bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measurement of gingival thickness using digital vernier caliper and ultrasonographic method: a comparative study
Authors: Sharma Swati , Thakur Srinath L. , Joshi Shyamsunder K. , Kulkarni Sudhindra S. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe measurement of the thickness of the gingival tissues has been done using different techniques. Trans‐gingival probing with a graduated probe, use of vernier calipers, ultrasonography and cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT), have all been tried, but no one technique has been shown to be consistent and better than the others. The present study was done to evaluate and compare the gingival thickness as measured with a digital vernier caliper and ultrasonography.MethodsA total of 30 systemically healthy, non‐smokers were included in the study. The gingival measurements were made and recorded from the maxillary and mandibular lateral incisor areas at 2 locations: (a) at a point apical to the free gingival groove; and (b) at a point immediately coronal to the muco‐gingival junction.ResultsThe mean gingival thickness ranged from 0.56 to 1.02 mm. Males had a significantly thicker gingiva as compared to females (P < 0.10). Significant differences were not observed when the measurements made using the digital vernier caliper and those made with ultrasonography were compared.ConclusionsThe thickness of the gingiva was in the range of 0.56–1.02 mm. A digital vernier caliper and ultrasonography both can be used to assess the gingival thickness with equal accuracy.
A small peptide mimetic of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor promotes peripheral myelination
Authors: Xiao Junhua , Hughes Richard A. , Lim Joe Y. , Wong Agnes W. , Ivanusic Jason J. , Ferner Anita H. , Kilpatrick Trevor J. , Murray Simon S. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe expression of the neurotrophins and their receptors is essential for peripheral nervous system development and myelination. We have previously demonstrated that brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) exerts contrasting influences upon Schwann cell myelination in vitro – promoting myelination via neuronally expressed p75NTR, but inhibiting myelination via neuronally expressed TrkB. We have generated a small peptide called cyclo‐dPAKKR that structurally mimics the region of BDNF that binds p75NTR. Here, we have investigated whether utilizing cyclo‐dPAKKR to selectively target p75NTR is an approach that could exert a unified promyelinating response. Like BDNF, cyclo‐dPAKKR promoted myelination of nerve growth factor‐dependent neurons in vitro, an effect dependent on the neuronal expression of p75NTR. Importantly, cyclo‐dPAKKR also significantly promoted the myelination of tropomyosin‐related kinase receptor B‐expressing neurons in vitro, whereas BDNF exerted a significant inhibitory effect. This indicated that while BDNF exerted a contrasting influence upon the myelination of distinct subsets of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in vitro, cyclo‐dPAKKR uniformly promoted their myelination. Local injection of cyclo‐dPAKKR adjacent to the developing sciatic nerve in vivo significantly enhanced myelin protein expression and significantly increased the number of myelinated axons. These results demonstrate that cyclo‐dPAKKR promotes peripheral myelination in vitro and in vivo, suggesting it is a strategy worthy of further investigation for the treatment of peripheral demyelinating diseases.
Chalcone-based derivatives as new scaffolds for hA3 adenosine receptor antagonists
Authors: Vazquez-Rodriguez Saleta , Matos Maria João , Santana Lourdes , Uriarte Eugenio , Borges Fernanda , Kachler Sonja , Klotz Karl-Norbert 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Objectives
With the aim of finding new adenosine receptor (AR) ligands based on the chalcone scaffold, we report the synthesis of a new series of coumarin–chalcone hybrids and the pharmacological characterization of their actions at four subtypes of AR.

Methods
The synthesized compounds 5–10 were characterized in radioligand binding (A1, A2A and A3) and adenylyl cyclase activity assays (A2B) to determine the affinity of the compounds for the four human AR (hAR) subtypes.

Key findings
Coumarin–chalcone hybrids were found to be ligands with a novel structure, not reported thus far, that showed varying affinity and selectivity for AR subtypes.

Conclusions
The coumarin–chalcone hybrids in which ring B of the chalcone scaffold was a thiophene (compounds 5 and 9) were found to be the most potent compounds of the series. Compound 9, in which ring A of the chalcone moiety was the phenyl ring of the coumarin, showed similar activity against hA1, hA2A and hA3 ARs, while compound 5, in which ring A of the chalcone was substituted by the benzopyrone ring of the coumarin moiety, showed similar activity only at the hA3 AR and, therefore, was deemed to be selective (Ki (dissociation constant) = 5160 nm).
Vitreous and aqueous penetration of intravitreally and orally administered moxifloxacin in an experimental rabbit model of fungal endophthalmitis
Authors: Arikan Sedat , Ozdek Sengul , Aktas Zeynep , Dinçel Aysun , Hasanreisoglu Berati 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Objectives
Moxifloxacin (MXF), is a fluoroquinolone drug thought to have some antifungal activity against Candida albicans. The aim of our study was to investigate whether intravitreally and orally administered MXF has an effective penetration into the aqueous and vitreous in an experimental model of C. albicans endophthalmitis.

Methods
Thirty-two New Zealand rabbits were included. Endophthalmitis was induced in the right eyes of the rabbits. Left eyes were used as sham controls. Group 1 received a single dose of 160 μg MXF/0.1 ml intravitreally. Group 2 received a single intravitreal dose of 160 μg MXF/0.1 ml and an oral dose of 7 mg/kg/day for 4 days. Group 3 received only an oral dose of MXF 7 mg/kg/day for 4 days. Group 4 comprised of healthy controls. On the first and fourth day of treatment aqueous and vitreous samples were aspirated to compare the penetration of MXF.

Key findings
Between the first and fourth days, in group 1, mean MXF levels in the aqueous and vitreous tended to decrease; however, in group 3, these drug levels were tended to increase. There was also a decline in the drug levels in the aqueous and vitreous of group 2.

Conclusions
MXF cannot achieve sufficient penetration into the aqueous and vitreous of eyes infected with C. albicans.
In-vivo rat striatal 5-HT4 receptor occupancy using non-radiolabelled SB207145
Authors: Nirogi Ramakrishna , Kandikere Vishwottam , Bhyrapuneni Gopinadh , Saralaya Ramanatha , Ajjala Devender Reddy , Aleti Raghupathi Reddy , Rasheed Mohammed Abdul 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Objectives
The objective of the current investigation was to develop a simple, rapid method for determining in-vivo 5-hydroxytryptamine type 4 receptor (5-HT4R) occupancy in rat brain using non-radiolabelled SB207145 as a tracer for accelerating the drug discovery process.

Methods
In-vivo tracer optimization studies for tracer dose, survival intervals and brain distribution profile were carried out in rats. The tracer was pharmacologically validated using potent well-characterized 5-HT4R ligands. The brain regional concentrations of tracer (SB207145); plasma and brain concentrations of 5-HT4R ligands were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a tandem mass spectrometric detector (LC-MS/MS).

Key findings
SB207145 showed a higher specific binding in striatum (1.96 ng/g) and lower binding in cerebellum (0.66 ng/g), which is consistent with findings of other published 5-HT4R expression studies. Pretreatment with potent 5-HT4 ligands dose-dependently reduced striatal SB207145 concentration and the effective dose to achieve 50% receptor occupancy (ED50) values were 4.8, 2.0, 7.4, 9.9, 3.8 and 0.02 mg/kg for GR113808, piboserod, prucalopride, RS67333, TD8954 and PF04995274, respectively.

Conclusions
Results from the mass spectrometry approach to determine 5-HT4R occupancy in rat brain are comparable with those reported using radiolabelled scintillation spectroscopy methods. In conclusion, the LC-MS/MS characterization permits use of tracer at a preclinical stage in high-throughput fashion as well as characterization of target expression.
A National Network to Advance the Field of Cancer and Female Sexuality
Authors: Goldfarb Shari B. , Abramsohn Emily , Andersen Barbara L. , Baron Shirley R. , Carter Jeanne , Dickler Maura , Florendo Judith , Freeman Leslie , Githens Katherine , Kushner David , Makelarski Jennifer A. , Yamada S. Diane , Lindau Stacy Tessler 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Understanding sexual health issues in cancer patients is integral to care for the continuously growing cancer survivor population.

Aim
To create a national network of active clinicians and researchers focusing on the prevention and treatment of sexual problems in women and girls with cancer.

Methods
Interdisciplinary teams from the University of Chicago and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center jointly developed the mission for a national conference to convene clinicians and researchers in the field of cancer and female sexuality. The invitee list was developed by both institutions and further iterated through suggestions from invitees. The conference agenda focused on three high-priority topics under the guidance of a professional facilitator. Breakout groups were led by attendees recognized by collaborators as experts in those topics. Conference costs were shared by both institutions.

Main Outcome Measure
Development of Scientific Working Groups (SWGs).

Results
One hundred two clinicians and researchers were invited to attend the 1st National Conference on Cancer and Female Sexuality. Forty-three individuals from 20 different institutions across 14 states attended, including representation from eight National Cancer Institute (NCI)-funded cancer centers. Attendees included PhD researchers (N = 19), physicians (N = 16), and other healthcare professionals (N = 8). Breakout groups included (i) Defining key life course sexuality issues; (ii) Building a registry; and (iii) Implementing sexual health assessment. Breakout group summaries incorporated group consensus on key points and priorities. These generated six SWGs with volunteer leaders to accelerate future research and discovery: (i) Technology-based interventions; (ii) Basic science; (iii) Clinical trials; (iv) Registries; (v) Measurement; and (vi) Secondary data analysis. Most attendees volunteered for at least one SWG (N = 35), and many volunteered for two (N = 21).

Conclusion
This 1st National Conference demonstrated high motivation and broad participation to address research on cancer and female sexuality. Areas of need were identified, and SWGs established to help promote research in this field.
Sleep‐disordered breathing in major depressive disorder
Authors: Cheng Philip , D. Casement Melynda , Chen Chiau‐Fang , Hoffmann Robert F. , Armitage Roseanne , Deldin Patricia J. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryIndividuals with major depressive disorder often experience obstructive sleep apnea. However, the relationship between depression and less severe sleep‐disordered breathing is unclear. This study examined the rate of sleep‐disordered breathing in depression after excluding those who had clinically significant sleep apnea (>5 apneas∙h−1). Archival data collected between 1991 and 2005 were used to assess the prevalence of sleep‐disordered breathing events in 60 (31 depressed; 29 healthy controls) unmedicated participants. Respiratory events were automatically detected using a program developed in‐house measuring thermal nasal air‐flow and chest pressure. Results show that even after excluding participants with clinically significant sleep‐disordered breathing, individuals with depression continue to exhibit higher rates of sleep‐disordered breathing compared with healthy controls (depressed group: apnea–hypopnea index mean = 0.524, SE = 0.105; healthy group: apnea–hypopnea index mean = 0.179, SE = 0.108). Exploratory analyses were also conducted to assess for rates of exclusion in depression studies due to sleep‐disordered breathing. Study exclusion of sleep‐disordered breathing was quantified based on self‐report during telephone screening, and via first night polysomnography. Results from phone screening data reveal that individuals reporting depression were 5.86 times more likely to report a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea than presumptive control participants. Furthermore, all of the participants excluded for severe sleep‐disordered breathing detected on the first night were participants with depression. These findings illustrate the importance of understanding the relationship between sleep‐disordered breathing and depression, and suggest that screening and quantification of sleep‐disordered breathing should be considered in depression research.
“The Word is destroyed”? Women’s Studies, Modernist Studies, and the “New Normal” in Academe
Authors: Detloff Madelyn 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis article pays homage to Virginia Woolf’s epistolary essay Three Guineas by constructing an imaginary email exchange between a women’s studies professor and a concerned citizen (an updated version of Woolf’s interlocutor in Three Guineas.) Ultimately concluding that the fate of women’s literature in general and modernist women’s literature in particular is tied to the fate of the humanities and to other non‐instrumentalized forms of learning, such as women’s, gender, and sexuality studies, this epistolary essay discusses the impact of budget cutting and educational downsizing (the “new normal” in academe) on public estimates of the value of the humanities, women’s studies, women’s literature, and literary studies. In this climate of the “new normal,” it is distressing, but not surprising, that modernist studies and women’s studies are embattled by calls for more “useful” (a.k.a. instrumentalized and job‐focused) education and research. Woolf, who analyzed the connections between the British educational system, gendered ideology, class difference, and nationalist ideology in Three Guineas, offers one example of a female modernist whose analysis of culture and ideology in the early 20th century is still apt today.
On Remaining Minor in Modernisms: The Future of Women’s Literature
Authors: Sarker Sonita 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis essay revisits the idea of the ‘minor’, as manifested in the origins of women’s studies, in the newer contexts of globalization, and presents a potential future for it within modernist studies. This idea has represented identity in genealogies of activism and in the history of scholarship on women’s literature. Now, it may be read as also representing a position and a strategy that interrupt hegemonic forces in the field. This interruption allows the juxtaposition of the well‐known with the lesser‐known as well as different formations of the minoritized to enable new forms of modernist studies.
Cosmogenic production rates and recoil loss effects in micrometeorites and interplanetary dust particles
Authors: Trappitsch Reto , Leya Ingo 
Published: January 2013

AbstractWe present a purely physical model to determine cosmogenic production rates for noble gases and radionuclides in micrometeorites (MMs) and interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) by solar cosmic‐rays (SCR) and galactic cosmic‐rays (GCR) fully considering recoil loss effects. Our model is based on various nuclear model codes to calculate recoil cross sections, recoil ranges, and finally the percentages of the cosmogenic nuclides that are lost as a function of grain size, chemical composition of the grain, and the spectral distribution of the projectiles. The main advantage of our new model compared with earlier approaches is that we consider the entire SCR particle spectrum up to 240 MeV and not only single energy points. Recoil losses for GCR‐produced nuclides are assumed to be equal to recoil losses for SCR‐produced nuclides. Combining the model predictions with Poynting‐Robertson orbital lifetimes, we calculate cosmic‐ray exposure ages for recently studied MMs, cosmic spherules, and IDPs. The ages for MMs and the cosmic‐spherule are in the range <2.2–233 Ma, which corresponds, according to the Poynting‐Robertson drag, to orbital distances in the range 4.0–34 AU. For two IDPs, we determine exposure ages of longer than 900 Ma, which corresponds to orbital distances larger than 150 AU. The orbital distance in the range 4–6 AU for one MM and the cosmic spherule indicate an origin either in the asteroid belt or release from comets coming either from the Kuiper Belt or the Oort Cloud. Three of the studied MMs have orbital distances in the range 23–34 AU, clearly indicating a cometary origin, either from short‐period comets from the Kuiper Belt or from the Oort Cloud. The two IDPs have orbital distances of more than 150 AU, indicating an origin from Oort Cloud comets.
An alternative sigma factor governs the principal sigma factor in Streptomyces griseus
Authors: Otani Hiroshi , Higo Akiyoshi , Nanamiya Hideaki , Horinouchi Sueharu , Ohnishi Yasuo 
Published: January 2013

SummaryIn bacteria, the RNA polymerase holoenzyme comprises a five‐subunit core enzyme and a dissociable subunit, sigma factor, which is responsible for transcriptional initiation. The filamentous bacterium Streptomyces griseus has 52 sigma factors, including one essential ‘principal’ sigma factor (σHrdB) that is responsible for the transcription of housekeeping genes. Here we characterized an alternative sigma factor (σShbA), which is highly conserved within the genus Streptomyces. A σShbA‐deficient mutant showed a severe growth defect and transcriptome analysis indicated that many housekeeping genes were downregulated in response to insufficient σShbA production. Biochemical and genetic analyses proved that σShbA is a major determinant of transcription of the σHrdB gene. This observation of a principal sigma factor being governed by another sigma factor throughout growth is unprecedented. We found that increasing σShbA production with mycelial growth maintained a high σHrdB level late in growth. Furthermore, a hrdB‐autoregulatable σShbA‐deficient mutant, in which the principal sigma factor gene can be transcribed by RNA polymerase containing σHrdB itself, showed several defects: rapid mycelial lysis in stationary phase in liquid culture and delayed morphological development and impaired streptomycin production in solid culture. From these observations, we discuss the biological significance of control of σHrdB by σShbA in S. griseus.
Pretransplant model for end stage liver disease score predicts posttransplant incidence of fungal infections after liver transplantation
Authors: Lichtenstern Christoph , Hochreiter Marcel , Zehnter Verena D. , Brenner Thorsten , Hofer Stefan , Mieth Markus , Büchler Markus W. , Martin Eike , Weigand Markus A. , Schemmer Peter , Busch Cornelius J. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryLiver transplant recipients are at a significant risk for invasive fungal infections (IFI). This retrospective study evaluated the impact of the pretransplant model for end stage liver disease (MELD) on the incidence of posttransplant IFI in a single centre. From 2004 to 2008, 385 liver transplantations were included, from which 210 transplantations were conducted allocated by Child Turcotte Pugh and 175 were allocated by MELD score. Both groups differed regarding the age of transplant recipients (50.1 ± 10.7 vs. 52.5 ± 9.9, P = 0.036), pretransplant MELD score (16.43 ± 8.33 vs. 18.29 ± 9.05), rate of re‐transplantations, duration of surgery, demand in blood transfusions and rates of renal impairments. In the MELD era, higher incidences of IFI (pre‐MELD 11.9%, MELD 24.0%, P < 0.05) and Candida infections (9% vs. 18.9%, P < 0.05) were observed. There was no difference in the incidence of probable or possible aspergillosis. Mortality, length of stay in intensive care or hospital, and duration of mechanical ventilation did not differ between the pre‐MELD and MELD era. Regardless the date of transplantation, patients with fungi‐positive samples showed higher mortality rates than patients without. MELD score was analysed as independent predictors for posttransplant IFI. Higher MELD scores predispose to a more problematic postoperative course and are associated with an increase in fungal infections.
von Economo neurones are selectively targeted in frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Santillo A. F. , Nilsson C. , Englund E. 
Published: January 2013

Backgroundvon Economo neurones (VEN) are bipolar neurones located in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the frontoinsular cortex (FI), areas affected early in behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), in which VEN may constitute a selectively vulnerable cellular population.AimA previous study has shown a selective loss of VEN in FTD above other neurones in the ACC of FTD. The aim of this study was to confirm this finding in a larger cohort, using a different methodology, and to examine VEN loss in relation to neuropathological severity and molecular pathology.MethodsVEN and neighbouring neurones (NN) were quantified in layers Va and Vb of the right dorsal ACC in 21 cases of bvFTD, 10 cases of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 10 non‐demented controls (NDC).ResultsA marked VEN reduction was seen in all FTD cases. In the neuropathologically early cases of FTD (n = 13), VEN/10 000 NN was significantly reduced by 53% compared with NDC (P < 0.001) and 41% compared with AD (P = 0.019), whereas AD patients showed a non‐significant 30% reduction of VEN/10 000 NN compared with NDC. VEN reduction was present in all protein pathology subgroups.DiscussionIn conclusion, this study confirms selective sensitivity of VEN in FTD and suggests that VEN loss is an early event in the neurodegenerative process.
Sedation practice in Nordic and non‐Nordic ICUs: a European survey
Authors: Egerod Ingrid , Albarran John W , Ring Mette , Blackwood Bronagh 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTBackground and aimsA trend towards lighter sedation has been evident in many intensive care units (ICUs). The aims of the survey were to describe sedation practice in European ICUs and to compare sedation practice in Nordic and non‐Nordic countries.Design and methodsA cross‐sectional survey of ICU nurses attending the fourth European federation of Critical Care Nursing associations (EfCCNa) in Denmark, 2011. Data included use of protocols; sedation, pain and delirium assessment tools; collaborative decision‐making; sedation and analgesic medications; and educational preparation related to sedation.ResultsResponse rate was 42% (n = 291) from 22 countries where 53% (n = 148) used sedation protocols. Nordic nurses reported greater use of sedation (91% versus 67%, p < 0·01) and pain (91% versus 69%, p < 0·01) assessment tools than non‐Nordic nurses. Decision‐making on sedation was more inter‐professionally collaborative in Nordic ICUs (83% versus 61%, p < 0·01), units were smaller (10 versus 15 beds, p < 0·01) and nurse‐patient ratio was higher (1:1, 75% versus 26%, p < 0·01). Nordic nurses reported greater consistency in maintaining circadian rhythm (66% versus 49%, p < 0·01), less use of physical restraints (14% versus 36%, p < 0·01), less use of neuromuscular blocking agents (3% versus 16%, p < 0·01), and received more sedation education (92% versus 76%, p < 0·01). Delirium assessment was not performed systematically in most settings.ConclusionsOrganizational and contextual factors, such as ICU size, staffing ratio and inter‐professional collaboration, are contributing factors to sedation management in European ICUs. The Nordic context might be more germane to the goal of lighter sedation and better pain management.Relevance to clinical practiceOur study raises awareness of current sedation practice, paving the way towards optimized ICU sedation management.