‐only and 14/26 of OAR. Duration of exposure before diagnosis, latency period between the beginning of exposure and asthma symptom onset, basal FEV1, airway reactivity to methacholine and asthma severity did not differ in the two groups. Eosinophilic inflammation of upper and lower airways characterized both groups. Eosinophil percentage in IS tended to be higher in OAR [11.9 (5.575–13.925)%] than in OA‐only [2.95 (0.225–12.5)%] (P = 0.31). Eosinophilia in nasal secretions was present both in subjects with OAR [55 (46–71)%] and in subjects with OA‐only [38 (15–73.5)%], without any significant difference.

Discussion:  Our results indicate that OA because of ammonium persulphate coexists with occupational rhinitis in half of the patients. Unexpectedly, rhinitis did not seem to have an impact on the natural history of asthma. The finding of nasal inflammation in subjects with OA‐only without clinical manifestations of rhinitis supports the united airway disease concept in occupational respiratory allergy as a result of persulphates.
Health‐related quality of life in men with localized prostate cancer
Authors: Namiki Shunichi , Arai Yoichi
Published: December 2009

With the established effectiveness of diverse treatments for localized prostate cancer, the identification of the physical and psychological consequences of the disease and its various treatments has become critical. In the present review, we aim to familiarize the reader with the methodologies of health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) research and to review the recent literature on HRQOL outcomes in patients with localized prostate cancer. Studies have shown that prostate cancer and its treatment affect both disease‐specific HRQOL (i.e. urinary, sexual, and bowel function) as well as general HRQOL (i.e. energy/vitality and performance in physical and social roles). However, these effects appear to differ according to the type of treatment, stage of disease, age of the subjects, time after treatment, and, more importantly, race or ethnicity. By including HRQOL in clinical decision‐making, we can help our patients make more informed treatment choices for localized prostate cancer.
Variation in within‐bone stiffness measured by nanoindentation in mice bred for high levels of voluntary wheel running
Authors: Middleton Kevin M. , Goldstein Beth D. , Guduru Pradeep R. , Waters Julie F. , Kelly Scott A. , Swartz Sharon M. , Garland Jr T.
Published: December 2009

The hierarchical structure of bone, involving micro‐scale organization and interaction of material components, is a critical determinant of macro‐scale mechanics. Changes in whole‐bone morphology in response to the actions of individual genes, physiological loading during life, or evolutionary processes, may be accompanied by alterations in underlying mineralization or architecture. Here, we used nanoindentation to precisely measure compressive stiffness in the femoral mid‐diaphysis of mice that had experienced 37 generations of selective breeding for high levels of voluntary wheel running (HR). Mice (n = 48 total), half from HR lines and half from non‐selected control (C) lines, were divided into two experimental groups, one with 13–14 weeks of access to a running wheel and one housed without wheels (n = 12 in each group). At the end of the experiment, gross and micro‐computed tomography (μCT)‐based morphometric traits were measured, and reduced elastic modulus (Er) was estimated separately for four anatomical quadrants of the femoral cortex: anterior, posterior, lateral, and medial. Two‐way, mixed‐model analysis of covariance (ancova) showed that body mass was a highly significant predictor of all morphometric traits and that structural change is more apparent at the μCT level than in conventional morphometrics of whole bones. Both linetype (HR vs. C) and presence of the mini‐muscle phenotype (caused by a Mendelian recessive allele and characterized by a ∼50% reduction in mass of the gastrocnemius muscle complex) were significant predictors of femoral cortical cross‐sectional anatomy. Measurement of reduced modulus obtained by nanoindentation was repeatable within a single quadrant and sensitive enough to detect inter‐individual differences. Although we found no significant effects of linetype (HR vs. C) or physical activity (wheel vs. no wheel) on mean stiffness, anterior and posterior quadrants were significantly stiffer (P < 0.0001) than medial and lateral quadrants (32.67 and 33.09 GPa vs. 29.78 and 30.46 GPa, respectively). Our findings of no significant difference in compressive stiffness in the anterior and posterior quadrants agree with previous results for mice, but differ from those for large mammals. Integrating these results with others from ongoing research on these mice, we hypothesize that the skeletons of female HR mice may be less sensitive to the effects of chronic exercise, due to decreased circulating leptin levels and potentially altered endocannabinoid signaling.
Early symptoms of Creutzfeldt‐Jacob disease mimicking alcohol‐related disorder
Authors: KOBAYASHI Toshiyuki , MIYATA Yoshifumi
Published: December 2009

Creutzfeldt‐Jacob disease (CJD) broadly involves the central nervous system and exhibits a wide variety of symptoms; consequently, patients are frequently misdiagnosed in its early stages with other neuropsychiatric syndromes. In the present paper, the authors report a case of CJD in a patient with alcohol dependence. A 65‐year‐old woman drank heavily for several years and occasionally had delusions of persecution. After a year of abstinence, she resumed drinking and exhibited behavioral anomalies. She was admitted to an internal medicine ward of a hospital because of an asthmatic attack. She then became unresponsive, bedridden and incontinent, and was moved to the psychotic ward of our hospital. From findings of rapidly progressing dementia, myoclonus, characteristic electroencephalogram, and signal increase in the cortex and basal ganglia on diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging the woman was diagnosed with CJD. CJD is a rare but considerable syndrome in the differential diagnosis of alcohol‐related disorders.
PEMF fails to enhance nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve crush lesion
Authors: Baptista Abrahão Fontes , Goes Bruno Teixeira , Menezes Diego , Gomes Flávia Carvalho Alcantara , Zugaib João , Stipursky Joice , Gomes Joyce R. S. , Oliveira Júlia Teixeira , Vannier‐Santos Marcos André , Martinez Ana Maria Blanco
Published: December 2009

Abstract The use of electromagnetic fields has been reported to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration. This study aimed to identify the effects of a prolonged protocol of low‐frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on peripheral nerve regeneration. Thirty‐four male Swiss mice (Mus musculus) were divided into PEMF (n = 17) and control (n = 17) groups. All animals underwent a unilateral sciatic‐crush lesion, and the PEMF group was exposed to a 72‐Hz, 2‐G electromagnetic field for 30 min, five days a week, for three weeks. Functional analysis was carried out weekly. After three weeks, the animals were euthanized, and histological, morphometric, oxidative stress, and TGF‐β1 analyses were performed. Functional analysis showed no differences between the groups. Histological appearance was similar between PEMF and control nerves. Morphometric assessment showed that the PEMF nerves trended toward decreased regeneration. The levels of free radicals were more pronounced in PEMF nerves, but were not associated with an increase in the content of the TGF‐β1/Smad signaling pathway. Prolonged PEMF regimen leads to delayed histological peripheral nerve regeneration and increased oxidative stress but no loss of function recovery.
Relationship Between Pterygomaxillary Notches and Maxillary Anterior Teeth
Authors: Guldag M. Ustun , Büyükkaplan U. Sebnem , Sentut Fatih , Ceylan Gözlem
Published: December 2009

Purpose: Selection of the appropriate size of maxillary anterior teeth in complete dentures may be difficult, as there is no universally accepted method that can be used reliably. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between the total mesiodistal width of the six maxillary anterior teeth and the interpterygomaxillary notch distance.

Material and Methods: One hundred and ten maxillary impressions were made on dental students (67 women, 43 men; 19 to 22 years old) using stock tray and irreversible hydrocolloid impression material. The mesiodistal width of the six maxillary anterior teeth and the distance of the interpterygomaxillary notch were measured by digital caliper on stone casts (on two separate occasions by two independent observers). The results were analyzed using correlation regression tests.

Results: The mean mesiodistal width of the six maxillary anterior teeth was 46.02 (±2.8) mm, and the mean distance of the interpterygomaxillary notch was 42.38 (±3.47) mm. A significant correlation was found between mesiodistal width of the maxillary anterior teeth and the interpterygomaxillary notch distance (p= 0.003; r = 0.28). Standardized coefficient was found to be low (28%) to predict the appropriate size of maxillary anterior teeth.

Conclusion: Total mesiodistal width of the maxillary anterior teeth correlated with the distance between pterygomaxillary notches; however, measurement of the interpterygomaxillary notch could not be used for tooth selection reliably due to the low standardized coefficient. Within the limitations of this study, the interpterygomaxillary notch distance is not useful for the selection of six maxillary anterior teeth in edentulous patients.
Preoperative Right Ventricular Function in Patients with Organic Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Chrustowicz Anton , Gackowski Andrzej , El‐Massri Nader , Sadowski Jerzy , Piwowarska Wiesława
Published: December 2009

Aims: To assess the right ventricular (RV) function in patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR); to find a relation between preoperative and postoperative parameters. Methods: RV function was echocardiographically assessed by determining the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and the peak systolic velocity of the lateral tricuspid annulus (Sa) in 45 patients with severe organic MR (53.3% men, age 58 ± 10 years). Mean NYHA class was 2.6 ± 0.4, LVEF was 55.3 ± 12%, RV end‐diastolic diameter was 28.7 ± 4.7, left ventricular end‐systolic diameter (LVESD) was 44.6 ± 12.6 mm, and LV end‐diastolic volume (Simpson) was 160.6 ± 50.3 ml. All patients underwent mitral valve replacement with posterior chordal sparing. Results: Mean preoperative TAPSE and Sa were 19.4 ± 4.3 mm and 10.3 ± 3 cm/sec, respectively. RV dysfunction, defined as TAPSE < 22 mm, had 66.6% of the patients, and Sa < 11 cm/sec was found in 62.2% of the patients preoperatively. Preoperative TAPSE and Sa were significantly correlated (P < 0.00001, r = 0.61). Both TAPSE and Sa were correlated with the RV end‐diastolic diameter (P < 0.01), LVESD (P < 0.05) left ventricular dp/dt (P < 0.05), and LVEF (P < 0.0001). Postoperative LVEF was 50% (P < 0.001), Sa 5.3 ± 2 cm/sec (P < 0.001), and TAPSE 8.7 ± 3.2mm (P < 0.001). Twenty‐one patients (46.6%) reached the study end point of decrease of LVEF by more than 10%. Univariate predictors were age (P = 0.04), male gender (P = 0.01), TAPSE (P = 0.007), and Sa (P = 0.009), while a trend was found for regurgitation fraction (P = 0.058) and LV end‐diastolic volume index (P = 0.09). By multivariate analysis, TAPSE (P = 0.01) and Sa (P = 0.01) were predictive for the study end point. Conclusion: The assessment of the RV function by echocardiography is a simple tool that provides prognostic information in patients with MR. (Echocardiography 2010;27:282‐285)
Vocation or Vacation? Perspectives on Teachers' Union Struggles in Southern Mexico1
Authors: Howell Jayne
Published: December 2009

For decades following the 1910 to 1917 Mexican Revolution, rural maestros (teachers) in the Mexican state of Oaxaca were respected for their “vocation” and the hardships they suffered while working in poor, remote, rural communities where they played an instrumental role in forging a national culture. Since the early 1980s, politicization of Oaxaca's Local 22 of the national educators' union and work stoppages that close schools coupled with teachers' high salaries contribute to negative attitudes toward the profession. Using ethnographic data collected in Oaxaca among teachers and other members of the public, I discuss the support and opposition for federal teachers who practice what was long considered a “noble” profession, and union members' justifications of their labor actions.
Titania‐Based Miniature Potentiometric Carbon Monoxide Gas Sensors with High Sensitivity
Authors: Park Jun‐Young , Azad Abdul‐Majeed , Song Sun‐Ju , Wachsman Eric D.
Published: December 2009

Miniature, potentiometric, solid‐state, carbon monoxide (CO) sensors with semiconducting oxide electrodes were investigated over the temperature range 500°–700°C. The effects of the electrochemical properties of the semiconducting oxides, after the addition of a catalyst and an alkaline metal oxide were evaluated in terms of the improvement in selectivity and response time. A sensor with high sensitivity and reversibility was obtained using a combination of an n‐ (titania) and p‐type (composite titania with yttria and palladium) electrode to form a difference in the electrode equilibria. The device was able to measure a wide range of CO concentrations (10–16 000 ppm) with a high sensitivity to CO. A low‐cost, rugged device could be fabricated because the sensing and reference electrodes were exposed to the same gaseous atmosphere. The results presented herein were attributed to the differential electrode equilibria mechanism, which comprises both semiconducting response and heterogeneous electrocatalysis contributions to the potentiometric sensor response.
Growth of One‐Dimensional Nanostructures in Porous Polymer‐Derived Ceramics by Catalyst‐Assisted Pyrolysis. Part I: Iron Catalyst
Authors: Vakifahmetoglu Cekdar , Pippel Eckhard , Woltersdorf Jörg , Colombo Paolo
Published: December 2009

The presence of FeCl2catalyst enabled the growth of one‐dimensional nanostructures directly during the pyrolysis of highly porous monoliths, produced from a polysiloxane preceramic polymer with the aid of a gas‐generating porogen. Either silicon nitride or silicon carbide nanowires were formed, with a length of several micrometers, depending on the processing atmosphere. Increasing the pyrolysis temperature caused an increase in the length and the amount of nanostructures produced. The remaining matrix consisted of an incompletely crystallized Si–O–C phase, containing SiC crystals and either graphitic (N2pyrolysis) or amorphous carbon (Ar pyrolysis). X‐ray diffraction data and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy investigations combined with electron energy loss and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy methods enabled to ascertain the growth mechanisms for the nanowires, which depended on the pyrolysis atmosphere (gas phase reaction for N2pyrolysis; vapor–liquid–solid for Ar pyrolysis).
Interface Investigation in Nanostructured BaTiO3/Silica Composite Ceramics
Authors: Chung U‐Chan , Elissalde Catherine , Mompiou Frédéric , Majimel Jérôme , Gomez Sonia , Estournès Claude , Marinel Sylvain , Klein Andreas , Weill François , Michau Dominique , Mornet Stéphane , Maglione Mario
Published: December 2009

Silica‐coated ferroelectric particles are promising building blocks for functional bulk composites such as dielectric resonators, supercapacitors, or multiferroics. The ferroelectric/silica interface was fully investigated by means of high‐temperature in situ X‐ray diffraction, high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Mechanisms occurring at the interface were visualized using high‐resolution postmortem and in situ transmission electron microscopy performed at different temperatures. On the light of this interface investigation, we have used advanced sintering processes such as spark plasma sintering and microwave sintering to obtain nanostructured composite ceramics and to evaluate their dielectric properties.
ZrW2O8–ZrO2 Continuous Functionally Graded Materials Fabricated by In Situ Reaction of ZrO2 and WO3
Authors: Sun Li , Kwon Patrick
Published: December 2009

ZrO2 powder and ZrO2+WO3 powder mixture were stacked, cocompacted, and cosintered in a cylindrical die, the processing steps commonly used to fabricate multilayer materials. The soak duration and the mass ratio among layers in the processing have been varied to yield a wide range of final sintered samples. At appropriate soak durations, the sintered samples resulted in continuous functionally graded materials (FGMs) made of ZrW2O8 and ZrO2. In other words, instead of the expected discrete, multiple‐layered materials, the resulting samples are characterized by the axially, continuously varying physical properties. The continuous FGM structure is formed by several mechanisms: the balance between the reaction of ZrO2 and WO3 and the decomposition of ZrW2O8, as well as the sublimation and diffusion of WO3. The continuous FGMs can be utilized to reduce the thermal stress induced from a thermal gradient loading within a material system. This study shows that the processing steps typically used for multilayer FGMs can also be used to create continuous FGMs for some special material combinations.
Electrical Properties of Gadolinium–Europium Zirconate Ceramics
Authors: Xia Xiao‐Liang , Ouyang Jia‐Hu , Liu Zhan‐Guo
Published: December 2009

(Gd1−xEux)2Zr2O7 (0≤x≤1.0) ceramics are prepared via a solid‐state reaction process at 1973 K for 10 h in air. (Gd1−xEux)2Zr2O7 (0.2≤x≤1.0) ceramics exhibit an ordered pyrochlore‐type structure; however, Gd2Zr2O7 has a disordered defect fluorite‐type structure. Raman spectroscopy analysis indicates that the degree of structural ordering increases with the increase of Eu content. The electrical properties of (Gd1−xEux)2Zr2O7 ceramics are investigated using complex impedance spectroscopy over a frequency range of 0.1 Hz to 20 MHz from 623 to 923 K. Electrical conductivity obeys the Arrhenius equation. Both the activation energy and the preexponential factor for grain conductivity decrease with increasing europium content from Gd2Zr2O7 (x=0) to Eu2Zr2O7 (x=1.0). The measured electrical conductivity of (Gd1−xEux)2Zr2O7 ceramics increases with increasing Eu content and temperature. Electrical conductivity of the pyrochlore‐type materials is higher than that of the defect fluorite‐type material in (Gd1−xEux)2Zr2O7 solid solution systems. The electrical conductivity of (Gd0.4Eu0.6)2Zr2O7 is almost independent of oxygen partial pressure from 1.0 × 10−4 to 1.0 atm. The high ionic transference number of (Gd0.4Eu0.6)2Zr2O7 ceramic at different temperatures proves that conduction is purely ionic with negligible electronic contribution.
Evaluation of functional dynamics during osseointegration and regeneration associated with oral implants
Authors: Chang Po‐Chun , Lang Niklaus P. , Giannobile William V.
Published: December 2009

Objectives: The aim of this paper is to review current investigations on functional assessments of osseointegration and assess correlations to the peri‐implant structure.

Material and methods: The literature was electronically searched for studies of promoting dental implant osseointegration, functional assessments of implant stability, and finite element (FE) analyses in the field of implant dentistry, and any references regarding biological events during osseointegration were also cited as background information.

Results: Osseointegration involves a cascade of protein and cell apposition, vascular invasion, de novo bone formation and maturation to achieve the primary and secondary dental implant stability. This process may be accelerated by alteration of the implant surface roughness, developing a biomimetric interface, or local delivery of growth‐promoting factors. The current available pre‐clinical and clinical biomechanical assessments demonstrated a variety of correlations to the peri‐implant structural parameters, and functionally integrated peri‐implant structure through FE optimization can offer strong correlation to the interfacial biomechanics.

Conclusions: The progression of osseointegration may be accelerated by alteration of the implant interface as well as growth factor applications, and functional integration of peri‐implant structure may be feasible to predict the implant function during osseointegration. More research in this field is still needed.

To cite this article:
 Chang P‐C, Lang NP, Giannobile WV. Evaluation of functional dynamics during osseointegration and regeneration associated with oral implants. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 1–12.
Influence of implant positioning in extraction sockets on osseointegration: histomorphometric analyses in dogs
Authors: Caneva Marco , Salata Luiz Antonio , De Souza Sergio Scombatti , Baffone Gabriele , Lang Niklaus P. , Botticelli Daniele
Published: December 2009

Aim: To evaluate the influence of implant positioning into extraction sockets on osseointegration.

Material and methods: Implants were installed immediately into extraction sockets in the mandibles of six Labrador dogs. In the control sites, the implants were positioned in the center of the alveolus, while in the test sites, the implants were positioned 0.8 mm deeper and more lingually. After 4 months of healing, the resorptive patterns of the alveolar crest were evaluated histomorphometrically.

Results: All implants were integrated in mineralized bone, mainly composed of mature lamellar bone. The alveolar crest underwent resorption at the control as well as at the test sites. After 4 months of healing, at the buccal aspects of the control and test sites, the location of the implant rough/smooth limit to the alveolar crest was 2±0.9 mm and 0.6±0.9 mm, respectively (P<0.05). At the lingual aspect, the bony crest was located 0.4 mm apically and 0.2 mm coronally to the implant rough/smooth limit at the control and test sites, respectively (NS).

Conclusions: From a clinical point of view, implants installed into extraction sockets should be positioned approximately 1 mm deeper than the level of the buccal alveolar crest and in a lingual position in relation to the center of the alveolus in order to reduce or eliminate the exposure above the alveolar crest of the endosseous (rough) portion of the implant.

To cite this article:
 Caneva M, Salata LA, de Souza SS, Baffone G, Lang NP, Botticelli D. Influence of implant positioning in extraction sockets on osseointegration: histomorphometric analyses in dogs. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 43–49.
Dynamics of Bio‐Oss® Collagen incorporation in fresh extraction wounds: an experimental study in the dog
Authors: Araújo Mauricio G. , Liljenberg Birgitta , Lindhe Jan
Published: December 2009

Aim: The objective of this experiment was to analyze processes involved in the incorporation of Bio‐Oss® Collagen in host tissue during healing following tooth extraction and grafting.

Methods: Five beagle dogs were used. Four premolars in the mandible (3P3, 4P4) were hemi‐sected, the distal roots were removed and the fresh extraction socket filled with Bio‐Oss® Collagen. The mucosa was mobilized and the extraction site was closed with interrupted sutures. The tooth extraction and grafting procedures were scheduled in such a way that biopsies representing 1 and 3 days, as well as 1, 2 and 4 weeks of healing could be obtained. The dogs were euthanized and perfused with a fixative. Each experimental site, including the distal socket area, was dissected. The sites were decalcified in EDTA, and serial sections representing the central part of the socket were prepared in the mesio‐distal plane and parallel with the long axis of the extraction socket. Sections were stained in hematoxylin and eosin and were used for the overall characteristics of the tissues in the extraction socket. In specimens representing 1, 2 and 4 weeks of healing the various tissue elements were assessed using a morphometric point counting procedure. Tissue elements such as cells, fibers, vessels, leukocytes and mineralized bone were determined. In deparaffinized sections structures and cells positive for tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase activity (TRAP), alkaline phosphatase and osteopontin were identified.

Results: The biomaterial was first trapped in the fibrin network of the coagulum. Neutrophilic leukocytes [polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells] migrated to the surface of the foreign particles. In a second phase the PMN cells were replaced by multinuclear TRAP‐positive cells (osteoclasts). The osteoclasts apparently removed material from the surface of the xenogeneic graft. When after 1–2 weeks the osteoclasts disappeared from the Bio‐Oss® granules they were followed by osteoblasts that laid down bone mineral in the collagen bundles of the provisional matrix. In this third phase the Bio‐Oss® particles became osseointegrated.

Conclusions: It was demonstrated that the incorporation of Bio‐Oss® in the tissue that formed in an extraction wound involved a series of different processes.

To cite this article:
 Araújo MG, Liljenberg B, Lindhe J. Dynamics of Bio‐Oss® Collagen incorporation in fresh extraction wounds: an experimental study in the dog.  Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 55–64.
Distinction of conjunctival melanocytic nevi from melanomas by fluorescence in situ hybridization
Authors: Busam Klaus J. , Fang Yuqiang , Jhanwar Suresh C. , Pulitzer Melissa P. , Marr Brian , Abramson David H.
Published: December 2009

A conjunctival melanocytic nevus may on occasion be difficult to distinguish from melanoma both clinically and histopathologically. An unambiguous correct diagnosis is critical because of major differences in management and prognosis. We evaluated a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay, which has previously been shown to be of value for the diagnosis of melanocytic nevi and melanomas of the skin, using probes targeting 6p25 (RREB1), 6q23 (MYB), 11q13 (CCND1) and centromere 6 (CEP6), for its potential to assist in the distinction of conjunctival melanocytic nevi from melanomas. Four melanocytic nevi and eight melanomas of the conjunctiva were analyzed. Two of the melanomas were diagnostically problematic because of suboptimal histopathology. None of the conjunctival melanocytic nevi showed a level of chromosomal aberrations that met FISH criteria for a diagnosis of melanoma. All eight conjunctival melanomas (six unequivocal and two suspicious lesions) met FISH criteria for melanoma. Thus, results from FISH assay targeting 6p25, 6q23, 11q13 and centromere 6 correlated well with the histopathologic diagnoses and supported the histopathologic suspicion in two problem cases. The findings encourage further exploration of this technique as an ancillary method for the work‐up of conjunctival melanocytic proliferations.

Busam KJ, Fang Y, Jhanwar SC, Pulitzer MP, Marr B, Abramson DH. Distinction of conjunctival melanocytic nevi from melanomas by fluorescence in situ hybridization.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Association Study of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Polymorphisms of its Gene with Ectopic Pregnancy
Authors: Elito Julio , Daher Silvia , Fernandes da Silva Marcelo Octávio , Marconi Natali Maiumi Higashi , Pendeloski Karen Priscilla Tezotto , Moron Antonio Fernandes , Camano Luiz
Published: December 2009

Citation Elito J Jr, Daher S, Fernandes da Silva MO, Marconi NMH, Pendeloski KPT, Moron AF, Camano L. Association study of vascular endothelial growth factor and polymorphisms of its gene with ectopic pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63: 120–125

Problem  In ectopic pregnancy, increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor are present. The aims of this study were to determine the association between −634C/G, −460T/C, and +936C/T vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) polymorphisms and ectopic pregnancy, and to determine whether serum levels of VEGF were affected by genetic factors.

Method of study  This is a case–control study wherein 74 women with a history of ectopic pregnancy in a tertiary care center were compared to 134 post‐menopausal controls with two pregnancies and no ectopic pregnancy for the genotyping of VEGF polymorphisms. For 35 patients with the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, serum concentrations of VEGF were obtained before the treatment. Genotyping of VEGF (−634C/G, −460T/C, and +936C/T) polymorphisms was performed by PCR, followed by endonuclease digestion. ELISA was performed to evaluate the VEGF serum levels.

Results  The −634C/G, −460T/C, and +936C/T VEGF polymorphisms were not associated with ectopic pregnancy (P = 0.170, P = 0.285, and P = 0.700, respectively). The serum levels of VEGF were not associated with the genotype of −634C/G, −460T/C, and +936C/T VEGF polymorphisms (P = 0.702; P = 0.347, and P = 0.256, respectively).

Conclusion  There was no association between ectopic pregnancy and −634C/G, −460T/C, and +936C/T VEGF polymorphisms. There was no correlation between VEGF genotype and the expression of VEGF in blood samples.
SHORT COMMUNICATION: Circulating and Decidual Th17 Cell Levels in Healthy Pregnancy
Authors: Nakashima Akitoshi , Ito Mika , Yoneda Satoshi , Shiozaki Arihiro , Hidaka Takao , Saito Shigeru
Published: December 2009

Citation Nakashima A, Ito M, Yoneda S, Shiozaki A, Hidaka T, Saito S. Circulating and decidual Th17 cell levels in healthy pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63: 104–109

Problem  The Th1/Th2 paradigm has recently been reconstituted to include a third population, Th17 cells. It has been reported that Th2 type immunity is predominantly present in normal pregnancy. However, the level of Th17 cells during pregnancy is still unclear. We investigated the level of peripheral Th17 cells in healthy pregnancy subjects.

Method of study  To evaluate the levels of Th17 cells, we investigated the proportion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells that produced IL‐17 in the first, second, and third trimester pregnancy subjects using flow cytometry. We further studied the proportion of decidual lymphocytes that produced IL‐17 in early pregnant subjects.

Results  Most of the IL‐17‐producing cells were CD4+ T cells. The number of circulating Th17 cells did not change during pregnancy. In a paired t‐test of early normal pregnant subjects, the proportion of IL‐17+ decidual lymphocytes was significantly higher than that of peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Conclusion  Th17 levels in peripheral blood lymphocytes do not change during normal pregnancy.