bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does trauma in the primary dentition cause sequelae in permanent successors? A systematic review
Authors: Lenzi Michele Machado , Alexandria Adílis Kalina , Ferreira Daniele Masterson T. P. , Maia Lucianne Cople
Published: November 2014

This systematic review sought scientific evidence (in the literature) that trauma in the primary incisors cause sequelae in permanent successors. Also this work verified whether there was a relation between the presence and type of sequelae in permanent teeth with the child's age at the time of injury and type of trauma. Electronic databases, including the PubMed, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, LILACS, and Web of Science were used to search for original articles up to June 2013. Prospective and retrospective studies that assessed the association of trauma in deciduous incisors and developmental disturbances in permanent successors were selected. Two authors independently reviewed and extracted the data from the included studies. A methodological quality assessment evaluation of the selected studies was performed. The search retrieved 258 citations. Initially, 19 studies fulfilled the selection criteria; however, one (1) was excluded, leaving 18 for the final selection. Despite some limitations in the study designs were observed, especially the lack of a control group in most studies, the evidence found suggests that individuals with trauma in their primary incisors have more developmental disorders in the permanent successors than individuals without a previous trauma. Furthermore, the younger the child is at the time of injury, the more frequent and more severe are the sequelae to the permanent successor incisors. More severe traumas such as intrusion and avulsion are associated to more serious developmental disorders. These results should be analyzed carefully because very few studies evaluated had a control group.
Genotype distribution of Raffaelea quercivora in the oak galleries and its composition in the mycangia of Platypus quercivorus
Authors: Takahashi Y. S. , Matsushita N. , Hogetsu T.
Published: November 2014

Raffaelea quercivora is the pathogenic fungus that causes Japanese oak wilt. The female monogynous ambrosia beetle, Platypus quercivorus, carries this fungus in mycangia on the pronotum. These beetles bore galleries in oak trees with their partners to produce offspring, and they deposit fungus on the gallery walls from their mycangia. The offspring mature in the gallery, before loading the fungal pathogen and flying from the gallery to other healthy trees. To investigate the unloading and loading modes of the fungus within the gallery, we developed four polymorphic microsatellite markers for R. quercivora and identified the fungal genotypes in the galleries and mycangia of the beetles. Small wood chips were sampled at 5–10‐mm intervals from the walls of five galleries in a dead Quercus serrata tree. The pronota were also sampled from five female adult beetles. The genotypes of the R. quercivora isolates from the wood chips and pronota were identified using the microsatellite makers. The genotypic analysis showed that each gallery was inhabited patchily by 5–10 genotypes of R. quercivora, and the mycangia of each beetle contained 3–6 genotypes. These results indicate that diverse R. quercivora genotypes are unloaded repeatedly from the mycangia of female beetles onto the gallery wall, which results in their patchy distribution on the walls. When the offspring leave the host tree, the fungal clones that proliferate in the walls are also loaded repeatedly into the mycangia of the mature beetles.
Small‐scale technologies and European coal mine safety, 1850–1900
Authors: Murray John E. , Silvestre Javier
Published: November 2014

This article considers new technologies and fatal accident rates in European coal mining from 1850 to 1900. Its contributions are twofold: to recover and emphasize improvements in small‐scale mine technologies such as safety lamps and ventilation, and, second, to deny any role at this time for later macroinventions such as electrification and mechanization. We discuss the influence of these safety‐improving technologies as well as government regulations on different kinds of fatal accident rates. It is proposed that an important and overlooked source of the reduction in fatalities from certain kinds of accidents was the introduction and diffusion of a variety of safety‐related technologies, none of particularly large scale.
The impact of caregivers on the effectiveness of an early community mental health detection and intervention programme in Hong Kong
Authors: Pan Jia‐Yan , Ng Yat‐Nam Petrus , Young Kim‐Wan Daniel
Published: November 2014

Aim

The prevalence rate of mental illness in Chinese communities is high, but Chinese clients tend to underutilize mental health services. Caregivers may play an important role in mental health early detection and intervention, but few studies have investigated their roles in community mental health services. This study compared the effectiveness of an early detection and intervention programme, the Community Mental Health Intervention Project, for two groups in the context of Hong Kong – clients with and without caregivers.

Method

A comparison group pre–post‐test design was adopted. A total of 170 service users joined this study, including 100 with caregivers and 70 without caregivers.

Results

Both groups showed a significant decrease in psychiatric symptoms and increase in community living skills; the group without caregivers indicated a greater reduction in psychiatric symptoms. Different social work intervention components had different predictive effects on these changes.

Conclusion

The Community Mental Health Intervention Project is an effective early detection and intervention programme in working with Hong Kong Chinese people who are suspected of having mental health problems, especially for those without caregivers.
Venepuncture during head‐up tilt testing in patients with suspected vasovagal syncope – implications for the test protocol
Authors: Humm A. M. , Z'Graggen W. J.
Published: November 2014

Background and purpose

Head‐up tilt (HUT) testing is a widely used diagnostic tool in patients with suspected vasovagal syncope (VVS). However, no gold standard exists for this examination and the various protocols used have a limited sensitivity and specificity. Our aim was to determine the sensitivity of a sequential HUT testing protocol including venepuncture (VP) and sublingual nitroglycerin application.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of the diagnostic gain of a sequential HUT testing protocol including VP applied 10 min after the start of HUT testing and sublingual application of nitroglycerin 20 min after the start of the test protocol in 106 patients with a final diagnosis of VVS. The sensitivity of the test protocol was compared between patients with positive and negative history for VP induced VVS.

Results

Overall, pre‐syncope or syncope occurred in 68 patients (64.2%). Only 17% of all patients fainted spontaneously within 10 min of passive HUT. Another 39.6% fainted within 20 min. Application of nitroglycerin after 20 min of HUT evoked syncope in another 7.5% until the end of 45 min of HUT. The sensitivity of the test protocol for evoking (pre‐)syncope was 94.4% in patients with a positive history for VP associated VVS and 58% in patients with a negative history (P < 0.01**); 85.7% of patients with a positive history and 42.9% of patients with a negative history fainted within 20 min of HUT testing (P < 0.01**).

Conclusions

Implementation of VP in sequential HUT testing protocols allows the sensitivity of HUT testing to be increased, especially in patients with a positive history for VP associated VVS.
Pallidal stimulation for acquired dystonia due to cerebral palsy: beyond 5 years
Authors: Romito L. M. , Zorzi G. , Marras C. E. , Franzini A. , Nardocci N. , Albanese A.
Published: November 2014

Background and purpose

There is increasing evidence that deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) is effective in patients with idiopathic or inherited generalized dystonia. There is comparatively less experience about the effects of GPi DBS on acquired dystonia, particularly dystonia due to cerebral palsy (DCP). Clinical and demographic outcome predictors for DBS in dystonia syndromes are also poorly defined. Our aim was to examine the efficacy and safety of GPi DBS for the treatment of generalized DCP.

Methods

Fifteen patients with DCP up to 6.2 years after DBS surgery were studied. Only mild limb spasticity or mild static brain magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities were acceptable for inclusion. Dystonia severity and disability were assessed by the Burke−Fahn−Marsden dystonia rating scale (BFMDRS), and health‐related quality of life was assessed by the Short Form General Health Survey (SF‐36) scale. The amount of energy delivered was calculated, and adverse events and side effects were collected.

Results

At last follow‐up, BFMDRS motor score improved on average by 49.5%, and the disability score improved by 30%. Health‐related quality of life improved in most patients. Age at implant, age at onset and disease duration did not correlate to outcome, whilst higher pre‐operative dystonia severity and occurrence of spasticity were associated with poorer outcome. The patients received a stable amount of energy after the first 2 years post‐implant and throughout all the observation period. There were few serious adverse events or side effects.

Conclusions

The outcome was encouraging in the majority of DCP patients, with a stable outlook and a good safety profile.
Evaluation of a clinical tool for early etiology identification in status epilepticus
Authors: Alvarez Vincent , Westover M. Brandon , Drislane Frank W. , Dworetzky Barbara A. , Curley David , Lee Jong Woo , Rossetti Andrea O.
Published: November 2014

Objectives

Because early etiologic identification is critical to select appropriate specific status epilepticus (SE) management, we aim to validate a clinical tool we developed that uses history and readily available investigations to guide prompt etiologic assessment.

Methods

This prospective multicenter study included all adult patients treated for SE of all but anoxic causes from four academic centers. The proposed tool is designed as a checklist covering frequent precipitating factors for SE. The study team completed the checklist at the time the patient was identified by electroencephalography (EEG) request. Only information available in the emergency department or at the time of in‐hospital SE identification was used. Concordance between the etiology indicated by the tool and the determined etiology at hospital discharge was analyzed, together with interrater agreement.

Results

Two hundred twelve patients were included. Concordance between the etiology hypothesis generated using the tool and the finally determined etiology was 88.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) 86.4–89.8) (κ = 0.88). Interrater agreement was 83.3% (95% CI 80.4–96) (κ = 0.81).

Significance

This tool is valid and reliable for identification early the etiology of an SE. Physicians managing patients in SE may benefit from using it to identify promptly the underlying etiology, thus facilitating selection of the appropriate treatment.
Sex, Age, and Population Density Affect Aggressive Behaviors in Island Lizards Promoting Cannibalism
Authors: Cooper William E. , Dimopoulos Ioannis , Pafilis Panayiotis
Published: November 2014

Island populations may evolve distinct behavioral repertoires as a response to the conditions of insular life. Strong intraspecific competition is typical in insular lizards and may include cannibalism. In this study, we investigated sexual and age patterns of aggression in two populations of the Skyros wall lizard (Podarcis gaigeae), one from the main island of Skyros (Aegean Sea, Greece) and another from the satellite islet Diavates. The latter is terrestrial predator‐free biotope, hosting a dense population of large‐bodied lizards that have been reported to exert cannibalism. In staged encounters, we examined the aggressive propensities of adult male and female lizards against their age‐peers and juveniles. Males from both populations were much more aggressive than females toward juveniles and other adults. Males from Diavates were more frequently aggressive to juveniles and other male lizards than males from Skyros. Diavates cannibals also captured their targets at shorter latency. We ascribe this distinct behavioral pattern to the high population density. Infanticide and intramale aggressiveness confer two great advantages to cannibals: food and elimination of future rivals.
Multiplication of alpha‐fetoprotein and protein induced by vitamin K absence‐II is a powerful predictor of prognosis and recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma patients after a hepatectomy
Authors: Kamiyama Toshiya , Yokoo Hideki , Kakisaka Tatsuhiko , Orimo Tatsuya , Wakayama Kenji , Kamachi Hirofumi , Tsuruga Yosuke , Yamashita Kenichiro , Shimamura Tsuyoshi , Todo Satoru , Taketomi Akinobu
Published: November 2014

Aim

To evaluate the oncological implications of multiplication of α‐fetoprotein (AFP) and protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonists‐II (PIVKA‐II) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Data were prospectively collected from 516 consecutive patients who underwent a curative primary hepatectomy for HCC between 1998 and 2010. The AP‐factor (AFP × PIVKA‐II) was evaluated in relation to 2‐year survival outcomes by receiver–operator curve analysis to determine the cut‐off values. Patient survival, recurrence‐free survival and risk factors were analyzed in accordance with the preoperative AP‐factor.

Results

The AP‐factor was categorized into three groups depending on the serum concentrations of AFP and PIVKA‐II as follows: AP1 (n = 206; AFP < 200 ng/mL and PIVKA‐II < 100 mAU/mL), AP2 (n = 152; AFP × PIVKA‐II < 105) and AP3 (n = 158; AFP × PIVKA‐II ≥ 105). The AP‐factor was found to be significantly related to pathological factors such as differentiation, portal vein invasion, hepatic vein invasion and intrahepatic metastasis. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for survival and recurrence. Albumin, AP‐factor and pathological factors including portal vein invasion, hepatic vein invasion and intrahepatic metastasis are independent risk factors for survival. Tumor number, AP‐factor, and a non‐cancerous liver were determinants of recurrence.

Conclusion

The AP‐factor is closely related to differentiation and microscopic vascular invasion, and was selected by multivariate analysis as an independent factor for survival and recurrence, in HCC. Patients hopeful of obtaining good outcomes after a hepatectomy could be selected by the AP‐factor evaluation.
Landscape ecological networks are successful in supporting a diverse dragonfly assemblage
Authors: Kietzka Gabriella J. , Pryke James S. , Samways Michael J.
Published: November 2014

Ecological networks (ENs) are able to mitigate the negative effects of commercial forestry on terrestrial biodiversity, yet this remains untested for the aquatic fauna. Understanding the anthropogenic and natural variables that drive dragonfly diversity at the landscape and habitat scales, allows the design and implementation of ENs that minimise biodiversity loss across production landscapes.

Here, we determine the relative contribution of anthropogenic disturbances and natural environmental variables to dragonfly assemblages within ENs. Sixty sites, of various freshwater body types, were sampled for adult dragonflies across ENs in a commercial forestry landscape.

Overall, species richness was significantly influenced by river width, water turbidity, water depth and the presence of invasive plants. Nevertheless, overall species composition was influenced by water body type, flow rate and substrate type. Further differences were found when analyses were conducted separately for Anisoptera and Zygoptera.

Counter‐intuitively, anthropogenic disturbances had less effect on dragonfly species richness and composition than did natural environmental variables, emphasising the importance of conserving natural heterogeneity. Overall, dragonfly diversity can be successfully conserved in ENs provided that conservation planning incorporates appropriate local scale variables. These results also suggest that impacts on water quality and dragonfly diversity are minimised by well‐designed ENs within this production landscape.
Evaluation of three different manual techniques of sharpening curettes through a scanning electron microscope: a randomized controlled experimental study
Authors: Di Fiore A , Mazzoleni S , Fantin F , Favero L , De Francesco M , Stellini E
Published: November 2014

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of three different techniques for manually sharpening of periodontal curettes (PCs) by examining the blades with the aid of scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Methods

Three groups were considered based on three sharpening methods used: group A (moving a PC over a stationary stone); group B (moving a stone over a stationary PC) and group C (moving a PC over a stone fixed, placed on a ‘sharpening horse’). After the sharpening, the blades were examined using SEM. The SEM images were assessed independently by five different independent observers. An evaluation board was used to assign a value to each image. A preliminary pilot study was conducted to establish the number of samples. Pearson's correlation test was used to assess the correlations between measurements. anova test with Bonferroni's post hoc test was used to compare the three groups.

Results

Sixty PCs (20 PCs per group) were used in this study. Statistically significant differences emerged between the three groups (P‐value = 0.001). Bonferroni's test showed that the difference between groups A and B was not statistically significant (P‐value = 0.80), while it was significant for the comparisons between groups A and C (P‐value = 0.005) and between groups B and C (P‐value = 0.001).

Conclusions

The sharpening technique used in group C, which involved the use of the sharpening horse, proved the most effective.
Grain Boundary Nanohardness of Coarse Grain Alumina
Authors: Dey Arjun , Bhattacharya Manjima , Mukhopadhyay Anoop K.
Published: November 2014

Here, we present the results of nanoindentation experiments conducted at ultralow peak loads of, for example, 1000, 5000, and 10,000 μN on a dense (~99.5%), coarse grain (~10 μm) alumina ceramic. The results showed that the nanohardness values of alumina were sensitive to the applied loads as well as to the locations of measurements, for example, the center of the grain, away from the center of the grain and at the vicinity of the grain boundary. The location sensitivity of nanohardness was linked to compositional variations of the different locations and to the presence of an amorphous phase.
Rethinking international fragmentation of production processes: A communication cost‐based explanation
Authors: Hsieh Chung Hsing
Published: November 2014

In this study, we develop a model of organizational choice in which international fragmentation of production processes is impeded by communicating frictions between a headquarter firm and its foreign teams. We begin by considering a static model to offer a communication cost based explanation for the new version of the product cycle hypothesis. We then show how this approach can be extended to a dynamic setting to address questions concerning the diffusion process of organization. First, we show that a speedier technological revolution increases the rate of diffusion. Secondly, an improvement in technology of standardization expedites the adoption of a new production mode through an industry. The proposed model contributes to the understanding the diffusion of global sourcing network throughout the life cycle of a product.
Managerial delegation in monopoly and social welfare
Authors: Pal Rupayan
Published: November 2014

This paper develops a model of managerial delegation in the case of monopoly, without relying on agency theory based arguments, and examines its implications for social welfare. It shows that, in the presence of network externalities, (a) it is optimal for a monopolist to offer a sales‐oriented incentive scheme to her manager and (b) such managerial delegation in monopoly firm is socially desirable: both the monopolist and consumers are better off under managerial delegation than under no delegation. These results are in sharp contrast to the findings of existing studies on managerial delegation.
Effect of limited enzymatic hydrolysis on physico‐chemical properties of soybean protein isolate‐maltodextrin conjugates
Authors: Zhang Yating , Tan Chen , Eric Karangwa , Abbas Shabbar , Liu Fengru , Zhang Xiaoming , Xia Shuqin , Jia Chengsheng
Published: November 2014

The effect of limited hydrolysis was investigated on the physico‐chemical properties of soy protein isolate–maltodextrin (SPI‐Md) conjugate. The hydrolysates at a degree of hydrolysis (DH) of 1.8% showed much higher surface hydrophobicity (H0; 71.39 ± 3.60) than that of the SPI control (42.09 ± 2.17) and SPI‐Md conjugates (53.46 ± 2.74). Intrinsic fluorescence analysis demonstrated the unfolding of protein molecule and exposure of hydrophobic groups of SPI‐Md conjugate hydrolysates. As evidenced by far‐UV circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, the limited hydrolysis increased the unordered secondary structures of SPI‐Md conjugates. The denaturation temperature (Td) of SPI‐Md conjugate was significantly increased by subsequent limited hydrolysis from 102.53 ± 0.60 °C to 108.11 ± 0.61 °C at DH 1.8%. In particular, the emulsifying activity index (EAI) was improved notably after limited hydrolysis of DH 1.8% (147.76 ± 4.39 m2 g−1) compared with that of native SPI (88.90 ± 1.44 m2 g−1) and SPI‐Md conjugate (108.97 ± 1.45 m2 g−1).
Integrating soft systems methodology to aid simulation conceptual modeling
Authors: Pereira Tábata Fernandes , Montevechi José Arnaldo Barra , Miranda Rafael de Carvalho , Friend Jonathan Daniel
Published: November 2014

Discrete‐event simulation is considered an increasingly common support tool for decision making, especially in manufacturing. Most simulation projects are divided into three distinct phases: conception, implementation, and analysis. Some authors believe the conception phase is the most important, as the simulation study objectives are defined and the project's foundation is laid at this point. Many researchers do not spend the necessary amount of time on this important initial phase. Thus, this article presents an integration method that makes use of soft systems methodology (SSM), a complex problem‐solving approach, during the conceptual phase of simulation studies. SSM was used throughout the conceptual modeling phase for a real manufacturing simulation case study. Through the analysis of this study, it can be concluded that the use of SSM to develop the conceptual model enabled identification of the study objectives, thus avoiding errors and reworks. The study's results are presented and the method's application is justified by presenting a valid model capable of analyzing the system's key input variables.
Integrative review: an evaluation of the methods used to explore the relationship between overtime and patient outcomes
Authors: Lobo Vanessa , Fisher Anita , Peachey Gladys , Ploeg Jenny , Akhtar‐Danesh Noori
Published: November 2014

Aims

To analyse, critically, methods employed to explore the relationship between nursing overtime and patient outcomes to strengthen future research.

Background

Nursing overtime hours have been increasing in the Western world since the 1980's; however, research detailing its implications for patient outcomes has not kept pace. Studies exploring the relationship between nursing overtime and patient outcomes have produced conflicting results and are deficient in number and rigour.

Design

Whittemore and Knafl's revised framework for integrative reviews guided the analysis.

Data sources

A comprehensive multi‐step search (1980–2012) of literature related to nursing overtime and patient outcomes in the CINAHL, Medline, PubMED, EMBASE and PsychInfo databases was performed. Reference lists and Google searches were completed for additional sources. Nine research papers met the inclusion criteria.

Review methods

All nine articles were included in the review. A systematic, iterative approach was used to extract and reduce the data to draw conclusions.

Results

There appears to be a positive relationship between nursing overtime and patient outcomes, however, eight of the nine studies revealed limitations in: (1) the definition and measurement of overtime; (2) data aggregation (organizationally and temporally) and (3) recognition or control of potential confounding variables.

Conclusion

The quality in this research sample limits the ability of this body of work to be the basis of staffing policies. Future researchers need to be explicit in detailing their methods alongside a renewed commitment from administration to develop a tracking system of important parameters at the individual and bedside level.
A critical ethnography of communication processes involving the management of oral chemotherapeutic agents by patients with a primary diagnosis of colorectal cancer: study protocol
Authors: Mitchell Gary , Porter Sam , Manias Elizabeth
Published: November 2014

Aim

To describe the protocol used to examine the processes of communication between health professionals, patients and informal carers during the management of oral chemotherapeutic medicines to identify factors that promote or inhibit medicine concordance.

Background

Ideally communication practices about oral medicines should incorporate shared decision‐making, two‐way dialogue and an equality of role between practitioner and patient. While there is evidence that healthcare professionals are adopting these concordant elements in general practice there are still some patients who have a passive role during consultations. Considering oral chemotherapeutic medications, there is a paucity of research about communication practices which is surprising given the high risk of toxicity associated with chemotherapy.

Design

A critical ethnographic design will be used, incorporating non‐participant observations, individual semi‐structured and focus‐group interviews as several collecting methods.

Methods

Observations will be carried out on the interactions between healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses and pharmacists) and patients in the outpatient departments where prescriptions are explained and supplied and on follow‐up consultations where treatment regimens are monitored. Interviews will be conducted with patients and their informal carers. Focus‐groups will be carried out with healthcare professionals at the conclusion of the study. These several will be analysed using thematic analysis. This research is funded by the Department for Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland (Awarded February 2012).

Discussion

Dissemination of these findings will contribute to the understanding of issues involved when communicating with people about oral chemotherapy. It is anticipated that findings will inform education, practice and policy.
Measuring the Financial Benefits of Cross‐Functional Integration Influences Management's Behavior
Authors: Enz Matias G. , Lambert Douglas M.
Published: November 2014

While many have suggested that cross‐functional, cross‐firm integration is beneficial, functional managers will have competing priorities and thus different perceptions of its benefits. Performance measurements tend to reward functional behaviors and are often in conflict across functions. Since senior management is held responsible for financial results, the benefits of cross‐functional integration should be measured in financial terms. The supply chain management literature provides little insight about the behavioral changes that can result when managers are provided with financial measures of the value created with customers and suppliers. Using a case study approach, the authors measured value in perceptual and financial terms using pairs of buyer–supplier relationships. In each pair of relationships, one involved cross‐functional teams and the other did not. Managers perceived that the relationships with cross‐functional involvement were more profitable. However, it was not until managers received financial measures showing the impact of joint initiatives on the profitability of each pair of relationships that their behaviors changed with regard to the implementation of cross‐functional relationships with key customers and suppliers. We developed a conceptual model comprised of five theoretical propositions that characterize the role of financial measurements as an enabler of cross‐functional integration and value co‐creation.
Cerebral Blood Flow and Cognitive Function in Patients With Metabolic Syndrome: Effect of Antihypertensive Therapy
Authors: Efimova Irina , Efimova Natalya , Lishmanov Yuri
Published: November 2014

The aim of the study was to estimate regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and cognitive function in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) before and after antihypertensive combination therapy. The study included 24 patients with MetS (average age 52.4±1.6 years). All patients underwent brain single‐photon emission computed tomography with technetium‐99m hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime and comprehensive neuropsychological testing before and after 6‐month antihypertensive combination therapy. All patients with MetS showed lower rCBF values in all regions of the brain compared with the control group. Their parameters of attention, immediate visual memory, and mentation were lower by 25%, 22%, and 13% compared with the control group, respectively. Six‐month antihypertensive combination therapy increased cerebral perfusion and improved attention, mentation, and visual memory in MetS patients.
The effect of the local use of chlorhexidine in surgical treatment of experimental peri‐implantitis in dogs
Authors: Carcuac Olivier , Abrahamsson Ingemar , Charalampakis Georgios , Berglundh Tord
Published: November 2014

Aim

To evaluate the effect of surgical treatment of experimental peri‐implantitis at implants with different surface characteristics using different anti‐infective procedures.

Material and methods

Four implants with different surface characteristics (A: TiOblast, B: OsseoSpeed, C: AT‐I, D: TiUnite) were installed in a randomized order in each side of the mandible in 6 labrador dogs 3 months after tooth extraction. Experimental peri‐implantitis was induced 3 months later. Surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis was performed. The implants were cleaned with gauze soaked in either saline (control) or chlorhexidine (test). Clinical and radiographical examinations were performed and microbiological samples were taken during a 6‐month period after surgery. Biopsies were obtained and prepared for histological analysis.

Results

Clinical signs of soft tissue inflammation were reduced after surgical therapy in most test and control sites. While the analysis of bone level alterations in radiographs together with histological and microbiological assessments of resolution of peri‐implantitis lesions failed to demonstrate statistically significant differences between test and control procedures, the evaluations disclosed significant differences between implant D and implants A, B and C on treatment outcome.

Conclusion

It is suggested that (i) the local use of chlorhexidine has minor influence on treatment outcome, (ii) resolution of peri‐implantitis following surgical treatment without the adjunctive use of local and systemic antimicrobial agents is possible and (iii) the results are influenced by implant surface characteristics.
Key Technologies of Enzymatic Preparation for DP 6–8 Chitooligosaccharides
Authors: Dong Huizhong , Wang Yaosong , Zhao Liming , Zhou Jiachun , Xia Quanming , Qiu Yongjun
Published: November 2014

Degree of polymerization (DP) 6–8 chitooligosaccharides are edible hydrolyzates from chitosan and possess excellent bioactivities, especially for a potential antitumor ingredient. The objective of this study was to develop a promising enzymatic attempt for DP 6–8 chitooligosaccharides preparation. Chitosan (2%, w/v) was dissolved in acetic acid. Sequentially, six types of nonspecific enzymes were used to compare chitosanolytic activities under the optimum conditions. Results indicated that cellulase was most capable of hydrolysis, whereas others were slightly acted. The phenomenon resulted from the glycosidic bonds that existed in the chitosan. Based on preliminary experiments, cellulase and chitosanase were combined employing to digest chitosan. The enzyme mixture promoted the hydrolysis degree and the yield of resulting chitooligosaccharides were measured through high‐performance liquid chromatography. Data showed that the highest yield of DP 6–8 chitooligosaccharides reached to 79.8% w/w by hybrid enzymes adding simultaneously at pH 5.3 and 45°C after 6 h.

Practical Applications

Chitooligosaccharides are widely used in the pharmaceutical, food industry and agricultural field because of its excellent and specific bioactivities, depending on the degrees of polymerization (DPs) of chitooligosaccharides. For instance, chitooligosaccharides with DP 6–8 have potential antitumor activity that could be used as ingredients for pharmaceutical drugs, health‐care food and formula products. Another very important potential application of chitooligosaccharides with DP 6–8 is as a potent plants elicitor that could be an environment‐friendly biological stress‐resistant agent to replace chemical reagents in the agricultural field. Hence, the study of preparation methods of chitooligosaccharides with DP 6–8 is important and valuable.
VHA Patient-Centered Medical Home Associated With Lower Rate of Hospitalizations and Specialty Care Among Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Randall Ian , Mohr David C. , Maynard Charles
Published: November 2014

Objective:

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) implemented a patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model, termed Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT), in 2010. We assessed the association between PACT and the use of health services among U.S. veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Methods:

VHA clinical and administrative data were obtained for the pre-PACT period of April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010 and post-PACT period of June 1, 2011 to May 31, 2012. Outcomes included hospitalizations, primary, specialty and mental health visits, and emergency department and urgent care visits. We utilized negative binomial regression and extended estimating equation models for the full sample. The analysis contained 696,379 unique veterans in both pre- and post-PACT periods. We estimated the linear incremental effect of PACT on utilization outcomes.

Results:

PACT were associated with a decrease in hospitalizations (incremental effect [IE]: –0.02; 95% confidence interval [CI]: –0.03, –0.01), a decrease in specialty care visits (IE: –0.45; 95% CI: –0.07, –0.23), and an increase in primary care visits (IE: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.67, 1.25).

Conclusions:

The period following PACT implementation was associated with a lower rate of hospitalizations and specialty care visits, and a higher rate of primary care visits for veterans with PTSD, indicating enhanced access to primary care.
Targeting Threats to the Therapeutic Alliance: A Primer for Marriage and Family Therapy Training
Authors: Karam Eli A. , Sprenkle Douglas H. , Davis Sean D.
Published: November 2014

Although theory and research highlight the importance of the client–therapist relationship, marriage and family therapy (MFT) training has historically centered on specific models, consisting of proprietary language and techniques, instead of common factors like the therapeutic alliance. In this article, we begin by making an argument for explicitly focusing on the therapeutic alliance in MFT training programs. Next, we highlight common alliance threats experienced by both faculty members and student therapists. We then integrate research‐informed principles with clinical wisdom to outline specific recommendations and concrete skill‐building exercises for MFT educators and supervisors to use with their students to address these threats and advance training on the therapeutic alliance.
An investigation of matching symmetry in the human pinnae with possible implications for 3D ear recognition and sound localization
Authors: Claes Peter , Reijniers Jonas , Shriver Mark D. , Snyders Jonatan , Suetens Paul , Nielandt Joachim , De Tré Guy , Vandermeulen Dirk
Published: November 2014

The human external ears, or pinnae, have an intriguing shape and, like most parts of the human external body, bilateral symmetry is observed between left and right. It is a well‐known part of our auditory sensory system and mediates the spatial localization of incoming sounds in 3D from monaural cues due to its shape‐specific filtering as well as binaural cues due to the paired bilateral locations of the left and right ears. Another less broadly appreciated aspect of the human pinna shape is its uniqueness from one individual to another, which is on the level of what is seen in fingerprints and facial features. This makes pinnae very useful in human identification, which is of great interest in biometrics and forensics. Anatomically, the type of symmetry observed is known as matching symmetry, with structures present as separate mirror copies on both sides of the body, and in this work we report the first such investigation of the human pinna in 3D. Within the framework of geometric morphometrics, we started by partitioning ear shape, represented in a spatially dense way, into patterns of symmetry and asymmetry, following a two‐factoranovadesign. Matching symmetry was measured in all substructures of the pinna anatomy. However, substructures that ‘stick out’ such as the helix, tragus, and lobule also contained a fair degree of asymmetry. In contrast, substructures such as the conchae, antitragus, and antihelix expressed relatively stronger degrees of symmetric variation in relation to their levels of asymmetry. Insights gained from this study were injected into an accompanying identification setup exploiting matching symmetry where improved performance is demonstrated. Finally, possible implications of the results in the context of ear recognition as well as sound localization are discussed.
Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation: Interrelationships and Psychosexual Factors
Authors: Brody Stuart , Weiss Petr
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Both erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) impair the quality of sexual intercourse for both men and their female partners.

Aims

This study aims to examine with a large representative sample the interrelationships of measures of ED, PE, typical intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT), men's perceived relationship quality with their mother, and age of first being in love.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, a nationally representative sample of 960 Czech coitally experienced men (aged 15–84), provided age, International Index of Erectile Function 5-item (IIEF-5), Index of Premature Ejaculation (IPE) scores, IELT, rating of relationship with their mother, and age at first being in love.

Main Outcome Measures

Correlations, partial correlations adjusting for age, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and multiple regression statistical methods were used.

Results

IIEF-5, IPE, and IELT were significantly intercorrelated (IIEF-5 and IPE: r = 0.64). Better IIEF-5 scores were associated with younger age at first (and ever) being in love. Poorer IPE score, shorter IELT, and mild–moderate ED were associated with poorer perceived mother relationship (which was also associated with first being in love at an older age). Multiple regression analyses revealed that: (i) greater IELT was associated with better erectile function and better mother relationship, but not with age; and (ii) IELT of <1 minute was associated with poorer perceived mother relationship and poorer IIEF-5, but marginally with age. History of homosexual activity was unrelated to IIEF-5, IPE, IELT, and perceived mother relationship scores.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that degrees of ED and PE are often comorbid, and both ED and PE are associated with less favorable early experiences with women.
Time‐ and state‐dependent analysis of autonomic control in narcolepsy: higher heart rate with normal heart rate variability independent of sleep fragmentation
Authors: van der Meijden Wisse P. , Fronczek Rolf , Reijntjes Robert H. A. M. , Corssmit Eleonora P. M. , Biermasz Nienke R. , Lammers Gert Jan. , van Dijk J. Gert , Thijs Roland D.
Published: November 2014

Narcolepsy with hypocretin deficiency is known to alter cardiovascular control during sleep, but its aetiology is disputed. As cardiovascular control differs between sleep states, and narcolepsy affects sleep architecture, controlling for both duration and transitions of sleep states is necessary. This study therefore aimed to assess heart rate and its variability in narcolepsy during sleep taking these factors into account. The study included 12 medication‐naïve patients with narcolepsy with cataplexy and hypocretin deficiency (11 male, 16–53 years old), and 12 sex‐ and age‐matched healthy controls (11 male, 19–55 years). All subjects underwent 1‐night ambulatory polysomnography recording. Cardiovascular parameters were calculated for each 30‐s epoch. Heart rate was significantly higher in patients with narcolepsy than in controls in all sleep states and during wakefulness prior to sleep. Groups did not differ in heart rate variability measures. The effects of sleep state duration on heart rate and its variability were similar between patients and controls. In conclusion, heart rate was consistently higher in patients with narcolepsy than controls, independent of sleep stage and sleep fragmentation. A direct effect of hypocretin deficiency therefore seems probable.
Baseline sensitivity of T cells to alpha‐IFN correlates with sustained virological response to IFN‐based triple therapy in HCV infection
Authors: Sultanik P.‐S. , Casrouge A. , Alanio C. , Mottez E. , Rosa‐Hézode I. , Hézode C. , Renard P. , Bousquet L. , Pellet P. , Uzé G. , Pol S. , Albert M. L. , Mallet V.
Published: November 2014

Chronic infection with HCV is a public health problem with approximately 170 million people infected worldwide. Interferon alpha (IFNα) sensitivity in liver and IL28B genotype has been identified as important determinants of HCV clearance in the setting of pegylated interferon/ribavirin treatment. Herein, we explored IFNα sensitivity in PBMC from 21 healthy donors and 21 HCV‐infected patients treated with pegylated interferon/ribavirin and HCV nonstructural protein‐3 inhibitors (i.e. telaprevir/boceprevir). We explored phospho‐STAT1 level as read‐out for IFN signalling pathway activation in PBMC, T cells and monocytes and correlated results with virological response. We found that PBMC from healthy donors are desensitized to IFNα after priming and challenged with IFNα, with a subsequent decrease of phospho‐STAT1 and interferon‐stimulated genes. Furthermore, we show that CD3+ T cells, but not monocytes, become desensitized after 4 weeks of treatment, with a significant decrease of phospho‐STAT1 after ex vivo IFNα stimulation. Finally, we identified baseline phospho‐STAT1 level in CD3+ T cells as a potential biomarker of sustained virological response, regardless of the IL28B genotype. In the upcoming costly era of IFN‐sparing regimen, baseline IFNα sensitivity could act as biomarker to define cost‐effectiveness strategies of treatment by identifying patients who will or will not respond to IFN‐based treatments.
The OSIRIS‐REx target asteroid (101955) Bennu: Constraints on its physical, geological, and dynamical nature from astronomical observations
Authors: Lauretta D. S. , Bartels A. E. , Barucci M. A. , Bierhaus E. B. , Binzel R. P. , Bottke W. F. , Campins H. , Chesley S. R. , Clark B. C. , Clark B. E. , Cloutis E. A. , Connolly H. C. , Crombie M. K. , Delbó M. , Dworkin J. P. , Emery J. P. , Glavin D. P. , Hamilton V. E. , Hergenrother C. W. , Johnson C. L. , Keller L. P. , Michel P. , Nolan M. C. , Sandford S. A. , Scheeres D. J. , Simon A. A. , Sutter B. M. , Vokrouhlický D. , Walsh K. J.
Published: November 2014

We review the results of an extensive campaign to determine the physical, geological, and dynamical properties of asteroid (101955) Bennu. This investigation provides information on the orbit, shape, mass, rotation state, radar response, photometric, spectroscopic, thermal, regolith, and environmental properties of Bennu. We combine these data with cosmochemical and dynamical models to develop a hypothetical timeline for Bennu's formation and evolution. We infer that Bennu is an ancient object that has witnessed over 4.5 Gyr of solar system history. Its chemistry and mineralogy were established within the first 10 Myr of the solar system. It likely originated as a discrete asteroid in the inner Main Belt approximately 0.7–2 Gyr ago as a fragment from the catastrophic disruption of a large (approximately 100‐km), carbonaceous asteroid. It was delivered to near‐Earth space via a combination of Yarkovsky‐induced drift and interaction with giant‐planet resonances. During its journey, YORP processes and planetary close encounters modified Bennu's spin state, potentially reshaping and resurfacing the asteroid. We also review work on Bennu's future dynamical evolution and constrain its ultimate fate. It is one of the most Potentially Hazardous Asteroids with an approximately 1‐in‐2700 chance of impacting the Earth in the late 22nd century. It will most likely end its dynamical life by falling into the Sun. The highest probability for a planetary impact is with Venus, followed by the Earth. There is a chance that Bennu will be ejected from the inner solar system after a close encounter with Jupiter. OSIRIS‐REx will return samples from the surface of this intriguing asteroid in September 2023.
Oligomerization of FtsZ converts the FtsZ tail motif (conserved carboxy‐terminal peptide) into a multivalent ligand with high avidity for partners ZipA and SlmA
Authors: Du Shishen , Park Kyung‐Tae , Lutkenhaus Joe
Published: November 2014

A short conserved motif located at the carboxy terminus of FtsZ, referred to here as the CCTP (conserved carboxy‐terminal peptide), is required for the interaction of FtsZ with many of its partners. In Escherichia coli interaction of FtsZ with its membrane anchors, ZipA and FtsA, as well as the spatial regulators of Z‐ring formation, MinC and SlmA, requires the CCTP. ZipA interacts with FtsZ with high affinity and interacts with the CCTP with low affinity, but the reason for this difference is not clear. In this study, we show that this difference is due to the oligomerization of FtsZ converting the CCTP to a multivalent ligand that binds multiple ZipAs bound to a surface with high avidity. Artificial dimerization of the CCTP is sufficient to increase the affinity for ZipA in vitro. Similar principles apply to the interaction of FtsZ with SlmA. Although done in vitro, these results have implications for the recruitment of FtsZ to the membrane in vivo, the interaction of FtsZ with spatial regulators and the reconstitution of FtsZ systems in vitro.