bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glial fibrillary acidic protein is a major target of glycoxidative and lipoxidative damage in Pick's disease
Authors: Muntané G. , Dalfó E. , Martínez A. , Rey M. J. , Avila J. , Pérez M. , Portero M. , Pamplona R. , Ayala V. , Ferrer I.
Published: July 2006

Pick's disease is a subset of fronto‐temporal dementia characterised by severe atrophy of the temporal and frontal lobes due to marked neuronal loss accompanied by astrocytic gliosis enriched in glial acidic protein. The remaining neurones have intracytoplasmic inclusions composed of hyperphosphorylated tau, called Pick bodies, in addition to hyperphosphorylated tau in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Gel electrophoresis and western blotting using markers of glycoxidation (advanced glycation end products, N‐carboxyethyl‐lysine and N‐carboxymethyl‐lysine: AGE, CEL, CML, respectively) and lipoxidation (4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal: HNE, and malondialdehyde‐lysine: MDAL) were used in the frontal and occipital cortex in three Pick's disease cases and three age‐matched controls. In Pick's disease, increased AGE, CML, CEL, HNE and MDAL bands of about 50 kDa were observed in the frontal cortex (but not in the occipital cortex) in association with increased density of glial acidic protein bands. Bi‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and western blotting also disclosed increased amounts and numbers of glial acidic protein isoforms in the frontal cortex in Pick's disease. Moreover, redox proteomics showed glycoxidation, as revealed with anti‐CEL antibodies and lipoxidation using anti‐HNE antibodies, of at least three glial acidic protein isoforms. The present results demonstrate that glial acidic protein is a target of oxidative damage in the frontal cortex in Pick's disease.
Astrocyte swelling leads to membrane unfolding, not membrane insertion
Authors: Pangršič Tina , Potokar Maja , Haydon Philip G. , Zorec Robert , Kreft Marko
Published: July 2006

The mechanisms mediating the release of chemical transmitters from astrocytes are the subject of intense research. Recent experiments have shown that hypotonic conditions stimulate the release of glutamate and ATP from astrocytes, but a mechanistic understanding of this process is not available. To determine whether hypotonicity activates the process of regulated exocytosis, we monitored membrane capacitance by the whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique whilst a hypotonic medium was applied to cultured astrocytes. If exocytosis is triggered under hypotonic conditions, as it is following increases in cytosolic calcium, a net increase in membrane surface area, monitored by measuring the whole‐cell membrane capacitance, is expected. Simultaneous measurements of cell size and whole‐cell membrane conductance and surface area demonstrated that hypotonic medium (210 mOsm for 200 s) resulted in an increase in membrane conductance and in the swelling of cultured astrocytes by an average of 40%, as monitored by cell cross‐sectional area, but without any corresponding change in membrane surface area. As we have demonstrated that capacitance measurements have the sensitivity to detect increases in cell surface area as small as 0.5%, we conclude that cell swelling occurs via an exocytosis‐independent mechanism, probably involving the unfolding of the plasma membrane.
The carotenoid‐based plumage coloration of adult Blue Tits Cyanistes caeruleus correlates with the health status of their brood
Authors: HIDALGO‐GARCIA SERGIO
Published: July 2006

The Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus is a passerine bird in which both sexes provide substantial care to the offspring and display conspicuous carotenoid‐based plumage coloration. It has been shown that carotenoid‐based coloration in birds reflects both individual quality and foraging ability. Because the body condition of nestlings usually depends on the capacity of their parents to feed them, I predicted that, independent of sex, those individuals with the most exaggerated carotenoid‐based plumage coloration should raise offspring in better health. I found that although, in my study population, the smallest females were paired with the largest males, the brightest females were paired with the brightest and most intensely coloured males. I used body condition and T‐cell‐mediated immune response of nestlings as measures of their health status. Generalized mixed models showed that brighter and more‐yellow adults reared offspring in better than average condition and immune response. Older males and smaller females were also able to raise offspring with better immune response. All these results suggest that the carotenoid‐based plumage coloration of parents is somehow linked with individual quality, as it presents a significant and positive correlation with the health status of their growing chicks. Thus, the brightest and more intensely coloured individuals raised the healthiest offspring.
Characterisation of Thermal Expansion Coefficient of Anisotropic Materials by Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry
Authors: Dudescu C. , Naumann J. , Stockmann M. , Nebel S.
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Carbon fibre composites find wide applications in aerospace, sporting goods industry and biomedicine. Mechanical and thermal properties of such materials are highly anisotropic; therefore, adequate experimental measuring methods are requested to determine them. This paper describes the application of electronic speckle pattern interferometry to full‐field, real‐time characterisation of the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of anisotropic materials. The topics such as correlation fringes tilt and influence of small rigid body rotation were theoretically described and experimentally verified. A series of measurements was carried out to determine the CTE tensor for unidirectional and bi‐directional carbon fibre laminates and to prove the feasibility of the method. The measuring set‐up developed includes a temperature control unit for cooling and heating and a one‐dimensional in‐plane speckle interferometer.
Characterisation of Pressure‐sensitive Yielding in Polymers
Authors: Bardia P. , Narasimhan R.
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  In this paper, the confined compression test set‐up [Ma and Ravichandar (2000) Experimental Mechanics vol. 40, pp. 38–45] is employed to characterise the pressure‐dependent yield behaviour of polymers. Attention is restricted to polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) which is assumed to obey the Drucker–Prager yield function. The main objective is to develop a method for analysing the results of the above test procedure in order to obtain the pressure sensitivity index of the material. Furthermore, a technique for generating different stress histories in the specimen is explored by varying the initial clearance between the cylindrical specimen and the confining ring. In order to confirm the result obtained from the confined compression test, spherical indentation experiments in which high hydrostatic pressure is generated in the plastic zone underneath the indenter are carried out with the same PMMA material. The data obtained from these experiments are interpreted by performing finite element analyses assuming several values for the pressure sensitivity index of the material. It is shown that the hardness depends markedly on the above index. This dependence can be exploited to determine it from indentation experiments using an inverse approach.
Application of Acoustic Emission for Masonry Arch Bridges
Authors: Melbourne C. , Tomor A. K.
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  There are over 40 000 masonry arch bridges in the UK, 60% of which are over 100 years old. The ever increasing levels of loading and volumes of traffic make it imperative that the condition, life expectancy and load capacity of such bridges are accurately assessed. Assessment procedures, however, generally rely on visual methods without giving any information on the internal condition of the structure. The acoustic emission (AE) technique has the ability to record certain types of damages anywhere within the structure before their effect becomes visible on the surface. Although AE is increasingly widely used for monitoring concrete and metallic bridges, its application for masonry bridges is currently very limited. A series of multi‐ring brickwork arches have been tested as part of an extended study on fatigue performance of masonry arch bridges at the University of Salford. The present study attempts to assess the applicability of the AE technique for masonry arch bridges under static and long‐term cyclic loading, to study crack propagation and failure mechanisms.
Effects of Parecoxib on Plasma Protein Extravasation and c‐Fos Expression in the Rat
Authors: Schuh‐Hofer Sigrid , Tayefeh Mandana , Reuter Uwe , Dirnagl Ulrich , Arnold Guy
Published: July 2006

Objective.—We aimed to investigate the effects of the cyclooxygenases‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitor parecoxib on meningeal plasma protein extravasation (PPE) and on c‐fos expression in the nucleus trigeminalis caudalis in an animal model of trigeminovascular activation.

Background.—Recent reports about the efficacy of COX‐2 inhibitors in migraine treatment suggest the involvement of COX‐2 in migraine pathophysiology. So far, studies on the role of COX‐2 in animal models of migraine are lacking.

Methods.—Unilateral electrical stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion was performed in anesthetized male Sprague Dawley rats. We assessed PPE in the ipsilateral dura mater and expression of c‐fos within the ipsilateral trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) under control conditions and after pretreatment with parecoxib.

Results.—Parecoxib significantly attenuated PPE in the rat dura mater. The PPE ratio under control conditions (1.73 ± 0.19 (mean ± SD)) was reduced by 58.9 ± 30% after pretreatment with 10 mg/kg parecoxib and by 78.1 ± 23% after pretreatment with 50 mg/kg. c‐fos experiments: Compared with vehicle, all doses of parecoxib (1 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg) significantly reduced the number of c‐fos positive cells in the ipsilateral TNC (P < .05). The number of c‐fos positive cells in the ipsilateral TNC was 50 ± 2.7 (mean ± SEM) under control conditions and 9.1 ± 0.6 after pretreatment with 50 mg/kg parecoxib.

Conclusion.—Our study results suggest that COX‐2 is involved in neurogenic inflammation of the rat dura mater. Moreover, the study points to a role of COX‐2 inhibitors in trigeminal nociception at the second‐order level.
Ultrasonographic Predictors of Unsuccessful Cephalic Vein Approach During Pacemaker or Defibrillator Lead Implantation
Authors: CHEN JAN‐YOW , CHANG KUAN‐CHENG , LIN KUO‐HUNG , LIN YU‐CHIN , LEE JENG‐DI , HUANG SHOEI K. S.
Published: July 2006

Background: The cephalic vein approach is a preferred route for endocardial lead implantation; however, it is associated with a significant failure rate. Anatomic abnormalities likely play an important role, but specific features have not been well characterized.

Methods: Color Doppler ultrasonography was performed in 82 consecutive patients prior to endocardial lead implantation. Venous diameter, depth, flow velocity, and morphology were evaluated and comparisons made between the successful and failed implantations at various stages of the procedure.

Results: Endocardial lead implantation was unsuccessful in 14 patients (17%), with eight patients of venous isolation failure, 4 patients of cannulation failure, and 2 patients of guidewire crossing failure. Venous diameter was found to be the only independent predictor for isolation and implantation failure. The best cutoff value of cephalic venous diameter to predict unsuccessful cephalic venous approach was ≤2.2 mm. In total, there were 10 patients with extensive cephalic vein tortuosity. In seven of these 10 patients, the incidence of standard guidewire crossing failure was significantly higher than that without a tortuous cephalic vein (7/10 vs 6/60, P < 0.001). After switching to a hydrophilic guidewire, crossing and navigation were successful in five of the seven patients.

Conclusions: Color Doppler imaging is useful to identify cephalic vein characteristics. A small venous diameter is the ultrasonographic predictor for failure of cephalic vein approach. A tortuous venous morphology is associated with a high incidence of guidewire crossing failure, which can be mostly overcome by using a hydrophilic guidewire.
Clinical Study of Amiodarone‐Associated Torsade De Pointes in Chinese People
Authors: GENG DENG‐FENG , JIN DONG‐MEI , WANG JING‐FENG , LUO YING‐JIA , WU WEI
Published: July 2006

Objects: Amiodarone‐associated torsade de pointes (Tdp) has been reported increasingly in China in recent years. In this study, we made clinical analysis of amiodarone‐associated Tdp in Chinese people.

Methods: Two major Chinese medical databases were searched to identify articles published during the last 26 years that presented data on amiodarone‐associated proarrhythmic events. The articles were divided into two categories: case reports and observational studies.

Results: Fifty‐two Chinese‐language case reports with 98 patients and 2 patients registered in our hospital, total 100 patients about amiodarone‐associated Tdp, were enrolled in the study. Amiodarone‐associated Tdp occurred more frequently in females (68.0%, 68/100). The major primary disease of females was rheumatic heart disease (40.7%, 24/59), while that of males was coronary heart disease (45.8%, 11/24). In most patients, Tdp occurred repeatedly and terminated in 24–48 hours. Some Tdp worsen to ventricular fibrillation and caused 19 patients' death (mortality rate 21.8%, 19/87). Known predisposing factors to the development of Tdp, such as heart failure, hypokalemia, drugs combination, and bradyarrhythmia, existed in many cases. Tdp also occurred in six patients (4 females, 2 males) without any known predisposing factors except QTc interval prolongation. Fourteen observational studies each reported data from at least 100 patients who were treated with amiodarone for at least 1 month. Of 2,354 patients included in these studies, 455 patients exposed to amiodarone were reported to have proarrhythmic events (an overall incidence of 19.3%), while only 4 patients were reported to have Tdp or ventricular fibrillation (an incidence of 0.17%).

Conclusions: In conclusion, approximately one‐fifth of the patients have amiodarone‐induced proarrhythmic events, while the incidence of Tdp or ventricular fibrillation is remarkably low. Amiodarone‐associated Tdp occurred more frequently in Chinese females. Known predisposing factors for occurrence of Tdp prevailed in Chinese patients. QTc interval prolongation may be an independent risk factor of amiodarone‐associated Tdp.
The Superior Transseptal Surgical Approach to Mitral Valve Creates Slow Conduction
Authors: LUKAC PETER , HJORTDAL VIBEKE , PEDERSEN ANDERS K. , JENSEN HENRIK K. , MORTENSEN PETER T. , HANSEN PETER S.
Published: July 2006

Background: Atrial tachycardia is very frequent after mitral valve surgery using the superior transseptal approach.

Methods: Sixteen patients operated on for mitral valve disease (superior transseptal approach = Group A, n = 9, and left atrial approach = Group B, n = 7) underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial tachycardia guided by electroanatomic mapping. Twenty‐six consecutive patients without previous cardiac surgery with typical atrial flutter served as controls (Group C).

Results: Atrial tachycardia occurred earlier after the operation in Group A than in Group B (median 97 vs 2,159 days, P = 0.003). Typical atrial flutter was the most frequent circuit in all groups (Group A—7 patients, Group B—5 patients, Group C—26 patients). Three patients in Group A developed right atrial incisional tachycardia. Ten of 14 tachycardia circuits (typical atrial flutter, n = 7, incisional tachycardia, n = 3) in Group A depended on the corridor between the right atrial part of the atriotomy and the tricuspid annulus. Slow conduction during typical atrial flutter was detected in this corridor in Group A, but not in the corresponding region in Groups B and C (P < 0.001). The cycle length of typical atrial flutter was longer in Groups A and B than in Group C (mean 283 ms and 282 ms vs 233 ms, P = 0.003). Patients in Group B with typical atrial flutter had larger right atria than patients in Group A or Group C (mean 156 mL vs 96 mL and 113 mL, P = 0.033).

Conclusions: The superior transseptal incision may predispose to atrial tachycardia by creating slow conduction between the atriotomy and the tricuspid annulus.
Microvolt T‐Wave Alternans with Exercise in Pediatrics and Congenital Heart Disease: Limitations and Predictive Value
Authors: ALEXANDER MARK E. , CECCHIN FRANK , HUANG KATHIE P. , BERUL CHARLES I.
Published: July 2006

Background: Microvolt t‐wave alternans (TWA) in early exercise is a noninvasive marker of life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmia in some adult cardiac populations. The incidence and potential significance of sustained TWA in pediatric and congenital heart disease (CHD) populations has not been well defined.

Methods: TWA treadmill exercise studies in pediatric patients with CHD, myopathy, potential myocardial ischemia, syncope, or history of cardiac arrest were analyzed. Tests were categorized as abnormal for sustained TWA with onset heart rate <130 beats/min with specific analyses for lower onset heart rates. Patient characteristics were analyzed as possible correlates of TWA.

Results: Over 2 years, 318 consecutive TWA exercise studies were performed in 304 patients (60% male, median 14 years, 6–41) for indications of syncope, cardiac arrest, possible ventricular arrhythmia, or evaluation of functional myocardial perfusion. Underlying conditions included apparently normal hearts (45%), CHD (16%), cardiomyopathy (11%), coronary anomalies (11%), electrical myopathy (9%), and transplant (8%). Abnormal TWA was seen in 24 (7%, onset HR 106 ± 18) and included 19 at high clinical risk for serious events including 3 with cardiac arrest. By multivariate analysis sustained TWA was associated with cardiac arrest, ventricular arrhythmias, and a clinical classification of high risk.

Conclusions: TWA is associated with pediatric and CHD diagnoses at high risk of serious events and may contribute, with other diagnostic tools, to management choices. While the absence of TWA has relatively high negative predictive value, it does not completely exclude the potential for serious sustained ventricular arrhythmias. A more robust noninvasive marker for risk stratification in these populations is required.
Anti‐Inflammatory Effect of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: LAPPEGÅRD KNUT T. , BJØRNSTAD HANNE
Published: July 2006

Background: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is associated with persistent immune activation. Medical therapy has been shown to exert only limited anti‐inflammatory effects. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) reduces morbidity and mortality in a subset of patients with heart failure, but it is not known whether this treatment affects the immune system as well. To test this hypothesis, eight patients with heart failure scheduled for CRT were investigated for immune activation before and 6 months after CRT treatment.

Methods and Results: After 6 months, all patients had improved in NYHA‐class and LVEF, and there was a statistically significant reduction in serum N‐terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant reduction in plasma levels of the chemokines monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP‐1) and interleukin 8 (IL‐8) and the cytokine interleukin 6 (IL‐6). We observed no changes in the levels of interleukin 1β (IL‐1β), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), interleukin 10 (IL‐10), or complement activation products. There was a significant correlation between changes in BNP and IL‐6 (r = 0.74, P = 0.037).

Conclusion: Although based upon a limited number of patients, this report indicates that CRT reduces peripheral markers of immune activation in patients with CHF. Further large scale studies are warranted to verify these findings.
Antitachycardia Pacing for Spontaneous Rapid Ventricular Tachycardia in Patients with Prophylactic Cardioverter‐Defibrillator Therapy
Authors: GRIMM WOLFRAM , PLACHTA EVELINE , MAISCH BERNHARD
Published: July 2006

Aims: Antitachycardia pacing (ATP) has not routinely been used in patients who received implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) for primary prevention of sudden death. This study investigated the efficacy of empirical ATP to terminate rapid ventricular tachycardia (VT) in heart failure patients with prophylactic ICD therapy.

Methods and Results: Ninety‐three patients with a mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 22 ± 7% (range: 9–35%) due to nonischemic or ischemic cardiomyopathy received prophylactic ICDs with empiric ATP. At least 2 ATP sequences with 6‐pulse burst pacing trains at 81% of VT cycle length (CL) were programmed in one or two VT zones for CL below 335 ± 23 ms and above 253 ± 18 ms. Ventricular flutter and fibrillation (VF) with CL below 253 ± 18 ms were treated in a separate VF zone with ICD shocks without preceding ATP attempts. During 38 ± 27 months follow‐up, 339 spontaneous ventricular tachyarrhythmias occurred in 36 of 93 study patients (39%). A total of 232 VT episodes, mean CL 293 ± 22 ms, triggered ATP in 25 of 36 patients with ICD interventions (69%). ATP terminated 199 of 232 VT episodes (86%) with a mean CL of 294 ± 23 ms in 23 of 25 patients (88%) who received ATP therapy. ATP failed to terminate or accelerated 33 of 232 VT episodes (14%) with a mean CL of 287 ± 19 ms in 12 of 25 patients (48%) who received ATP therapy.

Conclusions: Painfree termination of rapid VT with empirical ATP is common in heart failure patients with prophylactic ICD therapy. The occasional inability of empiric ATP to terminate rapid VT in almost 50% of patients who receive ATP for rapid VT warrants restrictive ICD programming with regard to the number of ATP attempts in order to avoid syncope before VT termination occurs.
Isorhythmic Dissociation with Smart Sensing in a Dual‐Chamber Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
Authors: STROHMER BERNHARD
Published: July 2006

Isorhythmic dissociation is an uncommon but clinically important finding in a patient implanted with a dual chamber cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) capable of SmartSensing™. The surface ECG mimicked a malfunction of the pacemaker that was related to the concomitant hemodynamic deterioration. Device interrogation revealed dissociation of the intrinsic junctional and the pacemaker rhythm, which appeared at similar rates. Careful analysis of intracardiac electrograms and marker channel annotations helped to unravel the limitations for physiologic pacing.
Biventricular Pacing Using Dual‐Site Right Ventricular Stimulation: Is It Placebo Effect?
Authors: VLAY STEPHEN C. , KORT SMADAR
Published: July 2006

Alternate site lead placement in cardiac resynchronization therapy has been used successfully but remains to be validated. A 62‐year‐old heart failure patient in whom coronary sinus lead placement was not possible underwent implantation of the lead in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and demonstrated clinical improvement as measured by New York Heart Association class and noninvasive parameters. When heart failure recurred, it was determined that his RVOT electrode had been pulled back (Twiddler's syndrome). Repositioning again improved his clinical status and noninvasive hemodynamic measurements. With dual‐site right ventricular (RV) pacing there was no echocardiographic measurable intraventricular dyssynchrony. Tissue Doppler imaging correlated with clinical improvement using dual‐site RV pacing, providing evidence that this technique may represent a viable alternative in cardiac resynchronization therapy.
Upgrading of VVIR Pacemakers with Nonfunctional Endocardial Ventricular Leads to VDD Pacemakers in Adolescents
Authors: SILVETTI MASSIMO S. , DRAGO FABRIZIO
Published: July 2006

Background: In some children with ventricular rate responsive demand (VVIR) pacemakers (PM), transvenous leads fail for technical reasons or patient's growth.

Aim: The aim of this study is to describe our experience in adolescents with a nonfunctional ventricular lead in whom the lead was abandoned and an additional VDD lead was implanted. Of the 136 children who received a VVIR PM with an endocardial lead in our center, seven patients aged 7 (0.3–12) years [median (range)] at initial implantation, after 10 (5–15) years showed lead malfunction and underwent atrial synchronous ventricular inhibited pacing (VDD) PM upgrading at 16 (10–20) years.

Results: The VDD lead was inserted through the ipsilateral subclavian vein in five patients, the contralateral in two (venous occlusion in one and for operator choice in the first patient). The tip was positioned into the right ventricular apex, the atrial dipole along the lateral atrial wall. Fluoroscopy times were not significantly different from those measured in SSI PM implantation and in VVIR dual‐chamber demand pacing (VVIR‐DDD) upgrading. There were no intraprocedural complications. Follow‐up duration is 12 (6–62) months. The VDD PM showed good function, no undersensing or oversensing. Tricuspid damage, new venous occlusion, and “twisting” of the two leads at x‐ray were not documented. The first patient showed an infection of the old PM pocket after 1 year, local pain after 3 years, and endocarditis of the leads after 5 years.

Conclusion:The upgrading of VVIR PM to VDD PM with the abandonment of the nonfunctional lead is feasible, with no intraprocedural complications and good PM function. Lead endocarditis occurred in one patient.
Smokeless tobacco (snuff) use and periodontal bone loss
Authors: Bergström Jan , Keilani Hamed , Lundholm Christian , Rådestad Urban
Published: July 2006

Objective: The aim of the present cross‐sectional study was to investigate a possible association between the use of Swedish moist snuff and periodontal bone loss.

Material and Methods: The study was carried out on 84 apparently healthy men in the age range 26–54 years, 25 current snuff users, 21 former snuff users, and 38 never‐users. The periodontal bone height was evaluated from bitewing radiographs measuring the distance from the cement–enamel junction (CEJ) to the periodontal bone crest (PBC) at pre‐molars and molars in each quadrant of the dentition.

Results: The mean (95% confidence interval (95% CI)) CEJ−PBC distance was 1.00 (0.87–1.13), 1.12 (0.97–1.26), and 1.06 (0.95–1.16) mm for current users, former users, and never‐users, respectively. The association between snuff use and bone height level controlling for age was not statistically significant (anovaF=0.3, p>0.05). There was, further, no statistically significant difference between light and heavy exposure users controlling for age (anovaF=1.0, p>0.05).

Conclusion: Our observations suggest that the use of Swedish moist snuff is not associated with periodontal bone loss.
Effect of two new chlorhexidine mouthrinses on the development of dental plaque, gingivitis, and discolouration. A randomized, investigator‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 3‐week experimental gingivitis study
Authors: Lorenz K. , Bruhn G. , Heumann C. , Netuschil L. , Brecx M. , Hoffmann T.
Published: July 2006

Objectives: The aim of this experimental gingivitis study was to assess the efficacy and safety of two new chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthrinses.

Materials and Methods: Ninety volunteers participated in this investigator‐blind, randomized, clinical‐controlled trial in parallel groups. During the treatment period, no oral hygiene measures except rinsing with non‐alcoholic 0.2% CHX or 0.2% CHX/0.055% sodium fluoride mouthrinses, a positive control, or a negative control were permitted. The primary parameter was the gingival index; the secondary parameters were plaque index, discolouration index, and bleeding on probing. Clinical examinations were conducted 14 days before the start of the study, at baseline, and after 7, 14, and 21 days. The two sample t‐test, anova, and ancova were used for the statistical analysis.

Results: No difference in efficacy was found between the two new CHX formulations and the positive control. On day 21, statistically significantly less gingival inflammation and plaque accumulation compared with placebo were observed. Besides discolouration and taste irritations, no adverse events were recorded.

Conclusion: The two new CHX mouthrinses were able to inhibit plaque re‐growth and gingivitis. Neither the omission of alcohol nor the supplementation with sodium fluoride had weakened the clinical efficacy of CHX with respect to the analysed clinical parameters.
A randomized clinical multicentre trial comparing enamel matrix derivative and membrane treatment of buccal class II furcation involvement in mandibular molars. Part III: patient factors and treatment outcome
Authors: Hoffmann Thomas , Richter Steffen , Meyle Joerg , Gonzales Jose R. , Heinz Bernd , Arjomand Mehrdad , Sculean Anton , Reich Elmar , Jepsen Karin , Jepsen Søren , Boedeker Rolf‐Hasso
Published: July 2006

Objectives: Evaluation of effects of patient factors on the outcome of regenerative treatment of buccal mandibular class II furcation defects.

Material and Methods: Fifty‐one patients were recruited. In the intention‐to‐treat population 21 patients were allocated into the sequence left treatment with enamel matrix protein derivative (EMD) and right guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and 27 in the sequence left GTR and right EMD. Evaluated patient factors were: smoking, age, gender, hypertension and oral hygiene status. Outcome parameters included change of: (a) horizontal depth of the defect at the deepest point (b) distance from the fornix of the furcation to bone crest of the defect, (c) distance from stent to the bottom of the defect, (d) pocket depth and (e) attachment level at the middle of the furcation.

Results: In patients 54 years of age and older, in males, in non‐smokers and in patients with “poor” hygiene EMD‐treated sites showed a significant higher mean reduction of the parameters d (age), b (gender, hygiene) a (smoking, hygiene) when compared with sites treated with GTR.

Conclusions: These data provided an indication of a possible effect of patient factors on the outcome of regenerative treatment of buccal mandibular class II furcation defects.
The structure of periodontal tissues formed following guided tissue regeneration therapy of intra‐bony defects in the monkey
Authors: Laurell Lars , Bose Manish , Graziani Filippo , Tonetti Maurizio , Berglundh Tord
Published: July 2006

Objective: To describe the periodontal tissues formed following guided tissue regeneration (GTR) therapy of intra‐bony defects (IBD).

Methods: Eight adult Macaca fascicularis monkeys were used. Proximal IBD were created at the mandibular second pre‐molars and second molars. After 3 months, GTR surgery was performed. The animals were euthanized at 6 months and 2 years after surgery. Block biopsies were harvested, and prepared for histological analysis.

Results: At 6 months the defect had healed with new cementum (NC), periodontal ligament (PDL) and bone. The NC seemed to be firmly anchored to the dentin. Supra‐crestally, the NC consisted of a 10 μm thick layer of acellular extrinsic fibre cementum (AEFC). Sub‐crestally, the NC was considerably thicker and consisted of an inner layer of AEFC and an outer thicker layer of cellular mixed fibre cementum (CMFC). The extrinsic fibre density amounted to about 10 fibres per 100 μm. The PDL was wider than the pristine PDL and widened in coronal direction. After 2 years of healing, the thickness of the NC in the sub‐crestal compartment had increased by about 20 μm and the fibre density had increased by about 50%.

Conclusion: After 2 years of healing the structure of the regenerated tissues resembled that of pristine periodontal tissues.
NADPH oxidase (CYBA) and FcγR polymorphisms as risk factors for aggressive periodontitis: A case–control association study
Authors: Nibali L. , Parkar M. , Brett P. , Knight J. , Tonetti M. S. , Griffiths G. S.
Published: July 2006

Introduction: Neutrophils (PMN) in aggressive periodontitis (AgP) patients have been reported to be hyperactive especially with regards to superoxide production. Polymorphisms in genes influencing PMN function have been proposed as candidate risk factors for AgP. The aim of this study was to test the association of specific gene polymorphisms affecting PMN functions with AgP.

Material and Methods: Two hundred and twenty‐four patients with confirmed diagnosis of AgP and 231 subjects with healthy periodontium took part in the study. A blood sample was collected from subjects and genotypes for p22phox (CYBA) NADPH oxidase, FP, Fcα and Fcγ receptors were analysed in a blind fashion.

Results: The C242T p22phox NADPH oxidase T allele was significantly associated with AgP in a multiple logistic regression model adjusting for confounders, and this was observed for all subjects [p=0.002, odds ratio (OR)=1.87, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.27−2.83] and Caucasians (p=0.009, OR=2.07, 95% CI=1.20–3.59). Concomitant presence of C242T p22phox NADPH oxidase T allele and FcγRIIIb NA1 homozygosity was associated with the generalized AgP phenotype in Caucasians (p=0.001, OR=30.35, 95% CI=3.81−241.97).

Conclusions: C242T p22phox NADPH oxidase and FcγR polymorphisms may predispose to AgP through a modulation of neutrophil superoxide production.
Efficiency of the VectorTM‐system compared with conventional subgingival debridement in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Braun Andreas , Krause Felix , Hartschen Vera , Falk Wolfgang , Jepsen Søren
Published: July 2006

Objective: To assess the efficacy of the novel ultrasonic Vector™‐system system for subgingival debridement and to compare the results with conventional periodontal instrumentation in vitro and in vivo.

Material and Methods: Forty extracted human teeth were treated in vitro: Vector™‐system with polishing (VP) and abrasive fluid (VA), conventional ultrasonic system (U) and hand instrument (H). At intervals of 40 s, calculus removal was assessed using a 3D laser scanning device. Eight single‐rooted teeth were treated in vivo with the Vector™‐system or hand instruments. Subgingival plaque samples were obtained for microbiological evaluation. After extraction, residual calculus was assessed by means of digitized planimetry.

Results: In vitro efficiency of hand instruments was statistically higher compared with the conventional ultrasonic system (p<0.05) and the Vector™‐system with no difference between U and VA (p>0.05) and VA and VP (p>0.05). Residual calculus following in vivo instrumentation was not different in the Vector™ and the hand instrument group (p>0.05) but treatment time with the Vector™‐system was statistically higher (p<0.05). A similar reduction of periopathogenic bacteria could be observed in both groups.

Conclusions: Using the Vector™‐system, root surfaces can be debrided as thoroughly as with conventional instruments. However, treatment is more time consuming than conventional debridement.
The effect of harp music on heart rate, mean blood pressure, respiratory rate, and body temperature in the African green monkey
Authors: Hinds Sarah Bro , Raimond Susan , Purcell Bret K.
Published: July 2006

Background  The effectiveness of recorded harp music as a tool for relaxation for non‐human primates is explored in this study.

Methods  Konigsberg Instruments Model T27F‐1B cardiovascular telemetry devices were implanted into nine African green monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops). After post‐surgical recovery, animals were exposed to recorded harp music. Telemetry data were collected on heart rate, mean blood pressure, respiratory rate, and body temperature for a 30‐minute baseline period before music exposure; a 90‐minute period of music exposure; and a 90‐minute post‐exposure period, where no music was played.

Results  No statistical differences were noted in heart rate, mean blood pressure, respiratory rate, and body temperature between pre‐exposure, exposure, and post‐exposure periods.

Conclusions  The lack of response in these African green monkeys may be attributable to their generally calm demeanor in captivity; experiments with a more excitable species such as the rhesus macaque might demonstrate a significant relaxation response to music.
Factors contributing to spontaneous Enterocytozoon bieneusi infection in simian immunodeficiency virus‐infected macaques
Authors: Singh Inderpal , Li Wenjun , Woods Margo , Carville Angela , Tzipori Saul
Published: July 2006

Background  A cohort of SIV‐infected macaques had been used to investigate the effect of dietary supplement, immune status, SIV/AIDS disease progression and serum micronutrients levels on spontaneous acquisition of Enterocytozoon bieneusi infection in SIV‐infected macaques.

Methods  Twenty‐four SIV‐infected macaques were randomized into 2 groups. One group received a vitamin/mineral supplementation and a second group received a placebo. Both groups were examined for E. bieneusi infection.

Results  SIV‐infected macaques were more prone to acquire E. bieneusi with the progression of SIV/AIDS, and the increased shedding of infectious spores was directly associated with decreased CD4 lymphocyte and increased circulating SIV, in both supplemented and unsupplemented groups of animals. Dietary supplementation, body composition factors and serum micronutrients levels however had no association with the acquisition of E. bieneusi infection in these animals.

Conclusions  Acquisition of E. bieneusi infection is related to SIV disease progression, CD4 counts and viral load but independent of changes in body composition and serum micronutrient levels.
Molecular cloning and gene expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress proteins in Japanese monkey, Macaca fuscata
Authors: Higashino A. , Fukuhara R. , Tezuka T. , Kageyama T.
Published: July 2006

Background  Immunoglobulin heavy‐chain binding protein (BiP), calreticulin (Crt), and protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), are major resident endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress proteins which are involved in diverse roles relating to successful folding, assembly, intracellular localization, and degradation of other proteins.

Methods  In this study, we molecular cloned cDNAs for BiP, Crt, and PDI from Japanese monkey (Macaca fuscata), and analyzed tissue‐specific expression of respective genes.

Results and Conclusions  The lengths of protein‐coding regions of these cDNAs for BiP, Crt and PDI are 1965, 1254, and 1533 bp, respectively. Each protein has a signal peptide and a KDEL motif in N‐ and C‐terminal parts respectively, showing its intracellular localization to be the lumen of the ER. These stress proteins are highly conserved, showing that their similarities among mammals are more than 90% in the level of amino acid. The expression of the genes for stress proteins differed among the monkey tissues examined. BiP and PDI gene expression was predominant in secretory tissues such as liver and kidney, and brain tissues. But Crt gene expressed rather ubiquitously in a variety of tissues.
Quantitation of sleep and spinal curvature in an unusually longevous owl monkey (Aotus azarae)
Authors: Suzuki Juri , Sri Kantha Sachi
Published: July 2006

Background  A table summarizing the primary literature on 19 species of longevous non‐human primates, other than owl monkey, is presented.

Methods  We prospectively quantitated the sleep of a longevous female owl monkey (Aotus azarae), aged >30 years, longitudinally for 2 years and also evaluated the senility‐induced change in spinal curvature.

Results  The mean daily total sleep time (TST) of this monkey ranged between 790 and 1106 minutes, and was markedly higher in comparison with its female progeny (aged 16 years and used as a control) whose daily TST during the same experimental period ranged between 612 and 822 minutes.

Conclusions  The calculated kyphotic index (KI) of 2.27 for this monkey, compared with the KIs 4.83 and 5.42, for its progeny and female grandprogeny (aged 1 year) respectively, confirmed the prominent spinal curvature.
Chemically modified tetracyclines stimulate matrix metalloproteinase‐2 production by periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Bildt M. M. , Snoek‐Van Beurden A. M. P. , DeGroot J. , Van El B. , Kuijpers‐Jagtman A. M. , Von den Hoff J. W.
Published: July 2006

Background and Objective:  The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of chemically modified tetracyclines (CMTs) on the production of gelatinases [matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and ‐9] by human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells, and on the activity of recombinant gelatinases.

Material and Methods:  Human PDL cells were cultured with CMT‐1, ‐3, ‐5, ‐7 or ‐8 in concentrations of 0, 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 µm. Gelatin zymography was used to determine MMP‐2 and ‐9 production of the cells. The amount of DNA present in the cultures was analyzed using a fluorescent assay. The cytotoxicity of the CMTs was also determined. Recombinant human MMP‐2 and ‐9 were incubated with the CMTs (0–500 µm) and their activity was analyzed using an internally quenched fluorogenic substrate.

Results:  MMP‐2 production was stimulated up to sevenfold by CMT‐1, ‐3, ‐7 and ‐8 at low concentrations (10–200 µm). No significant amounts of MMP‐9 were produced. In contrast, MMP‐2 and ‐9 activity was reduced by ≈ 10–40‐fold at higher concentrations (200–500 µm). CMT‐5 had no effect on the production or on the activity of MMP‐2 and ‐9. Only CMT‐3 and ‐8 had cytotoxic effects on the PDL cells at the highest concentrations.

Conclusion:  Surprisingly, CMTs are able to stimulate MMP‐2 production at relatively low concentrations. However, at higher concentrations they exert a much stronger inhibitory effect on gelatinase activity. A possible stimulatory effect of CMTs on MMP production should be considered in their clinical use.
Time course of tanning induced by narrow‐band UVB phototherapy in Korean psoriasis patients
Authors: Jo Seong Jin , Yoon Hyun Sun , Woo Seung Man , Youn Jai Il
Published: July 2006

Background: Narrow‐band (TL‐01) UVB lamps are being increasingly used for phototherapy in cases of psoriasis and other dermatoses due to the excellent results obtained. However, in Korea many patients receiving phototherapy have complained about the tanning effect of ultraviolet radiation.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the time‐course of pigmentation induced by phototherapy during and after narrow‐band UVB treatment.

Methods: Changes in skin color were recorded during phototherapy in 40 patients and after treatment in 20 patients. All patients were Korean and were evaluated during 10 weeks of phototherapy (three sessions per week), and then weekly post‐phototherapy using two different reflectance spectrophotometers for 10 weeks. Results are presented as erythema (E)‐ and melanin (M)‐indexes and as L*a*b* values as recommended by the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairge and individual typology angle (ITA).

Results: L
* values, which indicate luminance, decreased continuously over the 5 weeks of phototherapy and showed a plateau after 5 weeks of treatment, and then slowly recovered over 10 weeks of post‐treatment observation. Patterns of a* and b* values were comparable with L* values both during and after therapy. Mean ITA values also showed a pattern similar to L* values. E and M indexes changed slowly both during and post‐phototherapy. In addition, when data were analyzed by skin type, the different skin types showed temporal patterns similar to the overall skin values, but the L* values and ITA and M indexes of skin type III recovered faster than those of skin types IV or V.

Conclusion: This study shows that pigmentation induced by narrow‐band UVB phototherapy increases continuously during the therapy and that recovery requires 10 weeks or more.
Intrinsic Tyrosine Kinase Activity is Required for Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 Ubiquitination, Sorting and Degradation in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Ewan Lorna C. , Jopling Helen M. , Jia Haiyan , Mittar Shweta , Bagherzadeh Azadeh , Howell Gareth J. , Walker John H. , Zachary Ian C. , Ponnambalam Sreenivasan
Published: July 2006

The human endothelial vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2/kinase domain region, KDR/fetal liver kinase‐1, Flk‐1) tyrosine kinase receptor is essential for VEGF‐mediated physiological responses including endothelial cell proliferation, migration and survival. How VEGFR2 kinase activation and trafficking are co‐coordinated in response to VEGF‐A is not known. Here, we elucidate a mechanism for endothelial VEGFR2 response to VEGF‐A dependent on constitutive endocytosis co‐ordinated with ligand‐activated ubiquitination and proteolysis. The selective VEGFR kinase inhibitor, SU5416, blocked the endosomal sorting required for VEGFR2 trafficking and degradation. Inhibition of VEGFR2 tyrosine kinase activity did not block plasma membrane internalization but led to endosomal accumulation. Lysosomal protease activity was required for ligand‐stimulated VEGFR2 degradation. Activated VEGFR2 codistributed with the endosomal hepatocyte growth factor‐regulated tyrosine kinase substrate (Hrs)/signal‐transducing adaptor molecule (STAM) complex in a ligand and time‐dependent manner, implying a role for this factor in sorting of ubiquitinated VEGFR2. Increased tyrosine phosphorylation of the Hrs subunit in response to VEGF‐A links VEGFR2 activation and Hrs/STAM function. In contrast, VEGFR2 in quiescent cells was present on both the endothelial plasma membrane and early endosomes, suggesting constitutive recycling between these two compartments. This pathway was clathrin‐linked and dependent on the AP2 adaptor complex as the A23 tyrphostin inhibited VEGFR2 trafficking. We propose a mechanism whereby the transition of endothelial VEGFR2 from a constitutive recycling itinerary to a degradative pathway explains ligand‐activated receptor degradation in endothelial cells. This study outlines a mechanism to control the VEGF‐A‐mediated response within the vascular system.
Behavioural phenotyping of sodium‐myo‐inositol cotransporter heterozygous knockout mice with reduced brain inositol
Authors: Shaldubina A. , Buccafusca R. , Johanson R. A. , Agam G. , Belmaker R. H. , Berry G. T. , Bersudsky Y.
Published: July 2006

Inositol plays a key role in dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline and acetylcholine neurotransmission, and inositol treatment is reported to have beneficial effects in depression and anxiety. Therefore, a reduction in brain intracellular inositol levels could be a cause of some psychiatric disorders, such as depression or anxiety. To determine the behavioural consequences of inositol depletion, we studied the behaviour of sodium‐dependent myo‐inositol cotransporter‐1 heterozygous knockout mice. In heterozygous mice, free inositol levels were reduced by 15% in the frontal cortex and by 25% in the hippocampus, but they did not differ from their wild‐type littermates in cholinergic‐mediated lithium–pilocarpine seizures, in the apomorphine‐induced stereotypic climbing model of dopaminergic system function, in the Porsolt forced‐swimming test model of depression, in amphetamine‐induced hyperactivity, or in the elevated plus‐maze model of anxiety. Reduction of brain inositol by more than 25% may be required to elicit neurobehavioural effects.