bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bilateral Ureterocystostomy to Correct Left Ureteral Atresia and Right Ureteral Ectopia in an 8‐Month‐Old Standardbred Filly
Authors: GETMAN LIBERTY M. , ROSS MICHAEL W. , ELCE YVONNE A.
Published: November 2005

Objectives—To report the diagnosis and outcome after surgical correction of bilateral distal ureteral anomalies in a Standardbred filly.

Study Design—Clinical case report.

Animal—An 8‐month‐old, 310 kg Standardbred filly with left ureteral atresia and right ureteral ectopia.

Methods—The filly was admitted for evaluation of incontinence since birth and severe urine scalding of the hindquarters. Diagnosis was made by both direct (cystoscopy and vaginoscopy) and indirect (intravenous pyelography, ultrasonography, and scintigraphy) evaluation of the ureters and bladder. The filly had left ureteral atresia, hydronephrosis, and decreased left‐sided renal function and right ureteral ectopia before surgery. Surgical correction was performed on the left by an end‐to‐side stapled anastomosis technique and on the right by a side‐to‐side hand‐sewn anastomosis technique.

Results—Surgical correction was successful. The filly had no postoperative complications and remained continent 18 months after surgery. Left renal function improved.

Conclusion—Ureteral anomalies can be successfully repaired in larger (>300 kg) foals and some renal function may be restored after surgical correction.

Clinical Relevance—Scintigraphy should be considered in diagnosis of ureteral anomalies, assessing renal function, and determining prognosis for horses with hydronephrosis caused by ureteral ectopia and atresia.
Treatment of a Second Carpal Bone Fracture by Removal Under Ultrasonographic Guidance in a Horse
Authors: PICCOT‐CRÉZOLLET CYRILLE , CAUVIN EDDY R.
Published: November 2005

Objective—To report an unusual 2nd carpal bone (C2) slab fracture and its treatment, using an ultrasonographically assisted, minimally invasive arthrotomy technique, for fragment removal.

Study Design—Case report.

Animals—An 11‐year‐old crossbred Warmblood gelding.

Methods—A bone fragment, spanning the height of C2, identified on the palmaromedial aspect of C2 was demarcated intraoperatively using ultrasonographically guided needles and removed by arthrotomy.

Results—Fracture fragment removal was achieved using a small, ultrasonographically guided arthrotomy. The horse has become sound after treatment and returned to the previous level of pleasure riding activity.

Conclusions—Perioperative ultrasonography was used to delineate and facilitate removal of an unusual slab fragment of C2, through a minimally sized arthrotomy. Despite the presence of pancarpal osteoarthritis and partial involvement of the medial collateral ligament, the prognosis appeared to be satisfactory for this pleasure riding horse.

Clinical Relevance—Ultrasonographic guidance may be used to optimize the approach to C2 articular bony fragments that may not be observed using arthroscopy.
A Dorsal Approach for the Removal of the Nasal Septum in the Horse
Authors: SHOEMAKER RYAN W. , WILSON DAVID G. , FRETZ PETER B.
Published: November 2005

Objective— To describe and evaluate a technique involving a dorsal approach for the removal of the nasal septum in adult horses.

Study Design— Retrospective clinical study.

Animals— Four client‐owned horses.

Methods— Access for partial nasal septum resection was through a dorsal nasal bone flap. Septum resection was performed because of reduced airflow from septal deviation and/or thickening caused by traumatic insult or neoplasia. Preoperative clinical signs and diagnostic results were recorded. Intra‐ and postoperative complications were noted and follow‐up information was obtained from telephone interviews of owners or by clinical examination.

Results— The abnormal segment of the nasal septum was completely removed in all horses. A dorsal nasal bone flap approach provided excellent access to the septum and allowed immediate control of hemorrhage; blood transfusion was not needed. Cosmetic results were considered good to excellent by owners and horses returned to their previous level of work without perceived limitations associated with airway function.

Conclusions— Nasal septum resection by the dorsal approach permits good observation of the abnormal septum, and provides exposure that facilitates removal of nasal masses and reduction of depression fractures with minimal complications.

Clinical Relevance— A dorsal nasal bone flap approach should be considered for horses that require nasal septum resection because it can be achieved with minimal hemorrhage, good cosmetic results, and return to function.
Social Security, Taxation, and Redistribution in Japan
Authors: CHOPEL ALISON , KUNO NOZOMU , STEINMO SVEN
Published: November 2005

The paper examines the social security tax and benefit system in Japan. We offer an analysis of the interaction of taxes and benefits showing that the system has evolved to the point where it may no longer fulfill the original intentions. The system today appears to redistribute income from working people, who on average have lower incomes, to the aged population, which today have higher incomes. We suggest the system is in need of significant reform.
Effects of oxygen and carbon dioxide on human retinal circulation: an investigation using blue field simulation and scanning laser ophthalmoscopy
Authors: Tomic Lidija , Bjärnhall Gunilla , Mäepea Olav , Sperber Göran O. , Alm Albert
Published: November 2005

Purpose:  To investigate the quantitative response of retinal circulation in normal human eyes to oxygen and carbon dioxide provocation and to gain more information about retinal mean transit time (MTT).

Methods:  Healthy subjects were studied while breathing: room air (O2 baseline); pure O2; room air (CO2 baseline), and CO2 in room air. The CO2 level was brought to 30% above individual baseline level. During each gas exposure, blue field simulation was used to estimate the velocity of macular leucocytes and fluorescein angiography was used to determine MTT, arteriovenous passage time (AVP) and vessel diameters.

Results:  Breathing pure O2 caused a reduction in macular leucocyte velocity of about 13%, a non‐significant change in MTT and AVP from baseline, and a 10% reduction in the diameter of temporal retinal arteries and veins. Breathing CO2 caused an increase in macular leucocyte velocity of 21%, a non‐significant change in MTT and AVP, and no change in retinal vascular diameters.

Conclusion:  Both O2 and CO2 had the expected effects on retinal blood flow, as judged by leucocyte velocity in the macular capillaries, but little effect on retinal MTT, indicating concomitant changes in flow and retinal vascular volume. Measuring the diameter of retinal vessels before and during pure O2 breathing is a simple and effective way of determining the reactivity of retinal vessels.
Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide for treatment of intraocular oedematous and neovascular diseases
Authors: Jonas Jost B.
Published: November 2005

Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) has increasingly been applied as treatment for various intraocular neovascular and oedematous diseases. Comparing the various diseases with respect to effect and side‐effects of the treatment, the best response in terms of gain in visual acuity (VA) has been achieved for intraretinal oedematous diseases such as diffuse diabetic macular oedema, branch retinal vein occlusion, central retinal vein occlusion and pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema. In eyes with various types of non‐infectious uveitis, including acute or chronic sympathetic ophthalmia and Adamantiadis−Behcet's disease, VA increased and the degree of intraocular inflammation decreased. Some studies have suggested that intravitreal triamcinolone may be useful as angiostatic therapy in eyes with iris neovascularization and proliferative ischaemic retinopathies. Intravitreal triamcinolone may possibly be helpful as adjunct therapy for exudative age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), particularly in combination with photodynamic therapy. In eyes with chronic, therapy‐resistant ocular hypotony, intravitreal triamcinolone can induce an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) and may stabilize the eye. The complications of intravitreal triamcinolone therapy include: secondary ocular hypertension in about 40% of the eyes injected; medically uncontrollable high IOP leading to antiglaucomatous surgery in about 1–2% of the eyes; posterior subcapsular cataract and nuclear cataract leading to cataract surgery in about 15–20% of elderly patients within 1 year of injection; postoperative infectious endophthalmitis occurring at a rate of about one per 1000; non‐infectious endophthalmitis, perhaps due to a reaction to the solvent agent, and pseudo‐endophthalmitis with triamcinolone acetonide crystals appearing in the anterior chamber. Intravitreal triamcinolone injection can be combined with other intraocular surgeries, including cataract surgery, particularly in eyes with iris neovascularization. Cataract surgery performed some months after the injection does not show a markedly elevated complication rate. The injection may be repeated if the resultant benefits decrease after the initial IVTA injection. In non‐vitrectomized eyes, the duration of the effect and side‐effects of a single intravitreal injection of triamcinolone is about 6–9 months for a dosage of about 20 mg, and about 2–4 months for a dosage of 4 mg. So far, it has remained unclear whether the solvent agent should be removed, and if so, how.
Jesus and the eye: New Testament miracles of vision
Authors: Mansour Ahmad M. , Mehio‐Sibai Abla , Walsh Joseph B. , Sbeity Zaher H.
Published: November 2005

Purpose:  To compile and appraise the accounts of the miracles of vision in the New Testament.

Methods:  We carried out a critical analysis of the compilation of ocular miracles using past medical knowledge and historical reconstruction based on the accounts of the apostles and of various historians living in the first three centuries ad.

Results:  Three blind adult male beggars residing on three different street locations were described. Two had previously had good vision that had declined over a long time and the third had been born blind. The manifestations of the ocular diseases in these cases were meagre, precluding any precise diagnosis. The healing methodology did not rely on physical examination, detailed history, or the use of medicines. Jesus' tools consisted of spitting, touching, praying and the use of words. Visual outcome reported as a complete cure was realized in all three incidents.

Conclusions:  The accounts of miracles in the Gospels appear to be historically reliable, yet subject to different interpretations: faith in the miracle (the Christian perspective); sorcery (the Jewish perspective); mythology (the atheist perspective), and scientifically possible human action by a charismatic, compassionate, knowledgeable man (the scientific perspective: psychotherapy or suggestion).
The gluten connection: the association between schizophrenia and celiac disease
Authors: Kalaydjian A. E. , Eaton W. , Cascella N. , Fasano A.
Published: November 2005

Objective:  Schizophrenia affects roughly 1% of the population and is considered one of the top 10 causes of disability worldwide. Given the immense cost to society, successful treatment options are imperative. Based on initial findings, gluten withdrawal may serve as a safe and economical alternative for the reduction of symptoms in a subset of patients.

Method:  A review of the literature relevant to the association between schizophrenia and celiac disease (gluten intolerance) was conducted.

Results:  A drastic reduction, if not full remission, of schizophrenic symptoms after initiation of gluten withdrawal has been noted in a variety of studies. However, this occurs only in a subset of schizophrenic patients.

Conclusion:  Large‐scale epidemiological studies and clinical trials are needed to confirm the association between gluten and schizophrenia, and address the underlying mechanisms by which this association occurs.
A view to regressive autism through home movies. Is early development really normal?
Authors: Maestro S. , Muratori F. , Cesari A. , Pecini C. , Apicella F. , Stern D.
Published: November 2005

Objective:  To describe early development of children with regressive autism.

Method:  Home movies from the first 18 months of life of three groups of children with early onset autism (EOA), regressive autism (RA) and typical development (TD) were rated through the Grid for Attention in Infants in three age ranges. Different anova and post hoct‐tests were conducted on frequencies of behaviours.

Results:  Differently from TD, for both RA and EOA non‐social attention is higher than social attention across ages. While EOA is characterized by an early deficit in social attention, in RA social attention increases until the first birthday when its decrease proceeds at the same rate as the increase of non‐social attention.

Conclusion:  We hypothesize that the intense interest towards objects can be the first sign of an atypical development also in RA; this distinguishing feature lead us to believe that regression, based on the assumption of a previous normal development, is only apparent.
Peptides of human gingival crevicular fluid determined by HPLC‐ESI‐MS
Authors: Pisano Elisabetta , Cabras Tiziana , Montaldo Caterina , Piras Vincenzo , Inzitari Rosanna , Olmi Chiara , Castagnola Massimo , Messana Irene
Published: November 2005

The acidic‐soluble protein content of human gingival crevicular fluid was analyzed by reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC), and the eluent deriving from the chromatography separation was directly introduced into an ion‐trap mass spectrometer through electrospray ionization (ESI‐IT MS). By this technique the molecular weight of peptides/proteins was determined with a precision of ≈ 1/10,000 amu. On the basis of the chromatographic behavior and the knowledge of the molecular mass value, some peptides and proteins soluble in acidic solution were unambiguously recognized. Besides high quantities of human serum albumin, α‐defensins 1–4 and minor amounts of cystatin A, statherin, basic PB salivary peptide and other unidentified components were detected. The presence of α‐defensins in gingival crevicular fluid is in agreement with their relevant contribution to protein composition deriving from granulocyte secretions. Other peptides and proteins abundant in human saliva, such as proline‐rich proteins (PRPs) and histatins, were not detected in gingival crevicular fluid. Further investigations will be necessary to establish the origin of statherin and PB salivary peptide in gingival crevicular fluid.
Corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of a new porous surface for titanium implants
Authors: Simon Michael , Lagneau Christelle , Moreno José , Lissac Michele , Dalard Francis , Grosgogeat Brigitte
Published: November 2005

Alterations of the commercially pure titanium (cpTi) surface may be undertaken to improve its biological properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the biocompatibility of cpTi when submitted to a new, porous titanium, surface treatment (porous Ti). Five types of surface treatments, namely sintered microspheres porous titanium (porous Ti), titanium plasma spray (TPS), hydroxyapatite (HA), sandblasted and acid etched (SBAE), and resorbable blast medium, sandblasted with hydroxyapatite (RBM) were made. In the experimental methods, the corrosion potentials were measured over time, and then a linear sweep voltammetric analysis measured the polarization resistances and corrosion currents. For biocompatibility evaluation, MG63 osteoblast‐like cells were used. Cell morphology, cell proliferation, total protein content, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were evaluated after 2 h, and after 2, 4 and 7 d. Porous Ti and SBAE showed a better corrosion resistance, with a weak corrosion current and a high polarization resistance, than the other surfaces. Cell attachment, cell morphology, cell proliferation, and ALP synthesis were influenced by the surface treatments, with a significant increase observed of the activity of osteoblast cells on the porous coating (porous Ti). Based on these results, it is suggested that the porous Ti surface has a significantly better biocompatibility than the other surface treatments and an excellent electrochemical performance.
An investigation of some food‐approved polymers as agents to inhibit hydroxyapatite dissolution
Authors: Barbour Michele E. , Shellis R. Peter , Parker David M. , Allen Geoff C. , Addy Martin
Published: November 2005

Dental erosion involves dissolution of the hydroxyapatite fraction of enamel and dentine, so agents that reduce the dissolution rate of hydroxyapatite could find application in food products aimed at reducing erosion. This study was performed to test some common food ingredients and additives for their effect on the dissolution rate of hydroxyapatite in a citric acid solution representative of soft drinks. Pyrophosphate, tripolyphosphate and a linear chain polyphosphate (average 25 phosphate units) significantly reduced the hydroxyapatite dissolution rate by 35, 46 and 64%, respectively. Xanthan gum and carboxymethylcellulose significantly reduced the hydroxyapatite dissolution rate by 29 and 16%, respectively. The protective effect may be ascribed to the binding of condensed phosphate or to the formation of an adsorbed layer of gum at the hydroxyapatite surface. Several other common food additives had no statistically significant effect on the hydroxyapatite dissolution rate. Polyphosphate exhibited a considerable persistence of action, causing a reduction in the dissolution rate for 3 h after treatment. Tripolyphosphate was slightly persistent, and pyrophosphate and xanthan gum did not exhibit a substantial persistence of action. A solution containing polyphosphate and xanthan gum reduced the hydroxyapatite dissolution rate by 70% and exhibited a similar persistence of action to the solution containing only polyphosphate. These compounds are suggested to have potential as erosion‐reducing agents in soft drinks.
Activity patterns of the masticatory muscles during feedback‐controlled simulated clenching activities
Authors: Schindler Hans J. , Rues Stefan , Türp Jens C. , Schweizerhof Karl , Lenz Jürgen
Published: November 2005

In 10 normal subjects, the electromyographic (EMG) activities of the masseter, anterior and posterior temporalis, medial pterygoid, inferior lateral pterygoid, as well as the anterior digastric, were bilaterally recorded during clenching with various resulting force vectors. The intraoral force transfer was achieved with a three‐component force transducer. The direction and magnitude of the force vectors were controlled by visual feedback. The goal of the study was to investigate how various clenching directions at constant magnitude of force influence the EMG activity in the masticatory muscles during gradual increase of the horizontal force component. Depending on the force direction and the individual muscle, an increase or decrease of activity was observed during clenching with increasing horizontal force components at constant magnitude of force. The inferior lateral pterygoid exhibited the highest activation (about 80% of maximal voluntary clenching) of all masticatory muscles. The medial pterygoid showed the greatest range of variation in activation behavior, and it was the most active muscle in relation to all clenching directions. In conclusion, the results show that with growing horizontal force components at constant magnitude of force, all muscles demonstrated an increase or decrease of activity in several clenching directions.
How dentists cope with their job demands and stay engaged: the moderating role of job resources
Authors: Hakanen Jari J. , Bakker Arnold B. , Demerouti Evangelia
Published: November 2005

This study focuses on job demands, job resources, and work engagement among 1,919 Finnish dentists employed in the public sector. Based on the Job Demands – Resources model, it was first predicted that the inverse relationship between job demands (e.g. workload, physical environment) and work engagement would be weaker when dentists had many resources (e.g. variability in the required professional skills, peer contacts). Second, using the Conservation of Resources theory it was hypothesized that job resources are most beneficial in maintaining work engagement under conditions of high job demands. The data were based on a postal questionnaire with a response rate of 71%. The dentists were split into two random groups in order to cross‐validate the results. A set of hierarchical regression analyses resulted in 17 out of 40 significant interactions (40%). Four out of 20 possible interaction effects could be cross‐validated showing, for example, that variability in professional skills mitigated the negative effect of qualitative workload on work engagement and, in addition, boosted work engagement when the qualitative workload was high. The main conclusion is that job resources are useful in coping with the high demands in dentistry and help dentists to stay engaged.
Degree of conversion and permeability of dental adhesives
Authors: Cadenaro Milena , Antoniolli Francesca , Sauro Salvatore , Tay Franklin R. , Di Lenarda Roberto , Prati Carlo , Biasotto Matteo , Contardo Luca , Breschi Lorenzo
Published: November 2005

The aim of this study was to analyse the extent of polymerization of different adhesive films in relation to their permeability. One adhesive of each class was investigated: OptiBond FL; One‐Step; Clearfil Protect Bond; and Xeno III. Adhesive films were prepared and cured with XL‐2500 (3M ESPE) for 20, 40 or 60 s. Polymerization kinetic curves of the adhesives tested were obtained with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and data were correlated with microhardness. The permeability of the adhesives under the same experimental conditions was evaluated on human extracted teeth connected to a permeability device and analysed statistically. The results showed that the extent of polymerization obtained from DSC exotherms was directly correlated with microhardness. An increased level of polymerization after prolonged light‐curing was confirmed for all adhesives. Simplified adhesives exhibited a lower extent of polymerization and showed incomplete polymerization, even after 60 s. An inverse correlation was found between the degree of cure and the permeability. This study supports the hypothesis that the permeability of simplified adhesives is correlated with incomplete polymerization of resin monomers and the extent of light exposure. These adhesives may be rendered less permeable by using longer curing times than those recommended by the respective manufacturer.
Computerized anesthesia delivery system vs. traditional syringe: comparing pain and pain‐related behavior in children
Authors: Versloot Judith , Veerkamp Jaap S. J. , Hoogstraten Johan
Published: November 2005

The aim of this study was to compare the behavioral reaction of children who receive local anesthesia with a traditional syringe with the behavioral reaction of children who receive local anesthesia with a computerized device (Wand) and to differentiate between the reactions of highly anxious children with those displaying low anxiety. One hundred and twenty‐five children aged 4–11 yr were randomly allocated to receive local anesthesia with the Wand or a traditional injection. Parents completed the Dental Subscale of the Children's Fear Survey Schedule (CFSS‐DS). Two independent observers scored videotapes of the anesthesia in 15‐s intervals. The occurrence of muscle tension, crying, verbal protest, movement, and resistance was registered and a score was given on the Venham distress scale. The mean injection time with the Wand was four times as long as with the traditional syringe. During the first 15 s of the injection, low‐anxious children receiving local anesthesia with the Wand displayed less muscle tension, less verbal protest and less movement than children receiving local anesthesia with the traditional syringe. Within the high‐anxious group no differences were found. It was concluded that low‐anxious children seem to benefit from the use of the Wand instead of the traditional syringe in receiving local anesthesia.
Evaluation of a profilometrical method for monitoring erosive tooth wear
Authors: Schlueter Nadine , Ganss Carolina , De Sanctis Stefano , Klimek Joachim
Published: November 2005

The in vivo monitoring of erosive wear is difficult because lesions mostly progress relatively slowly and reliable reference points are difficult to obtain. To date, only a few methods for clinical monitoring of erosive loss have been described, which either require extensive equipment or do not provide sufficient sensitivity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate, using study models (epoxy resin material), a procedure that permits the reliable and accurate monitoring of erosive substance loss within acceptable observation periods. The method is the profilometric measurement of erosive tissue loss using acid‐resistant markers, which represent both a reference area and a structure for the defined retracing of a given erosive lesion surface. The study model magnified values slightly (2.8%; not significant), the precision was < 4 µm, and the repeatability was good (95% limits of repeatability ranging from −4.7 to 5.2 µm). The estimated detection threshold for erosive loss is 15 µm, which appears to be adequate for monitoring. The method is indicated for special dental care in cases of severe dental erosion (e.g. eating disorders) and for clinical studies.
A novel autosomal‐recessive mutation, whitish chalk‐like teeth, resembling amelogenesis imperfecta, maps to rat chromosome 14 corresponding to human 4q21
Authors: Masuyama Taku , Miyajima Katsuhiro , Ohshima Hayato , Osawa Masaru , Yokoi Norihide , Oikawa Toshihiro , Taniguchi Kazuyuki
Published: November 2005

A rat mutant, whitish chalk‐like teeth (wct), with white, chalk‐like abnormal incisors, was discovered and morphologically and genetically characterized. The mutant rats showed tooth enamel defects that were similar to those of human amelogenesis imperfecta. The wct mutation was found to disturb the morphological transition of ameloblasts from secretory to maturation stages and to induce cyst formation. This mutation also disturbs the transfer of iron into the enamel, resulting in the whitish chalk‐like incisors. A genetic linkage study indicated that the wct locus maps to a specific interval of rat chromosome 14 between D14Got13 and D14Wox2. Interestingly, the human chromosomal region orthologous to wct, a 5.5‐Mb interval in human chromosome 4q21, is a critical region for the locus of human amelogenesis imperfecta AIH2. These results strongly suggest that this wct mutant is a useful model for the identification of genes responsible for amelogenesis imperfecta and molecular mechanisms of tooth development.
Three‐year clinical effectiveness of a two‐step self‐etch adhesive in cervical lesions
Authors: Peumans Marleen , De Munck Jan , Van Landuyt Kirsten , Lambrechts Paul , Van Meerbeek Bart
Published: November 2005

A 3‐yr randomized, controlled prospective study evaluated the clinical effectiveness of a mild two‐step self‐etch adhesive, Clearfil SE, in Class‐V non‐carious lesions. The hypothesis tested was that prior selective etching of enamel with phosphoric acid does not affect the 3‐yr clinical performance of this adhesive. A total of 100 lesions in 29 patients were randomly restored in one or two pairs, according to two experimental protocols: (i) application of Clearfil SE according to the instructions of the manufacturer (C‐SE non‐etch); and (ii) similar application of Clearfil SE with prior etching of enamel cavity margins with phosphoric acid (C‐SE etch). Clearfil AP‐X was used as a restorative material. At 3 yr, 90% of the restorations were examined for retention, marginal integrity, marginal discoloration, caries recurrence, postoperative sensitivity, and preservation of tooth vitality. An excellent retention rate (100%) was noted after 3 yr of clinical functioning. Only one restoration of the C‐SE etch group was clinically unacceptable owing to the presence of a severe cervical marginal defect. A pairwise comparison between both groups showed a significant difference only in the number of small marginal defects at the enamel side, which was higher in the C‐SE non‐etch group. These incisal defects were small and clinically irrelevant. Superficial marginal discoloration increased slightly in the C‐SE non‐etch group and was related to the higher frequency of small incisal marginal defects. In this latter group, localized marginal discoloration was observed significantly more in smokers. In conclusion, the clinical performance of the mild two‐step self‐etch adhesive, Clearfil SE, remained excellent after 3 yr of clinical functioning. Additional etching of the enamel cavity margins was not critical for its clinical performance.
Risk factors for failure of glass fiber‐reinforced composite post restorations: a prospective observational clinical study
Authors: Naumann Michael , Blankenstein Felix , Kießling Saskia , Dietrich Thomas
Published: November 2005

Glass fiber‐reinforced endodontic posts are considered to have favorable mechanical properties for the reconstruction of endodontically treated teeth. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the survival of two tapered and one parallel‐sided glass fiber‐reinforced endodontic post systems in teeth with different stages of hard tissue loss and to identify risk factors for restoration failure. One‐hundred and forty‐nine glass fiber‐reinforced endodontic posts in 122 patients were followed‐up for 5–56 months [mean ± standard deviation (SD): 39 ± 11 months]. Glass fiber‐reinforced endodontic posts were adhesively luted and the core was built with a composite resin. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association of clinical variables and failure rate. Higher failure rates were found for restorations of anterior teeth compared with posterior teeth [Hazard‐Ratios (HR): 3.1; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3–7.4], for restorations in teeth with no proximal contacts compared with at least one proximal contact (HR: 3.0; 95% CI: 1.0–9.0), and for teeth restored with single crowns compared with fixed bridges (HR: 4.3; 95% CI: 1.1–16.2). Tooth type, type of final restoration and the presence of adjacent teeth were found to be significant predictors of failure rates in endodontically treated teeth restored with glass fiber‐reinforced endodontic posts.
Experimental infective endocarditis induced by human supragingival dental plaque in rats
Authors: Nagata Emi , Okayama Hidehito , Ito Hiro‐O , Semba Ichiro , Inoue Masakazu , Oho Takahiko
Published: November 2005

Human dental plaque is thought to contribute to disease, not only in the oral cavity but also at other body sites. To investigate the pathogenicity of dental plaque in tissues remote from the mouth, we examined the ability of human supragingival dental plaque to induce infective endocarditis (IE) in rats. In total, 15 out of 27 catheterized rats survived after intravenous injections with human supragingival dental plaque suspensions containing 3 × 106 colony‐forming units (CFU) of bacterial cells. In surviving rats, infected vegetations were formed in all except one rat. The microbial composition of the infected vegetations was different from that of the respective dental plaque inocula, with Streptococcus oralis comprising the majority of the isolates. In rats affected with endocarditis, the aortic sinus was filled with fibrinous vegetation containing bacteria. Inflammatory cells infiltrated the aortic valve, the aorta adjacent to the valve, and the cardiac muscles. The inoculation of catheterized rats with a cell suspension of S. oralis isolate (5 × 106 CFU) was not lethal but capable of inducing endocarditis in all animals. The results suggest that if dental plaque were introduced into the bloodstream, it could serve as a potent source of bacteria causing IE in humans.
Resin composite shrinkage and marginal adaptation with different pulse‐delay light curing protocols
Authors: Krejci Ivo , Planinic Milanka , Stavridakis Minos , Bouillaguet Serge
Published: November 2005

The aims of this study were, first, to measure shrinkage induced by different methods of pulse‐delay light curing and, second, to verify their influence on the marginal adaptation of class V restorations in enamel and dentin. Eight groups, comprising seven groups (n = 6) with different pulse‐delay parameters and a control group, were compared for dynamic linear displacement and force by using a fine hybrid composite. Based on these results, the pulse‐delay curing procedure with the lowest shrinkage force was chosen and tested against the control group with respect to marginal adaptation in class V restorations (n = 8) before and after simultaneous thermal and mechanical loading. Statistically significant differences between groups were found for both shrinkage properties tested, with one pulse‐delay group giving the lowest overall shrinkage values. However, the percentages of ‘continuous margin’ of this group, and of the control before and after loading, were not significantly different in dentin, whereas a significantly lower percentage of ‘continuous margin’ was detected in the pulse‐delay group in enamel after loading.
Melatonin reduces pancreatic prostaglandins production and protects against caerulein‐induced pancreatitis in rats
Authors: Chen Han‐Ming , Chen Jih‐Chang , Ng Chip‐Jin , Chiu De‐Fa , Chen Miin‐Fu
Published: November 2005

Abstract:  Melatonin has been used to treat experimental pancreatitis, although not all the drug's therapeutic mechanisms of melatonin have been defined. Prostaglandins (PGs) are proinflammatory mediators that exert their effects mainly locally during inflammatory diseases. The present study was undertaken to examine whether treatment with melatonin influences local PG production. An acute pancreatitis model in male Sprague–Dawley rats (225–275 g) was established by continuously infusing caerulein (15 mg/kg/hr). Mean arterial pressure and pancreatic perfusion were monitored continuously. Melatonin was delivered via the intraperitoneal route at doses of either 2 or 10 mg/kg, 30 min after caerulein injection. Malondialdehyde and glutathione levels of the pancreas and liver and the trypsinogen activation peptide levels in the serum were measured at the end of the experiment (8 hr after infusion of caerulein). Intraperitoneal injection of melatonin (2 and 10 mg/kg) reduced the reduction in systemic arterial pressure and decreased pancreatic perfusion in the rat model of caerulein pancreatitis. Moreover, melatonin treatment changed local PG production toward control level. Higher dose of melatonin was somewhat more effective in preventing the caerulein‐induced alterations than was the lower dose.
Preventive effect of melatonin on bleomycin‐induced lung fibrosis in rats
Authors: Yildirim Zeki , Kotuk Mahir , Erdogan Hasan , Iraz Mustafa , Yagmurca Murat , Kuku Irfan , Fadillioglu Ersin
Published: November 2005

Abstract:  Oxidative stress has an important role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Melatonin has direct and indirect free radical‐detoxifying activity. The present study investigated whether melatonin treatment attenuates bleomycin‐induced lung fibrosis in rats. A group of rats was given one dose of bleomycin while the control animals were given saline. The first dose of melatonin (4 mg/kg/day) was given 2 days before the bleomycin injection. At day 14, fibrotic changes were evaluated using Aschoft's criteria and lung hydroxyproline content. Bleomycin produced a 2.7‐fold rise in the fibrosis score that was decreased 65% by melatonin (P < 0.05) and a 1.4‐fold increase in hydroxyproline content which was completely prevented by melatonin. Protein carbonyl and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels, which were significantly elevated in the bleomycin treated rats, were significantly attenuated by melatonin. Bleomycin administration significantly reduced the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) in lung tissue. The reduction in CAT activity was prevented by melatonin but SOD and GSH‐Px were not influenced. These results revealed that melatonin may prevent the development of bleomycin‐induced lung fibrosis via the repression of protein and lipid peroxidation.
Physical Factors that Affect the Number and Size of Golgi Cisternae
Authors: Derganc Jure , Mironov Alexander A. , Svetina Saša
Published: November 2005

Despite continual membrane reorganization in the Golgi complex, the number of cisternae in a Golgi stack is a stable parameter. The cisternal number is conserved within any given cell line and also after Golgi reassembly, e.g. following brefeldin‐A‐induced disruption. However, the factors that determine the cisternal number in a single Golgi stack remain to be fully determined. We propose a simple mechanical model of the Golgi stack and present a theoretical analysis of different physical factors that may affect the number of cisternae in a Golgi stack. The model takes into account the Golgi membrane bending elasticity, which is related to the membrane curvature, and the adhesion, which holds the cisternae together. The analysis shows that the equilibrium configuration of the Golgi stack can be regarded as a balance between these two effects – the adhesion, which tends to increase the number of cisternae, is opposed by the membrane resistance to bending, which does not favor highly curved cisternal rims. The adhesion strength that is needed to hold together a typical stack is calculated. In addition, the model is used to analyze changes in the cisternal numbers as a controlled traffic wave enters a Golgi stack and increases the amount of the membrane in that stack.
Compound Exocytosis: Mechanisms and Functional Significance
Authors: Pickett James A. , Edwardson J. Michael
Published: November 2005

Compound exocytosis occurs in many cell types. It represents a specialized form of secretion in which vesicles undergo fusion with each other as well as with the plasma membrane. In most cases, compound exocytosis occurs sequentially, with deeper‐lying vesicles fusing, after a delay, with vesicles that have already fused with the plasma membrane. However, in some cells, vesicles can also apparently fuse with each other intracellularly before any interaction with the plasma membrane. In this review, we discuss the general features of compound exocytosis, and the features that are specific to particular cells. We consider mechanisms that might impose the requirement for vesicles to fuse with the plasma membrane before they become able to fuse with each other, the possibility that there are biochemical differences between vesicle–plasma membrane fusion events and subsequent secondary homotypic vesicle fusion events, and the role that cytoskeletal elements might play in the stabilization of fused vesicles, in order to permit secondary fusion events. Finally, we discuss the likely physiological significance of compound exocytosis in the various cell types in which it exists.
Mucus and hormonal traits in three gestation patterns (pre‐, full‐ and post‐term) of Egyptian Nubian (Zaraibi) crossbred doe goats
Authors: EL‐DARAWANY Abdel‐Halim Ali , MARAI Ibrahim Fayez Mahmud , ELWAN Kamal Mohamed , EL‐TARABANY Akram Abdel‐Sattar
Published: November 2005

In the present study, 48 crossbred does (Nubian × Baladi) were used to investigate physiological (mucus and hormonal) traits as affected by gestation pattern (pre‐, full‐ and post‐term parturitions). The incidence of full‐term (does with a gestation length of 146–152 days) was the highest (54.5%), followed by pre‐term (does with a gestation length of 140–145 days; 36.9%) and post‐term (does with a gestation length of 153 days; 8.9%), respectively. Prediction of gestation pattern by using some body measurements was also studied. Cervical mucus samples were collected during estrus to determine spinnbarkeit (i.e. strength, viscosity or stretchability) and pH values of the mucus. Mucus was also collected pre‐parturition daily from day 140 of gestation until delivery, to evaluate the ferning arborization. Blood samples were collected on the day before mating (0 time), 1 (at mating), 30, 60, 90 and 145 days after mating. The results showed that spinnbarkeit and pH in cervical mucus at estrus, serum estradiol‐17α (E2) at day 5 before delivery, and progesterone (P4) levels differed insignificantly according to gestation pattern. The fern degree between day 140 of gestation and day of delivery was the highest in pre‐term does, while it was the lowest in post‐ and full‐term does. The gestation length was the highest in post‐term does (157.5 days), and the lowest in pre‐term does (141.5 days). During winter, the incidence of pre‐term deliveries was the highest (54.5%), but in spring, full‐term deliveries were the most common (58.3%). Most of the traits studied were insignificantly affected by season of birth. Post‐term delivery can be estimated by doe weight and wither height, while full‐term delivery can be anticipated using by hip height and abdomen girth. Pre‐term does can be detected by cervical mucus fern between day 140 of gestation and day of delivery. Post‐term does can be defined by doe weight and wither height, while full‐term deliveries can be defined by hip height and abdomen girth, during pregnancy.
The C‐type lectin‐like domain superfamily
Authors: Zelensky Alex N , Gready Jill E
Published: November 2005

The superfamily of proteins containing C‐type lectin‐like domains (CTLDs) is a large group of extracellular Metazoan proteins with diverse functions. The CTLD structure has a characteristic double‐loop (‘loop‐in‐a‐loop’) stabilized by two highly conserved disulfide bridges located at the bases of the loops, as well as a set of conserved hydrophobic and polar interactions. The second loop, called the long loop region, is structurally and evolutionarily flexible, and is involved in Ca2+‐dependent carbohydrate binding and interaction with other ligands. This loop is completely absent in a subset of CTLDs, which we refer to as compact CTLDs; these include the Link/PTR domain and bacterial CTLDs. CTLD‐containing proteins (CTLDcps) were originally classified into seven groups based on their overall domain structure. Analyses of the superfamily representation in several completely sequenced genomes have added 10 new groups to the classification, and shown that it is applicable only to vertebrate CTLDcps; despite the abundance of CTLDcps in the invertebrate genomes studied, the domain architectures of these proteins do not match those of the vertebrate groups. Ca2+‐dependent carbohydrate binding is the most common CTLD function in vertebrates, and apparently the ancestral one, as suggested by the many humoral defense CTLDcps characterized in insects and other invertebrates. However, many CTLDs have evolved to specifically recognize protein, lipid and inorganic ligands, including the vertebrate clade‐specific snake venoms, and fish antifreeze and bird egg‐shell proteins. Recent studies highlight the functional versatility of this protein superfamily and the CTLD scaffold, and suggest further interesting discoveries have yet to be made.
The 1.8 Å crystal structure of a proteinase K‐like enzyme from a psychrotroph Serratia species
Authors: Helland Ronny , Larsen Atle Noralf , Smalås Arne Oskar , Willassen Nils Peder
Published: November 2005

Proteins from organisms living in extreme conditions are of particular interest because of their potential for being templates for redesign of enzymes both in biotechnological and other industries. The crystal structure of a proteinase K‐like enzyme from a psychrotroph Serratia species has been solved to 1.8 Å. The structure has been compared with the structures of proteinase K from Tritirachium album Limber and Vibrio sp. PA44 in order to reveal structural explanations for differences in biophysical properties. The Serratia peptidase shares around 40 and 64% identity with the Tritirachium and Vibrio peptidases, respectively. The fold of the three enzymes is essentially identical, with minor exceptions in surface loops. One calcium binding site is found in the Serratia peptidase, in contrast to the Tritirachium and Vibrio peptidases which have two and three, respectively. A disulfide bridge close to the S2 site in the Serratia and Vibrio peptidases, an extensive hydrogen bond network in a tight loop close to the substrate binding site in the Serratia peptidase and different amino acid sequences in the S4 sites are expected to cause different substrate specificity in the three enzymes. The more negative surface potential of the Serratia peptidase, along with a disulfide bridge close to the S2 binding site of a substrate, is also expected to contribute to the overall lower binding affinity observed for the Serratia peptidase. Clear electron density for a tripeptide, probably a proteolysis product, was found in the S’ sites of the substrate binding cleft.
Antifungal effects and mechanism of action of viscotoxin A3
Authors: Giudici Marcela , Antonio Poveda José , Molina María Luisa , de la Canal Laura , González‐Ros José M. , Pfüller Karola , Pfüller Uwe , Villalaín José
Published: November 2005

Viscotoxins are cationic proteins, isolated from different mistletoe species, that belong to the group of thionins, a group of basic cysteine‐rich peptides of ≈ 5 kDa. They have been shown to be cytotoxic to different types of cell, including animal, bacterial and fungal. The aim of this study was to obtain information on the cell targets and the mechanism of action of viscotoxin isoform A3 (VtA3). We describe a detailed study of viscotoxin interaction with fungal‐derived model membranes, its location inside spores of Fusarium solani, as well as their induced spore death. We show that VtA3 induces the appearance of ion‐channel‐like activity, the generation of H2O2, and an increase in cytoplasmic free Ca2+. Moreover, we show that Ca2+ is involved in VtA3‐induced spore death and increased H2O2 concentration. The data presented here strongly support the notion that the antifungal activity of VtA3 is due to membrane binding and channel formation, leading to destabilization and disruption of the plasma membrane, thereby supporting a direct role for viscotoxins in the plant defence mechanism.
Optimal observability of sustained stochastic competitive inhibition oscillations at organellar volumes
Authors: Davis Kevin L. , Roussel Marc R
Published: November 2005

When molecules are present in small numbers, such as is frequently the case in cells, the usual assumptions leading to differential rate equations are invalid and it is necessary to use a stochastic description which takes into account the randomness of reactive encounters in solution. We display a very simple biochemical model, ordinary competitive inhibition with substrate inflow, which is only capable of damped oscillations in the deterministic mass‐action rate equation limit, but which displays sustained oscillations in stochastic simulations. We define an observability parameter, which is essentially just the ratio of the amplitude of the oscillations to the mean value of the concentration. A maximum in the observability is seen as the volume is varied, a phenomenon we name system‐size observability resonance by analogy with other types of stochastic resonance. For the parameters of this study, the maximum in the observability occurs at volumes similar to those of bacterial cells or of eukaryotic organelles.