bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BLASTING OUT: EXPLOSIVES PRACTICES IN QUEENSLAND METALLIFEROUS MINES, 1870–1920
Authors: Wegner Jan Helen
Published: June 2010

The use of explosives in mines in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries was notoriously unsafe. In Queensland's underground metalliferous mines, explosive practices could be dangerous not only because of the attitudes of miners and managers, but because of problems inherent to the technology, conditions underground, economic fluctuations, and the persistence of outmoded practices. Some limited specialisation of labour occurred in the interests of safety, and although newer technology had the potential to deskill the work of miners, these developments were quite dissimilar to the highly specialised work practices that were adopted for large‐scale mining in the United States during the same period.
THE MOMENTOUS GOLD RUSHES
Authors: Blainey Geoffrey
Published: June 2010

Gold discoveries in Australia in 1851 and New Zealand in 1861 galvanised the economic development of Australasia and had spillover effects in Britain, in ship technology, and even in the trans‐Atlantic trade. The gold rushes quickly transformed economic, social, and political life. Moving around the continent in an anti‐clockwise direction, they were to help found the northern port cities that grew to service the gold seekers. While the major strike in Western Australia in the 1890s out‐produced the earlier period, Australia saw a third gold peak in the 1990s. The article surveys the contribution of the rushes to the development of Australasia.
Keratosis pilaris rubra and keratosis pilaris atrophicans faciei treated with pulsed dye laser: report of 10 cases
Authors: Alcántara González J , Boixeda P , Truchuelo Díez MT , Fleta Asín B
Published: June 2010

Background  Keratosis pilaris rubra (KPR) and keratosis pilaris atrophicans faciei (KPAF) are both keratinization disorders characterized by erythema and keratotic follicular papules usually located on cheeks, forehead, chin and eyebrows. Topical keratolytics, vitamin D3 analogues, antibiotics, topical and oral retinoids have been used with limited results. As this condition can be socially very limiting, the need for an effective treatment has led to the use of other technologies such as pulsed dye laser (PDL) or intense pulsed light.

Objective  The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of PDL in patients with KPR or KPAF.

Methods  Ten patients with KPR or KPAF were treated with two to seven sessions of PDL at 595‐nm wavelength. Laser therapy was performed using a spot size of 7 or 10 mm, a pulse duration of 0.5 or 1.5 ms and a fluence from 5 to 9 J/cm2. Two dermatologists evaluated treatment effectiveness by means of photographs of the patients before starting and after finishing the therapy.

Results  Complete resolution of erythema was achieved in three patients; clearance of erythema was > 75% in the other seven patients. Transient purpura was present in all patients for about 2 weeks and one patient presented postinflammatory hyperpigmentation for 7 months.

Conclusion  We consider that PDL is a good option for the treatment of KPR and KPAF. A marked reduction in erythema is achieved in all patients with a low incidence of side effects.
Decreased fracture incidence after 1 year of pamidronate treatment in children with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy
Authors: BACHRACH STEVEN J , KECSKEMETHY HEIDI H , HARCKE H THEODORE , HOSSAIN JOBAYER
Published: June 2010

Aim  The aim of this study was to assess the rate of fracture before and after a 1‐year course of intravenous pamidronate in children with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy (CP) who had previously experienced fractures.

Method  Twenty‐five children (nine males, 16 females) with quadriplegic CP in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level IV or V who were treated with intravenous pamidronate for approximately 1 year were identified. All participants had previously experienced at least one non‐traumatic fracture. Each received 15 doses of pamidronate over a mean of 13.6 months. Post‐treatment observation ranged from 1 to 10 years 6 months (mean 4y 1mo). The fracture rate before and after commencement of treatment was calculated using the person‐years method.

Results  The participants had experienced a total of 86 fractures before treatment began, occurring over 280.6 person‐years, giving a fracture rate of 30.6% per year. During the post‐treatment observation period, totalling 107.5 person‐years, 8 of the 25 children experienced a total of 14 fractures. This fracture rate of 13.0% per year is a statistically significant decrease (p=0.02).

Interpretation  Pamidronate treatment lowered the rate of fracture, and a 1‐year course appears to provide a protective effect after treatment ends. For the majority of participants, this effect lasted 4 years or longer. However, a subset of children suffered a fracture soon after the drug was discontinued. In these children, a longer course of treatment appears to have been necessary.
Do all antihypertensive drugs improve carotid intima‐media thickness? A network meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Tropeano Anne‐Isabelle , Saleh Nadine , Hawajri Nasser , Macquin‐Mavier Isabelle , Maison Patrick
Published: June 2010

The many clinical trials investigating the effect of various antihypertensive drugs on carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) produced conflicting results. We used meta‐analysis to evaluate CIMT changes and network meta‐analysis to rank drugs according to the magnitude of these changes. We identified 31 randomized controlled trials listed in three databases as of January 2008. Using a random‐effects model, we found a significant CIMT decrease with antihypertensive drugs compared to placebo (−0.10 [−0.16; −0.04]). Overall effect sizes vs. placebo were significant for angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (−0.08 [−0.14; −0.02]), and a trend was found for beta‐blockers (−0.09 [−0.19; 0.01]). The data did not allow other direct comparisons vs. placebo. Significant benefits were found for calcium‐channel blockers (CCBs) compared to both ACE inhibitors (0.37 [0.20; 0.54]), as well as for angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) compared to beta‐blockers (0.42 [0.29; 0.55]). Diuretics were less efficient than CCBs (−0.09 [−0.16; −0.02]). Indirect comparisons with network meta‐analysis showed significant effects of CCBs and ARBs vs. placebo (both P < 0.05) and vs. diuretics (both P < 0.001). The CIMT decrease with ACE inhibitors and beta‐blockers was greater than with diuretics (both P < 0.05) but was not different from the placebo effect. In subgroup analyses, significant benefits occurred with lower baseline CIMT values and shorter treatment durations but were unrelated to the size of the blood pressure decrease. In conclusion, among antihypertensive drugs, CCBs and ARBs have the greatest effect on CIMT.
Effects induced by inhibitors of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt and nitric oxide synthase/guanylyl cyclase pathways on the isometric contraction in rat aorta: a comparative study
Authors: López Ruth M. , Pérez Teresa , Castillo Carlos , Castillo Enrique F.
Published: June 2010

This work was aimed to determine whether isometric contraction in Wistar rat aorta is related to the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt‐dependent activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Basically, we hypothesized that additional increases in active tone occur after the pharmacological inhibition of a transduction pathway involved in NO synthesis or action. In intact aortic rings contracted with phenylephrine or high K+, the cumulative administration of the PI3K inhibitor, LY294002, elicited significant decreases – but not supplementary increases – in tone. In endothelium‐intact tissues, on the other hand, the Akt1/2 kinase inhibitor did not alter phenylephrine‐ and K+‐induced isometric contractions. The PI3K inhibitor wortmannin (1 × 10−7 m) produced a significant supplementary contraction only in endothelium‐intact aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine. Higher concentrations of this inhibitor produced relaxations of phenylephrine and high K+‐constricted endothelium‐intact and endothelium‐denuded aortic rings. LY294002 and wortmannin did not cause any potentiating effect on phenylephrine‐ and angiotensin II‐induced concentration‐dependent contractile responses in endothelium‐intact tissues. In intact aortic rings contracted with phenylephrine or high K+, the addition of the NOS inhibitor, L‐NAME, or the guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, ODQ, further augmented tone in a concentration‐dependent manner, and these supplementary contractions were significantly reduced by endothelium removal. Taken together, our data suggest that the PI3K/Akt pathway is not counteracting aortic isometric contractions by activation of the eNOS. It appears, on the other hand, that the smooth muscle PI3K can stimulate contraction without activation of the protein kinase Akt in response to GPCR agonists and high K+.
Neuropharmacological effects of lipoic acid and ubiquinone on the mRNA level of interleukin‐1β and acetylcholinesterase activity in rat hippocampus after seizures
Authors: de Freitas Rivelilson M. , Gomes Katia N. , Saldanha Gláucio B.
Published: June 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of lipoic acid and ubiquinone on interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) mRNA levels and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities in rat hippocampus after pilocarpine‐induced seizures. Wistar rats were intraperitoneally administered with either 0.9% saline (icontrol group), LA (10 or 20 mg/kg, LA10 or LA20 groups), UQ (20 or 40 mg/kg, UQ20 and UQ40 groups), pilocarpine (400 mg/kg, P400 group), or co‐administration of pilocarpine with LA or UQ groups 30 min prior to LA or UQ administration. After the treatments, all groups were observed for 1 h. IL‐1β mRNA and AChE activity in rat hippocampus at 1 h after SE onset was determined. Results showed that rats pretreated with LA or UQ developed less seizures and SE more slowly and has less number than animals treated with pilocarpine alone. Reduced IL‐1β mRNA and marked AChE activities in the hippocampus were significantly higher in rats pretreated with LA or UQ in comparison with the values of the control and seized groups. Our findings strongly support the hypothesis that an increase on IL‐1β mRNA levels in hippocampus occurs during seizures induced by pilocarpine, which indicates that inflammatory process plays a crucial role in seizures pathogenic consequences. Our result also suggests that LA or UQ can exert significant neuroprotective effects, at least in part, because of the increase in the AChE activities in rat hippocampus that will be useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Reduced cardiac remodelling and prevention of glutathione deficiency after omega‐3 supplementation in chronic heart failure
Authors: Fang Yuehua , Favre Julie , Vercauteren Magalie , Laillet Brigitte , Remy‐Jouet Isabelle , Skiba Mohamed , Lallemand Françoise , Dehaudt Cathy , Monteil Christelle , Thuillez Christian , Mulder Paul
Published: June 2010

n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega‐3) supplementation is associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality and post‐infarction death. However, the impact of omega‐3 supplementation in congestive heart failure (CHF) is still unknown. This study assesses the effects of omega‐3 supplementation on left ventricular (LV) function and remodelling. We assessed, in rats with CHF induced by left coronary ligation, the effects of a 1‐week and a 12‐week supplementation with omega‐3 (450 mg/kg per day) on LV hemodynamics, function and structure. Chronic omega‐3 reduces total peripheral resistance due to an increase in cardiac output without modification of arterial pressure. Only chronic omega‐3 reduces LV end‐diastolic pressure and LV relaxation constant. Moreover, chronic omega‐3 decreases LV systolic and diastolic diameters, LV weight and collagen density. Acute and chronic omega‐3 increase LV γ‐glutamyl‐cysteine synthetase and oppose glutathione deficiency resulting in a reduction of myocardial oxidized glutathione. In experimental CHF, long‐term omega‐3 supplementation improves LV hemodynamics and function and prevents LV remodelling and glutathione deficiency. The latter might be one of the mechanisms involved, but whether other mechanism, independent of myocardial redox ‘status’, such as reduced inflammation, are implicated remains to be confirmed.
Inhibition of the diclofenac‐induced cyclooxygenase‐2 activity by paracetamol in cultured macrophages is not related to the intracellular lipid hydroperoxide tone
Authors: Ayoub Samir S. , Joshi Amrish , Chol Mary , Gilroy Derek W. , Seed Michael P.
Published: June 2010

Paracetamol, a weak inhibitor of cyclooxygenase COX‐1 and COX‐2 activities, has been reported to inhibit the activity of COX‐2 induced by diclofenac in J774.2 macrophage cell line. The lack of inhibition of COX‐2 by paracetamol in inflamed tissues and thereby the lack of anti‐inflammatory activity has been attributed to high lipid hydroperoxide (LHP) tone. In this study, we demonstrate that the inhibition of the diclofenac‐induced COX‐2 activity in J774.2 cells by paracetamol is not related to the intracellular LHP tone as paracetamol inhibited this activity in the absence and presence of T‐butyl hydroperoxide, which is an LHP donor, to the same extents. In fact, treatment of the cells with diclofenac resulted in an increase in the LHP tone. Stimulation of the cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) results in the induction of a COX‐2 activity, which was not inhibited by paracetamol. This represents the classical induction pathway for COX‐2. LPS stimulation did not alter the LHP tone. These results suggest that the enzymatic activity of the diclofenac‐induced COX‐2 protein does not depend on the supply of hydroperoxides to its peroxidase active site.
Are Lower Response Rates Hazardous to Your Health Survey? An Analysis of Three State Telephone Health Surveys
Authors: Davern Michael , McAlpine Donna , Beebe Timothy J. , Ziegenfuss Jeanette , Rockwood Todd , Call Kathleen Thiede
Published: June 2010

Objective. To examine the impact of response rate variation on survey estimates and costs in three health telephone surveys.

Data Source. Three telephone surveys of noninstitutionalized adults in Minnesota and Oklahoma conducted from 2003 to 2005.

Study Design. We examine differences in demographics and health measures by number of call attempts made before completion of the survey or whether the household initially refused to participate. We compare the point estimates we actually obtained with those we would have obtained with a less aggressive protocol and subsequent lower response rate. We also simulate what the effective sample sizes would have been if less aggressive protocols were followed.

Principal Findings. Unweighted bivariate analyses reveal many differences between early completers and those requiring more contacts and between those who initially refused to participate and those who did not. However, after making standard poststratification adjustments, no statistically significant differences were observed in the key health variables we examined between the early responders and the estimates derived from the full reporting sample.

Conclusions. Our findings demonstrate that for the surveys we examined, larger effective sample sizes (i.e., more statistical power) could have been achieved with the same amount of funding using less aggressive calling protocols. For some studies, money spent on aggressively pursuing high response rates could be better used to increase statistical power and/or to directly examine nonresponse bias.
The 5‐lipoxygenase inhibitor, zileuton, suppresses prostaglandin biosynthesis by inhibition of arachidonic acid release in macrophages
Authors: Rossi A , Pergola C , Koeberle A , Hoffmann M , Dehm F , Bramanti P , Cuzzocrea S , Werz O , Sautebin L
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEZileuton is the only 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LOX) inhibitor marketed as a treatment for asthma, and is often utilized as a selective tool to evaluate the role of 5‐LOX and leukotrienes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of zileuton on prostaglandin (PG) productionin vitroandin vivo.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHPeritoneal macrophages activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/interferon γ (LPS/IFNγ), J774 macrophages and human whole blood stimulated with LPS were used asin vitromodels and rat carrageenan‐induced pleurisy as anin vivomodel.

KEY RESULTSZileuton suppressed PG biosynthesis by interference with arachidonic acid (AA) release in macrophages. We found that zileuton significantly reduced PGE2 and 6‐keto prostaglandin F1α (PGF1α) levels in activated mouse peritoneal macrophages and in J774 macrophages. This effect was not related to 5‐LOX inhibition, because it was also observed in macrophages from 5‐LOX knockout mice. Notably, zileuton inhibited PGE2 production in LPS‐stimulated human whole blood and suppressed PGE2 and 6‐keto PGF1α pleural levels in rat carrageenan‐induced pleurisy. Interestingly, zileuton failed to inhibit the activity of microsomal PGE2 synthase1 and of cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 and did not affect COX‐2 expression. However, zileuton significantly decreased AA release in macrophages accompanied by inhibition of phospholipase A2 translocation to cellular membranes.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONZileuton inhibited PG production by interfering at the level of AA release. Its mechanism of action, as well as its use as a pharmacological tool, in experimental models of inflammation should be reassessed.
Flavocoxid, a dual inhibitor of cyclooxygenase‐2 and 5‐lipoxygenase, reduces pancreatic damage in an experimental model of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Polito F , Bitto A , Irrera N , Squadrito F , Fazzari C , Minutoli L , Altavilla D
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Acute pancreatitis is an autodigestive process resulting in acute inflammation of the pancreas. Accumulating evidence indicates the essential contribution of cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 and 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LOX) to acute pancreatitis. We studied the effects of flavocoxid, a plant‐derived dual inhibitor of COX‐2 and 5‐LOX, in a model of caerulein (CER)‐induced acute pancreatitis.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Rats were given CER (80 µg·kg−1 for each of four injections at hourly intervals) or vehicle (Sham‐CER). Animals were then randomized to receive flavocoxid (20 mg·kg−1 i.p.) or vehicle, 30 min after the first CER injection. Two hours after the last CER injection, we evaluated damage to the pancreas by histological methods; serum levels of amylase, lipase, leukotriene (LT)B4 and prostaglandin (PG)E2; pancreatic expression of COX‐2 and 5‐LOX and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) gene expression by real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

KEY RESULTS Caerulein induced inflammatory changes in the pancreas and raised values of the other variables measured. In CER‐treated animals, but not in those given saline, flavocoxid inhibited COX‐2 and 5‐LOX expression, reduced serum levels of lipase and amylase and the degree of pancreatic oedema. Treatment with flavocoxid blunted the increased pancreatic TNF‐α mRNA expression, serum leukotriene B4 and prostaglandin E2 levels, and protected against histological damage in terms of vacuolization and leukocyte infiltration.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our results confirm the key role of both COX‐2 and 5‐LOX in the inflammatory response to acute pancreatitis. Flavocoxid may provide a potential therapeutic approach to the treatment of patients at high risk of developing this life‐threatening condition.
The Electro‐Mechanical window: a risk marker for Torsade de Pointes in a canine model of drug induced arrhythmias
Authors: van der Linde HJ , Van Deuren B , Somers Y , Loenders B , Towart R , Gallacher DJ
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In cardiovascular pharmacology, electrical and mechanical events can be distinguished, and the phrase ‘electro‐mechanical window’ (EMw) describes the temporal difference between these events. We studied whether changes in EMw have potential predictive value for the occurrence of arrhythmias in fentanyl/etomidate‐anaesthetized beagle (FEAB) dogs.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The EMw was calculated as differences between the QT interval and QLVPend in FEAB dogs during atrial pacing, treatment with isoprenaline or atropine, body temperature changes and induction of Torsade de Pointes (TdP) in an LQT1 model.

KEY RESULTS The electrical systole (QT interval) was shorter than the duration of the mechanical event (QLVPend), providing a positive EMw. Atrial pacing, atropine or body temperature changes had no major effects on EMw, despite large changes in QT duration. However, β‐adrenoceptor stimulation (with isoprenaline) decreased the EMw (from 90 to 5 ms) and in combination with HMR1556, a blocker of the slowly activating potassium current (IKs), induced a large negative EMw (–109 ms) and TdP. Prevention of TdP by atenolol or verapamil was associated with a less negative EMw (–23 to –16 ms). Mexiletine, a poorly effective long QT treatment, did not affect the EMw or prevent TdP induction.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The EMw is a marker, other than QT prolongation, of TdP risk in the FEAB model. Therefore, we suggest examining the EMw as a risk marker in cardiovascular safety studies and as a potential biomarker to improve clinical management of long QT syndrome patients, especially in patients with borderline QT prolongation.

LINKED ARTICLE This article is commented on by Vargas, pp. 1441–1443 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00980.x
Long‐lasting target binding and rebinding as mechanisms to prolongin vivodrug action
Authors: Vauquelin Georges , Charlton Steven J
Published: June 2010

An increasing number of examples in the literature suggest that thein vivoduration of drug action not only depends on macroscopic pharmacokinetic properties like plasma half‐life and the time needed to equilibrate between the plasma and the effect compartments, but is also influenced by long‐lasting target binding and rebinding. The present review combines information from different research areas and simulations to explore the nature of these mechanisms and the conditions in which they are most prevalent. Simulations reveal that these latter phenomena become especially influential when there is no longer sufficient free drug around to maintain high levels of receptor occupancy. There is not always a direct link between slow dissociation and long‐lastingin vivotarget protection, as the rate of free drug elimination from the effect compartment is also a key influencing factor. Local phenomena that hinder the diffusion of free drug molecules away from their target may allow them to consecutively bind to the same target and/or targets nearby (denoted as ‘rebinding’) even when their concentration in the bulk phase has already dropped to insignificant levels. The micro‐anatomic properties of many effect compartments are likely to intensify this phenomenon. By mimicking the complexity of tissues, intact cells offer the opportunity to investigate both mechanisms under the same, physiologically relevant conditions.
Shade Coffee in Biological Corridors: Potential Results at the Landscape Level in El Salvador
Authors: Romanoff Steven
Published: June 2010

Might the cost of certifying coffee farms limit the capacity of certification to cover a landscape and protect biodiversity? Gobbi simulated financial viability and Taylor and colleagues asked, “Does the premium pay off?” but there is little empirical evidence. In two years, a project in western El Salvador developed such data as farmers prepared for certification under Rainforest Alliance norms or verification for Starbuck's Coffee. On 45 sample farms, major investments were shade trees, soil/water conservation, and water supply for workers. At the aggregated or landscape level, investment on‐farm cost US$77 per hectare of coffee. Further, it cost US$53 per hectare for audits and technical assistance, and more than US$30 for increased operating expenses. (Average figures per hectare across farms differed considerably: US$111 per hectare.) Returns in the first year of certification were price bonuses for certified coffee (US$191 per hectare at the aggregate level) and part of unexpectedly large production increases (US$265 per hectare, aggregate), totaling US$456 per hectare. (Average per hectare across farms gross benefits differed: US$734 per hectare.) More than half of the farms did very well with certification, even in the first year. A good market, low baseline productivity, unused productive capacity, and institutional support for extension and certification contributed. Bottom line: 300 farms were certified on 11,000 hectares covering one‐third of a major coffee landscape and substantial aggregate investments in conservation. Comparative or follow‐on data are needed for perspective on these results, to show if benefits were sustained, and to allow financial calculations.
Habitat preferences and positive assortative mating in an avian hybrid zone
Authors: Haas Fredrik , Knape Jonas , Brodin Anders
Published: June 2010

The relatively narrow hybrid zone between hooded and carrion crow is characterised by a high proportion of breeding hybrids, no known intrinsic postzygotic costs, and most likely, high gene flow between populations. It is therefore of interest to identify factors preventing a breakdown of the zone. In this study, we investigate the possibility that habitat choice could create assortative mating in the German–Danish part of the zone. In a GIS analysis, we used two approaches to investigate the role of habitat selection in the maintenance of this zone. We tested if there are 1) any correlations between habitat and the shape of the hybrid zone, and 2) any differences in habitat preferences between territorial individuals of the crow phenotypes. The most extensive habitat, non‐irrigated arable land (Habitat 1), which covers almost 50% of the area in the zone was preferred by all three phenotypes (carrion, hooded and hybrid crows), but showed no change in frequency across the zone. Pastures (Habitat 2) and agricultural areas mixed with natural vegetation (Habitat 4) correlated with the shape of the zone, but only H4 differed in preference between the crow phenotypes. H4 was preferred by hybrids and hooded crows, but not by carrion crows. This habitat is present only in 17% of the hooded crow territories, and thus, it is not likely to have a strong influence on the maintenance of the hybrid zone. There was evidence of assortative mating in pure phenotypes, whereas hybrids showed no consistent mating pattern. Because our GIS analyses suggest that species specific habitat preferences are not involved in shaping the assortativeness, we discuss other possible mechanisms.
Inter‐annual variation in the breeding chronology of arctic shorebirds: effects of weather, snow melt and predators
Authors: Smith Paul A. , Gilchrist H. Grant , Forbes Mark R. , Martin Jean‐Louis , Allard Karel
Published: June 2010

Arctic breeding shorebirds travel thousands of kilometres between their wintering and breeding grounds, yet the period over which they arrive and begin to initiate nests spans only several weeks. We investigated the role of local conditions such as weather, snow cover and predator abundance on the timing of arrival and breeding for shorebirds at four sites in the eastern Canadian arctic. Over 11 years, we monitored the arrival of 12 species and found 821 nests. Weather was highly variable over the course of this study, and the date of 50% snow cover varied by up to three weeks between years. In contrast, timing of arrival varied by one week or less at our sites, and was not well predicted by local conditions such as temperature, wind or snow melt. Timing of breeding was related to the date of 50% snow melt, with later snow melt resulting in delayed breeding. Higher predator abundance resulted in earlier nesting than would be predicted by snow cover alone. We hypothesise that when predation risk is high, the value of potential re‐nesting exceeds the energetic risks of early breeding. Synchrony of breeding was significantly higher in late breeding years suggesting a relatively fixed date for the termination of nest initiation, after which nesting is no longer profitable.
Individual flexibility in habitat selection in the ortolan buntingEmberiza hortulana
Authors: Dale Svein , Christiansen Peder
Published: June 2010

In order to understand habitat selection in birds, it is important to know how individuals respond when encountering a variety of habitats during dispersal and must choose between them. However, very few field studies have addressed this question. We compared habitat selection of ortolan buntingsEmberiza hortulanabefore and after dispersal events. In Norway, this species has a patchy distribution and breeds in different open habitats of which the two major ones are botanically distinct: raised peat bogs and forest clear‐cuts on dry, sandy soil. There was no evidence that habitat selection of males after natal dispersal was influenced by natal habitat, and 83% changed vegetation type. Habitat selection was random when taking the availability of each vegetation type into account, both at the landscape level and among habitats encountered along likely dispersal routes. Habitat selection after breeding dispersal was not influenced by the habitat of the patch of origin, and 62–71% changed habitat during successive dispersal events. Changing habitat did not seem to affect pairing or breeding success, but decreased with age. Lifetime patterns of habitat selection indicated that the majority (86%) changed habitat one or more times. However, the proportion never changing habitat (14%) was significantly higher than expected if settlement after dispersal was random (5%), suggesting that the majority of males were flexible whereas a minority was habitat conservative. These results provide some of the first systematic evidence based on settlement decisions of individuals that habitat selection of birds can be flexible with regard to vegetation type.
Uropygial gland size correlates with feather holes, body condition and wingbar size in the house sparrowPasser domesticus
Authors: Moreno‐Rueda Gregorio
Published: June 2010

The uropygial gland is an organ exclusive of birds that secretes an oily substance, the uropygial secretion, the functions of which are still debated. One of the proposed hypothesis is its possible action against chewing lice (order Phthiraptera), a group of avian ectoparasites that feed on feathers, causing different types of harm. However, this hypothesis lacks support. The present study analyses the relationship between uropygial gland size and the number of feather holes (which is correlated with the load of chewing lice) in the house sparrowPasser domesticus. Moreover, the relationship between the uropygial gland size and different aspects of sparrow health (body condition, immunocompetence and haematocrit), as well as sexually selected traits in males (badge and wingbar size), is tested. The results show a negative correlation between uropygial gland size and number of feather holes, a result found both years of the study. This result supports the hypothesis that uropygial secretion is used against chewing lice. Uropygial gland size also correlated positively with body condition (residuals of body mass relative to tarsus length) and immunocompetence, being therefore related to bird health. After a year in captivity, with resources provided ad libitum, no correlation was found between individual uropygial gland size and body condition or haematocrit, perhaps because the negative effect that chewing lice exert on bird health was offset by captivity conditions. Uropygial gland size was not correlated with badge size, but it was correlated with wingbar size, which furthermore supports the contention that this sexually selected signal acts as an indicator of lice resistance in the house sparrow. In summary, this study supports the idea of a positive relationship between uropygial gland and bird health in the house sparrow, the gland secretion affording resistance against chewing lice.
Sex‐dependent response of primary moult to simulated time constraints in the rock sparrow Petronia petronia
Authors: Serra Lorenzo , Pirrello Simone , Licheri Davide , Griggio Matteo , Pilastro Andrea
Published: June 2010

There is growing evidence that moult speed affects plumage quality. In many bird species, males and females differ in terms of breeding effort, survival expectation and the relationship between fitness and plumage quality. Consequently, differences in moult strategies between the sexes can be expected. The aim of this study was to assess whether, under simulated time constraints and with no parental investment in the previous breeding season, males and females differed in: a) timing and duration of primary moult, b) growth rates of individual primary feathers, and c) number of concurrently growing feathers. We investigated the effect of time constraints generated by a treatment consisting of two decreasing photoperiods (slow changing photoperiod, SCP=2 min day−1 and fast changing photoperiod, FCP=8 min day−1) on the primary post‐nuptial moult of captive rock sparrows Petronia petronia. Females started to moult on average 14 and 15 days later than males in both experimental groups. Primary moult duration was 10 (FCP) and 24 (SCP) days longer in males than in females, and, within sex, 34 (females) and 48 (males) days longer in SCP birds than in FCP ones. Females renewed a larger number of primaries simultaneously (5.7% in FCP and 12.8% in SCP) and had a higher total daily feather mass grown (9.9% in FCP and 22.4% in SCP), even though daily growth rates of individual primaries did not differ between sexes. As a result, males and females completed their primary moult at the same time within treatment. The observed differences in timing, duration and energy allocation for primary moult between the sexes probably have a genetic basis, as birds did not engage in reproduction during the preceding breeding season.
Bone reaction adjacent to microplasma‐sprayed CaP‐coated oral implants subjected to occlusal load, an experimental study in the dog. Part I: short‐term results
Authors: Junker R. , Manders P. J. D. , Wolke J. , Borisov Y. , Jansen J. A.
Published: June 2010

Background: A new microplasma spraying equipment (MSE) to deposit calcium phosphate ceramic (CaP) coatings onto titanium substrates has been developed. With this system, it is possible to spray fine particles and to apply textured hydroxylapatite coatings onto titanium surfaces. Moreover, due to the low heat power of the microplasma jet, overheating of the powder particles as well as excessive local overheating of the substrate is diminished. Furthermore, because of the small laminar plasma jet, it is possible to achieve high spray efficiency in the case of spraying for dental implants. Also, the low level of noise (25–50 dB) and hardly any dust makes it possible to operate MSE under conditions of normal workrooms.

Objective: The aim was to investigate, in a mandibular dog model, bone biological properties and the occlusal loading effects of titanium implants provided with newly developed microplasma‐sprayed CaP coatings.

Material and methods: For histomorphometrical evaluation, 48 screw‐type titanium implants were inserted into the mandibles of six adult beagle dogs. The implants were either acid etched without additional coating, coated with a conventionally plasma‐sprayed CaP ceramic, coated with a microplasma‐sprayed CaP ceramic or with a microplasma‐sprayed coating at the apical part only. To assess the effect of occlusal loading, a split‐mouth design was used. Six weeks after implantation, the implants in one half of the mandible of each dog were functionally loaded, while the contra lateral implants served as control. Six weeks after loading, the animals were sacrificed and bone‐to‐implant contact as well as the amount of bone around the implants were assessed.

Results: Irrespective of surface and functional load, no statistically significant differences (P>0.05) were found either for bone‐to‐implant contact or for the amount of bone between the various implant surfaces. On the other hand, functional loading of the non‐coated implants was associated with a tendency towards crestal bone loss.

Conclusion: Within the limits of the experiment, we conclude that functional loading of MPS CaP coatings induces a favorable bone response, and furthermore, that the bone response, irrespective of the loading condition, does not differ from conventional plasma‐sprayed CaP coatings.

To cite this article:
 Junker R, Manders PJD, Wolke J, Borisov Y, Jansen JA. Bone reaction adjacent to microplasma‐sprayed CaP‐coated oral implants subjected to occlusal load, an experimental study in the dog. Part I: Short‐term results. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 1251–1263. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.01940.x
Effect of a macroscopic groove on bone response and implant stability
Authors: Yoon Hyung‐In , Yeo In‐Sung , Yang Jae‐Ho
Published: June 2010

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a macroscopic groove on bone response and implant stability during the early stages of healing using a rabbit tibia model.

Materials and methods: Anodized titanium implants with (n=24) and without (n=24) macroscopic grooves were prepared. A total of 12 rabbits were used and each received four implants: six rabbits with implants with macroscopic grooves (test group) and six rabbits with implants without macroscopic groves (control group). Histomorphometry, resonance frequency, and removal torque value were evaluated 2 and 6 weeks post‐implant‐insertion.

Results: At 2 and 6 weeks, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the percentage of bone‐to‐implant contact (P>0.05). At 6 weeks, the test group had significantly higher implant stability quotient values than the control group (P<0.05). At 2 and 6 weeks, implants with grooves showed a significantly greater resistance to reverse torque than control implants (P<0.05).

Conclusion: The groove on the oxidized titanium surface may increase both resistance to shear load and adhesion at the bone–implant interface. A geometric feature such as a macroscopic groove may facilitate osseointegration and increase implant stability in various clinical conditions. Further studies are required to confirm whether the improvement in implant stability will enhance treatment success in humans.

To cite this article:
 Yoon H‐I, Yeo I‐S, Yang J‐H. Effect of a macroscopic groove on bone response and implant stability. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 1379–1385. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.01960.x
Radiographic evaluation of marginal bone levels during healing period, adjacent to parallel‐screw cylinder implants inserted in the posterior zone of the jaws, placed with flapless surgery
Authors: Nickenig Hans‐Joachim , Wichmann Manfred , Schlegel Karl Andreas , Nkenke Emeka , Eitner Stephan
Published: June 2010

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare changes at the marginal bone level adjacent to implants placed with flapless surgery and flap surgery during a stress‐free healing period.

Material and methods: Seven hundred and eighty‐five implants were placed in 417 patients with a flapless approach and 459 implants were placed in 227 patients using flap techniques. The marginal bone level was determined radiographically, using digitized panoramic radiographs, at two time points: at implant placement (baseline) and after the healing period.

Results: The median follow‐up time was 0.5 years (SD, 1.2; range: 0.3–0.7). Implants placed with flapless surgery had a mean crestal bone loss of 0.5 mm (SD, 0.5; range: −0.7–2.4) and implants placed with flap surgery had a mean bone loss of 0.5 mm (SD, 0.7; range: −2.0–3.0) after healing. Differences in bone level changes between smokers and non‐smokers were statistically significant for the flapless group (P<0.01).

Conclusions: A radiographic evaluation of marginal bone levels adjacent to implants showed comparable results for implants placed with flapless surgery and flap surgery. Appropriate case selection after virtual planning of the implant position and a sound surgical protocol is necessary for flapless surgery. Smoking habits may compromise the efficacy of flapless implant procedures.

To cite this article:
 Nickenig H‐J, Wichmann M, Schlegel KA, Nkenke E, Eitner S. Radiographic evaluation of marginal bone levels during healing period, adjacent to parallel‐screw cylinder implants inserted in the posterior zone of the jaws, placed with flapless surgery. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 1386–1393. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01961.x
Relationship between formaldehyde and quaternium‐15 contact allergy. Influence of strength of patch test reactions
Authors: De Groot Anton C. , Blok Janine , Coenraads Pieter‐Jan
Published: June 2010

Background: In groups of patients with formaldehyde allergy, many have positive patch tests to quaternium‐15. Conversely, of patients allergic to quaternium‐15, over half also react to formaldehyde.

Objectives: To test our hypothesis that patients with stronger patch test reactions to formaldehyde are more likely to react to quaternium‐15, attesting to the aetiological role for formaldehyde in such co‐reactivity.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of all patients patch tested with formaldehyde and quaternium‐15 in the European baseline series between 1994 and 2009 (TRUE test®).

Results: In a group of 86 patients allergic to formaldehyde, 73% co‐reacted to quaternium‐15; in the subgroup of 70 women, the percentage was 83. In both groups, more reactions were observed to quaternium‐15 in the patients with a ++ reaction compared to the patients with a + reaction to formaldehyde. Conversely, stronger reactions to quaternium‐15 were significantly more often associated with formaldehyde sensitivity in a group of 107 patients reacting to quaternium‐15 and a subgroup of 88 women. In men, such effects were not observed and only 5 of 16 (31%) men allergic to formaldehyde also reacted to quaternium‐15.

Conclusions: In women, but not in men, stronger reactions to formaldehyde lead to more positive quaternium‐15 patch tests.
Formaldehyde‐releasers: Relationship to formaldehyde contact allergy, Part 2: Metalworking fluids and remainder
Authors: De Groot Anton , Geier Johannes , Flyvholm Mari‐Ann , Lensen Gerda , Coenraads Pieter‐Jan
Published: June 2010

We have reviewed formaldehyde‐releasers used in metalworking fluids (MWFs) in this and a previous part of a two‐part article. These biocides do not appear to be frequent or important sensitizers. Even in highly selected patient groups of metalworkers, mean prevalence rates of sensitivity are low: 0.2% for Tris(hydroxymethyl)nitromethane, 1.6% for tris(N‐hydroxyethyl)hexahydrotriazine, 1.9% for Bioban® P‐1487 and Bioban® CS‐1246, and 2.8% for Bioban® CS‐1135. In the case of the Biobans, many reactions may have been irritant. Only N,N′‐methylenebis(5‐methyloxazolidine) has a fairly high mean score of 4.0% in metalworkers. With the exception of Bioban® P‐1487, there is a clear relationship between positive patch test reactions to the releasers and formaldehyde sensitivity: 40–70% of reactions to releasers occur in patients sensitive to formaldehyde and may therefore be caused by formaldehyde allergy. There is a lack of reliable data on the clinical relevance of contact allergy to the formaldehyde releasers in MWF. In most studies, no data on relevance were provided and in those that did, relevance was often found for a (very small) minority of the reactions only. Also discussed here are the formaldehyde‐releasers MDM hydantoin, methenamine, N‐methylolchloracetamide, paraformaldehyde, and Preventol® D2.
Dietary intakes of polyunsaturated fatty acids among pregnant Mexican women
Authors: Parra‐Cabrera Socorro , Stein Aryeh D. , Wang Meng , Martorell Reynaldo , Rivera Juan , Ramakrishnan Usha
Published: June 2010

Nutritional demands for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are high during pregnancy. Diets low in DHA and long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty‐acids (LC‐PUFA) in pregnancy are associated with poorer DHA status and slower reestablishment of maternal stores. To assess intakes of LC‐PUFA among urban pregnant women in Central Mexico, we conducted a cross‐sectional survey in Prenatal Clinic at the General Hospital No. 1 of the Mexican Society Security Institute, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico. We ascertained intakes over past three months of 110 food items using a food frequency questionnaire developed for this population. Among 1364 pregnant women 18–35 years of age (mean age 26.2 ± 4.7 years) who were interviewed at 18–22 weeks gestation, median (inter‐quartile range) daily intakes of linoleic acid, alpha‐linolenic acid (LA), arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA were 17.6 (13.6; 22.2) g, 1.4 (1.0; 2.0) g, 137 (102; 174) mg, 18 (10; 38) mg, and 55 (37; 99) mg respectively. The median ratio of n‐6 to n‐3 PUFA was 11.8:1. The main dietary contributions to DHA intake were eggs, chicken, and fresh canned fish. Intakes of PUFAs were higher among women who had completed high school (p < 0.01). We conclude that intakes of DHA were much lower than recommended values; the high n‐6 to n‐3 ratio suggests a suboptimal balance of these PUFAs. Very few sources of DHA are commonly eaten.
The Cysteine Pairs in CLV2 are Not Necessary for Sensing the CLV3 Peptide in Shoot and Root Meristems
Authors: Song Xiufen , Guo Peng , Li Chen , Liu Chun‐Ming
Published: June 2010

Receptor‐like proteins (RLPs) are involved in both plant defense and developmental processes. Previous genetic and biochemical studies show that the leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) receptor‐like protein CLAVATA2 (CLV2) functions together with CLAVATA1 (CLV1) and CORYNE (CRN) in Arabidopsis to limit the stem cell number in shoot apical meristem, while in root it acts with CRN to trigger a premature differentiation of the stem cells after sensing the exogenously applied peptides of CLV3p, CLE19p or CLE40p. It has been proposed that disulfide bonds might be formed through two cysteine pairs in the extracellular LRR domains of CLV1 and CLV2 to stabilize the receptor complex. Here we tested the hypothesis by replacing these cysteines with alanines and showed that depletions of one or both of the cysteine pairs do not hamper the function of CLV2 in SAM maintenance. In vitro peptide assay also showed that removal of the cysteine pairs did not affect the perception of CLV3 peptides in roots. These observations allow us to conclude that the formation of disulfide bonds is not needed for the function of CLV2.