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Terms modified by Undetermined Selected AbstractsUnderstanding the Causes of Disease in European Freshwater CrayfishCONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 6 2004BRETT F. EDGERTON Aphanomyces astaci; bioseguridad; epizootia; langostinos de agua dulce; patología de langostinos; peste de langostinos Abstract:,Native European freshwater crayfish (Astacida, Decapoda) are under severe pressure from habitat alteration, the introduction of nonindigenous species, and epizootic disease. Crayfish plague, an acute disease of freshwater crayfish caused by the fungus-like agent Aphanomyces astaci, was introduced into Europe in the mid-nineteenth century and is responsible for ongoing widespread epizootic mortality in native European populations. We reviewed recent developments and current practices in the field of crayfish pathology. The severity of crayfish plague has resulted in an overemphasis on it. Diagnostic methods for detecting fungi and fungal-like agents, and sometimes culturing them, are frequently the sole techniques used to investigate disease outbreaks in European freshwater crayfish. Consequently, the causes of a significant proportion of outbreaks are undetermined. Pathogen groups well known for causing disease in other crustaceans, such as viruses and rickettsia-like organisms, are poorly understood or unknown in European freshwater crayfish. Moreover, the pathogenic significance of some long-known pathogens of European freshwater crayfish remains obscure. For effective management of this culturally significant and threatened resource, there is an urgent need for researchers, diagnosticians, and resource managers to address the issue of disease in European freshwater crayfish from a broader perspective than has been applied previously. Resumen:,Los langostinos nativos de Europa (Astacida, Decapada) están bajo severa presión por alteración del hábitat, la introducción de especies no nativas y una enfermedad epizoótica. La peste de langostinos, una enfermedad aguda de langostinos de agua dulce producida por el agente micoide Aphanomyces astaci, fue introducida a Europa a mediados del siglo diecinueve y es responsable de la actual mortalidad epizoótica de poblaciones Europeas nativas. Revisamos acontecimientos recientes y prácticas actuales en el campo de la patología de langostinos. La severidad de la peste de langostinos ha resultado en un excesivo énfasis en ella. Los métodos para diagnosticar, y algunas veces cultivar, hongos y agentes micoides frecuentemente son la única técnica empleada al investigar brotes de la enfermedad en langostinos de agua dulce en Europa. Consecuentemente, no están determinadas las causas de una proporción significativa de los brotes. Grupos patógenos, como virus y organismos similares a rickettsias, bien conocidos por producir enfermedades en otros crustáceos son poco o nada conocidos en langostinos de agua dulce de Europa. Más aún, el significado patogénico de algunos patógenos de langostinos de agua dulce de Europa largamente conocidos es oscuro. Para el manejo efectivo de este recurso culturalmente significativo y amenazado es urgente la necesidad de investigadores, diagnosticadores y gestores de recursos para atender el asunto de la enfermedad en langostinos de agua dulce europeos desde una perspectiva más amplia que la previamente aplicada. [source] FS09.2 Contact allergy to a commercial alcohol prep swabCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 3 2004James S Taylor Allergic contact dermatitis to prepackaged disposable alcohol prep swabs is infrequently reported. A 60-year-old woman developed repeated episodes of dermatitis at sites of injections and venipunctures. History and patch testing revealed contact allergy to Kendall Webcol alchol prep swabs. There were negative patch test results to isopropyl alcohol (IPA), but positive reactions to the Webcol swab, to the inner surface of the packaging foil, to two other brands of alcohol swabs, and to bacitracin. UV absorbance profile analysis revealed the presence of UV absorbing materials at peaks of 221 and 280 nm within commercial IPA samples, including one from Kendall, which were absent from reagent grade IPA. Reports of similar cases identified IPA, propylene oxide, or both as the allergens; when swab ingredients were negative, compound allergy was proposed. A recent report from Korea identified dodecyldiaminoethylglycine and IPA as the allergens in the commercial disinfectant swab. Although the exact allergen is undetermined in our case, it may represent a chemical compound or contaminant that is used or acquired during the manufacturing of the swabs or foils. [source] Psychosocial problems and seizure-related factors in children with epilepsyDEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 3 2006B Høie In this study we describe psychosocial functions and seizurerelated factors in a population-based sample of children with epilepsy. Psychosocial problems (Achenbach scales), cognitive function, and socioeconomic status were studied in 117 children with epilepsy aged between 6 and 13 years (mean age 11y [SD 2y 1mo] and 10y 8mo [SD 2y]; 71 males, 46 females) and in randomly selected controls matched with 117 children for sex and age (mean age 11y 2mo [SD 2y 1mo] and 10y 5mo [SD 2y 4mo]; 69 males, 48 females). The children had partial (n=67), generalized (n=43), or undetermined (n=7) epilepsy syndromes, and partial (n=68), generalized (n=47), or other (n=2) main seizure types. Psychosocial problems were more common among children with epilepsy than controls (odds ratio 5,9) and significantly related to epilepsy syndrome, main seizure type, age at onset, and seizure frequency. Mothers and teachers reported males with epilepsy as having more problems than females. Females self-reported psychosocial problems, males did not. Psychosocial problems were common in childhood epilepsy. Females appreciated the problems more realistically than males. Psychosocial problems should be considered an integral part of epilepsy management. [source] Mechanistic studies of blood pressure in rats treated with a series of cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitors,DRUG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH, Issue 1 2009Michael DePasquale Abstract ILLUMINATE, the Phase 3 clinical trial of morbidity and mortality (M&M) with the cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitor (CETPi), torcetrapib (CP-529,414), was terminated in December 2006 due to an imbalance in all cause mortality. The underlying cause of the M&M remains undetermined. While torcetrapib produced dose-related increases in blood pressure in clinical trials, the mechanism of the increase in blood pressure is also undetermined. The pressor effects of torcetrapib and structurally related compounds were studied in several pathways involved in blood pressure control. Studies were conducted in rats treated with a series of structurally related molecules (CP-529,414, CP-532,623, PF-868,348, CP-746,281, CP-792,485, PF-868,343, and CE-308,958). CP-529,414, CP-532,623, CP-868,343, and CP-792,485 are potent CETP inhibitors; PF-868,348 is weakly potent and CP-746,281 and CE-308,958 are CETP-inactive. Changes in blood pressure were determined in conscious animals in conjunction with pharmacologic blockade of numerous pressor agents/pathways. Torcetrapib and CP-532,623 increased blood pressure following both chronic PO and acute IV administration. The CETP-inactive enantiomer of CP-532,623, CP-746,281 failed to raise blood pressure. PF-868,348, a structural analogue with ,50-fold lower CETPi activity also displayed pressor activity. Blockade of adrenergic, cholinergic, angiotensin, endothelin, NOS, Rho kinase, and thromboxane pathways failed to attenuate the pressor response. These data demonstrate that the blood pressure activity seen with torcetrapib can be dissociated from CETP inhibitor pharmacology and numerous pharmacology pathways can be discounted in the attempt to understand the molecular basis of the pressor pharmacology. Drug Dev Res 70:2009 © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] De novo epileptic confusion in the elderly: A 1-year prospective studyEPILEPSIA, Issue 6 2010Olivier Veran Summary Purpose:, Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is clinically difficult to diagnose, especially in old patients without epilepsy, and requires electroencephalography (EEG) for diagnosis. Its incidence among elderly patients with confusion of unknown origin (CUO) remains undetermined. Methods:, A 1-year prospective study was conducted in patients aged 60 years or older, for whom EEG was requested because of confusion considered to be of unknown origin after initial clinical, biologic, and imaging investigations. Diagnosis criteria included a validated clinical assessment scale to confirm confusion. Results:, Of 44 patients with confirmed CUO, 7 presented with de novo NCSE. NCSE population had a mean age of 76 years (range, 60,97 years). No statistically significant differences were found between NCSE patients and others for age, drugs, presence of myoclonia, eyelid myoclonia, tachycardia, or agitation. In contrast, an acute onset (<24 h), gender (100% female among NCSE patients), and lack of clinical response to simple commands were significantly associated with NCSE. No differences between the two groups were evidenced for mortality and morbidity (length of hospitalization, social outcome, and so on). Discussion:, Almost 16% of patients aged 60 or older with confusion of unknown origin had NCSE, according to this first prospective study. Female patients with rapid onset (<24 h) of symptoms and lack of response to simple commands were at a higher risk of presenting with NCSE. [source] The Role of Vigabatrin in Childhood Seizure Disorders: Results from a Clinical AuditEPILEPSIA, Issue 1 2001Asuri N. Prasad Summary: ,Purpose: The emergence of visual field defects attributed to vigabatrin (VGB) treatment and intramyelinic edema in animal experiments has raised concerns about its future role in the treatment of childhood seizures. Methods: We evaluated our experience with this antiepileptic agent with retrospective analysis of database and chart audit. Results: Of 73 patients, 43 girls and 33 boys were treated with VGB over a 7-year period. The mean age of patients at the introduction of VGB was 87 months (range, 5,257 months). In 12 of 73 cases, VGB was used as monotherapy; in 61 of 73 cases, it was used as an add-on drug. Seizure types included secondarily generalized seizures (21), mixed seizures (21), partial seizures (18), and generalized seizures (13). Seizure etiology was idiopathic/cryptogenic in 22 patients, symptomatic in 50, and undetermined in a single patient. The mean duration of therapy was 16 months (median, 10 months; range, 1,144 months). VGB was effective in 30 (seven seizure free, 23 with >90% reduction in seizures), partially effective in four (50,90% reduction in seizures), and ineffective in 38 (<50% reduction in seizures). Nearly 50% of patients with infantile spasms responded to VGB. All patients underwent ophthalmic evaluation; two (16%) of 12 patients who could undergo static threshold perimetry were demonstrated to have the characteristic visual field constriction. Conclusions: VGB is effective in producing a significant reduction in seizure frequency in nearly half the patients with childhood seizures, including refractory epilepsy. Despite emerging concerns regarding visual side effects, this drug retains an important role in the medical management of childhood epilepsy. [source] Unphosphorylated STAT3 modulates alpha7 nicotinic receptor signaling and cytokine production in sepsisEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 9 2010Geber Peña Abstract The role of STAT3 in infectious diseases remains undetermined, in part because unphosphorylated STAT3 has been considered an inactive protein. Here, we report that unphosphorylated STAT3 contributes to cholinergic anti-inflammation, prevents systemic inflammation, and improves survival in sepsis. Bacterial endotoxin induced STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation in macrophages. Both alpha7 nicotinic receptor (alpha7nAChR) activation and inhibition of JAK2 blunt STAT3 phosphorylation. Inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation mimicked the alpha7nAChR signaling, inhibiting NF-,B and cytokine production in macrophages. Transfection of macrophages with the dominant-negative mutant STAT3F, to prevent its tyrosine phosphorylation, reduced TNF production but did not prevent the alpha7nAChR signaling. However, inhibition of STAT3 protein expression enhanced cytokine production and abrogated alpha7nAChR signaling. Alpha7nAChR controls TNF production in macrophages through a mechanism that requires STAT3 protein expression, but not its tyrosine phosphorylation. In vivo, inhibition of STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation by stattic prevented systemic inflammation and improved survival in experimental sepsis. Stattic also prevented the production of late mediators of sepsis and improved survival in established sepsis. These results reveal the immunological implications of tyrosine-unphosphorylated STAT3 in infectious diseases. [source] Magnetic field annihilators: invisible magnetization at the magnetic equatorGEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2003S. Maus SUMMARY Some distributions of magnetization give rise to magnetic fields that vanish everywhere above the surface, rendering these distributions of magnetization completely invisible. They are the annihilators of the magnetic inverse problem. Known examples are the infinite sheet with constant magnetization and the spherical shell of constant susceptibility magnetized by an arbitrary internal field. Here, we show that remarkably more interesting annihilators exist for the Earth's dipole-dominated inducing field. Indeed, any susceptibility profile along the magnetic equator can be extended north/south into an annihilator. Consequently, the induced magnetization along the magnetic equator is entirely undetermined by the visible magnetic field. In contrast to the Backus effect, this ambiguity persists even if the full magnetic vector field is known. [source] Upper and Lower Cluster Headache: Clinical and Pathogenetic Observations in 608 PatientsHEADACHE, Issue 7 2002Carola Cademartiri MD Objective, Background, and Methods.,Ever since it was proposed by Ekbom and Kugelberg back in 1968 on the basis of the different location of head pain during attacks, the differentiation of cluster headache into an upper syndrome (US) and a lower syndrome (LS) has been regarded as a purely academic distinction. To evaluate whether this differentiation is indeed well founded and to understand its possible significance in the light of current pathogenetic knowledge, we rigorously applied Ekbom and Kugelberg's classification criteria to a sample of 608 patients with cluster headache (CH; 440 men and 168 women), including 483 with episodic CH, 69 with chronic CH, and 56 with CH periodicity undetermined. Results.,Of these patients, 278 could be classified as US sufferers and 330 as LS sufferers. Our data analysis showed statistically significant clinical differences between the two syndromes: pain location was more common in the ocular, temporal, and nuchal regions among LS sufferers; in addition, patients with LS reported not only a higher rate of autonomic symptoms, but also a higher predominance of nasal congestion, ptosis, and forehead and facial sweating among these symptoms. Conclusions.,Based on current anatomofunctional knowledge and on the most recent pathogenetic findings, we believe that changes in hypothalamic activity posteroinferiorly may lead to activation of the caudal part of the spinal trigeminal nucleus by way of the hypothalamus, midbrain, and trigeminal nerve fibers and consequently to activation of the trigeminovascular system with a different location in the two syndromes. More specifically, there seems to be a larger and more extensive involvement of the subnucleus caudalis in LS compared with US, where only its ventrocaudal portions are likely to be affected. [source] Over-expression of Toll-like receptors and their ligands in small-for-size graftHEPATOLOGY RESEARCH, Issue 3 2010Weiwei Jiang Aim:, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) participate in several physiological and pathological processes of transplantation, including inflammation and allograft rejection, but the expression of TLRs and their ligands remains undetermined in small-for-size graft transplantation. Methods:, A non-arterialized partial liver transplantation model was used. The expression of TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA and protein, CD14 and Myeloid Differentiation-2 (MD-2) mRNA, as well as TLR2 and TLR4 exogenous ligands (endotoxin) and endogenous ligands [heat shock protein (HSP) 60 and 70] were assessed. The signaling pathways induced by TLR2 and TLR4 were also assessed. Results:, In small-for-size liver graft, the expression of mRNA and protein of TLR2 and TLR4, CD14 and MD-2 mRNA, as well as endogenous ligands of TLR2 and TLR4 such as HSP60 and HSP70 was quickly and significantly increased after reperfusion, and reached a peak at 3 h after reperfusion. The levels of exogenous ligands (endotoxin) were increased and reached a peak at 6 h after reperfusion. The appearance of TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA was accompanied by increased HSP 60 and 70 mRNA within 24 h after reperfusion. In the small-for-size group, the peak levels of TLRs and their endogenous ligands appeared earlier than those in the full size group; the peak levels of TLRs and their endogenous and exogenous ligands were higher than those in the full size group. Conclusion:,TLR2 and TLR4, as well as their endogenous and exogenous ligands were activated in small-for-size liver graft transplantation. [source] Histology of the fetal prune belly syndrome with reference to the efficacy of prenatal decompressionINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 5 2000Kenji Shimada Abstract Background: Deficient abdominal musculature, complex abnormalities of urinary tracts and bilateral abdominal cryptorchidism represent the basic characteristics of prune belly syndrome (PBS). Although prenatal diagnosis of PBS is rarely made, because of the wide variety of ultrasonographic images, reported cases have gradually increased. Once a fetus suspected of having PBS is found, it is sometimes difficult for the pediatric urologists to decide how to treat them. The histology of the kidney and urinary tracts in fetuses with PBS was reviewed in order to give suggestions on the management of prenatal cases. Methods: Autopsy records of nine fetuses (5 males, 2 females and 2 undetermined) with characteristically distended and deficient abdominal wall were reviewed. Gestational age (GA) at detection ranged from 12 to 25 weeks and at delivery from 13 to 32 weeks. Results: Renal histology in two fetuses showed earlier than normal disappearance of cortical nephrogenic zone replaced by cortical cysts and dysplastic structures. The nephrogenic zone was retained in five fetuses which were younger than GA 20 weeks. While the number of glomeruli along the medullary ray was normal for the age in three fetuses younger than GA 20 weeks, it was decreased in all others. Bladder histology was variable showing both increased musculature and defective or dysplastic muscles. There was a tendency for connective tissues in the bladder wall to increase in proportion to GA, The ureter revealed scarcity of muscle bundles among dense connective tissue. The urethra was atretic in eight fetuses. Conclusion: The clinical implication from the renal histology is that decompression of the urinary tract should be done before GA 20 weeks. However, the early fetal treatment appears to have no effect on the urodynamics in this disorder with deficient musculature. [source] The Effect of Seed Vernalization and Irradiation on Growth and Photosynthesis of Field Bean Plants (Vicia faba L. minor) and on Nitrogenase Activity of Root NodulesJOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE, Issue 4 2000W. Filek The effect of seed vernalization (2,3°C; 36 days) and irradiation intensity during vegetation of field bean upon growth and maximum leaf photosynthesis (Pmax) as well as specific (SNA) and total nitrogenase activity (TNA) of root nodules was investigated. The measurements were performed at the initial stage of pod development of varieties with undetermined (cv. Nadwi,a,ski) and determined (cv. Tibo) growth habit. In comparison with plants in shading, those which grew in full irradiation produced larger leaf area and more dry weight, achieving higher Pmax values. Stimulation of leaf area enlargement and dry weight increase, especially in respect to the dry weight of underground parts had a positive and significant effect upon TNA value. Accumulation of dry weight was higher in vernalized than non-vernalized plants, but only in the case of cv. Nadwi,la,ski, in full irradiation conditions. In the case of plants grown in poorer irradiation conditions TNA values were about 68 % (cv. Nadwi,la,ski) and 54 % (cv. Tibo) lower, due to significant limitation of root nodules. TNA value of vernalized cv. Nadwi,la,ski plants was 66 % higher in comparison with non-vernalized plants. However, the effect was visible only in full irradiation conditions, due to simultaneous greater intensity of root nodules production and higher SNA value. A positive effect of vernalization could also be observed in the decrease of a negative correlation between dry weight of root nodules and SNA in both varieties. Zusammenfassung Der Einfluss der Samenvernalisation (3,3°C; 36 Tage) und der Strahlungsintensität während der Vegetation von Fababohnen hinsichtlich des Wachstums und der maximalen Blattfotosynthese (Pmax) sowie der spezifischen (SNA) und Gesamtnitrogenaseaktivität (TNA) der Wurzelknöllchen wurde untersucht. Die Messungen wurden im ersten Stadium der Hülsenentwicklung an Sorten mit undeterminierten (cv. Nadwi,la,ski) und determinierten (cv. Tibo) Wachstumsstrukturen durchgeführt. Ein Vergleich von Pflanzen unter Beschattung mit Pflanzen unter voller Strahlung zeigte, dass beschattete Pflanzen eine gröiere Blattfläche und höheres Trockengewicht produzierten und damit höhere Pmax -Werte erreichten. Stimulation der Blattflächenvergröierung und der Trockenge wichtszunahme, insbesondere im Hinblick auf die Trockengewichte der unterirdischen Pflanzenteile hatte eine positive und signifikante Auswirkung auf den DNA-Wert. Die Akkumulation von Trockenmasse war in vernalisierten Pflanzen höher als in nicht vernalisierten; dies gilt nur für Sorte Nadwi,la,ski unter dem Einfluss voller Strahlung. Im Fall der Pflanzen, die unter geringer Strahlung wuchsen, waren die TNA-Werte ca. 68 % (cv.Nadwi,la,ski) und 54 % (cv. Tibo) geringer als Folge einer signifikanten Begrenzung des Wurzelknöllchenwachstums. TNA-Werte vernalisierter cv. Nadwi,la,ski-Pflanzen waren um 66 % höher im Vergleich mit nicht vernalisierten Pflanzen. Allerdings zeigte sich diese Wirkung nur unter voller Strahlung als Folge einer vergleichsweise gröieren Intensität der Wurzelknöllchenproduktion und höherer SNA-Werte. Der positive Effekt der Vernalisation konnte ebenfalls beobachtet werden bei einer Abnahme der negativen Korrelation zwischen dem Trockengewicht der Wurzelknöllchen und SNA in beiden Sorten. [source] Distinguishing between the nests of sympatric chimpanzees and gorillasJOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY, Issue 2 2007CRICKETTE SANZ Summary 1Our current inability to estimate precisely the population sizes of chimpanzees and gorillas across much of the Congo Basin has been detrimental to the development of conservation strategies for the preservation of these endangered apes. Systematic counts of nests are currently the most commonly used method to estimate ape abundance, but distinguishing between the nests of sympatric chimpanzees and gorillas has proven to be an enduring obstacle to estimating species-specific abundance. In general, the builder of more than 75% of nests recorded during surveys is undetermined. We hypothesized that sleeping habits and nest building patterns would allow us to differentiate between the nests of these apes. 2We constructed a predictive model using stepwise discriminant function analysis to determine characteristics that accurately distinguished between chimpanzee and gorilla nests. We analysed 13 variables associated with 3425 ape nests from three independent surveys conducted in the Goualougo Triangle of the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, Republic of Congo. 3The model correctly classified more than 90% of nests in our validation subsample. Nest height, nest type, forest type and understorey closure were identified as important variables for distinguishing between chimpanzee and gorilla nests at this site. Attributing nests to either species increased the precision of resulting density estimates, which enhanced the statistical power to detect trends in population fluctuation. 4Although specific variables may differ between study sites, we have demonstrated that predictive models to distinguish between the nests of sympatric chimpanzee and gorillas provide a promising approach to improving the quality of ape survey data. 5Synthesis and applications. Our study introduces an innovative solution to the dilemma of discriminating between the nests of sympatric chimpanzees and gorillas, which increases the specificity and precision of resulting ape abundance estimates. There is an urgent need to improve methods to evaluate and monitor remaining ape populations across western and central Africa that are experiencing the imminent threats of emergent diseases, poaching and expanding human development. Increasing the quality of density estimates from field survey data will aid in the development of local conservation initiatives, national strategies and international policies on behalf of remaining ape populations. [source] Src is a major signaling component for CTGF induction by TGF-,1 in osteoblasts,JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2010X. Zhang Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) is induced by transforming growth factor ,1 (TGF-,1) where it acts as a downstream mediator of TGF-,1 induced matrix production in osteoblasts. We have shown the requirement of Src, Erk, and Smad signaling for CTGF induction by TGF-,1 in osteoblasts; however, the potential interaction among these signaling pathways remains undetermined. In this study we demonstrate that TGF-,1 activates Src kinase in ROS17/2.8 cells and that treatment with the Src family kinase inhibitor PP2 prevents Src activation and CTGF induction by TGF-,1. Additionally, inhibiting Src activation prevented Erk activation, Smads 2 and 3 activation and nuclear translocation by TGF-,1, demonstrating that Src is an essential upstream signaling partner of both Erk and Smads in osteoblasts. MAPKs such as Erk can modulate the Smad pathway directly by mediating the phosphorylation of Smads or indirectly through activation/inactivation of required nuclear co-activators that mediate Smad DNA binding. When we treated cells with the Erk inhibitor, PD98059, it inhibited TGF-,1-induced CTGF protein expression but had no effect on Src activation, Smad activation or Smad nuclear translocation. However PD98059 impaired transcriptional complex formation on the Smad binding element (SBE) of the CTGF promoter, demonstrating that Erk activation was required for SBE transactivation. These data demonstrate that Src is an essential upstream signaling transducer of Erk and Smad signaling with respect to TGF-,1 in osteoblasts and that Smads and Erk function independently but are both essential for forming a transcriptionally active complex on the CTGF promoter in osteoblasts. J. Cell. Physiol. 224: 691,701, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Gingival Zenith Positions and Levels of the Maxillary Anterior DentitionJOURNAL OF ESTHETIC AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY, Issue 2 2009STEPHEN J. CHU DMD ABSTRACT Purpose:, The location of the gingival zenith in a medial-lateral position relative to the vertical tooth axis of the maxillary anterior teeth remains to be clearly defined. In addition, the apex of the free gingival margin of the lateral incisor teeth relative to the gingival zeniths of the adjacent proximal teeth remains undetermined. Therefore, this investigation evaluated two clinical parameters: (1) the gingival zenith position (GZP) from the vertical bisected midline (VBM) along the long axis of each individual maxillary anterior tooth; and (2) the gingival zenith level (GZL) of the lateral incisors in an apical-coronal direction relative to the gingival line joining the tangents of the GZP of the adjacent central incisor and canine teeth under healthy conditions. Materials and Methods:, A total of 240 sites in 20 healthy patients (13 females, 7 males) with an average age of 27.7 years were evaluated. The inclusion patient criteria were absence of periodontal disease, gingival recession, or gingival hypertrophy as well as teeth without loss of interdental papillae, spacing, crowding, existing restorations, and incisal attrition. GZP dimensions were measured with calibrated digital calipers for each individual tooth and within each tooth group in a medial-lateral direction from the VBM. GZLs were measured in an apical-coronal direction from a tangent line drawn on the diagnostic casts from the GZPs of the adjacent teeth. Results:, This study demonstrated that all central incisors displayed a distal GZP from the VBM, with a mean average of 1 mm. Lateral incisors showed a deviation of the gingival zenith by a mean of 0.4 mm. In 97.5% of the canine population, the GZP was centralized along the long axis of the canine. The mean distance of the contour of the gingival margin in an apical-coronal direction of the lateral incisors (GZL) relative to gingival line joining the tangent of the adjacent central and canine GZPs was approximately 1 mm. Conclusion:, This investigation revealed a GZP mean value of 1 mm distal from the VBM for the central incisor tooth group. The lateral incisors showed a mean average of 0.4 mm. Thecanine tooth group demonstrated almost no deviations of the GZP from the VBM. The GZL of the lateral incisors relative to the adjacent central incisor and canine teeth were more coronal by approximately 1 mm. These data could be used as reference points during esthetic anterior oral rehabilitation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The information presented in this article can be clinically applied to reestablish the proper intratooth GZPs of the maxillary anterior teeth during periodontal crown lengthening or root coverage procedures. In addition, the intra-arch gingival level of the lateral incisor gingival zenith relative to the adjacent central and canine teeth can be appropriately established. [source] Pediatric Homicides Related to Burn Injury: A Retrospective Review at the Medical University of South CarolinaJOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES, Issue 2 2006William F. Zaloga D.O. ABSTRACT: Many burn injuries are mistakenly referred to as "accidents" because they occur suddenly and seem unpredictable and uncontrollable; however, injuries often occur in predictable patterns. We reviewed all pediatric forensic cases referred to the Medical University of South Carolina Forensic Pathology Section over a 28-year period from January 1975 to December 2002. There were 124 cases with 121 fire-related fatalities and three scald fatalities. Ninety of the burn victims were in the 0,5-year age group. The manner of deaths showed 108 accidents and 12 homicides (four undetermined). Eleven of 12 burn-related homicides occurred at the home with all of the victims in the 1,8-year age group. The perpetrator of the home fire homicides was the mother in five cases and the sister in one case (two undetermined). Homicide involved a vehicle fire in one case in which the father caused an explosion with an accelerant. The three scald death perpetrators were the father, mother's boyfriend, and an aunt. This retrospective study and review of the literature may reveal patterns useful for evaluation of manner of death. By recognizing scene characteristics, potential perpetrators, and children at risk, we can better classify pediatric burn-related fatalities. [source] Emergence and diversity of different HIV-1 subtypes in South Africa, 2000,2001JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 11 2009G.B. Jacobs Abstract HIV-1 is a major health problem in South Africa with an average prevalence rate of 29.1% in pregnant women and between 4.9 and 6.1 million people infected. Using env gp120 V3 serotyping and genotyping techniques 410 patient samples were investigated. Most of the samples were obtained from different clinics in the greater Cape Town area of the Western Cape Province in South Africa. These included an academic hospital, state and private clinics, an informal settlement, sex worker cohorts, and the blood transfusion services. RNA was extracted from plasma samples followed by RT-PCR and sequencing of the env gp120 V3 region. Sequence fragments were assembled using Sequencher V4.7 and subsequently codon aligned. Distance calculation, tree construction methods, and bootstrap analysis were implemented using MEGA version 4.0. Viral load measurements indicated that HIV-1 RNA levels from 74 samples were below the assay detection limit. Three hundred thirty-six samples were used for env PCR and sequencing and 320 were assigned to subtypes. The majority of the sequences were subtyped as C (n,=,285, 89.0%). Other subtypes detected were subtype A (n,=,10, 3.1%); subtype B (n,=,22, 6.8%); one each of subtypes F1, G, U, and a CH recombinant. Whether this diversity will have major implications for HIV-1 evolution and vaccine development in this region remains undetermined. J. Med. Virol. 81:1852,1859, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] PPAR gamma activators induce differentiation of B12 oligodendrocyte-like cells and rat spinal cord oligodendrocytesJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 2002A. D. Roth The regulation of CNS lipid metabolism by nuclear receptors and their relation to cell differentiation remains undetermined. Since myelinating oligodendrocytes are the major lipid-synthesizing cells in the CNS, we characterized the effect of PPAR activation in a CNS derived cell line that expresses oligodendrocyte markers and compared these effects with oligodendrocyte primary cultures (90,95% pure). The rat glioma derived B12 cell line express the three major PPAR isoforms (PPAR ,, , and ,) and present a large number of peroxisomes, indicating an important lipid metabolism. Treatment with ciprofibrate, a general PPAR activator and clinical hypolipidemic, induces proliferation arrest, process extension and a moderate rise in the expression of acyl-CoA oxidase, a specific marker of peroxisomal proliferation. Cell growth arrest by ciprofibrate is enhanced 100-fold by low concentrations of retinoic acid (0.01 ,m), suggesting the involvement of the PPAR-retinoid acid receptor heterodimers. Since ciprofibrate possibly acts by modifying the concentration of endogenous PPAR ligands, we traced its effects to PPAR, by using isoform specific ligands: Troglitazone and 15-deoxy-prostaglandin J2, both of which induce growth arrest and process extension in B12 cells. These effects were corroborated on rat spinal cord derived oligodendrocytes primary cultures, where a significant rise in the number of mature oligodendrocytes is observed in response to PPAR, activators. These results show that PPAR,, a master gene in the differentiation of adipose tissue could be involved in the lipid metabolism of maturing oligodendrocytes. [source] The Role of the Vagus Nerve in Mediating the Long-Term Anorectic Effects of LeptinJOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 4 2007C. Sachot Leptin, the product of the obese (ob) gene, is mainly known for its regulatory role of energy balance by direct activation of hypothalamic receptors. Recently, its function in the acute control of food intake was additionally attributed to activation of the vagus nerve to regulate meal termination. Whether vagal afferent neurones are involved in longer term effects of leptin on food intake, however, remains undetermined. Using vagotomised (VGX) rats, we sought to clarify the contributions of vagal afferents in mediating the long-lasting effect of leptin on appetite suppression. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of leptin (3.5 mg/kg) attenuated food intake at 4, 6, 8 and 24 h and body weight at 24 h postinjection in SHAM-operated rats; however, this response was not abrogated by vagotomy. In a separate study using immunohistochemistry, we observed leptin-induced Fos expression in the nucleus tractus solitarii, a brain structure where vagal afferent fibres terminate. This signal was not attenuated in VGX animals compared to the SHAM group. Moreover, leptin treatment led to a similar level of nuclear STAT3 translocation, a marker of leptin signalling, in the hypothalami of SHAM and VGX animals. In addition to the effects of leptin, vagotomy surgery itself resulted in a decrease of 24 h food intake. Analyses of brains from saline-treated VGX animals revealed a significant induction of Fos in the nucleus tractus solitarii and changes in agouti-related peptide and pro-opiomelanocortin mRNA expression in the hypothalamus compared to their SHAM counterparts, indicating that the vagotomy surgery itself induced a modification of brain activity in areas involved in regulating appetite. Collectively, our data suggest that vagal afferents do not constitute a major route of mediating the regulatory effect of leptin on food intake over a period of several hours. [source] Isoflurane exerts a short-term but not a long-term preconditioning effect in neonatal rats exposed to a hypoxic-ischaemic neuronal injuryACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2009N. SASAOKA Background: Isoflurane has been shown to induce tolerance against ischaemic injury in adult rodents. Although the delayed preconditioning effect of isoflurane has been demonstrated in neonatal rat pups, the acute preconditioning effects of isoflurane remained undetermined. The present study was therefore conducted to evaluate the acute preconditioning efficacy of isoflurane in neonatal rats subjected to a hypoxic-ischaemic (HI) injury. Methods: Post-natal day 7 pups were exposed to 1 or 2% isoflurane in oxygen for either 30, 60 or 90 min. Fifteen minutes after isoflurane exposure, the pups were subjected to an HI injury induced by left common carotid artery ligation and exposure to 8% oxygen for 2 h. Pups not exposed to isoflurane or not subjected to HI served as controls. Histopathologic injury to the cortex and hippocampus was evaluated 7 and 49 days after HI. Results: Isoflurane 2% exposure for 60 or 90 min before HI induced tolerance in the hippocampus and the number of normal neurons in the CA1 sector 7 days after HI was significantly greater than in non-preconditioned animals. This protective efficacy of isoflurane preconditioning was not observed 49 days after HI. Conclusions: Exposure of 2% isoflurane for at least 60 min is required to induce tolerance against HI injury in rat pups. However, this neuroprotective efficacy results in only transient neuroprotection. [source] Complications of exploratory coeliotomy in 70 catsJOURNAL OF SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE, Issue 7 2004S. Lester Records of all cats that had undergone exploratory coeliotomy at the University of Edinburgh during the period November 1995 to July 2002 were reviewed. Seventy records were retrieved. There were 30 cats in which infection or inflammatory disorders predominated, 17 cats with neoplasia, three cats with trauma and 20 cats with other disorders. Exploratory coeliotomy was performed for diagnostic purposes in 28 cats (40 per cent), treatment in 34 cats (49 per cent) and for diagnosis and treatment in eight cats (11 per cent). Methods of intraoperative diagnosis included incisional biopsy of abdominal organs (52 cats), cytology (two cats), microbiology (17 cats) and gross appearance (17 cats). Fifty-eight cats (83 per cent) survived the hospitalisation period. Complications occurred in 18 cats (26 per cent) and were related to anaesthesia (four cats), the underlying disease process (15 cats), surgery (five cats) and were undetermined in one cat. [source] Postinjury vascular intimal hyperplasia in mice is completely inhibited by CD34+ bone marrow-derived progenitor cells expressing membrane-tethered anticoagulant fusion proteinsJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 10 2006D. CHEN Summary.,Background:,Coagulation proteins promote neointimal hyperplasia and vascular remodelling after vessel injury, but the precise mechanisms by which they act in vivo remain undetermined. Objectives:,This study, using an injury model in which the neointima is derived from bone marrow (BM)-derived cells, compared inhibition of tissue factor or thrombin on either BM-derived or existing vascular smooth muscle cells. Methods:,Two transgenic (Tg) mouse strains expressing membrane-tethered tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) or hirudin (Hir) fusion proteins driven by an , smooth muscle actin (SMA) promoter were generated (, -TFPI-Tg and , -Hir-Tg) and the phenotype after wire-induced endovascular injury was compared with that in wild-type (WT) controls. Results:,WT mice developed progressive neointimal expansion, whereas injury in either Tg was followed by repair back to a preinjured state. This was also seen when WT mice were reconstituted with BM from Tg mice but not when Tgs were reconstituted with WT BM, in which injury was followed by slowly progressive neointimal expansion. Injection of CD34+ cells from Tg mice into injured WT mice resulted in the accumulation of fusion protein-expressing cells from day 3 onwards and an absence of neointimal hyperplasia in those areas. Conclusions:,Neointimal development after wire-induced endovascular injury in mice was completely inhibited when BM-derived cells infiltrating the damaged artery expressed membrane tethered anticoagulant fusion proteins under an , -SMA promoter. These findings enhance our understanding of the pathological role that coagulation proteins play in vascular inflammation. [source] Transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: The Milan criteria and beyondLIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue S2 2006Richard B. Freeman Jr. Key Concepts: 1Liver transplantation offers excellent results for selected candidates with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). 2Selection strategies have evolved but are mainly based on size and number of tumors, which are surrogates for vascular invasion. Newer techniques show promise for identifying patients at high risk for recurrence and selecting those with low risk, even though they may exceed currently established tumor size criteria. 3Evaluation of the effectiveness of liver transplantation for HCC requires an intent-to-treat approach that must include an accounting of the dropout rate of patients while waiting. 4Locoregional pretransplantation adjuvant treatments may have some role for downstaging and/or reducing the dropout rate before transplantation, but their posttransplantation effect on outcome remains undetermined. 5Liver allocation for HCC candidates in the context of increasing HCC prevalence requires better and evidence-based prioritization policies. Liver Transpl 12:S8,S13, 2006. © 2006 AASLD. [source] Cytomegalovirus infection in the brain of liver transplant recipients: Do pathologically occult infections matter clinically?LIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 3 2003Raymund R. Razonable MD Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection remains a highly prevalent systemic complication following orthotopic liver transplantation (LT), accounting for a significant increase in morbidity and affiliated costs. However, unlike other immunosuppressed groups of population, CMV infection of the central nervous system in LT is rarely diagnosed, either clinically or postmortem. Furthermore, in 20% of the LT patients who develop preterminal neurological complications, the etiology remains undetermined. With the hypothesis that at least some of these cases could be related to an occult CMV infection, we examined brain tissue from 83 unselected autopsies of LT patients by morphological, immunohistochemical (IHC), in situ hybridization (ISH), and nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR) techniques. Microglial nodules were observed in 17 brains of the LT group (20.4%) but in none of the 36 controls. Isolated positive cells by either IHC, ISH, or both techniques, were identified in 11 LT patients (13.2%) and in 2 controls (5.5%). CMV DNA amplification was obtained from paraffin embedded tissues in 41 of 81 LT cases (50.6%), and in 5 controls (13.8%) (P=0.00017). Viral inclusion bodies, inflammatory infiltrates, or necrotizing changes were not identified in any case. Our findings indicate an increased susceptibility of the brain of LT patients to occult infection by CMV and suggest that a latent or low-grade infection of the central nervous system could operate as a reservoir of the CMV and play a role in some of the unexplained neurological symptoms that appear in the postoperative period. [source] Quantitative evaluation of susceptibility and shielding effects of nitinol, platinum, cobalt-alloy, and stainless steel stentsMAGNETIC RESONANCE IN MEDICINE, Issue 5 2003Yi Wang Abstract The purpose of this study is to quantitatively estimate the shielding and susceptibility effects of commonly used metallic stents on MR signal. Two experiments were performed using a 3D gradient echo sequence with short TE to image a stent phantom: 1) short TR and high flip angle (contrast enhanced MRA parameters), and 2) long TR (TR , T1) and low flip angle. The factor characterizing susceptibility effects was estimated from the signal phase of the first experiment, and then the factor characterizing the shielding effects was derived from the second experiment. Susceptibility induced signal loss was negligible (<1%) for nonstainless-steel (nitinol, platinum, and cobalt-alloy) stents and totally destructive (100%) for the stainless steel stent. Signal loss due to RF shielding was 31,62% for nitinol stents, 14,50% for platinum stents, 50,77% for the cobalt-alloy stents (undetermined for the stainless steel stent), varied with stent orientation, diameter, and wall geometry. In summary, stents made of nitinol, platinum, and cobalt-alloy have negligible susceptibility effects but stents made of stainless steel may have complete dephasing. All stents have substantial shielding effects, which vary with composition, geometry, and orientation. Large platinum stents may have the smallest artifacts and are the best suited for postinterventional MR imaging. Magn Reson Med 49:972,976, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The Nep1-like proteins,a growing family of microbial elicitors of plant necrosisMOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY, Issue 4 2004CLARE L. PEMBERTON SUMMARY A novel family of microbial elicitors of plant necrosis has been identified. Designated Nep1-like proteins (NLPs), after the first family member isolated, they range from 24 to 26 kDa and are found in a variety of taxonomically unrelated micro-organisms. These include several fungi and oomycetes, as well as Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Some NLPs induce a hypersensitive-like response in plants, although the basis for initiation of this response remains unclear. Similarly, the cellular role of such highly conserved proteins is undetermined. It is not clear whether the NLPs are dedicated elicitors of plant defences or whether this induction occurs as a result of another activity. [source] Reduced oxygen concentration improves the developmental competence of mouse oocytes following in vitro maturationMOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 7 2007Kimberly A. Preis Abstract Reduced atmospheric oxygen concentration is beneficial to embryo development; however, optimal oxygen concentration for oocyte maturation remains undetermined. Likewise, there is no consensus of appropriate medium supplementation during maturation. The objective of this study was to determine whether oxygen tension (20% or 5% O2) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) affect oocyte metabolism and subsequent embryo development. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from 28-day-old equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) primed or unprimed F1 (C57BL/6xCBA) mice. COCs were matured in defined medium in one of four groups: 20% O2, 20% O2,+,EGF, 5% O2, 5% O2,+,EGF. In vivo matured COCs were also collected for analysis. COCs from unprimed mice, matured in 5% O2,±,EGF or 20% O2,+,EGF had higher metabolic rates than COCs matured in 20% O2 (P,<,0.05). COCs from primed mice had higher metabolic rates when matured in the presence of EGF, regardless of oxygen tension (P,<,0.01). Oxygen uptake and mitochondrial membrane potential were higher for in vivo matured oocytes and oocytes matured under 5% O2 compared to oocytes matured under 20% O2 (P,<,0.05). Blastocyst formation was not different between maturation groups (primed or unprimed); however, embryo cell numbers were 20,45% significantly higher when COCs were matured at 5% O2 (P,<,0.05). Results suggest that oocytes matured in physiological concentrations of oxygen have improved development and metabolic activity, more closely resembling in vivo maturation. These findings have implications for oocyte maturation in both clinical and research laboratories. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 893,903, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Did Gustav Mahler have Sydenham's chorea?,MOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue 3 2006Francisco Cardoso MD Abstract Sydenham's chorea (SC), a major manifestation of acute rheumatic fever (RF), is characterized by chorea and other motor and nonmotor features. Among the latter are behavioral symptoms, including obsessive,compulsive disorder. Although SC is typically a self-limited condition, up to 50% of patients may evolve with persistent chorea. There is evidence that Gustav Mahler had a movement disorder, but its nature remains undetermined. There are witnesses describing him as having facial dyskinesia and a gait disorder consistent with chorea. His conducting performance was notorious for obsessive attention to details of the staging and musical production. Mahler was diagnosed with a valvulopathy in 1907 and died of subacute bacterial endocarditis in 1911. It is possible that the composer suffered from RF in childhood with carditis and SC, which may left him with valvulopathy, obsessive,compulsive disorder, and persistent chorea. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society [source] The Tayside Stroke Cohort: exploiting advanced regional medical informatics to create a region-wide database for studying the pharmacoepidemiology of stroke,PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 7 2010Robert W. V. Flynn Abstract Purpose Observational studies can provide valuable information where data from randomised controlled trials is lacking. We aimed to generate a region-wide longitudinal register of stroke patients using record-linkage of existing clinical and research datasets. Methods The population were residents of Tayside, Scotland from 1994,2005. Stroke cases were identified from hospital inpatient admission records, death certificates and prescribing data. These were augmented with data derived from free-text CT-brain scan reports. Strokes were classified as intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) or ischaemic stroke (IS). The methodology was validated by audit of patient case-records. The incidence was calculated using direct standardisation to the standard European population for ages 45,84. Twenty-eight day case-fatality rates were calculated as percentages. Results There were 12,620 all-cause incident strokes (ICH 1057; SAH 511; IS 6257; undetermined 4795). Standardised incidences per 100,000 by subtypes of stroke were: ICH 35 (95%CI 33,38), SAH 19 (17,22) and IS 210 (205,217). The 28-day case-fatality rates were: ICH 49% (95%CI 46,52), SAH 38% (34,43) and IS 19% (18,20). Comparisons with previous studies were favourable for ICH and SAH. For IS the incidence was lower and fatality rate higher than elsewhere. Three hundred and three sets of patient case records were audited. The positive predictive value (PPV) for identifying cases of stroke was 94.7% (95%CI 91.6,96.7). Conclusions The case ascertainment in the TSC compares favourably to established stroke cohorts. This cost effective resource can now be linked with multiple other clinical and research datasets in Tayside to further understanding of stroke and its treatment. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp: a successful treatment with photodynamic therapyPHOTODERMATOLOGY, PHOTOIMMUNOLOGY & PHOTOMEDICINE, Issue 1 2010Teresa Meyer Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp (EPDS) is a rare inflammatory disease of unknown aetiology that usually occurs in the elderly. It is characterized by sterile pustules, chronic crusted erosions, cicatricial alopecia, and skin atrophy. The histopathology is nonspecific, and its pathophysiology remains undetermined, with various types of local trauma possibly acting as the triggering factor. We describe a case of EPDS in a 75-year-old female in whom there was a marked response to photodynamic therapy with methyl 5-aminolaevulinic acid. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||