bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modern tattoos cause high concentrations of hazardous pigments in skin
Authors: Engel Eva , Santarelli Francesco , Vasold Rudolf , Maisch Tim , Ulrich Heidi , Prantl Lukas , König Burkhard , Landthaler Michael , Bäumler Wolfgang
Published: March 2008

Background:  Modern tattoo colourants frequently consist of azo pigments that not only contain multiple impurities but also are originally produced for car paint and the dyeing of consumer goods.

Objective:  In order to be able to assess the health risk of tattoos, it is important to determine the pigment concentration in human skin.

Methods:  We tattooed excised pigskin and human skin with a common tattoo pigment (Pigment Red 22) under various conditions. After tattooing, we quantitatively extracted the pigment in order to determine the pigment concentration in skin.

Results:  The concentration of pigments ranged from about 0.60 to 9.42 mg/cm2 of tattooed skin (mean value 2.53 mg/cm2) depending upon the size of the pigment crystals, the pigment concentration applied to the skin surface, and the respective procedure of tattooing.

Conclusion:  In conclusion, high concentrations of colourants are injected into the skin during tattooing and based upon this quantification, a risk assessment of tattooing ought to be carried out.
Suitability of macrophage inflammatory protein‐1β production by THP‐1 cells in differentiating skin sensitizers from irritant chemicals
Authors: Lim Yeon‐Mi , Moon Seong‐Joon , An Su‐Sun , Lee Soo‐Jin , Kim Seo‐Young , Chang Ih‐Seop , Park Kui‐Lea , Kim Hyoung‐Ah , Heo Yong
Published: March 2008

Background:  Worldwide restrictions in animal use for research have driven efforts to develop alternative methods.

Objective:  The study aimed to test the efficacy of the macrophage inflammatory protein‐1β (MIP‐1β) assay for testing chemicals’ skin‐sensitizing capacity.

Methods:  The assay was performed using 9 chemicals judged to be sensitizing and 7 non‐sensitizing by the standard in vivo assays. THP‐1 cells were cultured in the presence or absence of 4 doses, 0.01x, 0.1x, 0.5x, or 1x IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration for THP‐1 cell proliferation) of these chemicals for 24 hr, and the MIP‐1β level in the supernatants was determined. Skin sensitization by the test chemicals was determined by MIP‐1β production rates. The MIP‐1β production rate was expressed as the relative increase in MIP‐1β production in response to chemical treatment compared with vehicle treatment.

Results and Conclusion:  When the threshold MIP‐1β production rate used was 100% or 105% of dimethyl sulfoxide, all the sensitizing chemicals tested (dinitrochlorobenzene, hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, eugenol, hydroquinone, dinitrofluorobenzene, benzocaine, nickel, chromium, and 5‐chloro‐2‐methyl‐4‐isothiazolin‐3‐one) were positive, and all the non‐sensitizing chemicals (methyl salicylate, benzalkonium chloride, lactic acid, isopropanol, and salicylic acid), with the exception of sodium lauryl sulfate, were negative for MIP‐1β production. These results indicate that MIP‐1β could be a biomarker for classification of chemicals as sensitizers or non‐sensitizers.
Tacrolimus ointment in the treatment of occupationally induced chronic hand dermatitis
Authors: Schliemann Sibylle , Kelterer Daniela , Bauer Andrea , John Swen M. , Skudlik Christoph , Schindera Ingo , Wehrmann Wolfgang , Elsner Peter
Published: March 2008

Background:  Occupational hand dermatitis (OHD) is a common and often chronic condition. Usage of topical corticosteroids is limited in long‐term therapy because of potential side‐effects. New treatment options are highly appreciated.

Objective:  To study efficacy and safety of tacrolimus in patients suffering from OHD.

Patients and Methods:  In a prospective, open, multicentre study, 29 patients with OHD of predominantly mild‐to‐moderate severity were treated with tacrolimus ointment (Protopic® 0.1%) during a 4‐week active treatment period with twice daily application followed by a 2‐month optional treatment period. Efficacy was evaluated by the use of a standardized hand eczema score and by clinical severity rating, conducted on all study visits (screening, baseline and weeks 2, 4, 6, and 12). Adverse events were recorded for safety evaluation.

Results:  The hand eczema score declined significantly after 2 weeks of treatment compared with baseline and further declined until the end of the study. Finally, 12 (44%) patients were clear of hand eczema. Worsening of the dermatitis occurred in 2 patients (7%). Clinical grading indicated improvement too. Overall tolerability was good.

Conclusion:  Topical tacrolimus might be an efficacious treatment option for chronic OHD. Blinded and randomized controlled studies are necessary to confirm the results of this pilot study.
Occupational dermatoses in health care workers evaluated for suspected allergic contact dermatitis
Authors: Suneja Tina , Belsito Donald V.
Published: March 2008

Background:  Occupational skin diseases, including allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), irritant contact dermatitis, and allergic contact urticaria (ACU), occur commonly among health care workers (HCWs).

Purpose:  To evaluate the aetiology of the various skin diseases afflicting HCWs evaluated for suspicion of ACD and/or ACU and to identify the most common allergens among HCWs found to have ACD and/or ACU.

Methods:  A total of 1434 patients underwent patch testing. The demographic data and most common allergens for HCWs (n = 100) and non‐HCWS (n = 1334) were compared.

Results:  HCWs were statistically more likely than non‐HCWS to be female, have hand dermatitis, and have a history of atopy. HCWs were also more likely to have work‐related ACD especially to quaternium‐15, thiuram, carba mix, glutaraldehyde and benzalkonium chloride, and to have ACU to latex.

Limitations:  This study was retrospective and is subject to the resultant biases of all such investigations. Only patients suspected of having ACD and who underwent patch testing are included in our database. The prevalence of ACD and ACU is likely to be higher than that seen in the general HCW population.

Conclusions:  Our results underscore the importance of thoroughly evaluating HCWs for ACD and ACU with the use of expanded standard allergen series and prick or radioallergosorbent testing to latex.
Is the irritant benzalkonium chloride a contact allergen? A contribution to the ongoing debate from a clinical perspective
Authors: Uter Wolfgang , Lessmann Holger , Geier Johannes , Schnuch Axel
Published: March 2008

Background:  Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) is a well‐recognized irritant. However, doubts exist that it is also a contact allergen.

Objective:  Analysis of clinical patch test data addressing the reaction profile and synchronous reproducibility of BAC 0.1% in petrolatum (pet.) and possible increases in risk of BAC contact allergy in certain (occupationally exposed) subgroups.

Patients /Methods:  Data of 42 898 patients tested with BAC 0.1% in pet. in 3 different series (topical drugs, ophthalmics, and disinfectants) in the departments of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (http://www.ivdk.org) between 1996 and 2006 was analysed.

Results:  Overall, morphologically ‘positive’ reactions were rare, 0.6–1.5%, with a total of 41 stronger positive reactions. Concordance, assessed in 3322 patients tested in duplicate, was low (kappa coefficient 0.15, 95% CI: 0–0.31). Positive test reactions were observed significantly more often in the disinfectants series compared with the 2 other series, indicating that suspected exposure to disinfectants may be associated with sensitization. However, variation of stronger BAC test positivity across potentially relevant (occupational) groups was non‐significant.

Conclusion:  This analysis of routine clinical data and a number of previous reports add further, if weak, evidence to the notion that BAC is a contact allergen, albeit a very rare one.
Sesquiterpene lactone dermatitis in the young: is atopy a risk factor?
Authors: Paulsen Evy , Otkjær Aksel , Andersen Klaus E.
Published: March 2008

Screening for Compositae contact allergy has documented fairly high prevalence in adults, and recent studies indicate that the allergy may be more common in children than previously believed. However, detailed information on sensitization in this age group is sparse. The objective of this study was to present another 2 cases in children and review the literature. Screening with sesquiterpene lactone (SL) mix has shown prevalence of 0.5% and 1.8% in 2 studies, while screening with 2 different Compositae mixes detected 4.2% and 2.6% positives among children and adolescents. All individual case reports describe sensitization in atopic children, and the largest screening study showed a prevalence of Compositae mix sensitization that was significantly higher in children with atopic dermatitis compared with non‐atopics. Compositae sensitization should be considered in children with a family or personal history of atopy, summer‐related, or ‐exacerbated dermatitis of any kind, and a history of plant exposure. Screening with SL mix is recommended but should be supplemented with plant extracts based on exposure history. Compositae weeds, especially dandelions, seem to be important sensitizers in children.
CD16+ CD56− NK cells in the peripheral blood of cord blood transplant recipients: a unique subset of NK cells possibly associated with graft‐versus‐leukemia effect
Authors: Lu Xuzhang , Kondo Yukio , Takamatsu Hiroyuki , Ohata Kinya , Yamazaki Hirohito , Takami Akiyoshi , Akatsuka Yoshiki , Nakao Shinji
Published: March 2008

A marked increase in CD16+ CD56− NK cells in the peripheral blood (PB) was observed in a cord blood transplant (CBT) recipient with refractory acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in association with attaining molecular remission. CD16+ CD56− NK cells isolated from the patient became CD16+CD56+NKG2D+ when they were cultured in the presence of IL‐2. Although cultured CD16+CD56− NK cells retained the killer‐cell immunoglobulin receptor (KIR)‐ligand (KIR‐L) specificity and the patient’s leukemic cells expressed corresponding KIR ligands, they killed patient’s leukemic cells expressing ULBP2. The cytotoxicity by cultured CD16+CD56− NK cells was abrogated by anti‐ULBP2 antibodies. When leukemic cells obtained at relapse after CBT were examined, both the ULBP2 expression and susceptibility to the cultured NK cells decreased in comparison to leukemic cells obtained before CBT. An increase in the CD16+CD56− NK cell count (0.5 × 109/L or more) in PB was observed in seven of 11 (64%) CBT recipients but in none of 13 bone marrow (BM) and eight peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplant recipients examined during the similar period after transplantation. These findings suggest an increase in CD16+CD56− NK cells to be a phenomenon unique to CBT recipients and that mature NK cells derived from this NK cell subset may contribute to the killing of leukemic cells expressing NKG2D ligands in vivo.
Expression of Foxo3a in non‐Hodgkin’s lymphomas is correlated with cell cycle inhibitor p27kip1
Authors: Zhao Yueming , Fei Min , Wang Yuchan , Lu Mudan , Cheng Chun , Shen Aiguo
Published: March 2008

Objective:  Cell cycle arrest by FOXO transcription factors involves in transcriptional activation of p27kip1, although the exact mechanism remains unclear. And it has been evidenced that reduced level of p27kip1 which is frequently occurred in human cancers has been associated with poor prognosis. In this study, our purpose is to investigate the clinical relevance of altered patterns of Foxo3a and p27kip1 expression in Chinese patients with localized non‐Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL).

Methods:  We analyzed the Foxo3a and p27kip1 expression of Chinese NHL patients by immunohistochemistry and protein levels using Western Blot.

Results:  There was a direct relationship between the low level of Foxo3a and the rapid proliferation in immunohistochemical analyses. We also found a positive correlation between Foxo3a and p27kip1 in immunohistochemical analyses and cell culture. Additionally we revealed that activation of Foxo3a could induce the accumulation of p27kip1 at protein levels when cell cycle was arrested.

Conclusions:  The expression of Foxo3a may be correlated with patients’ survival.
HLA haplotype map of river valley populations with hemochromatosis traced through five centuries in Central Sweden
Authors: Olsson K. Sigvard , Ritter Bernd , Hansson Norbeth , Chowdhury Ruma R.
Published: March 2008

Background:  The hemochromatosis mutation, C282Y of the HFE gene, seems to have originated from a single event which once occurred in a person living in the north west of Europe carrying human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐A3‐B7. In descendants of this ancestor also other haplotypes appear probably caused by local recombinations and founder effects. The background of these associations is unknown. Isolated river valley populations may be fruitful for the mapping of genetic disorders such as hemochromatosis. In this study, we try to test this hypothesis in a study from central Sweden where the haplotyope A1‐B8 was common.

Methods:  HLA haplotypes and HFE mutations were studied in hemochromatosis patients with present or past parental origin in a sparsely populated (1/km2) rural district (n = 8366 in the year of 2005), in central Sweden. Pedigrees were constructed from the Swedish church book registry. Extended haplotypes were studied to evaluate origin of recombinations.

Results:  There were 87 original probands, 36 females and 51 males identified during 30 yr, of whom 86% carried C282Y/C282Y and 14% C282Y/H63D. Of 32 different HLA haplotypes A1‐B8 was the most common (34%), followed by A3‐B7 (16%), both in strong linkage disequilibrium with controls, (P < 0.001). Twenty‐nine different families with A1‐B8 had a common founder origin 15 generations ago in small bottleneck populations of the late 16th century. A second A1‐B8 founder born 1655 was of Norwegian origin. Most of the A3 carriers (n = 26) had a common founder origin 16 generations ago in an even smaller nearby river valley. A fourth founder family carrying HLA‐A2 seems to have originated from a recombination along the descendant lines from the A3 ancestor supported by extended haplotype studies. A1‐haplotypes with alleles at the B locus different from B8 had a similar recombination origin as HLA‐A2 alleles and a common founder origin 11 generations ago. The intergenerational time interval averaged 35.5 ± 7.9 yr in men and 31.9 ± 5.9 in females.

Conclusions:  River valley populations may contain HLA haplotypes reflecting their demographic history. This study has demonstrated that the resistance against recombinations between HLA‐A and HFE make HLA haplotypes excellent markers for population movements. Founder effects and genetic drift from bottleneck populations (surviving the plague?) may explain the commonness of the mutation in central Scandinavia. The intergenerational time difference >30 yr was greater than expected and means that the age of the original mutation may be underestimated.
PAX9 polymorphisms and susceptibility to sporadic tooth agenesis: a case–control study in southeast China
Authors: Pan Yongchu , Wang Lin , Ma Junqing , Zhang Weibing , Wang Meilin , Zhong Weijie , Huang You
Published: March 2008

Tooth agenesis is one of the most common developmental disorders in humans. The PAX9 gene, which plays an important role in odontogenesis, is associated with familial and sporadic tooth agenesis. A case–control study was performed in 102 subjects with tooth agenesis (cases) and 116 healthy controls. We genotyped four PAX9 gene polymorphisms using a polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) assay. The allele and genotype frequencies of the four polymorphisms were not significantly different between the controls and the subjects with tooth agenesis. Similar results were observed in a subgroup analysis of test subjects only with mandibular incisor agenesis. Further analysis showed no significant difference in the haplotype distribution between the controls and the subjects with tooth agenesis or mandibular incisor agenesis. However, we found that the AGGC haplotype was associated with a decreased risk of tooth agenesis, compared with the most common haplotype, AGCC (odds ratio, 0.14; 95% confidence interval: 0.00–0.95). These results suggest that the four PAX9 polymorphisms alone have a non‐significant main effect on the risk of tooth agenesis but that the AGGC haplotype may have a protective effect associated with a decreased risk of tooth agenesis.
Quantitative micro‐Raman assessment of dentine demineralization, adhesive penetration, and degree of conversion of three dentine bonding systems
Authors: Santini Ario , Miletic Vesna
Published: March 2008

Unreacted monomers in adhesive systems may cause a reduction in material properties, an increase in the long‐term instability of the restoration, and pulpal irritation. The degree of dentine demineralization, adhesive penetration, and the degree of conversion (DC) across the dentine–adhesive interface of self‐etch adhesives were measured using micro‐Raman spectroscopy. Two‐step, self‐etch AdheSE, one‐step self‐etch AdheSE One, and etch‐and‐rinse Excite (control) (Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Schaan, Liechtenstein) were studied. Nine human molars were allocated to three groups and a flat dentine surface was prepared. A smear layer was produced by grinding dentine with 600‐grit silicone‐carbide discs under water. After application and polymerization of the adhesive, teeth were sectioned to produce four 1–mm‐thick slices per tooth for micro‐Raman spectroscopy. There were statistically significant differences in the depth of dentine demineralization between all adhesives. The depth and degree of demineralization decreased in the order: Excite>AdheSE>AdheSE One. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) values for DC within the adhesive layer were 85.2 ± 2.9% (Excite), 81.4 ± 4.2% (AdheSE), and 54.3 ± 10.1% (AdheSE One), and within the hybrid layer were 55.2 ± 22.5% (Excite), 65.1 ± 16.9% (AdheSE), and 42.0 ± 16.2% (AdheSE One). All systems showed a discrepancy between dentine demineralization and adhesive penetration. A significant amount of unreacted monomers were associated with all systems but particularly with the etch‐and‐rinse system.
Bioinformatic analysis and molecular modelling of human ameloblastin suggest a two‐domain intrinsically unstructured calcium‐binding protein
Authors: Vymětal Jiří , Slabý Ivan , Spahr Axel , Vondrášek Jiří , Lyngstadaas S. Petter
Published: March 2008

Ameloblastin (AMBN) was originally believed to be an enamel‐specific extracellular matrix glycoprotein secreted by ameloblasts. Recently, AMBN expression was also detected in developing mesenchymal dental hard tissues, in trauma‐induced reparative dentin, and during early craniofacial bone formation. The function and structure of AMBN still remain ambiguous, and there are no known proteins with similar primary sequences. We therefore performed a bio‐informatic analysis of AMBN to model ab initio the three‐dimensional structure of the molecule. The results suggest that AMBN is a two‐domain, intrinsically unstructured protein (IUP). The analysis did not reveal any regions with structural similarity to known receptor–ligand systems, and did not identify any higher‐order structures similar to functional regions in other known sequences. The AMBN model predicts 11 defined regions exposed on the surface, internalizing the rest of the molecule including a human‐specific insert. Molecular dynamics analysis identified one specific and several non‐specific calcium‐binding regions, mostly at the C‐terminal part of the molecule. The model is supported by previous observations that AMBN is a bipolar calcium‐binding molecule and hints at a possible role in protein–protein interactions. The model provides information useful for further studies on the function of AMBN.
Melatonin attenuates calpain upregulation, axonal damage and neuronal death in spinal cord injury in rats
Authors: Samantaray Supriti , Sribnick Eric A. , Das Arabinda , Knaryan Varduhi H. , Matzelle D. Denise , Yallapragada Anil V. , Reiter Russel J. , Ray Swapan K. , Banik Naren L.
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  Multiple investigations in vivo have shown that melatonin (MEL) has a neuroprotective effect in the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI). This study investigates the role of MEL as an intervening agent for ameliorating Ca2+‐mediated events, including activation of calpain, following its administration to rats sustaining experimental SCI. Calpain, a Ca2+‐dependent neutral protease, is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of SCI. Rats were injured using a standard weight‐drop method that induced a moderately severe injury (40 g.cm force) at T10. Sham controls received laminectomy only. Injured animals were given either 45 mg/kg MEL or vehicle at 15 min post‐injury by intraperitoneal injection. At 48 hr post‐injury, spinal cord (SC) samples were collected. Immunofluorescent labelings were used to identify calpain expression in specific cell types, such as neurons, glia, or macrophages. Combination of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) and double immunofluorescent labelings was used to identify apoptosis in specific cells in the SC. The effect of MEL on axonal damage was also investigated using antibody specific for dephosphorylated neurofilament protein (dNFP). Treatment of SCI animals with MEL attenuated calpain expression, inflammation, axonal damage (dNFP), and neuronal death, indicating that MEL provided neuroprotective effect in SCI. Further, expression and activity of calpain and caspse‐3 were examined by Western blotting. The results indicated a significant decrease in expression and activity of calpain and caspse‐3 in SCI animals after treatment with MEL. Taken together, this study strongly suggested that MEL could be an effective neuroprotective agent for treatment of SCI.
Evaluation of four non‐invasive methods for examination and characterization of pressure ulcers
Authors: Andersen Ellen Sloth , Karlsmark Tonny
Published: March 2008

Background: Pressure ulcers are globally of major concern and there is need for research in the pathogenesis for early intervention. Early studies have suggested existence of a hypo‐echogenic subepidermal layer at the location of pressure ulcers, visualized by ultrasound scans. As a continuation, we here report on usability of four non‐invasive techniques for evaluation of pressure ulcers.

Methods: Fifteen pressure ulcers in stage 0–IV were examined using four different non‐invasive techniques [redness index, skin temperature, skin elasticity (i.e. retraction time), and ultrasound scanning]. Measurements were made at the ulcer, 5 cm from the ulcer, and at a reference skin location without ulcers.

Results: The redness index was, in all cases, higher at the ulcers than at the reference skin. Temperature measurements were rather scattered. Ultrasound scans showed a hypo‐echogenic subepidermal layer at all pressure ulcers, but none at the reference points. The skin retraction time was often higher at the location of a pressure ulcer than at the reference location. We found no correlation between the stage of the ulcers and temperature, redness index, subepidermal layer thickness, or retraction time.

Conclusion: We conclude that temperature and elasticity measurements do not alone characterize ulceration severity, although redness index in some cases provides a useful indication. We assume that a subepidermal layer found on ultrasound images may be a measure of the pressure that the skin has been subjected to, rather than of the severity of the pressure ulceration. This method may be useful for predicting whether the skin is at risk of developing pressure ulcers. More studies are needed.
Development of a new evaluation method for cheek sagging using a Moire 3D analysis system
Authors: Saito Naoko , Nishijima Takafumi , Fujimura Tsutomu , Moriwaki Shigeru , Takema Yoshinori
Published: March 2008

Background/aims: Facial sagging becomes progressively noticeable with aging. Previously developed methods to study facial sagging measure the shape of sagging skin, evaluate skin properties such as elasticity or flexibility or visually score the degree of sagging using a photo scale. However, the practical use of these methods has shortcomings and is thus limited to advanced levels of sagging. In this study, we attempted to overcome the shortcomings of those previous methods.

Methods: Fourteen points were marked on the cheek of each subject and photographed using a Moire three‐dimensional (3D) camera with the subject facing first frontward and then downward. The absolute 3D coordinates (x, y, z) of the 14 points from the control point (0, 0, 0) were calculated. Subsequently, the skin surface displacements at the 14 points between the frontward and downward images were analyzed along the x, y, and z axes. The values were compared by age and by sag scores obtained from the photo scales.

Result: The displacement values strongly correlated with age and with the sag score. In addition, this new method revealed characteristic differences of sagging between women in their 60s and those in their 70s.

Conclusion: This method, using Moire 3D analysis, revealed slight, continuous and characteristic changes of cheek skin sagging without causing any discomfort to the subjects. These results are consistent with people's visual impression. The results indicate the usefulness of this method in skin research.
Measurement of skin stretch using digital image speckle correlation
Authors: Afriat Staloff Isabelle , Rafailovitch Miriam
Published: March 2008

Background/purpose: The surface of the skin is covered by intersecting grooves and ridges which produce characteristic skin surface patterns. It has been suggested that these folds provide a reserve of tissue, allowing the skin to stretch during normal muscle movements. More so, skin is anisotropic and under constant tension. Therefore, to characterize skin displacement following stretch, a discrete, description of the in‐plane skin displacement during stretch is of interest. We introduce the use of digital image speckle correlation (DISC), a non‐contact technique, to map, in two dimensions, the surface deformation patterns resulting from skin stretching.

Methods: We analyze skin stretch under the mechanical action of a film former applied on a defined square surface on the back of the hand. This is achieved by taking a series of images, during the drying process of the film former. The images are then analyzed with DISC to create vector diagram and projection maps, from which we can obtain spatially resolved information regarding the skin displacement.

Results: We first show that DISC can provide spatially resolved information at any time point during the drying process: areas of de‐wetting, wetting were identified using projection maps; we then extracted the value of the drying time. Finally using a vector map, we show the orientation of the skin displacement during stretching and calculated the magnitude of the total stretch.

Conclusions: We have shown previously that DISC can be used to determine skin mechanical properties and muscular activity. We show here that DISC, as a non‐contact technique, can map, in two dimensions, the surface deformation patterns of a polymer solution on a substrate at any time point during the drying process. DISC analysis generates for each speckle of the sample analyzed, the orientation and magnitude of displacement of the polymer solution. DISC can map in two dimensions the deformation undergone by the substrate and skin stretch is measured in this particular case. We therefore show that the DISC method, as a non‐contact technique has great potential for characterization of film formation and is a potential clinical research tool for the measurement of epidermis stretch and epidermis properties.
Transcutaneous pO2 imaging during tourniquet‐induced forearm ischemia using planar optical oxygen sensors
Authors: Babilas Philipp , Lamby Philipp , Prantl Lukas , Schreml Stephan , Jung Ernst Michael , Liebsch Gregor , Wolfbeis Otto S. , Landthaler Michael , Szeimies Rolf‐Markus , Abels Christoph
Published: March 2008

Background: Oxygen‐dependent quenching of luminescence using transparent planar sensor foils was shown to overcome the limitations of the polarographic electrode technique in an animal model. This method was then transferred to a clinical setting to measure the transcutaneous pO2 (ptcO2).

Methods: In six healthy subjects, a cuff on the upper arm was occluded up to 20 mmHg above systolic pressure and released after 8 min. PtcO2 was measured at the lower arm every 30 s before, during, and up to 20 min after cuff occlusion (40 °C applied skin temperature) using luminescence lifetime imaging (LLI) of platinum(II)‐octaethyl‐porphyrin immobilized in a polystyrene matrix. For validation, the polarographic Clark electrode technique was applied in close proximity, and measurements were conducted simultaneously.

Results: PtcO2 measurements before (70.8±19.1 vs. 66.2±7.7 mmHg) and at the end of ischemic (2.7±1.2 vs. 3.6±1.7 mmHg) and reperfusion phases (72.2±3.6 vs. 68.4±8.9 mmHg) did not differ significantly using the Clark electrode vs. LLI. At both the initial ischemic and the reperfusion phases, the Clark electrode measured a faster decrease or increase, respectively, in ptcO2 because of the oxygen consumption occurring in this method.

Conclusion: The presented method provides accurate and reproducible ptcO2 values under changing microcirculatory conditions. The lack of oxygen consumption during measurement allows both a more realistic estimation of ptcO2 than compared with the gold standard and permanent use in regions with critical oxygen supply.
Inter‐observer variability in reading of phototest reactions with sharply or diffusely delineated borders
Authors: Falk M. , Ilias M. , Anderson C.
Published: March 2008

Background: In both clinical and experimental phototesting, naked eye assessment of erythema has been the main assessment parameter. As with all subjective assessment, variability in recorded results due to variable circumstances around the performance and reading of tests influences reliability and utility of data whether they be interpreted for an individual patient or for a group of research subjects.

Methods: In the present study, variability in the reporting of diameter of ultraviolet B (UVB) erythema has been studied. The erythematous reactions were assessed by the naked eye and with the help of a millimetre‐graded ruler by a group of dermatologists and dermatological trainees. Reaction size, objectively quantified by means of laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI) using thresholding of the reaction perfusion, and known size of UVB provocation were used as yardsticks in order to quantify this variability.

Results: Agreement between observers, against known size, was excellent for reactions with a sharp border, but for reactions with a diffuse or indistinct border there was a substantial inter‐observer variability. This was also true for the comparison between naked‐eye reading and LDPI assessment of the reaction size.

Conclusion: It is concluded that if naked‐eye readings are to be the outcome measurement, then provocations/protocols producing distinct borders are an advantage. If borders between provoked and unprovoked skin can be expected to be diffuse, i.e. part of a continuum of response, the use of objective, bioengineering techniques such as LDPI is required. Quantitative methods are also the basis for more detailed presentation and interpretation of test results including information on dose response above the minimal erythema dose.
CD9 Clustering and Formation of Microvilli Zippers Between Contacting Cells Regulates Virus‐Induced Cell Fusion
Authors: Singethan Katrin , Müller Nora , Schubert Sabine , Lüttge Doreen , Krementsov Dimitry N. , Khurana Sandhya R. , Krohne Georg , Schneider‐Schaulies Sibylle , Thali Markus , Schneider‐Schaulies Jürgen
Published: March 2008

Members of the tetraspanin family including CD9 contribute to the structural organization and plasticity of the plasma membrane. K41, a CD9‐specific monoclonal antibody, inhibits the release of HIV‐1 and canine distemper virus (CDV)‐ but not measles virus (MV)‐induced cell–cell fusion. We now report that K41, which recognizes a conformational epitope on the large extracellular loop of CD9, induces rapid relocation and clustering of CD9 in net‐like structures at cell–cell contact areas. High‐resolution analyses revealed that CD9 clustering is accompanied by the formation of microvilli that protrude from either side of adjacent cell surfaces, thus forming structures like microvilli zippers. While the cellular CD9‐associated proteins β1‐integrin and EWI‐F were co‐clustered with CD9 at cell–cell interfaces, viral proteins in infected cells were differentially affected. MV envelope proteins were detected within CD9 clusters, whereas CDV proteins were excluded from CD9 clusters. Thus, the tetraspanin CD9 can regulate cell–cell fusion by controlling the access of the fusion machinery to cell contact areas.
Traumatic intrusion of primary tooth: follow up until eruption of permanent successor tooth
Authors: Torriani Dione Dias , Bonow Maria Laura , Fleischmann Micheli Dinegri , Müller Letícia Trugillo
Published: March 2008

Abstract –  This paper presents a clinical case of a 2½‐year‐old boy who suffered dental trauma because of a fall from a bike. His father thought that the boy’s central upper left incisor had been fractured. The clinical exam showed laceration of the upper maxillary frenum and a possible intrusion of the tooth, as the area was swollen. An upper maxillary occlusal X‐ray confirmed the intrusion of the incisor. The procedure adopted was to wait for the re‐eruption of the tooth. It was recommended that the boy stop using a pacifier and feeding bottle. The necessity of keeping the affected area clean was also emphasized. The patient was observed and, within 6 months, the central upper left incisor was found in occlusion. The successor permanent tooth was normal after 6 years.
Effect of different splint removal techniques on the surface roughness of human enamel: a three‐dimensional optical profilometry analysis
Authors: Cehreli Zafer C. , Lakshmipathy Manas , Yazici Ruya
Published: March 2008

Abstract –  Because there is no standard protocol for the removal of resin‐based materials that retain semi‐rigid trauma splints on teeth, iatrogenic enamel damage caused by various splint removal techniques has remained unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of five different resin removal techniques (H6/H7 scaler, ultrafine diamond bur, ultrasonic scaler, 16‐blade tungsten carbide bur, and Sof‐Lex disks) on the surface roughness of human enamel. Three‐dimensional white‐light interferometry, a non‐contact profilometry technique, was used to obtain qualitative and quantitative measurements of surface roughness both at baseline and after finishing procedures. Statistical analysis using Friedman test and Wilcoxon signed ranks test showed that the roughest enamel surface was obtained after splint removal with the hand scaler (P < 0.05). Overall, the smoothest enamel surface was obtained after removal of resin with Sof‐Lex disks and the 16‐blade tungsten carbide bur (P < 0.05).
Multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of subgingivally fractured anterior teeth
Authors: Türker Sebnem Begüm , Köse Kemal Naci
Published: March 2008

Abstract –  With the advances in adhesive technology, dentists have gained great popularity with their esthetics treatment options. The enamel and partially dentin adhesive systems have proved their potential effect. This study presents the multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of subgingivally fractured anterior teeth. Empress II crowns were cemented entirely on the prepared root portion of a left maxillary lateral incisor and canine after orthodontic eruption. The clinical results after 2 years were successful.
Pulpal responses to bacterial contamination following dentin bridging beneath hard‐setting calcium hydroxide and self‐etching adhesive resin system
Authors: Kitasako Yuichi , Ikeda Masaomi , Tagami Junji
Published: March 2008

Abstract –  To evaluate the pulp healing to bacterial contamination beneath a hard‐setting calcium hydroxide (DY: Dycal, L.D. Caulk Co.) and a self‐etching adhesive resin (2V: Clearfil Liner Bond 2V, Kuraray Medical Inc.) following dentin bridge formation. Class V cavities were prepared on 30 monkey teeth, and the pulps were exposed with a carbide bur through the cavity floor. Each exposed pulp was capped with either DY or 2V. The cavities were restored with a hybrid resin composite. The resin composite was removed at 180 days after capping, and then cavities were left open to the oral environment for 2 weeks to obtain bacteria contamination DY (BDY) and 2V (B2V; n = 10). A non‐bacterial‐contaminated group capped with DY was used as control. After bacterial challenges, inflammatory cell infiltration, incidence and differentiation of dentin bridges were evaluated histologically. There were significant differences in the presence of inflammatory cell infiltration among all groups (P < 0.05). No moderate or severe inflammatory reaction was found in Group DY. Group BDY showed moderate or severe inflammatory cell infiltration in 50%, and showed four necrotic specimens. Although no statistically significant difference was found in the formation and differentiation of dentin bridges among all groups, tunnel defects in dentin bridges were detected in 70% (DY), 80% (BDY), and 50% (B2V). Group B2V showed a significantly lower presence of inflammatory cell infiltration than Group BDY (P < 0.05). Bonding agent is supposed to seal the exposure site, and the remaining bonding agent on the cavities was effective as the barrier in the dentin bridges after bacterial challenges.
Dental and maxillofacial skeletal injuries seen at the University of Otago School of Dentistry, New Zealand 2000‐2004
Authors: Love Robert M. , Ponnambalam Y.
Published: March 2008

Abstract –  An epidemiological study of dental and facial trauma injuries was performed on patient presentations to the University of Otago School of Dentistry during the period 2000–2004. A total of 1287 patients were seen for dental injuries with 3473 tooth injuries. The mean age was 17.48 ± 13.13 years (range: 2–86), the highest number of injuries occurred in the 16–25 year group with a male to female ratio of 2.01:1. Uncomplicated crown fractures were the most common injury that required treatment and the variables of age, gender, tooth type, type of injury, cause of injury, location where injury occurred were similar to other studies. Falls, accidental contact, assault and motor vehicle accidents attributed to >60% of the causes of trauma and to more serious injuries. Dental injuries sustained during sporting activities reflected the potential for high impact contact and the pattern of injury suggested that preventative measures had a positive outcome in limiting the number and degree of complexity of injuries. The emergence of skateboard injuries was a feature of this study. Non‐sport causes attributed to the majority of facial fractures while rugby union was the most common sport associated with bone fractures. This study shows that dental and facial injury rates and patterns in a New Zealand region are similar to other populations.
Patient self‐evaluation of intra‐oral bone grafting treatment to the maxillary frontal region
Authors: Andersson Lars
Published: March 2008

Abstract –  Bone grafting to the anterior region of the maxilla is a treatment method often used for reconstruction after dental trauma when teeth have been lost. The purpose of this study was to interview patients who underwent bone grafting from the chin or lateral mandible to assess the patients’ experiences, especially regarding morbidity of the donor site and their overall assessment of treatment and care. Twenty‐six patients who had undergone bone grafting from the chin and lateral mandible regions before implant treatment were interviewed about their experiences of treatment and present status 3–5 years after surgery. The patients rated the quality of presurgical information, quality of care, postoperative discomfort, postoperative pain, present discomfort and satisfaction with the final results. The patients, in general, were positive to the presurgical information and the quality of care. Postoperative pain during the first week was rated higher when grafts were taken from the chin than from the lateral mandible. Patient satisfaction with the outcome was high 3–5 years after surgery. However, patients that underwent bone grafting from the lateral mandible rated discomfort significantly lower and satisfaction significantly higher than patients who underwent chin grafting. More discomfort was reported in patients where wide bone grafts had been taken from the chin. A high degree of patient satisfaction with treatment and outcome can be expected after intra‐oral bone grafting. However, surgeons should be cognizant of and patients informed about the risks of morbidity, especially when harvesting wide bone grafts from the chin. If possible, a first‐hand choice for the surgeon should be grafting from the lateral mandible before considering chin graft.
Oro‐facial injuries and mouthguard use in elite female field hockey players
Authors: Hendrick Kate , Farrelly Peter , Jagger Robert
Published: March 2008

Abstract –  The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of oro‐facial injuries, frequency of mouthguard use and players’ attitudes towards the use of mouthguards among elite English female field hockey players. All 140 players of the English Hockey Association female Premiere League were asked to complete a questionnaire. Main outcome measures were prevalence of oro‐facial injuries, frequency of wearing of mouthguards and attitudes to mouthguard wearing. One hundred and ten completed questionnaires were returned (79% response rate). Facial injuries were common. Nineteen percent had sustained dental injury. Five percent of the respondents had at least one tooth avulsed. Eighty‐eight percent of the players said that they owned a mouthguard. Mouthguards were worn regularly during matches by 69% but were used less frequently during training. Six percent thought that mouthguards were ineffective. Eighteen percent of the subjects refused to play if they did not have their mouthguard. Sixty‐nine percent of the subjects felt that the mouthguards should be worn compulsorily at all times during the game. The following were finally concluded from the study: oro‐facial injuries were commonly reported; 88% of the players possessed a mouthguard; and mouthguards were worn regularly during matches by 69% but were used less frequently during training.
Guidelines for the management of traumatic dental injuries. I. Fractures and luxations of permanent teeth
Authors: FLORES MT , ANDERSSON L , ANDREASEN JO , BAKLAND LK , MALMGREN B , BARNETT F , BOURGUIGNON C , DIANGELIS A , HICKS L , SIGURDSSON A , TROPE M , TSUKIBOSHI M , VON ARX T
Published: March 2008

Crown fractures and luxations occur most frequently of all dental injuries. An appropriate treatment plan after an injury is important for a good prognosis. Guidelines are useful for delivering the best care possible in an efficient manner. The International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) has developed a consensus statement after a review of the dental literature and group discussions. Experienced researchers and clinicians from various specialties were included in the group. In cases where the data did not appear conclusive, recommendations were based on the consensus opinion of the IADT board members. The guidelines represent the current best evidence, based on literature research and professional opinion. In this first article of three, the IADT Guidelines for management of fractures and luxations of permanent teeth will be presented.
Role of dopamine D1‐like receptors in methamphetamine locomotor responses of D2 receptor knockout mice
Authors: Kelly M. A. , Low M. J. , Rubinstein M. , Phillips T. J.
Published: March 2008

Behavioral sensitization to psychostimulants manifests as an increased locomotor response with repeated administration. Dopamine systems are accepted to play a fundamental role in sensitization, but the role of specific dopamine receptor subtypes has not been completely defined. This study used the combination of dopamine D2 receptor‐deficient mice and a D1‐like antagonist to examine dopamine D1 and D2 receptor involvement in acute and sensitized locomotor responses to methamphetamine. Absence of the dopamine D2 receptor resulted in attenuation of the acute stimulant effects of methamphetamine. Mutant and wild‐type mice exhibited sensitization that lasted longer within the time period of the challenge test in the mutant animals. Pretreatment with the D1‐like receptor antagonist SCH 23390 produced more potent reductions in the acute and sensitized locomotor responses to methamphetamine in D2 receptor‐deficient mice than in wild‐type mice; however, the expression of locomotor sensitization when challenged with methamphetamine alone was equivalently attenuated by previous treatment with SCH 23390. These data suggest that dopamine D2 receptors play a key role in the acute stimulant and sensitizing effects of methamphetamine and act in concert with D1‐like receptors to influence the acquisition of methamphetamine‐induced behavioral sensitization, traits that may influence continued methamphetamine use.
Characterization of febrile seizures and febrile seizure susceptibility in mouse inbred strains
Authors: Van Gassen K. L. I. , Hessel E. V. S. , Ramakers G. M. J. , Notenboom R. G. E. , Wolterink‐Donselaar I. G. , Brakkee J. H. , Godschalk T. C. , Qiao X. , Spruijt B. M. , Van Nieuwenhuizen O. , De Graan P. N. E.
Published: March 2008

Febrile seizures (FS) are the most prevalent seizures in children. Although FS are largely benign, complex FS increase the risk to develop temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Studies in rat models for FS have provided information about functional changes in the hippocampus after complex FS. However, our knowledge about the genes and pathways involved in the causes and consequences of FS is still limited. To enable molecular, genetic and knockout studies, we developed and characterized an FS model in mice and used it as a phenotypic screen to analyze FS susceptibility. Hyperthermia was induced by warm air in 10‐ to 14‐day‐old mice and induced FS in all animals. Under the conditions used, seizure‐induced behavior in mice and rats was similar. In adulthood, treated mice showed increased hippocampal Ih current and seizure susceptibility, characteristics also seen after FS in rats. Of the seven genetically diverse mouse strains screened for FS susceptibility, C57BL/6J mice were among the most susceptible, whereas A/J mice were among the most resistant. Strains genetically similar to C57BL/6J also showed a susceptible phenotype. Our phenotypic data suggest that complex genetics underlie FS susceptibility and show that the C57BL/6J strain is highly susceptible to FS. As this strain has been described as resistant to convulsants, our data indicate that susceptibility genes for FS and convulsants are distinct. Insight into the mechanisms underlying seizure susceptibility and FS may help to identify markers for the early diagnosis of children at risk for complex FS and TLE and may provide new leads for treatment.