bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TVT‐Secur mini‐sling for stress urinary incontinence: a review of outcomes at 12 months
Authors: Walsh Colin A.
Published: July 2011

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Although synthetic mid‐urethral slings are now generally accepted as the first‐line surgical treatment of female stress incontinence, there is concern that newer slings are being used prematurely, before sufficient evidence exists. The 3rd generation “mini‐slings” are inserted via a single incision which, theoretically, reduces iatrogenic morbidity. It is vital, however, that efficacy is not compromised. To date, a number of papers have examined short‐term outcome data following the TVT‐Secur, with wide variations in reported cure rates at up to one year.

This is the largest review of outcomes following TVT‐Secur published to date (n= 1178 cases from 10 studies). Cure rate, both objectively and subjectively, was 76%, which is similar to more established mid‐urethral slings. Intra‐operative vaginal perforation rates and rates of mesh exposure in the first 12 months post‐operatively were both 2%. The incidence of de novo OAB was 10%. No serious complications were recorded amongst this large cohort. Although the TVT‐Secur appears to be a safe procedure, its long‐term efficacy moving forward requires close scrutiny.

• Synthetic mid‐urethral slings (MUSs) are considered the first choice surgical procedure for stress urinary incontinence. Recent publications have raised concerns about the efficacy of third generation single‐incision mini‐slings. The present paper is a systematic review of studies reporting 12‐month outcomes after the TVT‐Secur (TVT‐S) procedure.

• Pubmed/Medline online databases, abstracts from recent International Continence Society and International Urogynecological Association annual scientific meetings and the Clinicaltrials.gov and Controlled‐trials.com online trial registries were searched for English‐language articles containing the terms ‘TVT‐Secur’, ‘TVT Secur’ or ‘mini‐sling’. The primary outcomes were objective and subjective cure rates at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included peri‐operative (vaginal perforation, urinary retention, urinary tract infection [UTI]) and postoperative (mesh exposure, de novo overactive bladder (OAB), dyspareunia and return to theatre) complication rates.

• Among 1178 women undergoing the TVT‐S procedure, from 10 studies, both objective and subjective cure rate at 12 months was 76%, with objective cure significantly higher in women undergoing the ‘U‐type’ approach. Vaginal perforation was a complication in 1.5% of cases, with a 2.4% incidence of mesh exposure in the first year. The incidence of de novo OAB symptoms was 10%. Rates of urinary retention (2.3%), UTI (4.4%), dyspareunia (1%) and return to theatre for complications (0.8%) were low. In the first year after a TVT‐S procedure 5% of women required repeat continence surgery.

• Longer‐term studies and randomized comparisons with more established MUSs are required before TVT‐S should be routinely used in the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence.
Theories and behavioural drivers underlying fleet dynamics models
Authors: van Putten Ingrid E , Kulmala Soile , Thébaud Olivier , Dowling Natalie , Hamon Katell G , Hutton Trevor , Pascoe Sean
Published: July 2011

In the domain of decision‐support tools for the management of marine fish resources, considerable attention has been paid to the development of models explaining how fish stocks change over space and time. In most models, fishing effort is assumed to be exogenous and determined by factors such as management. Increasingly, there has been a call for bio‐economic models to also account for the dynamics of fishing fleets, recognizing that fishers respond to changing environmental, institutional and economic conditions. A growing literature has sought to explicitly model the endogenous determinants of the capacity of fishing fleets, the intensity of its use and its temporal and spatial allocation across fishing opportunities. We review this literature, focusing on empirical applications of the behavioural models that have been put forward to explain and predict observed fleet dynamics. We find that although economic factors are usually included as a dominant driver in most studies, this is often based on the use of proxy variables for the key economic drivers, for which adequate data are lacking. Also, while many studies acknowledge that social and social–psychological factors play a significant role in explaining observed fishing behaviour, their inclusion in fishing fleet dynamic models is still very limited. Progress in this domain can only be achieved via the development of multidisciplinary research programmes focusing on applied quantitative analysis of the drivers of fishing fleet dynamics.
Foraging arena theory
Authors: Ahrens Robert N M , Walters Carl J , Christensen Villy
Published: July 2011

There is a critical need for quantitative models that can help evaluate trade‐off decisions related to the impacts of harvesting and protection of aquatic ecosystems within an ecosystem context. Ecosystem models used to evaluate such trade‐offs need to have the capability of capturing the dynamic stability that can arise when predator‐prey interactions are restricted to spatial and temporal arenas. Foraging arenas appear common in aquatic systems and are created by a wide range of mechanisms, ranging from restrictions of predator distributions in response to predation risk caused by their own predators, to risk‐sensitive foraging behaviour by their prey. Foraging arenas partition the prey in each predator‐prey interaction in a food web into vulnerable and invulnerable states, with exchange between these states potentially limiting overall trophic flow. Inclusion of vulnerability exchange processes in models for recruitment processes and food web responses to disturbances like harvesting leads to very different predictions about dynamic stability, trophic cascades and maintenance of ecological diversity than do models based on large‐scale mass action (random mixing) interactions between prey and predators. Although a number of methods to estimate these critical exchange rates are presented, none are considered fully satisfactory. The most important challenge for the practical application of models that incorporate foraging arena theory today is not only developing new or improved methods for measuring exchange rates but also evaluating how such rates vary in responses to major fishery‐induced changes in abundances of predators.
Message sidedness in advertising: The moderating roles of need for cognition and time pressure in persuasion
Authors: KAO DANNY TENGTI
Published: July 2011

Kao, D. T. (2011). Message sidedness in advertising: The moderating roles of need for cognition and time pressure in persuasion. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 52, 329–340.

Persuasion has been extensively researched for decades. Much of this research has focused on different message tactics and their effects on persuasion (e.g., Chang & Chou, 2008; Lafferty, 1999). This research aims to assess whether the persuasion of a specific type of message is influenced by need for cognition (NFC) and time pressure. The 336 undergraduates participated in a 2 (message sidedness: one‐sided/two‐sided) × 3 (time pressure: low/moderate/high) between‐subjects design. Results indicate that two‐sided messages tend to elicit more favorable ad attitudes than one‐sided messages. As compared with low‐NFC individuals, high‐NFC individuals are likely to express more favorable ad attitudes, brand attitudes and purchase intention. Moderate time pressure tends to lead to more favorable ad attitudes than low time pressure and high time pressure. In addition, moderate time pressure is likely to elicit more favorable brand attitudes and purchase intentions than high time pressure, but does not elicit more favorable brand attitudes and purchase intentions than low time pressure. Furthermore, when high‐NFC individuals are under low or moderate time pressure, two‐sided messages are more persuasive than one‐sided messages; however, message sidedness does not differentially affect the persuasion when high‐NFC individuals are pressed for time. In contrast, one‐sided messages are more persuasive than two‐sided messages when low‐NFC individuals are under low or high time pressure, and two‐sided messages are more persuasive than one‐sided messages when low‐NFC individuals are under moderate time pressure.
A pilot study of clinical efficacy of imiquimod and cryotherapy for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma with incomplete response to imiquimod
Authors: Messeguer F. , Serra‐Guillen C. , Echeverria B. , Requena C. , Sanmartin O. , Llombart B. , Guillen C. , Nagore E.
Published: July 2011

Background  Cryotherapy is a physical procedure whose immunogenic capability enables it to destroy tumour cells, at least partially. Consequently, it can boost the effect of imiquimod.

Objective  The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of combining cryotherapy and imiquimod in patients who did not achieve a complete response after treatment of basal cell carcinoma with imiquimod. The study sample comprised 22 patients with 23 basal cell carcinomas. The tumours were treated with liquid nitrogen (one cycle, 20–30 s) before application of imiquimod (five times weekly for 6 weeks).

Results  A maintained complete clinical response was observed in 19 of the 23 tumours (83%), a partial response in three and no response in one. One tumour presented signs of persistence/recurrence during follow‐up.

Conclusions  Cryotherapy applied to treat imiquimod‐refractory basal cell carcinoma seems to sensitize the tumour to the effect of the drug, thus reducing the percentage of patients who need surgery after an incomplete response to imiquimod. Further studies are necessary to confirm these findings.
Spreading messages about invasives
Authors: Rodewald Amanda D.
Published: July 2011

Although control of invasive species remains a common part of ecological restoration efforts, there is a growing dialogue within scientific and conservation communities regarding positive influences of invaders and potential negative consequences of their removal. As one example, a recent Diversity & Distributions article cautions that removal of exotic and invasive honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) may negatively affect populations of frugivorous birds and, therefore, may have undesirable ecological outcomes. In response, I share several insights from research in my lab on bird‐honeysuckle interactions that show how honeysuckle disproportionately impacts birds of conservation concern and acts as an ecological trap even for generalist species. Although there is a real need to fully consider both positive and negative consequences of invasive species, if such research is not placed within the proper ecological context, we risk sending distorted or mixed messages to managers.
Subjective visual acuity with simulated defocus
Authors: Dehnert Anne , Bach Michael , Heinrich Sven P
Published: July 2011

Citation information: Dehnert A, Bach M & Heinrich SP. Subjective visual acuity with simulated defocus. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2011, 31, 625–631. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2011.00857.x

Background:  Artificial degradation of vision by inducing dioptric blur is frequently used for evaluating diagnostic equipment. However, the use of lenses is prone to errors as it is adversely affected by eyelid squinting, pupil size, and imprecise lens position. The alternative is a degradation of the stimuli themselves based on a Fourier‐optical mathematical model. With this, however, perceptual effects such as ‘simultaneous blur’ induced by the surround may affect acuity. We tested whether both methods, lens induced defocus and mathematical stimulus degradation, yield concordant results.

Methods:  We compared both methods in normal subjects, measuring Landolt C acuity at five different levels of defocus from 0 to 8 dioptres. The pupil size was determined individually, chromatic aberrations were avoided by using a monochromatic approach, and a correction for spectacle magnification was included. Otherwise, the experimental design was kept deliberately simple to remain comparable to typical applications.

Results:  With the major sources of error associated with the use of lenses being accounted for, both methods yield similar mean results with differences in acuity ranging from <0.001 to 0.054 logMAR (0.2–13%).

Conclusion:  Using mathematically simulated defocus is a viable option if both reasonable accuracy and ease of use are required. The fact that the application of the mathematical model only blurs the stimulus itself, but not the surrounding environment, does not appear to be detrimental to the method.
How are they othered? Globalisation, identity and violence in an Indian city
Authors: CHATTERJEE IPSITA
Published: July 2011

The literature on conflict claims that there has been a resurgence of ethnic conflict in the era of globalisation. This paper attempts to investigate how local conflict may be influenced by processes of globalisation. The paper argues that in order to understand how globalisation may be implicated in local violent events, it is essential to develop a nuanced understanding of the complexities of global–local interaction in places. This paper also hopes to contribute to the analytical potency of identity‐oriented explanations of conflict by explicating how identity construction has an overt spatial dimension – it is simultaneously place based and global, and how this global–local identity construction simultaneously produces socioeconomic and socio‐cultural strategies of ‘othering’ that define the complexion of contemporary conflicts. Using interviews from a case study of Hindu–Muslim conflict which happened in 2002 in Ahmedabad city, India, this paper explicates how locally embedded global narratives socioeconomically and socio‐culturally produce the ‘other.’
The identity of the Ordovician (Darriwilian) graptoliteFucoides dentatusBrongniart, 1828
Authors: MALETZ JÖRG
Published: July 2011

Abstract: The biostratigraphically important Middle Ordovician (Darriwilian) biserial graptoliteFucoides dentatusBrongniart, 1828 is redescribed and illustrated from its type material and from additional specimens collected at the type locality – Lévis, Quebec, Canada. It is referred toLevisograptusgen. nov., which includes also theaustrodentatusgroup of early axonophoran graptolites. The species has previously been confused with a younger, mid‐Darriwilian species, now referred to asEoglyptograptus gerhardisp. nov., and recognized as the type species of the genusEoglyptograptusMitchell. Both species can be differentiated easily by their respective proximal development types and show nonoverlapping biostratigraphical ranges.Levisograptus dentatus(Brongniart) is an important biostratigraphical index species in the early Darriwilian.Eoglyptograptusspecies are found in the higher Darriwilian and are biogeographically restricted to the Atlantic Faunal Realm.
Oral fingolimod rescues the functional deficits of synapses in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Rossi S , Lo Giudice T , De Chiara V , Musella A , Studer V , Motta C , Bernardi G , Martino G , Furlan R , Martorana A , Centonze D
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Alterations of glutamate‐mediated synaptic transmission occur early during neuroinflammatory insults, and lead to degenerative neuronal damage in multiple sclerosis (MS) and also in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), which is a murine model of MS. Fingolimod is an effective orally active agent for the treatment of MS, affecting lymphocyte invasion of the brain. However, it is still unclear if fingolimod can be neuroprotective in this disorder.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Using neurophysiological recordings and morphological evaluation of dendritic integrity, we evaluated the effects of oral fingolimod on the clinical score of EAE mice in order to determine whether the compound was associated with preservation of synaptic transmission.

KEY RESULTS Oral fingolimod prevented and reversed the pre‐ and postsynaptic alterations of glutamate transmission in EAE mice. These effects were associated with a clear amelioration of the clinical deterioration seen in EAE mice, and with a significant inhibition of neuronal dendritic pathology. Fingolimod did not alter the spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents in control animals, suggesting that only the pathological processes behind the inflammation‐induced defects in glutamate transmission were modulated by this compound.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The beneficial effects of fingolimod on the clinical, synaptic and dendritic abnormalities of murine EAE might correlate with the neuroprotective actions of this agent, as observed in MS patients.

LINKED ARTICLE This article is commented on by Gillingwater, pp. 858–860 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2011.01612.x
Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 improves endothelial function and prevents hypertension in insulin‐resistant rats
Authors: Nagareddy PR , Rajput PS , Vasudevan H , McClure B , Kumar U , MacLeod KM , McNeill JH
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Insulin resistance is often found to be associated with high blood pressure. We propose that in insulin‐resistant hypertension, endothelial dysfunction is the consequence of increased activity of vascular MMP‐2. As MMP‐2 proteolytically cleaves a number of extracellular matrix proteins, we hypothesized that MMP‐2 impairs endothelial function by proteolytic degradation of endothelial NOS (eNOS) or its cofactor, heat shock protein 90 (HSP90).

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We tested our hypothesis in bovine coronary artery endothelial cells and fructose‐fed hypertensive rats (FHR), a model of acquired systolic hypertension and insulin resistance.

KEY RESULTS Treatment of FHRs with the MMP inhibitor doxycycline, preserved endothelial function as well as prevented the development of hypertension, suggesting that MMPs impair endothelial function. Furthermore, incubating endothelial cells in vitro with a recombinant MMP‐2 decreased NO production in a dose‐dependent manner. Using substrate cleavage assays and immunofluorescence microscopy studies, we found that MMP‐2 not only cleaves and degrades HSP90, an eNOS cofactor but also co‐localizes with both eNOS and HSP90 in endothelial cells, suggesting that MMPs functionally interact with the eNOS system. Treatment of FHRs with doxycycline attenuated the decrease in eNOS and HSP90 expression but did not improve insulin sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our data suggest that increased activity of MMP‐2 in FHRs impairs endothelial function and promotes hypertension. Inhibition of MMP‐2 could be a potential therapeutic strategy for the management of hypertension.
Oxidative species increase arginase activity in endothelial cells through the RhoA/Rho kinase pathway
Authors: Chandra S , Romero MJ , Shatanawi A , Alkilany AM , Caldwell RB , Caldwell RW
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE NO produced by endothelial NOS is needed for normal vascular function. During diabetes, aging and hypertension, elevated levels of arginase can compete with NOS for available l‐arginine, reducing NO and increasing superoxide (O2.−) production via NOS uncoupling. Elevated O2.− combines with NO to form peroxynitrite (ONOO‐), further reducing NO. Oxidative species increase arginase activity, but the mechanism(s) involved are not known. Our study determined the mechanism involved in peroxynitrite and hydrogen peroxide‐induced enhancement in endothelial arginase activity. We hypothesized that oxidative species increase arginase activity through PKC‐activated RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) pathway.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Arginase activity/expression was analysed in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) treated with an ONOO‐ generator (SIN‐1) or H2O2. Pretreatment with inhibitors of Rho kinase (Y‐27632) or PKC (Gö6976) was used to investigate the mechanism involved in arginase activation.

KEY RESULTS Exposure to SIN‐1 (25 µM, 24 h) or H2O2 (25 µM, 8 h) increased arginase I expression and arginase activity (35% and 50%, respectively), which was prevented by ROCK inhibitor, Y‐27632, PKC inhibitor, Gö6976 or siRNA to p115‐Rho GEF. There was an early activation of p115‐Rho GEF (SIN‐1, 2 h; H2O2, 1 h) and Rho A (SIN‐1, 4 h; H2O2, 1 h) that was prevented by using the PKC inhibitor. Exposure to SIN‐1 and H2O2 also reduced NOS activity, which was blocked by pretreatment with p115‐RhoGEF siRNA.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our data indicate that the oxidative species ONOO‐ and H2O2 increase arginase activity/expression through PKC‐mediated activation of RhoA/Rho kinase pathway.
Hyperphosphataemia sensitizes renally impaired rats to the profibrotic effects of gadodiamide
Authors: Fretellier N , Idée JM , Bruneval P , Guerret S , Daubiné F , Jestin G , Factor C , Poveda N , Dencausse A , Massicot F , Laprévote O , Mandet C , Bouzian N , Port M , Corot C
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Hyperphosphataemia is common in patients with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). NSF has been linked to administration of gadolinium (Gd) chelates (GCs) and elevated serum phosphate levels accelerate the release of Gd from linear, non‐ionic GCs but not macrocyclic GCs. Hence, we determined whether hyperphosphataemia is a cofactor or risk factor for NSF by investigating the role of hyperphosphataemia in renally impaired rats.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Firstly, the clinical, pathological and bioanalytical consequences of hyperphosphataemia were investigated in subtotal nephrectomized (SNx) Wistar rats following i.v. administration of the non‐ionic, linear GC gadodiamide (5 × 2.5 mmol·kg−1·day−1). Secondly, the effects of several GCs were compared in these high‐phosphate diet fed rats. Total Gd concentration in skin, femur and plasma was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) and free Gd3+ in plasma by liquid chromatography coupled to ICP‐MS. Relaxometry was used to measure dissociated Gd in skin and bone.

KEY RESULTS

Four out of seven SNx rats fed a high‐phosphate diet administered gadodiamide developed macroscopic and microscopic (fibrotic and inflammatory) skin lesions, whereas no skin lesions were observed in SNx rats treated with saline, the other GCs and free ligands or in the normal diet, gadodiamide‐treated group. Unlike the other molecules, gadodiamide gradually increased the r1 relaxivity value, consistent with its in vivo dissociation and release of soluble Gd.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Hyperphosphataemia sensitizes renally impaired rats to the profibrotic effects of gadodiamide. Unlike the other GCs investigated, gadodiamide gradually dissociates in vivo. Our data confirm that hyperphosphataemia is a risk factor for NSF.
A New Prosthetic Implant for Inguinal Hernia Repair: Its Features in a Porcine Experimental Model
Authors: Amato Giuseppe , Lo Monte Attilio I. , Cassata Giovanni , Damiano Giuseppe , Romano Giorgio , Bussani Rossana
Published: July 2011

Even after more than 100 years of inguinal hernia repair, the rate of complications and recurrence remains unacceptably high. In the last decades, few effective advances in surgical technique and materials have been made. The authors see them as minor adjustments in the shape and materials of the prosthetic implants. Still, the underlying genesis of inguinal hernia remains undefined. Based upon this, it seems the surgical repair of inguinal protrusions cannot be based upon the pathogenesis because the etiology to date has not been addressed. Most hernia repairs are performed with some degree of point fixation (sutures/tacks) to stop the mesh from migrating and creating high recurrence rates. This should be a priority for our considerations, as fixating mesh puts it in stark contrast to the physiology and dynamics of the myotendineal structures of the groin. Following years of surgical practice, implant fixation, mesh shrinkage, and poor quality of tissue ingrowth still represent an unresolved issue in modern hernia repair. Conventional prosthetics used for inguinal hernia repair are static and passive. They do not move in harmony with the dynamic elements of the groin structure and, as a result, induce the ingrowth of thin scar plates or shrinking regressive tissue that colonizes the implants. The authors strongly believe that these characteristics may be a contributing factor for recurrences and patient discomfort. Other complications are reported in the literature to be a direct result of fixation of the implants, such as bleeding, nerve entrapment, hematoma, pain, discomfort, and testicular complications. To improve results by respecting the physiology and kinetics of the inguinal region, we felt that a new type of prosthesis should be designed that induces a more structured tissue ingrowth similar to the natural biologic components of the abdominal wall. This prosthetic device was specifically designed to be placed with no point fixation. This was achieved by using inherent radial recoil, vertical buffering, friction, and delivering the device in a constrained state. A secondary benefit of this “dynamic” design is that the implant moves in a three‐dimensional way in unison with the movements of the myotendineal structures of the groin. The results appear to show that the three‐dimensional structure not only acts as a suitable scaffold for a full thickness ingrowth of a tissue barrier but also seems to induce an ordered, supple, elastic tissue, which allows for neorevascularization and neoneural growth. The outcomes indicate a reduced impact of fibrotic shrinkage on the implant/scar tissue when compared with shrinkage of polypropylene meshes reported in the literature. This pilot study shows the features of such an implant in a porcine experimental model.
In Vitro Removal of Beta‐2‐Microglobulin From Uremic Blood With an Immunoadsorption Wall
Authors: Yang Tsung‐Hua , Lin Bo‐Jhou , Ma Yi‐Ling , Chou Kang‐Ju
Published: July 2011

Dialysis‐related amyloidosis (DRA), caused by the accumulation of beta‐2‐microglobulin (β‐2M), remains a major concern in long‐term renal replacement therapies. For years, we have developed an immunoadsorption wall (iWall) for the removal of β‐2M. In this study, we employed a new approach taking advantage of the melting of a buffer ice rod to improve the conditions associated with the manufacturing of an iWall and tested its performance with uremic serum and blood. The preliminary results reveal that the present iWalls thus prepared not only possess the superior properties of affinity and specificity but also show structural stability and acceptable hemocompatibility. We believe that this breakthrough might provide a promising path to successful treatment of DRA as well as establish a useful platform for studying removal of certain pathological toxins accumulated in the blood.
Preparation of Dense and Porous Silicon Oxycarbide Submicrometer‐Sized Spheres Using a Modified Stöber Process
Authors: Dirè Sandra , Tagliazucca Valeria , Salvadori Livio , Sorarù Gian Domenico
Published: July 2011

Dense and highly porous silicon oxycarbide (Si–O–C) submicrometer‐sized spheres, with diameters in the range 100–400 nm are synthesized through pyrolysis of sol–gel‐derived hybrid precursors. A modified Stöber process is used for the synthesis of silsesquioxane submicrometer‐sized particles from different organotriethoxysilanes RTES, R=CH3, C5H11, and C6H5. The hybrid particles are transformed into dense inorganic Si–O–C submicrometer‐sized spheres through a pyrolysis process in controlled atmosphere and the spherical morphology is kept provided that the glass transition temperature of the silsesquioxane network is higher than the onset of the polymer‐to‐ceramic transformation. The Si–O–C spheres are stable up to 1400°C. By HF etching the silica nanodomains present in the silicon oxycarbide structure, the dense Si–O–C particles can be further engineered and transformed into highly porous Si–O–C submicrometer‐sized spheres with specific surface area up to 564 m2 g−1 and pore volume up to 0.7 cm3 g−1.
Fluoroscopy‐induced chronic radiation dermatitis: a report of two additional cases and a brief review of the literature
Authors: Boncher Julia , Bergfeld Wilma F
Published: July 2011

Fluoroscopy‐induced chronic radiation dermatitis (FICRD) can be a challenging diagnosis for the dermatopathologist, as often a history of radiation exposure is not provided. With the expanded use of minimally invasive procedures, there is increased fluoroscopic exposure and a high index of suspicion for FICRD is prudent. Recognition of characteristic clinical and histopathological features can be helpful in distinguishing chronic radiation dermatitis from entities in the histological differential diagnosis such as morphea and lichen sclerosus. We present a brief review of the literature as well as two additional cases of FICRD. Case 1 is a 44‐year‐old man with an atrophic lateral back patch for several years. Chart review revealed a history of cardiac radiofrequency ablation and congenital heart disease with correction. Case 2 is a 64‐year‐old woman with an ulcerated, atrophic left flank plaque, with a history of mesenteric artery angiography and stent placement. In our two cases, as well as the cases in the literature, a diagnosis of FICRD is associated with key features. In the evaluation of a sclerosing process, chronic radiation dermatitis should be suspected histologically by the findings of ulceration, prominent telangiectasias, atypical stellate fibroblasts, absence of a lymphocytic infiltrate/inflammation and/or presence of hyperkeratosis.

Boncher J, Bergfeld WF. Fluoroscopy‐induced chronic radiation dermatitis: a report of two additional cases and a brief review of the literature.
Landscape, cropping and field boundary influences on bird abundance
Authors: Siriwardena Gavin M. , Cooke Ira. R. , Sutherland William J.
Published: July 2011

Given likely dramatic land use changes in the UK, there is a need to predict their impact upon biodiversity. Such predictions require an understanding of the habitat factors that determine species’ abundances. We relate British farmland bird abundance at the 1 km square scale to three variable sets: landscape composition (for example, areas of woodland, urban and arable), field boundary characteristics and cropping. We then use multi‐model inference to summarize model fits for each variable set and compare their explanatory power to identify the relative importance of the three forms of description of the farm landscape. The important variables across species within each set show the habitat features that are most significant for the farmland bird community.

Models comprising landscape variables provided the best fits for 21 of 31 bird species, while field boundary variables were most important for seven species and cropping variables for one. After controlling for landscape influences, we then found that field boundary variation was slightly more influential than cropping. These patterns remained when farmland‐specialist species were considered alone. This shows that landscapes are the most important determinant of bird abundance and that cropping patterns and field boundary characteristics are influential only within the constraints of landscape structure. However, boundaries and, especially, crops remain important from a management perspective because they are more volatile, and can still drive population change. Important single variables that affected multiple species included woodland (predominantly negative even within farmland‐dominated landscapes), hedges with trees (providing nesting habitat and song‐posts) and heterogeneity both of landscapes and of cropping (predominantly positive effects). The results indicate which habitat features offer the most scope for induced population changes via management action and potentially provide relationships for input into predictive models with respect to land‐use change.
Fragmentation, grazing and the species–area relationship
Authors: Bogich Tiffany L. , Barker Gary M. , Mahlfeld Karin , Climo Frank , Green Rhys , Balmford Andrew
Published: July 2011

Habitat loss is one of the greatest threats to species persistence. Gauging the scale of this problem requires quantitative methods that can predict the number of extinctions resulting from habitat loss. For the past three decades, the species–area relationship, an empirical relationship between the number of species present in an area and the size of that area, has been this tool. However, it fails to incorporate threats to species aside from habitat loss and the heterogeneous distribution of these threats across habitats. Recent studies have improved species–area predictions by incorporating not only direct effects of area on richness, but also indirect effects of area (through area‐mediated predator abundance), on prey species richness. We extend this work to test the hypotheses that the indirect effects of the multiple threats of grazing and trampling in addition to fragmentation will amplify the effect of area on species richness and that this effect will be greatest in zones closest to the fragment edge. Further, we test for species and population level effects of fragmentation and grazing, including the non‐random pattern of species loss and the decline in population sizes. We test our hypotheses with a field study of land snail richness in fragments with and without the additional threats of grazing and trampling. Our study supports the hypotheses that fragments with multiple threats in addition to habitat loss harbour fewer species than fragments without these threats, and that this effect is non‐uniform across fragments, populations and species.
Effects of native and exotic range‐expanding plant species on taxonomic and functional composition of nematodes in the soil food web
Authors: Morriën Elly , Duyts Henk , Van der Putten Wim H.
Published: July 2011

Due to climate warming, many plant species shift ranges towards higher latitudes. Plants can disperse faster than most soil biota, however, little is known about how range‐expanding plants in the new range will establish interactions with the resident soil food web. In this paper we examine how the soil nematode community from the new range responds to range‐expanding plant species compared to related natives. We focused on nematodes, because they are important components in various trophic levels of the soil food web, some feeding on plant roots, others on microbes or on invertebrates. We expected that range expanding plant species have fewer root‐feeding nematodes, as predicted by enemy release hypothesis. We therefore expected that range expanders affect the taxonomic and functional composition of the nematode community, but that these effects would diminish with increasing trophic position of nematodes in the soil food web.

We exposed six range expanders (including three intercontinental exotics) and nine related native plant species to soil from the invaded range and show that range expanders on average had fewer root‐feeding nematodes per unit root biomass than related natives. The range expanders showed resistance against rather than tolerance for root‐feeding nematodes from the new range. On the other hand, the overall taxonomic and functional nematode community composition was influenced by plant species rather than by plant origin. The plant identity effects declined with trophic position of nematodes in the soil food web, as plant feeders were influenced more than other feeding guilds. We conclude that range‐expanding plant species can have fewer root‐feeding nematodes per unit root biomass than related natives, but that the taxonomic and functional nematode community composition is determined more by plant identity than by plant origin. Plant species identity effects decreased with trophic position of nematodes in the soil food web.
Simply the best: the transition of savanna saplings to trees
Authors: Wakeling Julia L. , Staver A. Carla , Bond William J.
Published: July 2011

Tree cover in savannas is determined as much by disturbances from fire and herbivory as by rainfall and soil resources. Fire especially acts to limit tree cover via a demographic bottleneck, limiting the recruitment of tree saplings to adults. Because sapling growth rates determine rates of sapling to tree recruitment, predicting changes in tree cover requires data on sapling growth rates, commonly expressed as population means. Here, we discuss the variability in sapling growth rates in Acacia populations in a savanna in Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park in South Africa. Saplings growing at mean rates under typical fire regimes in African savannas would likely never escape the fire‐trap to become adults. Only the fastest growing saplings could grow above the flame zone between fires. We suggest that maximum growth rates are more ecologically relevant than mean growth rates in natural populations and experiments. Maximum growth rates are better than mean growth rates as predictors of sapling release within species, as shown here, and probably of which species are likely ‘winners’ in savanna tree communities.
Fracture resistance of composite resin restorations and porcelain veneers in relation to residual tooth structure in fractured incisors
Authors: Batalocco Guido , Lee Heeje , Ercoli Carlo , Feng Changyong , Malmstrom Hans
Published: July 2011

Abstract –  The aim of the present study was to investigate whether there is a direct correlation between the amount of residual tooth structure in a fractured maxillary incisor and the fracture resistance of composite resin restorations or porcelain veneers after cyclic loading. Sixty human‐extracted maxillary central and lateral incisors were mounted in an acrylic block with the coronal aspect of the tooth protruding from the block surface. The teeth were assigned to two groups: 2‐mm incisal fracture and 4‐mm incisal fracture. Then, the teeth were further divided into two different restoration subgroups, porcelain laminate veneer and composite resin restoration, therefore obtaining four groups for the study (n = 15). The specimens were subjected to 1000 cycles of thermocycling and were mechanically tested with a custom‐designed cyclic loading apparatus for 2 × 106 cycles or until they failed. The specimens that survived the cyclic loading were loaded on the incisal edge along the long axis of the tooth with a flat stainless steel applicator until they fractured using a universal testing machine to measure the failure load. Two‐way anova was used to assess the significance of restoration, amount of fracture, and interaction effect (α = 0.05). During the cyclic loading, for the composite resin group, two specimens with 2‐mm fracture and three specimens with 4‐mm fracture failed. For the porcelain veneer group, two specimens with 2‐mm fracture and one specimen with 4‐mm fracture failed. The 2‐way anova did not show statistical significance for restoration (P = 0.584), amount of fracture (P = 0.357), or interaction effect (P = 0.212). A composite resin restoration and a porcelain veneer could perform similarly for replacing a fractured incisor edge up to 4 mm. Other factors such as esthetic and/or cost would be considerations to indicate one treatment over the other.
Evaluation of dentin formed in autogenous tooth transplantation in the dog: a comparison between one‐ and two‐stage surgical techniques
Authors: Ferreira Manuel Marques , Botelho Maria Filomena Rabaça , Carvalho Lina , Silva Maria Reis , Oliveiros Barbara , Carrilho Eunice Virgínia Palmeirão
Published: July 2011

Abstract –  This study was designed to compare the thickness of dentin formed associated with autogenous tooth transplantation in dogs, using either one‐ or two‐stage surgical techniques. The study consisted of three Beagles, older than 5 months, in which six incisors and six premolars were transplanted to mechanically prepared recipient sockets. One group was transplanted using a one‐stage method to recipient beds prepared immediately before transplantation. The second groups of teeth were transplanted using a two‐stage method in which the recipient beds were prepared and left to heal for 7 days before transplantation. Dogs were injected with xylenol orange, calcein and oxytetracycline at 2 days before, 3 and 9 weeks after transplantation, respectively, for vital staining. Clinical examinations were carried out every week, and the animals were euthanized 9 weeks later. The jaws were resected, fixed in formaldehyde and embedded in resin. Undemineralized sections were cut and examined by fluorescent microscopy. The thickness of dentin formed in the third week after transplantation and 9 weeks was evaluated by undertaking histomorphometric analysis and analysed using the Mann–Whitney U test (P = 0.05). All the transplanted teeth in both groups survived, and the dentin was formed. No statistically significant difference was found in the thickness of dentin formed in the third week and formed in the third to ninth week between the treatment groups (P = 0.999 and P = 0.998, respectively). This study demonstrated that there was no difference between the two surgical techniques in terms of the thickness of dentin formed in transplanted teeth.
Instability of self‐esteem, self‐confidence, self‐liking, self‐control, self‐competence and perfectionism: associations with oral health status and oral health‐related behaviours
Authors: Dumitrescu AL , Zetu L , Teslaru S
Published: July 2011

To cite this article:
 
Int J Dent Hygiene
10, 2012; 22–29  DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2011.00519.x  Dumitrescu AL, Zetu L, Teslaru S. Instability of self‐esteem, self‐confidence, self‐liking, self‐control, self‐competence and perfectionism: associations with oral health status and oral health‐related behaviours.

Abstract:  Aim:  Our aim was to explore whether instability of self‐esteem, self‐confidence, self‐liking, self‐control, self‐competence and perfectionism each has an independent contribution to the self‐rated oral health and oral health‐related behaviours.

Material and methods:  A cross‐sectional study design was used. Data were collected between November 2008 and May 2009. The sample consisted of 205 Romanian adults (mean age: 29.84 years; 65.2% women; 40% married) who were a random population drawn consecutively from the registry file of two private dental practices in the Iasi area. The questionnaire included information about demographic, psychological, self‐reported oral health and oral health‐related behaviour items.

Results:  The comparison of participants who never flossed their teeth with those who flossed everyday showed statistically significant lower levels of self‐confidence (P < 0.05), self‐liking (P = 0.001), self‐competence (P < 0.0001), self‐control (P < 0.05) and Perfectionism Scores (P < 0.05). Significant higher levels of self‐competence were scored in persons who used weekly mouthrinses comparing with never users (P = 0.012). Also patients who visited the dentist mainly when treatment is needed or when pain presented lower levels of self‐competence and self‐control comparing with those who visited the dentist mainly for check‐up or for tooth cleaning and scaling (P < 0.05). Oral health behaviours (toothbrushing and mouthrinse frequencies) were predicted by multiple regression analyses using sociodemographic (age, gender), self‐competence and perfectionism variables.

Conclusions:  Our study showed that instability of self‐esteem, self‐confidence, self‐competence, self‐liking, self‐control and perfectionism was associated not only with self‐rated dental health but also with oral health behaviours. Understanding the psychological factors associated with oral hygiene can further the development and improvement in therapeutic strategies to be used in oral health‐improving programs, as well as of programs aimed at prevention and education.
Two novel mutations in the gene EDAR causing autosomal recessive hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia
Authors: Naqvi SK , Wasif N , Javaid H , Ahmad W
Published: July 2011

To cite this article:
 Naqvi SK, Wasif N, Javaid H, Ahmad W: Two novel mutations in the gene EDAR causing autosomal recessive hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia Orthod Craniofac Res 2011;14:156–159

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Naqvi SK, Wasif N, Javaid H, Ahmad W

Introduction –  Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a human heritable disorder characterized by sparse hair, reduced ability to sweat and hypodontia. The HED exhibits X‐linked, autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Mutations in four genes including EDA, EDAR, EDARADD, and WNT10A are known to cause hypohidrotic and anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia.

Materials and methods –  Genotyping of both affected and normal individuals of two consanguineous Pakistani families (A, B), showing autosomal recessive HED, was carried out using microsatellite markers linked to EDAR gene on chromosome 2q11‐q13. To screen for mutations in the gene EDAR, all of its exons and splice junction were amplified and sequenced directly, using an automated DNA sequencer.

Results –  Genotyping using microsatellite markers analysis showed linkage of the two families to gene EDAR on chromosome 2q11‐2q13. Subsequently, screening of all the 12 exons and splice junctions of gene EDAR revealed a novel missense mutation (c.1163T>C; p.Ile388Thr) in family A and a novel insertion mutation (c.1014insA; p.V339SfsX6) in family B.

Conclusion –  Our findings extend the body of evidence supporting the role of EDAR signaling pathway as a powerful regulator of development of ectodermal appendages.
Alpine steppe plant communities of the Tibetan highlands
Authors: Miehe Georg , Bach Kerstin , Miehe Sabine , Kluge Jürgen , Yongping Yang , Duo La , Co Sonam , Wesche Karsten
Published: July 2011

Aim: To present a first description of plant communities of the Tibetan alpine steppes based on floristically complete vegetation records as a baseline reference for future ecological and palaeoecological studies. These constitute the world's largest alpine biome, but their vegetation is virtually unknown. Due to their vast extent, they are relevant for functioning of large‐scale climatic systems. In turn, arid and alpine biomes are suspected to be highly sensitive to ongoing climate change, underwent climate‐driven changes during the Last Glacial Maximum and have been subject to overgrazing and desertification.

Location: Northwestern Tibetan highlands (China: Xizang, Qinghai), 4200 to 5400 m a.s.l., total area ca. 800 000 km2.

Methods: Two hundred and fifty‐three vegetation records with absolute percentage cover were classified based on expert knowledge and analysed by DCA; composition of plant functional types related to grazing resilience was also assessed.

Results: Ten communities of alpine steppe were distinguished. A set of 11 alpine steppe species is distributed throughout the highlands, with a precipitation gradient between 350 mm yr−1 (southeast) and 20 to 50 mm yr−1 (northwest). The elevational range of more than 80% of species is larger than 1000 m. The data set comprises 30% endemic species, with ten endemic genera.

Conclusions: The wide thermal and hygric range of many species and high rate of endemism do not support the idea of high sensitivity to climate change or occurrence of past climate‐driven extinctions. The prevailing plant functional types are grazing resilient, and evidence for overgrazing is very limited. Cushion plants and dwarf shrubs, however, become increasingly rare around settlements, because they are uprooted for fuel. Hence, the world's largest arid alpine biome is apparently resilient to climatic changes and grazing. This contradicts common perceptions about arid and alpine ecosystems and therefore deserves intense multi‐disciplinary research efforts.
Looking in the Mirror of Augustine's Rule
Authors: Hofer Andrew
Published: July 2011

Augustine's Rule is one of the most influential texts in the history of religious life in the West. Those who follow the Rule, whose longest chapter deals with visual asceticism, are to examine themselves in it “as in a mirror.” This paper uses visual theory to explore the meaning of the Rule as a mirror in order to have a new look at the meaning of chastity, self-knowledge, and the gaze.