bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Order and disorder in sodium silicate glasses and melts at 10 GPa
Authors: Lee Sung Keun , Fei Yingwei , Cody George D. , Mysen Bjorn O.
Published: August 2003

We report experimental evidence, in conjunction with quantum chemical calculation, supporting chemical ordering among network polyhedra (e.g. [5]Si and [6]Si) in sodium silicate glasses quenched from melts at 10 GPa by using 17O 3QMAS (triple quantum magic angle spinning) NMR, which resolves new oxygen sites at high pressure, including [5,6]Si‐O‐[4]Si and Na‐O‐[5,6]Si. The distribution of network polyhedra at 10 GPa, a controlling factor for transport and melting processes in the mantle, is not completely random but favors formation of oxygen linking dissimilar Si pairs such as [5,6]Si‐O‐[4]Si. The presence of non‐bridging oxygens (NBOs) in highly coordinated units at 10 GPa, Na‐O‐[5,6]Si, indicates that the formation of highly coordinated Si can also occur at initially depolymerized silicon tetrahedra such as Q3 or Q2. The methods and results given here yield improved prospects for understanding melt structures at high pressure and the atomistic origin of magmatic processes in the Earth's interior.
Tomography of northeast Japan forearc and its implications for interplate seismic coupling
Authors: Mishra O. P. , Zhao Dapeng , Umino N. , Hasegawa A.
Published: August 2003

We determined, for the first time, a 3‐D seismic structure of P and S wave velocity (Vp, Vs) in the forearc region of northeast (NE) Japan from the Pacific coast to the Japan Trench using a large number of high‐quality arrival times from sub‐oceanic earthquakes that are well located with sP depth phase data. Strong lateral heterogeneities in Vp and Vs are revealed. A majority (95%) of great interplate earthquakes are located outside the low‐V zones while a few (5%) of them are located inside the low‐V zones. This may suggest a different degree of interplate seismic coupling at the plate interface parallel to Japan Trench. The low‐V zones probably contain fluids and may represent decoupled areas. We propose that this new approach of investigating 3‐D seismic structure can be applied to other forearcs of the world for a better understanding of interplate coupling and its influence on big earthquakes.
Relative impacts of Siberian and North American snow anomalies on the winter Arctic Oscillation
Authors: Gong Gavin , Entekhabi Dara , Cohen Judah
Published: August 2003

Numerical model mean climatic response to realistic land surface snow forcings is evaluated for two different forcing regions, Siberia and North America. The atmospheric teleconnection pathway and negative winter AO mode response produced by the Siberia forcing, described by the authors in previous studies, is not produced by the comparable‐extent North America forcing. It is shown that the combination of a large snow‐forced local diabatic heating anomaly over a region of substantial stationary wave activity is required to produce strong upward wave activity flux anomalies which initiate the teleconnection pathway. These features are unique to Siberia, making it a critical region for reproducing the snow ‐ winter AO statistical relationship evident in the observational record.
A search for an association between the equatorial stratospheric QBO and solar UV irradiance
Authors: Elias Ana G. , Zossi de Artigas Marta
Published: August 2003

The QBO of the zonal wind in the equatorial stratosphere between 15 and 70 hPa is analyzed in connection to the solar UV flux. F10.7 is used as a UV proxy after filtering out its long‐term variations. A running correlation between F10.7 filtered values and the equatorial zonal wind was estimated. A clear oscillation of around 11 years can be noticed in the running correlation coefficients, with maximum negative and positive values around maximum and minimum solar activity respectively, between 50 and 15 hPa. In coincidence with other authors, during maximum solar activity, higher (lower) UV levels occur during the QBO easterly (westerly) phase. During minimum solar activity this relationship is reversed. A link between these results and the association between the equatorial QBO and the polar winter is suggested together with a mechanism of association between the UV QBO and the zonal equatorial wind in the stratosphere.
Paleomagnetism indicates no Neogene vertical axis rotations of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Dupont‐Nivet Guillaume , Butler Robert F. , Yin An , Chen Xuanhua
Published: August 2003

Paleomagnetic data were obtained from 108 paleomagnetic sites collected in Cretaceous to Tertiary red beds from seven localities distributed in three general regions adjacent to the Altyn Tagh fault at the northern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. In the Hexi corridor, 12 sites in Oligocene strata at Yaoquanzi (39.97°N; 97.68°E) yield a mean paleomagnetic direction (I = 33.0°; D = 8.6°, α95 = 6.0°) with concordant declination, and 36 sites in Early Cretaceous mudstones of the Longshou Shan (39.09°N; 100.50°E) provide a concordant paleomagnetic direction (I = 53.4°; D = 6.8°, α95 = 3.8°). Across the Nan Shan fold‐thrust belt, Miocene paleomagnetic directions from 39 sites distributed among four localities have a concordant mean declination (I = 40.6°; D = 7.2°, α95 = 5.8°). In the Altyn Tagh range, 21 sites in Oligocene strata at Xorkoli (38.93°N; 91.43°E) yield a paleomagnetic direction with concordant declination (I = 49.7°; D = 5.0°, α95 = 5.4°). These results combined with existing regional paleomagnetic data indicate that (1) the Hexi corridor along with the North China block has not undergone tectonic vertical axis rotation since at least Early Cretaceous time and is separated from the Xining‐Lanzhou basin and eastern Tibet by an important post‐Early Cretaceous tectonic boundary; (2) the Nan Shan fold‐thrust belt and the Qaidam Basin have not experienced wholesale vertical axis rotation during Neogene time; and (3) absence of vertical axis rotations in areas adjacent to the Altyn Tagh fault indicates that sinistral shear strain between the Tarim Basin and the northern Tibetan Plateau is concentrated on the fault. These results are consistent with Asian tectonic models that combine distributed lithospheric deformation and thickening with narrow and weak shear zones.
Modeling decadal variability of the Baltic Sea: 1. Reconstructing atmospheric surface data for the period 1902–1998
Authors: Kauker F. , Meier H. E. M.
Published: August 2003

A statistical model is developed to reconstruct atmospheric surface data for the period 1902–1998 to force a coupled sea ice‐ocean model of the Baltic Sea. As the response timescale of the Baltic Sea on freshwater inflow is of the order of 30–40 years, climate relevant model studies should cover at least century‐long simulations. Such an observational atmospheric data set is not available yet. We devised a statistical model using a “redundancy analysis” to reconstruct daily sea level pressure (SLP) and monthly surface air temperature (SAT), dew‐point temperature, precipitation, and cloud cover of the Baltic. The predictor fields are daily SLP at 19 stations and monthly coarse gridded SAT and precipitation available for the period 1902 to 1998. The second input is a gridded atmospheric data set, with high resolution in space and time, based on synoptic stations, which is available for the period 1970–2001. Spatial patterns are selected by maximizing predictand variance during the “learning” period 1980–1998. The remainder period 1970–1979 is used for validation. We found the highest skill of the statistical model for SLP and the lowest skill for cloud cover. For wintertime the dominant modes of variability on the interannual to interdecadal timescales of the reconstruction are discussed. It is shown that the wintertime variability of SLP, SAT, and precipitation is related to well‐known atmospheric patterns of the Northern Hemisphere: the North Atlantic Oscillation, the Scandinavia pattern, the East Atlantic/West Russia pattern, and the Barents Sea Oscillation.
Comparison of SCM and CSRM forcing data derived from the ECMWF model and from objective analysis at the ARM SGP site
Authors: Xie Shaocheng , Cederwall Richard T. , Zhang Minghua , Yio J. John
Published: August 2003

The large‐scale forcing data diagnosed from the European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) model for driving Single‐Column Models (SCMs) and Cloud System Resolving Models (CSRMs) are compared with forcing data derived using the objective variational analysis constrained by observations collected at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement program (ARM) Southern Great Plains (SGP) site. The comparison covers the following three different synoptic conditions: a strong precipitation period dominated by subgrid scale processes during the ARM summer 1997 Intensive Operational Period (IOP), a moderate precipitation period dominated by synoptic scale processes during the spring 2000 IOP, and a nonprecipitation period during the fall 2000 IOP. In the study we demonstrate that the differences between the two forcing data sets are considerably large during the strong convective precipitation period, while they are much less during the moderate and nonprecipitation periods. By analyzing the column‐integrated heat and moisture budgets we show that errors in the ECMWF‐model‐derived forcing are closely associated with errors in the model‐predicted surface precipitation, which largely reflect deficiencies of model parameterizations. In SCM tests we show that SCM simulations are sensitive to the prescribed large‐scale forcing data. The simulation errors are not well correlated between the SCM runs with the two different forcing data sets for all the three cases. Some important SCM simulated fields, such as surface precipitation, tend to follow the ECMWF model simulations rather than the observations when it is forced with the ECMWF forcing, especially for the summer case.
Comparisons of in situ and long path measurements of NO2 in urban plumes
Authors: Thornton J. A. , Wooldridge P. J. , Cohen R. C. , Williams E. J. , Hereid D. , Fehsenfeld F. C. , Stutz J. , Alicke B.
Published: August 2003

Measurements of NO2 were taken at Cornelia Fort Airpark in Nashville, TN, during the 1999 Southern Oxidant Study using three different techniques: photolysis to NO followed by chemiluminescence (PCL), laser‐induced fluorescence (LIF), and differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS). This was an informal comparison of these techniques conducted during the 1999 Southern Oxidant Study. The PCL and LIF instruments were connected to a common manifold that sampled at the top of a 10‐m‐walkup tower. The DOAS instrument sampled over a 1.37‐km‐long light path with end points at 2 and 35 m above ground. The range of NO2 mixing ratios measured was 0.75 ppbv to over 60 ppbv and the median value was nearly 3 ppbv. While preliminary data analysis showed overall agreement between the LIF and PCL instruments to within 1% (least squares slope = 0.99; r2 = 0.98), subsequent analysis revealed a discontinuous shift of about 12% in the PCL data, which was confirmed by comparison to the DOAS data. A leak in the PCL inlet system was the likely cause. After adjustment of the affected PCL data, a comparison of all the coincident measurements showed high correlation (r2 > 0.99) and overall agreement to within 5%. Analysis of the ratios of PCL NO2 to LIF NO2 showed that greater than 90% of individual data points agree to within the total combined instrumental uncertainties. However, the comparison over short time periods is more precise than the average over the campaign. We attribute this to the need for improved PCL instrument data reduction procedures. The two in situ instruments were also operated side by side a year later in Houston, TX, with similar results.
On alkyl nitrates, O3, and the “missing NOy”
Authors: Day Douglas A. , Dillon Michael B. , Wooldridge Paul J. , Thornton Joel A. , Rosen Rebecca S. , Wood Ezra C. , Cohen Ronald C.
Published: August 2003

We describe measurements of NO2, total peroxy nitrates (ΣPNs), total alkyl nitrates (ΣANs), and HNO3 using thermal dissociation followed by laser‐induced fluorescence detection of NO2 at three continental locations. The ΣAN observations are unique and provide novel constraints on atmospheric photochemistry. At a rural site in California, measurements over a full annual cycle show that ΣANs are routinely 10–20% of NOy. At this rural site, at a suburban site in California and an urban site in Houston, Texas, both the absolute concentration of ΣANs and the fraction of the higher oxides of nitrogen (NOz) represented by ΣANs are greater than or equal to values reported in any prior observations. Although the contrast with prior observations is striking, we show that large abundances of ΣANs are consistent with simple chemical models of tropospheric ozone production and with the few prior comprehensive model studies. We also show that ΣANs are a large part, if not all, of the “missing NOy” reported in many prior experiments and emphasize that the ratios of ΣANs/NOz and of O3/ΣANs are especially useful for evaluating chemical models and comparing observations at different sites.
Cytomegalovirus and Epstein–Barr virus are associated with symptomatic periapical pathosis
Authors: Sabeti M. , Simon J. H. , Slots J.
Published: August 2003

Background:  Recent studies have identified human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in symptomatic periapical lesions. Little information exists on HCMV and EBV in asymptomatic periapical lesions.

Aim:  To compare the presence of late transcripts of HCMV, EBV and herpes simplex virus (HSV) in symptomatic and asymptomatic periapical lesions.

Methods:  Periapical samples were collected from seven symptomatic and seven asymptomatic periapical lesions at the time of apicoectomy. HCMV, EBV and HSV late mRNAs were identified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results:  HCMV mRNA was detected in all seven symptomatic periapical lesions and in one asymptomatic lesion (Chi‐squared test, Yates’P‐value = 0.007). EBV mRNA was detected in six symptomatic lesions and in one asymptomatic lesion (P = 0.04). One asymptomatic lesion yielded HSV mRNA.

Conclusions:  HCMV and EBV active infections are associated with acute exacerbation of apical periodontitis. HSV seems to be unimportant in periapical pathosis.
Biochemical and functional properties of a pyruvate formate‐lyase (PFL)‐activating system in Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Takahashi‐Abbe S. , Abe K. , Takahashi N.
Published: August 2003

Streptococcus mutans has an oxygen‐sensitive enzyme, pyruvate formate‐lyase (PFL), which is a key enzyme in anaerobic sugar fermentation. We have shown that S. mutans has an activating system, including a PFL‐activating enzyme (PFL‐activase) and an electron transport system; the latter transfers an electron from NADPH to PFL‐activase, as occurs in Escherichia coli. NADPH was a physiological electron donor for the electron transport system and as little as 0.02 mM NADPH activated over 80% of PFL of S. mutans. The optimum pH of the PFL‐activating system was around 6.8, whereas the optimum of the E. coli system is at alkaline pH. In addition, small dialyzable molecules in cell‐free extracts participated in keeping PFL active in S. mutans. These results suggest that, in dental plaque under anaerobic conditions where sugar supply is often limited or pH frequently falls below neutrality, S. mutans always keeps PFL active through the activating system.
Non‐clinical outcome measures in dentistry: publishing trends 1988–98
Authors: Buck David , Newton Jonathon Timothy
Published: August 2003

Abstract – Objectives: To provide an overview of the use of non‐clinical outcome measures in dentistry and to identify trends and strengths and weaknesses in existing research. Methods: Literature searches using medical and social sciences databases and stated inclusion and exclusion criteria. Categorisation and coding of accepted studies according to: concept of outcome, study design and standardisation of outcome measures used. Simple graphical and statistical analysis used to identify trends in outcome measurement and strengths and weaknesses. Results: There has been a steady growth in non‐clinical outcome measurement research in dentistry over the last 10 years. Most studies have addressed dental knowledge, attitudes or behaviours (KAB), socio‐dental indicators or anxiety. Two‐thirds of all studies have used non‐standardised outcome measures. Different concepts of outcome are associated with different study designs and standardisation status of outcome measures used. Studies addressing dental “satisfaction” and KAB are more likely than average to use non‐validated measures. Conclusions: There needs to be more focus on the development of methods to assess the validity of non‐clinical outcome measures in dentistry. In addition more conceptual studies need to be undertaken on the theoretical links between the different concepts of outcome found in the current study.
Risk group assessment of oral precancer attached to X‐ray lung‐screening examinations
Authors: Dombi Csaba , Vörös‐Balog Tamara , Czeglédy Ágota , Hermann Péter , Vincze Noémi , Bánóczy Jolán
Published: August 2003

Abstract – The mortality rate of oral tumours in Hungary, as in some other countries, is increasing. In order to assess risk groups for oral cancer and precancer, oral examinations were carried out as part of the X‐ray screenings for lung cancer in the 3rd district of Budapest, Hungary. There were 5034 adults who participated voluntarily in these investigations. After completing a questionnaire with 23 questions, a short oral examination was performed. Males comprised 57.7% of the group, and the age‐distribution among men and women was similar. Oral precancerous lesions were found in 3.7% of the whole group, in 3.3% of those with leukoplakia, and in 0.4% of those with oral lichen planus. The prevalence of leukoplakia in men was 5.8%, and in women 1.5%, with significantly higher prevalences in men and women over 40. Among the examined persons there were 31% who were smokers, and 6% reported that they were regular consumers of alcohol. Fifty‐four percent of those examined reported that they did not visit the dentist regularly. Oral complaints came mostly from those with lichen planus. The described model, where the oral screening examinations are done in conjunction with other examinations, in a so‐called multiphasic screening system, seems to be a worthwhile approach for early diagnosis of oral cancer and precancer.
Dental caries patterns and oral health behaviors in Arizona infants and toddlers
Authors: Douglass Joanna M. , Tinanoff Norman , Tang Julie M. W. , Altman Donald S.
Published: August 2003

Abstract – Objectives: The aim of this study was to use tooth eruption sequence, and a tooth‐ and surface‐specific caries analysis method to determine: (1) the temporal relationship between tooth eruption and caries onset; (2) the validity of pre‐existing concepts of caries progression; and (3) the relationship of certain putative health behaviors with caries prevalence. Methods: A total of 2428 Arizona children aged 6–36‐months, who were recruited from WIC programs (a federal program for low‐income children at nutritional risk), health fairs and private day care centers, received visual dental caries examinations. Additionally, an oral health behavior survey was administered to the parents of the 1529 children recruited from the WIC programs. Results: Dental caries was detected soon after tooth eruption, and by 34–36 months of age 25% of this population had caries. Maxillary anterior caries developed as early as 10–12 months of age. Fissure caries of the molars, either by itself or with maxillary anterior caries, was seen as early as 13–15 months of age. Posterior proximal caries was seen as early at 19–21 months, and only was present in conjunction with the other patterns. Over 40% of the 13–36‐month‐old children whose parents completed the survey still used a bottle. Night‐time bottle use was associated with maxillary anterior caries in 24–36‐month‐old children, but no association was found in younger children or with posterior caries patterns. Survey responses also showed that fewer than 15% of these children reported having had a dental visit. Conclusions: Dental caries was a significant health issue for these children under 3 years of age, and factors other than bottle feeding may play an important role in its etiology. Prevention of dental caries in children under age three will depend on a better understanding of the etiology as well as improved access to care.
Ability of HIV/AIDS patients to self‐diagnose oral opportunistic infections
Authors: Patton Lauren L.
Published: August 2003

Abstract – Objectives: To assess the accuracy of HIV/AIDS patients’ self‐diagnosis of common HIV‐related oral opportunistic infections. Methods: 245 HIV/AIDS patients were interviewed regarding the current presence of oral candidiasis (OC), oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL), and oral ulcers prior to an oral examination by an oral medicine trained dentist examiner. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) are reported for the patient's oral lesion diagnosis compared to the dentist's diagnosis based on established presumptive clinical criteria as the gold standard. Results: Self‐diagnosis accuracy was greatest for pseudomembraneous OC (PPV 42.9%; NPV 93.5%), followed by oral ulcers (PPV 35.7%; NPV 98.3%) and OHL (PPV 23.5%; NPV 86.4%). Past experience with the lesion improved diagnostic accuracy, and bothersome symptoms accompanying the lesion had significant impact only for pseudomembraneous OC and oral ulcers. Conclusions: Moderate accuracy of patient self‐assessment of oral lesions, with tendency to under rather than over report lesion presence, supports the use of patient self‐assessment of these lesions to augment clinician diagnosis in clinical trials. Additionally, HIV/AIDS patients are unlikely to believe they have active OC that would lead to on‐demand antifungal use, unless they have had prior experience with the lesion or it is at least moderately bothersome.
Dental caries, age and anxiety: factors influencing sedation choice for children attending for emergency dental care
Authors: Carson Pauline , Freeman Ruth
Published: August 2003

Abstract – Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine how physical (dental caries) and psychosocial (age, dental anxiety and dental health behaviour) factors, associated with child and parent, influenced dentists’ sedation choice when a child presents in pain. Methods: 600 parents whose children were aged between 5 and 11 years took part: 200 attended for routine dental care (RDC); the remaining 400 attended as emergency patients and were offered either dental general anaesthesia (DGA) or relative analgesia (RA). The subjects were approached and invited to take part. The researcher was blind as to the child's pattern of dental attendance and the type of sedation offered. All parents and children completed self‐reported ratings of dental anxiety. The children's teeth were examined to determine past and present dental caries experience. Results: The results showed that children who were offered DGA had greater experience of dentinal caries, were younger and dentally anxious. The children offered RA were older, had a higher frequency of brushing their teeth with fluoride toothpaste and were also dentally anxious. Discriminant analysis showed that 2 canonical functions provided clear categorisation of the three treatment groups. Function 1 was a physical (dental caries) factor, which was related to the child's experience of dentinal caries. Function 2 was a psychosocial factor, which was related to the child's age, dental anxiety and frequency of tooth brushing. A greater proportion of the variance in the treatment offered was explained by Function 1, suggesting that the most important factor in the decision to offer DGA was dentinal caries. Function 2 was of lesser importance. Conclusions: The findings have implications for the type of sedation offered to children presenting for emergency care. These children may not otherwise receive treatment and the need to provide less anxiety provoking forms of sedation must be promoted. By doing so, parents who have only brought their children when in pain may take advantage of RDC and the treatments offered to prevent and control dental caries and anxiety in their children.
Patterns of dental caries following the cessation of water fluoridation
Authors: Maupomé Gerardo , Clark D. Christopher , Levy Steven M. , Berkowitz Jonathan
Published: August 2003

Abstract – Objectives: To compare prevalence and incidence of caries between fluoridation‐ended and still‐fluoridated communities in British Columbia, Canada, from a baseline survey and after three years. Methods: At the baseline (1993/4 academic year) and follow‐up (1996/7) surveys, children were examined at their schools. Data were collected on snacking, oral hygiene, exposure to fluoride technologies, and socio‐economic level. These variables were used together with D1D2MFS indices in multiple regression models. Results: The prevalence of caries (assessed in 5927 children, grades 2, 3, 8, 9) decreased over time in the fluoridation‐ended community while remaining unchanged in the fluoridated community. While numbers of filled surfaces did not vary between surveys, sealed surfaces increased at both study sites. Caries incidence (assessed in 2994 life‐long residents, grades 5, 6, 11, 12) expressed in terms of D1D2MFS was not different between the still‐fluoridating and fluoridation‐ended communities. There were, however, differences in caries experienced when D1D2MFS components and surfaces at risk were investigated in detail. Regression models did not identify specific variables markedly affecting changes in the incidence of dental decay. Conclusions: Our results suggest a complicated pattern of disease following cessation of fluoridation. Multiple sources of fluoride besides water fluoridation have made it more difficult to detect changes in the epidemiological profile of a population with generally low caries experience, and living in an affluent setting with widely accessible dental services. There are, however, subtle differences in caries and caries treatment experience between children living in fluoridated and fluoridation‐ended areas.
Substance use among Dutch dental students
Authors: Plasschaert Alphons J. M. , Hoogstraten Johan , Van Emmerik Bert J. , Webster David B. , Clayton Richard R.
Published: August 2003

Abstract – Objectives: The objectives were to assess the prevalence of substance use among Dutch dental students and to determine their attitudes about substance use and its consequences. Methods: In association with a national study of drug use among US dental students, a questionnaire was translated from English into Dutch and administered to dental students at two dental schools in The Netherlands. Students received an anonymous 115‐item questionnaire in the fall of 1996. Results: Alcohol was the students’ drug of choice for lifetime (95%), past year (94%) and past month (88%) use. No significant correlations were found between alcohol use and gender, schools, and years in dental education. In the past month, 58% of students reported drinking on 5 or more days; 53% had 5 or more drinks on the same occasion, 20% had 5 or more drinks on the same occasion on 5 or more days; and 17% reported getting drunk at least monthly. Prevalence rates for past month use of tobacco was 24% and marijuana, 4%. Male students smoked twice as much as females, with significant differences found for all three periods of use (X2>19.00, P<0.01). When asked whether their schools offered policies and education programs on alcohol and other drugs, 52% of students reported that these were not available. Conclusions: Dental schools should develop effective programmes to educate students about responsible use of alcohol and other licit and illicit drugs. Schools should also inform students about their susceptibilities to substance abuse and dependency.
The decline in dental caries among Belgian children between 1983 and 1998
Authors: Carvalho Joana C. , Van Nieuwenhuysen Jean Pierre , D'Hoore William
Published: August 2003

Abstract – Objectives: to investigate cross‐sectionally a probable dental caries decline in Belgian 12‐yr‐olds and to analyse some factors that may be associated with dental caries during the study period. Methods: In the region of Brussels, children in the 7th grade at the same schools were sampled in 1983 (n=533) and 1998 (n=496). DMFT, DMFS and dental fluorosis were clinically recorded. Data on children's home‐based and professional dental health care habits were registered. Results: Caries‐free children increased from 4% to 50%. A reduction of the mean number of teeth attacked by dental caries from 7.5 to 1.6 and of tooth surfaces from 11.5 to 2.5 (P<0.001) was observed. Early signs of dental fluorosis were identified in 5% in 1983 and 30% of the subjects in 1998. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that tooth brushing with fluoridated toothpaste, dental appointments and dental fluorosis were significantly related to dental caries reduction. Conclusions: A remarkable decline in dental caries was observed during the 15‐yr period. The factors related to the children's home‐based and professional dental health care were associated with the observed decline.
The time‐factor in orthodontics: What influences the duration of treatments in National Health Service practices?
Authors: Turbill Elizabeth A. , Richmond Stephen , Wright Jean L.
Published: August 2003

Abstract – This study aimed to elucidate factors associated with duration of orthodontic treatment. Methods: Retrospective analysis of a systematic 2% sample of cases completed in National Health Service practices in England and Wales. Records were collected during 1991. Characteristics of practitioners, patients, malocclusions, treatment variables and outcomes were evaluated. Data were submitted to multivariate analysis, with Log10 Time in Treatment as the dependent variable. Results: Data were available for 1506 cases. The (geometric) mean time in treatment was 13 months. A model was found that explained 41% of the variance. Factors found to increase duration were fixed appliances, multiple stages in the treatments, premolar extractions, and correction of antero‐posterior buccal occlusion. Age, buccal segment malocclusion, DHC (Dental Health Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need) grade 5 and orthodontically qualified practitioners were also associated with slightly longer treatments. Conclusions: Whilst briefer treatments may be attractive to purchasers, providers and recipients, it should be remembered that thorough treatment, and treatment of more complex malocclusions, tends to take longer. Economic pressures on practitioners to produce high turnovers of cases may be counterproductive in the quest for better outcomes.
Dentists’ perceived stress and its relation to perceptions about anxious patients
Authors: Moore Rod , Brødsgaard Inger
Published: August 2003

Abstract – Dentists’ perceptions about the stressfulness of dental practice, their perceptions about dental anxiety and its management were surveyed in a descriptive study. A mailed questionnaire was completed by 216 randomly selected Danish private dentists. Of these, nearly 60% perceived dentistry as more stressful than other professions. Dentist perceptions of the most intense stressors were (ranked): 1) running behind schedule, 2) causing pain, 3) heavy work load, 4) late patients and 5) anxious patients. Bivariate odds ratio (OR) analyses were undertaken to check for associations of perceived stress and other dentist variables with perceptual outcomes about anxious patients. Signs of dental anxiety were reported to be less often spotted by older (≥52 yr) dentists (OR=3.1) who perceived their job stress to be greater than that of other professionals (OR=3.2). Perceived causes of dental anxiety (1st, 2nd or 3rd choices tallied and then ranked) were 1) fear of pain, 2) trauma in dental treatment, 3) general psychological problems, 4) shame about dental status and 5) economic excuses. Dentists who reported that dental anxiety was primarily the result of general psychological problems in patients, usually had solo (OR=2.4) practices older than 18 years (OR=2.6) and reported high perceived stress (OR=2.2). Adjusted odds ratios for these two dentist perception outcomes about anxious patients generally improved strength of associations and confidence intervals. There were no meaningful differences by practice location or perceived public image. Also, there was no significant association between the use of pharmacological strategies for anxiety and the perceived stress of dentists. Nearly all dentists talked with anxious patients as their main treatment strategy. It was concluded that psychosocial aspects of dental practice have meaningful and often adverse associations with dentist perceptions about anxious patients. Some dentists appeared to require more knowledge about dental anxiety and managing their own stress.
Two German CINCA (NOMID) patients with different clinical severity and response to anti‐inflammatory treatment
Authors: Rösen‐Wolff Angela , Quietzsch Jürgen , Schröder Heinz , Lehmann Romy , Gahr Manfred , Roesler Joachim
Published: August 2003

Chronic infantile neurologic, cutaneous, articular (CINCA) syndrome is characterized by fever, chronic meningitis, uveitis, sensorineural hearing loss, urticarial skin rash, and a deforming arthritis. In the CIAS1 gene of many but not all CINCA patients, disease‐associated mutations have been found recently. We here describe two such patients from Germany. One of them, a 3‐yr‐old boy, has a 1709A→G, Y570C, mutation, which has previously been described to cause CINCA syndrome. His clinical course is very severe and no satisfying response has been achieved even with high doses of local and systemic steroids. The other patient has a somewhat milder clinical course and considerable improvement could be accomplished with moderate and low doses of steroids. In her CIAS1 gene we have found a 1043C→T, T348M, mutation, which has only been detected in Muckle–Wells syndrome before. Our results suggest that the severity of symptoms in CINCA patients may be influenced by the underlying mutation in the CIAS1 gene. Furthermore, our observations support the view that CINCA syndrome and Muckle–Wells syndrome are essentially the same disease with different degrees of severity.
Both chromosome 13 abnormalities by metaphase cytogenetics and deletion of 13q by interphase FISH only are prognostically relevant in multiple myeloma
Authors: Kaufmann Hannes , Krömer Elisabeth , Nösslinger Thomas , Weltermann Ansgar , Ackermann Jutta , Reisner Regina , Bernhart Marianne , Drach Johannes
Published: August 2003

Objectives: Deletion of chromosome 13q [del(13q)] has emerged as a major adverse prognostic factor in multiple myeloma (MM). Del(13q) is detected two to three times more frequently by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) than by metaphase cytogenetics (CG). However, it has remained unclear whether or not del(13q) detected by FISH only provides the same prognostic information as its detection by CG.

Methods: We investigated the outcome of 118 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed MM who were studied by both CG and FISH (RB‐1 and/or D13S319 probes).

Results: CG revealed informative MM karyotypes in 35 patients (29.7%), with monosomy 13/del(13q) in 16 of them. FISH was indicative for a del(13q) in 43 patients (36.4%). A del(13q) by FISH was present in all 16 patients with monosomy 13/del(13q) by CG and also in four of 19 patients with informative karyotypes and diploid chromosome 13. Furthermore, del(13q) was present by FISH in 23 of 84 patients with diploid/non‐informative metaphases by CG. Overall survival of patients with monosomy 13/del(13q) by CG and of patients with del(13q) by FISH only was not significantly different (median, 35.2 months vs. 33.2 months, P = 0.58). In contrast, patients with diploid chromosome 13 by either technique experienced prolonged survival (median, 65.6 months). Presence of abnormal karyotypes was significantly associated with an increased Ki67 growth fraction.

Conclusion: FISH of chromosome 13q adds prognostic information to that provided by CG. It is suggested to use FISH analysis in clinical trials if risk stratifications take into consideration the chromosome 13q status.
Congenital dyserthropoietic anaemia other than type I to III with a peculiar erythroblastic morphology
Authors: Woessner S. , Trujillo M. , Florensa L. , Mesa M. C. , Wickramasinghe S. N.
Published: August 2003

Here, we report the case of a child who, since birth, showed persistent macrocytosis and elevated mean corpuscular volume of the erythrocytes. Bone marrow biopsy revealed gross disorganisation of the erythroblastic series both at the light and electron microscopic examination, with complete absence of dysplastic features in the granulocytic and megakaryocytic series. Common causes of macrocytosis were excluded. The spectrum of morphological findings were not consistent with any of the classical types of congenital dyserythropoietic anaemias (CDAs) and serological findings of CDA type II were absent. The most outstanding feature was a marked irregularity of the nuclear outline of the late erythroblasts that presented thick‐ending finger‐like projections. The combination of macrocytosis without anaemia and these morphologic erythroblastic changes have not been previously reported in the setting of classical and variant forms of CDAs.
Accumulation of γ‐globin mRNA in human erythroid cells treated with angelicin
Authors: Lampronti Ilaria , Bianchi Nicoletta , Borgatti Monica , Fibach Eitan , Prus Eugenia , Gambari Roberto
Published: August 2003

The aim of the present study was to determine whether angelicin is able to increase the expression of γ‐globin genes in human erythroid cells. Angelicin is structurally related to psoralens, a well‐known chemical class of photosensitizers used for their antiproliferative activity in treatment of different skin diseases (i.e., psoriasis and vitiligo). To verify the activity of angelicin, we employed two experimental cell systems, the human leukemic K562 cell line and the two‐phase liquid culture of human erythroid progenitors isolated from normal donors. The results of our investigation suggest that angelicin, compared with cytosine arabinoside, mithramycin and cisplatin, is a powerful inducer of erythroid differentiation and γ‐globin mRNA accumulation of human leukemia K562 cells. In addition, when normal human erythroid precursors were cultured in the presence of angelicin, increases of γ‐globin mRNA accumulation and fetal hemoglobin (HbF) production, even higher than those obtained using hydroxyurea, were detected. These results could have practical relevance, as pharmacologically‐mediated regulation of the expression of human γ‐globin genes, leading to HbF induction, is considered a potential therapeutic approach in hematological disorders, including β‐thalassemia and sickle cell anemia.
Successful clearance of hepatitis B virus after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: beneficial combination of adoptive immunity transfer and lamivudine
Authors: Chiba Tetsuhiro , Yokosuka Osamu , Goto Shigemasa , Fukai Kenichi , Imazeki Fumio , Shishido Hideki , Narita Mitsuro , Saisho Hiromitsu
Published: August 2003

We report a 38‐yr‐old male with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), whose serological tests for the hepatitis B virus (HBV) before transplantation showed a chronic carrier status, and a liver biopsy specimen revealed chronic liver injury because of HBV. The patient underwent allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) from his sibling who was hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) positive. He had received lamivudine treatment for the prophylaxis of HBV reactivation during cytotoxic chemotherapy, and lamivudine administration continued after transplantation. Successful engraftment was documented 3 wk after PBSCT, and clearance of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was observed 2 months after PBSCT. Liver function tests transiently showed a mild elevation of aminotransferases on day 25, although this returned to normal after the dose escalation of the immunosuppressive agent. We presume that the combination of adoptive immunity transfer by bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from an HBsAb‐positive donor and antiviral drugs such as lamivudine is beneficial in clearing HBV in chronic carriers.
Fas ligand is not constitutively expressed in low‐grade B‐cell lymphoma and B‐lymphoblastoid cells
Authors: Grüllich Carsten , Richter Manfred , Exner Sebastian , Finke Jürgen
Published: August 2003

The Fas ligand (FasL) pathway is one of the two major effector mechanisms of T‐cell‐mediated cell death. FasL expression by extralymphatic tissues is thought to maintain a status of immunity. Accordingly, it has been proposed that tumor cells express FasL as a mechanism of immunologic escape. However, data regarding FasL expression in normal or neoplastic tissues remain controversial. In the present study, we investigated the expression of FasL in normal peripheral blood B lymphocytes or malignant cells of the B‐lymphocyte lineage to elucidate a possible immunologic counterattack mechanism. FasL gene expression was analyzed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in two non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) entities: the highly aggressive Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) and indolent NHL chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). FasL expression was found to be consistently negative in all BL cell lines and purified samples from patients with CLL. FasL is not constitutively expressed in normal peripheral blood or neoplastic B lymphocytes making the Fas counterattack, as described for gastrointestinal cancer, unlikely as a mechanism of immunologic escape of lymphoma cells.
Elevation of extracellular adenosine mobilizes haematopoietic progenitor cells and granulocytes into peripheral blood and enhances the mobilizing effects of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor
Authors: Hofer M. , Weiterová L. , Vacek A. , Znojil V. , Pospíšil M. , Vácha J.
Published: August 2003

We tested the capabilities of drugs elevating extracellular adenosine and of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF), given alone or in combination, to mobilize haematopoietic progenitor cells for granulocytes and macrophages (GM‐CFC) and granulocytes into peripheral blood. Elevation of extracellular adenosine was induced by joint administration of dipyridamole (DP), a drug inhibiting the cellular uptake of adenosine, and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) serving as an adenosine prodrug. DP + AMP, G‐CSF or all these drugs in combination were administered either singly or repeatedly in a 4‐d treatment regimen. Elevation of extracellular adenosine was found to mobilize significantly both GM‐CFC and granulocytes after both single and repeated administration of DP + AMP. These results show that the elevation of extracellular adenosine presents a potent mechanism for mobilization of GM‐CFC and granulocytes into the blood. When the combination of DP + AMP + G‐CSF was given under the 4‐d regimen, the mobilizing effects of its administration were additive when compared with those of DP + AMP alone or G‐CSF alone. The observed ability of the drugs elevating extracellular adenosine to enhance the mobilizing action of G‐CSF points out possible practical utilization of the findings presented here. This conclusion is further supported by the results of an additional experiment which indicate that blocking of haemodynamic side effects of drugs elevating extracellular adenosine by noradrenaline does not suppress their mobilizing effects.
CD8+ chronic lymphocytic leukemia: an extensive characterization of a bizarre hybrid neoplasia
Authors: Richaud‐Patin Y. , Piedras J. , Carrillo‐Maravilla E. , López‐Karpovitch X. , Llorente L.
Published: August 2003

Atypical chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) expressing the CD8 antigen have a frequency of less than 0.5% of all cases, however, they are not yet been fully characterized. Herein a CD8+ CLL case was extensively studied. Besides the classical CLL antigen expression, an unusual presence of surface markers such as CD11c, CD56, and CD154 was observed. Moreover, gene expression of chemokine receptors belonging to the CCR family were clearly evidenced as well as mRNA for both, Th1 and Th2 cytokines. Likewise, granzyme  A, B and perforin gene expression, cytotoxic T cell or NK enzymes were found. The intricate profile of membrane molecules and gene expression suggest that it could be favorable, rather than deletereous, for the maintainance of the neoplastic process.
A multicenter, open, non‐comparative, phase II study of the combination of cladribine (2‐chlorodeoxyadenosine), cytarabine, and G‐CSF as induction therapy in refractory acute myeloid leukemia – a report of the Polish Adult Leukemia Group (PALG)
Authors: Wrzesień‐Kuś A. , Robak T. , Lech‐Marańda E. , Wierzbowska A. , Dmoszyńska A. , Kowal M. , Hołowiecki J. , Kyrcz‐Krzemień S. , Grosicki S. , Maj S. , Hellmann A. , Skotnicki A. , Je˛drzejczak W. , Kuliczkowski K.
Published: August 2003

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of cladribine (2‐chlorodeoxyadenosine, 2‐CdA), cytarabine (Ara‐C), and granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) (CLAG) regimen in refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in the multicenter phase II study.

Methods: The induction chemotherapy consisted of 2‐CdA 5 mg/m2, Ara‐C2 g/m2, and G‐CSF. In the case of partial remission (PR), a second CLAG was administered. Patients in complete remission (CR) received two consolidation courses based on HD Ara‐C, mitoxantrone or idarubicine, with or without 2‐CdA.

Results: Fifty‐eight patients from 11 centers were registered; 50 primary resistant and eight early relapsed (CR1 < 6 months). CR was achieved in 29 (50%) patients, 19 (33%) were refractory, and 10 (17%) died early. Forty of 50 primary resistant patients received daunorubicin (DNR) and Ara‐C as the first‐line induction therapy (DA‐7), 10 received additional 2‐CdA (DAC‐7). The CR rates after CLAG were 58% and 10%, respectively in each group (P = 0.015). Five of six patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)/AML achieved CR. Hematologic toxicity was the most prominent toxicity of this regimen. The overall survival (OS, 1 yr) for the 58 patients as a whole, and the 29 patients in CR were 42% and 65%, respectively. Disease‐free survival (DFS, 1 yr) was 29%. Only first‐line induction treatment with DA‐7 significantly influenced the probability of CR after CLAG. None of the analyzed factors significantly influenced DFS and OS.

Conclusion: CLAG regimen has significant anti‐leukemic activity and an acceptable toxicity in refractory AML. The addition of 2‐CdA to the first‐line induction treatment may worsen the results of salvage with CLAG. The high CR rate in patients with MDS preceding AML deserves further observation.