bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The importance of teaching communication in dental education. A survey amongst dentists, students and patients
Authors: Woelber J. P. , Deimling D. , Langenbach D. , Ratka‐Krüger P. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe aim of our study was to evaluate the subjective importance of teaching communication in the dental curriculum by conducting a survey amongst dentists, students and patients. Three questionnaires about communication‐related issues were developed in which different questions could be rated on a five‐point Likert scale. These questions included the subjective importance of the dental team’s friendliness, an elaborated consultation, modern office equipment or the dentist’s technical skills. Seven hundred and twenty‐nine questionnaires were completed [233 by dentists (32%), 310 by students (43%) and 185 by patients (25%)]. Eighty‐seven percentage of the dentists, 84% of the students and 84% of the patients supported an integration of communicational issues in dental education; 94.7% of the dentists and 77.2% of the patients attached vital importance to the dentist–patient relationship regarding the therapeutic outcomes. Dentists with prior communicational training experience would spend significantly (P < 0.001) more money for further courses. The results show the publicly perceived importance of integrating aspects of communication in dental education.
In Vitro Secretion Profile of Pro‐Inflammatory Cytokines IL‐1β, TNF‐α, IL‐6, and of Human Beta‐Defensins (HBD)‐1, HBD‐2, and HBD‐3 from Human Chorioamniotic Membranes After Selective Stimulation with Gardnerella vaginalis
Authors: Zaga‐Clavellina Veronica , Martha Ruiz Velasco‐Muñoz , Flores‐Espinosa Pilar 
Published: July 2011

Citation Zaga‐Clavellina V, Martha RV‐M, Flores‐Espinosa P. In vitro secretion profile of pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β, TNF‐α, IL‐6, and of human beta‐defensins (HBD)‐1, HBD‐2, and HBD‐3 from human chorioamniotic membranes after selective stimulation with Gardnerella vaginalis. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67: 34–43ProblemPreterm labor associated with infection is a major clinical condition; in this work, we analyze the response of human chorioamniotic membranes stimulated with Gardnerella vaginalis.Method of studyUsing a two‐compartment experimental model, 1 × 106 CFU/mL of G. vaginalis were added to either the amnion or choriodecidua face or to both. Concentrations of IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and IL‐6, as well as human beta defensins (HBD) 1‐3 were quantified by ELISA.ResultsIn comparison with control conditions and regardless of the stimulation modality, IL‐1β and IL‐6 increased 4‐fold and 28‐fold, respectively, in the choriodecidual compartment. HBD‐1 increased 2‐fold mainly in the amniotic compartment when the stimulus was applied directly to this region. HBD‐2 and HBD‐3 increased an average of 2‐ and 8‐fold, respectively, in the choriodecidual region.ConclusionsStimulation with G. vaginalis induced a tissue‐specific secretion profile of 1L‐1β, IL‐6, and HBD 1‐3 in the chorioamniotic membranes.
The effects of testosterone on craniosynostotic calvarial cells: a test of the gene/environmental model of craniofacial anomalies
Authors: Cray JJ , Durham EL , Smalley MA , Finegold DN , Siegel MI , Losee JE , Mooney MP , Cooper GM 
Published: July 2011

To cite this article:
Cray JJ Jr, Durham EL, Smalley MA, Finegold DN, Siegel MI, Losee JE, Mooney MP, Cooper GM: The effects of testosterone on craniosynostotic calvarial cells: a test of the gene/environmental model of craniofacial anomalies Orthod Craniofac Res 2011;14:149–155Structured AbstractAuthors –  Cray JJ Jr, Durham EL, Smalley MA, Finegold DN, Siegel MI, Losee JE, Mooney MP, Cooper GMIntroduction –  The gene–environmental interaction model for craniofacial development proposes that if a genetic predisposition for an anomaly is coupled with an environmental factor that can exacerbate this predisposition, more severe phenotypes will result. Here, we utilize cells derived from our non‐syndromic rabbit model of craniosynostosis to test the hypothesis that an insult, testosterone (TP) administration (exogenous source) will alter the osteogenic activity of these cells.Design –  Calvarial cells from wild‐type (WT) (N = 13) or craniosynostotic (CS) rabbits (N = 11) were stimulated with TP, an androgen receptor blocker, flutamide, and combined treatments. Proliferation and differentiation assays were conducted after 7 days. anova and t‐tests were used to determine differences in stimulation and cell type.Results –  The CS cells had significantly greater proliferation after TP administration compared to WT. There were no appreciable changes in differentiation after TP stimulation. Flutamide administration or combined TP and flutamide administration decreased both proliferation and differentiation for both cell types similarly.Conclusions –  Testosterone exposure caused an increase in cell proliferation for CS osteoblast cells. However, a therapy targeted to mitigate this response (flutamide therapy) similarly affected CS and WT cells, suggesting that the administration of flutamide or TP in the presence of flutamide decreases osteogenesis of these cells. Thus, although our data support a mechanism of gene–environmental interaction, these results would not support a therapeutic intervention based on this interaction.
The role of the GAF and central domains of the transcriptional activator VnfA in Azotobacter vinelandii
Authors: Yoshimitsu Kyohei , Takatani Nobuyuki , Miura Yukio , Watanabe Yoshihito , Nakajima Hiroshi 
Published: July 2011

VnfA is a transcriptional activator that is required for the expression of the structural genes encoding nitrogenase‐2 in Azotobacter vinelandii. VnfA consists of three domains: an N‐terminal regulatory domain termed GAF, including a Cys‐rich motif; a central domain from the AAA+ family; and a C‐terminal domain for DNA binding. Previously, we reported that transcriptionally active VnfA harboring an Fe‐S cluster (presumably of the 3Fe‐4S type) as a prosthetic group and the Cys‐rich motif were possibly associated with coordination of the Fe‐S cluster. In the present study, we have investigated the roles of the GAF and central domains in the regulatory function of VnfA using truncated variants: ΔN15VnfA and ΔGAFVnfA that lack the N‐terminal 15 residues and whole GAF domain, respectively, and GAFVnfA consisting of only the GAF domain. ΔN15VnfA and ΔGAFVnfA lost the ability to bind the Fe‐S cluster, whereas GAFVnfA was still able to bind to the cluster, consistent with the hypothesis that the Cys‐rich motif is essential for Fe‐S cluster binding. The GAF domain showed an inhibitory effect on the transcriptional activity of VnfA, which was reversed in the presence of the Fe‐S cluster, and reactivated upon disassembly of the cluster. The inhibitory activity of the GAF domain acts on the NTPase activity of the central domain, whereas the binding ability of VnfA to DNA was not significantly affected, when VnfA retains its tetrameric conformation. The results imply that a major pathway, by which VnfA function is regulated, operates via the control of NTPase activity by the GAF domain.Structured digital abstract
VnfA binds to VnfA by molecular sieving (View Interaction 1, 2)
Database
VnfA has been submitted to the Swiss‐Prot database under accession number: C1DI41.
Synthesis of Aryl Aldimines and Their Activity against Fungi of Clinical Interest
Authors: da Silva Cleiton M. , da Silva Danielle L. , Martins Cleide V.B. , de Resende Maria A. , Dias Esther S. , Magalhães Thais F.F. , Rodrigues Letícia P. , Sabino Adão A. , Alves Rosemeire B. , de Fátima Ângelo 
Published: July 2011

Aldimines are aldehyde‐derived compounds that contain a C=N group. Besides its broad industrial applications, this class of non‐naturally occurring compounds are found to possess antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, antiproliferative, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, and antipyretic properties. Based on this, six aryl aldimines were synthesized from the condensation of aromatic amines with benzaldehydes. The antifungal activities of synthesized compounds were evaluated against nineteen fungal strains that included Candida and Aspergillus species, Cryptococcus neoformans. The aryl aldimines 2‐(benzylideneamino)phenol (3) and 4‐(benzylideneamino)phenol (8) were the most active compounds against the fungi studied. Compounds 3 and 8 efficiently inhibited the metabolism of C. neoformans mature biofilm.
Design, Synthesis and Structure of Novel Para‐Quinones and their Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Pandurangan Komala , Murnaghan Kevin D. , Walshe Aurora , Müller‐Bunz Helge , Paradisi Francesca , Morgan Grace G. 
Published: July 2011

Eight new para‐quinones and one known analogue have been synthesized from p‐chloranil. Five have been structurally characterized by single crystal diffraction, and a range of ligand folding is observed. All nine have been tested for their potency towards Gram(+) S. aureus and Gram(−) E. coli. Quinones 3, 6, 7 and 8 have shown activity towards S. aureus and quinones 3 and 8 also show good activity towards E. coli.
Agency under constraint: Ideological preferences and the politics of electricity regulation in Latin America
Authors: Martinez‐Gallardo Cecilia , Murillo Maria Victoria 
Published: July 2011

AbstractWhereas both the literature on globalization and the literature on regulatory diffusion stress the pressures that led to policy convergence, this article shows how the ideology of incumbents produced different regulatory outcomes, even in the face of strong financial and technological pressures that constrained policy agency. By looking at the regulatory frameworks adopted at the time of electricity privatization in Latin America, this article shows that right‐wing governments adopted regulations that eliminated barriers to entry and investment and limited the discretion of regulators (market‐conforming regulations), and that former statists who had pragmatically converted to the market creed instead chose regulations that tended to impose higher barriers to entry and investment and gave regulators wide discretion in conflict resolution and price setting (market‐controlling regulations). These findings suggest the need to look at the ideology (and ideological legacies) of government coalitions for a more nuanced understanding of the process of regulatory diffusion that took place across many sectors in most regions of the world.
Naming without shaming: The publication of sanctions in the Dutch financial market
Authors: van Erp Judith 
Published: July 2011

AbstractEnforcement agencies increasingly disclose or “name and shame” corporate offenders. This article uses responsive regulation as a framework for an empirical study of the impact of non‐anonymous publication of sanctions in the Dutch financial market. These publications are characterized as “naming without shaming”, because they are used for technical guidance rather than with the intention to shame. The findings show that naming offenders functions as a general deterrent in the market for financial intermediaries, but considerably less so in the capital market. In both markets, the publication of sanctions weakened the impact of enforcement. In the capital market, the publications neutralized the seriousness of offenses and contributed to the image of the regulator as powerless. In the market for financial intermediaries, naming offenders was perceived as stigmatizing shaming and led to defiance, rather than compliance. The case study suggests, however, that the publication of sanctions may provide an opportunity for guidance, provided they contain a moral message, rather than technical instruction.
Endoscopic versus microscopic trans‐sphenoidal pituitary surgery: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Goudakos J.K. , Markou K.D. , Georgalas C. 
Published: July 2011

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2011, 36, 212–220Background:  Endoscopic trans‐sphenoidal surgery has been increasingly replacing microscopic surgery as the state of the art trans‐sphenoidal approach.Objective of review:  To assess the efficacy and safety of pure endoscopic approach in comparison with microscopic approach in pituitary surgery.Type of review:  Literature review and meta‐analysis.Search strategy:  Systematic literature searches of MEDLINE (1952–10th February 2010), EMBASE (1974–10th February 2010) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to the 10th February 2010.Evaluation method:  Review of all English‐language studies comparing endoscopic and microscopic techniques.Results:  Eleven relevant studies were identified with a total of 806 patients, 369 of whom had endoscopic surgery and 437 microscopic surgery. The initial remission rate of hypersecretion of functioning adenomas was not significantly different between the endoscopic and the microscopic group [(OR: 1.34(95% CI: 0.73–2.47); P = 0.35; 66% remission rate in endoscopic group versus 60% in microscopic)].The proportion of patients with complete tumour removal was not significantly different in the endoscopic group than in the microscopic group [(OR: 0.83, (95% CI: 0.52–1.33); P = 0.44]. The rate of CSF leak attributable to the surgical method did not differ significantly between endoscopic and microscopic group. Post‐operative diabetes insipidus was less frequent in those having endoscopic surgery [15%versus 28%P = 0.003]. Regarding the other intra cranial and nasal complications attributable to surgical technique, the occurrence rate in endoscopic group was significant lower compared with microscopic group (13%versus 1.2% respectively, P < 0.05). Patients in the endoscopic group had significant shorter postoperative hospital stay with a range from 3.7 to 4.4 days, than those of microscopic group with a range from 5.4 to 5.7 days [(WMD: −1.53, (95% CI: −2.30 to −0.77); P < 0.00001)].Conclusions:  Notwithstanding its limitations, the present systematic review, based on the currently available evidence, suggests that endoscopic trans‐sphenoidal pituitary surgery is associated with similar rates of complete tumour excision and remission rates. Endoscopic surgery was associated with fewer complications related to surgical technique and a shorter hospital stay.
Management of patients receiving oral anticoagulants using computer dosing software – does everyone agree? Data from a UK NEQAS (blood coagulation) exercise
Authors: JENNINGS I. , WALKER I. D. , KITCHEN S. , KITCHEN D. , WOODS T. A. L. , KEELING D. , WARNER B. , COTTON P. , MacLEAN R. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryIntroduction:  The quality of anticoagulation management is not readily or frequently assessed, particularly between different centres. This study sought to evaluate agreement in oral anticoagulant management decisions between participating centres in UK NEQAS programmes.Methods:  Participants were asked to indicate whether they used computerized dosing support software (CDSS) and to complete a series of questions with respect to anticoagulant management provision. Four clinical scenarios were provided, together with past and current International Normalised Ratio (INR) results. Participants were asked to provide recommendations on the target INR they would assign to the patient, the dose of warfarin and a recall interval.Results:  Seven hundred and fifty‐nine centres returned results, of which 28% were enrolled in the hospital‐based EQA programme, and 72% were participants in the point‐of‐care testing programme. Six hundred (79%) reported use of CDSS. In one straightforward scenario, there was 99% agreement in dose recommendation. However, for three more complex scenarios, differences were apparent in target INRs employed and both dose and recall recommendations. In some cases, differences related to the software system employed.Conclusion:  The study emphasizes large variation in the approach to managing these scenarios and warrants further investigation, together with education including promoting national guidelines for the assignment of target ranges.
Combination Angiotensin‐Receptor Blocker (ARB)/Calcium Channel Blocker With HCTZ vs the Maximal Recommended Dose of an ARB With HCTZ in Patients With Stage 2 Hypertension: The Exforge As Compared to Losartan Treatment in Stage 2 Systolic Hypertension (EXALT) Study
Authors: Wright Richard F. , Duprez Daniel , Purkayastha Das , Samuel Rita , Ferdinand Keith C. 
Published: July 2011

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011;13:588–597.This study compared the efficacy and safety of combination angiotensin‐receptor blocker (ARB)/calcium‐channel blocker (CCB) with hydrochlorothiazide (valsartan/amlodipine/HCTZ 160/5/25 mg) vs maximal available combination doses of an ARB with HCTZ (losartan/HCTZ 100/25 mg) in the management of stage 2 hypertension. After 1 to 2 weeks of antihypertensive drug washout, patients with a mean sitting systolic blood pressure (MSSBP) of ≥160 mm Hg and <200 mm Hg were randomized to valsartan/amlodipine 160/5 mg (n=241) or losartan 100 mg (n=247). At week 3, HCTZ 25 mg was added to both treatments. The primary end point, reduction in MSSBP from baseline to week 6, was significantly greater in the valsartan/amlodipine group than in the losartan group (least‐squares [LS] mean change, −31.8 mm Hg vs −26.4 mm Hg; P<.001). Additional reductions occurred after titrating to 320/10/25  mg at week 6 in the valsartan/amlodipine group and switching from losartan/HCTZ to valsartan/amlodipine/HCTZ (week 6, 160/5/25 mg; week 9, 320/10/25 mg) in the losartan group. Achievement of blood pressure <140/90  mm Hg also favored the valsartan/amlodipine group. Dizziness was the only adverse event reported in >5% of patients (5.4% valsartan/amlodipine group, 3.6% losartan group). Moderate doses of an ARB/CCB combination with HCTZ reduced blood pressure more effectively than the maximal dose of an ARB with HCTZ.
Night Pain is not a useful Diagnostic Indicator of Cuff Tear in Patients with Symptoms of Subacromial Impingement
Authors: Arnold Christine S. , Flannery Mark C. , Hearnden Anthony J. 
Published: July 2011

Background Symptoms of shoulder impingement are very common in clinical practice; however, diagnosis of the exact cause of the impingement remains a challenge. Evidence-based guidelines published for physiotherapists state that night pain is particularly associated with rotator cuff tears. This retrospective study aimed to determine whether patients diagnosed with impingement of the shoulder are more likely to report night pain if a tear of the rotator cuff is present. Methods The findings at surgery of 873 patients following open or arthroscopic decompression of the shoulder were studied to determine whether a tear of the rotator cuff had been identified. The pre-operative response for each of these patients regarding sleep disturbance as a result of their shoulder pain was cross-matched with the surgical findings. Results There was no significant difference between those patients who were found to have a cuff tear and those with an intact rotator cuff and their complaint of night pain. Discussion Night pain is a common complaint of patients presenting with impingement of the shoulder. It cannot be used in isolation as a diagnostic predictor for the presence of a rotator cuff tear.
Assessing the Reliability of Shoulder Strength Measurement: Hand-Held versus Fixed Dynamometry
Authors: Beshay Nader , Lam Patrick H. , Murrell George A. C. 
Published: July 2011

Background Reliable measurements of shoulder strength are important in assessing rotator cuff integrity. Aim To determine whether a fixed strength assessment device is more reliable than a handheld dynamometer (HHD) when measuring the strength of five shoulder movements (internal rotation, external rotation, abduction, lift-off and adduction). Methods We tested 12 asymptomatic and 11 symptomatic shoulders in the intra-rater reliability assessment. For each shoulder tested, the strength of five shoulder movements were recorded three times using HHD and three times using the fixed device by the same examiner. We tested 11 asymptomatic shoulders and 10 symptomatic shoulders in the inter-rater reliability assessment. Each of three examiners tested the shoulder strength of each subjectl once using HHD and once using the fixed device. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to assess reliability of measurements. Results Both HHD and the fixed device showed excellent (ICC > 0.80) intra-rater and inter-rater reliability for all movements. The inter-rater reliability of HHD began to decrease as the subject strength increased when testing abduction in the plane of the scapula. Discussion HHD is a reliable method of measuring shoulder strength in the clinical setting. However, when several examiners are testing strength of stronger subjects in abduction of the scapular plane, stabilizing the dynamometer provides more reliable results.
Honokiol attenuates vascular contraction through the inhibition of the RhoA/Rho-kinase signalling pathway in rat aortic rings
Authors: Seok Young Mi , Cho Hae Joung , Cha Byung-Yoon , Woo Je-Tae , Kim In Kyeom 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Objectives
Honokiol is a small-molecule polyphenol isolated from the species Magnolia obovata. We hypothesized that honokiol attenuated vascular contractions through the inhibition of the RhoA/Rho-kinase signalling pathway.

Methods
Rat aortic rings were denuded of endothelium, mounted in organ baths, and subjected to contraction or relaxation. Phosphorylation of 20 kDa myosin light chains (MLC20), myosin phosphatase targeting subunit 1 (MYPT1) and protein kinase C (PKC)-potentiated inhibitory protein for heterotrimeric myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) of 17 kDa (CPI17) were examined by immunoblot. We also measured the amount of guanosine triphosphate RhoA as a marker for RhoA activation.

Key findings
Pretreatment with honokiol dose-dependently inhibited the concentration–response curves in response to sodium fluoride (NaF) or thromboxane A2 agonist U46619. Honokiol decreased the phosphorylation levels of MLC20, MYPT1Thr855 and CPI17Thr38 as well as the activation of RhoA induced by 8.0 mm NaF or 30 nm U46619.

Conclusions
These results demonstrated that honokiol attenuated vascular contraction through the inhibition of the RhoA/Rho-kinase signalling pathway.