bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic susceptibility to viral exposure may increase the risk of cerebral palsy
Authors: DJUKIC Michael , GIBSON Catherine S. , MacLENNAN Alastair H. , GOLDWATER Paul N. , HAAN Eric A. , McMICHAEL Gai , PRIEST Kevin , DEKKER Gustaaf A. , HAGUE William M. , CHAN Annabelle , RUDZKI Zbigniew , VAN ESSEN Phillipa , KHONG T. Yee , MORTON Mark R. , RANIERI Enzo , SCOTT Heather , TAPP Heather , CASEY Graeme
Published: June 2009

Aim: Cytokine polymorphisms may alter the fetal inflammatory response, increasing susceptibility to cerebral palsy (CP). This study investigates associations between selected inflammatory mediator and cytokine gene polymorphisms (Toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR‐4) Asp299Gly, interleukin‐6 G‐174C and interleukin‐4 C‐589T) and CP from 443 CP infants and 883 control infants. Results were correlated with viral nucleic acids in the same samples.

Results: At all gestational ages (GA), TLR‐4 was associated with a decreased risk of developing CP (homozygous/heterozygous odds ratio (OR) 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50–0.98) and interleukin (IL)‐6 was associated with an increased risk of developing hemiplegia (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.05–1.83). For infants born 32–36 weeks GA, there was a tenfold increase in the risk of quadriplegic CP with homozygous/heterozygous IL‐6 (OR 10.42, 95% CI 1.34–80.82). Viral exposure in combination with IL‐4 in preterm infants was associated with a fourfold increased risk of quadriplegia (homozygous/heterozygous OR 4.25, 95% CI 1.21–14.95). In very preterm infants, the absence of detectable viral exposure in combination with IL‐4 decreased the risk of developing CP (homozygous/heterozygous OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.13–0.76).

Conclusion: Polymorphisms in TLR‐4 may be associated with a decreased risk of CP. Polymorphisms in IL‐6 or IL‐4 may act as susceptibility genes, in the presence of viral exposure, for the development of hemiplegic and quadriplegic CP. These associations require confirmation but they suggest a hypothesis for CP causation due to double jeopardy from neurotropic viral exposure and genetic susceptibility to infection.
The prevalence and significance of high‐risk human papillomavirus DNA test in southern Malaysia and Singapore
Authors: TAY Sun‐Kuie , TAY Yeng‐Kwang
Published: June 2009

Aim of Study: To investigate the prevalence of high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and its associated cytological abnormalities among women attending cervical screening clinics in southern Malaysia and Singapore.

Method: Laboratory results of Hybrid Capture‐II (Digene) HPV DNA and liquid‐based cytology tests of consecutive women who had screening performed between January 2004 and December 2006 were studied retrospectively.

Results: Of 2364 women studied, the overall prevalence of high‐risk HPV DNA detection rate was 25.6%. The prevalence peaked at 49.1% for women between 20 and 24 years old and declined to 23% among women between the age of 30 and 49 years. A small second peak of prevalence rate of 30% was observed among women above the age of 50 years old. 76.1% of the high‐risk HPV infection regressed within the study period. An incidence infection rate of 16% was noted among a small group of women who had a second HPV DNA test. A total of 1153 women had both the HPV DNA and the cytology tests. Cytological abnormality (ASCUS or more) was detected in 8.9% in HPV DNA‐positive group and in 3.1% in HPV DNA‐negative group (P < 0.001). The risk ratio for HSIL was 9.8 for HPV‐positive women compared to HPV‐negative women. The prevalence of cytological abnormalities increased with increasing age of the women.

Conclusion: The epidemiology and clinical impact of high‐risk HPV infection for women in Southern Malaysia and Singapore were indistinguishable from experience elsewhere. The apparent moderately high incidence of cervical cancer was explainable by suboptimal screening program.
Guidelines for the management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy 2008
Authors: LOWE Sandra A. , BROWN Mark A. , DEKKER Gustaaf A. , GATT Stephen , McLINTOCK Claire K. , McMAHON Lawrence P. , MANGOS George , MOORE M Peter , MULLER Peter , PAECH Michael , WALTERS Barry
Published: June 2009

This is the Executive Summary of updated guidelines developed by the Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australia and New Zealand for the management of hypertensive diseases of pregnancy. They address a number of challenging areas including the definition of severe hypertension, the use of automated blood pressure monitors, the definition of non‐proteinuric pre‐eclampsia and measuring proteinuria. Controversial management issues are addressed such as the treatment of severe hypertension and other significant manifestations of pre‐eclampsia, the role of expectant management in pre‐eclampsia remote from term, thromboprophylaxis, appropriate fluid therapy, the role of prophylactic magnesium sulfate and anaesthetic issues for women with pre‐eclampsia. The guidelines stress the need for experienced team management for women with pre‐eclampsia and mandatory hospital protocols for treatment of hypertension and eclampsia. New areas addressed in the guidelines include recommended protocols for maternal and fetal investigation of women with hypertension, preconception management for women at risk of pre‐eclampsia, auditing outcomes in women with hypertensive diseases of pregnancy and long‐term screening for women with previous pre‐eclampsia.
Use of a retrievable inferior vena cava filter in term pregnancy: Case report and review of literature
Authors: MILFORD William , CHADHA Yogesh , LUST Karin
Published: June 2009

Venous thromboembolism is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in obstetrics. Management with anticoagulation can be problematic, especially peripartum. We report the successful placement and retrieval of an inferior vena cava filter as prophylaxis for peripartum pulmonary embolism in a woman with a large, proximal, deep venous thrombosis at term.
Exhumation of the Dayman dome metamorphic core complex, eastern Papua New Guinea
Authors: DACZKO N. R. , CAFFI P. , HALPIN J. A. , MANN P.
Published: June 2009

The ∼750 km2Dayman dome of the Late Cretaceous Suckling‐Dayman massif, eastern Papua New Guinea, is a domed landform that rises to an elevation of 2850 m. The northern edge of the dome is a fault scarp >1000 m high that is now part of an active microplate boundary separating continental crust of the New Guinea highlands from continental and oceanic crust of the Woodlark microplate. Previous work has shown that a parallel belt of eclogite‐bearing core complexes north‐east of the Dayman dome were exhumed from up to 24–28 kbar in the last few millions of years. The remarkably fresh and lightly eroded scarp of the Dayman dome exposes shallowly‐dipping mylonitic (S1) metabasite rocks (500 m thick) on the northern flank of Mount Dayman. Field relationships near the base of this scarp show a cross cutting suite of ductile and brittle meso‐structures that includes: (i) rare ductile S2 folia with a shallowly ESE‐plunging mineral elongation lineation defined by sodic‐calcic blue amphibole; (ii) narrow steeply‐dipping ductile D2 shear zones; and (iii) semi‐brittle to brittle fault zones. Pumpellyite‐actinolite facies assemblages reported by previous workers to contain local aragonite, lawsonite and/or glaucophane are found in the core of the complex at elevations greater than 2000 m. These assemblages indicate peak metamorphic pressures of 6–9.5 kbar, demonstrating exhumation of the core of the Dayman dome from depths of 20–30 km. The S1 metamorphic mineral assemblage in metabasite includes actinolite‐chlorite‐epidote‐albite‐quartz‐calcite‐titanite, indicative of greenschist facies conditions for the main deformation. New mineral equilibria modelling suggests that this S1 assemblage evolved at 5.9–7.2 kbar at ∼425 °C. Modelling variable Fe3+indicates that the sodic‐calcic blue amphibole (D2) formed under a higher oxidation state compared with the S1 assemblage, probably at <4.5 kbar. A SE‐dipping, Mio‐Pliocene sedimentary sequence (Gwoira Conglomerate) forms a hangingwall block juxtaposed by low‐angle fault contact with the metabasite footwall. Prehnite‐bearing D3 brittle fault zones separate the two blocks and likely accommodated the final exhumation of the S1 greenschist facies assemblage in the footwall. These results indicate that the extensive Mt Dayman fault surface coincides with a domed S1 greenschist facies foliation that was last active at >20 km depth. Exhumation of this foliation must therefore be controlled by brittle faults of the active microplate boundary that are largely not observed in the study area. The structural record of the final exhumation of the Dayman dome to the surface was likely lost as a result of erosion, poor exposure or wide spacing of semi‐brittle to brittle fault zones.
Photoelastic Study of the Support Structures of Distal‐Extension Removable Partial Dentures
Authors: Costa Marcio Magno , Da Silva Marco Antonio Moreira Rodrigues , Oliveira Sonia Aparecida Goulart , Gomes Vanderlei Luiz , Carvalho Polliane Morais , Lucas Barbara Lima
Published: June 2009

Purpose: The double system of support, in which the distal‐extension removable partial denture adapts, causes inadequate stress around abutment teeth, increasing the possibility of unequal bone resorption. Several ways to reduce or more adequately distribute the stress between abutment teeth and residual ridges have been reported; however, there are no definitive answers to the problem. The purpose of this study was to analyze, by means of photoelasticity, the most favorable stress distribution using three retainers: T bar, rest, proximal plate, I bar (RPI), and circumferential with mesialized rest.

Materials and Methods: Three photoelastic models were made simulating a Kennedy Class II inferior arch. Fifteen dentures with long saddles, five of each design, were adjusted to the photoelastic patterns and submitted first to uniformly distributed load, and then to a load localized on the last artificial tooth. The saddles were then shortened and the tests repeated. The quantitative and qualitative analyses of stress intensity were done manually and by photography, respectively. For intragroup analyses the Wilcoxon test for paired samples was used, while for intergroup analyses Friedman and Wilcoxon tests were used to better identify the differences (p < 0.05).

Results: The RPI retainer, followed by the T bar, demonstrated the best distribution of load between teeth and residual ridge. The circumferential retainer caused greater concentration of stress between dental apexes. Stress distribution was influenced by the type of retainer, the length of the saddle, and the manner of load application.

Conclusions: The long saddles and the uniformly distributed loads demonstrated better distribution of stress on support structures.
Improving platelet supply chains through collaborations between blood centers and transfusion services
Authors: Fontaine Magali J. , Chung Yenho T. , Rogers William M. , Sussmann Harry D. , Quach Peter , Galel Susan A. , Goodnough Lawrence T. , Erhun Feryal
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND: Blood centers and hospital transfusion services are challenged with maintaining an adequate platelet (PLT) inventory to minimize the number of outdated units without risking a major shortage. A novel approach to inventory management was established at our institution through a collaboration between the Stanford University Medical Center (SUMC) Transfusion Service, the Stanford Blood Center (SBC), and the Department of Management Science and Engineering.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: An analysis of the supply chain performance between SBC and SUMC Transfusion Service was performed. First, the interaction between processes, such as blood collection, rotation, and inventory management, was studied. Second, changes were implemented based on the recommendations from the analysis team. Finally, a postanalysis was performed reflecting on the improvement of the operations between SUMC and SBC.

RESULTS: A comprehensive data analysis of the PLT supply chain allowed the identification of three series of improvements to be implemented: 1) on SBC's PLT collection, 2) on SBC's rotation process, and 3) on the PLT inventory management policy at SUMC. A postimplementation analysis showed a reduction in the overall PLT outdate rate from 19% in the first quarter of 2006, down to 9% in the third quarter of 2008.

CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary effort among SUMC Transfusion Service, SBC, and experts in supply chain management resulted in a process improvement, which reduced the rate of PLT outdate at both SBC and SUMC Transfusion Service down to 9%, with a significant cost reduction of more than half a million dollars per year.
Prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus, and human immunodeficiency virus in multiply transfused recipients in Mexico
Authors: Calderón Gloria M. , González‐Velázquez Felipe , González‐Bonilla Cesar R. , Novelo‐Garza Bárbara , Terrazas Jose J. , Martínez‐Rodríguez Maria L. , Cortés‐Márquez Silvia R. , Blanco‐Flores Juan P. , Rodríguez‐Rodríguez Arturo , Del Campo Maria A. , Cortés‐Gómez Rudy , Mejía‐Bocanegra M. Guadalupe
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND: Transfusion‐transmitted viral infection (TTI) is a major problem in patients receiving blood products. Monitoring high‐risk patients is essential for assessing the epidemiology of blood‐borne infections.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A 1‐year, cross‐sectional seroprevalence study in patients with a history of multiple transfusions was conducted. Peripheral blood samples were titered to detect serologic markers of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). The presence of these viruses and demographic, behavioral, and medical traits were assessed.

RESULTS: A total of 300 male and female multiply transfused patients with a mean age of 30.7 (±17.5) years were studied. The prevalence was 13.7% for HCV, 7% for HBV, and 1.7% for HIV. Patients with hemophilia had the highest prevalence for HCV and HIV infections, and hemodialyzed patients, for HBV infection. The risk factors related to acquired HCV were hemophilia (odds ratio [OR], 5.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5‐12.6), more than five hospitalizations (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.6‐8.9), and having received a transfusion before mandatory screening in 1993 (OR, 8.4; 95% CI, 2.0‐34.6), and for HIV, having received a transfusion before 1987 (OR, 19.0; 95% CI, 2.0‐177.7). The main risk factors for HBV were having end‐stage renal disease and being treated with hemodialysis (OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.4‐9.9) and transplantation (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.4‐12.1).

CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that HCV infection was more frequently identified than HBV and HIV infections in multiply transfused Mexican patients. Additionally, several risk factors are associated with TTI such as mandatory screenings before 1987 and 1993, which were the most important for HIV and HCV infections but not for HBV.
Rejuvenation treatment of stored red blood cells reverses storage‐induced adhesion to vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Koshkaryev Alexander , Zelig Orly , Manny Noga , Yedgar Saul , Barshtein Gregory
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND: Blood banking procedures are associated with elevated adherence of red blood cells (RBCs) to blood vessel wall endothelial cells (ECs), which can introduce a circulatory risk to recipients. This study was undertaken to examine the possibility of repairing this damage by a poststorage “rejuvenation” procedure before transfusion.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Stored RBCs were treated with rejuvenation solution (Rejuvesol, enCyte Systems, Inc.), and their adhesion to cultured human microvascular ECs was determined as a function of shear stress using a cell flow properties analyzer. The adherence of rejuvenation‐treated stored RBCs (stRBCs) was compared to that of untreated stRBCs and of freshly donated RBCs.

RESULTS: Strong elevation of stRBC/EC adhesion was induced by cold storage and it correlated with translocation of phosphatidylserine (PS) to the RBC surface, a known mediator of RBC/EC adhesion. The role of RBC surface PS in stRBC/EC interaction was confirmed by the suppression of adhesion after the blocking of the stRBC surface PS with annexin V. Concomitantly, RBC storage elevated intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca2+, the latter known to facilitate PS externalization. Poststorage rejuvenation treatment of stRBCs reversed all the above changes (ROS, Ca2+, PS), along with complete suppression of the enhanced RBC/EC adhesion, restoring it to that of normal, freshly collected RBCs.

CONCLUSION: Poststorage RBC rejuvenation treatment is effective in reversing the storage‐induced RBC/EC interaction. This provides further documentation for the potential clinical benefit of poststorage rejuvenation.
Increasing Length of Stay Among Adult Visits to U.S. Emergency Departments, 2001–2005
Authors: Herring Andrew , Wilper Andrew , Himmelstein David U. , Woolhandler Steffie , Espinola Janice A. , Brown David F.M. , Camargo Jr. Carlos A.
Published: June 2009

Background:  Emergency departments (EDs) are traditionally designed to provide rapid evaluation and stabilization and are neither staffed nor equipped to provide prolonged care. Longer ED length of stay (LOS) may compromise quality of care and contribute to delays in the emergency evaluation of other patients.

Objectives:  The objective was to determine whether ED LOS increased between 2001 and 2005 and whether trends varied by patient and hospital factors.

Methods:  This was a retrospective analysis of a nationally representative sample of 138,569 adult ED visits from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS), 2001 to 2005. ED LOS was measured from registration to discharge.

Results:  Median ED LOS increased 3.5% per year from 132 minutes in 2001 to 154 minutes in 2005 (p‐value for trend < 0.001). There was a larger increase among critically ill patients for whom ED LOS increased 7.0% annually from 185 minutes in 2001 to 254 minutes in 2005 (p‐value for trend < 0.01). ED LOS was persistently longer for black/African American, non‐Hispanic patients (10.6% longer) and Hispanic patients (13.9% longer) than for non‐Hispanic white patients, and these differences did not diminish over time. Among factors potentially associated with increasing ED LOS, a large increase was found (60.1%, p‐value for trend < 0.001) in the use of advanced diagnostic imaging (computed tomography [CT], magnetic resonance imaging [MR], and ultrasound [US]) and in the proportion of ED visits at which five or more diagnostic or screening tests were ordered (17.6% increase, p‐value for trend = 0.001). The proportion of uninsured patients was stable throughout the study period, and EDs with predominately privately insured patients experienced significant increases in ED LOS (4.0% per year from 2001 to 2005, p‐value for trend < 0.01).

Conclusions:  Emergency department LOS in the United States is increasing, especially for critically ill patients for whom time‐sensitive interventions are most important. The disparity of longer ED LOS for African Americans and Hispanics is not improving.
Antibacterial Properties of an Iron‐based Hemostatic Agent In Vitro and in a Rat Wound Model
Authors: Bracho David O. , Barsan Lauren , Arekapudi Subramanyeswara R. , Thompson John A. , Hen John , Stern Susan A. , Younger John G.
Published: June 2009

Objectives:  Topical hemostatic agents are currently employed on the battlefield for control of major hemorrhage and have potential for use in civilian settings. Some of these compounds may also be antibacterial. Given the behavior of these compounds, the purpose of this study was to assess the potential antibacterial properties of an iron oxyacid–based topical hemostatic agent against three problematic species of wound‐contaminating microorganisms: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Methods:  Bacteria were treated in vitro with the test powder for 30 minutes and then assessed for viability. Long‐term (8‐hour) inhibition of bacterial growth was also examined. In vivo, a rat full‐thickness 1‐cm2 skin wound was studied. Wounds were contaminated, treated, and then quantitatively cultured 24 hours later.

Results:  The lethal dose for 99% of the organisms (LD99) for the compound against each organism ranged from 0.89 (±0.28) to 4.77 (±0.66) mg/mL (p < 0.05). The compound produced sustained inhibition over 8 hours at both 1 and 5 mg/mL (p < 0.05 for each), for P. aeruginosa, S. epidermidis, and S. aureus. In vivo, activity was noted against only P. aeruginosa, with the largest magnitude reduction being on the order of 3‐log colony‐forming units (CFU; p < 0.01).

Conclusions:  The iron‐based agent studied possesses significant in vitro and lesser in vivo antibacterial effects. Further optimization of the delivery, dosing, and evaluation of this agent in a larger animal model with more humanlike skin structures may reveal important wound effects beyond control of bleeding.
Serious Bacterial Infections in Febrile Infants in the Post–Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Era
Authors: Rudinsky Sherri L. , Carstairs Keri L. , Reardon Jacqueline M. , Simon Leslie V. , Riffenburgh Robert H. , Tanen David A.
Published: June 2009

Objectives:  The objective was to identify the epidemiology of serious bacterial infections (SBI) and the current utility of obtaining routine complete blood counts (CBC) and blood cultures to stratify infants at risk of SBI, in the study population of febrile infants in the post–heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) era.

Methods:  A cohort study with nested case‐controls was undertaken at a tertiary care military hospital emergency department (ED) from December 2002 through December 2003. Irrespective of clinical findings at the initial encounter, patients were included if they were under 3 months of age and had a home or ED temperature of ≥100.4°F or if they were between 3 and 24 months of age with a temperature of ≥102.3°F. Data abstracted included age, temperature, peripheral white blood cell (WBC) count, and discharge diagnosis. Culture (blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid [CSF]) and chest radiograph (CXR) results were obtained through review of the electronic hospital archives. SBI was defined as pneumonia, urinary tract infection (UTI), meningitis, or bacteremia.

Results:  A total of 985 children aged 0 to 24 months were enrolled. Fifty‐five percent were male, the median age was 12 months (interquartile range = 8–17 months), and 79% had received at least one PCV7. A total of 132 cases of SBI were identified in 129 infants (13.1%): 82 pneumonias, 45 UTI, five bacteremias, and no cases of bacterial meningitis. The frequency of bacteremia was 0.7%. No statistical difference was detected in the WBC count between the SBI and non‐SBI groups (13.8 ± 5.8 and 11.7 ± 5.6, respectively; p = 0.055). No readily available WBC cutoff on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve proved to be an accurate predictor of SBI. No statistical difference was detected in mean temperature between the SBI and non‐SBI groups (103.3 ± 1.2 and 103.2 ± 1.2°F, respectively; p = 0.26), nor was there a difference noted when groups were broken down by age or height of fever.

Conclusions:  The WBC count and height of fever were not found to be accurate predictors of SBI in infants age 3 to 24 months. UTI and pneumonias made up the vast majority of SBI in this population of infants. The overall bacteremia frequency was well below 1%. This calls into question the continued utility of obtaining routine complete cell counts and blood cultures in the febrile infant in the post‐PCV7 era.
Rotational movements of mandibular two‐implant overdentures
Authors: Kimoto Suguru , Pan Shaoxia , Drolet Nicolas , Feine Jocelyne S.
Published: June 2009

Objectives: Clinicians have reported that their patients complain that their mandibular two‐implant overdentures (IOD) rotate. Therefore, we studied the frequency and severity of rotation of IODs with two‐ball attachments, how rotation may influence perceived satisfaction ratings of chewing ability, and the factors that are involved in the rotation of IODs.

Material and methods: Seventy‐nine participants were recruited and asked to rate their general satisfaction of their IODs, as well as their ability to chew foods, the existence of any mandibular denture rotation, and to what degree denture rotation bothered them. Data on participant sociodemographic, anatomical, and prosthesis characteristics were also collected. Student's t‐test and logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze the differences between participants who did (R group) and did not report (NR group) denture rotation.

Results: Thirty‐seven of 79 participants were aware of rotational movement in their IODs. These patients were significantly less satisfied with their chewing ability than those who felt no rotation (69.1 mm R group vs. 82.9 mm), and discomfort caused by the rotation bothered them moderately (39/100 mm). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the arrangement of the anterior teeth and the length of the denture are significantly associated with awareness of denture rotation. Thirty‐eight percent in the R group and 31% in the NR group had non‐scheduled visits.

Conclusions: Rotational movement with a mandibular two‐IOD has a negative effect on perceived chewing ability and is associated with anterior tooth arrangement and denture length.
The effect of microrough surface treatment on miniscrews used as orthodontic anchors
Authors: Chang Chin‐Shan , Lee Tzer‐Min , Chang Chih‐Han , Liu Jia‐Kuang
Published: June 2009

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two different microrough surface treatments on miniscrews with loading over different time periods in vivo.

Material and methods: Twenty‐four New Zealand white rabbits were selected. One hundred and forty‐four miniscrews with a machined (MA), sandblasted and acid‐etched (SLA) or sandblasted and alkaline‐etched (SL/NaOH) surface were implanted into the tibia of the rabbits. Then, orthodontic forces with Ni–Ti coils were applied immediately to two of the three miniscrews in each tibia, with the center one serving as the control. After 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks, the rabbits were sacrificed. The removal torque value (RTV) was tested and bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) was examined.

Results: In most groups, there were no differences between the RTV in the unloaded and loaded conditions at different time periods. In the loaded condition, the RTV of the SLA groups increased significantly after 4 weeks of healing. The RTV in the SL/NaOH groups increased after 8 weeks, and reached a significant difference with the SLA groups after 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, the BIC in the SLA and SL/NaOH groups was higher than in the MA groups. A regression test revealed a moderate correlation between the BIC and the RTV.

Conclusions: There were no differences between the loaded and unloaded conditions in most groups. The RTV and BIC increased with time. In the loaded condition, the RTV of the SLA surface increased earlier, at 4 weeks, while the SL/NAOH group showed the highest RTV after 8 weeks.
Mechanism and a Peptide Motif for Targeting Peripheral Proteins to the Yeast Inner Nuclear Membrane
Authors: Lai Tsung‐Po , Stauffer Karen A. , Murthi Athulaprabha , Shaheen Hussam H. , Peng Gang , Martin Nancy C. , Hopper Anita K.
Published: June 2009

Trm1 is a tRNA specific m22G methyltransferase shared by nuclei and mitochondria in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In nuclei, Trm1 is peripherally associated with the inner nuclear membrane (INM). We investigated the mechanism delivering/tethering Trm1 to the INM. Analyses of mutations of the Ran pathway and nuclear pore components showed that Trm1 accesses the nucleoplasm via the classical nuclear import pathway. We identified a Trm1 cis‐acting sequence sufficient to target passenger proteins to the INM. Detailed mutagenesis of this region uncovered specific amino acids necessary for authentic Trm1 to locate at the INM. The INM information is contained within a sequence of less than 20 amino acids, defining the first motif for addressing a peripheral protein to this important subnuclear location. The combined studies provide a multi‐step process to direct Trm1 to the INM: (i) translation in the cytoplasm; (ii) Ran‐dependent import into the nucleoplasm; and (iii) redistribution from the nucleoplasm to the INM via the INM motif. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the Trm1 mitochondrial targeting and nuclear localization signals are in competition with each other, as Trm1 becomes mitochondrial if prevented from entering the nucleus.
Salivary pH level and bacterial plaque evaluation in orthodontic patients treated with Recaldent® products
Authors: Marchisio O , Esposito MR , Genovesi A
Published: June 2009

To cite this article:
 
Int J Dent Hygiene 8, 2010; 232–236 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2009.00374.x Marchisio O, Esposito MR, Genovesi A. Salivary pH level and bacterial plaque evaluation in orthodontic patients treated with Recaldent® products.

Abstract:  Dental caries and resulting tooth decay can produce a multifactorial destructive process with a very high incidence. Cariogenic bacteria attack enamel with acids that produce subsurface lesions, thereby weakening the enamel and allowing bacterial progression into the dentin. The formation of dental decay, because of demineralization of the tooth structure, can be prevented or delayed by increasing the rate of the tooth’s remineralization and replacement relative to the tooth’s rate of demineralization. This rebuilding of enamel may be accelerated by the addition of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) with the aid of casein phosphopeptide (CPP) (Recaldent® molecule). In this study, the role of CPP in stabilizing and releasing ACP on the tooth surface has been investigated to better understand its efficacy in the prevention of tooth demineralization in orthodontic patients. Twenty‐five patients who wore fixed orthodontic appliances were enrolled in this clinical trial. It was explained to the patients that CPP–ACP would be used for 3 weeks and then suspended for an additional 3 weeks. Salivary pH evaluation, plaque pH evaluation and oral hygiene index (OHI) were performed at T0, T1 and T2. Results showed an increase in OHI level and an increase of the salivary pH (76% of the patients). Instead of plaque pH level that showed trivial results, only 48% of the patients showed a bacterial plaque pH increase. In conclusion, this study has not provided unequivocal evidence for the protective properties of Recaldent® molecule. Long‐term studies are necessary to better understand the role of this molecule.
The Aging Dilemma: Is Increasing Longevity Among People With Intellectual Disabilities Creating a New Population Challenge in the Asia‐Pacific Region?
Authors: Janicki Matthew P.
Published: June 2009

The Macau Declaration on Ageing for Asia and the Pacific and the Plan of Action on Ageing for Asia and the Pacific provide a framework for defining the needs of the aging population in the Asia‐Pacific region. It also served as a stimulus for planning and public commitment to addressing the needs of the region's elderly population, including the needs of each of the nation's adult and aging populations of persons with intellectual disabilities. Within the Asia‐Pacific region, the diversity of cultural and economic interests often combines to define how services are provided to their aging populations and both how disabilities are perceived and how national policies reflect these interests in serving people with disabilities. Reports issued by the World Health Organization on improving longevity and promoting healthy aging among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the Tampa Scientific Conference on Aging and Intellectual Disabilities on defining health factors help provide the structure for both the consideration of the impact of aging on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and how national social and public welfare policies can be framed to respond to aging and lifelong disability.
Healthy Persons With Intellectual Disabilities in an Inclusive Society
Authors: Van Schrojenstein Lantman‐de Valk H. M. J.
Published: June 2009

Persons with intellectual disabilities (ID) have twice as many health problems than the general public. The author discusses evidence‐based research on prevalence and best treatment of primary and secondary health problems in persons with ID. Citing the pan‐European Pomona project, European data were collected on training for health professionals regarding health of persons with ID. International cooperation in research and transport of expertise through exchange of students and professionals in this field are recommended.
Possibilities for an Inclusive Society in Singapore: Becoming Inclusive Within
Authors: Lim Levan
Published: June 2009

The envisioning of Singapore as an inclusive society has witnessed the most progressive systemic and policy developments concerning people with disabilities in recent years. The building of “heartware” in society (as in the will, values, and attitudes of its citizens) in order to realize the vision of an inclusive society, however, requires both change from within and change from without. For the vision of an inclusive society to be realized, an inclusive system needs to be upheld and supported by people who are inclusive within. The seeds for the possibilities of change in society toward inclusivity of diverse others (e.g., persons with intellectual disabilities) lie within the individual and imply that at the core of such change is personal interior growth and transformation. The sustainable and successful transformation of Singapore in becoming an inclusive society, in addition to the external social and educational changes, depends on individuals who are willing to embrace interior change and personal transformation to become more inclusive of themselves and others.
Challenging Behavior: A Barrier to Inclusion?
Authors: Murphy Glynis
Published: June 2009

Arguably, the most important outcome measure for services to people with intellectual disabilities is quality of life. Quality of life has been defined in numerous ways and may consist of many aspects, including physical, material, and emotional well‐being, as well as interpersonal relationships, personal development, self‐determination, social inclusion, and civic rights. However, the most important aspect is social inclusion. People with intellectual disabilities who show challenging behavior, however, often make other people uncomfortable so that social inclusion is more difficult, and evidence suggests that both children and adults with intellectual disabilities and challenging behavior (and their families) have poorer quality of life and more restrictions in their lives than others with intellectual disabilities. Examination of the psychosocial aspects of quality of life indicates that modern services are still not good at providing people with challenging behavior with opportunities for making relationships, employment, and social inclusion. We need to improve our ability to target these areas of quality of life, particularly social inclusion for people with challenging behavior.
Erectile Dysfunction and Mortality
Authors: Araujo Andre B. , Travison Thomas G. , Ganz Peter , Chiu Gretchen R. , Kupelian Varant , Rosen Raymond C. , Hall Susan A. , McKinlay John B.
Published: June 2009

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) share pathophysiological mechanisms and often co-occur. Yet it is not known whether ED provides an early warning for increased CVD or other causes of mortality.

Aim

We sought to examine the association of ED with all-cause and cause-specific mortality.

Methods

Prospective population-based study of 1,709 men (of 3,258 eligible) aged 40–70 years. ED was measured by self-report. Subjects were followed for a mean of 15 years. Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated using the Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Main Outcome Measures

Mortality due to all causes, CVD, malignant neoplasms, and other causes.

Results

Of 1,709 men, 1,284 survived to the end of 2004 and had complete ED and age data. Of 403 men who died, 371 had complete data. After adjustment for age, body mass index, alcohol consumption, physical activity, cigarette smoking, self-assessed health, and self-reported heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes, ED was associated with HRs of 1.26 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.57) for all-cause mortality, and 1.43 (95% CI 1.00–2.05) for CVD mortality. The HR for CVD mortality associated with ED is of comparable magnitude to HRs of some conventional CVD risk factors.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that ED is significantly associated with increased all-cause mortality, primarily through its association with CVD mortality.
Small Tent‐Roosting Bats Promote Dispersal of Large‐Seeded Plants in a Neotropical Forest
Authors: Melo Felipe P. L. , Rodriguez‐Herrera Bernal , Chazdon Robin L. , Medellin Rodrigo A. , Ceballos Gerardo G.
Published: June 2009

In Neotropical regions, fruit bats are among the most important components of the remaining fauna in disturbed landscapes. These relatively small‐bodied bats are well‐known dispersal agents for many small‐seeded plant species, but are assumed to play a negligible role in the dispersal of large‐seeded plants. We investigated the importance of the small tent‐roosting bat Artibeus watsoni for dispersal of large seeds in the Sarapiquí Basin, Costa Rica. We registered at least 43 seed species > 8 mm beneath bat roosts, but a species accumulation curve suggests that this number would increase with further sampling. Samples collected beneath bat feeding roosts had, on average, 10 times more seeds and species than samples collected 5 m away from bat feeding roosts. This difference was generally smaller in small, disturbed forest patches. Species‐specific abundance of seeds found beneath bat roosts was positively correlated with abundance of seedlings, suggesting that bat dispersal may influence seedling recruitment. Our study demonstrates a greater role of small frugivorous bats as dispersers of large seeds than previously thought, particularly in regions where populations of large‐bodied seed dispersers have been reduced or extirpated by hunting.
Mecardonia tenella (Plantaginaceae) Attracts Oil‐, Perfume‐, and Pollen‐Gathering Bees in Southern Brazil
Authors: Cappellari Simone Caroline , Harter‐Marques Birgit , Aumeier Pia , Engels Wolf
Published: June 2009

Floral characteristics often indicate the pollinators' functional group visiting the plant and the pollination syndromes associated with them. This idea has been challenged in the past decades due to increasing evidence that most plants, including those exhibiting floral syndromes, are visited by large arrays of species that differ in their effectiveness as pollinators. Our study focuses on Mecardonia tenella (Plantaginaceae) from the Araucaria forest of southern Brazil, which exhibits characteristics of the oil flower pollination syndrome. However, it is visited by three types of functional groups of bees: male orchid bees, oil‐collecting bees, and pollen‐seeking bees. The relative contribution of each functional group to the plant's reproductive success was estimated based on their pollen load, visitation frequency, and morphology. We assessed resources, phenology, and breeding system of M. tenella. Our results indicate that flowers lack nectar, but volatiles, lipids, and pollen are resources that can be gathered by visitors. This combination of floral traits and visitors' assemblage makes M. tenella a challenge to the concept of pollination syndromes. Our findings indicate that the current interactions may not reflect the circumstances under which some floral traits of this plant were selected.
Persisting Hyper‐abundance of Leaf‐cutting Ants (Atta spp.) at the Edge of an Old Atlantic Forest Fragment
Authors: Meyer Sebastian T. , Leal Inara R. , Wirth Rainer
Published: June 2009

Leaf‐cutting ants (LCAs) profoundly benefit from edge creation in Neotropical forests, where they act as a keystone species and disturbance agent. In view of their poorly explored population dynamics, the question arises whether high densities of LCAs are a transitional or a persisting phenomenon. We studied the temporal variation of LCA colony densities at the edge of the Brazilian Atlantic forest. At physically stable edges of an old forest fragment, densities of Atta cephalotes and Atta sexdens (11 and five times higher in a 50 m edge zone in comparison with the forest interior) persisted over a 4‐yr interval (2001–2005) with no significant difference in densities between years. Species‐specific per colony growth rates ranged from 12 to −5 percent/yr, suggesting that populations were approximately at equilibrium. High rates of colony turnover (little less than 50% in 4 yr) indicated an average colony life span of about 7 yr—a life expectancy considerably lower than previous estimates for Atta colonies. Stable, hyper‐abundant populations of LCAs accord with the constantly high availability of palatable pioneer vegetation (the preferred food source of LCAs) at forest edges and are expected to persist in time as long as forests are characterized by high edge to interior ratios, with potentially long‐lasting consequences for the ecosystem.
Comparison of Different Low Density Lipoprotein Apheresis Machines on Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Patients With Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Moriarty Patrick , Sosland Rachel , Gibson Cheryl , Belmont John
Published: June 2009

B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a hormone released from cardiac ventricles during episodes of hemodynamic overload. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis, a procedure for patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and coronary artery disease (CAD), lowers plasma cholesterol and immediately reduces blood viscosity and coronary vascular resistance while improving myocardial blood flow and microvascular perfusion. Previous studies have demonstrated the ability of LDL apheresis to reduce BNP chronically. We undertook this study to evaluate the difference in reduction of BNP levels following a single treatment with two dissimilar LDL apheresis devices. We conducted a prospective trial involving 27 patients (19 F; age = 59 ± 9 years) with FH who received at least 6 months of bi‐weekly LDL apheresis therapy with either the Secura heparin extracorporeal LDL precipitation (HELP) system (N = 17 patients, B. Braun, Inc., Melsungen, Germany) or the Liposorber LA‐15 dextran sulfate absorber (DSA) system (N = 10 patients, Kaneka, Inc., Osaka, Japan). We measured BNP levels immediately before and after one treatment of LDL apheresis. Following LDL apheresis, BNP levels were reduced by an average of 40 ± 17% (P < 0.001). Despite treating equal amounts of plasma, the HELP system reduced BNP (45 ± 18%) significantly more than the DSA system (31 ± 11%,P = 0.031). In conclusion, LDL apheresis therapy, possibly through its immediate improvement of vascular flow and/or removal of the peptide from plasma, results in a significant reduction of BNP levels. The increased reduction of BNP by HELP may result from its superior acute alterations of rheological markers.
FATTY ACID COMPOSITION AND CONJUGATED LINOLEIC ACID CONTENT OF COW AND GOAT CHEESES FROM NORTHWEST ARGENTINA
Authors: VAN NIEUWENHOVE CARINA P. , OLISZEWSKI RUBÉN , GONZÁLEZ SILVIA N.
Published: June 2009

In this study, we evaluated chemical characteristics, fatty acid composition and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content of cow and goat cheeses from Northwest Argentina. Similar chemical and fatty acid composition were determined in milk and cheese of both species. Palmitic, oleic and myristic acids were the most abundant fatty acids in dairy products. CLA level averaged 0.85 and 0.96 in milk and 0.76 and 1.04 g/100 g of fatty acids in cheese of cow and goat, respectively. Cis‐9,trans‐11 was the major isomer present in both species. Significant differences in CLA desaturase activity were observed, showing a value of 0.068 and 0.064 in milk, and 0.077 and 0.071 in cheese of cow and goats, respectively. Good nutritional properties were determined for cheeses of both species, which are fed on natural pasture during spring and summer seasons. Goat's cheese represents a higher source of CLA for human consumers than cow's cheese, offering from 156.6 to 222.6 mg/ 100 g of sample.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The present work shows the fatty acid composition and chemical characteristics of two fresh cheeses manufactured with cow and goat milk. Animals were fed on natural pasture during summer and spring seasons. It is known that pasture increases conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) concentration in milk fat, and the content in cheese is directly related to it. The CLA content of dairy products for the human consumers was analyzed, showing goat cheese with high polyunsaturated fatty acid content, including CLA. Cow and goat fresh cheese offer CLA as many ripening products of different countries, as cheddar or hard cheeses. Lipid composition of food is related to many illnesses, but some compounds are beneficial to human health. The main sources of CLA are milk and cheeses, and in Northwest of Argentina, no data are reported about it, where artisanal cheeses are consumed by the population. Therefore, the atherogenicity index was determined as well.
Re‐centring Geography: A School‐based Perspective on the Nature of the Discipline
Authors: MAUDE ALARIC
Published: June 2009

The Australian Government is currently developing a national geography curriculum for Australian schools. The paper discusses the question of how to describe the nature of geography as a school subject, and the implications of this description for the curriculum. Geography is defined as the study of places, and its distinctiveness is identified by the main questions that geographers use to gain new knowledge and understanding. These questions are inclusive of the human‐environment interactions and spatial analysis traditions of the discipline that are often proposed as alternative ways of defining the subject, and also of the different philosophical approaches adopted by geographers to the gaining of knowledge. The discipline is further defined and described through its concepts and skills. Based on recent research on student learning, a national geography curriculum should have a balance of substantive knowledge (facts, principles and explanations) and procedural knowledge (concepts, methods, skills and ways of gaining new knowledge), and enable students to learn geography by doing it and by applying their knowledge. The content could be chosen by combining professional judgements on what topics are important for students to study, and an assessment of what topics are likely to be seen as interesting to young Australians and relevant to the adult world they are about to enter. The resulting curriculum would be integrative and eclectic, focused on the study of places and the variety of ways they can be understood, and would produce students better able to analyse and understand a range of current and future local and global issues. Such a curriculum would require adjustments in university topics, especially in first year.
Hypolithic Plants from Carruthers Peak, Snowy Mountains, New South Wales, Australia
Authors: MÜLLER GREGG
Published: June 2009

Hypolithic plants, plants growing under rocks, have been found from a number of climatically extreme, mostly arid sites from the poles to the equator, but there are limited reports from temperate zones. A brief survey in the Kosciuszko Alpine Area of New South Wales, Australia, revealed four species of moss and one liverwort growing beneath diaphanous quartz pebbles in feldmark vegetation communities. The probable restricted nature of this phenomenon and the likely impact of global warming, tourists and recreation management activities raise concerns for its conservation.