bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolated Addison's disease is unlikely to be caused by mutations in MC2R, MRAP or STAR, three genes responsible for familial glucocorticoid deficiency
Authors: Dias R P , Chan L F , Metherell L A , Pearce S H S , Clark A J L 
Published: November 2009

BackgroundFamilial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD) is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by ACTH resistance and leads to isolated glucocorticoid deficiency. Although FGD patients typically have normal mineralocorticoid secretion, subtle alterations in the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone axis have been reported in a subset of patients at presentation. Anecdotally, some patients with FGD have been initially diagnosed as having Addison's disease (AD), with implications for treatment and genetic counselling. Currently, mutations in three genes: the ACTH receptor (MC2R); the melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein (MRAP); and the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) are known to give rise to FGD types 1–3. We investigated a cohort of autoantibody-negative AD patients for mutations in these genes.MethodsForty patients with known AD without evidence of autoimmune disease were screened for mutations in MC2R, MRAP and STAR. In addition, patients were genotyped for the MC2R promoter polymorphism previously associated with reduced responsiveness to ACTH.ResultsNo mutations in MC2R, MRAP or STAR were identified in any patient. The frequencies of the MC2R promoter polymorphism were similar to those reported in healthy controls.ConclusionsFGD does not appear to be underdiagnosed in the AD population. However, in ∼50% of patients with FGD, no genetic cause has yet been identified and it is possible that the other, as yet unidentified, genes giving rise to FGD may be implicated in AD.
WELDED HIGHWAY BRIDGES. (INCLUDES PHOTOGRAPHS).
Authors: BRAITHWAITE R G , DAVIES D J 
Published: November 2009

Synopsis The great majority of highway bridges are of small to medium spans for which plate-girder construction is usual, and it is with these that the Paper is mainly concerned. Factors influencing bridge design generally and welded construction in particular have been briefly surveyed. They include a comparison of the live loads for designing highway bridges in different countries as an explanation for the differences in economy of construction encountered. Reference is also made to the use of welded construction to overcome certain problems concerning the alignment and clearances of bridgework. Since this subject would not be complete without a mention of bridge decks suitable for bridges of this type, the more commonly used designs are included. The welding described is based on good metal-arc welding practice in Great Britain and, associated with this, the characteristics of steels suitable for welded bridgework. Past experience and research in the construction of welded bridges is referred to because it has affected design practice and, in turn, problems connected with fabrication. Since the preparation of economical design is closely related to fabrication, this has been described more fully, together with remarks on testing procedure and inspection. The Paper also describes how the available methods of erection will influence the choice of design and deals with the maintenance of steel bridges, the economics of welded construction, and their influence on the trend towards improved aesthetic merit in bridge building.
FUNDAMENTAL PROPOSITIONS IN THE PLASTIC THEORY OF STRUCTURES.
Authors: HORNE M R 
Published: November 2009

Synopsis According to the plastic theory, the collapse load of a ductile structure in the absence of instability due to axial stresses may be predicted by reference solely to the requirements of statical equilibrium. Since it is found unnecessary to consider the behaviour of the structure during the increase of the load to the collapse value, the assumption that the plastic theory will, in all cases, lead to a correct estimate of the collapse load and the mode of failure demands a rigorous proof. That assumption is vindicated in this Paper by reference to four formal propositions which are of fundamental importance in the plastic theory of structures.
USE OF BITUMEN IN HYDRAULIC WORKS. (INCLUDES PHOTOGRAPHS AND APPENDICES).
Authors: DOBBIE C H , KENNERELL E J R 
Published: November 2009

Synopsis Bitumen, a constructional material used Since ancient times where occurring naturally, has, during the present century, become universally available as a product of the petroleum industry. Ita main use has been in roadwork, and much work and research have been carried out. Techniques developed for roadwork have been applied to hydraulic works in the past 20 years. Appropriate definitions, properties, four headings : tests, and types are set out in this Paper, and the hydraulic works are grouped under (1) breakwaters and groynes; (2) coast and estuary protection ; (3) protection and lining of rivers and inland waterways ; (4) linings for reservoirs and dams. Works described include the grouting of the breakatem at the Hook of Holland and the novel construction of a harbour arm at Harhgen of sand protected only by the practice of three authorities. Sheet Bsphalt has also been used ; this material bitumenized sand. Coast protection by means of concrete blocks set in bitumen is commonly employed on the Continent for canal linings and in the United States of America for reservoirs. On the River Mississippi, protection is laid in mattress form given in two Appendices. Conclusions drawn are that hydraulic applications are likely or by dumping through water. Details of misturea employed, and some costs, are to increase and that, a greater knowledge is acquired, factors of safety and costs will be reduced.
Hydrogen Sulfide Production From Cysteine and Homocysteine by Periodontal and Oral Bacteria
Authors: Yoshida Akihiro , Yoshimura Mamiko , Ohara Naoya , Yoshimura Shigeru , Nagashima Shiori , Takehara Tadamichi , Nakayama Koji 
Published: November 2009

Background: Hydrogen sulfide is one of the predominant volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) produced by oral bacteria. This study developed and evaluated a system for detecting hydrogen sulfide production by oral bacteria.Methods: l‐methionine‐α‐deamino‐γ‐mercaptomethane‐lyase (METase) and β carbon‐sulfur (βC‐S) lyase were used to degrade homocysteine and cysteine, respectively, to produce hydrogen sulfide. Enzymatic reactions resulting in hydrogen sulfide production were assayed by reaction with bismuth trichloride, which forms a black precipitate when mixed with hydrogen sulfide. The enzymatic activities of various oral bacteria that result in hydrogen sulfide production and the capacity of bacteria from periodontal sites to form hydrogen sulfide in reaction mixtures containing l‐cysteine or dl‐homocysteine were assayed.Results: With l‐cysteine as the substrate, Streptococcus anginosus FW73 produced the most hydrogen sulfide, whereas Porphyromonas gingivalis American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 33277 and W83 and Fusobacterium nucleatum ATCC 10953 produced ∼35% of the amount produced by the P. gingivalis strains. Finally, the hydrogen sulfide found in subgingival plaque was analyzed. Using bismuth trichloride, the hydrogen sulfide produced by oral bacteria was visually detectable as a black precipitate.Conclusions: Hydrogen sulfide production by oral bacteria was easily analyzed using bismuth trichloride. However, further innovation is required for practical use.
A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis on the Effect of Implant Length on the Survival of Rough‐Surface Dental Implants
Authors: Kotsovilis Sotirios , Fourmousis Ioannis , Karoussis Ioannis K. , Bamia Christina 
Published: November 2009

Background: A meta‐analysis on the survival of short implants compared to conventional implants has never been performed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to address the focused question “Is there a significant difference in survival between short (≤8 or <10 mm) and conventional (≥10 mm) rough‐surface dental implants placed in 1) totally or 2) partially edentulous patients?” by conducting a systematic review and meta‐analysis of prospective studies published in the dental literature in the English language up to and including August 2007.Methods: PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were scanned electronically, and seven journals were searched manually. In the first phase of selection, titles and abstracts, and in the second phase, full texts, were evaluated autonomously and in duplicate by two reviewers. Extensive contact with authors was carried out in search of missing, unclear, or unpublished data.Results: The electronic and manual search provided, respectively, 1,056 and 14,417 titles and abstracts. In the second phase of selection, the complete text of 300 articles was examined, and 37 articles reporting on 22 patient cohorts were selected. Meta‐analyses revealed no statistically significant difference in survival between short (≤8 or <10 mm) and conventional (≥10 mm) rough‐surface implants placed in totally or partially edentulous patients.Conclusions: Within the limitations of this systematic review, the placement of short rough‐surface implants is not a less efficacious treatment modality compared to the placement of conventional rough‐surface implants for the replacement of missing teeth in either totally or partially edentulous patients.
Immediate Functional Loading of Dental Implants Supporting a Bar‐Retained Maxillary Overdenture: Preliminary 12‐Month Results
Authors: Pieri Francesco , Aldini Nicolò Nicoli , Fini Milena , Marchetti Claudio , Corinaldesi Giuseppe 
Published: November 2009

Background: The present study evaluated the efficacy of a treatment consisting of placing and immediately loading implants with a bar‐retained overdenture in edentulous maxillae.Methods: Twenty‐two consecutive patients were treated with four or five implants rigidly connected with a bar, which were then loaded with a maxillary overdenture within 48 hours post‐surgery. The patients were followed clinically and radiographically for 1 year after loading. The implant outcome with regard to survival and success was analyzed. Visual analog scale questionnaires were used to record patient function and satisfaction before and after implant treatment.Results: Of the 103 implants, three failed within 1 year. Two implants, although integrated, presented with marginal bone resorption (MBR) values higher than those proposed for successful implants. Cumulative survival and success rates of implants were 97.1% and 95.2%, respectively. The average MBR after 1 year was low (0.78 ± 0.79 mm). The main prosthetic complication was the frequent need for complete relining of the prosthesis in the initial weeks after loading (27.2%). The questionnaire revealed a significant increase in all comfort, functional, and esthetic parameters (Friedman test; P <0.0001), except in the cleaning feasibility category; a significant decrease in satisfaction was observed in this category (Friedman test; P <0.05), indicating the difficulty patients had in maintaining a high level of oral hygiene.Conclusion: These preliminary results suggest that immediate loading of multiple implants supporting a bar‐retained overdenture may represent a predictable treatment option for the rehabilitation of the edentulous maxilla.
Clinical Evaluation of a Biphasic Calcium Composite Grafting Material in the Treatment of Human Periodontal Intrabony Defects: A 12‐Month Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Stein Jamal M. , Fickl Stefan , Yekta Sareh Said , Hoischen Ulrich , Ocklenburg Christina , Smeets Ralf 
Published: November 2009

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcome of a novel biphasic calcium composite (BCC) biomaterial versus autogenous bone spongiosa (ABS) or open flap debridement (OFD) for the treatment of intrabony periodontal defects.Methods: Forty‐five subjects with at least one intrabony defect with a probing depth (PD) ≥7 mm and a vertical radiographic bone loss ≥3 mm were enrolled in the study. Subjects were randomly assigned to treatment with BCC (n = 15), ABS (n = 15), or OFD (n = 15). Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline and 12 months after surgery and included the plaque index, gingival index, PD, clinical attachment level (CAL), and gingival recession.Results: In all treatment groups, significant PD reductions and CAL gains occurred during the study period (P <0.0001). At 12 months, patients treated with BCC exhibited a mean PD reduction of 3.6 ± 0.7 mm and a mean CAL gain of 3.0 ± 0.8 mm compared to baseline. Corresponding values for patients treated with ABS were 3.4 ± 0.8 mm and 2.9 ± 0.9 mm, whereas OFD sites produced values of 2.8 ± 0.8 mm and 1.6 ± 0.7 mm. Compared to OFD, the additional CAL gain was significantly greater in patients treated with BCC (P = 0.002) and ABS (P = 0.001). The additional PD reduction was significant for the BCC group (P = 0.011) and borderline significant for the ABS group (P = 0.059). There were no significant differences of PD and CAL changes between BCC and ABS groups.Conclusions: The clinical benefits of BCC were equivalent to ABS and superior to OFD alone. BCC may be an appropriate alternative to conventional graft materials.
Soft Tissue Augmentation Using Silk Gels: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study
Authors: Etienne Olivier , Schneider Aurore , Kluge Jonathan A. , Bellemin‐Laponnaz Claire , Polidori Camille , Leisk Gary G. , Kaplan David L. , Garlick Jonathan A. , Egles Christophe 
Published: November 2009

Background: Restoration of a three‐dimensional shape with soft tissue augmentation is a challenge for surgical reconstruction and esthetic improvement of intraoral mucosa and perioral skin tissues. A connective tissue graft or free gingival graft, classically used for such indications, requires a donor site, which may lead to various clinical complications.Methods: In this article, a new three‐dimensional scaffold made of silk fibroin that could be of great interest for these indications was studied. Mechanical tests were conducted to characterize the physical properties of the materials. The biocompatibility of such scaffolds was positively assessed in vitro using a combination of immunostaining, 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine proliferation assays, and histologic staining. Finally, the shaped material was grafted subcutaneously in nude mice for a long‐time implantation study.Results: Human fibroblasts embedded in this material had a survival rate up to 68.4% and were able to proliferate and synthesize proteins. One month after subcutaneous implantation, the three‐dimensional soft tissue augmentation was stable, and histologic analysis revealed revascularization of the area through the biomaterial. A mild inflammatory reaction disappeared after 12 weeks.Conclusion: The results indicate that silk‐gel material was able to create a lasting three‐dimensional soft tissue augmentation and is a promising biomaterial for periodontal and maxillofacial therapies, either as a scaffold for cells or alone as a biomaterial.
Alanine Aminopeptidase and Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV in Saliva of Chronic Periodontitis Patients
Authors: Aemaimanan Piyamas , Sattayasai Nison , Wara‐aswapati Nawarat , Pitiphat Waranuch , Suwannarong Waraporn , Prajaneh Saengsome , Taweechaisupapong Suwimol 
Published: November 2009

Background: Alanine aminopeptidase (ALAP) and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) are ectopeptidases that play a role in collagen degradation and are thought to be involved in the destruction of periodontal tissue. This study compared the activities of salivary ALAP and DPPIV in patients with periodontitis and periodontally healthy subjects. The correlations of enzyme activities with clinical variables and the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis were also evaluated.Methods: Whole saliva was collected from 30 periodontally healthy subjects, 30 localized chronic periodontitis (LCP) patients, and 30 generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP) patients to determine the activities of ALAP and DPPIV. The presence of P. gingivalis in subgingival plaque was detected by polymerase chain reaction. Periodontal clinical assessments included probing depth, clinical attachment level, and bleeding on probing.Results: The activities of DPPIV in the LCP and GCP groups were not significantly different from one another, but both groups had significantly higher enzyme activities than the periodontally healthy group (P = 0.001). DPPIV activity was positively correlated with all clinical parameters and the prevalence of P. gingivalis. The ALAP activities were not significantly different among the three study groups. There was no significant correlation of ALAP activity with any of the clinical and bacterial parameters.Conclusion: DPPIV, but not ALAP, activity is associated with periodontitis and the presence of P. gingivalis.
Periodontal Disease Is Associated With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Case‐Control Study
Authors: Xiong Xu , Elkind‐Hirsch Karen E. , Vastardis Sotirios , Delarosa Robert L. , Pridjian Gabriella , Buekens Pierre 
Published: November 2009

Background: Few studies have specifically examined the relationship between periodontal disease and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The objective of this study was to examine whether maternal periodontal disease is associated with GDM.Methods: A case‐control study was conducted of 53 pregnant women with GDM and 106 pregnant women without GDM at Woman's Hospital, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The periodontal examinations were performed by a calibrated dentist who was masked to the diabetic status of the pregnant women. Periodontitis was defined as the presence of any site with a probing depth (PD) ≥4 mm or a clinical attachment loss (AL) ≥4 mm. The severity of periodontal disease was measured in quartiles of PD and clinical AL. Univariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression were used to examine the relationships between periodontal disease and GDM.Results: The percentage of periodontitis was 77.4% in women with GDM and 57.5% in women without GDM, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.5 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.2 to 5.3. After adjusting for confounding variables of maternal age, parity, race, marital status, education, family income, smoking, alcohol consumption, systemic antibiotics during pregnancy, family history of diabetes, income, dental insurance coverage, and body mass index, the adjusted OR (95% CI) was 2.6 (1.1 to 6.1). The adjusted ORs (95% CIs) of GDM comparing the highest‐to‐lowest quartiles of PD and clinical AL were 3.8 (1.0 to 14.0) and 4.5 (1.2 to 16.9).Conclusion: This study supports the hypothesis of an association between periodontal disease and GDM.
Bacterial Adhesion on Smooth and Rough Titanium Surfaces After Treatment With Different Instruments
Authors: Duarte Poliana Mendes , Reis André Figueiredo , de Freitas Patrícia Moreira , Ota‐Tsuzuki Claudia 
Published: November 2009

Background: Newly formed biofilm after implant debridement may challenge the long‐term stability of peri‐implant therapy. This in vitro study aimed to assess the roughness and adherence of Streptococcus sanguinis after treatment of smooth and rough titanium surfaces with an erbium‐doped:yttrium, aluminum, and garnet (Er:YAG) laser, metal and plastic curets, and an air‐powder abrasive system.Methods: Forty titanium disks with smooth‐machined surfaces and 40 with sand‐blasted and acid‐etched surfaces were divided into the following treatment groups: Er:YAG laser; plastic curet; metal curet, and air‐powder abrasive system. The surface roughness (roughness average [Ra]) before and after treatments was determined using a profilometer. S. sanguinis (American Type Culture Collection 10556) was grown on treated and untreated specimens, and the amounts of retained bacteria on the surfaces were measured by the culture method. Rough and smooth surfaces with and without a suspension of S. sanguinis were also analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).Results: For smooth surfaces, the roughest surfaces were produced by metal curets (repeated‐measures analysis of variance [ANOVA] and Tukey test; P <0.05). The rough‐surface profile was not altered by any of the treatments (repeated‐measures ANOVA; P >0.05). Rough surfaces treated with metal curets and air‐powder abrasion showed the lowest level of bacterial adhesion (two‐way ANOVA and Tukey test; P <0.05). SEM analysis revealed distinct surface profiles produced by all devices.Conclusions: Metal curets are not recommended for smooth titanium surface debridement due to severe texture alteration. Rough surfaces treated with a metal curet and the air‐powder abrasive system were less susceptible to bacterial adhesion, probably due to texture modification and the presence of abrasive deposits.
Offshore Field Test of a New System for Model Integrated Closed-Loop Drilling Control
Authors: Iversen Fionn , Cayeux Eric , Dvergsnes Erik Wolden , Ervik Ragna , Welmer Morten , Balov Mohsen Karimi 
Published: November 2009

Summary
A new system for real-time optimization and automated control of the drilling process has been tested successfully on the Statfjord C platform in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea.
The demonstrated system uses continuously calibrated dynamic process models combined with real-time drilling-data input to calculate available parameter windows, and forward-model simulations are applied to provide optimized operational parameter sequences. The calculation results are applied directly in machine control. The system further applies automated testing combined with continuous diagnostics to provide process advisory.
In the field test, pipe-movement control automation, pump-rate control automation, and automated wellbore-condition diagnostics were demonstrated, proving fail-safe application of process safeguard enforcement and optimization of operational procedures. Results from active and passive testing indicated that the new methodology has the ability to improve drilling-process reliability, safely increase drilling efficiency, and reduce the risk of human error.
The authors provide a thorough description of the preparations and testing and present an evaluation of the test results, with reference to success criteria that were developed in cooperation with the field operator and drilling contractors involved in the test. Implications for the work organization are also discussed, particularly in relation to control of data input, decision making, and responsibility.
The demonstrated technology applies direct integration of current know-how and best practices into the drilling-control system, and available real-time information is applied directly in controlling the drilling process.
The Threat of Pandemic Influenza: Why Today is Not 1918
Authors: Koblentz Gregory D 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe specter of the 1918‐1919 influenza pandemic, which killed an estimated 40‐100 million people worldwide, hangs over analyses of and responses to the current pandemic of swine‐origin novel influenza A (H1N1). There are four major differences between today and 1918 that reduce the likelihood that the current pandemic—or the next one—will be as deadly as the one in 1918. Today we have advance warning of the threat of a highly lethal influenza pandemic, we have a global human health surveillance and response system, we have new medical countermeasures, and there is no global conflict like World War I to act as an incubator and vector for a highly lethal influenza virus and an impediment to medical and public health responses to the pandemic.