bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerases (PARPs) 1‐3 regulate astrocyte activation
Authors: Phulwani Nirmal K. , Kielian Tammy
Published: April 2008

Besides their traditional role in maintaining CNS homeostasis, astrocytes also participate in innate immune responses. Indeed, we have previously demonstrated that astrocytes are capable of recognizing bacterial pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, a common etiologic agent of CNS infections, and respond with the robust production of numerous proinflammatory mediators. Suppression of Poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1 (PARP‐1), a DNA repair enzyme, has been shown to attenuate inflammatory responses in several cell types including mixed glial cultures. However, a role for PARP‐1 in regulating innate immune responses in purified astrocytes and the potential for multiple PARP family members to cooperatively regulate astrocyte activation has not yet been examined. The synthetic PARP‐1 inhibitor PJ‐34 attenuated the production of several proinflammatory mediators by astrocytes in response to S. aureus stimulation including nitric oxide, interleukin‐1 beta, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, and CCL2. The release of all four mediators was partially reduced in PARP‐1 knockout (KO) astrocytes compared to wild‐type cells. The residual inflammatory mediator expression detected in PARP‐1 KO astrocytes was further blocked with PJ‐34, suggesting either non‐specific effects of the drug or actions on alternative PARP isoforms. Reduction in PARP‐2 or PARP‐3 expression by siRNA knock down revealed that these isoforms also contributed to inflammatory mediator regulation in response to S. aureus. Interestingly, the combined targeting of either PARP‐1/PARP‐2 or PARP‐2/PARP‐3 attenuated astrocyte inflammatory responses more effectively compared to knock down of either PARP alone, suggesting cooperativity between PARP isoforms. Collectively, these findings suggest that PARPs influence the extent of S. aureus‐induced astrocyte activation.
Mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway mediates N‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)retinamide‐induced neuronal differentiation in the ARPE‐19 human retinal pigment epithelial cell line
Authors: Samuel William , Kutty R. Krishnan , Sekhar Sonia , Vijayasarathy Camasamudram , Wiggert Barbara , Redmond T. Michael
Published: April 2008

We have shown previously that N‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4HPR, fenretinide), a retinoic acid derivative, induces neuronal differentiation in cultured human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells [Chen et al., J. Neurochem., 84 (2003), 972]. We asked the question whether the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is involved in the regulation of the 4HPR‐induced neuronal differentiation of RPE (ARPE‐19) cells. When we treated ARPE‐19 cells with 4HPR, c‐Raf and MEK1/2 kinase were activated resulting in activation of the downstream effector ERK1/2 and of SAPK/JNK. By blocking the upstream kinase MEK1/2 with specific inhibitor U0126 we abrogated the 4HPR‐induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and SAPK/JNK, indicating that the neuronal differentiation occurs through a positive cross‐talk between the ERK and the SAPK/JNK pathways. Both U0126 and the suppression of ERK1/2 expression with small interfering RNA effectively blocked the 4HPR‐induced neuronal differentiation of RPE cells and the expression of calretinin. The activated ERK1/2 then induced a sequential activation of p90RSK, and increase in phosphorylation of transcription factors c‐fos and c‐jun leading to transcriptional activation of AP‐1. Taken together, our results clearly demonstrate that c‐Raf/MEK1/2 signaling cascade involving ERK1/2 plays a central role in mediating the 4HPR‐induced neuronal differentiation and calretinin expression in the human ARPE‐19 retinal pigment epithelial cell line.
Application of Digital Image Correlation Method to Study Dental Composite Shrinkage
Authors: Chuang S. F. , Chen T. Y. , Chang C. H.
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  Although resin‐based composites are widely used in dental restoration, these materials shrink during polymerisation. Polymerisation shrinkage results in distortion of the restoration and bonded tooth and also generates internal stress at the resin–tooth interface. Digital image correlation (DIC) is used to determine the in‐plane displacement field by matching different zones of two characterised pictures. The objective of this study was to examine the applicability of DIC in measuring the deformation of the composite restoration and the surrounding tooth. A preliminary experiment examined the shrinkage of composites in a simulated cavity using the DIC method. The measured shrinkage pattern was consistent with a corresponding finite element model. Subsequently the deformation of composite restorations on human molars was examined using this validated DIC method. The greatest deformation was found on the free occlusal surfaces, and the least on the gingival wall. The increased deformation on the post‐cured images indicated that the shrinkage continued even after termination of light activation. DIC method facilitates a full‐field measurement of shrinkage profile. These experimental results did not only demonstrate the spatial and temporal relationship of displacement in a dental restoration, but also provide validation of computational models to examine the polymerisation consequence.
Exact optimal solutions of the minisum facility and transfer points location problems on a network
Authors: Sasaki Mihiro , Furuta Takehiro , Suzuki Atsuo
Published: April 2008

We consider hierarchical facility location problems on a network called Multiple Location of Transfer Points (MLTP) and Facility and Transfer Points Location Problem (FTPLP), where q facilities and p transfer points are located and each customer goes to one of the facilities directly or via one of the transfer points. In FTPLP, we need to find an optimal location of both the facilities and the transfer points while the location of facilities is given in MLTP. Although good heuristics have been proposed for the minisum MLTP and FTPLP, no exact optimal solution has been tested due to the size of the problems. We show that the minisum MLTP can be formulated as a p‐median problem, which leads to obtaining an optimal solution. We also present a new formulation of FTPLP and an enumeration‐based approach to solve the problems with a single facility.
Integer programming solution approach for inventory‐production–distribution problems with direct shipments
Authors: Lejeune Miguel A. , Margot François
Published: April 2008

We construct an integrated multi‐period inventory–production–distribution replenishment plan for three‐stage supply chains. The supply chain maintains close relationships with a small group of suppliers, and the nature of the products (bulk, chemical, etc.) makes it more economical to rely upon a direct shipment, full‐truck load distribution policy between supply chain nodes. In this paper, we formulate the problem as an integer linear program that proves challenging to solve due to the general integer variables associated with the distribution requirements. We propose new families of valid cover inequalities, and we derive a practical closed‐form expression for generating them, upon the determination of a single parameter. We study their performances through benchmarking several branch‐and‐bound and branch‐and‐cut approaches. Computational testing is performed using a large‐scale planning problem faced by a North American company.
Women with Golden Arms: Narco‐Trafficking in North America, 1910–1970
Authors: Carey Elaine
Published: April 2008

After the arrests of a number of prominent women traffickers in 1975, the Federal Bureau of Investigation proclaimed that there was ‘no anti‐woman bias’ in the Latin American drug trade (New York Times, April 22, 1975). Long before, narcotics warriors in the US, Mexico, and Canada had monitored the activities of a number of prominent women traffickers. Using official documents, reports, and newspapers, this article examines five cases of women smugglers of opiates and marijuana who operated from the early 1910s to the 1960s. Two of the women lived in the US, two in Mexico, and one in China. For all of them, Mexico served as a source of supply, a site of transit, a point for contacts, and/or a place for peddling. In this study, I argue that women found lucrative opportunities in the trafficking of narcotics just as men. Moreover, this study challenges the masculine constructions of the narcotics trade by considering how female peddlers used certain spaces in the economy to develop their enterprises or how they exploited certain gendered stereotypes to undermine the law.
Effects of Forest Fragmentation and Habitat Degradation on West African Leaf‐Litter Frogs
Authors: HILLERS ANNIKA , VEITH MICHAEL , RÖDEL MARK‐OLIVER
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  Habitat degradation alters the dynamics and composition of anuran assemblages in tropical forests. The effects of forest fragmentation on the composition of anuran assemblages are so far poorly known. We studied the joint influence of forest fragmentation and degradation on leaf‐litter frogs. We specifically asked whether the processes structuring leaf‐litter anuran assemblages in fragmented forests are the same as those in continuous forests. We analyzed anuran assemblages with respect to habitat characteristics, including fragmentation and degradation parameters. In comparison with continuous forests, species richness and diversity were lower and assemblage composition was altered in forest fragments. These changes seemed to be mainly caused by habitat degradation rather than forest fragmentation. Availability of aquatic sites for breeding, vegetation structure (including those variables indicating degradation), and leaf‐litter cover had the most influence on the presence of single species. The comparatively small impact of fragmentation on anurans might be due to the location of the study area; it still possessed large tracts of continuous forest. These forest blocks may stabilize the regional rainforest climate and thus weaken the effects of fragmentation.
Neural basis of photo/chromatic sensitivity in adolescence
Authors: Yamasaki Takao , Goto Yoshinobu , Kinukawa Naoko , Tobimatsu Shozo
Published: April 2008

Summary

Purpose: To determine a psychophysiological basis for age visual sensitivity to chromatic and achromatic stimuli.

Methods: We investigated the effects of achromatic and four isoluminant color combinations (blue/red, blue/green, green/red, and blue/yellow), luminance ratio changes in color combinations (blue/red; 1:1, 3:4, 4:3) and contrast changes (3 to 100%) on steady‐state electroretinograms (ERGs) and visual evoked potentials (VEPs) in 32 healthy teenagers and 30 young adults.

Results: We found that (1) dual peaks at 9 and 18 Hz with a dip at 12 Hz were observed in VEPs with all isoluminant color combinations, (2) VEP responses were significantly enhanced and the 12‐Hz dip became unclear with luminance ratio changes between two colors with a nonantagonistic relationship (blue/red), and (3) VEP amplitudes were significantly increased when the contrast was increased. These characteristics were more evident in teenagers than young adults; however, ERGs were qualitatively similar between the two groups.

Discussion: The visual cortex is differently modulated by different color‐luminance combinations, and higher sensitivity to color‐luminance combinations in the visual cortex in teenagers is responsible for the high prevalence of photo/chromatic sensitivity in adolescence.
A case‐control evaluation of the ketogenic diet versus ACTH for new‐onset infantile spasms
Authors: Kossoff Eric H. , Hedderick Erika F. , Turner Zahava , Freeman John M.
Published: April 2008

Summary

Purpose: ACTH is currently the standard first‐line therapy for new‐onset infantile spasms, but it has significant side effects. We hypothesized the ketogenic diet (KD), previously reported as beneficial for intractable infantile spasms, would have similar efficacy, but better tolerability than ACTH when used first‐line.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all infants started on the KD (n = 13) and high‐dose ACTH (n = 20) for new‐onset infantile spasms at our institution since 1996.

Results: Infants were spasm‐free in 8 of 13 (62%) infants treated with the KD within 1 month, compared to 18 of 20 (90%) treated initially with ACTH, p = 0.06. When effective, median time to spasm freedom was similar between ACTH and the KD (4.0 vs. 6.5 days, p = 0.18). Those treated with ACTH were more likely to have a normal EEG at 1 month (53% vs. 9%, p = 0.02), however, use of the KD led to EEG normalization within 2–5 months in all eight who became spasm‐free. In the five children in whom the KD was unsuccessful, four became spasm‐free subsequently with ACTH or topiramate immediately. Side effects (31% vs. 80%, p = 0.006) and relapse rate after initial success (12.5% vs. 33%, p = 0.23) were lower with the KD.

Discussion: In this retrospective study, the KD stopped spasms in nearly two‐thirds of cases, and had fewer side effects and relapses than ACTH. ACTH normalized the EEG more rapidly, however. Further prospective study of the KD as, with a 2‐week time limit if unsuccesful, first‐line therapy for infantile spasms is warranted.
Plasmapheresis in asparaginase‐induced hypertriglyceridemia
Authors: Kfoury‐Baz Elizabeth M. , Nassar Rabih A. , Tanios Rita F. , Otrock Zaher K. , Youssef Amira M. , Albany Costantine , Bazarbachi Ali , Salem Ziad M.
Published: April 2008

BACKGROUND: Asparaginase is an essential component of the chemotherapy regimens during the induction and intensification phases for acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma. The administration of asparaginase can cause elevation of the triglyceride levels.

CASE REPORT: This study reports the case of an adult patient presenting with acute pancreatitis secondary to severe hypertriglyceridemia after asparaginase treatment during the consolidation phase of lymphoblastic lymphoma. This condition was successfully treated with plasmapheresis.

CONCLUSIONS: Our case demonstrates that plasmapheresis in severe cases of hypertriglyceridemia offers a safe and efficient treatment option for symptomatic patients.
Autologous serum eyedrops: literature review and implications for transfusion medicine specialists
Authors: Yamada Chisa , King Karen E. , Ness Paul M.
Published: April 2008

Persistent corneal epithelial defects (CEDs) are caused by many diseases that are usually associated with decreased production of tears or reduced corneal sensitivity. Although surgical treatments are available for severe cases, CEDs are still difficult for ophthalmologists to treat.

One treatment for CEDs that is uncommonly used in the United States is autologous serum eyedrops (ASEs). The first application of ASEs was described in 1984. This landmark report was followed by multiple studies that carefully evaluated the epithelial‐promoting properties of ASEs and refined the means of ASE preparation. A number of clinical studies suggested the efficacy of ASEs in various ophthalmologic conditions. This article reviews the efficacy and complications of ASE use reported in these studies. Given that ophthalmologists may consult the blood bank to request ASEs, transfusion medicine physicians should be aware of the issues related to ASE preparation, storage, and potential utility.
Integrated Risk Management and the Role of the Risk Manager
Authors: Colquitt L. Lee , Hoyt Robert E. , Lee Ryan B.
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT: Although the transferring of a firm's pure risk historically has been conducted through the insurance and reinsurance markets, risk managers of large corporations are reportedly becoming more sophisticated with regard to their risk financing strategies. This increased sophistication has come in the form of greater use of techniques such as captives, finite risk insurance, financial reinsurance, and risk retention groups. The purpose of this study is to assess the characteristics and extent of integrated risk management. Using survey data, we evaluate several aspects of risk management integration, including (1) the extent to which risk managers are involved in managing both pure and financial risks facing their firms, (2) the nonoperational types of risks handled by risk managers and the techniques being used to handle a broader set of risks, and (3) the effect that factors such as the size of the firm, the firm's industry, and the background and training of the risk manager has on participation in integrated risk management activities.
The Legal and Economic Evolution of Workers Compensation: Prospects for Enhancing Choice in the System
Authors: Gabel Joan T. A. , Klein Robert W. , Mansfield Nancy R.
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT: Workers compensation in the United States has been designed as a no‐fault system that provides comprehensive medical and income benefits to employees with work‐related injuries. Under its no‐fault concept and the exclusive remedy doctrine, injured workers relinquish the right to sue their employer in tort in exchange for prescribed, guaranteed benefits that are paid promptly without protracted disputes. However, there is considerable evidence of increasing litigation in and outside the system that is undermining its no‐fault principles and siphoning resources away from the efficient delivery of benefits to injured workers. This article reviews the legal and economic developments that are reshaping workers compensation and the threats they pose. The authors argue for a comprehensive reexamination of the structure of the system to resolve the conflicts among its stakeholders and improve its efficiency. Specifically, the authors explore several potential measures that would enhance worker and employer choice to reconcile their interests while restoring the nofault foundation of the system.
Allocation of Capital in the Insurance Industry
Authors: Cummins J. David
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT: This article discusses and critiques the methods that have been proposed for allocating capital in financial institutions, with an emphasis on applications in the insurance industry. The author discusses the rationale for allocating capital by line of business and explains how capital allocation can be used to maximize firm value. The implications for capital allocation of regulatory risk‐based capital and the capital asset pricing model are discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of using value‐at‐risk and insolvency put option criteria in capital allocation are analyzed. Finally, recently proposed methods of marginal capital allocation are evaluated. One conclusion is that using the insolvency put option is superior to value‐at‐risk for allocating capital but that both methods fail to account for diversification across lines in the multi‐line firm. The primary conclusion is that marginal capital allocation methodologies based on option‐pricing models that recognize the effects of diversification are the best approach for allocating capital in the financial industry.
Revealed Preferences of Business Students at a Major State University
Authors: Cox Larry A. , Kamssu Aurore J.
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT: Business schools are facing a rapidly changing environment as new technology and alternative delivery systems erode barriers of time and place. The authors analyze the practices for determining curricula and courses offered by a major state university's business school and conclude that the school operates as a command economy. Such a structure produces artificial demand for some courses and obfuscates the measurement of true student preferences. The authors propose that, at least for full‐capacity courses, enrollment should be replaced as a demand measure by one based on attempts to enroll. The authors' demand measure provides significantly different results from the traditional enrollment measure. The authors' results also provide insight into the relative preferences of students for different courses at the business school and the factors affecting these preferences, with some positive implications for the risk management and insurance discipline.
Insurers' Demutualization Decisions
Authors: Butler Richard J. , Cui Yijing , Whitman Andrew
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT: Several explanations of why mutual insurers choose to demutualize their businesses are examined with a recent survey of mutual insurers. This study adds to the literature by surveying mutual insurers' executives on those factors that would lead them to demutualize their companies. Both univariate and multivariate techniques are applied to analyze those responses. Demutualization is most strongly influenced by access to capital markets, increased organizational flexibility, and the chance for company officers to increase their pay, as prior literature has suggested.
Safety Risk Management in Construction Worksites
Authors: Yee Wah Chin
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT: This study in safety risk management of construction worksites in Singapore stems primarily from recent concerns following several fatal accidents. A greater need for safety is apparent, as the reports from the Ministry of Manpower have shown that construction injuries remain disproportionately high compared to the total number of industrial accidents. The main objectives of this study are to ascertain the safety hazards faced by construction workers and the measures to deal with these hazards.

A questionnaire survey was sent to 150 randomly selected contractors in early November 1999. A 36 percent response rate was obtained. Interviews were conducted with various professionals in the insurance and construction industries to solicit information from the perspective of the practitioners, so that a better understanding of both industries could be achieved. Results indicated that the contractors agreed that practicing good risk management is important. The results of this study are useful to employers in the construction industry who are responsible for providing a safe work environment for workers, as well as to practitioners in the insurance industry involved in construction projects.
Solid‐State Synthesis of 70 nm Li4Ti5O12 Particles by Mechanically Activating Intermediates with Amino Acids
Authors: Matsui Eitaro , Abe Yuichi , Senna Mamoru , Guerfi Abdelbast , Zaghib Karim
Published: April 2008

A novel synthetic method of fine particles of highly pure Li4Ti5O12 with the smallest possible particle size was proposed. A stoichiometric mixture of CH3COOLi·2H2O and anatase fine particles of ca. 50 nm was calcined at 773 K to obtain an intermediate, comprising Li2TiO3 and unreacted titania. The intermediate was then intensively milled by a planetary ball mill for 1 h. After adding an amino acid, glycine, alanine (ALA), or l‐phenylalanine (PHE), the mixture was further milled under a milder condition for another 3 h and subjected to a second calcination at 973 K for 1 h to obtain Li4Ti5O12 with a phase purity above 97%. When we used ALA or PHE as an additive, the microscopically determined average particle size of Li4Ti5O12 was 70±10 nm. The mechanisms and significance of the present two‐step calcination with mechanical activation and addition of an amino acid to the intermediate were discussed in terms of the topotactic nature of transformation between the two layer‐structured species: Li2TiO3 and Li4Ti5O12.
Fabrication of Perovskite‐Based High‐Value Integrated Capacitors by Chemical Solution Deposition
Authors: Sigman Jennifer , Brennecka Geoffrey L. , Clem Paul G. , Tuttle Bruce A.
Published: April 2008

Projected trends for capacitors include increasing capacitance density and decreasing operating voltages, dielectric thickness and process cost. Advances in the fabrication and processing of barium strontium titanate (BST) and lead zirconate titanate (PZT)‐based thin films are presented toward attaining these goals in next‐generation high‐value integrated capacitors. Increasing capacitance density has been demonstrated through the use of large‐area electrodes, multilayer structures, and decreased dielectric layer thickness. Capacitance values as high as 10 μF were obtained in a single‐layer, 10 cm2 film, and layer thicknesses as small as 9 nm have been achieved using chemical solution deposition. Base metal integration results for BST and PZT films are discussed in terms of additional cost and volume reduction; such films have achieved capacitance densities as high as 1.5 μF/cm2 and electric fields of 25 V/μm.
Relationships Between Body‐Shape Discrepancies With Favored Celebrities and Disordered Eating in Young Women
Authors: Shorter Louise , Brown Stephen L. , Quinton Stephanie J. , Hinton Louise
Published: April 2008

Disordered eating is linked to body shapes and images presented in the mass media. Favored celebrities may represent a particularly strong source of influence. We examined cross‐sectional relationships between women's disordered eating and their perceptions of body‐shape differences with favored celebrities. Women between the ages of 18 and 27 rated personal body shapes alongside those of self‐selected favored celebrities. Multivariate analyses showed self/celebrity body‐shape discrepancies to be linked to EAT‐26 diet, bulimia, and oral control scales independent of personal body‐shape and self/ideal discrepancies. For bulimia subscale scores, this relationship was moderated by a more favorable perception of the celebrity relative to the self. Celebrities might be important in creating an unrealistic social comparison standard that contributes to disordered eating.
Challenging the Leader or the Follower: Influence of Need for Emotion and Equality Violations on Emotional and Retributive Reactions in Social Dilemmas1
Authors: Stouten Jeroen
Published: April 2008

Research has shown that if equality is violated in public‐good dilemmas, group members react with more anger if another group member (a follower), rather than if the leader violates equality. The present research argued that people's personality—particularly, need for emotion—moderates group members’ reactions if equality is violated by either the leader or a follower. Results revealed that group members low in need for emotion reacted with more anger and were more inclined to exclude the violator if this person was a follower, rather than the leader of the group. Group members high in need for emotion, however, reacted with more anger and wished to exclude the violator more if this person was the leader, rather than a follower.
Flavonoid‐mediated presenilin‐1 phosphorylation reduces Alzheimer's disease β‐amyloid production
Authors: Rezai‐Zadeh Kavon , Douglas Shytle R. , Bai Yun , Tian Jun , Hou Huayan , Mori Takashi , Zeng Jin , Obregon Demian , Town Terrence , Tan Jun
Published: April 2008

Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK‐3) dysregulation is implicated in the two Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathological hallmarks: β‐amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. GSK‐3 inhibitors may abrogate AD pathology by inhibiting amyloidogenic γ‐secretase cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP). Here, we report that the citrus bioflavonoid luteolin reduces amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptide generation in both human ‘Swedish’ mutant APP transgene‐bearing neuron‐like cells and primary neurons. We also find that luteolin induces changes consistent with GSK‐3 inhibition that (i) decrease amyloidogenic γ‐secretase APP processing, and (ii) promote presenilin‐1 (PS1) carboxyl‐terminal fragment (CTF) phosphorylation. Importantly, we find GSK‐3α activity is essential for both PS1 CTF phosphorylation and PS1‐APP interaction. As validation of these findings in vivo, we find that luteolin, when applied to the Tg2576 mouse model of AD, decreases soluble Aβ levels, reduces GSK‐3 activity, and disrupts PS1‐APP association. In addition, we find that Tg2576 mice treated with diosmin, a glycoside of a flavonoid structurally similar to luteolin, display significantly reduced Aβ pathology. We suggest that GSK‐3 inhibition is a viable therapeutic approach for AD by impacting PS1 phosphorylation‐dependent regulation of amyloidogenesis.
Psychological stress and health in undergraduate dental students: fifth year outcomes compared with first year baseline results from five European dental schools
Authors: Gorter R. , Freeman R. , Hammen S. , Murtomaa H. , Blinkhorn A. , Humphris G.
Published: April 2008

Psychological stress in undergraduate dental students: fifth year outcomes compared with first year baseline results from five European dental schools.

Objective:  To compare the levels of a series of health‐related indicators from a cohort of fifth year dental students from five European schools with their first year scores, and to investigate the relationship between these follow‐up measures.

Methods:  Burnout was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), consisting of three scales: Emotional Exhaustion (EE, α = 0.90), Depersonalisation (α = 0.80) and Personal Accomplishment (α = 0.72). Physical health was measured by the Physical Symptoms Questionnaire (α = 0.82), psychological distress was measured using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ, α = 0.89) and student stress was captured using seven subscales of the Dental Environment Stress questionnaire (DES, α = 0.92). A total of 132 fifth year students responded from five dental schools (Manchester, Belfast, Cork, Helsinki and Amsterdam), a 51% response.

Results:  Fifth year students showed relatively high mean MBI scores when compared with first year results, especially on EE; 39% could be labelled ‘high scorers’; 44% of the students met the criteria for ‘cases’ on the GHQ. Highest mean scores on the DES were obtained on the subscales: Study Obligations, Patient‐Related Aspects and Study Pressure respectively. Between schools interesting differences were detected on all variables. As hypothesised, a clear direct effect of stress on both burnout and physical symptoms was shown. An indirect effect of stress on mental health via burnout was shown.

Conclusions:  Dental students showed a negative development through the years from first to fifth year with regard to EE and psychological distress. Both burnout constructs related to physical and mental health. It is recommended that dental faculty focus on the importance of prevention and intervention of stress amongst undergraduates.
A survey of local anaesthesia education in European dental schools
Authors: Brand H. S. , Kuin D. , Baart J. A.
Published: April 2008

Objective:  A survey of European dental schools was conducted in 2006 to determine the curricular structure, techniques and materials used in local anaesthesia teaching to dental students.

Materials and methods:  A questionnaire was designed to collect information about local anaesthesia education. The questionnaires were sent to the Dean of each dental school in Europe and Israel; 49 returned the completed survey, resulting in a response rate of 18.4%.

Results:  Results from this survey show that dental schools are managing local anaesthesia education in different ways. At most schools, theoretical teaching begins during the first half of the third year (41%), half a year before the practical instruction (43%). In 37% of the dental schools, students use non‐human objects to practice before they inject an anaesthetic in humans. The first injection in humans, usually a fellow student (61%), is mostly supervised by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (65%). The number of injections under supervision usually depends on the individual capabilities of the student (41%). Ten per cent of the schools need permission of a medical ethics committee for the practical instruction on fellow students. All dental curricula include teaching of mandibular block anaesthesia. The majority also include instruction of infiltration anaesthesia of the upper (98%) and lower (92%) jaws in addition to infra‐orbital block anaesthesia (57%). Although 82% of the schools are satisfied with the current curriculum with regard to local anaesthesia, 43% are planning changes, frequently the introduction of preclinical training models.

Conclusion:  Local anaesthesia teaching programmes show considerable variation across the surveyed European dental schools.
Stem cell transplantation in poor‐risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia: assessment of post‐transplant minimal residual disease using four‐ and six‐color flow cytometry and allele‐specific RQ‐PCR
Authors: Itälä Maija , Huhtinen Anna‐Riina , Juvonen Vesa , Kairisto Veli , Pelliniemi Tarja‐Terttu , Penttilä Tarja‐Leena , Rauhala Auvo , Tienhaara Anri , Remes Kari
Published: April 2008

A total of 178 bone marrow samples were taken for minimal residual disease (MRD) analysis after 34 stem cell transplantations for poor‐risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and 86 of them were analyzed in parallel by flow cytometry and allele‐specific oligonucleotide‐PCR (ASO‐PCR). ASO primer was successfully designed for all patients whose frozen diagnosis samples were available. Flow cytometry and ASO‐PCR were concordant, i.e. both either positive or both negative, in 78% of the analyses. Flow cytometry did not detect MRD in any of the samples that were PCR‐negative cases. In contrast, ASO‐PCR detected MRD in samples that were negative for MRD by flow cytometry in 22% of the analyses. In one patient, the immunophenotype but not the IgVH gene sequence had changed during a course of the disease, and MRD could not be followed by flow cytometry. In the remaining cases, the discrepancy was due to a higher sensitivity of ASO‐PCR. Autologous stem cell transplantation resulted in clinical complete response in 87% (20/23) of the patients. By flow cytometry, 35% (8/23) of autotransplanted patients became MRD‐negative, but only 12.5% (2/16) PCR‐negative (sensitivity of ASO‐PCR <0.001 and <0.01, respectively). All allotransplanted patients achieved or maintained hematological CR, and five out of nine patients (56%) became PCR‐negative (sensitivity of PCR between <0.001 and <0.003), two of them having non‐myeloablative conditioning. None of the patients who became PCR‐negative after allogeneic transplantation have relapsed.
Melatonin, consciousness, and traumatic stress
Authors: Bob Petr , Fedor‐Freybergh Peter
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  Descartes intuitively anticipated the so‐called ‘binding problem’ of consciousness and thought that the pineal gland enables spatio‐temporal integration in cognitive processing. Recent findings indicate that a major role in the process of temporal integration and binding involve neurons in suprachiasmatic nuclei, specifically targeting the pineal gland and other structures, and control the neuroendocrine rhythms. Melatonin is an endocrine output signal of the clock and provides circadian information as an endogenous synchronizer which stabilizes and reinforces circadian rhythms. This integrative process occurs at the different levels of the circadian network via gene expression in some brain regions and peripheral structures that enables integration of circadian, hormonal, and metabolic information and creating temporal order of bodily and mental experience. This specific temporal order is reflected in associative sequentiality that is necessary for cognition, behavior and all processes of memory consolidation that must preserve all information in the temporal causal order and synchrony. In this context, recent findings suggest that melatonin could be a potential regulator in the processes that contribute to memory formation, long‐term potentiation, and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus and other brain regions. There is evidence that stress disrupts normal activity and memory consolidation in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and this process leads to memories that are stored without a contextual or spatiotemporal frame. These findings emphasize a specific role of melatonin in mechanisms of consciousness, memory and stress and are also consistent with reported studies that indicate melatonin alterations under stressful conditions and in mental disorders.
Utility of melatonin to treat surgical stress after major vascular surgery – a safety study
Authors: Kücükakin Bülent , Lykkesfeldt Jens , Nielsen Hans Jørgen , Reiter Russel J. , Rosenberg Jacob , Gögenur Ismail
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  Surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm is associated with elevated oxidative stress. As an antioxidant in animal and human studies, melatonin has the potential of ameliorating some of this oxidative stress, but melatonin has never been administered to adults during surgery for the purpose of reducing oxidative damage. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the safety of various doses of melatonin administered during or after surgery and to monitor the changes in biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation during the pre‐, intra‐, and postoperative period. Six patients undergoing aortic surgery received 10 (n = 2), 30 (n = 2) or 60 (n = 2) mg melatonin intravenously in the intraoperative phase and 10 mg orally for three nights after surgery. Patients were monitored for hemodynamic parameters during and after surgery. Any unexpected events during the hospitalization were registered. Blood samples were collected preoperatively and at 5 min, 6 hr and 24 hr after clamp removal or after re‐circulation of the first leg and the samples were analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA), ascorbic acid (AA), dehydroascorbic acid (DHA), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). Troponin I (TpI) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) were also measured for 4 days after surgery. Melatonin administration did not change hemodynamic parameters (mean arterial pressure or pulse rate) during surgery (P = 0.499 and 0.149, respectively), but oxidative stress parameters (MDA and AA) decreased significantly (P = 0.014 and 0.001, respectively). There was a significant increase in the inflammatory parameters (IL‐6 and CRP) (P = 0.001 and 0.001, respectively) and an increase in TpI (P = 0.009) as a consequence of surgery. These were not influenced by melatonin treatment. Treatment of patients undergoing major aortic surgery with melatonin intravenously up to 60 mg in the intraoperative phase was safe and without complications. Melatonin may decrease oxidative damage resulting from surgery, but randomized clinical trials are required before definitive conclusions can be drawn regarding the clinical benefit of melatonin in surgical situations.
Etiology and environment of dental injuries in 12‐ to 14‐year‐old Ontario schoolchildren
Authors: Fakhruddin Kausar Sadia , Lawrence Herenia P. , Kenny David J. , Locker David
Published: April 2008

Abstract –  This study reports on the etiology and environment where dental injuries occurred and assesses the relationship between dental trauma, socio‐economic status and dental caries experience. A population‐based, matched case‐comparison study was undertaken in 30 schools in two Ontario communities. Dental hygienists calibrated in the use of the Dental Trauma Index (DTI) screened 2422 children aged 12 and 14 years using DTI and Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth indices. Cases (n = 135) were children with evidence of dental injury. Controls (n = 135) were children randomly selected after screening and matched with cases according to age and gender. Questionnaires were mailed to parents and children. Prevalence of dental injury was 11.4%, mostly minor injuries 63.7% (enamel fracture not involving dentin), affecting one upper central incisor (70.4%). The mean age at the time of dental injuries was 9.5 years (SD = 1.49; range: 6–13 years). Dental trauma most often occurred among boys at school because of falls or while playing sports. The relationship between dental injuries and the socio‐economic indicators chosen was not statistically significant. However, a statistically significant direct relationship (P < 0.001) was shown between increased caries experience and dental injuries. This should focus attention on possible common‐risk factors such as health‐related behavioral problems that may affect both dental disease and dental injuries.
Treatment of root surface in delayed tooth replantation: a review of literature
Authors: Panzarini Sônia Regina , Gulinelli Jéssica Lemos , Poi Wilson Roberto , Sonoda Celso Koogi , Pedrini Denise , Brandini Daniela Atili
Published: April 2008

Abstract –  The time elapsed between a trauma and tooth replantation usually ranges from 1 to 4 h. The chances of root surface damage are higher when tooth replantation is not performed immediately or if the avulsed tooth is not stored in an adequate medium. This invariably leads to necrosis of pulp tissue, periodontal ligament cells and cementum, thus increasing the possibility of root resorption, which is the main cause of loss of replanted teeth. This paper presents a comprehensive review of literature on root surface treatments performed in cases of delayed tooth replantation with necrotic cemental periodontal ligament. Journal articles retrieved from PubMed/MedLine, Bireme and Scielo databases were reviewed. It was observed that, when there are no periodontal ligament remnants and contamination is under control, replacement resorption and ankylosis are the best results and that, although these events will end up leading to tooth loss, this will happen slowly with no loss of the alveolar ridge height, which is important for future prosthesis planning.
Post‐treatment effects of subantimicrobial dose doxycycline on clinical parameters and gingival crevicular fluid transforming growth factor‐β1 in severe, generalized chronic periodontitis
Authors: Gürkan A , Emingil G , Çınarcık S , Berdeli A
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  Objective:  Present study aimed to evaluate the effect of 3‐month adjunctive subantimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD) on clinical parameters and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) transforming growth factor‐beta1 (TGF‐β1) levels in chronic periodontitis patients over 12 months.

Methods:  Thirty‐five patients with severe, generalized periodontitis participated in the present randomized, placebo‐controlled study. Patients received scaling and root planing (SRP) plus 3 months adjunctive SDD or placebo. Clinical measurements and GCF sampling were performed at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Eleven periodontally healthy subjects served as controls for GCF TGF‐β1 analysis.

Results:  Clinical parameters of both SDD and placebo groups significantly improved during the study (P < 0.0125). SDD group exhibited significantly higher PD reduction at deep sites (baseline PD ≥7 mm) compared with placebo group at 6 months (P < 0.05). In SDD group significantly higher percentage of deep pockets resolved (PD reduction ≥3 mm from baseline) when compared with placebo group at 6 and 9 months (73.4% versus 49.7%; 79.9% versus 50.6%, respectively, P < 0.05). PD reduction ≥4 mm for deep pockets from baseline was also greater in SDD group than placebo at 6 months (53.4% versus 36.3%, P < 0.05). GCF TGF‐β1 levels of SDD group was significantly higher than baseline (P < 0.0125) and placebo group (P < 0.017) at 3 months.

Conclusions:  These results ensure further data for beneficial effects of adjunctive SDD therapy in the management of severe chronic periodontitis.
Oral health‐related quality of life in children: Part II. Effects of clinical oral health status. A systematic review
Authors: Barbosa TS , Gavião MBD
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  Objective:  Children are affected by numerous oral and orofacial disorders, which have the potential to compromise functioning, well‐being and the quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this paper was to review the literature about children’s clinical oral health status and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and to assess the respective association.

Materials and methods:  The authors searched Medline, ISI, Lilacs and Scielo for articles from 1985 to 2007. The inclusion criteria were randomized, cross‐sectional, longitudinal or retrospective studies that used well‐validated oral health‐related QoL instruments, children self‐applied questionnaires and quantitative measurements of clinical oral health status.

Results:  Of the 402 articles that were critically assessed, 12 studies were included in the critical appraisal of the project.

Conclusions:  There is a relationship between clinical oral health status and HRQoL in children. In the studies that suggested weak relationships between children’s oral conditions and HRQoL, the explanations were low disease levels in the sample, the conditions under investigation may have caused immeasurably low levels of impact or the impacts were mediated by inter‐ and intravariables according to culture and education. Moreover, relationships between biological or clinical variables and HRQoL outcomes are not direct, but mediated by a variety or personal, social and environmental variables, as well as by the child development, which have influence on the comprehension about the relationship among health, illness and QoL. So, longitudinal studies are necessary to determine validity, responsiveness and minimal clinically important difference.
Collective behavior in gene regulation: Post‐transcriptional regulation and the temporal compartmentalization of cellular cycles
Authors: Palumbo Maria C. , Farina Lorenzo , De Santis Alberto , Giuliani Alessandro , Colosimo Alfredo , Morelli Giorgio , Ruberti Ida
Published: April 2008

Self‐sustained oscillations are perhaps the most studied objects in science. The accomplishment of such a task reliably and accurately requires the presence of specific control mechanisms to face the presence of variable and largely unpredictable environmental stimuli and noise. Self‐sustained oscillations of transcript abundance are, in fact, widespread and are not limited to the reproductive cycle but are also observed during circadian rhythms, metabolic cycles, developmental cycles and so on. To date, much of the literature has focused on the transcriptional machinery underlying control of the basic timing of transcript abundance. However, mRNA abundance is known to be regulated at the post‐transcriptional level also and the relative contribution of the two mechanisms to gene‐expression programmes is currently a major challenge in molecular biology. Here, we review recent results showing the relevance of the post‐transcriptional regulation layer and present a statistical reanalysis of the yeast metabolic cycle using publicly available gene‐expression and RNA‐binding data. Taken together, the recent theoretical and experimental developments reviewed and the results of our reanalysis strongly indicate that regulation of mRNA stability is a widespread, phase‐specific and finely tuned mechanism for the multi‐layer control of gene expression needed to achieve high flexibility and adaptability to external and internal signals.