Search

Abstract: Objectives: To estimate and compare total daily fluoride intake (TDFI), daily urinary fluoride excretion (DUFE), daily fluoride retention (DFR), fractional urinary fluoride excretion (FUFE) and fractional fluoride retention (FFR) in 4‐ and 8 year‐old Nigerians and explore associations between these outcomes to improve understanding of fluoride metabolism. Methods: Using a cross‐sectional observational study, 72 four‐year‐olds and 72 eight‐year‐olds were recruited from nursery and primary schools (respectively) in lower and higher water F areas of urban and rural localities in Oyo State, southwest Nigeria. TDFI from diet and toothpaste ingestion was assessed using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire and visual scale of toothpaste used during toothbrushing. DUFE was measured by collecting a 24‐hour urine sample, FUFE estimated as the ratio between DUFE and TDFI, DFR estimated as TDFI‐TDFE (where TDFE = DUFE + estimated faecal F excretion (ie TDFI × 10%), and FFR was estimated as [(TDFI‐DFR)/TDFI] × 100. Data were analysed using ANOVA with post hoc tests and Student's t tests and strengths of associations between key variables measured. Results: Mean (SD) TDFI, DUFE, DFR, FUFE and FFR were 0.137 (0.169) mg/kg bw/d, 0.032 (0.027) mg/kg bw/d, 0.091 (0.147) mg/kg bw/d, 44% (44%) and 46% (44%), respectively, for 4‐year‐olds. Corresponding values for 8‐year‐olds (n = 63) were 0.106 (0.130) mg/kg bw/d, 0.022 (0.017) mg/kg bw/d, 0.073 (0.107) mg/kg bw/d, 36% (30%) and 54% (30%), respectively. Dietary contribution to TDFI was 79% and 75% (respectively), for 4‐ and 8‐year‐olds. Mean (SD) TDFI from toothpaste ingestion was 0.021 (0.013) mg/kg bw/d in 4‐year‐olds, 0.014 (0.010) mg/kg bw/d in 8‐year‐olds (P = .002) but with no differences between areas. Differences in dietary F intake determined the main differences in F exposure between areas. The positive correlation between TDFI and DUFE was weak for 4‐year‐olds (r = +.29) and strong for 8‐year‐olds (r = +.64). A strong positive correlation was observed between TDFI and DFR for both age groups: (r) = +.98 for 4‐year‐olds and (r) = +.99 for 8‐year‐olds. Conclusion: Fluoride intake in these 4‐ and 8‐year‐old Nigerians was much higher than the “optimal range” of 0.05‐0.07 mg/kg bw/d in rural, higher F water areas, with diet as the main contributor. F retention was similar in both age groups, with almost half of TDFI retained in the body. In terms of risk vs benefit for fluorosis and dental caries, this finding should be considered when mitigating against excessive fluoride exposure and planning F‐based prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important for dental schools to select students who will complete their degree and progress on to become the dentists of the future. The process should be transparent, fair and ethical and utilise selection tools that select appropriate students. The interview is an integral part of UK dental schools student selection procedures. Objective This study was undertaken in order to determine whether different interview methods (Cardiff with a multiple mini interview and Newcastle with a more traditional interview process) along with other components used in selection predicted academic performance in students. Methods The admissions selection data for two dental schools (Cardiff and Newcastle) were collected and analysed alongside student performance in academic examinations in Year 1 of the respective schools. Correlation statistics were used to determine whether selection tools had any relevance to academic performance once students were admitted to their respective Universities. Results Data was available for a total of 177 students (77 Cardiff and 100 Newcastle). Examination performance did not correlate with admission interview scores at either school; however UKCAT score was linked to poor academic performance. Discussion Although interview methodology does not appear to correlate with academic performance it remains an integral and very necessary part of the admissions process. Ultimately schools need to be comfortable with their admissions procedures in attracting and selecting the calibre of students they desire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Human Nutrition Research Centre ( HNRC) in Newcastle University was established in 1994 as a multidisciplinary, cross-faculty research centre under the direction of Professors John Mathers and Andrew Rugg- Gunn. The remit of the centre was to undertake research into the links between nutrition and health and, in particular, on interventions that could reduce the risk of common non-communicable diseases and so improve public health. Although that remains the central goal, we have expanded our research approaches to take advantage of emerging technologies such as those in nutrigenomics and have major interests in interactions between nutrition and the genome. Innovative methodology is central to advances in all sciences and we have undertaken research on new tools for the measurement of dietary intake that are appropriate for different population groups to span all life stages. In 2008, we were re-designated as a University Research Centre. This article has been written to outline the work that the centre has undertaken to celebrate 20 years of nutrition research in the HNRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fibrillin-1 deficiency, dysregulated cytokine transforming growth factor-β, and increased collagen deposition related to fibrillin-1 gene mutations could predispose to impaired carotid compliance (CC) in Marfan syndrome (MFS). We sought to detect any alterations in CC using the vascular image analysis system (VIA). Methods and Results: Thirty-two MFS patients, 20 men and 12 women (mean age 34.2 ± 12.05 years), and 29 controls matched for age, sex, and body surface area (BSA) were recruited. The entire length of each carotid system was initially scanned longitudinally using a 14 MHz linear transducer. Then, a stereotactic clamp held the transducer in contact with the carotid artery. Arterial diameter changes during the cardiac cycle were recorded for 1 minute from both right (RCCA) and left common carotid arteries (LCCA) separately using the VIA system. RCCA and LCCA compliance and distensibility measurements were significantly reduced in MFS patients when compared to controls, P < 0.05. RCCA and LCCA intima-media thickness did not differ between patients and controls, P > 0.05. MFS diagnosis and age were associated with reduced CC in both carotid arteries after adjusting for variables such as, sex, BSA, heart rate, beta-blockade, intima-media thickness, and aortic root size. Conclusions: Our findings showed a reduction in CC in adult patients with MFS. This could be attributed to fibrillin-1 deficiency resulting in structural abnormalities in the carotid arterial wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Hepatic steatosis affects up to 30% of the population. After weight loss, monitoring of the change in hepatic steatosis is not routinely performed. This study aimed to define the closest associates of change in liver fat content in a population of obese females following laparoscopic gastric banding surgery. Methods: Before and 3 months after surgery, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging were used to estimate the amount of lipid contained within the liver and abdominal subcutaneous and visceral compartments of 29 obese [mean body mass index (BMI) 39 ± 5 kg/m2], non-diabetic women aged between 20 and 62 years. Liver enzymes, fasting plasma glucose and insulin were also measured as well as body weight, BMI and waist circumference. Insulin sensitivity was estimated using homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index. Results: Significant reductions occurred in body weight (p < 0.001), abdominal fat volumes (p < 0.001) and liver fat (p = 0.037) 3 months after surgery. Change in liver fat content more closely associated with change in serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT; r = 0.71, p < 0.001) than with changes in weight (r = 0.10, p = 0.612) and waist circumference (r = 0.15, p = 0.468). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that obese non-diabetic female patients who have undergone significant weight loss over 3 months can be better assessed for the regression of excess liver fat content by monitoring changes in serum GGT levels rather than changes in simple anthropometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on a B horizon soil from Maine have been conducted to determine the weathering rate dependence on hydrogen ion concentration in soil solution. Effects of soil concentration and solution chemistry on chemical weathering rate were also investigated. Studies were conducted using a laboratory pH-stat semicontinuous reactor at pH 2.7 and 3.5 for two concentrations of B horizon soil. Homogenized B horizon soil in the size range 63-125 μm was washed in deionized water and acetone and used without further treatment. Results obtained from titrations of 10, 30, and 100 g/L of soil at a constant pH of 2.7 suggest that the weathering rate, expressed in μeq H+/hr/g soil, does not depend on the soil concentration in the pH-stat reactor. In order to test the effect of solute concentration on weathering rate, experiments were performed at two different concentrations of accumulated solutes. Weathering rates were the same at the two solute concentrations, indicating that significant back reactions were not likely occurring. The weathering rate at pH 2.7 was estimated in the range 0.53-0.93 μeq H+/hr/g soil, at pH 3.0 as 0.52 μeq H+/hr/g soil, at pH 3.5 as 0.36 μeq H+/hr/g soil, and at pH 4.0 as 0.04 μeq H+/hr/g soil. Assuming a weathering rate proportional to {H+} m, the fractional order m was determined to be approximately 0.8. Results were consistent with a surface-reaction-controlled dissolution mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the presence of Bu3SnH, N-acylpyrazinium salts bearing an electron-donating group in position 3 undergo regioselective reduction yielding 1,2-dihydropyrazines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/hypothesis: Hypotensive anesthesia is often used in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) to improve surgical visibility; however, its safety and efficacy in this role are yet to be justified. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hypotensive anesthesia on both real-time middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (Vmca) and the severity of surgical bleeding in patients undergoing ESS., Study Design: Prospective, observational cohort study., Methods: Thirty-two patients undergoing hypotensive anesthesia for ESS at a single tertiary institution during February 2011 to July 2012 were recruited for the study. Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography measured periodic Vmca, which were time-matched for hemodynamic and respiratory factors. One-minute video segments corresponding with each Vmca reading were randomized and distributed to two blinded observers for bleeding assessment., Results: Three hundred and fifty-six data time points were recorded for systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), pulse rate, respiratory rate, end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration, Vmca, and bleeding assessment score (BAS). A direct relationship exists between MAP and Vmca (r = 0.77, P < .0001) as well as MAP and BAS (r = 0.36, P < .0001). MAP levels above 60 mm Hg maintained at least 50% of baseline Vmca flow in almost 90% of all time points., Conclusions: Hypotensive anesthesia is an effective method of controlling intraoperative bleeding during endoscopic sinus surgery; however the effect is clinically small in low MAP ranges. In otherwise healthy patients undergoing ESS with general anesthesia, reducing MAP to below 60 mm Hg may increase the risk of cerebral ischemia., (© 2014 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)

Objectives: Since the advent of endonasal skull base surgery, internal carotid artery (ICA) injury has been considered the most dramatic and challenging intraoperative complication. A large vascular injury creates an immediately challenging surgical scenario with rapid blood loss that may result in exsanguination of the patient. Recently we have developed an animal model of the endoscopic, endonasal vascular injury. We describe important surgical steps required in managing the surgical field during a catastrophic vascular event., Methods: A total of 42 endoscopic carotid artery injuries and 25 endoscopic venous injuries were performed. Throughout the injuries, the "two-surgeon" technique was used to achieve surgical field control. Videoendoscopy was performed throughout the implementation of these surgical techniques., Results: Techniques found useful in controlling the surgical field included the two-surgeon technique, careful selection of the most appropriate nostril for endoscope positioning, large bore suction placement, suction guidance of the vascular stream through the contralateral nostril, and avoidance of suction obstruction. Only once the surgical field could be controlled can the injury site be addressed., Conclusions: Controlling the endoscopic endonasal surgical field during vascular injuries relies on the cooperation of the surgical team and a step-based approach including careful endoscopic maneuvering within the nasal corridor, and appropriate suction selection and positioning with respect to the endoscope., (Copyright © 2010 The American Laryngological, Rhinological, and Otological Society, Inc.)

A rare, enormous, unresectable, osteosarcoma of the uterus is reported. This obstructed ureters, enclosed rectum, bladder, aorta and vena cava, and metastasized to peritoneum, lungs and liver causing death of the patient by renal and pulmonary failure.