bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Esthetic Correction of Gingival Recession Using a Modified Tunnel Technique and an Acellular Dermal Connective Tissue Allograft
Authors: MAHN DOUGLAS H.
Published: June 2007

Esthetic correction of gingival recession is an important goal of periodontal therapy. This article describes a surgical technique that combines a modified tunnel technique and an acellular dermal connective tissue allograft. With the aid of vertical incisions, a tunnel is created under the buccal mucosa of the affected tooth. These incisions enable easy access for graft placement and create mobility for gingival coronal positioning. The use of an acellular dermal connective tissue allograft eliminates the need for a surgical palatal donor site. This minimizes postsurgical complications.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The combination of a modified tunnel technique and an acellular dermal connective tissue allograft permits esthetic root coverage in a manner that reduces postsurgical complications.
Critical Appraisal
Authors: Demke Richard , Ewoldsen Nels , Swift Edward J.
Published: June 2007

Many dentists still view zinc phosphate as the “gold standard” for luting cast and porcelain‐fused‐to‐metal restorations. Introduced in 1879, zinc phosphate cement has withstood the test of time and gained a reputation for reliability despite its nonadhesive qualities and association with postcementation sensitivity when handled improperly. Hewer classes of luting cements have been introduced, including polycarboxylate, glass ionomer, resin‐reinforced (resin‐modified) glass ionomer, and resin composite. Several of these materials have advantages over zinc phosphate, including adhesion to alloys and tooth structure, fluoride release, and improved physical properties. Conversely, they also exhibit some disadvantages, such as higher cost, complex handling requirements, and adhesive qualities that can make retrieval of castings impossible. This “Critical Appraisal” reviews recent articles dealing with newer luting cements in an effort to give readers some assistance in their selection and use.

Two publications address the effect of handling and manipulation variables on the physical properties of various cements. Another in vitro investigation highlights the margin sealing effect of resin‐modified glass ionomer composite (GIC) with and without saliva contamination. Finally, a large retrospective study reports clinical outcomes of anterior and posterior alumina core all‐ceramic crowns luted with a resin‐modified GIC. The significance of each publication is discussed below.
Higher‐Concentration Carbamide Peroxide Effects on Surface Roughness of Composites
Authors: LANGSTEN ROBERT E. , DUNN WILLIAM J. , HARTUP GRANT R. , MURCHISON DAVID F.
Published: June 2007

Background: Ten percent carbamide peroxide has been used extensively within the dental profession for the purpose of bleaching teeth. Although this method has been successful, the use of higher‐concentration carbamide peroxides (20–35%) for home bleaching has increased substantially in the past few years. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in surface roughness of a hybrid and a microfilled composite after exposure to bleaching agents containing higher concentrations of carbamide peroxide.

Materials and Methods: Sixty‐eight circular, resin‐based composite specimens (8 mm ± 2 mm) were prepared against a Mylar surface. Half of the specimens were fabricated from a hybrid composite material and the other half with a microfilled composite. Specimens were polished with aluminum oxide finishing disks, divided into four groups, and then exposed either to 20% carbamide peroxide for 3 hours per day for 14 days or to 35% carbamide peroxide for 1 hour per day for 14 days. The mean surface roughness (Ra) was determined for each specimen before and after exposure to bleaching agents, using mechanical profilometry. Data were analyzed by two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for differences between composite type, carbamide peroxide concentrations, and interaction of the two factors with respect to average surface roughness. All data analysis was performed at α= 0.05.

Results: Mean change from baseline of surface roughness (Ra) of microfilled composite and 20% carbamide peroxide was −0.03 μm ± 0.10 um; microfilled composite and 35% carbamide peroxide: 0.01 pm ± 0.02 um; hybrid composite and 20% carbamide peroxide: −0.43 um ± 0.91 um; hybrid composite and 35% carbamide peroxide: −0.19 pm ± 0.43 pm. Surface roughness of hybrid or microfilled composite did not change significantly from baseline with either concentration of carbamide peroxide (p = .300).
Evaluation of Microleakage in Cervical Margins of Various Posterior Restorative Systems
Authors: DE CASTRO ANA KARINA BARBIERI BEDRAN , PIMENTA LUIZ ANDRÉ FREIRE , AMARAL CRISTIANE MARIOTE , AMBROSANO GLÁUCIA MARIA BONI
Published: June 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the microleakage and dye penetration patterns of various restorative systems in the cervical margins of Class II cavities using the dye penetration technique.

Materials and Methods: Ninety bovine incisors were selected and part of the crown was sectioned producing a standardized occlusogingival margin of 4 mm. Standardized Class II box cavities were designed on the mesial (MO) and distal (OD) surfaces with the gingival margin in dentin. The cavities were randomly divided into six groups (n = 30): group 1 (control), Etch & Prime 3.0 (Degussa AG) + Definite (Degussa AG); group 2, Prime & Bond NT (Dentsply De Trey) + Definite; group 3, Etch & Prime 3.0 + flowable composite resin Wave (SDI) + Definite; group 4 (control), Prime & Bond NT + TPH Spectrum (Denstply De Trey); group 5, Etch & Prime 3.0 + TPH Spectrum; group 6, Prime & Bond NT + Wave + TPH Spectrum. After they were finished and polished, the specimens were subjected to 1500 thermal cycles in baths of 5°± 2°C and 55°± 2°C with 60 seconds of dwell time for each bath. After the thermocycling, the specimens were sealed with acid‐resistant varnish, leaving a 1‐mm window around the cervical margin interface, and immersed in 2% methylene blue buffered solution for 4 hours. Then the specimens were sectioned longitudinally in half and qualitatively evaluated under stereomicroscopy at 45 times magnification, using ranked scores for the dentin cervical margin (0–4). The dye penetration pattern (adhesive or dentinal) was also evaluated. The data were subjected to a reproducibility kappa test, and the mean of the three examiners' scores was analyzed by the Kruskal‐Wallis nonparametric test and a multiple comparison nonparametric test. Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate the dye penetration pattern.

Results: The rank sums of the groups were expressed in decreasing order: group 4, 67.23a; group 3, 72.58ab; group 6, 78.43ab; group 5, 93.19bc; group 2, 112.97c; group 1, 113.52c. (Statistically significant differences are expressed by different superscript letters.) The results indicate that none of the systems used in this study was able to impede microleakage, and that the use of a flowable resin decreases the values of leakage only for Definite composite resin. The dye penetration pattern for the groups that used Prime & Bond NT was predominantly dentinal, whereas the pattern for Etch & Prime 3.0 groups was adhesive.
Critical Appraisal
Authors: Strub Jörg R. , Heydecke Guido , Swift Edward J.
Published: June 2007

A number of studies have introduced patient‐based outcome measures into the dental literature. Patient‐based outcomes most often are collected using a questionnaire approach. The assessment of oral health status or oral health‐related quality of life may be a promising concept supplementing clinical data. This review presents articles on the development of a measure of oral health status and the application of this concept in clinical studies.
Critical Appraisal
Authors: Raigrodski Ariel J. , Chiche Gerard J. , Swift Edward J.
Published: June 2007

The use of all‐ceramic fixed partial dentures is still controversial, although materials for ceramic frameworks have been introduced into the market and new materials and techniques and technologies for their fabrication are constantly evolving. In the quest to provide scientific data evaluating these new systems and to provide clinicians with guidelines for their use, in vitro studies followed by clinical ones have been and are currently performed. Although in vitro strength studies provide both clinicians and researchers with useful information for selecting ceramic materials and techniques for further research, they might not directly predict or reflect clinical performance. To enhance their clinical relevance, in vitro studies should better mimic oral conditions, such as cyclic loading and contact stresses, tooth mobility, temperature changes, and chemically assisted degradation. Such in vitro studies simulating oral conditions will provide clinically relevant information. However, clinicians must rely on the results of properly designed clinical studies to determine the efficacy of all‐ceramic fixed partial dentures before prescribing such treatment to their patients. This “Critical Appraisal” continues a discussion of the in vitro studies. Part III will discuss the clinical studies on the clinical performance of all‐ceramic fixed partial dentures.
Diagnosis and Management of Maxillary Incisors Affected by Incisal Wear: An Interdisciplinary Case Report
Authors: BERNARDON JUSSARA KARINA , MAIA ELAINE A. VILELA , CARDOSO ANTÔNIO CARLOS , DE ARAÚJO EDSON MEDEIROS , MONTEIRO SYLVIO
Published: June 2007

In the attempt to restore anterior teeth affected by erosion and bruxism, many clinicians have been frustrated with the constant restorative failures. Frequently, these failures are attributed to the restorative materials employed, especially in cases in which composite resins are used. However, some flaws of the restorations are related to the oversight of occlusal principles. The purpose of this article is to discuss the etiology, signs, and symptoms of incisal wear, with special attention to that caused by bruxism and chemical erosion. Relatively simple management techniques (e.g., occlusal adjustment, adhesive restorations) are proposed, and the diagnosis and management of a representative clinical case is presented.
Capping the Inflamed Pulp under Different Clinical Conditions
Authors: TROPE MARTIN , McDOUGAL ROGER , LEVIN LINDA , MAY KENNETH N. , SWIFT EDWARD J.
Published: June 2007

Background: A great deal of controversy exists regarding the reliability of capping the inflamed pulp. In particular, the use of calcium hydroxide as a capping agent has come into question. In this study, hard tissue barrier formation after inflamed pulps were capped directly or after partial pulpotomy was compared with calcium hydroxide or bonded resin and with no additional seal or an IRM surface seal. Seventy teeth in five dogs were used. Ten untreated teeth were used as negative controls. In 60 teeth, pulpal inflammation was induced by preparing a cavity close to the pulp and sealing a cotton pellet soaked in plaque in it for 1 to 2 weeks. The cavities were then re‐entered and extended to expose the pulps.

Materials and Methods: In half the teeth (n = 30) a partial pulpotomy was performed and in the other half (n = 30) pulpal treatment was performed on the superficial exposed pulp. Both pulpal treatment groups received the same restorative procedures: (1) calcium hydroxide + amalgam + IRM surface seal; (2) OptiBond Solo, Prodigy with IRM surface seal; or (3) OptiBond Solo, Prodigy without IRM surface seal. The presence, absence, and quality of a hard tissue barrier were evaluated histologically.

Results: The calcium hydroxide groups were statistically superior to all other groups. The IRM surface seal resulted in significantly better healing. Although there was no statistically significant difference between direct pulp capping and partial pulpotomy with the numbers in this study, power statistics indicated that in clinical practice a partial pulpotomy would be preferable.
In Vitro Wear Simulation Measurements of Composite versus Resin‐Modified Glass Ionomer Luting Cements for All‐Ceramic Restorations
Authors: BRAGA ROBKRTO R. , CONDON JOHN R. , FERRACANK JACK L.
Published: June 2007

Background: Although composite cements are generally indicated for cementation of all‐ceramic restorations, some manufacturers of dental cements propose that resin‐modified glass ionomers (RMGIs) may be used for cementation of high‐strength ceramic restorations.

Purpose: This study was undertaken to compare the in vitro abrasion and attrition wear of two dual‐cure cements (in dual‐cure and self‐cure modes) and two RMGI cements when placed between ceramic and enamel to simulate the margin of a restoration.

Methods: Rectangular fragments of pressed ceramic (Empress 2) were cemented between the halves of bovine incisors sectioned mesiodistally, using one of the following materials: RelyX ARC, Variolink II, RelyX Luting, or ProTec CEM. The two resin cements were tested in dual‐cure and self‐cure modes. A three‐body wear test was performed in the new Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) oral wear simulator (100,000 cycles; abrasion load: 20 N; attrition load: 90 N). Degree of conversion of resin cements was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Results were analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey's test (p = .05). Epoxy replicas of wear specimens were observed in the scanning electron microscope.

Results: No significant differences in abrasion wear (RelyX ARC dual‐cure: 11± 4.4 urn; RelyX ARC self‐cure: 17 ± 7.0 urn; Variolink dual‐cure: 14 ± 8.6 urn; Variolink self‐cure: 23 ± 10.7 um) or attrition wear (RelyX ARC dual‐cure: 18 ± 6.4 um; RelyX ARC self‐cure: 31 ± 4.5 um; Variolink dual‐cure: 32 ± 6.8 um; Variolink self‐cure: 39 ± 15.9 pm) were found between activation modes of the resin cements. ProTec CEM (32 ± 8.7 um) showed abrasion similar to that of Variolink II and RelyX ARC self‐cure. Resin‐modified glass ionomers showed more attrition wear than the resin cements (ProTec CEM: 62 ± 13.0 um; RelyX Luting: 69 ± 7.1 um). RelyX ARC showed a similar degree of conversion for both activation modes (dual‐cure: 70 ± 4.3%; self‐cure: 68 ± 1.2%), but Variolink II had a higher degree of conversion in dual‐cure mode (67 ± 0.5% vs 60 ± 1.0%). Cement wear was accompanied by marginal breakdown and increased surface roughness of enamel and ceramic.

Conclusions: The activation mode of resin cements did not influence their wear resistance. The RMGIs underwent higher attrition wear than the resin cements.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Increased submargination associated with marginal breakdown and increased roughness of the surrounding structures may be expected when ceramic inlays are cemented with resin‐modified glass ionomers.
Curing‐Dependent Changes in Color and Translucency Parameter of Composite Bleach Shades
Authors: PARAVINA RADE D. , ONTIVEROS JOE C. , POWERS JOHN M.
Published: June 2007

Purpose: The goal of this study was to evaluate curing‐dependent changes in color and translucency parameter (TP) values of composite bleach shades.

Materials and Methods: Thirty bleach shades of microhybrid and microfill composites were analyzed. Specimens (n = 5) were made as disks, 10 mm in diameter and 2 mm thick, using cylindrical molds. Specimens were polymerized for 60 seconds using a light‐curing unit. Data were collected before and after composite curing using a spectrophotometer and analyzed using the appropriate color‐difference metric equations.

Results: L*a*b* ranges (maximum minus minimum values) for microhybrids were 17.7, 2.91, and 7.97, respectively. Corresponding ranges for microfills were 14.4,1.26, and 4.27, respectively. Curing‐dependent color differences varied from 3.7 to 12.0 δE* units, whereas TP values of cured resin composites varied from 2.0 to 7.1. Light‐curing caused increase of microhybrid TP values (+0.7) and decrease of microfill TP values (‐0.7). Color differences were found to be acceptable for five of six composite pairs of the same shade designation (each of them made by the same manufacturer) in post‐curing measurements against white background.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

Curing‐dependent color and TP changes indicate that dentists should use cured composite for matching of shade and translucency. Tested materials became less saturated, with microhybrids becoming darker and microfills becoming lighter after polymerization. Light‐curing caused an increase in translucency of microhybrids and a reduced translucency in microfills.
ALL‐CERAMIC FIXED PARTIAL DENTURES, PART I: IN VITRO STUDIES
Authors: Raigrodski Ariel J. , Chiche Gerard J.
Published: June 2007

The use of all‐ceramic fixed partial dentures is still controversial, although materials for ceramic frameworks have been introduced into the market and new materials and techniques and technologies for their fabrication are constantly evolving. In the quest to provide scientific data evaluating these new systems and to provide clinicians with guidelines for their use, in vitro studies followed by clinical ones have been and are currently performed. Although in vitro strength studies provide both clinicians and researchers with useful information for selecting ceramic materials and techniques for further research, they might not directly predict or reflect clinical performance. To enhance their clinical relevance, in vitro studies should better mimic oral conditions, such as cyclic loading and contact stresses, tooth mobility, temperature changes, and chemically assisted degradation. Such in vitro studies simulating oral conditions will provide clinically relevant information. However, clinicians must rely on the results of properly designed clinical studies to determine the efficacy of all‐ceramic fixed partial dentures before prescribing such treatment to their patients. The “Critical Appraisals” in this issue and the next discuss the in vitro studies. Fart HI of the series will discuss the clinical studies on the clinical performance of all‐ceramic fixed partial dentures.
Esthetic Restoration of the Traumatized and Surgically Reconstructed Anterior Maxilla
Authors: TIPTON PAUL A.
Published: June 2007

A car accident victim can lose not only anterior teeth but also the soft‐ and hard‐tissue support for these teeth. This article describes a step‐by‐step approach to the treatment protocol for an accident victim in whom anterior teeth and the supporting tissues have been lost. The protocol is systematic and can be used for most accident cases, where the functional and esthetic demands are very high.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

This article demonstrates how excellent teamwork among the dentist, implant surgeon, and laboratory technician can result in a well‐conceived and successful restoration following traumatic injury of the dentition.
Safety and Stability of Nightguard Vital Bleaching: 9 to 12 Years Post‐treatment
Authors: RITTER ANDRÉ V. , LEONARD RALPH H. , GEORGES ANNIE J. ST. , CAPLAN DANIEL J. , HAYWOOD VAN B.
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT: Purpose: The purposes of this retrospective case series study were to evaluate safety issues and determine participants' perceptions of a nightguard vital bleaching (NGVB) technique approximately 10 years post‐treatment (average, 118 mo; range, 108–144 mo).

Materials and Methods: The study sample included 30 (79%) of 38 participants who had completed a previous NGVB study using a 10% carbamide peroxide solution (Proxigel® or Gly‐Oxide®) in a custom tray for 6 weeks. Participants were asked whether there had been any change in the shade of their teeth post‐treatment and, if so, to quantify the change on a verbal scale. In addition, 19 participants had gingival index and tooth vitality evaluated clinically, external cervical root anatomy evaluated radiographically, and enamel surface changes evaluated microscopically.

Results: Thirty‐five (92%) of the original 38 participants had successful lightening of their teeth. At approximately 10 years post‐treatment (average, 118 mo; range, 108–144 mo), external cervical resorption was not diagnosed and gingival index and tooth vitality findings were considered within the normal expectations for the sample studied, suggesting minimal clinical post‐NGVB side effects at approximately 10 years. Scanning electron microscopic observations did not reveal substantial differences between treated and nontreated surfaces. Color stability, as perceived by 43% of the participants, may last approximately 10 years (average, 118 mo; range, 108–144 mo) post‐treatment.
Self‐Etching Primer and Resin‐Based Restorative Material: Two‐Year Clinical Evaluation
Authors: GORDAN VALERIA V. , MJOR IVAR A. , VAZQUEZ OSCAR , WATSON RONALD E. , WILSON NAIRN
Published: June 2007

Purpose: This study was undertaken to evaluate the performance of posterior restorations placed using a self‐etching primer (Fluorobond, Shofu Inc., Kyoto, Japan) and a universal resin‐based restorative material (Beautifil, Shofu Inc., Kyoto, Japan).

Materials and Methods: The 61 restorations evaluated were 26 Class I and 35 Class II that were placed by two clinicians in 31 patients. Two other calibrated clinicians evaluated the restorations using United States Public Health Service (USPHS)/Ryge criteria observing the following characteristics: color match, marginal adaptation, anatomy, roughness, marginal staining, interfacial staining, contact, secondary caries, and luster. Restorations were placed under rubber dam isolation. Chi‐squared and Fisher's exact tests were used for statistical analysis (p= .05).

Results: All the restorations were assessed at baseline and alfa scores predominated for all criteria. At the 12‐month recall examination, one patient dropped out of the study and two restorations were replaced by a clinician not involved in the project. At 24‐month recall, 58 restorations were examined (23 Class I and 35 Class II). From baseline to 24 months, 19 of the 44 restorations changed from alfa to bravo and 13 from bravo to alfa for a variety of reasons. No significant differences were found for any of the clinical criteria (p > .05). The 2‐year recall substantiated the 1‐year results.

Conclusion: Beautifil and the self‐etching primer Fluorobond provided satisfactory restorations after a 2‐year observation period.
Public Health Decision‐Makers' Informational Needs and Preferences for Receiving Research Evidence
Authors: Dobbins Maureen , Jack Susan , Thomas Helen , Kothari Anita
Published: June 2007

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify decision‐makers' preferences for the transfer and exchange of research knowledge. This article is focused on how the participants define evidence‐based decision‐making and their preferences for receiving research evidence to integrate into the decision‐making process.

Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 16 Ontario public health decision‐makers from six Ontario public health units in this fundamental qualitative descriptive study. The sample included nine program managers, six directors, and one Medical Officer of Health. Participants were asked to define the term evidence‐based decision‐making and identify preferred research dissemination strategies. The interviews were audio‐taped, transcribed verbatim, and coded for emerging concepts.

Results: Participants defined evidence‐based decision‐making as a process whereby multiple sources of information were consulted before making a decision concerning the provision of services. To facilitate integration of research evidence into the decision‐making process, public health administrators appreciate receiving, in both electronic and hard copy, systematic reviews, executive summaries of research, and clear statements of implications for practice from health service researchers.

Conclusions: Although consensus exists among participants concerning the definition of evidence based public health decision‐making, ongoing efforts are required to continue to promote the use of research evidence in program planning and public health policy. It is also important to continue to improve the ease with which public health decision‐makers access systematic reviews, as well as to ensure the relevance and applicability of the results to the practice setting.
Isothermal unfolding studies on the apo and holo forms of Plasmodium falciparum acyl carrier protein
Authors: Modak Rahul , Sinha Sharmistha , Surolia Namita
Published: June 2007

The unfolding pathways of the two forms of Plasmodium falciparum acyl carrier protein, the apo and holo forms, were determined by guanidine hydrochloride‐induced denaturation. Both the apo form and the holo form displayed a reversible two‐state unfolding mechanism. The analysis of isothermal denaturation data provides values for the conformational stability of the two proteins. Although both forms have the same amino acid sequence, and they have similar secondary structures, it was found that the – ΔG of unfolding of the holo form was lower than that of the apo form at all the temperatures at which the experiments were done. The higher stability of the holo form can be attributed to the number of favorable contacts that the 4′‐phosphopantetheine group makes with the surface residues by virtue of a number of hydrogen bonds. Furthermore, there are several hydrophobic interactions with 4′‐phosphopantetheine that firmly maintain the structure of the holo form. We show here for the first time that the interactions between 4′‐phosphopantetheine and the polypeptide backbone of acyl carrier protein stabilize the protein. As Plasmodium acyl carrier protein has a similar secondary structure to the other acyl carrier proteins and acyl carrier protein‐like domains, the detailed biophysical characterization of Plasmodium acyl carrier protein can serve as a prototype for the analysis of the conformational stability of other acyl carrier proteins.
Modulation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor transactivation by carbaryl, a nonconventional ligand
Authors: Boronat Susanna , Casado Susana , Navas José M. , Piña Benjamin
Published: June 2007

Carbaryl (1‐naphthyl‐N‐methylcarbamate), a widely used carbamate insecticide, induces cytochrome P450 1A gene expression in mammalian cells. This activity is usually mediated by the interaction of the compound with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. However, it has been proposed that this mechanism does not apply to carbaryl because its structure differs from that of typical aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands. We show here that carbaryl promotes activation of target genes in a yeast‐based bioassay expressing both aryl hydrocarbon receptor and aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator. By contrast, carbaryl acted as a competitive inhibitor, rather than as an agonist, in a simplified yeast system, in which aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator function is bypassed by fusing aryl hydrocarbon receptor to a heterologous DNA binding domain. This dual action of carbaryl, agonist and partial antagonist, was also observed by comparing carbaryl response in two vertebrate cell lines. A yeast two‐hybrid assay showed that the mammalian coactivator cAMP response element‐binding protein readily interacts with aryl hydrocarbon receptor bound to its canonical ligand β‐naphthoflavone, but not with the carbaryl–aryl hydrocarbon receptor complex. We propose that carbaryl interacts with aryl hydrocarbon receptor, but that its peculiar structure imposes a substandard configuration on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligand‐binding domain that prevents interaction with key coactivators and activates transcription without the need for aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator. This effect may be relevant in explaining its physiological effects in exposed animals, and may help to predict its effects, and that of similar compounds, in humans. Our data also identify the aryl hydrocarbon receptor/cAMP response element‐binding protein interaction as a molecular target for the identification and development of new aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonists.
Dictyostelium differentiation‐inducing factor‐1 induces glucose transporter 1 translocation and promotes glucose uptake in mammalian cells
Authors: Omata Waka , Shibata Hiroshi , Nagasawa Masahiro , Kojima Itaru , Kikuchi Haruhisa , Oshima Yoshiteru , Hosaka Kohei , Kubohara Yuzuru
Published: June 2007

The differentiation‐inducing factor‐1 (DIF‐1) is a signal molecule that induces stalk cell formation in the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum, while DIF‐1 and its analogs have been shown to possess antiproliferative activity in vitro in mammalian tumor cells. In the present study, we investigated the effects of DIF‐1 and its analogs on normal (nontransformed) mammalian cells. Without affecting the cell morphology and cell number, DIF‐1 at micromolar levels dose‐dependently promoted the glucose uptake in confluent 3T3‐L1 fibroblasts, which was not inhibited with wortmannin or LY294002 (inhibitors for phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase). DIF‐1 affected neither the expression level of glucose transporter 1 nor the activities of four key enzymes involved in glucose metabolism, such as hexokinase, fluctose 6‐phosphate kinase, pyruvate kinase, and glucose 6‐phosphate dehydrogenase. Most importantly, stimulation with DIF‐1 was found to induce the translocation of glucose transporter 1 from intracellular vesicles to the plasma membranes in the cells. In differentiated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes, DIF‐1 induced the translocation of glucose trasporter 1 (but not of glucose transporter 4) and promoted glucose uptake, which was not inhibited with wortmannin. These results indicate that DIF‐1 induces glucose transporter 1 translocation and thereby promotes glucose uptake, at least in part, via a inhibitors for phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt‐independent pathway in mammalian cells. Furthermore, analogs of DIF‐1 that possess stronger antitumor activity than DIF‐1 were less effective in promoting glucose consumption, suggesting that the mechanism of the action of DIF‐1 for stimulating glucose uptake should be different from that for suppressing tumor cell growth.
The Runx3 distal transcript encodes an additional transcriptional activation domain
Authors: Chung David D. , Honda Kazuho , Cafuir Lorraine , McDuffie Marcia , Wotton David
Published: June 2007

The runt family transcriptional regulator, Runx3, is upregulated during the differentiation of CD8 single‐positive thymocytes and is expressed in peripheral CD8+ T cells. Mice carrying targeted deletions in Runx3 have severe defects in the development and activation of CD8+ T cells, resulting in decreased CD8+ T‐cell numbers, aberrant coexpression of CD4, and failure to expand CD8+ effector cells after activation in vivo or in vitro. Expression of each of the three vertebrate runt family members, including Runx3, is controlled by two promoters that generate proteins with alternative N‐terminal sequences. The longer N‐terminal region of Runx3, expressed from the distal promoter, is highly conserved among family members and across species. We show that transcripts from the distal Runx3 promoter are selectively expressed in mature CD8+ T cells and are upregulated upon activation. We show that the N‐terminal region encoded by these transcripts carries an independent transcriptional activation domain. This domain can activate transcription in isolation, and contributes to the increased transcriptional activity observed with this isoform as compared to those expressed from the ancestral, proximal promoter. Together, these data suggest an important role for the additional N‐terminal Runx3 activation domain in CD8+ T‐cell function.
Factors affecting severity of bicycle‐related injuries: The role of helmets in preventing head injuries
Authors: Abu‐Zidan Fikri M , Nagelkerke Nico , Rao Sudhakar
Published: June 2007

Objectives: To identify factors that affect the severity of bicycle‐related injuries in patients with head injury compared with those without, so as to find whether the effect of using helmets extends beyond head protection, and to explore a direct protective effect of helmets on head injuries.

Methods: A total of 297 patients with bicycle‐related injuries were studied. A generalized linear model was used to test the effect of age, sex, helmet use, cause of injury, year of injury, place of injury and whether the injury occurred on public or school holidays on the Injury Severity Score (ISS) in those patients who had head injury and those without. A logistic regression model was used to define the factors that contribute to head injury, while adjusting for ISS.

Results: Factors affecting ISS in the generalized linear model in those who had head injury were: cause of injury (P = 0.01) and there was a trend for helmet use (P = 0.06). The significant factors that have affected ISS in the no head injury group were age (P = 0.002) and place of accident (P = 0.03). Logistic regression has shown that with each increase of 1 point in the ISS the odds of head injury increases by a factor of 1.22 (95% confidence interval 1.13–1.31) and the use of helmets reduces the odds of head injury by a factor of 0.48 (95% confidence interval 0.23–1.03).

Conclusions: The reduced severity of injury in helmeted patients is because of protection of the head and not other body regions.
Free entry equilibria with positive profits: A unified approach to quantity and price competition games
Authors: Ferreira Rodolphe Dos Santos , Dufourt Frédéric
Published: June 2007

Free entry equilibria are usually characterized by the zero profit condition. We plead instead for a strict application of the Nash equilibrium concept to a symmetric simultaneous game played by actual and potential entrants, producing under decreasing average cost. Equilibrium is then typically indeterminate, with a number of active firms varying between an upper bound imposed by profitability and a lower bound required by sustainability. We use a canonical model with strategies represented by prices, although covering standard regimes of quantity and price competition, to show that in equilibrium the critical (profit maximizing) price must lie between the break‐even and the limit prices.
Collateral or utility penalties?
Authors: Maldonado Wilfredo L. , Orrillo Jaime
Published: June 2007

In a two‐period economy with incomplete markets and possibility of default we consider the two classical ways of enforcing the honoring of financial commitments: by using utility penalties and by using collateral requirements that borrowers have to fulfill. First, we prove that any equilibrium in an economy with collateral requirements is also an equilibrium in a non‐collateralized economy where each agent is penalized in their utility if his or her delivery rate is lower than the payment rate of the financial market. Second, we prove the converse: any equilibrium in an economy with utility penalties is also an equilibrium in a collateralized economy. For this to be true, the payoff function and initial endowments of the agents must be modified in a quite natural way. Finally, we prove that the equilibrium in the economy with collateral requirements attains the same welfare as in the new economy with utility penalties.
Generational incidence of savings taxation versus capital‐income taxation
Authors: Krause Alan
Published: June 2007

This paper examines the incidence of capital taxation in a model in which the taxation of capital is clearly justifiable and using analytical techniques from the tax reform literature. The taxation of capital has long been a controversial issue, with much of the literature concluding that savings/capital‐income should not be taxed. Recently, however, Blackorby and Brett have shown in a model with several desirable features that it can be optimal to tax capital, and they provide a simple yet compelling argument in favor of both savings taxation and capital‐income taxation. We use the Blackorby–Brett model (i.e. a model in which the taxation of capital can be justified) to revisit the question of the incidence of capital taxation. We focus on the generational incidence of capital taxation; that is, the incidence on a young generation and an old generation. However, an interpretation in terms of the incidence on “capital” versus “labor” (as is traditional in the tax incidence literature) is also provided.
Land tax and economic growth under credit market imperfection
Authors: Sakuragawa Masaya , Sakuragawa Yukie
Published: June 2007

We study the general equilibrium effects of land taxation on economic growth by extending the model developed by Kiyotaki and Moore (1997) to an endogenous growth model, where land is used not only as an input of production but also as collateral. Land taxation tends to hamper economic growth through the credit‐contraction effect, but the overall direction on economic growth depends on the redistribution scheme of the tax revenue. Surprisingly, we show that if the tax revenue is fully refunded to entrepreneurs, the economy grows faster than a no‐taxation economy. We calibrate our model and show that if taxation on land is raised by 1 percent, the land price initially falls by approximately 9.09 percent, while the economy grows faster by 0.6%.
Maintenance expenditures and indeterminacy under increasing returns to scale
Authors: Guo Jang‐Ting , Lansing Kevin J.
Published: June 2007

This paper develops a one‐sector real business cycle model in which competitive firms allocate resources for the production of goods, investment in new capital and maintenance of existing capital. Firms also choose the utilization rate of existing capital. A higher utilization rate leads to faster capital depreciation, and an increase in maintenance activity has the opposite effect. We show that as the equilibrium ratio of maintenance expenditures to GDP rises, the required degree of increasing returns for local indeterminacy declines over a wide range of parameter combinations. When the model is calibrated to match empirical evidence on the relative size of maintenance and repair activity, we find that local indeterminacy (and belief‐driven fluctuations) can occur with a mild and empirically‐plausible degree of increasing returns: approximately 1.08.
Contrasting Structure and Function of Pubescent and Glabrous Varieties of Hawaiian Metrosideros polymorpha (Myrtaceae) at High Elevation
Authors: Hoof Jennifer , Sack Lawren , Webb David T. , Nilsen Erik T.
Published: June 2007

Hawaiian dominant tree species Metrosideros polymorpha varieties glaberrima and polymorpha have glabrous and pubescent leaves, respectively. Sympatric populations at 2040 m elevation showed major differentiation beyond the pubescence itself. The varieties differed substantially in stomatal traits and in leaf composition, leaf water status, and instantaneous gas exchange rates, despite similarity in leaf and wood cross‐sectional anatomy. Functional differentiation among varieties represents a possible mechanism facilitating the occupation of an exceptional ecological range.
EFFECT OF STORAGE ON THE SAFETY AND QUALITY OF FUFU FLOUR
Authors: OBADINA A.O. , OYEWOLE O.B. , ODUBAYO M.O.
Published: June 2007

Studies were carried out on the physicochemical characteristics and the fungi involved in the spoilage of fufu flour under storage at different relative humidities in ambient temperature.The physicochemical characteristics showed an increase in moisture content, decrease in swelling power, water‐binding capacity and pH throughout the storage period. Fungi growths were noticed on the samples at different times. Relative humidity of 33% and 76% for 56 days and 48 days, respectively, had the minimum number of growth when compared to others. The fungi that were isolated from the fufu were Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus spp., Geotrichum candida and Candida spp. This study therefore showed that fufu flour will keep best when it is stored under the condition of 33% relative humidity at room temperature.
A STUDY ON THE OCCURRENCE OF AFLATOXIN IN RAW MILK DUE TO FEEDS
Authors: AYAR AHMET , SERT DURMUŞ , ÇON AHMET HILMI
Published: June 2007

Milk and milk products are the most important group of food which carries aflatoxin to the people. Therefore, the existence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk is a potential risk for public health. AFM1 existence in milk and milk products was found in studies performed in Turkey. In this study, aflatoxin contamination was detected in 48 raw milk and 48 feed samples. Milk and feed samples, in which the positive sample rate was determined as 24%, included different levels of aflatoxin. Altogether, 20 raw milk samples (41.67%) and 15 feed samples (31.25%) contained over the level of legal limits established by the Turkish Food Codex (TFC) and the European Communities (EC) regulation in positive samples. According to these results, the milk and feed samples collected from this area constitute a potential risk for public health. The most effective way of controlling aflatoxin M1 in milk is to reduce the contamination of aflatoxin in raw milk and feed samples. Both the producers and the consumers, as well as the government, have important obligations on this subject.
INHIBITION OF SHIGELLA SONNEI BY ULTRAVIOLET ENERGY ON AGAR, LIQUID MEDIA AND RADISH SPROUTS1
Authors: RAJKOWSKI KATHLEEN T.
Published: June 2007

The germicidal effect of ultraviolet light (UVC) at 254 nm is used to decontaminate surfaces. Using the combined lights from 185‐ and 254‐nm sources, the reduction of Shigella sonnei was determined on inoculated agars and radish sprouts, and in distilled water and vegetable broth. The combined UVC light was very effective in reducing the number of S. sonnei on inoculated agar surfaces at a dose of 2,040 µW·s·cm−2, resulting in a >8 log reduction. The reduction in the liquid samples reached >5 log reduction at 3,400 µW·s·cm−2. As a result of the unevenness of the radish sprout, a 2–3 log reduction was achieved only when combined with a H2O2 wash treatment. The combined light sources were effective in killing the S. sonnei on agar and in clear liquids.
UNDERSTANDING CONSUMER ATTITUDES ON EDIBLE FILMS AND COATINGS: FOCUS GROUP FINDINGS
Authors: WAN VICKI CHEUK‐HANG , LEE CHOW MING , LEE SOO‐YEUN
Published: June 2007

The application of edible films and coatings (EFCs) is one of the innovations of packaging technology aimed to improve food quality and to retain freshness of food. In order to maximize the potential of a new technology, it is important to consider consumer concerns and acceptance. Therefore, a focus group study was conducted to understand consumer attitudes, opinions and concerns toward EFCs. Furthermore, innovative applications of EFCs in different food systems were probed during the focus group discussions. Four independent focus groups (n = 27) were conducted with each group consisting of five to eight consumers who are frequent grocery shoppers. Consumers were concerned about the types of products that are coated, safety of the coating materials, sensory qualities of the resulting products, end benefits of EFCs and the cost of the food products packaged with EFCs. This research presents insights on the issues to address when commercializing EFC applications.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This study demonstrates the effective utilization of qualitative consumer testing such as focus group when probing the consumer attitudes and acceptance toward novel food processing or packaging technologies, which include edible films and coatings (EFCs). The main findings from this study on EFCs shed light to the important steps to consider when commercializing EFCs, which are to evaluate sensory attributes of integrated coated products, to properly label ingredients of EFCs with a focus on marketing the natural ingredients added and to target marketing strategies to advertise direct consumer benefits of the resulting EFC products.
Irregular Migration, Human Smuggling, and the Eastern Enlargement of the European Union
Authors: Jandl Michael
Published: June 2007

This article examines the consequences of the latest round of EU-Enlargement in May 2004 on irregular migration across Central and Eastern Europe. Drawing on a unique collection of both quantitative and qualitative data related to irregular migration and human smuggling, the article first presents some long-term trends in irregular migration across the region before taking up more recent developments in 2003 and 2004. While border apprehensions have broadly declined since about 2000 there is ample evidence for an increasing role of human smugglers in facilitating irregular migration. In addition, there are noticeable changes in the modus operandi of human smugglers.
Sailing through Suez from the South: The Emergence of an Indies-Dutch Migration Circuit, 1815–1940
Authors: Bosma Ulbe
Published: June 2007

This paper shows the importance of colonial garrisons and colonial migratory circuits in the history of European migration. During the nineteenth century the overwhelming majority of European-born migrants to the Dutch East Indies were military personnel. Rapidly decreasing mortality rates and a large influx of European military personnel in the decades of colonial wars were responsible for the remarkable growth of the European colonial population throughout the second half of the nineteenth century. As a consequence an extensive colonial-metropole migration circuit emerged. Contrary to expectations, neither the opening of the Suez Canal nor imperialist expansion resulted in a significant increase of white civilian emigration to colonial Indonesia in the late nineteenth century. Instead, sailings through Suez went north as frequently as south. It was only at a much later stage, following the end of World War I, that the tobacco and rubber plantations as well as the oil industry of the Outer Regions of the Indies archipelago generated an unprecedented demand for expatriate labor.
Central inhibition of opioid receptor subtypes and its effect on haemorrhagic hypotension in conscious sheep
Authors: Frithiof R. , Eriksson S. , Rundgren M.
Published: June 2007

Aim: To investigate the contribution of cerebralμ‐,κ‐ andδ‐opioid receptors in causing the hypotension, bradycardia and renal hypoperfusion evoked by haemorrhage.

Methods: Adult conscious ewes were bled continuously from a jugular vein until mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was reduced to below 50 mmHg. Starting 30 min before and continuing until 60 min after haemorrhage either artificial cerebrospinal fluid (control),d‐Phe‐Cys‐Tyr‐d‐Trp‐Orn‐Thr‐Pen‐Thr‐NH2(CTOPμ‐receptor antagonist), ICI 174,864 (δ‐receptor antagonist) or nor‐binaltorphimine dihydrochloride (nor‐BNI,κ‐receptor antagonist) were infused intracerebroventricularly. In a randomized crossover fashion the effect of antagonizing one central opioid receptor subtype was compared to control experiments in the same animal (n = 6 in all groups).

Results: Compared to corresponding controls, nor‐BNI and ICI 174,864 significantly increased the haemorrhage volume needed to reduce MAP to below 50 mmHg (+4.7 mL kg−1, SD 1.8 and +3.1 mL kg−1, SD 3.0 respectively). In the nor‐BNI group this was accompanied by a significantly augmented tachycardia before MAP fell. Both nor‐BNI and ICI 174,864 also postponed haemorrhagic bradycardia and prolonged adequate blood flow to the kidney. The infusions did not affect the circulationper seor the recovery after haemorrhage. Theμ‐opioid receptor blockade had no effect on baseline circulation or the response to haemorrhage.

Conclusion: Activation ofκ‐ andδ‐opioid receptors adjacent to the ventricular compartment contributes to initiating haemorrhagic hypotension and bradycardia in conscious sheep. However, other parts of the brain and different receptors are likely to play a role as well.