bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling of a new UV test cell for evaluation of lamp fluence rate effects in regard to water treatment, and comparison to collimated beam tests
Authors: Grapperhaus Michael , Schaefer Raymond , Linden Karl
Published: May 2007

Collimated beam (CB) tests allow for consistent, easily calculated and reproducible measurements of UV fluence, and are widely used in UV treatment research and validation testing. However, because CB tests employ distance to provide collimation, the irradiance at the test sample is much lower than in UV treatment systems. A potential benefit of pulsed light may arise from the high fluence rate it produces. A new high-irradiance (HI) test cell approach and modeling technique are presented for use in evaluating these effects. The model is shown to correctly predict the fluence in the HI test cell by benchmarking it to CB measurements. This demonstrates that the HI cell is a useful tool in evaluating the effect of high fluence rate in UV treatment. This modeling technique also has application in reactor design.Key words: pulsed UV, collimated beam, modeling, disinfection, remediation.
Growth hormone-releasing hormone: cerebral cortical sleep-related EEG actions and expression
Authors: Szentirmai Éva , Yasuda Tadanobu , Taishi Ping , Wang Mingxiang , Churchill Lynn , Bohnet Stewart , Magrath Paul , Kacsóh Bálint , Jimenez Lissette , Krueger James M.
Published: May 2007

Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), its receptor (GHRHR), and other members of the somatotropic axis are involved in non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS) regulation. Previously, studies established the involvement of hypothalamic GHRHergic mechanisms in NREMS regulation, but cerebral cortical GHRH mechanisms in sleep regulation remained uninvestigated. Here, we show that unilateral application of low doses of GHRH to the surface of the rat somatosensory cortex ipsilaterally decreased EEG delta wave power, while higher doses enhanced delta power. These actions of GHRH on EEG delta wave power occurred during NREMS but not during rapid eye movement sleep. Further, the cortical forms of GHRH and GHRHR were identical to those found in the hypothalamus and pituitary, respectively. Cortical GHRHR mRNA and protein levels did not vary across the day-night cycle, whereas cortical GHRH mRNA increased with sleep deprivation. These results suggest that cortical GHRH and GHRHR have a role in the regulation of localized EEG delta power that is state dependent, as well as in their more classic hypothalamic role in NREMS regulation.
Extracellular calcium-sensing receptor is functionally expressed in human artery
Authors: Molostvov Guerman , James Sean , Fletcher Simon , Bennett Jeanette , Lehnert Hendrik , Bland Rosemary , Zehnder Daniel
Published: May 2007

Accelerated medial calcification is a major cause of premature cardiovascular mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Evidence suggests that extracellular concentration of Ca2+and vascular smooth muscle cells may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of vascular calcification. The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is a G protein-coupled receptor that is expressed in a range of tissues, but characterization of its expression and function in the cardiovascular system is limited. Here we report the expression of CaSR mRNA (RT-PCR) and protein (Western blotting and immunocytochemistry) in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HAoSMC). Treatment of HAoSMC with Ca2+(0–5 mM; 0–30 min) or the CaSR agonists gentamycin and neomycin (0–300 μM; 0–30 min) resulted in a dose- and time-dependent phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Gentamycin- and neomycin-mediated ERK1/2 stimulation was inhibited by pretreatment with PD-98059, an ERK-activating kinase 1 (MEK1) inhibitor, confirming specificity of the observed effects. ERK1/2 activation was inhibited in HAoSMC, with CaSR expression knocked down by transfection with specific small-interference RNA, which confirmed that the observed neomycin/gentamycin-induced MEK1/ERK1/2 activation was mediated via the CaSR. CaSR mRNA and protein were also expressed in large and small arteries from normal subjects (kidney donors) and patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The CaSR was detected in smooth muscle and endothelial cells. Expression was significantly lower in arteries from ESRD patients. In conclusion, these data not only demonstrate the presence of a functional CaSR in human artery but show a correlation between CaSR expression and progression of CKD.
Comparison of Saccade-Associated Neuronal Activity in the Primate Central Mesencephalic and Paramedian Pontine Reticular Formations
Authors: Cromer Jason A. , Waitzman David M.
Published: May 2007

The oculomotor system must convert signals representing the target of an intended eye movement into appropriate input to drive the individual extraocular muscles. Neural models propose that this transformation may involve either a decomposition of the intended eye displacement signal into horizontal and vertical components or an implicit process whereby component signals do not predominate until the level of the motor neurons. Thus decomposition models predict that premotor neurons should primarily encode component signals while implicit models predict encoding of off-cardinal optimal directions by premotor neurons. The central mesencephalic reticular formation (cMRF) and paramedian pontine reticular formation (PPRF) are two brain stem regions that likely participate in the development of motor activity since both structures are anatomically connected to nuclei that encode movement goal (superior colliculus) and generate horizontal eye movements (abducens nucleus). We compared cMRF and PPRF neurons and found they had similar relationships to saccade dynamics, latencies, and movement fields. Typically, the direction preference of these premotor neurons was horizontal, suggesting they were related to saccade components. To confirm this supposition, we studied the neurons during a series of oblique saccades that caused “component stretching” and thus allowed the vectorial (overall) saccade velocity to be dissociated from horizontal component velocity. The majority of cMRF and PPRF neurons encoded component velocity across all saccades, supporting decomposition models that suggest horizontal and vertical signals are generated before the level of the motoneurons. However, we also found novel vectorial eye velocity encoding neurons that may have important implications for saccade control.
Kinetics ofin vitrobronchoconstriction in an elastolytic mouse model of emphysema
Authors: Khan M. A. , Kianpour S. , Stämpfli M. R. , Janssen L. J.
Published: May 2007

Thin-slice videomicroscopy was used to examine the kinetics of constriction in small airwaysin situ.

Balb/C mice inhaled elastase (0–20 IU), and were then left to recover for 14 days before euthanisation and lung removal. Cholinergic responsiveness was assessed in thin lung slices. Magnitude and velocity of narrowing in response to 10−5 M acetylcholine (ACh), as well as the full concentration–response relationship for ACh (10−8–10−5 M) were assessed.

In vivoexposure to elastase was accompanied by statistically significantly decreased magnitudes and velocities of contraction, but no change in the ACh concentration–response relationship. Conversely, overnight,in vitroexposure of slices from control animals to elastase (2.5 μg·mL−1) resulted in increased magnitudes and velocities of airway narrowing, with impaired relaxation, as well as marked tearing of the airways from the surrounding parenchyma. These changes are characteristic of decreased tethering forces on the airway wall.

Thus, the lung slice technique coupled with videomicroscopic analysis of airway contraction velocities provides a powerful tool to study airway–parenchymal interactions. The elastolytic model of emphysema, which manifests with airspace enlargement and loss of parenchymal attachments, is accompanied by decreased airway contraction kinetics. The mechanism(s) underlying this loss of function remain to be elucidated.
Suppression of endotoxin-induced inflammation by taxol
Authors: Mirzapoiazova T. , Kolosova I. A. , Moreno L. , Sammani S. , Garcia J. G. N. , Verin A. D.
Published: May 2007

The pathogenesis of acute lung injury includes transendothelial diapedesis of leukocytes into lung tissues and disruption of endothelial/epithelial barriers leading to protein-rich oedema.In vitrostudies show that the microtubule network plays a role in the regulation of endothelial permeability as well as in neutrophil locomotion. It was hypothesised that the microtubule-stabilising agent, taxol, might attenuate inflammation and vascular leak associated with acute lung injuryin vivo.

The effect of intravenously delivered taxol was assessed using a model of murine lung injury induced by intratracheal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration. Parameters of lung injury and inflammation were assessed 18 h after treatment.

Intravenously delivered taxol significantly reduced inflammatory histological changes in lung parenchyma and parameters of LPS-induced inflammation: infiltration of proteins and inflammatory cells into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, lung myeloperoxidase activity, and extravasation of Evans blue-labelled albumin into lung tissue. Taxol alone (in the absence of LPS) had no appreciable effect on these parameters. In addition to lung proteins, intravenous taxol reduced accumulation of leukocytes in ascitic fluid in a model of LPS-induced peritonitis.

Taken together, the present data demonstrate that microtubule stabilisation with taxol systemically attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation and vascular leak.
Neurocognitive basis of insight in schizophrenia
Authors: Mysore Ashok , Parks Randolph W. , Lee Kwang-Hyuk , Bhaker Rajinder S. , Birkett Paul , Woodruff Peter W. R.
Published: May 2007

People with schizophrenia have been categorised into three groups: those with full insight (aware, correct attributers); those aware of being unwell, but who misattributed their symptoms (aware, incorrect attributers); and those unaware of being ill (unaware). Cluster analysis of ‘awareness of illness' and ‘relabelling of symptoms' scores on the Schedule for the Assessment of Insight confirmed three distinct subgroups. The unaware group were impaired on executive and memory tests, whereas those in the aware, misattributing group were cognitively intact. Findings support an association between unawareness of illness and executive dysfunction, and highlight the separation of symptom misattribution from unawareness of illness.
Disgust and psychiatric illness: Have we remembered?
Authors: Olatunji Bunmi O. , McKay Dean
Published: May 2007

It has been argued that disgust has been forgotten by psychiatry. An overview of recent research on disgust is provided. Findings suggest that disgust is a predictor of the development of specific psychiatric conditions.
Inquest verdicts: youth suicides lost
Authors: Gosney Helen , Hawton Keith
Published: May 2007

Aims and Method

To investigate how much reliance on suicide verdicts underestimates probable suicides. All unnatural deaths of those 8–18 years of age in West Yorkshire during a 6-year period were identified from the death register. Deaths which had verdicts other than killed him- or herself and were not obviously accidental were reviewed by a panel of three consultant child and adolescent psychiatrists to determine whether they were probable suicides.

Results

Of 40 deaths reviewed by the panel, 13 were identified as probable suicides, of which 6 had an open verdict, 6 were death by self-hanging classified as misadventure and 1 was an overdose with a verdict of accidental death. These 13 deaths and the 7 with a coroner's verdict of suicide gave a total of 20 probable suicides.

Clinical Implications

Suicide statistics and targets need to take into account the fact that by current methods a significant proportion of suicides by adolescents will not be included in official figures. This underestimation would have been 65% if only suicides were identified and 35% when open verdicts were combined with suicides. Underestimating the youth suicide rate has consequences for the priority and resources allocated to preventing these deaths, and suicide deaths that are not recognised as such will not be included in relevant research and audit.
Protocol for the assessment of self-harm in young people: initial audit and training implications
Authors: Huline-Dickens Sarah , Adiele Tony
Published: May 2007

Aims and Methods

This paper describes the development and initial audit of a protocol for the assessment of young people up to the age of 18 years who presented to the accident and emergency department (A&E) with self-harm. A key part of the project was education and training.

Results

Regular training of senior house officers (SHOs) in A&E may have contributed to an increase in young people being admitted to a bed for proper assessment (as per the protocol), but psychosocial assessments undertaken by SHOs in A&E were still only partial, and there was no apparent use of the mental state examination.

Clinical Implications

Child and adolescent mental health services have an important role to play in liaising with local A&E departments in training of junior staff in psychosocial assessment and the use of the mental state examination. This is especially relevant in the light of the new training requirements of the foundation years.
Risks and pitfalls for the management of refeeding syndrome in psychiatric patients
Authors: Catani Marco , Howells Roger
Published: May 2007

Aims and Method

We present two patients who developed refeeding syndrome following admission to a general psychiatry ward. The practical implications of assessing and managing medical consequences in patients with mental illness who start refeeding after a period of starvation are discussed.

Results

Patients presented with overlapping clinical manifestations of mental illness and refeeding syndrome that were difficult to recognise and manage.

Clinical Implications

Awareness of refeeding syndrome in patients with mental illness may prevent fatal physical complications.
First experience of recruiting to the new specialist training programme
Authors: Munro Megan , Wesson Michael , Theophanous Mark
Published: May 2007

In 2002 Unfinished Business, a report and consultation paper by Sir Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer for England, put forward proposals for the reform of the senior house officer (SHO) grade, including the formation of the new early years foundation posts (Donaldson, 2002). In 2004 Modernising Medical Careers – The Next Steps (Department of Health, 2004) outlined specialty and general practitioner (GP) training programmes building on the foundation programme. As a result all medical training will be changing to a competency-based model from August 2007. This will encompass run-through training from specialist training years 1 (ST1) to 6 (ST6). Some regions and specialties have been chosen as pilot sites for specialist training year 1 commencing August 2006.
Physiological Notch signaling promotes gliogenesis in the developing peripheral and central nervous systems
Authors: Taylor Merritt K. , Yeager Kelly , Morrison Sean J.
Published: May 2007

Constitutive activation of the Notch pathway can promote gliogenesis by peripheral (PNS) and central (CNS) nervous system progenitors. This raises the question of whether physiological Notch signaling regulates gliogenesis in vivo. To test this, we conditionally deleted Rbpsuh (Rbpj)from mouse PNS or CNS progenitors using Wnt1-Cre or Nestin-Cre. Rbpsuh encodes a DNA-binding protein (RBP/J) that is required for canonical signaling by all Notch receptors. In most regions of the developing PNS and spinal cord, Rbpsuh deletion caused only mild defects in neurogenesis, but severe defects in gliogenesis. These resulted from defects in glial specification or differentiation, not premature depletion of neural progenitors, because we were able to culture undifferentiated progenitors from the PNS and spinal cord despite their failure to form glia in vivo. In spinal cord progenitors, Rbpsuh was required to maintain Sox9 expression during gliogenesis, demonstrating that Notch signaling promotes the expression of a glial-specification gene. These results demonstrate that physiological Notch signaling is required for gliogenesis in vivo, independent of the role of Notch in the maintenance of undifferentiated neural progenitors.
Improvement in abduction of the shoulder after reconstructive soft-tissue procedures in obstetric brachial plexus palsy
Authors: Nath R. K. , Paizi M.
Published: May 2007

Residual muscle weakness in obstetric brachial plexus palsy results in soft-tissue contractures which limit the functional range of movement and lead to progressive glenoid dysplasia and joint instability. We describe the results of surgical treatment in 98 patients (mean age 2.5 years, 0.5 to 9.0) for the correction of active abduction of the shoulder. The patients underwent transfer of the latissimus dorsi and teres major muscles, release of contractures of subscapularis pectoralis major and minor, and axillary nerve decompression and neurolysis (the modified Quad procedure). The transferred muscles were sutured to the teres minor muscle, not to a point of bony insertion. The mean pre-operative active abduction was 45° (20° to 90°). At a mean follow-up of 4.8 years (2.0 to 8.7), the mean active abduction was 162° (100° to 180°) while 77 (78.6%) of the patients had active abduction of 160° or more. No decline in abduction was noted among the 29 patients (29.6%) followed up for six years or more. This procedure involving release of the contracted internal rotators of the shoulder combined with decompression and neurolysis of the axillary nerve greatly improves active abduction in young patients with muscle imbalance secondary to obstetric brachial plexus palsy.
Tuberculous arthritis of the knee withStaphylococcussuperinfection
Authors: Opara T. N. , Gupte C. M. , Liyanage S. H. , Poole S. , Beverly M. C.
Published: May 2007

We describe a case of septic arthritis of the knee in which the diagnosis of tuberculosis was masked by an initial culture growth of Staphylococcus aureus. This led to a delay in diagnosis and an adverse outcome. In the appropriate clinical setting, we suggest that the index of suspicion for skeletal tuberculosis be raised in developed countries in order to avoid diagnostic delay, by requesting cultures for acid-fast bacilli and synovial biopsies at arthroscopy. Moreover, antituberculosis therapy should be started whilst awaiting the results of culture if the clinical history and biopsies are strongly suggestive of the diagnosis.
Irrigation of the wounds in open fractures
Authors: Crowley D. J. , Kanakaris N. K. , Giannoudis P. V.
Published: May 2007

Modern principles for the treatment of open fractures include stabilisation of the bone and management of the soft tissues. Wound debridement and irrigation is thought to be the mainstay in reducing the incidence of infection. Although numerous studies on animals and humans have focused on the type of irrigation performed, little is known of the factors which influence irrigation. This paper evaluates the evidence, particularly with regard to additives and the mode of delivery of irrigation fluid.

Normal saline should be used and although many antiseptics and antibiotics have been employed, no consensus has been reached as to the ideal additive. Despite the advocates of high-pressure methods highlighting the improved dilutional ability of such techniques, the results are inconclusive and these irrigation systems are not without complications.

New systems for debridement are currently being investigated, and an ideal method has yet to be determined.
Contribution of In Vivo Structural Measurements and Load/Strength Ratios to the Determination of Forearm Fracture Risk in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Melton L Joseph , Riggs B Lawrence , van Lenthe G Harry , Achenbach Sara J , Müller Ralph , Bouxsein Mary L , Amin Shreyasee , Atkinson Elizabeth J , Khosla Sundeep
Published: May 2007

Bone structure, strength, and load-strength ratios contribute to forearm fracture risk independently of areal BMD.

Introduction: Technological and conceptual advances provide new opportunities for evaluating the contributions of bone density, structure, and strength to the pathogenesis of distal forearm fractures.

Materials and Methods: From an age-stratified random sample of Rochester, MN, women, we compared 18 with a distal forearm fracture (cases) to 18 age-matched women with no osteoporotic fracture (controls). High-resolution pQCT was used to assess volumetric BMD (vBMD), geometry, and microstructure at the ultradistal radius, the site of Colles' fractures. Failure loads in the radius were estimated from microfinite element (μFE) models derived from pQCT. Differences between case and control women were assessed, and the risk of fracture associated with each variable was estimated by logistic regression analysis.

Results: Given similar heights, estimated loading in a fall on the outstretched arm was the same in cases and controls. However, women with forearm fractures had inferior vBMD, geometry, microstructure, and estimated bone strength. Relative risks for the strongest determinant of fracture in each of the five main variable categories were as follows: BMD (total vBMD: OR per SD change, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.4–12), geometry (cortical thickness: OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.4–11), microstructure (trabecular number: OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.02–5.1), and strength (axial rigidity: OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.4–10); the factor-of-risk (fall load/μFE failure load) was 24% greater (worse) in cases (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.2–7.5). Areas under ROC curves ranged from 0.72 to 0.82 for these parameters.

Conclusions: Bone geometry, microstructure, and strength contribute to forearm fractures, as does BMD, and these additional determinants of risk promise greater insights into fracture pathogenesis.
Novel Mouse Model of Autosomal Semidominant Adult Hypophosphatasia Has a Splice Site Mutation in the Tissue Nonspecific Alkaline Phosphatase Gene Akp2
Authors: Hough Tertius A , Polewski Monika , Johnson Kristen , Cheeseman Michael , Nolan Patrick M , Vizor Lucie , Rastan Sohaila , Boyde Alan , Pritzker Kenneth , Hunter A Jackie , Fisher Elizabeth MC , Terkeltaub Robert , Brown Steve DM
Published: May 2007

Deactivating mutations in the TNSALP gene cause HPP. Akp2−/− mice model severe infantile HPP, but there is no model for the relatively mild adult form. Here we report on mice with an induced mutation in Akp2 that affects splicing. The phenotype of homozygotes mirror aspects of the adult form of HPP.

Introduction: Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a clinically varied skeletal disorder resulting from deficiency of tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP). Mice lacking Akp2 model infantile HPP characterized by skeletal hypomineralization, impaired growth, seizures, and perinatal mortality. No animal model exists to study the less severe forms of the disease that typically present in later life.

Materials and Methods: N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) mutagenesis was used to generate mouse models of human disease. A mouse with low plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was identified by our clinical chemistry screen. Its offspring were used for inheritance studies and subjected to biochemical, histological, and radiological phenotyping. DNA was extracted for mapping and osteoblasts harvested for functional studies.

Results: We showed semidominant inheritance of the low ALP phenotype and mapped the underlying point mutation to Akp2. Affected offspring bear the splice site mutation 862 + 5G>A—a hypomorphic allele named Akp2Hpp. The same mutation has been reported in a patient. Akp2Hpp/+ mice have ∼50% of normal plasma ALP but display no other biochemical or skeletal abnormalities. Unlike Akp2−/− mice, Akp2Hpp/Hpp mice have normal initial skeletal development and growth, a normal lifespan and do not have seizures. TNSALP is low but detectable in Akp2Hpp/Hpp plasma. Osteoblasts display ∼10% of normal ALP activity and reduced intracellular inorganic phosphate levels, yet are capable of normal mineralization in vitro. TNSALP substrates are significantly elevated in urine (inorganic pyrophosphate and phosphoethanolamine) and plasma (pyridoxal 5′-phosphate), whereas plasma inorganic pyrophosphate levels are normal. Akp2Hpp/Hpp mice develop late-onset skeletal disease, notably defective endochondral ossification and bone mineralization that leads to arthropathies of knees and shoulders.

Conclusions: Akp2 Hpp/Hpp mice mirror a number of clinical features of the human adult form of HPP. These mice provide for the first time an animal model of late onset HPP that will be valuable in future mechanistic studies and for the evaluation of therapies such as those aimed at HPP.
On the idea of a theory
Authors: Chesterman Andrew
Published: May 2007

This article is based on a lecture that has been given to several groups of doctoral students at various times and in various places. It outlines five notions of what has been taken to constitute a “theory”: myth, metaphor, model, hypothesis and structured research programme. The most fundamental of these is the hypothesis. These different ideas of what a theory can be are illustrated with examples from Translation Studies. Any theory aims at description and explanation, and these two concepts are also discussed. A final comment takes up the idea that translations themselves are theories, and that a translator is thus a theorist or
theôros
.
Physician Perspectives of Nurse Care Management Located in Primary Care Clinics
Authors: Wilcox Adam B. , Dorr David A. , Burns Laurie , Jones Spencer , Poll Justin , Bunker Cherie
Published: May 2007

Care management has been suggested as a method to improve management of chronic disease, but its success can depend on the involvement of primary care physicians, especially with referral to care management. Our objective was to identify and characterize physicians’ perspectives of care management in order to gain insight into the rationale for referral to care management. The study took place in primary care clinics within an integrated delivery system. Nineteen primary care physicians with varying levels of involvement with care management participated in the study. We performed a qualitative and quantitative analysis of semistructured interviews. Four referral patterns emerged that were related to physicians’ recognition of care managers’ abilities and how care managers were connected to their practice. Results from this study can be used to more effectively implement similar models of chronic disease management, where physician participation is a critical component for successful implementation.
Enhanced Care Assistant Training to Address the Workforce Crisis in Home Care: Changes Related to Job Satisfaction and Career Commitment
Authors: Coogle Constance L. , Parham Iris A. , Jablonski Rita , Rachel Jason A.
Published: May 2007

Changes in job satisfaction and career commitment were observed as a consequence of a geriatric case management training program focusing on skills development among personal care attendants in home care. A comparison of pretraining and posttraining scores uncovered a statistically significant increase in Intrinsic Job Satisfaction scores for participants 18–39 years of age, whereas levels declined among the group of middle aged participants and no change was observed among participants age 52 and older. On the other hand, a statistically significant decline in Extrinsic Job Satisfaction was documented over all participants, but this was found to be primarily due to declines among participants 40–51 years of age. When contacted 6–12 months after the training series had concluded, participants indicated that the training substantially increased the likelihood that they would stay in their current jobs and improved their job satisfaction to some extent. A comparison of pretraining and posttraining scores among participants providing follow-up data revealed a statistically significant improvement in levels of Career Resilience. These results are discussed as they relate to similar training models and national data sets, and recommendations are offered for targeting future educational programs designed to address the long-term care workforce shortage.
Clinical Field Trial Examining an Implant With a Sand‐Blasted, Acid‐Etched Surface
Authors: Cochran David , Oates Thomas , Morton Dean , Jones Archie , Buser Daniel , Peters Francoise
Published: May 2007

Background: Conventionally, endosseous dental implants have required 3 to 6 months of uninterrupted healing based on observations for dental implants that were characterized by a relatively smooth machined surface. Many studies have since demonstrated that implants with a roughened surface resulted in greater bone apposition, earlier bone contact, and a stronger bond between the implant and the bone, suggesting that implants with roughened surfaces could be loaded earlier than 3 to 6 months. Formal clinical studies confirmed that implants with rough surfaces can have abutments placed and be loaded occlusally as early as 6 weeks postplacement. The purpose of this prospective, human clinical investigation was to evaluate a large number of implants with a specific rough surface (sand‐blasted acid‐etched [SLA]) placed in everyday practice under routine private‐practice conditions.

Methods: A prospective, multicenter, human clinical observational study was initiated with the goal of recruiting a minimum of 500 patients and 800 implants. The implants were to be placed and restored in predominantly private‐practice settings around the world. Ninety‐two practitioners in 16 countries agreed to participate, and 86 followed the study design. Patients had to be in good health, have sufficient bone to encase the implant, and agree to return for recall appointments. Exclusion criteria included heavy smoking (>10 cigarettes a day) and bone augmentation procedures at the implant site. All implants were two‐piece (an abutment was to be placed after 6 weeks of healing) and were characterized by the presence of a transmucosal polished collar. Each implant had an SLA surface. All implants were positioned using a non‐submerged (single‐stage) surgical technique. Survival and success rates were calculated by life‐table analyses.

Results: A total of 706 patients were enrolled and 1,406 implants were placed. In the final analyses, 590 patients with 990 implants (70.4% of those enrolled) met all inclusion criteria, including placement of an abutment and provisional restoration within 63 days of surgical placement. The majority of implants were 10 and 12 mm long (78.7%) and were placed in type II and III bone (87%). Seventy‐three percent of the implants were placed in the mandible, and 27% were placed in the maxilla. The cumulative survival rate was 99.56% at 3 years and 99.26% at 5 years. The overall success rate was 99.12% at 3 years and 97.38% after 5 years.

Conclusions: Under private‐practice conditions, implants with an SLA surface could be placed and restored predictably within 6 to 8 weeks. Data from this prospective, multicenter, human observational study reinforced the results of more formal clinical studies and demonstrated that implants with the SLA surface can be restored in patients in approximately half of the time of conventional healing periods.
Melatonin: Potential Functions in the Oral Cavity
Authors: Cutando Antonio , Gómez‐Moreno Gerardo , Arana Carlos , Acuña‐Castroviejo Darío , Reiter Russel J.
Published: May 2007

Background: Melatonin is synthesized and secreted by the pineal gland and other organs. The pattern of melatonin secretion is controlled by an endogenous circadian timing system and conveys information about the light‐dark cycle to the organism, thereby organizing its seasonal and circadian rhythms. Melatonin has powerful antioxidant effects, functions in an immunomodulatory role, may protect against certain cancers, delays some age‐related processes, stimulates the synthesis of type I collagen fibers, and promotes bone formation.

Methods: An extensive review was made (e.g., using PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Knowledge) of the literature.

Results: Melatonin, which is released into the saliva, may have important implications for dental disorders, especially in periodontal disease. Diseases of the periodontium are known to be aggravated by free radicals and by alterations in the immune response to microorganisms that are present in plaque. In response to periodontal inflammation, the blood and salivary levels of melatonin may increase.

Conclusion: Melatonin may play a role in protecting the oral cavity from tissue damage that is due to oxidative stress, and it may contribute to the regeneration of alveolar bone through the stimulation of type I collagen fiber production and the modulation of osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity.
Serum Antibody Levels in Smoker and Non‐Smoker Saudi Subjects With Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Al‐Ghamdi Hamdan S. , Anil Sukumaran
Published: May 2007

Background: Cigarette smoking is a significant risk factor for the initiation and progression of periodontal disease. Studies have shown altered serum and gingival crevicular fluid inflammatory cytokine profiles, immune cell function, and altered proteolytic regulation in smokers. The observations are not consistent, and to date, there is no clear mechanism to explain how smoking may affect periodontal disease. Hence, the present study was undertaken to assess the alterations of serum immunoglobulin levels in smokers with periodontitis and its potential role as a risk indicator of the disease process.

Methods: In this study, 30 patients who smoked and 30 patients who did not smoke with chronic periodontitis and 30 healthy subjects were enrolled. Serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgA, and IgM levels were estimated with immunoturbidimetric assay. The IgG subclass (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4) levels were performed using single radial immunodiffusion assay.

Results: Levels of serum IgG and IgA were significantly lower in smokers compared to non‐smokers and healthy controls (P <0.001). Although IgM levels were low in smokers, it was not significant. Of the four subclasses of IgG studied, the IgG2 was found to be significantly lower among smokers with periodontitis.

Conclusions: Current observations indicate that cigarette smoking may be associated with the suppression of B‐cell function and immunoglobulin production. The alteration of antibody levels further explains the potential mechanism by which smoking exacerbates periodontal disease. Further studies at the molecular level may highlight the specific mechanism by which tobacco can interact with cells of the immune system and its impact on periodontal disease process.
Public Health and Social Ideas in Modern Brazil
Authors: Lima Nísia Trindade
Published: May 2007

Public health in Brazil achieved remarkable development at the turn of the 20th century thanks in part to physicians and social thinkers who made it central to their proposals for “modernizing” the country. Public health was more than a set of medical and technical measures; it was fundamental to the project of nation building.

I trace the interplay between public health and social ideas in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Physicians and social thinkers challenged the traditional belief that Brazil’s sociocultural and ethnic diversity was an obstacle to modernization, and they promoted public health as the best prescription for national unity.

Public health ideas in developing countries such as Brazil may have a greater impact when they are intertwined with social thought and with the processes of nation building and construction of a modern society.
The Magnitude of Key HIV Prevention Challenges in the United States: Implications for a New National HIV Prevention Plan
Authors: Holtgrave David R. , McGuire Jean Flatley , Milan Jesse
Published: May 2007

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has undertaken an advisory process to update its national HIV prevention plan. We offer observations on the magnitude of HIV prevention challenges in the United States and reflect on how these challenges might influence the structure of a new HIV prevention plan.

We recommend a plan structure that (1) is based on fundamental principles of prevention, (2) enables accountability and mid-course correction, and (3) if achieved, would result in historic changes in the US HIV epidemic.

The recommended plan structure would differentially prioritize serostatus determination and prevention and care interventions for people living with HIV while retaining goals directed at high-risk HIV-negative and general population members.
Understanding the ergonomic risk for musculoskeletal disorders in the United States agricultural sector
Authors: Davis Kermit G. , Kotowski Susan E.
Published: May 2007

Introduction

Farming is a very large industry in the United States. Understanding the risks for injuries and more specifically musculoskeletal disorders in this industry poses a challenge for health officials.

Methods

A review was conducted of the existing peer‐reviewed publications prior to December 2006 about injuries and musculoskeletal disorders for farmers and farm workers. The aim was to review existing knowledge concerning: (1) the prevalence, types, and causes of farm‐related injuries, paying particular attention to musculoskeletal disorders and the special populations within the agricultural sector, and (2) interventions that have been developed to reduce risk factors associated with farm‐related injuries.

Results

Farmers and farm workers experience high rates of low back, shoulder, and upper extremity disorders. Musculoskeletal disorders may disproportionately affect farm youth and migrant workers due to the types of farm tasks performed. There is an urgent need for improved and validated interventions to reduce exposures and to improve the health of farmers and farm workers.

Discussion

Future farm‐related musculoskeletal disorder research should emphasize: (1) better identification of exposures for special populations, (2) development of interventions for diverse farm populations, and (3) identification of additional exposures for musculoskeletal disorders. Inadequate understanding of musculoskeletal disorders in farming impedes efforts to prevent this common and important type of occupational injuries on farms. Am. J. Ind. Med. 50:501–511, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of genetic variation of the serotonin 1B receptor gene on impulsive aggressive behavior and suicide
Authors: Zouk Hana , McGirr Alexander , Lebel Véronique , Benkelfat Chawky , Rouleau Guy , Turecki Gustavo
Published: May 2007

Impulsive–aggressive behaviors (IABs) are regarded as possible suicide intermediate phenotypes, mediating the relationship between genes and suicide outcome. In this study, we aimed to investigate the putative relationship between genetic variation at the 5‐HT1B receptor gene, which in animal models is involved in impulse‐aggression control, IABs, and suicide risk. We investigated the relationship of variation at five 5‐HT1B loci and IAB measures in a sample of 696 subjects, including 338 individuals who died by suicide and 358 normal epidemiological controls. We found that variation at the 5‐HT1B promoter A‐161T locus had a significant effect on levels of IABs, as measured by the Buss–Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI). Suicides also differed from controls in distribution of variants at this locus. The A‐161T locus, which seems to impact 5‐HT1B transcription, could play a role in suicide predisposition by means of mediating impulsive–aggressive behaviors. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular genetic studies ofDMT1on 12q in French‐Canadian restless legs syndrome patients and families
Authors: Xiong Lan , Dion Patrick , Montplaisir Jacques , Levchenko Anastasia , Thibodeau Pascale , Karemera Liliane , Rivière Jean‐Baptiste , St‐Onge Judith , Gaspar Claudia , Dubé Marie‐Pierre , Desautels Alex , Turecki Gustavo , Rouleau Guy A.
Published: May 2007

Converging evidence from clinical observations, brain imaging and pathological findings strongly indicate impaired brain iron regulation in restless legs syndrome (RLS). Animal models with mutation in (DMT1) divalent metal transporter 1 gene, an important brain iron transporter, demonstrate a similar iron deficiency profile as found in RLS brain. The humanDMT1gene, mapped to chromosome 12q near theRLS1locus, qualifies as an excellent functional and possible positional candidate for RLS. DMT1 protein levels were assessed in lymphoblastoid cell lines from RLS patients and controls. Linkage analyses were carried out with markers flanking and within theDMT1gene. Selected patient samples from RLS families with compatible linkage to theRLS1locus on 12q were fully sequenced in both the coding regions and the long stretches of UTR sequences. Finally, selected sequence variants were further studied in case/control and family‐based association tests. A clinical association of anemia and RLS was further confirmed in this study. There was no detectable difference inDMT1protein levels between RLS patient lymphoblastoid cell lines and normal controls. Non‐parametric linkage analyses failed to identify any significant linkage signals within theDMT1gene region. Sequencing of selected patients did not detect any sequence variant(s) compatible withDMT1harboring RLS causative mutation(s). Further studies did not find any association between ten SNPs, spanning the wholeDMT1gene region, and RLS affection status. Finally, twoDMT1intronic SNPs showed positive association with RLS in patients with a history of anemia, when compared to RLS patients without anemia. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The association study between DHCR24 polymorphisms and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Lämsä R. , Helisalmi S. , Hiltunen M. , Herukka S.‐K. , Tapiola T. , Pirttilä T. , Vepsäläinen S. , Soininen H.
Published: May 2007

DHCR24 gene in chromosome 1 encodes seladin 1, a cholesterol synthesizing enzyme. Seladin 1 protects neurons from Aβ42 mediated toxicity and participates in regulation of Aβ42 formation by organizing the placement of APP cleaving β‐secretase in cholesterol‐rich detergent‐resistant membrane domains (DRMs). In Alzheimer's disease (AD) the level of seladin 1 in affected neurons is reduced, DRMs are disorganized and Aβ42 formation is increased. To examine genetic association of the DHCR24 with AD, we genotyped four single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites (rs638944, rs600491, rs718265, and rs7374) in 414 Finnish AD cases and 459 controls and calculated the allelic and genotypic distribution of both cases and controls. The single locus association analysis indicated that men carrying the T allele of rs600491 had an increased risk of AD (OR 1.7 95% CI 1.2–2.4; P = 0.004, Bonferroni corrected P = 0.048 with 12 tests). We estimated haplotypes of SNPs rs638944 and rs600491 between cases and controls and found overall distribution of haplotypes highly significant (P < 0.001). There was a common protective haplotype TC with frequency of 0.22 in cases and 0.30 in controls (P < 0.001) and a risk haplotype GC with frequency of 0.10 in cases and 0.05 in controls (P < 0.001). We also measured CSF Aβ42, tau and phosphorylated tau (ptau) levels in a subgroup of AD cases (n = 44) and controls (n = 10) and found that AD cases that carry rs718265 GG had lower levels of Aβ42 than other genotype carriers. Our findings indicate that DHCR24 gene may be associated with AD risk. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Crystallization behavior and crystal structure of poly(ethylene‐co‐trimethylene terephthalate)s
Authors: Chen Xudong , Yang Kun , Hou Gong , Chen Yujun , Dong Yeping , Liao Zhengfu
Published: May 2007

A series of random copolymers were synthesized by the bulk polycondensation of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol (EG) and propane‐1,3‐diol (PDO) in various compositions. Their composition and thermal properties were investigated. The copolymers with 57.7 mol % or more PDO or 14.4 mol % or less PDO were crystallizable, but those with 36–46.2 mol % PDO were amorphous. The nonisothermal crystallization behavior was investigated with varying cooling rates by DSC. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) homopolymers have relatively lower activation energy than their copolymers. PET‐rich copolymers (EG > 85.9%) exhibited PET crystal structure, and exhibited no PTT crystal structure; and PTT‐rich copolymers (PDO > 41.7%) exhibited PTT crystal structure, and exhibited no PET crystal structure. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Computation of M. L. estimates for the parameters of a negative binomial distribution from grouped data. A comparison of the scoring, Newton—Raphson and E‐M algorithms
Authors: Schader Martin , Schmid Friedrich
Published: May 2007

Computation of M. L. estimates for the parameters of a negative binomial distribution from grouped data is considered. For this problem the Scoring, Newton—Raphson and E‐M algorithm is derived. Using simulated data the performance of the algorithms is compared with respect to convergence, number of iterations and computing time. Finally an empirical example drawn from actuarial science is given.
Group technology in production management: The short horizon planning level
Authors: Garcia Hervé , Proth Jean Marie
Published: May 2007

We consider a set of parts divided into subsets called part types, determined in such a way that the parts belonging to the same part type are manufactured using the same sequence of tasks (i.e. the same working process). We are looking for a partition of the set of part types into subsets called part families, and for a partition of the set of tasks into subsets called production subsystems defined as follows: (1) the number of part families and the number of production subsystems are equal, (2) one (one only one) production subsystem corresponds to each part family, (3) one (and only one) part family corresponds to each production subsystem, (4) the previous partitions minimize the number of tasks performed in a production subsystem different from that which corresponds to the part family containing the part involved. We give a fast algorithm which leads to a good solution depending on the initial set of part families. We also propose an algorithm to find a ‘good’ initial set of part families.
A mathematical model of pricing in a large system of cash bonds
Authors: Abikhalil F. , Dupont P. , Janssen J. , van Ossel P.
Published: May 2007

The purpose of this paper is to give a mathematical model to generalize the classical approach of compound interest and to overcome the time structure problem of the interest rates. We introduce a suitable stochastic process called the ‘gauge’ process such that its product with the value of any security is assumed to be a martingale in an appropriate probability space. The framework of this model gives a stochastic actualization formula for the pricing of general securities with options and includes Black and Schole's formula without using arbitrage arguments. Emphasis has been placed on numerical calculation.
Discrete software reliability growth models
Authors: Yamada Shioeru , Osaki Shunji
Published: May 2007

A general description of a discrete software reliability growth model, which adopts the number of test runs or the number of executed test cases as the unit of error detection period, is presented. Two classes of discrete software reliability growth models are proposed and discussed. These models can be described by non‐homogeneous Poisson processes, in which the random variable is denned as the number of errors detected by n test runs (n = 0, 1, 2,…). The application and comparison of these models to actual software error data are shown.