bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suspected acorn toxicity in nine horses
Authors: Smith S. , Naylor R. J. , Knowles E. J. , Mair T. S. , Cahalan S. D. , Fews D. , Dunkel B.
Published: June 2014

Reasons for performing study

Acorn toxicity has been anecdotally reported to cause fatal colitis and colic in horses but reports in the scientific literature are sparse.

Objectives

This study reports the diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and outcome of 9 cases with suspected acorn toxicity admitted to 2 referral hospitals.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Case records from 2004 to 2013 were reviewed. Horses were included in the study if they met 3 of 4 criteria: exposure to acorns; clinical and laboratory data suggesting alimentary or renal dysfunction; acorn husks in the faeces or gastrointestinal tract; and necropsy and histopathological findings consistent with acorn toxicity. Data collected included case history, clinical presentation, clinicopathological data, ultrasonographic findings, case progression, and necropsy and histopathological findings.

Results

Nine horses met the inclusion criteria. Five cases presenting with haemorrhagic diarrhoea deteriorated rapidly and were subjected to euthanasia or died. Four cases showed signs of colic with gas distension, displacement of the large colon and diarrhoea. Three of these (33%) survived with medical management, the fourth was subjected to euthanasia. Post mortem examination of 6 cases demonstrated submucosal oedema of the large intestine and caecum (n = 6), acute tubular nephrosis (n = 6), diffuse necrohaemorrhagic and ulcerative typhlocolitis and enteritis (n = 4), and small intestinal oedema (n = 3).

Conclusions

Acorn ingestion may be associated with typhylocolitis leading to diarrhoea, colic and acute renal tubular nephrosis. Recovery is possible in mildly affected cases; more severe cases show hypovolaemia, intractable pain, renal dysfunction and cardiovascular failure, and often succumb to the disease process. Disease is only seen in a small proportion of the population exposed to acorns and there seems to be an increased occurrence in certain years. Further investigation into factors predisposing to disease is required, but limiting exposure to acorns in the autumn seems prudent.
N‐feruloylserotonin in preventive combination therapy with methotrexate reduced inflammation in adjuvant arthritis
Authors: Kuncirova Viera , Ponist Silvester , Mihalova Danica , Drafi Frantisek , Nosal Radomir , Acquaviva Alessandra , Gardi Concetta , Harmatha Juraj , Hradkova Iveta , Bauerova Katarina
Published: June 2014

Many of disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs often have side effects at high doses and/or during long‐term administration. Increased efficacy without increased toxicity is expected for combination therapy of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of the study was to examine the effect of N‐feruloylserotonin (N‐f‐5HT) and methotrexate (MTX) in monotherapy and in combination therapy on disease progression and inflammation in arthritic rats. Adjuvant arthritis was induced by intradermal injection of Mycobacterium butyricum in incomplete Freund′s adjuvant in Lewis rats. The experiment included healthy animals, arthritic animals without any drug administration, arthritic animals with administration of N‐f‐5HT in the oral daily dose of 15 mg/kg b.w., arthritic animals with administration of MTX in the oral dose of 0.3 mg/kg b.w. twice a week and arthritic animals treated with the combination of N‐f‐5HT and MTX. N‐f‐5HT in monotherapy reduced only activation of NF‐κB and did not have any significant effect on other parameters monitored. Low‐dose treatment of MTX decreased the level of IL‐1β and MCP‐1 on day 14 and activation of NF‐κB in liver without significant effect on other parameters. N‐f‐5HT and MTX combination showed both the anti‐arthritic (hind paw volume and arthritic score) and anti‐inflammatory effect (plasmatic levels of IL‐1β, IL‐17, MCP‐1, CRP, and activation of NF‐κB in liver). In combination with MTX, N‐f‐5HT markedly potentiated the therapeutic effect of MTX low dose, which resulted in significant improvement of all parameters measured. The findings showed that the combination therapy simultaneously decreased multiple markers of inflammation, a result crucial for future therapy of RA.
Association between the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene and children's social cognition at 18 months
Authors: Wade M. , Hoffmann T. J. , Wigg K. , Jenkins J. M.
Published: June 2014

At 18 months, children engage in a variety of social behaviors that reflect their nascent ability to understand the intentions of other people (e.g. joint attention, empathy, cooperation and self‐recognition). Although numerous contextual factors have been shown to predict social cognition in young children, the genetic underpinnings of social‐cognitive traits has been understudied in this age group. Owing to the known effects of oxytocin on adult social cognition and psychopathology, this study hypothesized that variability in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) would be associated with social cognition in children at 18 months. Participants consisted of 350 children (182 males; 168 females) who were part of an ongoing longitudinal study that aimed to assess environmental and genetic contributions to children's cognitive and socio‐emotional functioning. At 18 months, social cognition was measured using previously validated and developmentally sensitive tasks assessing children's joint attention, empathy, cooperation and self‐recognition. Five potentially functional OXTR variants were genotyped: rs1042778, rs2254298, rs11131149, rs237897 and rs237899. A family‐based association design was used to control for population admixture and stratification, and additional non‐genomic covariates were controlled. Results showed that variability in rs11131149 was significantly associated with social cognition (P = 0.009), with more copies of the major allele related to higher social cognition, and more copies of the minor (risk) allele associated with lower social cognition. A haplotype consisting of rs11131149–rs2254298 was also associated with social cognition (P = 0.020). Implications for normative and pathological development are discussed, and key areas for future research are proposed.
Assessment of Managed Aquifer Recharge Site Suitability Using a GIS and Modeling
Authors: Russo Tess A. , Fisher Andrew T. , Lockwood Brian S.
Published: June 2014

We completed a two‐step regional analysis of a coastal groundwater basin to (1) assess regional suitability for managed aquifer recharge (MAR), and (2) quantify the relative impact of MAR activities on groundwater levels and sea water intrusion. The first step comprised an analysis of surface and subsurface hydrologic properties and conditions, using a geographic information system (GIS). Surface and subsurface data coverages were compiled, georeferenced, reclassified, and integrated (including novel approaches for combining related datasets) to derive a spatial distribution of MAR suitability values. In the second step, results from the GIS analysis were used with a regional groundwater model to assess the hydrologic impact of potential MAR placement and operating scenarios. For the region evaluated in this study, the Pajaro Valley Groundwater Basin, California, GIS results suggest that about 7% (15 km2) of the basin may be highly suitable for MAR. Modeling suggests that simulated MAR projects placed near the coast help to reduce sea water intrusion more rapidly, but these projects also result in increased groundwater flows to the ocean. In contrast, projects placed farther inland result in more long‐term reduction in sea water intrusion and less groundwater flowing to the ocean. This work shows how combined GIS analysis and modeling can assist with regional water supply planning, including evaluation of options for enhancing groundwater resources.
Challenges Facing Young Men Returning from Incarceration in Hong Kong
Authors: Chui Wing Hong , Cheng Kevin Kwok‐Yin
Published: June 2014

While prisoner re‐entry has garnered increasing interest in Western scholarship, scarce attention has been paid to the situation in Hong Kong, despite it possessing one of the higher imprisonment rates in Asia, and its reliance on custodial sentences to rehabilitate young offenders. Drawing upon the experiences of a sample of formerly‐incarcerated young males, this article informs on how young ex‐prisoners receive little familial/social support, and how finding legitimate employment is difficult for returning ex‐prisoners in Hong Kong. Young ex‐prisoners perceive themselves to be facing the challenges of re‐entry alone. Implications and recommendations for government and social services are discussed.
Alumina Heat Insulator Through Composite Poring Mechanisms
Authors: Wu Haibo , Huang Zhengren , Wang Gang , Li Hongxia , Jiang Dongliang
Published: June 2014

Crack‐free alumina heat insulators with large sizes were successfully prepared through composite poring mechanisms. In the sintered bodies, there existed 1–2 mm big pores due to solid template and 60–200 μm small pores due to direct foaming, and porosities (84.9–90.4%) were accurately tailored by varying the amounts of added polymer balls and foaming agent. Thanks to the excellent mechanical and thermal properties including compressive strengths of 2.3–5.2 MPa, thermal conductivity as low as 0.23 W/mK, and 50‐h creep strain of only 0.102% at 1200°C, they are potentially used as eco‐friendly substitutions for ceramic‐fiber insulators.
Associations between polymorphisms of HLA‐B gene and postmenopausal osteoporosis in Chinese Han population
Authors: Li S.‐m. , Zhou D.‐x. , Liu M.‐Y.
Published: June 2014

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease, which is more prevalent in postmenopausal women. Osteoporosis likely develops beginning with genetic risk. This study explored the relationships between polymorphisms of HLA‐B gene and postmenopausal osteoporosis in a Chinese Han population. Polymerase chain reaction sequence‐based typing (PCR‐SBT) method was used for DNA typing at HLA‐B locus in 70 patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis and 73 healthy controls in female Han population of Shaanxi Province, situated in north‐western China. We found that 40 HLA‐B alleles in postmenopausal osteoporosis patients and control subjects, respectively. Furthermore, the frequency of HLA‐B* 3501 allele was significantly higher in postmenopausal osteoporosis patients than in the control group (P = 0.033), and the relative risk was 7.632 (95% CI: 0.927–62.850). Our results suggest that HLA‐B* 3501 was likely an important risk factor for postmenopausal osteoporosis. As different populations have different HLA polymorphisms, further investigation of the relationship of various HLA genes and osteoporosis with larger sample size is still necessary in the future.
A high birth weight is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity
Authors: Johnsson I. W. , Haglund B. , Ahlsson F. , Gustafsson J.
Published: June 2014

Background

The association between low birth weight and adult disease is well known. Less is known on long‐term effects of high birth weight.

Objective

This study aims to investigate whether a high birth weight increases risk for adult metabolic disease.

Methods

Swedish term single births, 1973–1982 (n = 759 999), were studied to age 27.5–37.5 years using Swedish national registers. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated in relation to birth weight for type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension and dyslipidaemia.

Results

Men with birth weights between 2 and 3 standard deviation score (SDS) had a 1.9‐fold increased risk (HR 1.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25–2.90) of type 2 diabetes, whereas those with birth weights above 3 SDS had a 5.4‐fold increased risk (HR 5.44, 95% CI 2.70–10.96) compared to men with birth weights between −2 and 2 SDS. The corresponding HRs for women were 0.60 (95% CI 0.40–0.91) and 1.71 (95% CI 0.85–3.43) for birth weights 2–3 SDS and >3 SDS, respectively. Men with birth weights between 2 and 3 SDS had a 1.5‐fold increased risk (HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.22–1.77) of obesity. The corresponding risk for women was 1.3‐fold increased (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.19–1.46). For men and women with birth weights above 3 SDS, the risks of adult obesity were higher, HR 2.46 (95% CI 1.63–3.71) and HR 1.85 (95% CI 1.44–2.37), respectively.

Conclusions

A high birth weight, particularly very high, increases the risk of type 2 diabetes in male young adults. The risk of obesity increases with increasing birth weight in both genders.
‘My mentor kicked a dying woman's bed…’ Analysing UK nursing students’ ‘most memorable’ professionalism dilemmas
Authors: Rees Charlotte E. , Monrouxe Lynn V. , McDonald Laura A.
Published: June 2014

Aim

To provide depth and breadth in the analysis of nursing students’ written narratives of ‘most memorable’ professionalism dilemmas.

Background

While nursing students are taught professionalism through formal curricula, they commonly experience workplace‐based professionalism dilemmas. Although non‐UK studies have begun to explore students’ lived experiences of dilemmas, they lack detail about when and where dilemmas occur, who is involved, what students do and why and how students feel.

Design

Online survey of healthcare students including 294 nursing students from 15 UK nursing schools.

Method

Nursing students provided a written narrative of their most memorable dilemma (December 2011–March 2012) as part of a survey examining the impact of professionalism dilemmas on moral distress. We conducted thematic and discourse analysis of all narratives and narrative analysis of one exemplar.

Findings

The most common themes were patient care dilemmas by healthcare personnel or students, student abuse and consent dilemmas. Of the dilemmas, 49·6% occurred over 6 months previously, 76·2% occurred in hospitals and 51·9% of perpetrators were nurses. 79·3% of students reported acting in the face of their dilemma. Of the narratives, 88·4% contained negative emotion talk and numerous significant relationships existed between types of emotion talk and dilemmas. Our narrative analysis demonstrates the impact of dilemma experiences through emotion talk and more subtle devices like metaphor.

Conclusion

Findings extend previous research with nursing and medical students. Nurse educators should help students construct emotionally coherent narratives to make sense of their experiences, actions and identities and to better prepare them for future professionalism dilemmas.
A group‐randomized trial of shared decision making for non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug risk awareness: primary results and lessons learned
Authors: Miller Michael J. , Allison Jeroan J. , Cobaugh Daniel J. , Ray Midge N. , Saag Kenneth G.
Published: June 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

Frequent use and serious adverse effects related to non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) underscore the need to raise patient awareness about potential risks. Partial success of patient‐ or provider‐based interventions has recently led to interest in combined approaches focusing on both patient and physician. This research tested a shared decision‐making intervention for increasing patient‐reported awareness of NSAID risk.

Methods

A group randomized trial was performed in Alabama from 2005 to 2007. Intervention group doctor practices received continuing medical education (CME) about NSAIDs and patient activation tools promoting risk assessment and communication during visits. Comparison group doctor practices received only CME. Cross‐sectional data were collected before and after the intervention. Generalized linear latent and mixed models with logistic link tested relationships among the intervention, study phase, intervention by study phase interaction and patient‐reported awareness of risks with either prescription or over‐the‐counter (OTC) NSAIDs.

Results

Three hundred and forty‐seven patients at baseline and 355 patients at follow‐up participated in this study. The intervention [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.74, P = 0.248], follow‐up study phase (AOR = 1.31, P = 0.300) and intervention by study phase interaction (AOR = 0.98, P = 0.942) were not significantly associated with patient‐reported awareness of any prescription NSAID risk. Follow‐up study phase was associated with increased odds of reporting any OTC NSAID risk awareness (AOR = 2.99, P < 0.001), but the patient activation intervention and intervention by study phase interaction were not significantly associated with patient‐reported awareness of any OTC NSAID risk (AOR = 0.98, P = 0.929; AOR = 0.87, P = 0.693, respectively).

Conclusions

Our point‐of‐care intervention encouraging shared decision making did not increase NSAID risk awareness.
Self‐reported adherence by MARS‐CZ reflects LDL cholesterol goal achievement among statin users: validation study in the Czech Republic
Authors: Ladova Katerina , Matoulkova Petra , Zadak Zdenek , Macek Karel , Vyroubal Pavel , Vlcek Jiri , Morisky Donald E.
Published: June 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

Measuring self‐reported adherence may contribute to minimizing the risk of therapy failure. Hence, the main aim of the study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Czech version of Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS‐CZ) and its appropriateness for use in long‐term statin therapy where goal levels of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐c) should be achieved.

Methods

Anonymous structured interview was performed to determine self‐reported adherence by MARS‐CZ in outpatients chronically treated with statins. At the same time, medication records were reviewed for inclusion of patients into groups of those who achieved and do not achieved LDL‐c goal according to cardiovascular risk level. Reliability and validity of MARS‐CZ were tested as well as the relationship between adherence and LDL‐c goal achievement was examined.

Results

A total of 136 (86.6%) patients completed the interview; mean age was 66.1 years; 49.3% were male. The mean score of MARS‐CZ was 24.4 and showed positive skewing. Satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.54), strong test‐retest reliability (r = 0.83, P < 0.001; intra‐class correlation = 0.63, 95% confidence interval: 0.35–0.81) and positive correlation with eight‐item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (r = 0.62, P < 0.001) were indicated. Low validity values were found between MARS‐CZ and 12‐item Short Form Health Survey mental and physical subscales. MARS‐CZ score significantly correlated with LDL‐c goal achievement (P < 0.05) when all patients who achieved LDL‐c goal (35%) reported high adherence to statin. MARS‐CZ score also correlated with cardiovascular risk level and doctor's judgments on adjusting treatment targets for each patient.

Conclusion

This study proved MARS‐CZ as an acceptable self‐reported adherence measure. In routine clinical practice, MARS‐CZ could be helpful to reveal medication non‐adherence before the alteration of drug regimen and thereby contributing to enhancement of statin therapy management.
Rapid temperature‐dependent wound closure following adipose fin clipping of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L
Authors: Andrews M , Stormoen M , Schmidt‐Posthaus H , Wahli T , Midtlyng P J
Published: June 2014

Three groups of Atlantic salmon were kept at a constant temperature of 4, 10 and 14 °C. The adipose fins were removed; six fish/group were sampled at 11 subsequent time points post‐clipping. Samples were prepared for histopathological examination to study the course of re‐epithelization. A score sheet was developed to assess the regeneration of epidermal and dermal cell types. Wounds were covered by a thin epidermal layer between 4 and 6 h post‐clipping at 10 and 14 °C. In contrast, wound closure was completed between 6 and 12 h in fish held at a constant temperature of 4 °C. By 18 h post‐clipping, superficial cells, cuboidal cells, prismatic basal cells and mucous cells were discernible in all temperature groups, rapidly progressing towards normal epidermal structure and thickness. Within the observation period, only minor regeneration was found in the dermal layers. A positive correlation between water temperature and healing rates was established for the epidermis. The rapid wound closure rate, epidermal normalization and the absence of inflammatory reaction signs suggest that adipose fin clipping under anaesthesia constitutes a minimally invasive method that may be used to mark large numbers of salmon presmolts without compromising fish welfare.
THE U.S. TREASURY'S CAPITAL PURCHASE PROGRAM: TREASURY'S SELECTIVITY AND MARKET RETURNS ACROSS WEAK AND HEALTHY BANKS
Authors: Carow Kenneth A. , Salotti Valentina
Published: June 2014

We evaluate firms that voluntarily participated in the Treasury's Capital Purchase Plan (CPP), focusing on the market impact of their decision to participate. For healthy firms, abnormal stock returns are negative. For weak firms, CPP was a cheap source of funding, as demonstrated by their significant positive returns. Despite gains for weak firms, not all were permitted to participate. The Treasury made funding available to institutions with low levels of capital only if they also had better performing loan portfolios. Providing further evidence of the Treasury's selectivity, weak firms not participating in the CPP had significantly lower long‐term returns than did weak firms that participated.
Consumer behaviour towards vegetables: a study on domestic processing of broccoli and carrots by Dutch households
Authors: Bongoni R. , Verkerk R. , Dekker M. , Steenbekkers L. P. A.
Published: June 2014

Background

Preferences for sensory properties (e.g. taste and texture) are assumed to control cooking behaviour with respect to vegetables. Conditions such as the cooking method, amount of water used and the time‐temperature profile determine the nutritional quality (e.g. vitamins and phytochemicals) of cooked vegetables. Information on domestic processing and any underlying motives can be used to inform consumers about cooking vegetables that are equally liked and are nutrient‐rich.

Methods

Two online self‐reporting questionnaires were used to identify domestic processing conditions of broccoli and carrots by Dutch households. Questions on various aspects of domestic processing and consumer motives were included. Descriptive data analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were performed for both vegetables, separately, to group consumers with similar motives and behaviour towards vegetables.

Results

Approximately 70% of consumers boiled vegetables, 8–9% steamed vegetables, 10–15% stir fried raw vegetables and 8–10% stir fried boiled vegetables. Mainly texture was used as a way to decide the ‘doneness’ of the vegetables. For both vegetables, three clusters of consumers were identified: texture‐orientated, health‐orientated, or taste‐orientated. The texture‐orientated consumers are identified as the most prevalent (56–59%) group in the present study. Statistically significant associations are found between domestic processing conditions and clusters, whereas no such association are found between demographic details and clusters.

Conclusions

A wide variation in domestic processing of broccoli and carrots is found in the present study. Mainly sensory properties (i.e. texture and taste) determined the domestic processing conditions. The findings of the present study can be used to optimise cooking to yield vegetables that meet consumer's specific sensory preference and are higher in nutrients, and as well as to communicate with target consumer groups.
Evaluation of psychological guidance impact on complete denture wearer's satisfaction
Authors: Zou Yun , Zhan Desong
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of psychological intervention on edentulous patients’ satisfaction with complete clinically satisfactory complete dentures. The survey was conducted in China Medical University involving 84 individuals receiving complete dentures at this institution from August 2013 to March 2014. Participants were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups consisting of 42 subjects, respectively. In the intervention group, individuals received oral health education and psychological intervention before and after the whole process. In the control group, 42 cases received doctor's regular advice after treatment. Satisfaction regarding aesthetic, speech, mastication, retention and comfort was rated in the first and third month after prosthesis treatment. Patients overall aesthetic, speech, mastication and retention were significantly improved in both intervention and control groups in 3 months later after prosthesis treatment when compared with the first month (P < 0·05). No significant difference existed for comfort in control group. Patient scores on aesthetic, speech, mastication and retention at both first and third month evaluations (P < 0·05) differed between the control and intervention groups. However, there was no difference for their scores related to comfort (P > 0·05) in first and third month. The study concludes that psychological intervention plays a significant role in improving patient satisfaction with complete dentures.
Sound Analysis of a Musical Performance to Evaluate Prosthodontic Treatment for a Clarinet Player
Authors: Hattori Mariko , Sumita Yuka I. , Taniguchi Hisashi
Published: June 2014

Some dental patients use the orofacial region to play wind instruments; however, musical performance has not been objectively evaluated following prosthodontic treatment in such patients. The purpose of this report was to describe prosthodontic treatment for a clarinet player using sound analysis. The patient required a removable partial denture for his maxillary anterior teeth. Sound analysis was performed before and after denture adjustment, and the patient completed a questionnaire regarding his perceptions while playing his clarinet. After adjustment, the denture showed better performance, and patient satisfaction increased compared with that before adjustment.
Effect of Thickness Ratio on Load‐Bearing Capacity of Bilayered Dental Ceramics
Authors: Wang Gaoqi , Zhang Song , Bian Cuirong , Kong Hui
Published: June 2014

Purpose

The aims of this study were to reveal the mechanism of failure of bilayered beams and to assess the thickness ratio effect on the load‐bearing capacity of the bilayered beams.

Materials and Methods

Both analytical and finite element analysis methods were used to analyze the stress distributions of bilayered beams subjected to three‐point bending test and the residual thermal stresses due to coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch. Then, the ideal load‐bearing capacity of the beams as a function of core thickness was evaluated based on the mechanical models. Finally, three‐point bending tests were performed on Cercon Zirconia /IPS e.max Ceram beams to verify the mechanical models.

Results

The failure load as a function of core thickness was obtained. For the materials employed in this study, the thickness ratio did not significantly affect the load‐bearing capacity of bilayered beams when the thickness ratio changed from 1:2 to 2:1.

Conclusions

The residual thermal stresses in the core layer have slightly beneficial effects on the strength of the beams. The first strength theory can be used to explain the mechanism of failure, which can be described as the failure is interpreted by tensile stress and ultimate strength of the material. Based on the relationship between the thickness ratio and load‐bearing capacity, the core/veneer thickness ratio of the connector of a fixed partial denture could be relatively small to about 1:2 to obtain a good appearance.
Effect of Different Cleaning Regimens on the Adhesion of Resin to Saliva‐Contaminated Ceramics
Authors: Aladağ Akın , Elter Bahar , Çömlekoğlu Erhan , Kanat Burcu , Sonugelen Mehmet , Kesercioğlu Atilla , Özcan Mutlu
Published: June 2014

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different cleaning regimens on the microshear bond strength (μSBS) of three different all‐ceramic surfaces after saliva contamination.

Material and Methods

Cubic ceramic specimens (3 × 3 × 3 mm3) were prepared from three types of ceramics: zirconium dioxide (Z), leucite‐reinforced glass ceramic (E), lithium disilicate glass ceramic (EX; n = 12/subgroup). A total of 144 composite resin cylinders (diameter: 1 mm, height: 3 mm) were prepared. Three human‐saliva–contaminated surfaces of ceramic specimens were cleaned with either water spray (WS), with 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution (HC), or with a cleaning paste (CP). Control surface (C) was not contaminated or cleaned. Composite cylinders were bonded to each surface with a resin luting cement. All specimens were stored at 37°C in deionized water until fracture testing. μSBS tests were performed in a universal testing machine (0.5 mm/min), and the results (MPa ± SD) were statistically analyzed (two‐way ANOVA, Bonferroni a = 0.05). Fractured surfaces were analyzed to identify the failure types using an optical microscope at 50× magnification. Two representative specimens from all groups were examined with scanning electron microscopy.

Results

μSBS test results were significantly affected by the saliva cleaning regimens (p = 0.01) and the ceramic types (p = 0.03). The interaction terms between the ceramic type and saliva cleaning regimen were also significant (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences among the μSBS values (MPa ± SD) for the Z group (C = 17.5 ± 8.8; WS = 16.0 ± 4.9; HC = 17.6 ± 5.8; CP = 16.6 ± 7.5; p > 0.05). In the EX group, C resulted in significantly higher μSBS values (32.6 ± 7.4) than CP (17.4 ± 8.9), WS (15.6 ± 7.3), and HC (14.3 ± 4.5) (p < 0.05); however, C (20.4 ± 7.1) and HC (19.2 ± 7.5) showed higher μSBS values than CP (13.8 ± 4.8) and WS (10.9 ± 5.7) in the E group. Some cohesive failures within the luting resin were observed in the E and EX groups, whereas only adhesive failures were seen in zirconia groups for all surface treatments.

Conclusions

Different ceramic surface cleaning regimens after saliva contamination of the zirconium dioxide revealed μSBS similar to the control group, whereas all surface cleaning regimens tested significantly decreased the bond strength values in the lithium disilicate glass ceramic. The leucite‐reinforced glass‐ceramic group benefited from 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution cleaning with increased bond strengths. Clinical significance: Adhesive cementation of zirconia presents a clinically challenging protocol, and the cementation surface contamination of the zirconia restorations and the inadequate removal of the contaminants increase the risk of failure, as for all ceramic types. This study demonstrated that surface cleaning regimens should be applied according to different ceramic properties.
Influence of Crown‐to‐Implant Ratio on Stress Around Single Short‐Wide Implants: A Photoelastic Stress Analysis
Authors: Sotto‐Maior Bruno Salles , Senna Plinio Mendes , Silva‐Neto João Paulo da , de Arruda Nóbilo Mauro Antônio , Cury Altair Antoninha Del Bel
Published: June 2014

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the photoelastic fringe patterns around two short‐wide implants supporting single crowns with different crown‐to‐implant (C/I) ratios.

Materials and Methods

External hexagon (EH) cylindrical implants (5 × 7 mm) or Morse Taper (MT) conical implants (5 × 6 mm) were embedded individually into photoelastic resin blocks. Each implant received a single metal‐ceramic crown, with a C/I ratio of 1:1 or 2:1 (n = 10). Each set was positioned in a polariscope and submitted to a 0.5 kgf compressive load, applied axially or obliquely (30°). The polariscope images were digitally recorded, and based on isoclinal and isochromatic fringes, the shear stress was calculated at 5 predetermined points around each implant. Data were analyzed by two‐way ANOVA (α = 0.05).

Results

Under axial loading, the stress was concentrated at the crestal region, and there were no differences between C/I ratio or implant types. In contrast, under oblique loading, EH implants showed lower stress values than the MT group and the 2:1 C/I ratio showed higher stress concentration for both implant types (p < 0.05). Moreover, MT implants showed stress distribution through a higher area than the EH implant did, with a tendency to direct the stress toward the implant's apex under oblique loading.

Conclusion

MT conical short‐wide implants showed higher stress values that were distributed through a higher area directed to the implant apex. The C/I ratio influences the stress distribution only under oblique loading.
The Relationships among Vigilant Coping Style, Race, and Depression
Authors: LaVeist Thomas A. , Thorpe Roland J. , Pierre Geraldine , Mance GiShawn A. , Williams David R.
Published: June 2014

Although Black–White differences in depression are well documented, vigilant coping style as an explanation for the observed inequalities in depression is less understood. Using data from 718 adults in the Exploring Health Disparities in Integrated Communities (EHDIC) Study, we estimated logistic regression models to examine the cross‐sectional relationship between race, vigilant coping style, and depression. After controlling for demographic variables, White adults were more likely to report depression than Black adults. Moreover, when accounting for coping style, the Black–White difference in depression widened. This association persisted even with the addition of the covariates. While high rates of depression among Whites compared with Blacks are well documented, the degree of the differences appears to be greater than previously reported once vigilance is accounted for. This finding suggests that if it were not for the high prevalence of vigilant coping in Blacks, the well‐documented Black advantage regarding depression compared to Whites would likely be even greater.
Perceived Racial Discrimination, Drug Use, and Psychological Distress in African American Youth: A Pathway to Child Health Disparities
Authors: Sanders‐Phillips Kathy , Kliewer Wendy , Tirmazi Taqi , Nebbitt Von , Carter Takisha , Key Heather
Published: June 2014

Experiences of racial discrimination and social inequality are related to higher levels of psychological distress and substance use that may contribute to health disparities among youth. This within‐group quantitative survey study tested two alternative theoretical models of the relations between perceived racial discrimination, psychological distress, alcohol, and marijuana use in a sample of 567 African American high school students (61% female; mean age = 15.6 years). Path analyses indicated most support for a model linking perceived racial discrimination to more depressive symptoms that, in turn, were associated with greater past month alcohol and marijuana use. These findings expand our understanding of the direction of effects for exposure to racial discrimination in African American youth and reinforce the need for public health policies, research, and programs for African American youth that acknowledge and address the psychological effects of exposure to racial discrimination on alcohol and marijuana use.
A review of the melatonin functions in zebrafish physiology
Authors: Lima‐Cabello Elena , Díaz‐Casado María E. , Guerrero Jose A. , Otalora Beatriz B. , Escames Germaine , López Luis C. , Reiter Russel J. , Acuña‐Castroviejo Darío
Published: June 2014

Melatonin is part of the evolutionary conserved highly functional network in vertebrates. It plays a central role in the adaptative behavior of the animal to the environment, including entrainment of daily and annual physiological rhythms, reproductive behavior, food intake, locomotor activity, growth, and breeding performance. In zebrafish, apart from its synchronizing capabilities, melatonin seems to have a major role in multiple physiological processes. Extensive knowledge of its genome and the identification of a series of genes with the same functions as those in humans, the relative ease of obtaining mutants, and the similarities between zebrafish and human pathologies make it an excellent experimental model organism of human diseases. Moreover, it is a common experimental species because of easy handling, breeding, and developmental control. Among other pathophysiologies, zebrafish are now used in studies of neurodegeneration and neurological diseases, endocrine diseases, behavior, muscular dystrophies, developmental alterations, circadian rhythms, and drugs screening. The purpose of this review was to update the current knowledge on the synthesis and biological functions of melatonin in zebrafish, keeping in mind its relevance not only in the physiology of the animal, but also in pathophysiological conditions.
Melatonin down‐regulates MDM2 gene expression and enhances p53 acetylation in MCF‐7 cells
Authors: Proietti Sara , Cucina Alessandra , Dobrowolny Gabriella , D'Anselmi Fabrizio , Dinicola Simona , Masiello Maria Grazia , Pasqualato Alessia , Palombo Alessandro , Morini Veronica , Reiter Russel J. , Bizzarri Mariano
Published: June 2014

Compelling evidence demonstrated that melatonin increases p53 activity in cancer cells. p53 undergoes acetylation to be stabilized and activated for driving cells destined for apoptosis/growth inhibition. Over‐expression of p300 induces p53 acetylation, leading to cell growth arrest by increasing p21 expression. In turn, p53 activation is mainly regulated in the nucleus by MDM2. MDM2 also acts as E3 ubiquitin ligase, promoting the proteasome‐dependent p53 degradation. MDM2 entry into the nucleus is finely tuned by two different modulations: the ribosomal protein L11, acts by sequestering MDM2 in the cytosol, whereas the PI3K‐AkT‐dependent MDM2 phosphorylation is mandatory for MDM2 translocation across the nuclear membrane. In addition, MDM2‐dependent targeting of p53 is regulated in a nonlinear fashion by MDM2/MDMX interplay. Melatonin induces both cell growth inhibition and apoptosis in MCF7 breast cancer cells. We previously reported that this effect is associated with reduced MDM2 levels and increased p53 activity. Herein, we demonstrated that melatonin drastically down‐regulates MDM2 gene expression and inhibits MDM2 shuttling into the nucleus, given that melatonin increases L11 and inhibits Akt‐PI3K‐dependent MDM2 phosphorylation. Melatonin induces a 3‐fold increase in both MDMX and p300 levels, decreasing simultaneously Sirt1, a specific inhibitor of p300 activity. Consequently, melatonin‐treated cells display significantly higher values of both p53 and acetylated p53. Thus, a 15‐fold increase in p21 levels was observed in melatonin‐treated cancer cells. Our results provide evidence that melatonin enhances p53 acetylation by modulating the MDM2/MDMX/p300 pathway, disclosing new insights for understanding its anticancer effect.
The Oneness Beliefs Scale: Connecting Spirituality with Pro‐Environmental Behavior
Authors: Garfield Andrew M. , Drwecki Brian B. , Moore Colleen F. , Kortenkamp Katherine V. , Gracz Matthew D.
Published: June 2014

The inherent unity of all phenomena, or oneness, is a central concept of mysticism, but there have heretofore been no measures of oneness beliefs. We developed the Oneness Beliefs Scale, with spiritual and physical oneness subscales. The spiritual oneness subscale fills a need in the field for a short, reliable measure of spirituality not characterized by the language of traditional Western religiousness. The physical oneness subscale allows researchers to juxtapose spiritual beliefs with a nonspiritual, materialist counterpart. We found that spiritual oneness beliefs were more strongly related to mystic experiences and spirituality than to traditional religiousness. Physical oneness was not strongly associated with either religiousness or spirituality. Both spiritual and physical oneness were positively associated with pro‐environmental attitudes but not with depression, anxiety, or negative affect. Spiritual oneness was a better predictor of pro‐environmental attitudes than was religiousness. Spiritual oneness also predicted donating to a pro‐environmental group, making this to our knowledge the first empirical study to show a positive association between a religion or spirituality measure and observed, rather than self‐reported, pro‐environmental behavior.
Effervescence and Solidarity in Religious Organizations
Authors: Draper Scott
Published: June 2014

In the ritual theories of Durkheim and Collins, collective effervescence is the engine that drives social solidarity. I use data from religious organizations to perform a rare test of this hypothesis. In addition, four other hypotheses from Collins's interaction ritual theory are tested regarding ritual dynamics that are expected to promote effervescence and solidarity. Congregational data from the 2001 United States Congregational Life Survey reveal the following: (1) organizational attendance rates strongly correlate with the dependent variables; (2) longer rituals tend to be more emotionally rewarding, although there appear to be diminishing returns for symbolic solidarity; (3) crowded rituals are more rewarding, although socioeconomic status is a crucial intervening variable; (4) barriers to outsiders in the form of behavioral proscriptions correlate with symbolic solidarity; and (5) most important, there is a consistent and robust relationship between effervescence and solidarity. Interaction ritual theory provides a valuable framework for understanding how some religious organizations become more effective than others at providing emotional and symbolic rewards for their members.
Religion and Early Marriage in the United States: Evidence from the Add Health Study
Authors: Uecker Jeremy E.
Published: June 2014

Early marriage has important consequences for individuals in the United States. Several studies have linked religion to early marriage but have not examined this relationship in depth. Using data from Waves 1, 3, and 4 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, I conduct multilevel event‐history analysis to examine how religion, at both individual and contextual levels, is associated with early marriage. Further, I test mediators of the religion‐early marriage relationship. I find significant variation in early marriage by religious tradition, religious service attendance, religious salience, belief in scriptural inerrancy, and religious context in high school. The individual religious effects—but not the school context effects—are explained in part by differential attitudes toward marriage and cohabitation.
Suicide and Religion: New Evidence on the Differences Between Protestantism and Catholicism
Authors: Torgler Benno , Schaltegger Christoph
Published: June 2014

Suicide has remained a persistent social phenomenon and now accounts for more deaths than motor vehicle accidents. There has been much debate, however, over which religious constructs might best explain the variation in suicide rates. Our empirical analysis reveals that even though theological and social differences between Catholicism and Protestantism have decreased, Catholics are still less likely than Protestants to commit or accept suicide. This difference holds even after we control for such confounding factors as social and religious networks. In addition, although religious networks do mitigate suicides among Protestants, the influence of church attendance is more dominant among Catholics. Our analysis also indicates that alternative concepts such as religious commitment and religiosity strongly reduce suicide acceptance.
Estimating quantitative genetic parameters in wild populations: a comparison of pedigree and genomic approaches
Authors: Bérénos Camillo , Ellis Philip A. , Pilkington Jill G. , Pemberton Josephine M.
Published: June 2014

The estimation of quantitative genetic parameters in wild populations is generally limited by the accuracy and completeness of the available pedigree information. Using relatedness at genomewide markers can potentially remove this limitation and lead to less biased and more precise estimates. We estimated heritability, maternal genetic effects and genetic correlations for body size traits in an unmanaged long‐term study population of Soay sheep on St Kilda using three increasingly complete and accurate estimates of relatedness: (i) Pedigree 1, using observation‐derived maternal links and microsatellite‐derived paternal links; (ii) Pedigree 2, using SNP‐derived assignment of both maternity and paternity; and (iii) whole‐genome relatedness at 37 037 autosomal SNPs. In initial analyses, heritability estimates were strikingly similar for all three methods, while standard errors were systematically lower in analyses based on Pedigree 2 and genomic relatedness. Genetic correlations were generally strong, differed little between the three estimates of relatedness and the standard errors declined only very slightly with improved relatedness information. When partitioning maternal effects into separate genetic and environmental components, maternal genetic effects found in juvenile traits increased substantially across the three relatedness estimates. Heritability declined compared to parallel models where only a maternal environment effect was fitted, suggesting that maternal genetic effects are confounded with direct genetic effects and that more accurate estimates of relatedness were better able to separate maternal genetic effects from direct genetic effects. We found that the heritability captured by SNP markers asymptoted at about half the SNPs available, suggesting that denser marker panels are not necessarily required for precise and unbiased heritability estimates. Finally, we present guidelines for the use of genomic relatedness in future quantitative genetics studies in natural populations.
Social barriers to Type 2 diabetes self‐management: the role of capital
Authors: Henderson Julie , Wilson Christine , Roberts Louise , Munt Rebecca , Crotty Mikaila
Published: June 2014

Approaches to self‐management traditionally focus upon individual capacity to make behavioural change. In this paper, we use Bourdieu's concepts of habitus and capital to demonstrate the impact of structural inequalities upon chronic illness self‐management through exploring findings from 28 semi‐structured interviews conducted with people from a lower socioeconomic region of Adelaide, South Australia who have type 2 diabetes. The data suggests that access to capital is a significant barrier to type 2 diabetes self‐management. While many participants described having sufficient cultural capital to access and assess health information, they often lacked economic capital and social capital in the form of support networks who promote health. Participants were often involved in social networks in which activities which are contrary to self‐management have symbolic value. As a consequence, they entered relationships with health professionals at a disadvantage. We conclude that structural barriers to self‐management arising from habitus resulting in the performance of health behaviours rooted in cultural and class background and limited access to capital in the form of economic resources, social networks, health knowledge and prestige may have a negative impact on capacity for type 2 diabetes self‐management.