bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of Catheter Cryoablation in Normal Ventricular Myocardium and Healed Myocardial Infarction
Authors: REEK SVEN , GELLER J. CHRISTOPH , SCHILDHAUS HANS‐ULRICH , RIPLEY KENNETH L. , KLEIN HELMUT U.
Published: November 2004

Although novel cryoablation systems have recently been introduced into clinical practice for catheter ablation of supraventricular tachycardia, the feasibility of catheter cryoablation of VT is unknown. Thus, the present study evaluates catheter cryoablation of the ventricular myocardium (1) in healthy sheep and (2) of VT in chronic myocardial infarction (MI). In three healthy sheep, 21 ventricular lesions (12 left and 9 right ventricle) were created with a catheter cryoablation system. Different freeze/thaw characteristics were used for lesion creation. The mean nadir temperature was ‐84.1°C ± 0.9°C, mean lesion volume was 175.8 ± 170.3 mm3, and 5 of 21 lesions were transmural. Lesion dimensions were 7.5 ± 3.1 mm (width) and 4.2 ± 2.5 mm (depth). Left ventricular lesions were significantly larger than right ventricular lesions (262 ± 166 vs 60.5 ± 91.6 mm3, P = 0.0025). There was no difference in lesion volume with respect to different freeze/thaw characteristics. Anatomically (n = 3) or electrophysiologically (n = 3) guided catheter cryoablation was attempted in six sheep 105 ± 56 days after MI, three of six animals had reproducibly inducible VT with a mean cycle length of 215 ± 34 ms prior to ablation. In these animals, five VTs were targeted for ablation. A mean of 6 ± 3 applications for nine left ventricular lesions were applied, six of nine lesions were transmural. The mean lesion volume was 501 ± 424 mm3. No VT was inducible in two of three animals after cryoablation using an identical stimulation protocol. Therefore, catheter cryoablation of VT in healed MI is feasible, and no acute complications were observed.
Postprandial Variations in ST‐Segment in a Patient with Brugada Syndrome and Partial Gastrectomy
Authors: WATANABE HIROSHI , CHINUSHI MASAOMI , HAO KAZUHISA , SUGIURA HIROTAKA , HIRONO TAKASHI , KOMURA SATORU , HOSAKA YUKIO , TANABE YASUTAKA , FURUSHIMA HIROSHI , FUJITA SATORU , WASHIZUKA TAKASHI , AIZAWA YOSHIFUSA
Published: November 2004

A 74‐year‐old man with a history of partial gastrectomy presented with an electrocardiogram consistent with Brugada syndrome and marked meal related fluctuations in the ST segment. ST‐segment elevation was prominently attenuated at 30 minutes and increased at 120 minutes after meals. Analysis of heart rate variability revealed a relationship between postprandial heightened parasympathetic activity and increase in Brugada‐type ECG abnormality. A rapid postprandial increase in blood glucose may initially stimulate sympathetic nervous activity and secondarily increase parasympathetic tone. Food intake can be associated with fluctuations in ST‐segment elevation in patients with the Brugada syndrome.
Hypersensitive Carotid Sinus Syndrome Due to Neurofibromatosis‐1 and Manifested by Repeated Episodes of Syncope
Authors: SUTHERLAND JESSICA A. , STOBIE PAUL , SWARUP VIJAY , TIERNEY SEAN P. , LIN ALBERT C. , BURKE MARTIN C.
Published: November 2004

A 28‐year‐old patient with neurofibromatosis‐1 presented with syncope. The exam demonstrated a mass adjacent and inferior to the right occiput that extended to the posterior lateral right‐sided neck. Initial invasive and noninvasive testing was negative. Imaging of her head and neck demonstrated a large neurofibroma enveloping her right carotid sinus without vessel occlusion or evidence of malignancy. An event recorder documented asystole. A pacemaker was implanted to avoid the surgical morbidity of removing the neck mass. The patient has since been free of syncope. We believe neurofibromatosis‐1 should be included in the differential of syncope.
Drug‐Eluting Bioabsorbable Magnesium Stent
Authors: DI MARIO CARLO , GRIFFITHS HUW , GOKTEKIN OMER , PEETERS NICOLAS , VERBIST JAN , BOSIERS MARC , DELOOSE Koen , HEUBLEIN BERNHARD , ROHDE Roland , KASESE VICTOR , ILSLEY CHARLES , ERBEL RAIMUND
Published: November 2004

Current stent technology is based on the use of permanent implants that remain life long in the vessel wall, far beyond the time required for the prosthesis to accomplish its main goals of sealing dissection and preventing wall recoil. With the possibility to implant long vessel segments using antiproliferative drugs to prevent restenosis, the practice of transforming the coronary vessels into stiff tubes with a full metal jacket covering all side branches and being unable to adjust to the long‐term wall changes, including wall remodeling with lumen ectasia becomes a serious concern. In this article, we describe the first biodegradable stent based on a magnesium alloy that allows controlled corrosion with release to the vessel wall and the blood stream of a natural body component such as magnesium with beneficial antithrombotic, antiarrhythmic, and antiproliferative properties. We also discuss the animal experiments and the initial clinical applications in 20 patients with implants below the knee, with final results soon to be released, and the plans for the first coronary study. The results of these last two studies will indicate whether the absence of a permanent implant and the antiproliferative properties shown in animals are sufficient to prevent the restenotic process in humans or whether the prosthesis must be modified by adding the biodegradable coating with conventional antiproliferative drugs.
New Approaches to Long Lesions
Authors: KAMINENI RAGHUNANDAN , HEUSER RICHARD R.
Published: November 2004

Long coronary lesions, comprising up to 20% of the interventional practice, pose a significant challenge to the interventionalist. Several approaches have been described to treat long coronary lesions with long‐term suboptimal outcomes. Atherectomy and laser treatments with or without adjunctive balloon angioplasty have not been shown to be superior to conventional balloon angioplasty alone. Preliminary data with the use of drug‐eluting stents in the treatment of long coronary lesions appears to be promising even in small vessels and may eventually become the mainstay treatment of long lesions.
The effects of naproxen sodium on specific parameters of L‐strain cells over guided bone regeneration barrier materials
Authors: Aybar Buket , Erkut Selçuk , Yıldırım Sami , Bilir Ayhan
Published: November 2004

Abstract: There is strong evidence that nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) may exert a significant antiproliferative effect. This study evaluated the influence of NSAID on specific parameters of fibroblastic cells, in vitro, over two‐guided bone regeneration (GBR) barrier materials. Fibroblast cells were cultured on bioabsorbable membrane made of collagen (Bio‐Gide®– BG) and the most common nonresorbable membrane which is made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE, Gore‐Tex®– GT). Naproxen sodium (10 mM) was used as an analgesic drug. The fibroblast cells were cultured in vitro for 24 h and examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cells were cultured in the presence of 3H‐thymidine to study cell proliferation. And also cell numbers and viabilities were measured. The difference between the means for each group were analyzed for statistical significance by Kruskal–Wallis one‐way ANOVA followed by post hoc comparisons using the Dunn statistical method. Of all the six groups, the control group stimulated DNA synthesis more than the others. With respect to cell numbers, there was statistically significant difference between the control group and naproxen planted BG membrane group. The interpretation of our SEM images is that these two barriers and naproxen seem to have had the least effect on cellular morphology. These data suggest naproxen have an inhibitory effect on stimulation of DNA synthesis, cell numbers and viabilities. And also lacking adherence of cells to the membranes may be due to the physical properties of the materials.
Comparison of implant survival following sinus floor augmentation procedures with implants placed in pristine posterior maxillary bone: a systematic review
Authors: Graziani Filippo , Donos Nikolaos , Needleman Ian , Gabriele Mario , Tonetti Maurizio
Published: November 2004

Abstract: Sinus augmentation is a commonly used procedure in implant dentistry. However, a general consensus on implant survival after this procedure is still lacking. The objective of this study was to systematically review implant survival following sinus augmentation procedures compared with conventional implant placement in the posterior maxilla. Following the production of a detailed protocol, screening and quality assessments of clinical trials were conducted in duplicate and independently. The search yielded 579 abstracts and 93 were selected for full‐text screening. Six publications (five studies) fulfilled all the inclusion criteria and were relevant to the study. Heterogeneity of the selected papers prevented meta‐analysis. Implant survival ranged from 73% to 100% for non‐augmented sinuses and from 36% to 100% for augmented sinuses in patient‐based data. From implant‐based data, survival varied between 75% and 100% for both non‐augmented and augmented areas. Implant survival appears to show greater variability in grafted sinuses than in the posterior maxilla. However, prospective studies with larger patient numbers and control of confounding factors are urgently needed to provide definitive data on this important procedure.
A systematic review of the survival and complication rates of fixed partial dentures (FPDs) after an observation period of at least 5 years
Authors: Tan Ken , Pjetursson Bjarni E. , Lang Niklaus P. , Chan Edwin S.Y.
Published: November 2004

Abstract: The present study was done to determine the long‐term success and survival of fixed partial dentures (FPDs) and to evaluate the risks for failures due to specific biological and technical complications. A MEDLINE search (PubMed) from 1966 up to March 2004 was conducted, as well as hand searching of bibliographies from relevant articles. Nineteen studies from an initial yield of 3658 titles were finally selected and data were extracted independently by three reviewers. Prospective and retrospective cohort studies with a mean follow‐up time of at least 5 years in which patients had been examined clinically at the follow‐up visits were included in the meta‐analysis. Publications only based on patients records, questionnaires or interviews were excluded. Survival of the FPDs was analyzed according to in situ and intact failure risks. Specific biological and technical complications such as caries, loss of vitality and periodontal disease recurrence as well as loss of retention, loss of vitality, tooth and material fractures were also analyzed. The 10‐year probability of survival for fixed partial dentures was 89.1% (95% confidence interval (CI): 81–93.8%) while the probability of success was 71.1% (95% CI: 47.7–85.2%). The 10‐year risk for caries and periodontitis leading to FPD loss was 2.6% and 0.7%, respectively. The 10‐year risk for loss of retention was 6.4%, for abutment fracture 2.1% and for material fractures 3.2%.
Recurrent herpes labialis in US children and youth
Authors: Shulman Jay D.
Published: November 2004

Abstract –  Objective:  This study reports data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Study, 1988–1994 (NHANES III).

Methods:  NHANES III was a complex, multistage sample of 33 994 civilian, non‐institutional individuals from 19 528 households. Dentist examiners were trained to recognize, classify oral mucosal lesions to include recurrent herpes labialis (RHL). Subjects ≥8 years of age were asked if they had cold sores in the past year and serologic tests for herpes virus type 1 (HSV‐1) and type 2 (HSV‐2) were performed on blood of youth >12 years of age.

Results:  Examinations were performed on 10 032 individuals 2–17 years of age. Overall point prevalence was 1.42% (0.69–2.15); annual prevalence in individuals 8–17 years of age was 14.77% (12.74–16.80); and serologic prevalence of HSV‐1 in youth 12–17 years of age was 43.18% (38.88–47.48). When the data were subset to youth 12–17, annual prevalence for seropositives was 24.13% (20.44–27.82) compared with 16.87 (14.16–19.57) for all subjects. Approximately 25% of the seropositive youth had at least one recurrence in the past year.

Conclusion:  As RHL is a recurrent infection, prevalence in a population will be related to the proportion of the population that has been infected with herpes simplex virus. When lesion‐specific prevalences are cited in the literature, they should be stratified by covariates known to be associated with them. Future studies should examine RHL prevalence in infected individuals.
Influence of perceived provider performance on satisfaction with oral health care among adolescents
Authors: Okullo Isaac , Åstrøm Anne Nordrehaug , Haugejorden Ola
Published: November 2004

Abstract – Objective:  To investigate satisfaction with dental care received at the last dental appointment among adolescents and to analyse factors influencing their satisfaction scores.

Method:  A total of 1146 subjects (mean age 15.8 years) attending secondary schools in Kampala (urban, n = 591) and Lira (rural, n = 555) completed structured questionnaires at school in 2001.

Results:  A total of 63% and 75% of Kampala and Lira students, respectively, reported attendance to dental clinics during the previous 2 years. The corresponding rates of students who confirmed satisfaction with oral health care services received were 73 and 77. In a logistic regression model, the students of Kampala who attended a dentist more than once, had no painful experience at the visit, evaluated their oral condition positively, were satisfied with the dentist's communication and dentist's information, were more likely to be satisfied with the oral health services received (OR = 1.7, 2.2, 4.1, 2.9 and 4.9, respectively). Regarding rural students, being satisfied with oral condition, dentist's communication and dentist's information were associated with higher odds of being satisfied with oral health care services (OR = 2.9, 1.9 and 2.3, respectively).

Conclusion:  Inter‐personal interaction with the dentist is a key determinant in establishing satisfaction with dental care among urban as well as rural adolescents.
Salivary fluoride levels following application of fluoride varnish or fluoride rinse
Authors: Eakle W. Stephan , Featherstone John D. B. , Weintraub Jane A. , Shain Sara G. , Gansky Stuart A.
Published: November 2004

Abstract – Objectives:  This study examined the concentration of fluoride in whole saliva over time following the application of a fluoride varnish or a single rinse with a fluoride solution.

Methods:  A two‐period, two‐treatment randomized cross‐over experimental trial with a 2‐week washout period was used with 16 adult subjects. In the first period, eight subjects rinsed once with a 0.05% NaF solution and 8 subjects had 5.0% NaF varnish applied to facial and lingual surfaces of 20 teeth. Stimulated whole saliva was collected at baseline, 5 and 15 min, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 32, 48, 56, 72, 80, 96, 104 h. After the washout period each subject was switched to the other treatment and saliva was collected at the same intervals. Salivary fluoride content was measured with the micro‐diffusion method.

Results:  The NaF levels peaked at 5 min after application for both varnish (mean ± SE 24.5 ± 5.0 ppm) and rinse (3.2 ± 0.8 ppm). Mean NaF levels returned to baseline, on average, within 2 h for the rinse and within 24 h for the varnish. The maximum fluoride levels were significantly greater (P < 0.01) with the varnish than with the rinse and remained above baseline levels for a longer duration.

Conclusions:  Salivary fluoride levels with the rinse returned to baseline, on average, in 2 h while they remained elevated for, on average, 24 h with the varnish. Salivary fluoride levels from the varnish were found to be comparable with those in previous studies for 1.1% neutral NaF.
Temporal stability of the theory of planned behavior: a prospective analysis of sugar consumption among Ugandan adolescents
Authors: Åstrøm Anne Nordrehaug , Okullo I.
Published: November 2004

Abstract – Purpose:  This study addressed three questions: What is the power of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in predicting adolescents’ intended and self‐perceived consumption of non‐milk extrinsic sugars using a non‐intervention prospective approach? To what extent do the TPB constructs change across time following adolescents’ mere exposure to an oral health survey? Do changes in self‐perceived sugar consumption at follow‐up associate with changes in behavioral intention as predicted by the TPB?

Method:  A survey was conducted in Kampala (urban) and Lira (rural) and 1146 secondary school students completed questionnaires assessing the TPB at school (Time 1). A random sub‐sample of 415 students was selected from the original survey of which 372 students were examined clinically. After 3 months (Time 2), the questionnaire was administered a second time in the sub‐sample. All analyses are based on the number of students who participated on both survey occasions, n = 372.

Results:  Attitudes and perceived behavioral control predicted intended sugar consumption at Time 1 and Time 2, accounting for 58% (ΔR2 = 0.58) and 19% (ΔR2 = 0.19) of the variance, respectively. Time 1 intention provided significant prediction of Time 2 self‐perceived sugar consumption with ΔR2 = 0.5. Adolescents with high‐caries experience more than their counterparts with low, changed towards weaker intentions and less frequent sugar consumption across the survey period. Mean sugar consumption scores changed from 2.6 to 2.7 (ns), 3.1 to 2.6 (P < 0.001) and 2.3 to 3.2 (P < 0.001) among adolescents who, respectively, remained stable, increased and decreased their intentions across time.

Conclusion:  This study supports the validity of the TPB in predicting intended and self‐perceived sugar consumption prospectively.
Children's coping with pain during dental care
Authors: Versloot Judith , Veerkamp Jaap S. J. , Hoogstraten Johan , Martens Luc C.
Published: November 2004

Abstract – Objectives:  The purpose of this study was (i) to assess the coping strategies of 11‐year‐old children when dealing with pain at the dentist, (ii) to determine the extent to which the level of the children's dental fear and their experience with pain at the dentist are related to their ability to cope and their choice of strategies, and (iii) to analyse the possible differences between subsamples concerning dental caries.

Methods:  The coping strategies were investigated using the Dental Cope Questionnaire (n = 597); the level of dental fear was assessed using the Children's Fear Survey Schedule (CFSS‐DS); a question is asked whether a child had experienced pain at the dentist in the past and dental caries was assessed using the DMFS index.

Results:  The results show that 11‐year olds use a variety of coping strategies. Internal strategies are used most frequently, external coping strategies are used less frequently, and destructive strategies are hardly used. The subjects rate internal and external strategies as effective. Children with pain experience and fearful children use more coping strategies, with fearful children using more internal strategies. Reported pain and anxiety were related to the dental status.

Conclusions:  The use and choice of coping strategies seems to be at least partly determined by the level of dental fear and the child's experience with pain.
Competition for food between Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) and ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus [L.]) over different substrate types
Authors: Dieterich A. , Baumgärtner D. , Eckmann R.
Published: November 2004

Abstract –  Food consumption by Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) and ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus [L.]) was studied in single and mixed‐species treatments in the laboratory, where alternative food resources, chironomids and zooplankton, were offered simultaneously. The effects of structural complexity, which was represented by substrate grain size, and of feeding level on food consumption were analysed. Across all experiments, the outcome of competition between perch and ruffe depended on food abundance and on the structural complexity of the environment. Perch and ruffe both changed their food consumption in the presence of a heterospecific competitor. With high food supply, perch consumed more benthic food than ruffe. With low food supply, the consumption of perch decreased strongly, while that of ruffe remained high on fine sediment. Under all conditions tested, the mechanism of competition appeared to be of interference rather than of exploitative nature. It is suggested that with decreasing lake productivity caused by re‐oligotrophication, habitat shifts of both species will occur, which will alleviate interspecific competition. Ruffe will forage over fine sediment and perch over coarse sediment, whereby both species will achieve the highest foraging efficiency under conditions of low food supply.
Effects of radio‐transmitter antenna length on swimming performance of juvenile rainbow trout
Authors: Murchie K. J. , Cooke S. J. , Schreer J. F.
Published: November 2004

Abstract –  Technological advances have lead to the production of micro radio‐transmitters capable of being implanted in fish as small as c. 5 g. Although the actual tags are small, transmitters are equipped with long antennas that can increase drag and tangle in debris. We examined the effects of radio‐transmitter antenna length on the swimming performance of juvenile rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, (N = 156, mean mass = 34 g, mean fork length = 148 mm). Although we tested a variety of different antenna lengths up to a maximum of 300 mm, only the longest antenna significantly impaired swimming performance relative to control fish (P < 0.001). There was no difference in swimming performance between the sham (surgery, but no transmitter) and the control fish (handled, but no surgery), suggesting that the surgical procedure itself did not negatively affect the fish. Regression analysis, however, indicated that there was a significant decrease in swimming performance associated with increased antenna length (R2 = 0.11, P < 0.001). In addition, when held in laboratory tanks, fish with the three longest antennas (150, 225 and 300 mm) frequently became entangled with the standpipe. We suggest that researchers, under the guidance of the tag manufacturer, trim antennas to the shortest possible length required to detect fish in their specific study area. Antenna length is clearly an important issue for small fish, especially for species that inhabit complex habitats where antennas may become entangled, and where fish must attain speeds near limits of their swimming capacity.
Assessment of residency and movement of the endangered bullhead (Cottus gobio) in two Flemish rivers
Authors: Knaepkens G. , Bruyndoncx L. , Eens M.
Published: November 2004

Abstract –  Residency and movement of bullheads (Cottus gobio) were assessed by mark‐recapture from November 2001 to June 2002 in two Flemish rivers [Steenputbeek (SPB), Laarse Beek (LB)]. Although the majority of the recaptured bullheads (SPB: 66%; LB: 55%) was found in their initial tagging site before the spawning season, some fish had covered distances between 10–100 m (mean: 17 ± 2 m) and 10–70 m (mean: 18 ± 7 m), respectively. During the spawning season, the proportion of fish that moved (SPB: 58%; LB: 75%) and the distances travelled (SPB: between 10 and 90 m, mean 26 ± 3 m; LB: between 30 and 260 m, mean 133 ± 3 m) were significantly larger. In addition, analysis of individual movement behaviour of multiple recaptured bullheads showed that some fish were either always resident or mobile, while others switched between both behaviours. In general, our results suggest that not all bullheads exhibit sedentary behaviour but that the populations under study consist of both stationary and mobile individuals.
All Trans‐Retinoic Acid (ATRA) Elevated Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 4A1 (eIF4A1) mRNA in ATRA‐Responsive Vitiliginous Epidermis
Authors: Lee Ai‐Young , Kim Nan‐Hyung , Park Seung Won
Published: November 2004

Chronic skin disorders that require long‐term treatment with corticosteroids, such as vitiligo, may use a combination of topical corticosteroids and topical all‐trans‐retinoic acid (ATRA) to prevent corticosteroid‐induced skin atrophy. Besides protecting against the side effects of corticosteroids, ATRA produces a better clinical outcome in some patients. This study examined whether ATRA influences the expression of mRNAs responsible for the clinical correlation. Differential display was performed using kits incorporating an annealing control primer. Epidermis from suction blisters taken from six patients diagnosed with a generalized type of vitiligo, who were included in a placebo‐controlled paired‐comparison left–right study using ATRA and vehicle for 3–6 months, were used. Ten differentially expressed mRNAs were identified in those six patients. Expression levels were restored to normal particularly in four types of mRNAs, which were matched with sequences encoding eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A1 (eIF4A1), ribosomal protein L13, mediator of RNA polymerase to transcription (MRT) and ribosomal phosphoprotein PO. Of those mRNAs, the level of eIF4A1 mRNA showed a clinical correlation; The expression of eIF4A1 mRNA, examined by real‐time PCR, was elevated in four patients who showed a favorable clinical response to ATRA, whereas no change or a decrease occurred in three patients whose clinical responses did not differ between ATRA and vehicle treatment. The eIF4A1 protein expression from the other two patients, one of them with a favorable response to ATRA, also showed a clinical correlation. Therefore, eIF4A1 mRNA may be an important gene related to ATRA effects, although further studies are required.
Sorting Ourselves Out: Seeking Consensus on Trafficking in the Beta‐Cell
Authors: Arvan Peter , Halban Philippe A.
Published: November 2004

Biogenesis of the regulated secretory pathway in the pancreatic beta‐cell involves packaging of products, notably proinsulin, into immature secretory granules derived from the trans‐Golgi network. Proinsulin is converted to insulin and C‐peptide as granules mature. Secretory proteins not entering granules are conveyed by transport intermediates directly to the plasma membrane for constitutive secretion. One of the co‐authors, Peter Arvan, has proposed that in addition, small vesicles bud from granules to traffic to the endosomal system. From there, some proteins are secreted by a (post‐granular) constitutive‐like pathway. He argues that retention in granules is facilitated by condensation, rendering soluble products (notably C‐peptide and proinsulin) more available for constitutive‐like secretion. Thus he argues that prohormone conversion is potentially important in secretory granule biogenesis. The other co‐author, Philippe Halban, argues that the post‐granular secretory pathway is not of physiological relevance in primary beta‐cells, and contests the importance of proinsulin conversion for retention in granules. Both, however, agree that trafficking from granules to endosomes is important, purging granules of unwanted newly synthesized proteins and allowing their traffic to other destinations. In this Traffic Interchange, the two co‐authors attempt to reconcile their differences, leading to a common vision of proinsulin trafficking in primary and transformed cells.
The individuality of mice
Authors: Lathe R.
Published: November 2004

Mutant mice simulating human CNS disorders are used as models for therapeutic drug development. Drug evaluation requires a coherent correlation between behavioral phenotype and drug status. Variations in behavioral responses could mask such correlations, a problem highlighted by the three‐site studies ofCrabbeet al. (1999) andWahlstenet al. (2003a). Factors contributing to variation are considered, focusing on differences between individual animals. Genetic differences due to minisatellite variation suggest that each mouse is genetically distinct. Effects during gestation, including maternal stress, influence later life behavior; while endocrine exchanges between fetus and parent, and between male and female fetuses dependent on intrauterine position, also contribute. Pre and perinatal nutrition and maternal attention also play a role. In adults, endocrine cyclicity in females is a recognized source of behavioral diversity. Notably, there is increasing recognition that groups of wild and laboratory mice have complex social structures, illustrated through consideration ofCrowcroft (1966). Dominance status can markedly modify behavior in test paradigms addressing anxiety, locomotion and aggressiveness, to an extent comparable to mutation or drug status. Understanding how such effects amplify the behavioral spectrum displayed by otherwise identical animals will improve testing.
Association of tryptophan hydroxylase gene polymorphism with depression, anxiety and comorbid depression and anxiety in a population‐based sample of postpartum Taiwanese women
Authors: Sun H. S. , Tsai H‐W. , Ko H‐C. , Chang F‐M. , Yeh T‐L.
Published: November 2004

Depression and anxiety disorders often coexist clinically and both are known to have a genetic basis, but the mode of inheritance is too complicated to be determined so far. Serotonin is the biogenic amine neurotransmitter most commonly associated with depression and anxiety. Since tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH1) is the rate‐limiting enzyme in serotonin biosynthesis, its role in the pathophysiology of these psychiatric diseases has been intensively studied. In this study, we examined whether polymorphism of the TPH1 gene is related to the etiology of major depression, anxiety and comorbid depression and anxiety. Five single nucleoside polymorphisms of the TPH1 gene were studied in a population‐based sample of postpartum Taiwanese women consisting of 120 subjects with depression or/and anxiety and 86 matched normal controls. A significant difference (P = 0.0107) in genotype frequency for the T27224C polymorphism was found between the comorbid and normal groups, and risk analysis showed that the C allele conferred a strong protective effect (odds ratio = 0.27; 95% confident interval = 0.11–0.7). Three‐allele haplotypes involving T27224C polymorphism were constructed and haplotype associations between particular haplotype combinations and various diseases identified. However, the associations were weak and the overall haplotype frequency profiles in all groups were similar. The results suggest that depression, anxiety, and comorbid depression and anxiety disorders may have related etiologies. In addition, this study suggests that the TPH1 gene might play a role in the pathogenesis of these closely related disorders.
Chlorhexidine with an Anti Discoloration System. A comparative study
Authors: Bernardi F , Pincelli MR , Carloni S , Gatto MR , Montebugnoli L
Published: November 2004

Abstract  Correct oral hygiene is believed to be the basis of primary and secondary prevention. Sometimes, using a toothbrush or other mechanical instruments for oral hygiene may be difficult and it may become necessary to use an antiseptic. Chlorhexidine is an essential component in many available preparations on sale, because of its marked antiseptic qualities. One of the most frequent side‐effects is the appearance of stains on the teeth and mucous membranes, which particularly disturbs the patient. A new mouthwash containing chlorhexidine has recently become available, besides maintaining its antiseptic qualities, also avoids the side‐effect of staining. Objectives: The aim of this study was to check the capacity of the new mouthwash, which contains chlorhexidine and Anti Discoloration System (ADS), not only to prevent plaque formation like the other mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine but also to avoid staining that is one of the most frequent side‐effects. Study design: The comparative study was carried out on a sample of 15 patients treated with two mouthwashes both containing 0.2% chlorhexidine, but different in that the first does not contain ADS, which is instead present in the second, a new product. The results obtained show that in the 15 patients treated, there is no statistically significant difference in the ability of the mouthwash to prevent bacterial plaque, however evidence of the stain was much less with the new mouthwash.
Perceived oral health: changes over 5 years in one Swedish age‐cohort
Authors: Ståhlnacke K , Söderfeldt B , Unell L , Halling A , Axtelius B
Published: November 2004

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate if a change in the social gradients in perceived oral health occurred over a 5‐year period, 1992–1997, using a cohort population from two Swedish counties.Methods: In 1992, a cross‐sectional mail questionnaire was sent to all 50‐year‐old persons in two counties in Sweden, Örebro and Östergötland, and altogether there were 8888 persons. In 1997, the same population was sent a new questionnaire. The cohort, comprising the same respondents from 1992 and 1997, was of 5363 persons. An index of perceived oral health was constructed out of three questionnaire variables: satisfaction with teeth, chewing ability and the number of remaining teeth. This index value was set as a dependent variable in a regression model. Reports of toothache were investigated in a separate logistic regression model.Results: There were obvious social gradients in the perceived oral health index both in 1992 and in 1997. Marital status, foreign birth, education and occupation were all substantially related to the perceived oral health. The change in perceived oral health was analysed. Almost half of the cohort (47.4%) showed no change at all. Those with increased and those with decreased health were rather evenly distributed on both sides, with 22.0% with better health in 1997 and 30.6% with worse health. Gender and education were related to toothache experience. Conclusion: Changes have been moderate in the perceived oral health in this cohort, despite the rather drastic changes in the remuneration of dental care during this study time. However, this also means that the social differences remain, despite the official goals of increased equity.
Impact of Human Genome Project on treatment of frail and edentulous patients*
Authors: Nishimura Ichiro , Garrett Neal
Published: November 2004

Objective:  Because of ongoing increases in life expectancy and deferment of edentulousness to older age, dentists are facing a different challenge to satisfy elderly denture wearers with a higher prevalence of chronic diseases. This discussion introduces the Human Genome databases as novel and powerful resources to re‐examine the core problems experienced by frail and edentulous patients.

Background:  Recent studies demonstrated that mandibular implant overdentures do not necessarily increase masticatory function, perception and satisfaction in denture wearers with adequate edentulous residual ridges. It has been demonstrated that the rate of edentulous residual ridge resorption significantly varies among individuals. The prognosis and cost‐effectiveness of denture treatment, with or without implants, may largely depend on how the edentulous ridge is maintained. However, reliable clinical methods permitting dentists to predict the long‐term health of the edentulous residual ridge are lacking.

Materials and methods:  With the completion of the Human Genome Project, the genomic sequence database from this multinational consortium will provide a unique resource to determine the genetic basis of similarity and diversity of humans.

Results:  One base pair in every 100 to 300 base pairs of the genome sequence varies among humans, suggesting that genetic diagnosis using the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may provide a novel opportunity to differentiate our edentulous patients.

Conclusions:  Future dental service for the elderly will require a personalized care paradigm, using highly sensitive diagnostic technology such as SNP genomic analysis, for recommending the treatment with greatest potential benefit.
Pancreatitis induced by pegylated interferon alfa‐2b in a patient affected by chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Cecchi Enrica , Forte Paolo , Cini Elisabetta , Banchelli Grazia , Ferlito Chiara , Mugelli Alessandro
Published: November 2004

A middle‐aged man was admitted to the ED because of nausea and vomiting, abdominal distention and fainting. A blood analysis revealed high levels of serum amylase and lipase, confirming a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The history showed that the patient had self‐administered a single dose of pegylated interferon alfa‐2b and ribavirin daily for 7 days for chronic hepatitis C. The medications were stopped and his condition gradually improved. In agreement with the literature and the Naranjo algorythm result, pegylated interferon alfa‐2b is associated with acute pancreatitis. Identification of a few signs and symptoms is the first ‘signal’ in preventing a serious drug‐induced adverse event.
Current in vivo Assays for Cutaneous Toxicity: Local and Systemic Toxicity Testing
Authors: Auletta Carol S.
Published: November 2004

Abstract: This review provides an update on current (June 2004) in vivo assays for evaluations of local and systemic cutaneous toxicity. As the science of toxicology and safety assessment grows and evolves, an increasing number of in vitro assays and screening procedures designed to minimize the use of animals in cutaneous toxicity evaluations have been validated or are currently in development. However, in some cases, it remains necessary to evaluate the effects of new drugs or chemicals in an animal model in order to protect human health. Current regulatory requirements and study designs for local and systemic in vivo cutaneous toxicity evaluations, as well as discussions of procedures unique to cutaneous toxicity evaluation are presented in this review.
TOWARD A SYSTEM OF CANCER SCREENING IN THE UNITED STATES: Trends and Opportunities
Authors: Breen Nancy , Meissner Helen I.
Published: November 2004

▪ Abstract  The hard work of public health officials, physicians, and disease advocacy groups to educate Americans about the importance of early detection has resulted in uptake of screening tests at levels equivalent to or higher than in countries with organized cancer screening programs. However, the societal costs of high screening rates are larger in the United States than in other countries, including higher prices for screening, more unnecessary testing, and inefficiencies in delivery, especially in small practices. Further, screening rates are not evenly distributed across population groups, and the national expenditure on clinical and community research to promote cancer screening among individuals has not been matched by research efforts that focus on policy or clinical systems to increase screening widely throughout the population. We identify opportunities for organizational change that improve access to use, improve quality, and promote cost effectiveness in cancer screening delivery.
Etching Characteristics of HBr-Based Chemistry on InP Using the ICP Technique
Authors: Vicknesh S. , Ramam A.
Published: November 2004

A systematic study of the etching of InP material by hydrogen bromide (HBr)-based chemistry is conducted using the inductively coupled plasma (ICP) technique. Sidewall profiles, material selectivity, surface morphologies, and the residual species due to the chemistry are observed as functions of varying process parameters like ICP power, reactive ion etching (RIE) power and pressure. The highest selectivity of InP:PR of 4.2 is achieved at an ICP power of 100 W for a constant set of RIE power, pressure, HBr flow rate, and temperature parameters. Sidewall striations on etched faces have been eliminated by optimizing baking parameters on the photoresist pattern prior to etching. A characteristic kink effect phenomenon is observed with the introduction of argon in HBr chemistry to which is attributed the fluctuation of the chamber pressure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicate the strong presence of

InBr

x

,

which is believed to affect the formation of anisotropic sidewalls at room temperature. © 2004 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.
Homeostasis: a plea for a unified approach
Authors: Carpenter R. H. S.
Published: November 2004

Accompanying the progressive erosion of a coherent sense of physiology as an intellectual discipline, there has been a tendency to lose sight of the homeostatic principles that underpin physiological science, and to teach them in an oversimplified form. When (as is increasingly the case) these principles are rediscovered, they are often treated as something both novel and distinct from homeostasis, fragmenting what is best understood and taught as a unified whole. This article urges a more unitary approach to homeostasis, and attempts to show how such an approach can be presented.
Non-science majors gain valuable insight studying clinical trials literature: an evidence-based medicine library assignment
Authors: Russell Janet S. , Martin Lucy , Curtin Dara , Penhale Sara , Trueblood Nathan A.
Published: November 2004

When faced with a diagnosis, it is empowering to be able to assess the evidence of treatment effectiveness and safety. To teach this skill to non-science majors, we assigned the “Responsible Patienthood Project” (RPP). For the RPP, students studied an array of disease and treatment literature: the final product of their work was a poster presentation, in which they did an in-depth analysis of one primary article, thus encouraging critical evaluation of experimental design, methods, and conclusions. Post-RPP, there was a 35% decrease in the student perception that they would unquestioningly accept a recommended treatment for a hypothetical diagnosis, and a 40% increase in the perception that they would consult a combination of resources, including primary articles. We recommend this project based on our results that suggest 1) non-science majors are able to successfully access and assess primary scientific literature, 2) students felt empowered by the RPP, and 3) skills in information gathering, via library instruction, may serve as a particularly helpful lifelong learning tool.
Cellular volume homeostasis
Authors: Strange Kevin
Published: November 2004

All cells face constant challenges to their volume either through changes in intracellular solute content or extracellular osmolality. Cells respond to volume perturbations by activating membrane transport and/or metabolic processes that result in net solute loss or gain and return of cell volume to its normal resting state. This paper provides a brief overview of fundamental concepts of osmotic water flow across cell membranes, mechanisms of cell volume perturbation, the role of inorganic ions and organic osmolytes in cell volume regulation and the signaling mechanisms that regulate the activity of cell volume-sensitive transport and metabolic pathways.
Ion homeostasis, channels, and transporters: an update on cellular mechanisms
Authors: Dubyak George R.
Published: November 2004

The steady-state maintenance of highly asymmetric concentrations of the major inorganic cations and anions is a major function of both plasma membranes and the membranes of intracellular organelles. Homeostatic regulation of these ionic gradients is critical for most functions. Due to their charge, the movements of ions across biological membranes necessarily involves facilitation by intrinsic membrane transport proteins. The functional characterization and categorization of membrane transport proteins was a major focus of cell physiological research from the 1950s through the 1980s. On the basis of these functional analyses, ion transport proteins were broadly divided into two classes: channels and carrier-type transporters (which include exchangers, cotransporters, and ATP-driven ion pumps). Beginning in the mid-1980s, these functional analyses of ion transport and homeostasis were complemented by the cloning of genes encoding many ion channels and transporter proteins. Comparison of the predicted primary amino acid sequences and structures of functionally similar ion transport proteins facilitated their grouping within families and superfamilies of structurally related membrane proteins. Postgenomics research in ion transport biology increasingly involves two powerful approaches. One involves elucidation of the molecular structures, at the atomic level in some cases, of model ion transport proteins. The second uses the tools of cell biology to explore the cell-specific function or subcellular localization of ion transport proteins. This review will describe how these approaches have provided new, and sometimes surprising, insights regarding four major questions in current ion transporter research. 1) What are the fundamental differences between ion channels and ion transporters? 2) How does the interaction of an ion transport protein with so-called adapter proteins affect its subcellular localization or regulation by various intracellular signal transduction pathways? 3) How does the specific lipid composition of the local membrane microenvironment modulate the function of an ion transport protein? 4) How can the basic functional properties of a ubiquitously expressed ion transport protein vary depending on the cell type in which it is expressed?
The Computational Complexity and Parallel Scalability of Atmospheric Data Assimilation Algorithms
Authors: Lyster P. M. , Guo J. , Clune T. , Larson J. W.
Published: November 2004

This paper quantifies the computational complexity and parallel scalability of two algorithms for four-dimensional data assimilation (4DDA) at NASA's Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO). The first, the Goddard Earth Observing System Data Assimilation System (GEOS DAS), uses an atmospheric general circulation model (GCM) and an observation-space-based analysis system, the Physical-Space Statistical Analysis System (PSAS). GEOS DAS is very similar to global meteorological weather forecasting data assimilation systems but is used at NASA for climate research. The second, the Kalman filter, uses a more consistent algorithm to determine the forecast error covariance matrix than does GEOS DAS. For atmospheric assimilation, the gridded dynamical fields typically have more than 106 variables; therefore, the full error covariance matrix may be in excess of a teraword. For the Kalman filter this problem will require petaflop s−1 computing to achieve effective throughput for scientific research.