bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Telomere length predicts survival independent of genetic influences
Authors: Bakaysa Stephanie L. , Mucci Lorelei A. , Slagboom P. Eline , Boomsma Dorret I. , McClearn Gerald E. , Johansson Boo , Pedersen Nancy L. 
Published: October 2007

SummaryTelomeres prevent the loss of coding genetic material during chromosomal replication. Previous research suggests that shorter telomere length may be associated with lower survival. Because genetic factors are important for individual differences in both telomere length and mortality, this association could reflect genetic or environmental pleiotropy rather than a direct biological effect of telomeres. We demonstrate through within‐pair analyses of Swedish twins that telomere length at advanced age is a biomarker that predicts survival beyond the impact of early familial environment and genetic factors in common with telomere length and mortality. Twins with the shortest telomeres had a three times greater risk of death during the follow‐up period than their co‐twins with the longest telomere measurements [hazard ratio (RR) = 2.8, 95% confidence interval 1.1–7.3, P = 0.03].
CARDIOVASCULAR AND SURVIVAL PARADOXES IN DIALYSIS PATIENTS: The Cholesterol Paradox Is Flawed; Cholesterol Must Be Lowered in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Wan Ray K. , Mark Patrick B. , Jardine Alan G. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractIn the general population, elevated cholesterol is associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality and lowering cholesterol is associated with improved outcomes. This reflects the predominance of isolated atherosclerotic coronary disease in the general population. In patients with renal disease, however, the relationship between serum lipids and cardiovascular outcomes is much less clear and even reversed. In our opinion, the relationship between cholesterol and coronary disease is obscured by high levels of co‐morbid disease, malnutrition, inflammation, atypical dyslipidemia and the fact that myocardial infarction is not the typical presentation of cardiovascular disease in patients with renal disease. Thus, cholesterol lowering will still be effective in patients with chronic kidney diseases.
Vascular Access Outcomes in the Elderly Hemodialysis Population: A USRDS Study
Authors: Chan Micah R. , Sanchez Robert J. , Young Henry N. , Yevzlin Alexander S. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractArteriovenous fistulae (AVF) are widely regarded as the preferred vascular access in hemodialysis (HD) patients due to their primary patency and patient survival benefits. Recent scholarship has suggested that the elderly population differs significantly from the general population in terms of inflammatory markers. What is more, recent studies have suggested that the elderly HD population is less likely to have an AVF placed as the initial vascular access compared to a younger cohort. The purpose of this study is to investigate the applicability of current vascular access guidelines to the elderly HD population. We hypothesized that the elderly HD population would derive less patency and survival benefit from AVF placement relative to arteriovenous graft (AVG) than the general population is known to derive. We performed a retrospective analysis using the US Renal Data System (USRDS) Wave II dataset to explore significant predictors of referral for intervention or access failure, and patient survival in the elderly US HD population using Cox regression corrected for race, gender, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and nutritional status. Of the 1471 HD patients with AVF or AVG, 764 patients were >65 years. Elderly diabetics had no significant mortality benefit from the use of AVF compared to AVG [odds ratio (OR) 1.34 (95% CI 0.92–1.95), p = 0.123]. Likewise, elderly nondiabetics had no significant mortality benefit from the use of AVF compared to AVG [OR 1.05 (95% CI 0.81–1.36), p = 0.735]. Elderly diabetics had no difference in odds for intervention referral for AVF compared to AVG [OR 1.49 (95% CI 0.76–2.9), p = 0.24]. Elderly nondiabetics had no difference in odds for intervention referral for AVF compared to AVG [OR 1.48 (95% CI 0.95–2.3), p = 0.08]. We conclude that the potential benefits derived from AVFs compared with AVGs and central venous catheters (CVC) may not apply universally. The recommendations of vascular access choice stipulated by national guidelines may need to be modified for elderly patients.
The Role of Medical Directors in Dialysis Facilities Series Editor: Robert A. Gutman: The Role of the Medical Director: Changing with the Times
Authors: Maddux Franklin W. , Maddux Dugan W. , Hakim Raymond M. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe role of the dialysis unit Medical Director has evolved over time to an expanded set of roles from one that used to be strictly “medical” to one that is more “managerial.” Physicians providing these Medical Director services are facing increasing demands for a leadership role regarding clinical quality improvement and measurement of performance in core areas of care within the dialysis program. The dialysis Medical Director is asked to lead in group decision‐making, in analyzing core process and patient outcomes and in stimulating a team approach to Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and patient safety. For the end‐stage renal disease program, national quality expectations in dialysis care have stimulated the dialysis providers to measure, report and respond consistently in an effort to provide a higher level of cost‐efficient care. Medical Directors are usually contractually linked to the dialysis programs for which they provide oversight and their contracts are explicit about the relationship they maintain and the role they are expected to play within dialysis companies (often called “provider organizations”). The evolution of the Medical Director role has led to a close relationship between the company that provides the dialysis services and the physician providing the medical oversight.
Innovation Games: Creating Breakthrough Products through Collaborative Play by Luke Hohmann
Authors: Brodie Christina Hepener 
Published: October 2007

Books reviewed in this issue:

Innovation Games: Creating Breakthrough Products through Collaborative Play
Dragons at Your Door: How Chinese Cost Innovation Is Disrupting Global Competition
Naked Conversations: How Blogs Are Changing the Way Businesses Talk with Customers
The Innovation Killer: How What We Know Limits What We Can Imagine and What Smart Companies Are Doing about It
Innovation on Demand: New Product Development Using TRIZ
Nodular pulmonary amyloidosis and Sjögren's syndrome in a patient treated with intermittent hemodialysis
Authors: NIEPOLSKI Leszek , GRZEGORZEWSKA Alicja E. , SZYMAŚ Janusz 
Published: October 2007

AbstractIn the available literature, we have found the descriptions of 5 cases of nodular pulmonary amyloidosis associated with Sjögren's syndrome. In our practice, such a case has occurred in a patient with chronic renal failure. A 53‐year‐old woman underwent nephrological, rheumatological, and pulmonological examinations because of end‐stage renal disease with a small cirrhotic kidney in renal ultrasound examination, pulmonary nodules, and xerophthalmia. Serological data revealed a slightly positive rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibodies, anti‐SS‐A, anti‐SS‐B, and anti‐RNP/Sm antibodies. Schirmer's test was positive on both sides and Sjögren's syndrome was recognized. Pulmonological examinations (the chest radiograph and CT scan, bronchofiberoscopy, culture of bronchial washings, bronchial biopsy, pleural effusion analysis, and a thick‐needle biopsy) failed to determine the etiology of nodular changes in lungs. Immunofluorescence studies in the skin biopsy specimen showed IgM‐positive staining. After 2 years of treatment with IHD, a toracoscopy was performed with enucleation of the nodules from the right lung. Histological examination showed massive deposits of amyloid, which allowed for a diagnosis of diffusive nodular pulmonary amyloidosis.
Spatial dynamics of aSirex noctiliowoodwasp population within a pine plantation in Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Corley Juan C. , Villacide José M. , Bruzzone Octavio A. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe woodwaspSirex noctilioF. (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) is probably the most important pest of pine tree plantations of the southern hemisphere. We studied the spatial arrangement of an endemic population of the woodwaspS. noctiliowithin pine plantations located in northwest Patagonia, Argentina, during three successive years since colonization. By censusing healthy and attacked trees, which provided data on current and past yearly woodwasp attacks, we studied: (i) the spatial pattern of attacked trees during the endemic phase of a woodwasp population, and (ii) the changes in the spatial arrangement through time and with an increasing (i.e., no intervention) pest population. Among a total of 53 649 counted trees, attack rates were low during the study period (accumulated attack below 0.5%). Results of spatial statistical analysis showed that woodwasp attack is highly clumped, and that spatial aggregation increases with time, even with increasing numbers of attacked trees. The observed spatial arrangement, a consequence of a demographic process, can have important implications for the management of woodwasp populations and contributes to our understanding of the nature of outbreak population behaviour in this pestiferous forest insect.
Immunohistochemical detection of XIAP in melanoma
Authors: Emanuel Patrick O. M. , Phelps Robert G. , Mudgil Adarsh , Shafir Michail , Burstein David E. 
Published: October 2007

Background:  The X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) is the most potent of the inhibitor of apoptosis family of eight proteins. High levels of XIAP have been found in melanoma cell lines and are believed to play a role in therapeutic resistance in a number of malignancies. XIAP expression has not been investigated in clinically obtained melanoma tissue samples, nor have studies attempted to correlate XIAP expression with prognostic variables or clinical aggressiveness of melanomas.Methods:  Sixty‐seven patients with primary cutaneous malignant melanoma for whom clinical follow up was available were identified from the records of the Mount Sinai Hospital, comprising 37 thin melanomas (Breslow thickness < 1.0 mm) and 30 thick melanomas (Breslow thickness > 1.0 mm). Archival paraffin sections from primary lesions and corresponding metastases were stained with monoclonal anti‐XIAP antibody using routine immunohistochemical methods.Results:  Six benign intradermal nevi and four in situ melanomas were XIAP negative. 9 of 37 thin melanomas (24%) were XIAP positive. In contrast, 21 of 30 (73%) thick melanomas were XIAP positive, including 3 of 4 ulcerated melanomas that were strongly positive. Over a follow‐up period ranging from 6 months to 6 years, 23 melanomas metastasized (22 thick, 1 thin). In total, XIAP was immunohistochemically detected in 17 of 23 metastases (74%). Metastasis occurred in 1 of 9 XIAP‐positive thin melanomas; 0 of 28 XIAP‐negative thin melanomas; 17 of 22 XIAP‐positive thick melanomas, and 5 of 8 XIAP‐negative thick melanomas (63%).Conclusions:  XIAP is immunohistochemically detectable nearly three times more frequently in thick compared with thin melanomas. These results suggest that XIAP elevation may be correlated with increasing melanoma thickness and tumor progression.
Substance P receptor antagonist reverses intestinal pathophysiological alterations occurring in a novel ex‐vivo model of Cryptosporidium parvum infection of intestinal tissues derived from SIV‐infected macaques
Authors: Garza A. , Lackner A. , Aye P. , D’Souza M. , Martin P. , Borda J. , Tweardy D.J. , Weinstock J. , Griffiths J. , Robinson P. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBackground  Cryptosporidium infection leads to life‐threatening diarrhea in AIDS patients. Pathogenesis of cryptosporidiosis is due to intestinal physiological alterations. We devised an ex‐vivo model using ex‐vivo Cryptosporidium parvum infection of jejunal tissues derived from SIV‐infected macaques and studied the role of substance P (SP) in the pathogenesis of cryptosporidiosis.Methods  We measured jejunal SP protein levels using ELISA, and electrophysiological alterations using the Ussing chamber technique in an ex vivo model of Cryptosporidium infection. Paraformaldehyde‐fixed jejunum from SIV‐infected macaques with and without naturally occurring cryptosporidiosis was studied for SP protein expression by immunohistochemistry and fluorescence deconvolution microscopy.Results  Ex‐vivo Cryptosporidium‐infected tissues and tissues from SIV‐infected macaques with naturally occurring cryptosporidiosis demonstrated elevated SP protein levels compared with tissues from SIV‐infected animals without ex‐vivo C. parvum infection or tissues from SIV‐infected animals that have no evidence of cryptosporidiosis. In our ex‐vivo model of Cryptosporidium infection, we demonstrated pathophysiological alterations that were blocked by SP‐receptor antagonist treatment.Conclusions  These studies suggest that SP‐receptor antagonists could prove useful for treatment of AIDS‐related cryptosporidiosis.
Biofilm inhibition and antimicrobial activity of a dentifrice containing salivary substitutes
Authors: Hatti S , Ravindra S , Satpathy A , Kulkarni RD , Parande MV 
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Background/aims:  A healthy mouth harbours the continuous combined action of a salivary defence system with that of a salivary peroxidase system, containing lactoferrin, lysozyme, immunoglobulin and growth factors. This system maintains neutral pH and creates an oral environment where harmful bacteria are inhibited, thus preventing the formation of biofilms. The objective of this clinico‐microbiological trial was to evaluate the anti‐plaque effect of a dentifrice containing salivary substitutes, compared with a placebo‐control dentifrice and to assess the effect of dentifrice on oral bacterial count.Methods:  The design was a randomized controlled, double‐blind, parallel study comparing a placebo‐dentifrice to a dentifrice formulation containing salivary substitutes. Toothpaste slurry rinses were used over a 96‐h period by 20 volunteers who refrained from all other oral hygiene procedures. Commercially available fluoride toothpaste was used as control. Plaque was scored and unstimulated salivary samples were collected at day 0 and after 4 days. A microbiological analysis was carried out for the salivary samples. Data were analyzed by using Student’s t‐tests.Results:  There was a statistically significant mean difference in plaque scores after using test paste (1.19 + 0.31) in comparison with those using placebo toothpaste (1.95 + 0.33). The difference between mean increase in colony forming units for the test and the placebo group was (25.2 + 8) × 105 and (17.5 + 6.01) × 105, respectively, which was statistically significant.Conclusions:  The findings of the study support the hypothesis that toothpaste containing salivary substitutes prevents dental biofilm formation and exhibits antimicrobial property when compared with a placebo dentifrice.
Assessing the oral health of school‐age children and the current school‐based dental screening programme in Freiburg (Germany)
Authors: Sagheri D , Hahn P , Hellwig E 
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Germany has a three‐tiered system of education at secondary school level, divided into the school types ‘Hauptschule’, Realschule’ and ‘Gymnasium’. All students receive, when aged 6–12 years, a uniform annual dental examination and oral health education programme.Objectives:  The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to report on the dental caries levels of school‐age children stratified into these three different school types at secondary school level to enable oral healthcare personnel to administer a focused, school‐based dental screening and education programme according to patients’ needs rather than a uniform dental examination.Methods:  A representative, random sample of 12‐year‐old school children in Freiburg (Germany) was examined and dental caries was recorded using WHO criteria.Results:  A total of 322 12‐year‐old children participated. The mean DMFT was 0.69. An examination of the distribution of the DMFT score revealed that its distribution is positively skewed. For this reason, this study provides summary analyses based on medians and a non‐parametric rank sum test. The non‐parametric Kruskal‐Wallis H‐test showed a highly significant difference between median scores across the different school types (P‐value = 0.004). The significance was a result of the ‘Gymnasium’ distribution of DMFT scores which differed markedly from the other two school types.Conclusions:  The finding of the present study suggests that it may be useful to stratify the school dental screening and education programme according to school type and to prioritize children who attend ‘Realschule’ and ‘Hauptschule’. This shift should systematically target children with the greatest need for dental care.
Effectiveness of periodontal therapies on the treatment of different aetiological factors induced gingival overgrowth in puberty
Authors: Kara C , Demir T , Tezel A 
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Objectives:  The aim of the present study was to compare oral improvement achieved by different periodontal therapies (surgical and non‐surgical) for different aetiological factors induced gingival overgrowth in 60 subjects (mean age ± SD = 12.33 ± 1.05 years; age range = 12–15 years).Methods:  Subjects received oral hygiene instructions, scaling, surgical treatment (if necessary) and periodontal maintenance therapy. Clinical parameters were taken at baseline, after initial treatment and after periodontal surgery.Results:  The decrease in the clinical index values after all treatments compared to the initial values is found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). Although there was a statistically significant difference in all aspects of the clinical index values of the study groups after initial treatments, for drug‐induced gingival overgrowth subjects full improvement was seen only after periodontal surgery.Conclusion:  Attention to plaque control and removal of local irritants is very important for the gingival health of the patients in puberty. In puberty, plaque‐induced gingival overgrowth can be treated with plaque removal. However, these approaches alone do not prevent drug‐induced gingival overgrowth and surgical therapy often becomes the treatment of choice.
The comparison of the effects of three types of piezoelectric ultrasonic tips and air polishing system on the filling materials: an in vitro study
Authors: Arabaci T , Çiçek Y , Özgöz M , Çanakçi V , Çanakçi CF , Eltas A 
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Aim:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of air polishing and different ultrasonic scaler inserts on dental fillings, such as amalgam, composite and porcelain.Materials and methods:  This study was performed on amalgam, composite and porcelain samples. The surfaces of the samples were exposed to different type of piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler inserts and air‐abrasive unit. The scaler inserts were Instrument A, Instrument PS and PI. The roughness of the surfaces of each sample were measured with a profilometer and observed by stereomicroscope.Results:  The stereomicroscopic images and profilometric values showed that Instrument A and PS resulted in rough surfaces, such as chips, nicks and scratches on the amalgam, composite and porcelain surfaces. The Instrument PI roughened the amalgam surface, but it did not roughen the porcelain or composite surfaces. The profilometric measurements (Ra) showed that the roughness of the surfaces depending on air polishing was less than the ultrasonically scaled surfaces.Conclusion:  The wrong tip applications during dental scaling procedure cause roughness, such as scratches, nicks or chips, not only on the teeth surfaces but also on the filling materials. Thus, dental scaling procedure on the restorations should be performed carefully and the roughness sites on the restorations have to be re‐polished after scaling to prevent plaque accumulation.
Interpreting neuropsychological impairment among adolescent inhalant users: two case reports
Authors: Takagi Michael J. , Lubman Dan I. , Yücel Murat 
Published: October 2007

Objective:To illustrate the need to carefully consider mental health, psychosocial and motivational factors when investigating cognitive and intellectual impairment among chronic inhalant users.Methods:Two adolescent chronic inhalant users with similar psychosocial disadvantages (eg unstable and dysfunctional families, state-based care, school absenteeism and forensic issues) and histories of comorbid drug use and mental health problems were assessed using a battery of paper and pencil and computerised neuropsychological tests.Results:Contrary to the expectations of her case manager, one participant performed within the normal range for her age in all domains of intellectual ability, while the other participant, in line with the expectations of her case manger, showed marked cognitive deficits and intellectual disability.Conclusions:The typically complex presentation of chronic inhalant users (ie disadvantaged psychosocial backgrounds, comorbid psychopathology and poor motivation/engagement) is rarely considered when investigating associated cognitive and intellectual functioning. Future research should more carefully consider the role of such factors, given the evidence suggesting that they can considerably alter (accentuate or diminish) the association between inhalant abuse and neuropsychological impairment.
Potentiation of Histamine Release by Microfungal (1→3)‐ and (1→6)‐β‐D‐Glucans
Authors: Holck Peter , Sletmoen Marit , Stokke Bjørn Torger , Permin Henrik , Norn Svend 
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  (1→3)‐β‐D‐Glucans, a cell wall component in most microfungi, are suggested to play a role in the development of respiratory and general symptoms in organic dust‐related diseases. The mechanisms by which they induce these effects are, however, not clear. In the present study, mediator release and its potentiation by the (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucan as well as by the (1→6)‐β‐D‐glucan found in yeast and other fungi were therefore examined. Blood leucocytes from healthy volunteers and from patients allergic to house dust mite were incubated with (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucans with increasing 1,6‐branchings: curdlan [a linear (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucan], laminarin and scleroglucan, and furthermore with pustulan, a linear (1→6)‐β‐D‐glucan. Histamine release was not observed on exposure to the glucans only, but in the presence of anti‐immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody or specific antigens, all the glucans investigated led to an enhancement of the IgE‐mediated histamine release. The glucans induced a significant potentiation of the mediator release when present at concentrations in the range of 2–5 × 10−5 M. These results suggest that (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucan as well as (1→6)‐β‐D‐glucan aggravates IgE‐mediated histamine release. Knowledge concerning the effects of glucans on immune responses may be of importance for understanding and treating inflammatory and allergic diseases.