bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyperuricaemia: another metabolic feature affecting the severity of chronic hepatitis because of HCV infection
Authors: Petta Salvatore , Macaluso Fabio S. , Cammà Calogero , Marco Vito D. , Cabibi Daniela , Craxì Antonio
Published: July 2012

Background

Several works observed a link between uric acid serum levels and clinical and histological features of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. An association between chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and uric acid levels has been poorly investigated.

Aims

To assess the potential association between uric acid serum levels and both histological features of liver damage and sustained virological response (SVR) in a homogeneous cohort of CHC patients.

Methods

Consecutive biopsy‐proven CHC patients were included. Hyperuricaemia was diagnosed with uric acid serum levels >7 mg/dl in men, and >6 mg/dl in women. Patients underwent therapy with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin.

Results

Hyperuricaemia, observed in 7.5% of patients, was associated with low density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR 1.015, 95% CI 1.004–1.026, P = 0.008), arterial hypertension (OR 3.024, 95% CI 1.290–7.088, P = 0.01), estimated glomerular filtration rate (OR 0.942, 95% CI 0.919–0.965, P < 0.001) and severity of steatosis (OR 3.176, 95% CI 1.828–5.517, P < 0.001) by multivariate logistic regression analysis. The following features were independently linked to the severity of liver steatosis (<5% vs. ≥5% to <30% vs. ≥30%) using ordinal regression analysis: age (OR 1.027, 95% CI 1.011–1.044, P = 0.01), body mass index (OR 1.088, 95% CI 1.039–1.138, P < 0.001), triglycerides (OR 1.005, 95% CI 1.001–1.009, P = 0.02), homeostasis model assessment (OR 1.095, 95% CI 1.014–1.184, P = 0.02), hyperuricaemia (OR 2.751, 95% CI 1.423–5.322, P = 0.003), hepatitis C virus genotype 3 (OR 4.567, 95% CI 1.515–13.763, P = 0.007) and severe necroinflammatory activity (OR 1.584, 95% CI 1.067–2.349, P = 0.02). No independent association was found among uric acid levels and necroinflammatory activity, fibrosis and SVR.

Conclusions

In CHC patients, hyperuricaemia was independently associated with severity of steatosis, representing, in this setting, via steatosis induction, an indirect factor affecting both liver damage and poor response to therapy, and thus a novel potential therapeutic target in CHC management.
Vertical and horizontal movements of Fuller's rose weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Australian citrus groves
Authors: Mo Jianhua , Stevens Mark M.
Published: July 2012

Fuller's rose weevil (FRW; Asynonychus cervinus (Boheman)) is a pest of quarantine concern in many Asian markets for Australian citrus. We investigated vertical (tree climbing) and horizontal movements (inter‐tree movements) of FRW adults in a citrus orchard during 2009–2011 with mark‐recapture experiments. Trunk traps were used to intercept tree‐climbing adults. The results showed that the majority of the adults released on the foliage stayed in the canopy, however considerable numbers did drop and some dropped multiple times. The rate of drops appeared to be fixed, independent of how many times the weevils had dropped before. Inter‐tree movements of adults in the canopy occurred mainly within rows, probably because of touching foliage between within‐row neighboring trees. Movement directions on the ground were more random, when reliance on touching foliage was not necessary. According to fitted dispersal equations, the average dispersal distance was 38 m for weevils released on foliage and 127 m for those released on the ground. Trunk banding with chemicals is an important control tactic for FRW, and based on our results, chemicals should be applied at a high enough rate (or in a wide enough band) to ensure the weevils are killed by a single crossing. For maximum reductions of FRW populations in citrus, control actions should be applied not only to infested blocks but also to neighboring blocks in the orchard.
The production of female sex pheromone in Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) young males does not influence their mating chances
Authors: Benelli Giovanni , Bonsignori Gabriella , Stefanini Cesare , Raspi Alfio , Canale Angelo
Published: July 2012

In Bactrocera oleae females attract males, which is in contrast to the majority of Tephritidae. However, the major component of the secretion of the female rectal ampulla glands, 1,7‐dioxaspiro‐[5,5]‐undecane (DSU), was also isolated from the glands of young males. The DSU produced by females and young males attracts males, but not females. In this study, we investigated the role of the production of DSU in young males. The mating performances of young and old males were evaluated, as well as the male‐male courtships by old males oriented at young and old males. Young males were found not to have a mating advantage. Young males were courted more by other males. Frame‐by‐frame analysis of male wing vibrations showed that this behavior did not differ when oriented at females and young males, highlighting that young males are perceived as females by the courting males. Overall, the production of DSU in young B. oleae males did not seem to be a case of female chemical mimicry. The hypothesis that young olive fruit fly males could benefit indirectly from the DSU production, simply distracting mature males away from females, is discussed.
Effects of Prescribed Burning and Mechanical Bush Clearing on Ungulate Space Use in an African Savannah
Authors: Isaacs Lisa , Somers Michael J. , Dalerum Fredrik
Published: July 2012

Savannah ecosystems exhibit constant transitions between states dominated by trees and states dominated by a combination of trees and grasses. Transitions between these states are driven by interactions between fire and herbivory. Bush encroachment (i.e. an increase in the density of woody vegetation) is often caused by anthropogenic disturbance such as climate change, invasive plants, fire control, and livestock practices. As bush encroachment alters the dynamics between fire and herbivory, it may have significant impact on savannah ecosystems. Two of the most common measures to mitigate bush encroachment are prescribed burning and bush clearing by mechanical treatments. We studied the effects of these two mitigation measures on ungulate space use in Lapalala Wilderness, a private conservation area within the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, northern South Africa. Burning and bush clearing affected both the overall abundance and the species composition of ungulates at particular patches, but these effects were influenced by habitat and the type of bush clearing treatment. Contrary to our expectations, most species occurred less frequently in burnt patches, and also less frequently in patches that had been bush cleared. Our results suggest that combined effects of fire and bush clearing may have positive effects on grazers and negative effects on browsers. Although our sampling design did not allow us to fully resolve interactive effects of burning and bush clearing treatments across habitats, our study highlights the fact that there are complex ecological consequences of habitat alterations in savannah ecosystems.
Seed Treatment Optimizes Benefits of Seed Bank Storage for Restoration‐Ready Seeds: The Feasibility of Prestorage Dormancy Alleviation for Mine‐Site Revegetation
Authors: Turner Shane R. , Steadman Kathryn J. , Vlahos Stephen , Koch John M. , Dixon Kingsley W.
Published: July 2012

Dormant seeds of 18 species from 9 families covering a diverse range of seed dormancy syndromes and life histories from the southwest Australian biodiversity hotspot were assessed for germinability following storage at 15–25°C for 36 months. A total of 10 species with physical dormancy (PY) and 8 with either physiological dormancy (PD) or morphophysiological dormancy (MPD) were assessed as part of the study. Prior to storage, germination from dormant seeds was 1–27%, rising to 41–100% following specific dormancy‐breaking treatments. When seed dormancy was removed prior to storage for 36 months seeds from all species were found to maintain a nondormant state and germinate to a similar level to that observed at the beginning of the experiment (44–100%). Likewise, seeds that did not receive a prestorage dormancy‐breaking treatment maintained a dormant state (0–50% germination) and subsequently responded well to a dormancy‐breaking treatment immediately prior to germination assessment (49–99%). There were minimal differences in response to dormancy‐breaking treatments before and after 36 months storage (average 4–6% difference) and in the germination responses observed between both storage environments assessed (15°C/15% eRH or 15–25°C air dried). Based on these findings, storing seeds in a nondormant state does not alter germinability and this approach provides significant benefits to current seed‐based restoration programs through reduction of double handling and improved seed use efficiency.
High Plant Richness in Prairie Reconstructions Support Diverse Leafhopper Communities
Authors: Rowe Helen I. , Holland Jeffrey D.
Published: July 2012

A primary reason for restoring plant communities is to increase biodiversity to previous levels. It is expected that restoring land with greater plant diversity will increase biodiversity at higher trophic levels, but high diversity seed mixes are expensive. In this study, we used one insect family, leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) to assess the difference in leafhopper communities that result from establishing high compared with low plant richness restorations. We tested the hypotheses that: (1) the added effort of a high richness restoration leads to measurable increases in both diversity and richness of leafhoppers; and (2) that leafhopper community composition is more similar to remnant prairies in high richness than in low plant richness restorations. We found that higher plant richness led to 3‐ to 7‐fold increases in leafhopper and prairie‐dependent leafhopper diversity and richness in restorations. Leafhopper communities in high richness restorations were not more similar to remnant prairies, rather they were distinct among high and low richness restorations and prairie interior. Leafhopper richness and diversity correlated with plant richness, and leafhopper community composition differed among plant community assemblages, but not with the occurrence of single plant species. For our sites, species‐rich restorations provided better quality habitat for leafhoppers that was comparable to remnant prairie. Our results suggest that restorations with high plant species richness better support animal food webs.
Dynamics of Nutrient Contents (Phosphorus, Nitrogen) in Water, Sediment and Plants After Restoration of Connectivity in Side‐Channels of the River Rhine
Authors: Meyer Albin , Combroux Isabelle , Trémolières Michèle
Published: July 2012

During the last century, canalization of the Rhine river led to disconnection of side‐arms, over‐sedimentation of these channels, loss of the fluvial dynamics, and aquatic vegetation change or disappearance. Recent restoration projects aim to reconnect disconnected arms to the main channel. The objective of this study was to assess the nutrient dynamics in restored channels during the vegetation colonization process. In spring, summer, and autumn 2009, the phosphorus and nitrogen contents were measured in water, sediment, and plants, sampled in six channels, two reference sites and four restored ones at different dates. Aquatic vegetation was monitored during the same period. Sites were mesotrophic related to the water nutrient concentrations. However, vegetation communities indicated a eutrophic level, as they were dominated by species like Elodea nuttallii, Myriophyllum spicatum, and Potamogeton perfoliatus. Sites were discriminated by P content and mineral nitrogen in the sediment. We showed an effect of species and season on the plant nutrient content, but there was no relationship between plant nutrient content and nutrients in water and sediment. A negative correlation between mean N plant content and the cover of each species was found. Vegetation characteristics (species richness and cover) and bioavailable phosphorus in the sediment were also correlated. In the restored side‐arms of the river Rhine, phosphorus‐rich sediment seems to be important in the recolonization dynamics, as it was linked to higher species richness, whereas nitrogen played a role in the colonization patterns as a growth limiting factor.
Why Risk Analysis is Difficult, and Some Thoughts on How to Proceed
Authors: Ben‐Haim Yakov
Published: July 2012

Risk analysis is challenged in three ways by uncertainty. Our understanding of the world and its uncertainties is evolving; indeterminism is an inherent part of the open universe in which we live; and learning from experience involves untestable assumptions. We discuss several concepts of robustness as tools for responding to these epistemological challenges. The use of models is justified, even though they are known to err. A concept of robustness is illustrated in choosing between a conventional technology and an innovative, promising, but more uncertain technology. We explain that nonprobabilistic robust decisions are sometimes good probabilistic bets. Info‐gap and worst‐case concepts of robustness are compared. Finally, we examine the exploitation of favorable but uncertain opportunities and its relation to robust decision making.
The Effects of Homeownership on Children's Outcomes: Real Effects or Self‐Selection?
Authors: Holupka Scott , Newman Sandra J.
Published: July 2012

This article examines whether there is a “homeownership effect” for lower‐income racial and ethnic groups who have been the target of public policies to expand homeownership. We use two different methods to account for selection, statistical matching and instrumental variable analysis; test direct and indirect (mediator) effects of homeownership on children's cognitive achievement, behavior problems and health using the Panel Study of Income Dynamics and its Child Development Supplement; and replicate the main effects tests using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. We find little evidence of beneficial homeownership effects and suggest that previous analyses may have mistaken selection differences for the effect of homeownership itself.
Fixed Come Hell or High Water? Selection and Prepayment of Fixed‐Rate Mortgages Outside the United States
Authors: Daglish Toby , Patel Nimesh
Published: July 2012

We examine the decision to prepay a fixed‐rate mortgage in the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. These countries are characterized by having substantial fees which are associated with breaking a fixed‐rate mortgage. We develop a model which allows for fluctuations both in banks’ wholesale rates and credit spreads. We find that households can achieve economically significant benefits both from following an optimal prepayment strategy contingent on the break fee used by their bank and also by selection of fixed interest rate term and (where available) break fee structure.
First‐In‐Man Experience With a New 7F Vascular Closure Device (EXOSEAL™): The 7F ECLIPSE Study
Authors: WIEMER MARCUS , LANGER CHRISTOPH , FICHTLSCHERER STEPHAN , FIRSCHKE CHRISTIAN , HOFBAUER FLORIAN , LINS MARKUS , HAUDE MICHAEL , DEBÈFVE CHRISTOF , STOLL HANS‐PETER , HANEFELD CHRISTOPH
Published: July 2012

Objective:
 This feasibility study examined safety and effectiveness of the new EXOSEAL™ Vascular Closure Device (VCD) designed to promote hemostasis and early ambulation after percutaneous procedures.

Background:
 Most VCDs currently approved by the United States FDA have been associated with significantly shorter time‐to‐hemostasis (TTH) and time‐to‐ambulation (TTA) compared to standard manual or mechanical compression, but their ease of use, patient comfort during deployment, and safety profiles are variable.

Methods:
 Patients underwent diagnostic or interventional procedures using 7F introducer sheaths. Primary safety endpoint was the 30‐day combined rate of access‐related complications and primary effectiveness endpoints were TTH and TTA.

Results:
 Sixty patients were enrolled prospectively (mean age 63.3  ± 11.3  year, 17% diabetics). Device and procedural success was achieved in 92% and 93%, respectively. Mean TTH and TTA was 3.2  ± 3.0  minutes and 3.0  ± 6.2  hours, respectively. No deaths or serious access‐related adverse events occurred. A ≥6 cm access‐site hematoma was the only adverse event, observed in 3 patients.

Conclusions:
 Use of the 7F EXOSEAL™ VCD was associated with short TTH and TTA, as well as low rates of procedural and 30‐day access‐related complications. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:518–525)
Synthesis and Characterization of Anatase‐Structured Titania Hollow Spheres Doped with Erbium (III)
Authors: Borlaf M. , Wu H.‐M. , Colomer M. T. , Moreno R. , Tseng W. J.
Published: July 2012

Using a simple method involving chemical synthesis and calcination, Er‐doped anatase hollow spheres (HS) have been obtained. Longer dwell times upon the calcination increase the roughness and thickness of the shells, and also facilitate formation of necks between neighboring HS. Anatase‐rutile transformation was observed by FT‐Raman for the TiO2‐HS calcined at 800°C but this was not observed for the doped samples, which indicates that erbium cations inhibit that phase transition. In addition, sintering occurs at higher temperature and it is possible to note a high difference between the undoped‐HS and the Er‐doped HS in the sintering behavior and microstructural features. Finally, photoluminescence measurements show several peaks which are assigned to different defects of TiO2‐like oxygen vacancies or interstitial Ti3+ and to the emission of erbium cations.
Normas antidiscriminatorias internacionales y desigualdad laboral: la igualdad, un concepto en expansión
Authors: SHEPPARD Colleen
Published: July 2012

Se analiza aquí la evolución del concepto de discriminación en el derecho laboral internacional en relación con el fenómeno socioeconómico de la desigualdad en el trabajo. La no discriminación, principio jurídico inicialmente restringido que exigía la igualdad de trato para toda persona en situación similar, ha ido ampliándose para incluir primero la discriminación indirecta resultante de normas y prácticas aparentemente neutras, y después la desigualdad laboral impuesta a ciertos grupos por factores estructurales (mercado de trabajo, familia y colectividad). Por último, la legislación antidiscriminatoria converge ahora con iniciativas jurídicas contra la desigualdad socioeconómica y la pobreza de determinados sectores de población.
Diferencias salariales y discapacidad en Europa: ¿discriminación o menor productividad?
Authors: MALO Miguel Ángel , PAGÁN Ricardo
Published: July 2012

Los autores miden la discriminación salarial contra las personas discapacitadas tras controlar diferencias de productividad no observadas previamente relacionadas con la discapacidad. Con datos de once países europeos del Panel de Hogares de la Unión Europea (1995–2001), estiman ecuaciones de salarios para discapacitados con limitaciones en su vida diaria, discapacitados sin limitaciones en su vida diaria y no discapacitados. En general no se encontró diferencia salarial significativa entre los dos últimos grupos, y las pocas observadas correspondían a características de baja productividad. En cambio, los trabajadores discapacitados con dificultades en su vida diaria parecen presentar características de baja productividad y sufrir discriminación salarial.
Intrinsic prey suitability in specialist and generalist Harmonia ladybirds: a test of the trade‐off hypothesis for food specialization
Authors: Noriyuki Suzuki , Osawa Naoya
Published: July 2012

The trade‐off hypothesis posits that increased performance on a given resource comes at the cost of decreased performance on other resources, and that this trade‐off is a driving force of food specialization in both predators and herbivores. In this study, we examined larval survival and performance in two sibling ladybird species, Harmonia yedoensis Takizawa and Harmonia axyridis Pallas (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), fed on one of four prey species. Harmonia yedoensis is a specialist predator that preys mostly on pine aphids in the field, whereas H. axyridis is a generalist predator with a broad prey range. We experimentally showed in the laboratory that larval survival and performance were not higher when H. yedoensis was fed on pine aphids, compared with the other prey species. Rather, prey suitability was similar in both ladybird species, and H. yedoensis larvae developed as well or even better on prey species that they never utilize in nature. These results suggest that the host range in H. yedoensis may not be limited by the intrinsic suitability of the aphid species per se. Moreover, as shown by our previous study, the pine aphid is a highly elusive prey that is difficult for small ladybird hatchlings to capture, which means that the cost of utilizing this prey is high. Therefore, we conclude that some factor other than prey suitability is responsible for the observed food specialization in H. yedoensis.
Ultrasound weight estimation of large fetuses
Authors: LINDELL GUN , KÄLLÉN KARIN , MARŠÁL KAREL
Published: July 2012

Objective. To compare the accuracy of fetal weight estimation in large fetuses using four ultrasound formulae. Design. Prospective comparative study. Setting. University Hospital, Lund, Sweden. Population. Large‐for‐gestational age fetuses (n= 114) at a routine ultrasound examination in the third trimester. Methods. The Persson & Weldner two‐dimensional formula was compared with the Hart et al. two‐dimensional formula incorporating maternal weight and with the Lee et al. and Lindell & Maršál three‐dimensional formulae. The formulae are based on two‐dimensional measurements of fetal head, abdomen and femur, and three‐dimensional volumetry of fetal abdomen and thigh. Main outcome measures. Accuracy in detection of fetuses with birthweight >4000 and >4500 g. Results. For fetuses >4000 g, the Lindell & Maršál three‐dimensional formula showed significantly smaller mean absolute percentage error than the Persson & Weldner two‐dimensional and the Lee et al. three‐dimensional formulae (p= 0.04 and p < 0.001, respectively). No significant difference between the Lindell & Maršál three‐dimensional and the Hart et al. two‐dimensional formulae was found. A receiver operating characteristic curve showed a higher detection rate for fetuses with birthweight >4500 g using a three‐dimensional compared with a two‐dimensional technique. The best performance in detecting fetuses with birthweight >4500 g was given by the Lindell & Maršál three‐dimensional formula; for estimated fetal weight >4300 g, the detection rate was 93% and false‐positive rate 38%. Conclusions. The ability to detect macrosomic fetuses in a preselected high‐risk group was higher using fetal weight estimation with a three‐dimensional compared with a two‐dimensional ultrasound technique, with or without the inclusion of maternal weight.
Patterns of vaginal bleeding during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy and risk of pre‐eclampsia in nulliparous women: results from the SCOPE study
Authors: SMITS LUC J.M. , NORTH ROBYN A. , KENNY LOUISE C. , MYERS JENNY , DEKKER GUSTAAF A. , MCCOWAN LESLEY M.E.
Published: July 2012

Objective. To describe patterns of vaginal bleeding in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy and evaluate the association between patterns of bleeding and risk of subsequent pre‐eclampsia in nulliparous women. Design. Cohort study. Setting. Participating centres of the Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints (SCOPE) study in Auckland (New Zealand), Adelaide (Australia), Manchester and London (UK) and Cork (Ireland). Population. Healthy nulliparous women (n= 3431). Methods. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between bleeding characteristics and pre‐eclampsia while controlling for known determinants of pre‐eclampsia. Main outcome measures. Preeclampsia, defined as gestational hypertension with proteinuria or any multi‐system complication of preeclampsia. Four bleeding variables were evaluated: any bleeding during the first 20 weeks; maximal bleeding intensity; duration of bleeding; and number of bleeding episodes. Results. Of the 3431 women enrolled, 780 (23%) experienced vaginal bleeding during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Risk of pre‐eclampsia was not associated with the presence or absence of bleeding (adjusted odds ratio (ORa) 0.96, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.67–1.38). Analyses confined to women with vaginal bleeding showed that any bleeding episode of five or more consecutive days, compared with shorter episodes, increased risk of pre‐eclampsia approximately twofold (ORa 2.15, 95% CI 1.01–4.57), as did multiple compared with single episodes of bleeding (ORa 2.33, 95% CI 1.16–4.67). Conclusions. Bleeding is a common complication during the first 20 weeks of nulliparous pregnancy, and the presence or absence of vaginal bleeding is not a determinant of subsequent pre‐eclampsia. Among women with vaginal bleeding, consideration of the bleeding pattern, in terms of intensity, duration and frequency, appears to be informative with respect to pre‐eclampsia risk.
Atonal homolog 1 expression in lung cancer correlates with inhibitors of the Wnt pathway as well as the differentiation and primary tumor stage
Authors: Xu Hong‐Tao , Xie Xue‐Mei , Li Qing‐Chang , Liu Shu‐Li , Dai Shun‐Dong , Liu Yang , Wang En‐Hua
Published: July 2012

Atonal homolog 1 (Atoh1) is crucial to the differentiation of many cell types and participates in tumorigenesis and progression. This study investigated the role of Atoh1 in lung cancer development and its correlation with key members of the Wnt pathway. We used immunohistochemistry to examine the expressions of Atoh1, β‐catenin, Axin, chibby, and Disabled‐2 (Dab2) in 118 samples of lung cancer. We also detected the cytoplasmic and nuclear expression of Atoh1 in lung cancer tissues using western blot. Atoh1 nuclear expression was negatively correlated with differentiation level (p = 0.004) and primary tumor stage (p = 0.044) of lung cancer. Nuclear Atoh1 expression was positively correlated with nuclear expression of chibby (p < 0.001) and Dab2 (p < 0.001). Cytoplasmic Atoh1 expression was positively correlated with the cytoplasmic expression of Axin (p = 0.028), chibby (p < 0.001), and Dab2 (p < 0.001). We conclude that the nuclear expression of Atoh1 was inversely correlated with the differentiation and primary tumor stage of lung cancers. The expression and localization of Atoh1 correlated with Axin, chibby, or Dab2. Atoh1 may be a potential therapeutic target for the inhibition of growth and progression of lung cancers.
Long‐term evaluation ofAstraTech andBrånemark implants in patients treated with full‐arch bridges. Results after 12–15 years
Authors: Ravald Nils , Dahlgren Simon , Teiwik Anders , Gröndahl Kerstin
Published: July 2012

Aim

To study the long‐term outcome of implant survival rate, soft and hard tissue conditions and prosthetic status in a group of individuals treated with eitherAstraTech TiOblast orBrånemark turned implants supporting a full‐arch bridge.

Material and methods

Edentulous patients treated with eitherAstraTech TiOblast surface orBrånemark turned implants were recalled for examination after 12–15 years. Out of initially 66 patients 46 were available for examination. Intra‐oral radiographs were taken for bone level assessments. Clinical prosthetic conditions, number of surviving implants, implant stability, plaque scores, probing pocket depths, bleeding and pus after probing were recorded. Analyses of bone level changes during the total observation period were performed.

Results

Three patients in theAstraTech group lost totally eight implants and five patients in theBrånemark group lost 10 implants during the total observation period. No statistically significant difference in implant loss or bone level change was found. Sixteen per cent ofAstraTech and 29% ofBrånemark patients showed at least one implant with ≥2 mm bone loss after the first year in function. The corresponding prevalence on implant level was 6% and 5% respectively. No significant differences were found between the other examined variables. Two patients showed prosthetic complications of the supra construction in need of repair. Seven bridges had minor ceramic chippings.

Conclusion

Treatment withAstraTech TiOblast implants andBrånemark turned implants supporting full‐arch bridges showed generally good clinical results with low numbers of implants with marginal bone loss indicative of peri‐implantitis. No significant differences were found between the implant systems after 12–15 years in function.
Influence of a collagen membrane and recombinant platelet‐derived growth factor on vertical bone augmentation in implant‐fixed deproteinized bovine bone – animal pilot study
Authors: Kämmerer P.W. , Palarie V. , Schiegnitz E. , Nacu V. , Draenert F.G. , Al‐Nawas B.
Published: July 2012

Objectives

Combinations of bone substitute block materials with membrane techniques as well as with growth factors are possible options to enhance the prognosis of vertical bone augmentation. Therefore, the aim of the pilot study was to compare the influence of a collagen membrane and a signal protein (rhPDGF‐BB) on vertical bone augmentation with a stable fixed block material (deproteinized bovine bone [DBB]).

Materials and methods

In 12 rabbits, a DBB‐block was implant‐fixed on the tibia in a split‐leg‐design. Included were: DBB only (control), DBB + collagen membrane (test), DBB + rhPDGF‐BB (test) and DBB + rhPDGF‐BB + collagen membrane (test). 24 samples were examined after 3 (n = 12) and 6 weeks (n = 12). Calculated parameters were new bone area (NBA;%), new vertical bone height (VBH; mm). Due to the pilot character of this study, single values are shown descriptively only.

Results

After 3 weeks, there were constant higher NBA values in the rhPDGF‐BB‐group without membrane (NBA (%) DBB: 30/16/4; DBB + membrane: 25/17/7, DBB + rhPDGF‐BB: 40/33/34, DBB + rhPDGF‐BB + membrane: 0/30/16; VBH (mm) DBB: 1.2/1.2/1, DBB + membrane: 0.7/0.9/1, DBB + rhPDGF‐BB: 0.7/0.9/1, DBB + rhPDGF‐BB + membrane: 0/1.1/1). After 6 weeks, both membrane groups showed a constant higher NBA and VBH independent to the use of rhPDGF‐BB (NBA DBB: 3/0/5, DBB + membrane: 20/35/31, DBB + rhPDGF‐BB: 5/8/4, DBB + rhPDGF‐BB + membrane: 31/35/40; VBH DBB: 0.3/0.3/0.6, DBB + membrane: 1.6/2.4/2.1, DBB + rhPDGF‐BB: 0.4/0.7/0.8, DBB + rhPDGF‐BB + membrane: 1.8/2/1.8).

Conclusions

For vertical augmentation, the addition of rhPDGF‐BB to DBB‐blocks may increase early bone growth. In the later phase, the use of a collagen membrane enhances new bone volume and height to a significant greater extend. Even if the results are higher than those in the non‐membrane groups, the low gain of bone after the short time periods still needs improvement.
Occupational contact allergy caused by rubber gloves – nothing has changed
Authors: Geier Johannes , Lessmann Holger , Mahler Vera , Pohrt Ute , Uter Wolfgang , Schnuch Axel
Published: July 2012

Background. Allergic contact dermatitis caused by rubber gloves is not infrequent, and has almost exclusively been attributed to contact sensitization to accelerators. Thiurams have been the most frequent allergens, followed by dithiocarbamates.

Objectives. To describe the current allergen pattern in patients with occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by rubber gloves.

Methods. This study was a retrospective analysis of data from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK), 2002–2010.

Results. Of 93 615 patients patch tested in the IVDK, 3448 both suffered from occupational dermatitis and were tested because of suspected glove allergy. Among these, healthcare workers were the largest group (n = 1058). Of all occupational dermatitis patients, 13% were sensitized to thiurams, 3.5% to dithiocarbamates, 3% to mercaptobenzothiazole and/or its derivatives, and 0.4% to thioureas. Positive test reactions to 1,3‐diphenylguanidine were seen in 3.0%. Reaction frequencies varied with the years, but showed no uniform time trend.

Conclusions. As compared with a former IVDK data analysis (1995–2001), there was no change in sensitization pattern and no decline in sensitization frequencies. This is in line with data from the literature. Particularly in healthcare, there is a need for (i) allergen declaration on the glove package, and (ii) gloves with reduced accelerator content.
Do GGA Adaptors Bind Internal DXXLL Motifs?
Authors: Doray Balraj , Misra Saurav , Qian Yi , Brett Tom J. , Kornfeld Stuart
Published: July 2012

The GGA family of clathrin adaptor proteins mediates the intracellular trafficking of transmembrane proteins by interacting with DXXLL‐type sorting signals on the latter. These signals were originally identified at the carboxy‐termini of the transmembrane cargo proteins. Subsequent studies, however, showed that internal DXXLL sorting motifs occur within the N‐ or C‐terminal cytoplasmic domains of cargo molecules. The GGAs themselves also contain internal DXXLL motifs that serve to auto‐regulate GGA function. A recent study challenged the notion that internal DXXLL signals are competent for binding to GGAs. Since the question of whether GGA adaptors interact with internal DXXLL motifs is fundamental to the identification of bona fide GGA cargo, and to an accurate understanding of GGA regulation within cells, we have extended our previous findings. We now present additional evidence confirming that GGAs do interact with internal DXXLL motifs. We also summarize the recent reports from other laboratories documenting internal GGA binding motifs.
TBC1D13 is a RAB35 Specific GAP that Plays an Important Role in GLUT4 Trafficking in Adipocytes
Authors: Davey Jonathan R. , Humphrey Sean J. , Junutula Jagath R. , Mishra Ashwini K. , Lambright David G. , James David E. , Stöckli Jacqueline
Published: July 2012

Insulin stimulates glucose transport in adipocytes by triggering translocation of GLUT4 glucose transporters to the plasma membrane (PM) and several Rabs including Rab10 have been implicated in this process. To delineate the molecular regulation of this pathway, we conducted a TBC/RabGAP overexpression screen in adipocytes. This identified TBC1D13 as a potent inhibitor of insulin‐stimulated GLUT4 translocation without affecting other trafficking pathways. To determine the potential Rab substrate for TBC1D13 we conducted a yeast two‐hybrid screen and found that the GTP bound forms of Rabs 1 and 10 specifically interacted with TBC1D13 but not with eight other TBC proteins. Surprisingly, a comprehensive in vitro screen for TBC1D13 GAP activity revealed Rab35 but not Rab10 as a specific substrate. TBC1D13 also displayed in vivo GAP activity towards Rab35. Overexpression of constitutively active Rab35 but not constitutively active Rab10 reversed the block in insulin‐stimulated GLUT4 translocation observed with TBC1D13 overexpression. These studies implicate an important role for Rab35 in insulin‐stimulated GLUT4 translocation in adipocytes.
A systematic review of methods for tissue analysis in animal studies on orthodontic mini‐implants
Authors: Gritsch K. , Laroche N. , Morgon L. , Al‐Hity R. , Vico L. , Colon P. , Grosgogeat B.
Published: July 2012

Gritsch K., Laroche N., Morgon L., Al‐Hity R., Vico L., Colon P., Grosgogeat B. A systematic review of methods for tissue analysis in animal studies on orthodontic mini‐implants  Orthod Craniofac Res 2012;15:135–147. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Anchorage devices are increasingly used in orthodontics, and their clinical performance is directly dependent on the tissue response to these devices. This study aims to identify assessment parameters for evaluating tissue reactions around orthodontically loaded implants and to propose parameters to be included in a standardized method. Several electronic databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, the Cochrane database) were explored for papers from January 1999 to December 2009. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (PRISMA) statement was used as a guideline for the methodology of systematic reviews. Twenty‐five publications were selected from 123 potentially relevant abstracts. The selected studies mainly aimed to answer a clinical question and particularly the ability of immediate loading in orthodontics. Very few studies aimed to understand the healing mechanism around the devices leading to a lack of information on this topic. The most frequent combination of assessment methods was clinical evaluation, histology/histomorphometry and intravital bone labeling. Although the dog model is mainly used, pigs represent an interesting animal model, especially when studying devices in growing bone. Despite the extensive use of miniscrews in growing individuals, only few studies have included young subjects in their protocol. Moreover, in such studies, an oral hygiene program is absolutely necessary to avoid complications. Finite element analysis could improve the knowledge of the relationship between design and bone reaction; unfortunately, this elaborated method is complex and impossible to perform routinely. For standardization, the authors recommend to include specific criteria in study protocols when assessing tissue response to orthodontically loaded devices.
Community disassembly and reassembly following experimental storm surge and wrack application
Authors: Tate Anthony S. , Battaglia Loretta L.
Published: July 2012

Questions

The structure of coastal vegetation could be altered by a regime of more intense hurricanes stemming from global climate change: (1) How do plant communities and environmental conditions across an estuarine gradient change in relation to simulated storm surge and wrack deposition? and; (2) Are there differences in the magnitude of compositional shifts along an underlying soil water conductivity gradient?

Location

Coastal northwest Florida, USA.

Methods

Four plant communities spanning an estuarine gradient (brackish marsh, freshwater marsh, wetland forest and pine savanna) were surveyed prior to and following flooding with artificial seawater and manual application of wrack. Environmental data (soil water conductivity and light transmission to soil surface) were also collected before and after treatment applications. Soil samples for texture analysis were collected prior to experimental treatments.

Results

The storm surge treatment reduced cover of most species, causing browning and eventual loss of leaves, particularly in pine savanna species. Soil water conductivity remained elevated for 6 mo following the experimental storm surge in the wetland forest and pine savanna. Wrack deposition resulted in substantial mortality of underlying vegetation and reduced species richness in all communities. The composition of the pine savanna plant community shifted in response to experimental storm surge and wrack application, with ‘hardy’ species capable of resprouting becoming more abundant and sensitive species dropping out of the assemblage. Vegetation zones with high background soil salinity were more resilient to the effects of storm surge and wrack deposition.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the combined effects of storm surge and wrack deposition can drive compositional shifts, particularly in more upland assemblages. We conclude that vegetation consisting of species ‘naïve’ to increased salinity and/or burial by wrack are highly vulnerable to tropical storm intensification.
Peripheral blood mammaglobin gene expression for diagnosis and prediction of metastasis in breast cancer patients
Authors: RADWAN Wafaa M , MOUSSA Heba S , ESSA Enas S , KANDIL Samia H , KAMEL Azza M
Published: July 2012

Aim:  To evaluate the value of peripheral blood mammaglobin (MG) gene expression for diagnosis and prediction of metastasis in breast cancer patients.

Methods:  MG expression was detected by nested reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction in the peripheral blood of 46 females (32 breast cancer, 12 benign breast lesions, 2 no breast abnormalities). In total 28 breast cancer patients were followed up through a period of 34 months for the development of metastasis.

Results:  MG expression was detected in 16/32 (50%) breast cancer patients but not in patients with benign lesions or healthy participants. Five patients had metastasis at diagnosis. During the 34 months of follow up, five more MG‐positive patients showed metastatic lesions and none of the MG negative patients who were followed up developed metastasis.

Conclusion:  The study suggests blood MG expression is a specific molecular marker for detection of occult mammary carcinoma cells of patients with operable breast cancer. It might be of value as a predictor of subsequent metastasis. Large‐scale studies and longer follow‐up periods are needed.
Chitin synthesis inhibitors: old molecules and new developments
Authors: Merzendorfer Hans
Published: July 2012

Abstract  Chitin is the most abundant natural aminopolysaccharide and serves as a structural component of extracellular matrices. It is found in fungal septa, spores, and cell walls, and in arthropod cuticles and peritrophic matrices, squid pens, mollusk shells, nematode egg shells, and some protozoan cyst walls. As prokaryotes, plants and vertebrates including humans do not produce chitin, its synthesis is considered as an attractive target site for fungicides, insecticides, and acaricides. Although no chitin synthesis inhibitor has been developed into a therapeutic drug to treat fungal infections in humans, a larger number of compounds have been successfully launched worldwide to combat arthropod pests in agriculture and forestry. This review summarizes the latest advances on the mode of action of chitin synthesis inhibitors with a special focus on those molecules that act on a postcatalytic step of chitin synthesis.
ANALYSIS OF DEFORMATION BEHAVIOR AND BENDING RESISTANCE OF DRY RICE VERMICELLI BASED ON COMPRESSIVE ROD POSTBUCKLING
Authors: JIANG SONG , ZENG XINXIN , ZHU MEIRU , LIU JINWEI
Published: July 2012

This work studied the deformation behavior and deformation parameters of dry rice vermicelli in the process of bending fracture based on the large‐deflection theory of compressive rod postbuckling. Dry rice vermicelli samples in five different lengths were investigated. Middle‐point deflection and bending angle in different axial displacements were measured using TA‐XT2i Texture Analyzer equipped with an in‐house‐built attachment. It was found that the end bending angle, the middle‐point deflection and the end axial displacement were in one‐to‐one correspondence with each other. The experimental results of middle‐point deflection and end bending angle were in good agreement with those from theoretical calculations and the errors of middle‐point deflection were below 2%. It was proposed that axial displacement instead of the middle‐point deflection or the bending angle should be used to predict bending fracture rate of straight dry rice vermicelli in different lengths as a new standard method.

Practical Applications

Bending fracture is an important indication to the ingredient components and processing quality of dry rice vermicelli. However, the actual determination by hand operation leaks scientificity on measuring the parameters, and the evaluation system should be more integrated and theoretical. Therefore, it is needed to theoretically demonstrate the deformation behavior of dry rice vermicelli in the process of bending fracture and to establish an instrumental method and the evaluation system to predict the bending fracture rate. The work demonstrates the deformation behavior by the large‐deflection theory of compressive rod postbuckling, clarifies the relationships between the three deformation parameters and develops a new method by measuring the axial displacement to predict the bending fracture rate. This method can be used in the quality control and quality detection stages. This study also contributes to develop a foundation of theory and method for predicting the bending resistance of slender straight food.
Texture of Sliced Cucumbers Measured by Subjective Human‐Bite and Objective Instrumental Tests
Authors: Kohyama Kaoru , Kato‐Nagata Ai , Shimada Hiromi , Kazami Yukari , Hayakawa Fumiyo
Published: July 2012

To determine an effective method to evaluate the texture of cucumbers, human‐bite measurement using a multiple‐point sheet sensor and instrumental tests using wedge probes with various angles and a cylindrical probe were conducted. To detect small differences in texture, cross‐sectional slices taken from the middle part of a cucumber fruit were served at 4 or 22C. The 60°‐wedge probe that could completely divide samples like human incisors performed best compared with sharper wedges or cylindrical probe that partly broke the tissue. The human‐bite force for cucumber slices of 4C was significantly lower than that of 22C. Breaking force and energy with the wedges of 60 and 30° in the compression test and those for flesh puncture test demonstrated a similar temperature effect. A faster compression speed close to the human‐bite speed (20 mm/s) was necessary to detect the significant temperature effects.

Practical Applications

The texture of cucumber was analyzed more precisely using a wedge probe with an angle of 60° inserted into sectional slices of the samples similar to the action of human front teeth that completely cut off the section. A cylindrical probe could insert only part of the cucumber tissues and a blade or a sharper wedge probe partially broke the slices to the depth which the probe reached. Faster test speed (>10 mm/s) close to the average speed of human bite is preferred to detect temperature effects on fracture force. If there are some differences in breaking properties of cucumbers, the proposed conditions of compression test with a 60° wedge at 20 mm/s will detect delicate differences as those due to serving temperature were small.
Improved calibration of a rainfall‐pollutant‐runoff model using turbidity and electrical conductivity as surrogate parameters for total nitrogen
Authors: Kim Jinyoung , Furumai Hiroaki
Published: July 2012

To address data scarcity for calibration of rainfall‐pollutant‐runoff (RPR) models, we evaluated the suitability of nutrient levels estimated based on surrogate parameters as a novel source of data, using runoff of total nitrogen (TN) in the Tegiru basin as a case study. A linear regression equation was developed for estimating TN based on turbidity and electrical conductivity; this expression was then used to generate TN data (n = 113) for calibration of a catchment‐specific RPR model. Using solely the estimated TN concentrations for calibration, the model accurately predicted TN concentrations (21% error based on measured TN, n = 13) and revealed runoff trends during periods in which TN measurements were lacking. Finally, we utilised this model to show that TN runoff was highest during months with frequent and high intensity rainfall. In summary, this study demonstrates the applicability of surrogate parameters to extend data on difficult‐to‐monitor nutrient loads for model calibration.