bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of forces developed during mechanical preparation of extracted teeth using Profile NiTi rotary instruments
Authors: Blum J. Y. , Cohen A. , Machtou P. , Micallef J.‐P. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAim The aim of this study was to analyse the vertical forces and torque developed in the root canal system of extracted teeth during mechanical preparation using ProFile NiTi instruments.Methodology Instrument wear and fracture is in great part due to the repeated application of forces and torque during the course of root‐canal preparation but research into the direct relationship has been hampered by the lack of adequate measuring devices. Measurements of these forces and torque were made with a new force analyser device, the Endographe, that was equipped with a holder to record and generate graphs of the vertical forces and torque exerted during the preparations. These preparations were performed by endodontists or students either with a series of instruments of increasing size or with the crown‐down pressureless technique.Results The mean values for the endodontists of the generated vertical forces and torque varied, respectively, from 4 to 6N and from 7·105 to 12·105Nm for the step‐back technique and from 2.9 to 4.2N and from 18·105 to 20·105Nm for the crown‐down technique. This suggested that the crown‐down technique generated lower stresses (lower torque and lower vertical forces), although these findings also depend on the shape of individual canals. The students initially showed wide variations in generated forces, with significantly lower vertical force and torque values. By the end of the experimental sessions their values were similar to those of the endodontists, which indicated improvement in the efficiency of manipulation.Conclusions Further work is needed to investigate the relationship between the force and the torque data from this study and the incidence of instrument fracture with the two techniques, as the clinical implications are considerable. It must be noted, however, that the Endographe is unable to take into account the cutting efficiency of the instruments. The use of graphs provides a new approach to the analysis of mechanical preparation.
The meaning and consequences of tuberculosis among Somali people in the United Kingdom
Authors: Gerrish Kate , Naisby Andrew , Ismail Mubarak 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAim.  To ascertain the socio‐cultural meaning and consequences of tuberculosis among people of Somali origin living in the UK.Background.  In countries where treatment has not been readily available, tuberculosis has become highly stigmatized. Research in Somalia has documented the stigma and social isolation associated with tuberculosis which acts as a powerful deterrent to sufferers acknowledging their illness. The Somali community in the UK is diverse and dynamic: little is known about how tuberculosis is understood, or how stigma is articulated and experienced post‐migration.Design.  A focused ethnography was undertaken.Method.  A total of 48 individual interviews were undertaken in 2008–2009 with community leaders, Somali community members and tuberculosis patients to explore the social meaning of tuberculosis and perceived consequences of the disease. Eight focus groups were undertaken involving 56 participants. Vignettes concerning tuberculosis were used to prompt discussion of community norms and socio‐cultural constructions of tuberculosis. Data were analysed using the ‘Framework’ approach.Findings.  Most participants were familiar with tuberculosis, its characteristics and treatment. However, many participants held misconceptions about how the disease spread and its prognosis. Tuberculosis was perceived as a stigmatizing disease. Somalis with tuberculosis were considered likely to experience felt and enacted stigma with fear of discrimination in the form of social isolation influencing the extent to which people with tuberculosis disclosed their condition.Conclusion.  Nurses should understand the socio‐cultural meaning and consequences of tuberculosis for Somalis to educate the community through public health initiatives and support patients and their families.
Multiphoton fluorescence lifetime imaging shows spatial segregation of secondary metabolites in Eucalyptus secretory cavities
Authors: HESKES A.M. , LINCOLN C.N. , GOODGER J.Q.D. , WOODROW I.E. , SMITH T.A. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryMultiphoton fluorescence lifetime imaging provides an excellent tool for imaging deep within plant tissues while providing a means to distinguish between fluorophores with high spatial and temporal resolution. Ideal candidates for the application of multiphoton fluorescence lifetime imaging to plants are the embedded secretory cavities found in numerous species because they house complex mixtures of secondary metabolites within extracellular lumina. Previous investigations of this type of structure have been restricted by the use of sectioned material resulting in the loss of lumen contents and often disorganization of the delicate secretory cells; thus it is not known if there is spatial segregation of secondary metabolites within these structures. In this paper, we apply multiphoton fluorescence lifetime imaging to investigate the spatial arrangement of metabolites within intact secretory cavities isolated from Eucalyptus polybractea R.T. Baker leaves. The secretory cavities of this species are abundant (up to 10 000 per leaf), large (up to 6 nL) and importantly house volatile essential oil rich in the monoterpene 1,8‐cineole, together with an immiscible, non‐volatile component comprised largely of autofluorescent oleuropeic acid glucose esters. We have been able to optically section into the lumina of secretory cavities to a depth of ∼80 μm, revealing a unique spatial organization of cavity metabolites whereby the non‐volatile component forms a layer between the secretory cells lining the lumen and the essential oil. This finding could be indicative of a functional role of the non‐volatile component in providing a protective region of low diffusivity between the secretory cells and potentially autotoxic essential oil.
We are all in this together: working towards a holistic understanding of self‐harm
Authors: LONG M. , MANKTELOW R. , TRACEY A. 
Published: March 2012

Accessible summary
This paper has been informed through systematic literature searches of research databases and core texts on the subject of self‐harm.
Despite the increase of self‐harm, stigma and misunderstanding surround the issue, which often compound the sense of emotional pain felt by those people who are affected by self‐harm.
Gaining an understanding of the cultural, historical and religious origins of self‐harm can illuminate the ways in which self‐harm has evolved with us as part of our humanity.
This paper aims to increase understanding of self‐harm, and by doing so to question commonly held assumptions and foster more empathic responses to self‐harm among practitioners.
AbstractSelf‐harm is a widespread and controversial issue in contemporary society. Statistics are based on reported incidents and therefore do not accurately reveal prevalence, as self‐harm is often a hidden behaviour. This highlights the essential need for practitioners and society to work towards reducing the stigma surrounding self‐harm. This paper goes some way towards understanding the impact of self‐harm on individuals and communities. It begins by exploring terminologies and definitions of self‐harm and discusses the importance of sensitivity in language use relating to self‐harm. It continues by examining types of self‐harm and subsequently presents life experiences that may contribute to the onset of self‐harm. The paper elucidates the cultural, historical and religious origins of self‐harm, indicating the ways in which self‐harm has evolved with us as part of our humanity. Moreover, literature relating to the significance of stigma and attitudes is examined, followed by issues around psychiatric diagnoses pertaining to self‐harm. The paper concludes by synthesizing literature relevant to the relationship between self‐harm and suicide.
Sensations of gas and pain and their relationship with compliance during distension in human colon
Authors: Iturrino J. , Camilleri M. , Busciglio I. , Burton D. , Zinsmeister A. R. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground  Colonic mechanosensory afferents ‘in parallel’ to circular muscle activate prevertebral ganglion reflexes; ‘in series’, afferents convey visceral sensation to the central nervous system; and pain receptors are activated with muscle distension. Our aim was to analyze the relationships of gas and pain sensations during graded distensions, and the association of sensations with colonic compliance in conscious humans.Methods  The data were acquired in a prior study performed on 60 healthy volunteers (aged 18–75 years) under baseline conditions... Colonic compliance was measured in response to 4 mmHg stepwise balloon distensions to estimate pressure at half‐maximum volume (Pr50%). Sensation ratings for gas and pain were averaged over distensions at 16, 24, 30 and 36 mmHg above baseline operating pressure. Associations between mean gas and pain ratings, and colonic compliance were assessed with Pearson correlations.Key Results  Gas and pain sensations were significantly correlated at all levels of distension (all P < 0.001). Significant inverse correlations between Pr50% and sensations of gas and pain were observed, suggesting that lower compliance was associated with lower sensations. Up to 25% of the variance in sensation may be attributed to colonic compliance.Conclusions & Inferences  These data are consistent with the hypothesis that, if circumferential colonic receptors are stimulated by distension to mediate gas and pain in humans, they are, at least partly, arranged ‘in parallel’ to the muscle layer.
Antenatal haemoglobin A1c and risk of large‐for‐gestational‐age infants in a multi‐ethnic cohort of women with gestational diabetes
Authors: Katon Jodie , Reiber Gayle , Williams Michelle A. , Yanez David , Miller Edith 
Published: March 2012

SummaryKaton J, Reiber G, Williams MA, Yanez D, Miller E. Antenatal haemoglobin A1c and risk of large‐for‐gestational‐age infants in a multi‐ethnic cohort of women with gestational diabetes. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2012; 26: 208–217.Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a risk factor for delivering a large‐for‐gestational‐age (LGA) infant. Haemoglobin A1c (A1C) is an indicator of glycaemic control. The objective of this study was to test whether higher A1C quartile at the time of diagnosis of GDM is associated with increased risk of delivering a LGA or macrosomic infant. Women with singleton pregnancies treated for GDM at a large diabetes and pregnancy programme located in Charlotte, North Carolina, were eligible for inclusion in this retrospective cohort study. Clinical information, including A1C at diagnosis, treatment, prior medical and obstetric history, and birth data were abstracted from medical records. LGA was defined as birthweight >90th percentile for gestational age and sex and macrosomia as birthweight >4000 g. Logistic regression was used to analyse the association of A1C at GDM diagnosis with risk of delivering LGA or macrosomic infants. This study included 502 women. Prevalences of LGA and macrosomia were 4% and 6% respectively. After adjustment there was no detectable trend of increased risk for LGA (P for trend = 0.12) or macrosomia (P for trend = 0.20) across increasing quartiles of A1C at GDM diagnosis. A1C at GDM diagnosis may not be linearly associated with LGA or macrosomia, possibly because of the mediating effect of strict glycaemic control in this clinical setting.
Nitric oxide production mediates oligogalacturonide‐triggered immunity and resistance to Botrytis cinerea in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: RASUL S. , DUBREUIL‐MAURIZI C. , LAMOTTE O. , KOEN E. , POINSSOT B. , ALCARAZ G. , WENDEHENNE D. , JEANDROZ S. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTNitric oxide (NO) regulates a wide range of plant processes from development to environmental adaptation. In this study, we investigated the production and/or function of NO in Arabidopsis thaliana leaf discs and plants elicited by oligogalacturonides (OGs) and challenged with Botrytis cinerea. We provided evidence that OGs triggered a fast and long lasting NO production which was Ca2+ dependent and involved nitrate reductase (NR). Accordingly, OGs triggered an increase of both NR activity and transcript accumulation. NO production was also sensitive to the mammalian NO synthase inhibitor L‐NAME. Intriguingly, we showed that L‐NAME affected NO production by interfering with NR activity, thus questioning the mechanisms of how this compound impairs NO synthesis in plants. We further demonstrated that NO modulates RBOHD‐mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and participates in the regulation of OG‐responsive genes such as anionic peroxidase (PER4) and a β‐1,3‐glucanase. Mutant plants impaired in PER4 and β‐1,3‐glucanase, as well as Col‐0 plants treated with the NO scavenger cPTIO, were more susceptible to B. cinerea. Taken together, our investigation deciphers part of the mechanisms linking NO production, NO‐induced effects and basal resistance to B. cinerea.
Linking women who test HIV‐positive in pregnancy‐related services to long‐term HIV care and treatment services: a systematic review
Authors: Ferguson Laura , Grant Alison D. , Watson‐Jones Deborah , Kahawita Tanya , Ong’ech John O. , Ross David A. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectives  To quantify attrition between women testing HIV‐positive in pregnancy‐related services and accessing long‐term HIV care and treatment services in low‐ or middle‐income countries and to explore the reasons underlying client drop‐out by synthesising current literature on this topic.Methods  A systematic search in Medline, EMBASE, Global Health and the International Bibliography of the Social Sciences of literature published 2000–2010. Only studies meeting pre‐defined quality criteria were included.Results  Of 2543 articles retrieved, 20 met the inclusion criteria. Sixteen (80%) drew on data from sub‐Saharan Africa. The pathway between testing HIV‐positive in pregnancy‐related services and accessing long‐term HIV‐related services is complex, and attrition was usually high. There was a failure to initiate highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) among 38–88% of known‐eligible women. Providing ‘family‐focused care’, and integrating CD4 testing and HAART provision into prevention of mother‐to‐child HIV transmission services appear promising for increasing women’s uptake of HIV‐related services. Individual‐level factors that need to be addressed include financial constraints and fear of stigma.Conclusions  Too few women negotiate the many steps between testing HIV‐positive in pregnancy‐related services and accessing HIV‐related services for themselves. Recent efforts to stem patient drop‐out, such as the MTCT‐Plus Initiative, hold promise. Addressing barriers and enabling factors both within health facilities and at the levels of the individual woman, her family and society will be essential to improve the uptake of services.
Optimal dose finding for novel antimalarial combination therapy*
Authors: Duparc S. , Lanza C. , Ubben D. , Borghini‐Fuhrer I. , Kellam L. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractA recent discussion meeting convened by the Medicines for Malaria Venture examined how best to manage the discovery and preclinical pipeline to achieve novel combination therapies which would address the key clinical needs in malaria. It became clear that dose optimisation of components within combination therapy was a key issue in achieving antimalarial efficacy and for preserving that efficacy against parasite resistance emergence. This paper outlines some of the specific issues in malaria that cause dose‐ranging and dose‐optimisation studies to be particularly challenging and discusses the potential of factorial study design to address such challenges.
Chemosensory protein genes of batocera horsfieldi (hope): identification and expression pattern
Authors: Li H. , Zhang G. , Wang M.‐Q. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractChemoreception is an essential feature for selection of host plants by insects. Chemosensory proteins (CSPs) are a group of small proteins (approximately 13 kDa) that are expressed widely in various insect sensory appendages. Batocera horsfieldi (Hope) is a major pest of Popolus and utilizes a variety of semiochemicals for its mating and oviposition. However, no CSP gene has been identified in B. horsfieldi. Here, to obtain the DNA sequences of B. horsfieldi CSPs, we used both bioinformatics and experimental approaches to analyse the antennal expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Among 649 EST clones, three unique CSP sequences (BhorCSP1, 2 and 3) were identified and characterized from B. horsfieldi (Hope) antennal cDNA libraries based on their four conserved cysteine residues, which have a characteristic spacing pattern. A phylogenetic tree of BhorCSPs and other insect CSPs showed that BhorCSP1 and BhorCSP2 are more similar to CSPs of Tribolium castaneum than BhorCSP3. BhorCSP3 is closely related to CSPs of the Dipteran, Culex quinquefasciatus. Using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and real‐time Q‐PCR strategies, we examined the expression patterns of these three putative CSP genes in different tissues, sexes and developmental stages. Our analysis shows that all three genes were expressed in all tissues examined, including the antennae, labial palps, maxillary palps, legs, abdomen and wings but not in the head. Real‐time Q‐PCR results revealed that these CSP genes were expressed throughout the life of the adults, and the transcription levels of these genes depended on the sex, age and mating status of adults.
Intravenous diuretic and vasodilator therapy reduce plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: ZHANG JUN , ZHAO GUANGDAN , YU XIAOLING , PAN XIAOMING 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground and objective:  Plasma concentrations of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) are elevated in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and high plasma BNP levels are associated with a poor prognosis. We aimed to evaluate the effects of a diuretic and a vasodilator on plasma BNP levels and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD).Methods:  Forty patients with an AECOPD and high plasma BNP levels, but without any clinical evidence of cor pulmonale, were selected. The patients were randomly divided into two groups of 20 patients. In addition to standard treatment for AECOPD, the patients in group I were treated with a mild diuretic, and those in group II were treated with the diuretic and a vasodilator. Twenty patients with stable COPD were selected as a control group. Plasma BNP concentrations were measured on admission and on the third and sixth days. The patients' HRQOL was evaluated using the short‐form 36‐item (SF‐36) questionnaire before and after treatment.Results:  Plasma BNP concentrations in patients with AECOPD were significantly decreased after treatment, and this decrease was more striking in group II than in group I. There were no significant differences in SF‐36 domain scores between patients with stable COPD and those with acute exacerbations who were treated with a diuretic and a vasodilator.Conclusions:  Plasma BNP levels decreased rapidly in patients with an AECOPD after therapy with a diuretic and a vasodilator, and the treatment did not impair their health status.
Comparison of refractive outcomes using five devices for the assessment of preoperative corneal power
Authors: Whang Woong‐Joo , Byun Yong‐Soo , Joo Choun‐Ki 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground:  To compare keratometric values obtained with a manual keratometer (Topcon), an automated keratometer (Canon), an Orbscan II (Bausch & Lomb), the IOLMaster keratometer (Carl‐Zeiss) and the Pentacam rotating Scheimpflug camera (Oculus) in cataract surgery, and to characterize the refractive outcomes generated using each device.Design:  Retrospective study conducted at a tertiary university hospital.Participants:  Sixty‐nine eyes of 69 patients were analysed.Methods:  The keratometric values obtained with different devices (manual keratometer, automated keratometer, corneal topography, IOLMaster keratometer and Scheimpflug camera) were employed for intraocular lens power calculation. Multiple comparisons of averaged keratometric value were conducted, and the averaged keratometric value was used to calculate the predicted refraction. The absolute values of corneal astigmatism were calculated and also compared.Main Outcome Measures:  Mean keratometric value, absolute value of astigmatism, mean error and mean absolute error from each device.Results:  The mean keratometric values generated by manual keratometer, automated keratometry, corneal topography, IOLMaster keratometer and the Pentacam Scheimpflug system were 43.95 ± 1.39, 43.91 ± 1.39, 44.67 ± 1.53, 44.03 ± 1.41 and 42.96 ± 1.39 diopter, respectively. The absolute value of astigmatism determined via manual keratometer, automated keratometer, corneal topography, IOLMaster keratometer and the Pentacam Scheimpflug system were 0.95 ± 0.60, 0.99 ± 0.69, 1.14 ± 0.74, 1.11 ± 0.65 and 1.03 ± 0.73 diopter, respectively. The corneal topography showed statistically significant differences with other devices and produced the greater value in mean absolute errors (all P < 0.05).Conclusion:  Keratometric values with standard devices are a good choice for cataract surgery, whereas the corneal topography is not an appropriate method for the assessment of preoperative keratometric values.
Impaired ocular blood flow regulation in patients with open‐angle glaucoma and diabetes
Authors: Shoshani Yochai , Harris Alon , Shoja Mohammadali M , Arieli Yoel , Ehrlich Rita , Primus Sally , Ciulla Thomas , Cantor Adam , Wirostko Barbara , Siesky Brent A 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground:  To elucidate the potential impact of diabetes mellitus on primary open‐angle glaucoma pathology through vascular deficiency.Design:  Cross‐section analysis from a longitudinal, prospective study.Participants:  Eighty‐four open‐angle glaucoma patients (20 diabetic open‐angle glaucoma patients and 64 non‐diabetic open‐angle glaucoma patients)Methods:  Patients were analyzed for ocular structure, ocular perfusion pressure (OPP), retrobulbar blood flow and retinal capillary perfusion. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS version 18.0. Comparisons between groups were made as well as multivariate linear regression analysis.Main Outcome Measure:  Retrobulbar blood flow and the retinal microcirculation.Results:  Central retinal artery peak systolic velocity was 13.5% lower in diabetic patients (P = 0.007). In diabetic open‐angle glaucoma patients, ocular perfusion pressure positively correlated with central retinal artery and temporal posterior ciliary artery peak systolic velocity (R = 0.476, P = 0.039 and R = 0.529, P = 0.02, respectively), and with central retinal artery and nasal posterior ciliary artery resistance index (R = 0.537, P = 0.018 and R = 0.566, P = 0.012 respectively). Average retinal nerve fibre layer positively correlated with central retinal artery peak systolic velocity and temporal posterior ciliary artery end diastolic velocity (R = 0.501, P = 0.029 and R = 0.553, P = 0.019, respectively), and negatively correlated with superior and inferior retinal avascular space in the diabetic group (R = −0.498, P = 0.030 and R = −0.700, P = 0.001, respectively); no correlations were found in the non‐diabetic group. Negative correlations between retrobulbar and retinal circulations were only found in the diabetic open‐angle glaucoma patients, whereas positive correlations between retinal flow and non‐flow were only found in non‐diabetic open‐angle glaucoma patients.Conclusion:  Diabetes may interfere with normal vascular regulation and contribute to glaucoma progression.