bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The reelin pathway components disabled‐1 andp35in gangliogliomas – a mutation and expression analysis
Authors: Kam R. , Chen J. , Blümcke I. , Normann S. , Fassunke J. , Elger C. E. , Schramm J. , Wiestler O. D. , Becker A. J.
Published: December 2004

Focal epilepsies in young patients are frequently associated with differentiated glioneuronal tumours. Dysplastic neurones represent a characteristic neuropathological feature of gangliogliomas, the most common entity encountered in this group. Here, we have analysed two major components of the reelin pathway involved in neuronal migration and cortical development, that is,p35and disabled‐1 (dab1), in gangliogliomas. Genomic structures of humandab1andp35were identified ‘in silico’ using the HTGS databank, NCBI BLAST 2.1. DNA sequence analysis was carried out in gangliogliomas obtained from 29 epilepsy patients vs. peripheral blood DNA from non‐affected control individuals (n = 100). Gene expression ofdab1andp35was determined by real‐time RT‐PCR (reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction) in gangliogliomas (n = 14) vs. non‐neoplastic central nervous system tissue (n = 20). The humandab1gene contains 13 coding exons and is located on chromosome 1p31–32. A single coding exon constitutes the humanp35gene, which is located on chromosome 17q11.2. A novel homologueous genomic region on chromosome 2 has to be taken into account for future studies onp35. One ganglioglioma patient showed a unique polymorphism in thep35gene. The single base exchange (C to A) at nucleotide 904 of thep35cDNA (GenBank X80343, start ATG, codon 302) results in a leucine–isoleucine amino acid substitution. No mutations of thedab1andp35genes in gangliogliomas were observed. However, significantly lower levels ofdab1andp35gene transcripts were detected in gangliogliomas compared to controls (dab128.24%,t‐testP < 0.001;p3521.28%,t‐testP < 0.001, in gangliogliomas vs. controls). Our data suggest that mutational events ofdab1andp35are not involved in the molecular pathogenesis of gangliogliomas. A potential functional role of these developmentally regulated genes for the formation of epileptogenic glioneuronal lesions remains to be elucidated.
Disturbed trafficking of dystrophin and associated proteins in targetoid phenomena after chronic muscle denervation
Authors: Von Fellenberg A. , Lin S. , Burgunder J.‐M.
Published: December 2004

Dystrophin and associated proteins form a complex with an important role at the sarcolemma. Expression of this protein complex is highly regulated during development and regeneration. In order to better understand assembling patterns of these proteins, we have studied their expression in targetoid‐like phenomena found in human muscle after chronic denervation, a situation known to give rise to abnormal protein trafficking. In eight biopsies of patients with chronic denervation, mainly resulting from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, we found a number of targetoid phenomena. Selective accumulation of a number of sarcolemmal and sarcoplasmatic proteins occurred in targetoid phenomena. The larger majority of them contained γ‐sarcoglycan (γSG), but none contained the developmental heavy chain myosin isoform. In a series of 166 targetoid phenomena which could be studied with 17 different antibodies recognizing sarcolemmal and cytoplasmatic proteins, a high level of colocalization of γSG with desmin and α‐actinin was found. Colocalization rate was much lower with other proteins, including other members of the dystrophin‐associated protein complex. These data show that selective changes in expression of otherwise closely related proteins occur during disturbed trafficking leading to target formation. Because members of the dystrophin‐associated protein complex do not accumulate in a similar fashion within targets, we suggest that a complex molecular control of gene expression and trafficking of this complex is involved after chronic muscle denervation.
Investment in Fixed Capital Stock: Testing for the Impact of Sectoral and Systemic Uncertainty*
Authors: Fedderke Johannes
Published: December 2004

This paper applies current theory recognizing the irreversibility of investment, in order to test for the impact of uncertainty on investment expenditure for a middle income country. The contribution of the paper is unique in two respects. First, it employs dynamic heterogeneous panel estimation techniques not previously applied to investment functions. Secondly, it explicitly tests for the impact of both sectoral and systemic uncertainty on investment expenditure. We find that both sectoral (as measured by output volatility) and systemic uncertainty (as measured by political instability) have a negative impact on investment rates in a middle income country context. Liquidity constraints and growth in total factor productivity are found to have no impact on investment, while trade liberalization has the impact predicted by Heckscher‐Ohlin trade theory. Finally, we find complementarity effects between physical capital and skilled human capital, suggesting that South African educational policies may have hampered investment in physical capital as well as the growth performance of the economy. Policy implications emphasize the importance of lowering uncertainty for investors, and the need for sound human capital investment.
The Yen Real Exchange Rate may be Stationary after all: Evidence from Non‐linear Unit‐root Tests*
Authors: Chortareas Georgios , Kapetanios George
Published: December 2004

The empirical literature that tests for purchasing power parity (PPP) by focusing on the stationarity of real exchange rates has so far provided, at best, mixed results. The behaviour of the yen real exchange rate has most stubbornly challenged the PPP hypothesis and deepened this puzzle. This paper contributes to this discussion by providing new evidence on the stationarity of bilateral yen real exchange rates. We employ a non‐linear version of the augmented Dickey–Fuller test, based on an exponentially smooth‐transition autoregressive model (ESTAR) that enhances the power of the tests against mean‐reverting non‐linear alternative hypotheses. Our results suggest that the bilateral yen real exchange rates against the other G7 and Asian currencies were mean reverting during the post‐Bretton Woods era. Thus, the real yen behaviour may not be so different after all but simply perceived to be so because of the use of a restrictive alternative hypothesis in previous tests.
The Quality of Life in England and Wales*
Authors: Srinivasan Sylaja , Stewart Geoff
Published: December 2004

Local amenities play an important role in determining where we choose to live and our overall quality of life (QOL). In many cases, however, amenities do not have prices and will therefore be underprovided by the market. In this paper, we use individual and county level data for England and Wales to estimate implicit amenity prices and to calculate an index of QOL for each county. Among our findings is a large negative price on air pollution. The range in QOL across counties is estimated to be in excess of 2,000 pounds per year.
The Relationship between Unemployment Benefits and Re‐employment Probabilities: Evidence from Spain*
Authors: Jenkins Stephen P. , García‐Serrano Carlos
Published: December 2004

We provide the first Spanish evidence about the effects on re‐employment probabilities of variations in benefit levels and time‐to‐exhaustion. Increases in unemployment insurance (UI) benefit levels had a small disincentive effect on the re‐employment hazard on average. Around this average, there were larger disincentive effects for men with elapsed durations between 4 and 18 months, whereas for men unemployed longer than 18 months, or for men resident in the south, the effect was negligible. Re‐employment hazards increased when UI exhaustion was imminent, but the change was small. Extensions to unemployment assistance eligibility in 1989 for men aged 45+ years lowered re‐employment probabilities.
Unemployment Experiences of Young Men: on the Road to Stable Employment?*
Authors: Kalwij Adriaan S.
Published: December 2004

This study examines the unemployment experiences of young men in the United Kingdom over the period 1982.IV–1998.I. The empirical results show that repeated unemployment is a dominant feature of the UK labour market and that individual heterogeneity affects mainly the incidence of unemployment and only to a much lesser extent the duration of unemployment. We estimate that about 73% of the young unemployed find stable employment before the age of 35. The remaining 27%, concentrated among the lower‐skilled, keep returning into unemployment, suggesting structural employment instability. These findings imply that a labour market programme targeted at increasing the employability of the young unemployed would yield long‐term benefits by not only getting them out of unemployment but also keeping them out of unemployment.
Seasonality and Wage Responsiveness in a Developing Agrarian Economy
Authors: Kanwar Sunil
Published: December 2004

This paper studies the wage responsiveness of labour supply and demand, simultaneously addressing the twin issues of the non‐clearing of developing rural labour markets and seasonality. It employs a data set pertaining to south‐central India, and limits itself to the agricultural market for daily‐rated labour (by far the predominant form of wage contract in the sample villages). Estimating a theoretically robust and empirically justified disequilibrium model of the agricultural labour market, we find no evidence of backward‐bending supply curves or ‘vertical’ demand curves, contrary to findings in the literature. Further, while the agricultural labour market appears to be in equilibrium during the kharif (or rainy) season, it manifests excess supply in the rabi (or post‐rainy) season.
Microbiological examination of infected dental root canals
Authors: Gomes B. P. F. A. , Pinheiro E. T. , Gadê‐Neto C. R. , Sousa E. L. R. , Ferraz C. C. R. , Zaia A. A. , Teixeira F. B. , Souza‐Filho F. J.
Published: December 2004

Objectives:  The aim of this study was to investigate the root canal microbiota of primary and secondary root‐infected canals and the association of constituent species with specific endodontic signs and symptoms.

Methods:  Microbial samples were taken from 60 root canals, 41 with necrotic pulp tissues (primary infection) and 19 with failed endodontic treatment (secondary infection). Strict anaerobic techniques were used for serial dilution, plating, incubation and identification.

Results:  A total of 224 cultivable isolates were recovered belonging to 56 different bacterial species. Individual root canals yielded a maximum of 10 bacterial species. Of the bacterial isolates, 70% were either strict anaerobes or microphilic. The anaerobes most frequently isolated were: Peptostreptococcus micros (35%), Fusobacterium necrophorum (23.3%), Fusobacterium nucleatum (11.7%), Prevotella intermedia/nigrescens (16.7%), Porphyromonas gingivalis (6.7%) and Porphyromonas endodontalis (5%). The root canal microflora of untreated teeth with apical periodontitis was found to be mixed, comprising gram‐negative and gram‐positive and mostly anaerobic microorganisms and usually containing more than 3 species per canal. On the other hand, facultative anaerobic and gram‐positive bacteria predominated in canals with failed endodontic treatment, which harbored 1–2 species per canal. Suggested relationships were found between anaerobes, especially gram‐negatives, and the presence or history of pain, tenderness to percussion and swelling (P < 0.05). In particular, associations were found between: a) pain (n = 29) and P. micros (P < 0.01), P. intermedia/nigrescens and Eubacterium spp. (both P < 0.05); b) history of pain (n = 31) and P. micros (P < 0.01) Porphyromonas and Fusobacterium spp. (P < 0.05); c) tenderness to percussion (n = 29) and Porphyromonas spp. (P < 0.01), Peptostreptococcus and Fusobacterium spp. (P < 0.001); d) swelling (n = 20) and Peptostreptococcus spp. (P < 0.01), Porphyromonas and Enterococcus spp. (P < 0.05); e) wet canals (n = 33) and Porphyromonas and Fusobacterium spp. (P < 0.05); f) purulent exudate (n = 20) and Porphyromonas, Peptostreptococcus and Fusobacterium spp. (P < 0.05); previous endodontic treatment and Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus spp., P. micros, F. necrophorum (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  Our findings indicate potential complex interactions of species resulting in characteristic clinical pictures which cannot be achieved by individual species alone. They also indicate that the microbiota of primary infected canals with apical periodontitis differs in number and in species from the secondary infected canals by using the culture technique.
Recognition of asthmatic symptoms in the pediatric age group
Authors: Grech Victor , Agius‐Muscat Hugo , Montfort Steve , Lenicker Herbert
Published: December 2004

Asthma produces substantial morbidity in childhood. Under‐diagnosis may lead to inappropriate treatment and prolonged periods of illness and absence from school. The results of a recent International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire study in Malta showed a higher prevalence of wheezy symptoms in the Central North Region. The present study was carried out to test the null hypothesis that there is no correlation between potential exposure to pediatricians (measured as pediatric private clinics/1000 childhood population/week) and percentage of children aged 13–15 years of age responding positively in the questionnaire to having had wheezy symptoms. A significant, positive correlation was found between potential exposure to pediatricians and percentage of children aged 13–15 years responding positively to having had wheeze in the previous year (p=0.009). A negative correlation was also found for severity of asthma (> 12 attacks in the previous 12 months) and potential exposure to pediatricians (p=0.01). This is the first report of potential exposure to pediatricians influencing the regional incidence of asthma on a national basis. This skew may be caused by the greater exposure of pediatricians to patients with severe forms of asthma in a hospital setting, and hence a higher index of suspicion for the milder forms of the disease. Asthma may be less severe in regions where there are a greater number of pediatricians because of recognition of the condition with appropriate treatment and/or prophylaxis.
Primary ciliary dyskinesia: Diagnosis in children with inconclusive ultrastructural evaluation
Authors: Pifferi Massimo , Cangiotti Angela M. , Ragazzo Vincenzo , Baldini Giuliano , Cinti Saverio , Boner Attilio L.
Published: December 2004

The purpose of this study was to distinguish between acquired and genetically determined ciliary abnormalities in children with severe chronic respiratory diseases. Samples of nasal ciliated epithelium from 50 subjects (25 male, 25 female; age‐range 2–19 years) with severe chronic respiratory diseases were examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Based on TEM findings, patients were divided into two groups: A and B. Group A comprised 39 children with ciliary alterations compatible with a condition probably occuring secondary to chronic inflammation (alterations of peripheral pairs, swollen cilia, and compound cilia). The other 11 patients, Group B, exhibited a greater number of alterations of the central pair and dynein arms (p< 0.001), which were qualitatively similar to, but less numerous than, those observed in primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). In both groups, analysis of ciliary beat frequency and waveform was performed by phase contrast microscopy (PCM). All the children with a ciliary beat frequency of < 7 Hz were treated with daily physiotherapy and with antibiotics, as recommended for PCD, for a 6‐month period. After this treatment, the children were reexamined by PCM. Almost 50% of the children from Group B (i.e. those with a small proportion of specific ultrastructural defects) showed permanence of low ciliary beat frequency. This was also observed in two children of Group A. These children were considered to be affected by PCD. Our study describes a method for the diagnosis of PCD in the absence of specific ultrastructural defects or when these defects are present in only a small proportion of the cilia.
Eformoterol Turbohaler® compared with salmeterol by dry powder inhaler in asthmatic children not controlled on inhaled corticosteroids
Authors: Everden Paul , Campbell Malcolm , Harnden Chris , McGoldrick Hugh , Bodalia Bavesh , Manion Victoria , Reynia Sarah ,   on behalf of the FACT study group
Published: December 2004

The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of the inhaled long‐acting β2‐agonists eformoterol and salmeterol when added to existing inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy in symptomatic asthmatic children. This randomized, 12‐week, parallel‐group study, performed in a primary care setting, included 156 children and adolescents (aged 6–17 years) with moderate persistent asthma. Patients were randomized to open‐label eformoterol (Oxis®) Turbohaler® 9 μg (delivered dose) or salmeterol Accuhaler® 50 μg, both b.i.d, added to current ICS. Assessments included: changes in daytime reliever β2‐agonist therapy (primary variable), total 24‐h reliever use, lung function, clinic and diary symptom scores, patient and carer health‐related quality of life (HRQL) and adverse events. Daytime reliever use decreased significantly (p < 0.001) from baseline by 65% and 52%, respectively in the eformoterol and salmeterol treatment groups. Compared with salmeterol, eformoterol produced a greater decrease in daytime (−0.46 inhalations/day; p = 0.081) and 24‐h (−0.70 inhalations/day; p = 0.043) reliever use. The percentage of patients who did not require any reliever medication during the study was significantly higher in the eformoterol group (p < 0.05 vs. salmeterol at weeks 8 and 12). Clinic and diary card peak expiratory flow and symptom measures all improved from baseline in both treatment arms. There was a significantly greater effect in favour of eformoterol for the reduction in clinic‐assessed overall night‐time symptoms (p < 0.05 vs. salmeterol). Clinically relevant improvements in patient‐assessed HRQL occurred during treatment with eformoterol and salmeterol, but carer‐assessed HRQL was improved to a clinically relevant extent, only with eformoterol. Both treatments were well tolerated. In children and adolescents with moderate persistent asthma, add‐on therapy with eformoterol was well tolerated and at least as effective as salmeterol.
A new species and geographical variation in theTelmatochromis temporaliscomplex (Teleostei, Cichlidae) from Lake Tanganyika
Authors: Hanssens M. , Snoeks J.
Published: December 2004

Telmatochromis brachygnathussp.n. is described from the southern and central parts of Lake Tanganyika. It can be distinguished from the similarT. temporalismainly by its smaller mouth. Morphological distinct populations were found in both species.
Growth and social interactions of wild and sea‐ranched brown trout and their hybrids
Authors: Petersson E. , Järvi T.
Published: December 2004

A laboratory study of the social behaviour and growth performance of juvenile brown trout Salmo trutta of wild and sea‐ranched origin and their crosses, indicated that the social behaviour of wild and sea‐ranched fish differed. Male and female parents seemed to have a different impact on the juveniles. The category having wild mother and sea‐ranched father were less aggressive, less active in general, but active in feeding, and therefore had higher growth rates. This pattern arose despite that the feeding rate and the motivation to first get a food item when food was provided did not differ between the groups of fish. Wild fish tended to be most aggressive. If sea‐ranched and wild fish have different intrinsic (genetically based) ‘life styles’, the crosses between wild and sea‐ranched fish indicate that there is likelihood for an introgression of genes adapted to hatchery environment into the genetics of wild conspecifics. This is particularly serious when hatchery‐reared fish invades wild populations over many years.
Differential time budgets of two forms of juvenile brook charr in the open‐water zone
Authors: Marchand F. , Magnan P. , Boisclair D.
Published: December 2004

No significant differences were found in the time budget (time spent in feeding, moving and stationary), attack rate (number of feeding bouts min−1), and microhabitat use of juvenile (1+ years) littoral and pelagic brook charr Salvelinus fontinalis at 2 and 4 m depth, when restricted to feeding in pelagic enclosures. In contrast, fish of the littoral form allocated significantly more time than pelagic ones to feeding, moving and in total activity at 3 m depth. No significant differences were found in attack rate between the two forms at any given depth. Based on the mean for the water column (all depths pooled), however, fish of the littoral form executed a significantly higher attack rate than fish of the pelagic one. In multiple regressions analyses, the best predictors of time allocated to feeding and attack rate were the dummy variable ‘form’ (littoral individuals spend significantly more time in feeding than pelagic ones), light intensity at the surface (negative) and water temperature (positive), and explained 48 and 55% of these variations, respectively. Time allocated to moving was only explained by water temperature (negative) and explained 43% of the variation. Time in a stationary position was best explained by water temperature (negative) and light intensity at the surface (positive), explaining 52% of the variation. The results of this study support the hypothesis that littoral brook charr spend more energy in foraging than pelagic ones when restricted to feeding in the pelagic habitat, and thus that trophic diversification is adaptive in this species.
Coral‐reef sounds enable nocturnal navigation by some reef‐fish larvae in some places and at some times
Authors: Leis J. M. , Carson‐Ewart B. M. , Hay A. C. , Cato D. H.
Published: December 2004

At Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, catches of fish larvae by light traps that broadcast nocturnal reef sounds (noisy traps) were compared with catches by quiet traps over two 2·5 week new‐moon periods in November (XI) 2000 and January (I) 2001. Three areas were sampled: near‐reef (NR, 500 m from the shore) in I, middle (M, 650 m) in I and XI and offshore (O, >1000 m) in XI. The most abundant taxa captured were Apogonidae, Blenniidae, Chaetodontidae, Lethrinidae, Mullidae and Pomacentridae. Significant differences in catch were found between areas, and a position effect was found at the O and M areas. At the NR and M areas, no taxa had significantly greater catches in quiet traps, but larvae of five taxa had significantly greater catches in noisy traps. These were (areas and times of greater catches): Apogonidae (NR; M XI), Mullidae (M I & XI), Pomacentridae (NR; M I & XI), Serranidae (M I) and Sphyraenidae (NR). At the offshore area, five taxa (Apogonidae, Blenniidae, Chaetodontidae, Mullidae and Pomacentridae) had significantly greater catches in quiet traps and only Lethrinidae had significantly greater catches in noisy traps. Thus some taxa (particularly apogonids and pomacentrids which had catches up to 155% greater in noisy traps, but also lethrinids and mullids, and perhaps others), were attracted to reef sounds at night, but this apparently varied with location and time. The sound‐enhanced catches imply a radius of attraction of the sound 1·02–1·6 times that of the light. More than 65 m from the speaker,the broadcast sound levels at frequencies typical of fish hearing were equivalent to background levels, providing a maximum radius of sound attraction in this experiment.
Variation in brook and brown trout survival within and among seasons, species, and age classes
Authors: Carlson S. M. , Letcher B. H.
Published: December 2004

The Program MARK was used to generate and test a plausible set of survival models for brook troutSalvelinus fontinalisand brown troutSalmo truttato determine whether survival differed by season, species or age class. Apparent survival varied with time and age, but not by species. For the older (1999) age class, survival was lowest during the autumn of their age 1+ year whereas survival was lowest for the younger (2000) age class during the early summer of their age 1+ year. Additionally, estimates of survival for the younger age class exceeded those of the older age class in all but one interval (early summer 2001) but significant differences were observed in only one of these intervals (autumn 2000). To determine whether the observed seasonal differences in survival were related to seasonal differences in movement rates, multi‐strata spatial models were used within Program MARK to determine the probability of moving for each interval. In‐site movement rates were found to be low regardless of season (average for all cohorts combined was 5%). The ability of the multi‐strata modelling approach to detect temporal variability in movement, however, was potentially limited by spatial scale of the study reach (c. 1 km). Differences in survival between different aged fishes could lead to selection acting on age at maturity or reproductive effort at a given age.
Derivation of a pluripotent embryonic cell line from red sea bream blastulas
Authors: Chen S.‐L. , Ye H.‐Q. , Sha Z.‐X. , Hong Y.
Published: December 2004

A pluripotent cell line, sea bream embryonic stem‐like cells (SBES1), was developed from blastula‐stage embryos of the cultured red sea bream, Chrysophrys major. The SBES1 cells were cultivated in Dulbecco's modified eagles medium (DMEM) medium supplemented with foetal bovine serum, marine fish serum, fish embryo extract, selenium, basic fibroblast growth factor and leukemia inhibitory factor. They were small and round or polygonal, and grew actively and stabely in culture. The cells exhibited a positive alkaline phosphatase activity upon histochemical staining. When the cells were treated with all‐trans retinoic acid, they differentiated into various types including neuron‐like, neuroglia‐like and muscle‐like cells, suggesting that the SBES1 cells remained pluripotent in culture. Chromosome analysis revealed that SBES1 cells had a normal diploid karyotype with 2n = 2st + 46t. At present, SBES1 cells have been cultured for >180 days with more than 60 passages. High survival rate has been obtained after cryopreservation of cell cultures. This embryonic cell line may potentially be used for the production of transgenic red sea bream.
Relationship of physical fitness to chewing in an 80‐year‐old population
Authors: Takata Y , Ansai T , Awano S , Hamasaki T , Yoshitake Y , Kimura Y , Sonoki K , Wakisaka M , Fukuhara M , Takehara T
Published: December 2004

Objective:  Although tooth loss causes a decrease in masticatory ability, which may influence nutritional status, and impair an individual's general health including physical activity, little is known whether a decrease in chewing ability could result in deterioration in physical fitness in a very elderly population. Thus, the present study evaluated the relationship of chewing ability or teeth number with measures of physical fitness in a sample of 80‐years‐old in Japan.

Design:  Cross‐sectional survey.

Subjects and methods:  A total of 1282 people who were 80‐years old and resided in the Fukuoka Prefecture were approached. A total of 697 individuals (277 male, 420 female) agreed to participate.

Results:  Chewing food number and teeth number were related positively with physical fitness measurements of hand grip strength, leg extensor strength, leg extensor power, stepping rate, and one‐leg standing time. However, the significant relationship between the number of teeth and physical ability disappeared after adjustment for various confounders, using multiple regression analysis or logistic regression analysis. On the other hand, the relationship of chewing ability with physical fitness measurements of leg extensor strength, one‐leg standing time, or isokinetic leg extensor power remained significant even after adjustment for these confounders.

Conclusion:  There is a relationship between perceived chewing ability (number of foods considered chewable) and physical fitness in this 80‐year‐old population. Chewing ability may be an independent predictor of physical fitness, thus preventative dental care aimed at preserving chewing ability may be able to enhance activities of daily life and quality of life in very elderly individuals.
Oro‐facial manifestations in paediatric HIV: a comparative study of institutionalized and hospital outpatients
Authors: Naidoo S , Chikte U
Published: December 2004

The aim of the study was to compare dental caries status and the number and type of oral mucosal lesions in HIV positive children from a hospital outpatient department and an institutionalized setting. Oral examinations were performed using presumptive diagnostic criteria. The Fisher's Exact and the Mann–Whitney tests were used for statistical comparison of the two study groups. A total of 169 children were examined of whom 42% were institutionalized and 58% hospital outpatients. One institutionalized child presented with Noma. Twenty‐one percent of the institutionalized population presented with molluscum contagiosum, while none of the hospital outpatients presented with this condition. Significantly more intraoral mucosal lesions were observed in the hospital compared with the institutionalized group. The most frequently encountered oral lesion was candidiasis. Pseudomembranous candidiasis was the most common type. Twice as many intraoral ulcers were recorded in the institutionalized group. Thirty‐nine percent of the hospitalized patients had multiple lesions compared with 28% in the institutionalized group. Almost three quarters of both populations were caries‐free. The mean DMFT was considerably higher in the hospital population. For both the permanent and primary teeth, the decayed component (D/d) made up the major part of the DMFT/dmft, followed by the missing (M/m) component. No fillings were recorded in either the primary or permanent teeth for both groups. Oral lesions are common in HIV populations and were seen in both the hospital and institutionalized groups, at high prevalence levels (63 and 45%). HIV infected children should be considered high risk for caries because of the use of chronic medications, and to receive appropriate care in terms of both treatment and services.
Effects of grape seed proanthocyanidins extract on mandibles in developing rats
Authors: Kamitani Y , Maki K , Tofani I , Nishikawa Y , Tsukamoto K , Kimura M
Published: December 2004

Objective:  Grape seed proanthocyanidins extract (GSPE), a flavonoid, has a beneficial effect on physical health, which may include the health of bone. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of GSPE on mandibular bone by examining trabecular and cortical bone density, mineral content, and non‐invasive bone strength in low‐calcium diet rats.

Materials and methods:  Wistar male rats at 5 weeks old (n = 40) were divided into control (A), low‐calcium diet (B), low‐calcium diet plus standard diet (C), and low‐calcium diet plus standard diet with supplementary GSPE (D) groups. Following 3 weeks of a calcium‐restricted diet, group D rats were given 3 mg of GSPE as supplement in 100 g of a standard diet for the next 3 weeks. Following the 6‐week experimental period, mandibular bones were examined using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT).

Results:  There were no significant differences in body weight or trabecular bone area among the four groups. Trabecular bone density, and trabecular bone mineral content, cortical bone density, cortical bone cross‐sectional area, and cortical bone mineral content were significantly higher in group D than in C. Further, Stress–strain index (SSI) values of xSSI and ySSI in group D were significantly higher than in C, although there was no significant difference in pSSI value between those two groups.

Conclusion:  Our results suggest that GSPE treatment caused an increase in both bone formation and bone strength in rat mandibles.
Candida yeasts in chronic periodontitis tissues and subgingival microbial biofilms in vivo
Authors: Järvensivu A , Hietanen J , Rautemaa R , Sorsa T , Richardson M
Published: December 2004

The frequency of Candida infection in periodontal tissues of chronic periodontitis (CP) patients and the extent of candidal penetration into gingival tissues was studied. Tissue specimens collected from 25 CP patients during periodontal flap operations of initial periodontal therapy were examined by immunohistochemistry using Candida albicans‐specific antibodies. Sections were also stained with periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) and subgingival plaque samples from 17 patients were cultured. Immunoreactivity for Candida was present in four of the 25 CP specimens (16%). Only one yeast‐positive specimen was found when PAS‐staining was used (4%) and two yeast‐positive specimens were found with plaque culture (8%). Hyphal formation seemed essential and candidal hyphae were found to extend into the periodontal connective tissue. The degree and type of inflammation adjacent to the hyphae varied from a site and a patient to another. The sensitivity of specific antibodies was superior to PAS‐stain or plaque culture in detection of Candida in tissues.
Involvement of periodontopathic biofilm in vascular diseases
Authors: Okuda K , Kato T , Ishihara K
Published: December 2004

Oral bacteria inhabit biofilms, which are firm clusters adhering in layers to surfaces and are not easily eliminated by immune responses and are resistant to antimicrobial agents. Dental plaque is one such biofilm. In the past 10 years, subgingival plaque bacteria forming biofilms have been increasingly reported to be involved in systemic diseases. A close relationship between microbial infections and vascular disease has also been reported in the past two decades. The present review discusses the significance of the ecologic characteristics of biofilms formed by periodontopathic bacteria in order to further clarify the associations between periodontal disease and systemic disease. We focus on the relationships between periodontal disease‐associated bacteria forming biofilms and vascular diseases including atherosclerosis and carotid coronary stenotic artery disease, and we discuss the direct and indirect effects on vascular diseases of lipopolysaccharides as well as heat shock proteins produced by periodontopathic bacteria.
Chlamydia pneumoniae together with collagenase‐2 (MMP‐8) in periodontal lesions
Authors: Mäntylä P , Stenman M , Paldanius M , Saikku P , Sorsa T , Meurman JH
Published: December 2004

Objective:  Dental infections may be associated with subsequent atherosclerosis. In this regard we wanted to study if traces of Chlamydia pneumoniae can be found from deep periodontal pockets characterized with elevated collagenase‐2 [matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8] levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). Chlamydia pneumoniae has not previously been found to infect the oral cavity.

Subjects and methods:  Subgingival samples of dental plaque were collected from 31 teeth in 12 adult periodontitis patients by means of sterile curettes and examined for C. pneumoniae using a quantitative PCR technique. GCF samples were also collected and assayed by an immunofluorometric assay (IFMA) for MMP‐8.

Results:  Chlamydia pneumoniae RNA was demonstrated in a sample from one of the patients studied. Periodontal treatment eliminated the C. pneumoniae from the patient's subgingival dental plaque as well as reduced GCF MMP‐8 level.

Conclusions:  Our findings suggest that C. pneumoniae, which is not normally thought to be involved in periodontitis, can be found in dental plaque.
Oral manifestations of papular‐purpuric ‘gloves and socks’ syndrome due to parvovirus B19 infection: the first case presented in Greece and review of the literature
Authors: Sklavounou‐Andrikopoulou A , Iakovou M , Paikos S , Papanikolaou V , Loukeris D , Voulgarelis M
Published: December 2004

Papular‐purpuric ‘gloves and socks’ syndrome (PPGSS) is a novel, rare, self‐limited dermatosis initially described in 1990. It is characterized by painful, pruritic edema and erythema, rapidly evolving to papular‐purpuric lesions on the distal extremities, in a gloves‐and‐socks distribution, accompanied by fever and oral lesions such as petechiae, vesiculopustules and small erosions. Parvovirus B19 has been implicated in most cases as the etiological factor. Herein we present the first case of PPGSS in a 42‐year‐old Greek man with von Willebrand disease. On admission the patient was febrile, and presented acral edema and erythema rapidly followed by purpuric lesions on the same sites, and palatal petechiae. Complete remission of the exanthem occurred 7 days after hospitalization. Clinical and laboratory evaluation including serologic tests and PCR, confirmed the presence of parvovirus B19. Review of the existing literature on this novel syndrome and its association with parvovirus B19 is also presented.
Accuracy of Collateral Source Reports in Very Mild to Mild Dementia of the Alzheimer Type
Authors: Cacchione Pamela Z. , Powlishta Kimberly K. , Grant Elizabeth A. , Buckles Virginia D. , Morris John C.
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVES: To examine the reporting accuracy of collateral sources (knowledgeable informants) regarding very mild and mild dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT) and to identify characteristics associated with collateral source accuracy.

DESIGN: Secondary data analysis of initial visits of individuals enrolled in a longitudinal study of healthy aging and Alzheimer disease.

SETTING: Urban Alzheimer disease research center.

PARTICIPANTS: Pairs of 515 individuals with very mild (n = 203) or mild (n = 312) DAT and their collateral sources.

MEASUREMENTS: Collateral sources were asked separately during a semistructured interview by experienced clinicians to report current ability of the individual with DAT in memory, orientation, and judgment and problem solving. The clinical performance of the individuals with DAT in these domains was compared with these predictions.

RESULTS: Collateral sources were consistently and significantly accurate in reporting the cognitive capabilities of individuals with very mild and mild DAT. Although all types of collateral sources performed significantly better than chance, individual variables that correlated with collateral source accuracy included spousal relationship; living with the individual with DAT; frequent exposure to the individual; and age, education level, sex and dementia severity of the individual with DAT.

CONCLUSION: Collateral sources are accurate in reporting the cognitive capabilities of individuals with DAT, even in the very mild stage of dementia.
Family Involvement in End‐of‐Life Hospital Care
Authors: Tschann Jeanne M. , Kaufman Sharon R. , Micco Guy P.
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether the end‐of‐life treatment provided to hospitalized patients differed for those who had a family member present at death and those who did not.

DESIGN: A retrospective cohort analysis.

SETTING: An urban community hospital.

PARTICIPANTS: All 370 inpatients who died during a 1‐year period.

MEASUREMENTS: Medical records were examined for whether life‐support treatments were provided or withdrawn, occurrence and timing of do‐not‐resuscitate (DNR) orders, and use of comfort measures such as narcotics and sedation.

RESULTS: DNR orders were written for 85% of patients. For patients who had a DNR order written, the average time from the DNR order to death was 4.8 days. Only 26% of patients had one or more treatments withdrawn. Sixty‐seven percent of patients received narcotics before death, and 22% received sedatives. Patients aged 75 and older and African Americans were less likely to have a family member present at death. After adjusting for age and ethnicity, patients who had a family member present at death were more likely to have DNR orders written, to have treatments withdrawn, and to receive narcotics before death. Patients with a family member present at death also had a shorter time to death after DNR orders were written.

CONCLUSION: The presence of a family member at death appears to be an indirect measure of family involvement during patients' hospitalization. Family involvement before death may reduce the use of technology and increase the use of comfort care as patients die.
Paradoxical Vasodilation During Lower Body Negative Pressure in Patients with Vasodepressor Carotid Sinus Syndrome
Authors: Mangoni Arduino A. , Ouldred Emma , Allain Theresa J. , Close Jacqueline C. T. , Hilton Diarmuid , Swift Cameron G. , Lyons Declan , Jackson Stephen H. D.
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the pathophysiological mechanism of the vasodepressor form (VD) of carotid sinus syndrome (CSS) by maneuvers designed to induce generalized sympathetic activation after baroreceptor unloading (lower body negative pressure, LBNP) or direct peripheral adrenoreceptor stimulation via local administration of norepinephrine (NA).

DESIGN: Subjects were identified with VD of CSS through diagnostic testing.

SETTING: Research laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS: Eleven young controls (YC) (mean age ± standard error of mean = 22.8 ± 0.7), eight elderly controls (EC) (72.6 ± 0.6), and eight elderly patients with VD (78.7 ± 1.7).

MEASUREMENTS: Forearm arterial blood flow (FABF) was measured in the left and right arms by venous occlusion plethysmography. Measurements were performed during baseline conditions, LBNP (−20 mmHg), and intra‐arterial NA infusion in the left brachial artery at three progressively increasing rates (60, 120, and 240 pmol/min).

RESULTS: During LBNP, FABF significantly decreased in YC (baseline 3.61 ± 0.30 vs −20 mmHg 2.96 ± 0.24 mL/100 g/min, P = .030) and EC (4.05 ± 0.74 vs 3.69 ± 0.65 mL/100 g/min, P = .033) but increased in elderly patients with VD (3.65 ± 0.60 vs 4.54 ± 0.80 mL/100 g/min, P = .020). During NA infusion, a significant forearm vasoconstriction occurred in YC (FABF left:right ratio 1.00 ± 0.05 at baseline; 0.81 ± 0.08 at 60 pmol/min, P = .034; 0.81 ± 0.05 at 120 pmol/min, P < .001; 0.72 ± 0.04 at 240 pmol/min, P < .001), whereas no significant FABF changes were observed in EC (1.04 ± 0.06; 0.96 ± 0.07, P = .655; 0.89 ± 0.10, P = .401; 0.94 ± 0.10, P = .590) or elderly patients with VD (1.04 ± 0.06; 1.16 ±0 .10, P = .117; 1.04 ± 0.08, P = .602; 1.11 ± 0.10, P = .305).

CONCLUSION: VD of CSS is associated with a paradoxical vasodilatation during LBNP and an impairment of peripheral α‐adrenergic responsiveness, which may be age‐related.
Barriers to and Benefits of Leisure Time Physical Activity in the Elderly: Differences Across Cultures
Authors: Dergance Jeannae M. , Calmbach Walter L. , Dhanda Rahul , Miles Toni P. , Hazuda Helen P. , Mouton Charles P.
Published: December 2004

The purpose of this study was to compare ethnic differences in attitudes toward barriers and benefits of leisure‐time physical activity (LTPA) in sedentary elderly Mexican (MAs) and European Americans (EAs). An in‐home, cross‐sectional survey was performed on 210 community‐dwelling elders from 10 primary care practices in south Texas that are part of the South Texas Ambulatory Research Network, a practice‐based research network. Analytical variables included ethnicity, age, sex, income, education, marital status, and LTPA. Fisher exact test was used to analyze the 100 sedentary elders (LTPA <500kcal/wk; 63 MAs and 37 EAs). Self‐consciousness and lack of self‐discipline, interest, company, enjoyment, and knowledge were found to be the predominant barriers to LTPA in both groups. Both groups held similar beliefs about benefits gained from exercise, such as improved self‐esteem, mood, shape, and health, but the beliefs about the positive benefits of exercise were more prevalent in MAs. These findings remained after adjusting for age, income, education, marital status, and sex. Some might think that a major barrier lies in misconception about benefits of LTPA, but in this study, both ethnic groups were accurate in their perceived benefits of LTPA. When attempting to engage elderly in LTPA, it is important not only to consider what barriers exist but also what beliefs about the benefits exist.
DS–Nh as an experimental model of atopic dermatitis induced by Staphylococcus aureus producing staphylococcal enterotoxin C
Authors: Yoshioka T. , Hikita I. , Matsutani T. , Yoshida R. , Asakawa M. , Toyosaki‐Maeda T. , Hirasawa T. , Suzuki R. , Arimura A. , Horikawa T.
Published: December 2004

DS–Nh mice raised under conventional conditions spontaneously develop dermatitis similar to human atopic dermatitis (AD), which is associated with staphylococcal infection. In the present study, we show that Staphylococcus aureus producing staphylococcus exotoxin C (SEC) was recovered from the culture of the skin lesions of DS–Nh mice with AD‐like dermatitis and that the serum levels of anti‐SEC antibodies from these mice were elevated. We describe here how to promote experimental AD by epicutaneous injection with SEC‐producing S. aureus to DS–Nh mice. In order to assess the role of SEC in the pathogenesis of AD, the mitogenic activity, TCRBV repertoire analysis and the production of IL‐4 and IFN‐γ from spleen mononuclear cells (MNC) from DS–Nh stimulated by SEC were compared with those due to SEA, SEB and TSST. The weakest was the mitogenic activity of SEC, and higher IL‐4 responses and lower IFN‐γ responses to SEC showed correlation with TCRBV8S2‐positive T cells, which were selectively stimulated by SEC. We also demonstrate that SEC‐producing S. aureus was able to survive in DS–Nh after intradermal injection. These results suggest a possible role for SEC in the pathogenesis of AD through host–S. aureus relationships.
P27kip1 regulates the cell cycle arrest and survival of activated T lymphocytes in response to interleukin‐2 withdrawal
Authors: Huleatt James W. , Cresswell James , Bottomly Kim , Crispe I. Nicholas
Published: December 2004

The majority of activated T lymphocytes undergo cell death at the end of a primary immune response, while a minority survive as memory cells. The mechanisms that control the decision between these two fates are unknown. In the present study we examined the response of activated T cells to interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) withdrawal. Within hours, the percentage of T lymphocytes in cell cycle showed a steady decrease, while the percentage arrested in G1 increased proportionally. Deprivation of IL‐2 resulted in upregulation of the cell cycle inhibitor p27kip1. Comparison with resting T‐cell populations revealed that the highest expression of p27kip1 occurs in activated T cells undergoing cell cycle arrest following IL‐2 withdrawal. T cells deficient in p27kip1 expression showed an impaired ability to undergo cell cycle arrest in response to IL‐2 deprivation. Moreover, T cells deficient in p27kip1 showed significantly more apoptosis after IL‐2 withdrawal. Collectively, this study demonstrates that p27kip1 regulates both the cell cycle arrest and the apoptosis of antigen‐specific T lymphocytes.