bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of differentially expressed genes related to aberrant phenotypes in Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
Authors: Salmon A. , Bellis H. , Chable V. , Manzanares‐Dauleux M. J.
Published: March 2009

The aberrant phenotype is characterized by the progressive expression of abnormal traits during vegetative growth affecting leaf thickness, shape and/or plant vigour. These striking morphological abnormalities do not appear to be caused by agronomical practices or pathogen infections. Furthermore, the aberrant phenotype, which is observed in 3–20% of cultivated cauliflowers, is not linked to DNA sequence or structural polymorphisms. To detect candidate genes related to the aberrant phenotype, we used amplified fragment length polymorphism on cDNA approach, sampling normal and aberrant F1 hybrid plants several times before and after the expression of the aberrant phenotype. This screen led to the detection of 51 differentially expressed transcripts. Twenty‐nine of these were homologous to annotated genes in genomic databases. We identified transcripts, which were differentially expressed before the expression of the aberrant trait with homology to genes involved in various abiotic stress responses. A non‐specific lipid transfer protein homologue was also identified and given the role that these proteins play in epicuticular wax formation and leaf morphology, it may be implicated in the abnormal leaf shape phenotypes.
The efficacy of treatment of patients with severe constipation or recurrent pseudo‐obstruction with pyridostigmine
Authors: O’Dea C. J. , Brookes S. J. H. , Wattchow D. A.
Published: March 2009

Objective  Disorders of colonic motility, such as severe constipation and pseudo‐obstruction, remain difficult to treat. The pathophysiology of these conditions is not completely understood, but previous studies suggest a deficiency of cholinergic innervation and an imbalance in autonomic regulation of colonic motor function as contributing factors. Therefore, increasing the availability of acetylcholine in the bowel wall with a cholinesterase inhibitor, such as pyridostigmine, may improve symptoms.

Method  We studied thirteen patients with severe constipation (slow transit type) or recurrent pseudo‐obstruction. The six patients with slow transit constipation had mechanical obstruction and pelvic floor dysfunction excluded, and normal calibre colon and slow transit confirmed. These patients were offered pyridostigmine in an attempt to avoid surgery. The seven patients with pseudo‐obstruction had dilated bowel on imaging, and mechanical obstruction was excluded. These patients received pyridostigmine when symptoms recurred, despite previous treatments. Pyridostigmine was initiated at 10 mg b.i.d. and increased if required.

Results  One of the six patients with slow transit constipation reported improvement of symptoms and had concurrently weaned anti‐psychotic medications. Pyridostigmine was ceased in the remaining five patients due to lack of efficacy and/or side effects. Four patients proceeded to surgery for refractory symptoms. All seven patients with pseudo‐obstruction had some improvement of symptoms with few side effects. Of these, two later had surgery for recurrent symptoms.

Conclusion  In patients with slow transit constipation, treatment with pyridostigmine does not improve symptoms. However, it does improve symptoms in patients with recurrent pseudo‐obstruction with few side effects, offering an extra treatment option for these patients.
Randomized controlled trial comparing rubber band ligation with stapled haemorrhoidopexy for Grade II circumferential haemorrhoids: long‐term results
Authors: Shanmugam V. , Muthukumarasamy G. , Cook J. A. , Vale L. , Watson A. J. M. , Loudon M. A.
Published: March 2009

Objective  An improved understanding of the pathophysiology of haemorrhoids has resulted in the introduction of new surgical techniques including stapled haemorrhoidopexy (SH). This randomized controlled trial compared the long‐term effectiveness of SH with rubber band ligation (RBL) in the treatment of grade II circumferential symptomatic haemorrhoids.

Method  A consecutive cohort of patients was randomly allocated to either SH or RBL. Data on haemorrhoidal symptoms, Cleveland continence scores, sphincter assessment, SF‐36, EQ‐5D, HAD score and prior treatment history were assessed at enrolment and reassessed by long‐term postal questionnaire. The details were analysed using spssTM 12.0 from MicrosoftTM Access®.

Results  Sixty patients were allocated by computer block randomization. Both groups were balanced for age, sex and symptoms. Recurrence favoured SH [3 vs 11; OR 0.18, 95% CI (0.03 to 0.86), P = 0.028] at 1 year and, at a mean of 40.67 (31–47) months [4 vs 12; OR 0.23, 95% CI (0.05, 0.95); P = 0.039]. SH patients experienced prolonged pain [Median (IQR) = 7 (5,7) vs 3 (1,7), P = 0.008] and took a longer time to return to work [6 (3,7) vs 3 (1,6) days, P = 0.018]. This was no significant difference in quality of life.

Conclusion  Stapled haemorrhoidopexy achieved better disease control at 1 year without any major complication. This was sustained in the long‐term. Further studies with greater patient numbers are needed to confirm this study.
Perspectivism: ‘Type’ or ‘bomb’?
Authors: Latour Bruno
Published: March 2009

In this editorial Bruno Latour reviews a debate on ‘Perspectivism and animism’ between Philippe Descola (College of France) and Eduardo Viveiros de Castro (National Museum of Rio de Janeiro), that took place at Maison Suger, Institute of Advanced Studies, Paris on 30 January 2009.
Going ‘tribal’: Notes on pacification in the 21st century
Authors: González Roberto J.
Published: March 2009

Few anthropologists today would consider using the term ‘tribe’ as an analytical category, yet it has become a focal point for military commanders and other leaders prosecuting the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Specifically, US‐led occupation forces in both countries have begun pursuing ‘tribal’ strategies in which they have attempted to forge alliances with ‘sheiks’ and local power brokers. This article examines the reasons for the rapid rise of ‘tribal’ discourses, the role of social scientists in their propagation and the possible consequences for Iraqis and Afghans. It concludes by comparing these processes to ethnographically‐informed pacification efforts initiated in the late 1800s and early 1900s by the European powers, and by suggesting that anthropologists can potentially play a critical role by challenging persistent, damaging assumptions.
HOW EXPERIENCE CONFRONTS ETHICS
Authors: HOFFMASTER BARRY , HOOKER CLIFF
Published: March 2009

Analytic moral philosophy's strong divide between empirical and normative restricts facts to providing information for the application of norms and does not allow them to confront or challenge norms. So any genuine attempt to incorporate experience and empirical research into bioethics – to give the empirical more than the status of mere ‘descriptive ethics’– must make a sharp break with the kind of analytic moral philosophy that has dominated contemporary bioethics. Examples from bioethics and science are used to illustrate the problems with the method of application that philosophically prevails in both domains and with the conception of rationality that underlies this method. Cues from how these problems can be handled in science then introduce summaries of richer, more productive naturalist and constructivist accounts of reason and normative knowledge. Liberated by a naturalist approach to ethics and an enlarged conception of rationality, empirical work can be recognized not just as essential to bioethics but also as contributing to normative knowledge.
‘NOBODY TOSSES A DWARF!’ THE RELATION BETWEEN THE EMPIRICAL AND THE NORMATIVE REEXAMINED
Authors: LEGET CARLO , BORRY PASCAL , DE VRIES RAYMOND
Published: March 2009

This article discusses the relation between empirical and normative approaches in bioethics. The issue of dwarf tossing, while admittedly unusual, is chosen as a point of departure because it challenges the reader to look with fresh eyes upon several central bioethical themes, including human dignity, autonomy, and the protection of vulnerable people. After an overview of current approaches to the integration of empirical and normative ethics, we consider five ways that the empirical and normative can be brought together to speak to the problem of dwarf tossing: prescriptive applied ethics, theoretical ethics, critical applied ethics, particularist ethics and integrated empirical ethics. We defend a position of critical applied ethics that allows for a two‐way relation between empirical and normative theories. Against efforts fully to integrate the normative and the empirical into one synthesis, we propose that the two should stand in tension and relation to one another. The approach we endorse acknowledges that a social practice can and should be judged both by the gathering of empirical data and by normative ethics. Critical applied ethics uses a five stage process that includes: (a) determination of the problem, (b) description of the problem, (c) empirical study of effects and alternatives, (d) normative weighing and (e) evaluation of the effects of a decision. In each stage, we explore the perspective from both the empirical (sociological) and the normative ethical point of view. We conclude by applying our five‐stage critical applied ethics to the example of dwarf tossing.
Gingivomorphometry – esthetic evaluation of the crown–mucogingival complex: a new method for collection and measurement of standardized and reproducible data in oral photography
Authors: Weinländer Michael , Lekovic Vojislav , Spadijer‐Gostovic Sanja , Milicic Bilijana , Krennmair Gerald , Plenk Jr Hanns
Published: March 2009

Objectives: A new method is introduced for the esthetic evaluation of the periimplant mucogingival complex through collection of standardized oral photographs and computer‐assisted measurement of reproducible data. Using this method, different soft tissue and crown parameters in the dentogingival complex can be measured and the esthetic outcome monitored.

Material and methods: A photographic device for standardized oral photography and a standard protocol for the esthetic evaluation of the crown–mucogingival complex is presented, comprising six soft tissue parameters: (1) mesial and (2) distal papilla areas, (3) mesial and (4) distal papilla heights, (5) soft tissue–crown perimeter, and (6) gingival recession. In order to demonstrate the reproducibility of standardized oral photographs and the accuracy of the measurement of the six parameters, the data obtained in each of two such standardized clinical photographs, taken at 10–14 days intervals, of the anterior maxillary region from 10 patients with no apparent dental disease were compared. For the statistical analysis of the reproducibility of these dependent data the 95% confidence interval and the coefficients of variation were calculated from measurement means and ranges of each of the above parameters, pooled from all 10 patients.

Results: Statistical analysis revealed high reproducibility with no significant differences between the range of mean values of all six parameter measurements on the first and second standardized oral photograph of the same patient, respectively.

Conclusion: Gingivomorphometry on standardized oral photographs can be considered to be an accurate and reproducible method for the evaluation and measurement of different dentogingival and periimplant parameters.
Cost‐effectiveness modeling of dental implant vs. bridge
Authors: Bouchard P. , Renouard F. , Bourgeois D. , Fromentin O. , Jeanneret M.H. , Beresniak A.
Published: March 2009

Aims: We assess the cost‐effectiveness of dental implant first‐line strategy vs. fixed partial denture strategy in patients suffering from one single missing tooth.

Materials and methods: The model used a simulation decision framework over a 20‐year period. Potential treatment switches can occur every 5 years. Transition probabilities come from literature, epidemiological reports or expert opinions. They have been programmed using specific distribution ranges to simulate the patients' and practice variability, and to take into account parameter uncertainty. Direct medical costs have been assessed according to a cost survey. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted using 5000 Monte‐Carlo simulations, generating confidence intervals of model outcomes.

Results: We found that mean cost‐effectiveness of the bridge strategy is higher than the implant strategy.

Conclusion: Implant as the first‐line strategy appears to be the ‘dominant’ strategy, considering the lower overall costs and the higher success rate.
Effect of a niobium‐containing titanium alloy on osteoblast behavior in culture
Authors: Shapira Lior , Klinger Avigdor , Tadir Anat , Wilensky Asaf , Halabi Amal
Published: March 2009

Background: The chemistry of titanium is a key factor in determining implant–tissue interactions. Reports that a vanadium‐based titanium alloy (Ti–6Al–4V) exhibits some cytotoxicity led to a search for an alternative.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the behavior of human osteoblast‐like cells (Saos‐2) cultured on Ti–6Al–4V or Ti–6Al–7Nb disks with a rough or a machined surface.

Results: In all four groups, the cells proliferated rapidly between days 1 and 3, and then plateaued. On day 1 of culture, the highest proliferation rate was of cells cultured on disks containing Nb with a machined surface. On day 7, there was no significant difference in cell density on all the tested surfaces. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was lower on the machined surfaces, regardless of the material used, suggesting that cells on rough surfaces exhibit a more mature phenotype. On day 3, cells cultured on rough disks made of Ti–6Al–7Nb showed the highest ALP activity; the lowest activity was observed on the machined Ti–6Al–4V surface. The highest level of osteocalcin (day 7) was found in the cells cultured on rough Ti–6Al–7Nb disks. Also, higher levels of transforming growth factor (TGFβ) were noted for cells cultured on the rough Ti–6Al–7Nb disks, suggesting that the Nb‐containing alloy supports more rapid maturation of the osteoblast.

Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that according to our cell culture preclinical model, Ti–6Al–7Nb may replace the Ti–6Al–4V alloy as an implant material.
Cumulative costs for the prosthetic reconstructions and maintenance in young adult patients with birth defects affecting the formation of teeth
Authors: Incici Erol , Matuliene Giedre , Hüsler Jürg , Salvi Giovanni E. , Pjetursson Bjarni , Brägger Urs
Published: March 2009

Objectives: To assess retrospectively the cumulative costs for the long‐term oral rehabilitation of patients with birth defects affecting the development of teeth.

Methods: Patients with birth defects who had received fixed reconstructions on teeth and/or implants ≥5 years ago were asked to participate in a comprehensive clinical, radiographic and economic evaluation.

Results: From the 45 patients included, 18 were cases with a cleft lip and palate, five had amelogenesis/dentinogenesis imperfecta and 22 were cases with hypodontia/oligodontia. The initial costs for the first oral rehabilitation (before the age of 20) had been covered by the Swiss Insurance for Disability. The costs for the initial rehabilitation of the 45 cases amounted to 407,584 CHF (39% for laboratory fees). Linear regression analyses for the initial treatment costs per replaced tooth revealed the formula 731 CHF+(811 CHF × units) on teeth and 3369 CHF+(1183 CHF × units) for reconstructions on implants (P<.001). Fifty‐eight percent of the patients with tooth‐supported reconstructions remained free from failures/complications (median observation 15.7 years). Forty‐seven percent of the patients with implant‐supported reconstructions remained free from failures/complications (median observation 8 years). The long‐term cumulative treatment costs for implant cases, however, were not statistically significantly different compared with cases reconstructed with tooth‐supported fixed reconstructions. Twenty‐seven percent of the initial treatment costs were needed to cover supportive periodontal therapy as well as the treatment of technical/biological complications and failures.

Conclusion: Insurance companies should accept to cover implant‐supported reconstructions because there is no need to prepare healthy teeth, fewer tooth units need to be replaced and the cumulative long‐term costs seem to be similar compared with cases restored on teeth.
Oral status among seniors in nine nursing homes in Styria, Austria
Authors: Gluhak Christine , Arnetzl Gerwin Vincent , Kirmeier Robert , Jakse Norbert , Arnetzl Gerwin
Published: March 2009

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00281.x
 
Oral status among seniors in nine nursing homes in Styria, Austria

Objective:  To investigate the oral state in participants cared for in residences for senior citizens in Styria, Austria.

Materials and methods:  Four hundred and nine participants in Styria from nine homes for senior citizens were examined employing parameters in accordance with those of Folstein’s Mini Mental Status (MMS), DMFT, basic periodontal examination, the modified oral hygiene index, pain experienced during the preceding year, the subjective and objective need for treatment, and also requirements involving surgical and prosthetic treatment. Furthermore, the habitual methods of maintaining oral hygiene were examined establishing by whom this was carried out – whether by the patient, the nurse, or by patient and nurse together.

Results:  Four hundred and nine participants were examined, 48.3% were found to have retained on average 4.9 of their own teeth while 69% were fitted with dentures; however, 81% of the participants required prosthetic treatment. 28.9% of the participants had experienced acute dental pain during the preceding year and surgical treatment was found to be necessary in 47.7% of those with original teeth. Eighty‐four per cent of the participants showed acute inflammation of the periodontium while the state of oral hygiene, measured on a scale of 0–4, reached an average of 2.43. Oral hygiene was carried out by the nurses in only 7.46% of the cases which showed an average MMS measurement of 18.

Conclusion:  The results compared with those reported in other recent surveys and our data show an urgent need in Austria to improve the standards in dental care for the hospitalised elderly. Regular dental checks, carried out in the actual home by a dental surgeon should be introduced, whilst the nursing staff should be made fully aware of the problems caused by insufficient oral care and receive regular support from specialised oral hygiene assistants. The results of this survey also suggest that nursing staff should be equipped with simple instruments in order to judge to the extent to which the patient is capable of carrying out oral care independently and then according to the results to supplement this with additional care.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellites in the Potato Tuber Moth Tecia solanivora (Povolny, 1973) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Authors: TORRES‐LEGUIZAMON M. , SOLIGNAC M. , VAUTRIN D. , CAPDEVIELLE‐DULAC C. , DUPAS S. , SILVAIN J.‐F.
Published: March 2009

Nine polymorphic microsatellite markers were isolated from Tecia solanivora, one of the most serious pests of potato tubers in Central and South America. As found in other studies of Lepidoptera, development of microsatellites is a difficult task: in our case, despite the large number of clones sequenced (796), of which 70 were unique, only nine loci were found to be both variable, and in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, No null alleles were detected. The loci were tested in three other co‐occurring Gelechiidae species, one of which was variable. These loci will be used to provide a greater understanding of the genetic changes occurring during the invasive process in this species.
ERROR ESTIMATES FOR LINEAR PDEs SOLVED BY WAVELET BASED TAYLOR–GALERKIN SCHEMES
Authors: MEHRA MANI , RATHISH KUMAR B. V.
Published: March 2009

In this paper, we develop a priori and a posteriori error estimates for wavelet-Taylor–Galerkin schemes introduced in Refs. 6 and 7 (particularly wavelet Taylor–Galerkin scheme based on Crank–Nicolson time stepping). We proceed in two steps. In the first step, we construct the priori estimates for the fully discrete problem. In the second step, we construct error indicators for posteriori estimates with respect to both time and space approximations in order to use adaptive time steps and wavelet adaptivity. The space error indicator is computed using the equivalent norm expressed in terms of wavelet coefficients.
Processing cardiovascular information in the vlPAG during electroacupuncture in rats: roles of endocannabinoids and GABA
Authors: Tjen-A-Looi Stephanie C. , Li Peng , Longhurst John C.
Published: March 2009

A long-loop pathway, involving the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC), ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG), and the rostral ventrolateral medulla (rVLM), is essential in electroacupuncture (EA) attenuation of sympathoexcitatory cardiovascular reflex responses. The ARC provides excitatory input to the vlPAG, which, in turn, inhibits neuronal activity in the rVLM. Although previous studies have shown that endocannabinoid CB1receptor activation modulates γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission in the dorsolateral PAG in stress-induced analgesia, an important role for endocannabinoids in the vlPAG has not yet been observed. We recently have shown (Fu LW, Longhurst JC. J Appl Physiol; doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.91648.2008) that EA reduces the local vlPAG concentration of GABA, but not glutamate, as measured with high-performance liquid chromatography from extracellular samples collected by microdialysis. We, therefore, hypothesized that, during EA, endocannabinoids, acting through CB1receptors, presynaptically inhibit GABA release to disinhibit the vlPAG and ultimately modulate excitatory reflex blood pressure responses. Rats were anesthetized, ventilated, and instrumented to measure heart rate and blood pressure. Gastric distention-induced blood pressure responses of 18 ± 5 mmHg were reduced to 6 ± 1 mmHg by 30 min of low-current, low-frequency EA applied bilaterally at pericardial P 5–6 acupoints overlying the median nerves. Like EA, microinjection of the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597 (0.1 nmol, 50 nl) into the vlPAG to increase endocannabinoids locally reduced the gastric distention cardiovascular reflex response from 21 ± 5 to 3 ± 4 mmHg. This inhibition was reversed by pretreatment with the GABAAantagonist gabazine (27 mM, 50 nl), suggesting that endocannabinoids exert their action through a GABAergic receptor mechanism in the vlPAG. The EA-related inhibition from 18 ± 3 to 8 ± 2 mmHg was reversed to 14 ± 2 mmHg by microinjection of the CB1receptor antagonist AM251 (2 nmol, 50 nl) into the vlPAG. Pretreatment with gabazine eliminated reversal following CB1-receptor blockade. Thus EA releases endocannabinoids and activates presynaptic CB1receptors to inhibit GABA release in the vlPAG. Reduction of GABA release disinhibits vlPAG cells, which, in turn, modulate the activity of rVLM neurons to attenuate the sympathoexcitatory reflex responses.
Comparison of Macular Hole Surgery without Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling to Eyes with Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling with and without Indocyanine Green Staining
Authors: Nakamura Yoshiharu , Kondo Mineo , Asami Tetsu , Terasaki Hiroko
Published: March 2009

Background: To compare the long-term anatomical closure rates and visual acuity after vitrectomy for macular hole (MH) surgery with and without internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and with and without indocyanine green (ICG) staining. Methods: A total of 75 eyes of 71 patients with MH that had undergone vitrectomy were retrospectively studied. Group A consisted of 21 eyes that had vitrectomy without ILM peeling, Group B consisted of 38 eyes that had vitrectomy with ILM peeling without the ICG staining, and Group C consisted of 16 eyes that had vitrectomy with ILM peeling with ICG staining. The main outcome measures were the anatomical closure rates and visual acuities at 1, 2, and 3 years after surgery. Results: MH were closed in all 75 eyes after the initial surgery. The visual acuity improved significantly (p < 0.0005) at 1 year after surgery and did not change significantly at 2 and 3 years after surgery in the 3 groups. Differences in the mean visual acuity in the 3 groups were not significant at 1, 2, and 3 years after surgery. Conclusions: These results suggest that ILM peeling or the use of ICG dye do not significantly affect the MH closure rates and the long-term visual acuities.
Role of Genetic Factors in Lower- and Higher-Order Aberrations – The Genes in Myopia Twin Study
Authors: Dirani M. , Chamberlain M. , Couper T.A. , Guymer R.H. , Baird P.N.
Published: March 2009

Aims: We intended to investigate the relative genetic contribution in wavefront aberrations using a sub-group of twins recruited in the Genes in Myopia twin study, and subsequently provide direction for future studies into the aetiology of mono-chromatic aberrations. To our knowledge, the Genes in Myopia twin study is the first study to explore the role of genetic factors in both lower- and higher-order aberrations in a Caucasian population. Methods: Each individual completed a general questionnaire and underwent a comprehensive eye examination. Higher-order wavefront aberrations were calculated with Zernike coefficients up to the fourth order. Results: A total of 46 twin pairs with a mean age of 65.3 years were included in the analysis. Monozygotic intra-pair correlations were significantly higher compared to those in dizygotic twin pairs for defocus aberrations (p < 0.05). A trend for a genetic component was identified for higher-order aberrations. Conclusion: Genetic studies into refraction typically explore the genetic effects of lower-order aberrations such as myopia and hypermetropia; however, there is little to no research into the genetic basis of higher-order aberrations. The Genes in Myopia twin study indicates a potential genetic role for higher-order aberrations and provides useful insights into the aetiology of refractive error.
Low to Medium WU-Virus Titers in Young Children with Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
Authors: Kleines Michael , Scheithauer Simone , Hengst Meike , Honnef Dagmar , Ritter Klaus , Mühler Eberhard , Häusler Martin
Published: March 2009

The WU-virus (WUV), a novel polyomavirus, has recently been recovered from respiratory tract samples. Within a study collective of children with severe lower respiratory tract disease, 3% of the patients tested WUV positive. Viral loads ranged from 5 × 102 copies/ml to 1 × 104 copies/ml. The WUV genome-positive patients did not display specific clinical or radiological characteristics to be distinguished from other respiratory tract infections.
Cellular Senescence and Inflammation: A Noteworthy Link
Authors: Tsirpanlis George
Published: March 2009

Although cellular senescence and inflammation have been indirectly associated, a direct connection was absent until recently, when two studies proved that senescence at a cellular level is directly linked to an interleukin (IL)-dependent inflammatory network. IL-6 and IL-8, two well-known proinflammatory cytokines, seem to play a central role in premature cellular senescence induction. Activation of the above-mentioned molecules and their receptors is necessary for the initiation of senescence while their deactivation ceases the process. Taking in consideration that atherosclerosis is an inflammatory process and cellular senescence is an emerging cardiovascular risk factor, these new data may be of great importance, especially for chronic kidney disease patients who suffer from increased cardiovascular disease morbidity.
Incidence of Stroke in Europe at the Beginning of the 21st Century
Authors:   The European Registers of Stroke (EROS) Investigators
Published: March 2009

Background and Purpose—

Comparable data on stroke incidence across European countries are lacking because previous studies have used different methods of case ascertainment, different periods of observation, and different age restrictions.

Methods—

Population-based stroke registers were established in 6 European countries: France (Dijon); Italy (Sesto Fiorentino); Lithuania (Kaunas); the United Kingdom (London); Spain (Menorca); and Poland (Warsaw). Standardized criteria were used among these register including overlapping sources of notification. Overall, a source population of 1087048 inhabitants was observed, ranging from 47236 in Sesto Fiorentino to 365191 in Kaunas. All patients with first-ever stroke of all age groups from the source populations were included. Data collection took part between 2004 and 2006; 4 centers collected data for a 24-month and 2 for a 12-month time period. Crude annual incidence rates were age-adjusted to the European population.

Results—

A total of 2129 patients with first stroke were registered. Median age was 73 years and 51% were female. Annual stroke incidence adjusted to the European population was found in men to be higher in Kaunas and lower in Sesto Fiorentino and Menorca and in women to be higher in Kaunas and Warsaw and lower in Sesto Fiorentino and Menorca compared with mean incidence rates. Total stroke incidence ranged in men from 101.2 per 100000 (95% CI, 82.5 to 123.0) in Sesto Fiorentino to 239.3 per 100000 (95% CI, 209.9 to 271.6) in Kaunas and in women from 63.0 per 100000 (95% CI, 48.5 to 80.7) in Sesto Fiorentino to 158.7 per 100000 (95% CI, 135.0 to 185.4) in Kaunas. Differences in prior-to-stroke risk factors were found among the populations with prevalence of hypertension highest in Warsaw and Kaunas (76% and 67%, respectively) and lowest in Menorca and Sesto Fiorentino (54% and 62%, respectively).

Conclusions—

The risk of stroke among European populations in our study varied more than 2-fold in men and women. On average, higher rates of stroke were observed in eastern and lower rates in southern European countries.
Developing Short Forms of the EARLI Numeracy Measures
Authors: Lei Pui-Wa , Wu Qiong , DiPerna James C. , Morgan Paul L.
Published: March 2009

Currently, few measures are available to monitor young children’s progress in acquiring key early academic skills. In response to this need, the authors have begun developing measures (i.e., the Early Arithmetic, Reading and Learning Indicators, or EARLI) of preschoolers’ numeracy skills. To accurately and efficiently monitor acquisition of early skills, users require multiple short forms that are appropriate in difficulty level for young children at different points in time. In the current study, the authors used three item selection methods to create multiple short forms for two EARLI numeracy measures. The authors then compared these item selection methods on projected internal consistency and concurrent validity estimates for the resulting forms. The short forms selected by these methods did not differ significantly on either criterion and appeared to be sufficiently sensitive to measure initial and acquisition of numeracy skills over time by preschool children enrolled in Head Start.
Effects of Bleaching on Mercury Ion Release from Dental Amalgam
Authors: Al-Salehi S. K.
Published: March 2009

The chemical reactions that take place at the amalgam surface when exposed to bleaching agents are not well-understood. It is known, however, that mercury ions are released from dental amalgam when bleached. We hypothesized that increasing concentrations of hydrogen peroxide are more effective than water at increasing mercury ion release from dental amalgam. We prepared dental amalgam discs (n = 65) by packing amalgam into cylindrical plastic molds and divided them into 13 equal groups of 5 discs each. The discs in each group were individually immersed in either 0%, 3.6%, 6%, or 30% (w/v) hydrogen peroxide at exposure periods of 1, 8, 48, and 168 hrs. Samples were taken for mercury ion release determination by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. There were significant increases in mercury release between control and all other hydrogen peroxide concentrations at all exposure times (p < 0.05).
Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) Channels and Taste Sensation
Authors: Ishimaru Y. , Matsunami H.
Published: March 2009

Humans have 5 basic taste sensations: sweet, bitter, sour, salty, and umami (taste of 1-amino acids). Among 33 genes related to transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, 3—including TRP-melastatin 5 (TRPM5), polycystic kidney disease-1-like 3 (PKD1L3), and polycystic kidney disease-2-like 1 (PKD2L1)—are specifically and abundantly expressed in taste receptor cells. TRP-melastatin 5 is co-expressed with taste receptors T1Rs and T2Rs, and functions as a common downstream component in sweet, bitter, and umami taste signal transduction. In contrast, polycystic kidney disease-1-like 3 and polycystic kidney disease-2-like 1 are co-expressed in distinct subsets of taste receptor cells not expressing TRP-melastatin 5. In the heterologous expression system, cells expressing both polycystic kidney disease-1-like 3 and polycystic kidney disease-2-like 1 responded to sour stimuli, showing a unique “off-response” property. Genetic ablation of poly-cystic kidney disease-2-like 1-expressing cells resulted in elimination of gustatory nerve response to sour stimuli, indicating that cells expressing polycystic kidney disease-2-like 1 function as sour taste detectors. These results suggest that polycystic kidney disease-1-like 3/polycystic kidney disease-2-like 1 may play a significant role, possibly as taste receptors, in sour taste sensation.
Stem Cells from Deciduous Tooth Repair Mandibular Defect in Swine
Authors: Zheng Y. , Liu Y. , Zhang C.M. , Zhang H.Y. , Li W.H. , Shi S. , Le A.D. , Wang S.L.
Published: March 2009

Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth have been identified as a new post-natal stem cell population with multipotential differentiation capabilities, including regeneration of mineralized tissues in vivo. To examine the efficacy of utilizing these stem cells in regenerating orofacial bone defects, we isolated stem cells from miniature pig deciduous teeth and engrafted the critical-size bone defects generated in swine mandible models. Our results indicated that stem cells from miniature pig deciduous teeth, an autologous and easily accessible stem cell source, were able to engraft and regenerate bone to repair critical-size mandibular defects at 6 months post-surgical reconstruction. This pre-clinical study in a large-animal model, specifically swine, allows for testing of a stem cells/scaffold construct in the restoration of orofacial skeletal defects and provides rapid translation of stem-cell-based therapy in orofacial reconstruction in human clinical trials.
An Analysis of State Alternate Assessment Participation Guidelines
Authors: Musson Jane E. , Thomas Megan K. , Towles-Reeves Elizabeth , Kearns Jacqueline F.
Published: March 2009

The purpose of this study was to examine all states’ participation guidelines for alternate assessments based on alternate achievement standards (AA-AAS) and to analyze these guidelines for common and contrasting themes. State alternate assessment participation guidelines were found for all 50 states. Participation guidelines were coded, and 12 categories emerged. These categories fell into four major patterns: not included in almost all states’ participation guidelines, evenly distributed between being included and not included, included in the majority of states’ participation guidelines, and included in almost all states’ participation guidelines. This research can help state-level personnel revise and improve their own participation guidelines by providing information about current language used in participation guidelines and can inform the field of the level of consistency in the language used to describe the population who participate in AA-AAS.
Media Criticism as Competitive Discourse
Authors: Carlson Matt
Published: March 2009

This article treats media criticism as a specific form of discourse that aspires to define what journalism is, what it should aspire to, and who should speak about it. Recognizing journalists' cultural role of creating shared meaning, criticism either strives to uphold journalistic norms and isolate problematic incidents as deviant or calls attention to a faulty underlying framework of news production and presents foundational alternatives. Aside from being competitive discourse, media criticism is also collective by constructing various groups through its discourse by addressing specific audiences in an effort to create boundaries of acceptability. As a site for inquiry, the article tracks criticism surrounding reportage of the Abu Ghraib prison abuse scandal in April and May of 2004. Specific critical arguments regarding the scandal are systematically examined in four different spheres: within the news, the journalism trade press, from the left, and from the right.
Sickness absence with musculoskeletal or mental diagnoses, transition into disability pension and all-cause mortality: A 9-year prospective cohort study
Authors: Gjesdal Sturla , Haug Kjell , Ringdal Peder , Mæland John Gunnar , Hagberg Jan , Røraas Thomas , Vollset Stein Emil , Alexanderson Kristina
Published: March 2009

Aims: Increased early mortality indicates poor health. This study assessed mortality among men and women after long-term sickness absence (LTSA) with musculoskeletal or mental diagnoses. A special focus was on possible differences in mortality among women and men who obtained disability pension (DP) as compared to those who did not. Methods: This was a 9-year prospective cohort study in Hordaland County, Norway, including 1417 women and 1075 men aged 16—62 years with a spell of LTSA 48 weeks, and with a musculoskeletal or mental diagnosis. The endpoint was death from all causes. Age-standardised mortality rates for those who obtained DP and those who did not were calculated and compared. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to assess DP status and other possible predictors of premature death. All analyses were stratified for gender. Results: Overall, 36% obtained a DP and 3.2% died. Among the men, 7.2% with mental diagnoses and 4.4% with musculoskeletal sick-leave diagnoses died. Among the women, 1.9% died in both groups. Among the men, 5.6% of the DP recipients died, as compared to 4.6% among those without DP. The respective figures for the women were 2.9% and 1.3%. Male gender, increasing age and low income among men increased the mortality risk significantly. After adjustments for these variables, the hazard ratios associated with DP were 2.9 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2—7.0) for women and 2.3 (95% CI 1.2—4.5) for men. Conclusions: When monitoring those on LTSA, one should be aware of the high mortality among those who obtain DP and male workers with low income, and preventive actions should be considered.
“A Fan Crashing the Party”
Authors: Curnutt Hugh
Published: March 2009

Reality TV's (re)emergence at the turn of the century necessitates a reconsideration of what it means to work in television as on-camera talent. Through a study of reality actor Susie Meister, the author examines a new kind of television-based celebrity created in the wake of the longest-running U.S. reality series, The Real World (1992—). This form of celebrity, which I call “reality-celebrity,” diverges from other modes of televisual fame by encoding its participants as off-camera texts cast to perform their “ordinariness” within the confines of a reality persona. Different from other types of television personalities (e.g., talk show hosts, news anchors), MTV's reality-celebrities must continually act as if they are off camera. The “behindthe-scenes” quality of Meister's fame is explored to trace some of the ways in which MTV's construction of celebrity challenges past notions of televisual fame. Ultimately, this article considers the implications of reality TV's blurring of the distinction between participant and performer.
The online Cough Clinic: developing guideline-based diagnosis and advice
Authors: Dettmar P. W. , Strugala V. , Fathi H. , Dettmar H. J. , Wright C. , Morice A. H.
Published: March 2009

The aim of the present study was make chronic cough guidelines more practical and user friendly by developing an internet-based interactive diagnostic questionnaire for chronic cough.

A prospective cohort study of chronic cough sufferers was conducted in the UK, following European Respiratory Society guidelines for the diagnosis and management of chronic cough. Depending on the response to 16 specific questions, the medical condition responsible for the patient's chronic cough was ascertained according to a predetermined diagnostic algorithm designed to differentiate the three common causes of chronic cough. Appropriate advice and treatment recommendations were then provided.

8,546 adults with chronic cough completed the Cough Clinic diagnostic questionnaire. 46.1% were suggested to have reflux, 38.7% asthma and 15.2% rhinitis. Participants found the website easy to use (94%), the advice helpful (73%) and that it helped them to communicate with their general practitioner better (60%), and 62% reported taking the recommended treatment.

The Cough Clinic, an internet-based diagnostic site for chronic cough, had a large uptake by chronic cough sufferers in the UK. Almost half were diagnosed as having reflux as the probable cause of their chronic cough. Internet diagnosis by expert algorithm provides a novel mechanism for patients to access guideline-recommended therapies and enhances dialogue between patients and physicians.
Evaluating noninvasive ventilation using a monitoring system coupled to a ventilator: a bench-to-bedside study
Authors: Rabec C. , Georges M. , Kabeya N. K. , Baudouin N. , Massin F. , Reybet-Degat O. , Camus P.
Published: March 2009

Empirically determined noninvasive ventilation (NIV) settings may not achieve optimal ventilatory support. Some ventilators include monitoring modules to assess ventilatory quality. We conducted a bench-to-bedside study to assess the ventilatory quality of the VPAPTMIII-ResLinkTM(ResMed, North Ryde, Australia).

We tested the accuracy of minute ventilation (MV) and leak calculations given by VPAPTMIII-ResLinkTMcompared to those measured by a bench model at varied leak levels and ventilator settings. We systematically assessed NIV efficacy using this system from 2003 to 2006. Ventilation was considered inadequate if leak (>24 L·min−1), continuous desaturation (>30% of the trace) or desaturation dips (>3%) were present.

On the bench test, both methods were highly correlated (r = 0.947, p>0.0001 and r = 0.959, p<0.0001 for leak and MV, respectively). We performed 222 assessments in 169 patients (aged 66.42±16 yrs, 100 males). Abnormalities were detected on 147 (66%) out of 222 occasions. Leak was the most common abnormality (34.2%) followed by desaturation dips (23.8%). The most effective therapeutic solutions were a chin strap if leak was detected (61.2%) and expiratory positive airway pressure increase for desaturation dips (59.5%). In 15.7% of cases, when abnormalities persisted, a polygraphy was performed.

The systematic use of this device enables NIV to be optimised, limiting the indication of sleep studies to complex cases.
Signaling by Hypoxia-Inducible Factors Is Critical for Ovulation In Mice
Authors: Kim Jaeyeon , Bagchi Indrani C. , Bagchi Milan K.
Published: March 2009

The steroid hormone progesterone, acting via its nuclear receptor, is a major regulator of the process of ovulation. Female mice lacking progesterone receptor (PGR) exhibit an anovulatory phenotype due to failure in follicular rupture. To identify the PGR-regulated pathways that control ovulation, we analyzed global changes in gene expression in the ovaries of wild-type and Pgr-null mice subjected to gonadotropin-induced superovulation. Our analysis uncovered several genes whose expression was reduced in the Pgr-null ovaries compared with the wild-type ovaries immediately preceding ovulation. Interestingly, these genes included three hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs): HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and HIF-1β. These transcription factors form αβ-heterodimers, which regulate the transcription of specific cellular genes, thereby mediating adaptive response of the tissue to low-oxygen levels. We observed that the expression of mRNAs and proteins corresponding to HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and HIF-1β was induced in a PGR-dependent manner, specifically in the granulosa cells of the preovulatory follicles. Inhibition of the HIF transcriptional activity by echinomycin, a small-molecule inhibitor that suppresses the binding of HIF αβ-heterodimers to target genes, blocked ovulation by preventing the rupture of the preovulatory follicles. Echinomycin specifically inhibited the expression of genes that are known regulators of ovulation, such as a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin-like motifs-1 and endothelin-2. Furthermore, echinomycin reduced the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A, a key factor controlling vascularization/angiogenesis during ovulation. Collectively, these findings unveiled a novel ovarian role for the HIF transcription factors during the ovulatory period in mice.
Estrogen Receptor β Is Required for Optimal cAMP Production in Mouse Granulosa Cells
Authors: Deroo Bonnie J. , Rodriguez Karina F. , Couse John F. , Hamilton Katherine J. , Collins Jennifer B. , Grissom Sherry F. , Korach Kenneth S.
Published: March 2009

Granulosa cells of preovulatory follicles differentiate in response to FSH, and this differentiation is augmented by estradiol. We have previously shown that FSH-mediated granulosa cell differentiation requires functional estrogen receptor-β (ERβ) by demonstrating that the granulosa cells of ERβ−/− FSH-treated mice are unable to maximally induce expression of the LH receptor (an indicator of granulosa cell differentiation) compared with ERβ+/+ controls. As a result, FSH-primed ERβ−/− granulosa cells exhibit a reduced response to a subsequent ovulatory dose of LH. In this study, we further characterized the attenuated response of ERβ−/− granulosa cells to stimulation by LH and FSH using isolated mouse granulosa cells and primary granulosa cell cultures. We observed a 50% reduction in cAMP levels in cultured ERβ−/− granulosa cells exposed to LH compared with ERβ+/+ controls. We also observed an attenuated genomic response in granulosa cells isolated from FSH-primed ERβ−/− mice compared with ERβ+/+ controls. Our data indicate that this attenuated response may result from inadequate levels of cAMP, because cAMP levels in cultured ERβ−/− granulosa cells exposed to forskolin were approximately 50% lower than in ERβ+/+ granulosa cells. Phosphorylation of cAMP regulatory element binding protein, an indicator of protein kinase A activity, was also reduced in FSH-treated ERβ−/− granulosa cells compared with ERβ+/+ controls. These are the first data to indicate that ERβ plays a role in the induction of the cAMP pathway in mouse granulosa cells and that disruption of proper ERβ signaling associated with this pathway may cause negative effects on ovulation and fertility.