bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The barrier between the keratinized mucosa and the dental implant
Authors: Moon I.‐S. , Berglundh T. , Abrahamsson I. , Linder E. , Lindhe J.
Published: October 2003

Abstract. The present study was performed in order to examine the composition of the connective tissue that forms an attachment to a dental implant. 6 beagle dogs were used. All mandibular premolars were extracted. After 3 months of healing, 6 fixtures – 3 in each side of the mandible – (Astra Tech Implants, Dental SystemA TiO blast ; Astra Tech AB, Mölndal, Sweden) were installed. After another 3 months of healing, abutment (Uni‐abutment® 45; Astra Tech AB, Mo lndal, Sweden) connection was performed and a plaque control program was initiated. The animals were sacrificed and perfused with a fixative through the carotid arteries. Each implant site, including the implant and the soft and hard periimplant tissues, was dissected, decalcified in EDTA and further processed using a ''fracture technique''. The specimens were subsequently embedded in EPON, cut with the microtome set at 3 mm and the sections stained in PAS and toluidine blue. From the EPON‐embedded blocks, ultra‐thin sections were cut and electron micrographs were prepared. The detailed histologic and morphometrical examinations were restricted to a 200 μm wide zone of connective tissue interposed between the apical border of the junctional epithelium and the bone tissue. In the analysis, this zone was further subdivided into 2 different units; (i) one central, 40 μm wide unit (zone A) located immediately next to the implant surface, and (ii) one lateral, 160 μm wide unit (zone B) that was continuous with the central unit. The implant surface apical of the junctional epithelium and coronal of the bone crest appeared to be in direct contact with a connective tissue. Zone A of this connective tissue was characterized by its (i) absence of blood vessels and (ii) abundance of fibroblasts which were interposed between thin collagen fibers. The more lateral zone B contained comparatively fewer fibroblasts, but more collagen fibers and blood vessels. There are reasons to assume that the fibroblast rich tissue next to the titanium surface plays a rǒle in the maintenance of a proper seal between the oral environment and the peri‐implant bone.
Associations of medical status and physical fitness with periodontal disease
Authors: Wakai Kenji , Kawamura Takashi , Umemura Osami , Hara Yasushi , Machida Jun‐Ichiroh , Anno Takafumi , Ichihara Yoshio , Mizuno Yoshiko , Tamakoshi Akiko , Lin Yingsong , Nakayama Toshiko , Ohno Yoshiyuki
Published: October 2003

Abstract. To determine the possible associations of medical status and physical fitness with periodontal disease, a cross‐sectional study was conducted. The subjects were 517 males and 113 females aged 23 to 83 years who participated in a multiphasic health test at the Aichi Prefectural Center of Health Care, Japan, from 1992 to 1997. Their periodontal status was assessed by means of the CPITN scoring system. To assess the strength of associations between the examined factors and the score, odds ratios were computed using ordinal logistic models. Conventional risk factors such as old age, smoking habits, and higher fasting plasma glucose and simplified debris index increased the risk of periodontal disease. Hypertension, hematuria, leucocytosis or thrombocytosis, positive C‐reactive protein and higher serum alkaline phosphatase were positively associated with the score, whereas higher serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was related to a lower risk. Poor physical fitness affecting aerobic capacity, foot balance and reaction was associated with a higher CPITN score. These associations were independent of the conventional risk factors. Although these new potential risk factors should be further investigated for their causal relationship, our findings suggested a close relationship of oral health to medical status and physical fitness.
Are certain habitats better every year? A review and a case study on birds of prey
Authors: Lõhmus Asko
Published: October 2003

Although habitat studies are essential for species management, little is known about temporal and spatial variation in the wildlife‐habitat relationships. This paper explores annual variation in habitat preferences of and relative quality for diurnal raptors and owls. A review of 772 published sources showed that habitat×year interaction had been analysed in only 10% of habitat quality and 5% of habitat preference studies. Two major factors behind the year‐effects were the fluctuations in rainfall and prey base, which together influenced a wide variety of species. Yet, 67% of studies had pooled data from different years and 17% relied on data from only one year. The conclusions of the review were validated by analysing a typical situation for which habitat×year interactions could be expected – habitat quality in a vole‐specialized raptor, the common buzzardButeo buteo, in an area of regularly fluctuating vole abundance. According to eleven‐year data, the relationships between buzzard productivity and landscape characteristics were distinct between years. Habitat impact was more clear during vole‐poor years, when successful buzzards bred in landscapes having diverse land cover, no wetlands and no conspecifics around. In contrast, during vole peaks, better young production was related to homogeneous landscapes. When years were pooled, the relationships were concealed and habitat quality model became not significant. Selecting ‘‘poor‐year habitat’’ or ‘‘rich‐year habitat’’ seemed to give a similar reproductive output for the buzzards in the long‐term. The results indicate that one‐year approaches to wildlife‐habitat relationships can easily lead to erroneous conclusions, significant habitat relationships may become lost in pooled data, and the most typical situations that need annually explicit approach can be recognized while planning the studies.
Heuristic and optimal solutions for set‐covering problems in conservation biology
Authors: Moore Joslin L. , Folkmann Michael , Balmford Andrew , Brooks Thomas , Burgess Neil , Rahbek Carsten , Williams Paul H. , Krarup Jakob
Published: October 2003

Area‐selection methods have recently gained prominence in conservation biology. A typical problem is to identify the minimum number of areas required to represent all species over some geographic region. Iterative heuristic methods have been developed by conservation scientists to solve these problems, although the solutions cannot be guaranteed to be optimal. Although optimal solutions can often be found, heuristics continue to be popular as they are perceived to be faster and more transparent as they are intuitively easy to understand. We used distributional data for 1921 bird species, 939 mammal species, 405 snake species, and 617 amphibian species compiled at the Zoological Museum, Univ. of Copenhagen for all 1° cells of mainland sub‐Saharan Africa to compare the quality of the solutions found using two heuristic methods (simple‐greedy algorithm and a progressive‐rarity algorithm) with optimal solutions. We found that the heuristic methods considered here often provide solutions as good as optimal solutions. Even in those cases where the optimal solutions were better the difference was relatively small, with the heuristics providing solutions requiring a 2–10% increase in area selected compared with the optimal solution, which importantly, represented an increase of <1% of the total area. Our study also suggests that the heuristic algorithms performed least well for datasets with few single cell endemics and taxa that tend to have larger range sizes. Despite the good quality of solutions using heuristics there was no time penalty associated with finding optimal solutions for the problems considered here, suggesting that the major obstacle to their use is making optimal methods accessible to conservation biologists. We encourage conservation biologists to work with operations researchers and so gain the benefit of their expertise and experience in solving these kinds of problems.
Testing abundance‐range size relationships in European carabid beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae)
Authors: Kotze D. Johan , Niemelä Jari , O'Hara R. Bob , Turin Hans
Published: October 2003

Four of the eight hypotheses proposed in the literature for explaining the relationship between abundance and range size (the sampling artifact, phylogenetic non‐independence, range position and resource breadth hypotheses) were tested by using atlas data for carabid beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) from Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands. A positive relationship between abundance and partial range size was found in all three countries, and the variation in abundance was lower for widespread species. Analysis of the data did not support three of the proposed hypotheses, but did support the resource breadth hypothesis (species having broader environmental tolerances and being able to use a wider range or resources will have higher local densities and be more widely distributed than more specialised species). Examination of species’ characteristics revealed that widespread species are generally large bodied, generalists (species with wide niche breadths occurring in a variety of habitat types) and are little influenced by human‐altered landscapes, while species with restricted distributions are smaller bodied, specialists (species with small niche breadths occurring in only one or two habitat types), and favour natural habitat. Landscape alteration may be an important factor influencing carabid abundance and range size in these three countries with a long history of human‐induced environmental changes.
The assembly of local communities: plants and birds in non‐reclaimed mining sites
Authors: Brändle Martin , Durka Walter , Krug Harald , Brandl Roland
Published: October 2003

We correlated percentage of occurrence (local occupancy) of 1069 plant species and 155 bird species across 16 non‐reclaimed mining sites in a brown coal district of eastern Germany to regional range size and life history traits. To control for possible confounding effects of phylogeny we used a cross‐species as well as a phylogenetically controlled approach. Although life history traits showed significant correlations to local occupancy in univariate analyses, hierarchical partitioning suggested that these variables were only of minor importance to explain local occupancy across non‐reclaimed mining sites. The most robust and consistent relationship, however, was found between local occupancy and regional range size. A greater proportion of bird species than plant species from the available species pool colonized the mining sites, possibly due to the active search for suitable habitats by birds. Thus, although the two groups have different ways of colonizing a habitat, the general importance of regional distribution is the same. Overall, the results of our study underline the importance of regional patterns to understand local community composition.
Atlantic climatic factors control decadal dynamics of a Baltic Sea copepod Temora longicornis
Authors: Hänninen Jari , Vuorinen Ilppo , Kornilovs Georgs
Published: October 2003

We discovered, using transfer functions, that climatic changes in the Atlantic control the abundance of Temora longicornis, a dominant pelagic copepod of the Baltic Sea. The seawater salinity was increasing and copepod numbers were high from 1960s up to 1970s. Then the freshwater runoff started to increase, which resulted in decreasing salinities and abundance of the copepod. At the end of 1990s, runoffs remained at a high level, and the decrease of surface salinities and Temora leveled off. Due to time lags between variables studied, we also make predictions of changes expectable in early 2000s. The total freshwater runoff to the Baltic Sea followed the North Atlantic Oscillation with an immediate lag. Salinity followed the runoff non‐linearly with a lag of 4–9 months. Temora longicornis followed the salinity with a lag of 1–3 months. Predicted abundance of T. longicornis will remain low implicating poor feeding conditions for planktivores. Our study points out the importance of physical factors in control of pelagic environments compared to ecological interactions, such as top‐down and bottom‐up.
Habitat‐specific dispersal: environmental effects on the mechanisms and patterns of seed movement in a grassland herb Rhinanthus minor
Authors: Bullock James M. , Moy Ibby L. , Coulson Sarah J. , Clarke Ralph T.
Published: October 2003

Little is known about how patterns and mechanisms of seed dispersal vary among different habitats. To address this we studied Rhinanthus minor, a grassland annual herb, in four environments: early or late hay cutting, grazing by sheep, and no management. Comprehensive measures were made of dispersal, by intensive seed trapping up to 25 m from source plants and in four directions. We found large differences in dispersal among the environments in terms of curve shape, maximum distance and directionality. Dispersal was shortest under grazing (maximum distance 0.9 m) and furthest under the early cut (19.1 m). Dispersal differences reflect the mechanisms of dispersal in each environment. Dispersal was by wind under no management, and by the mowing machinery under an early cut, whereas a late cut produced a combination of dispersal by wind and the machinery. Grazing hindered dispersal, through trampling of plants. Additional measures of seed mass supported the hypothesis of a negative seed size vs dispersal distance relationship and suggested its generality across a range of environments. Understanding the variation in dispersal patterns among environments may allow increased realism of spatial models.
Tooth row counts, vicariance, and the distribution of the sand tiger sharkCarcharias taurus
Authors: Lucifora Luis O. , Cione Alberto L. , Menni Roberto C. , Escalante Alicia H.
Published: October 2003

Geographic variation in tooth row counts among sand tiger sharksCarcharias taurus(Chondrichthyes), from the SW Atlantic, NW Atlantic and the East China Sea is analyzed in this paper. We found significant differences between sand tigers from the SW Atlantic (Southern Hemisphere population) and each of the other two (Northern Hemisphere) regions in the number of upper lateral tooth rows, and between individuals from the SW Atlantic and the East China Sea in the total number of upper tooth rows. Sand tiger sharks from the two Northern Hemisphere populations did not differ in any of the studied variables. Our results agree with comparisons of vertebral counts between sand tiger sharks from Southern and Northern Hemispheres. Both lines of evidence suggest that Southern and Northern Hemisphere populations ofC. tauruswere isolated to a larger extent than populations of the Northern Hemisphere. The fossil record of the genusCarchariasbegins in the Early Cretaceous andC. taurusis certainly known since the Late Miocene. During the Miocene, the Tethys Sea separating northern and southern land masses was still present and it provided a continuous temperate shallow sea that could allow dispersal of sand tiger sharks along Northern Hemisphere seas. Independent observations on the distribution and evolutionary history of the generaMyripristis,Neoniphon,SargocentronandAphanius, and genetic studies on the temperate shark genusMustelusthat indicate a close relationship between the Indo‐PacificM. manazoand the MediterraneanM. asteriassuggest that this hypothesis is plausible and deserves to be tested.
Movements of the flying squirrel Pteromys volans in corridors and in matrix habitat
Authors: Selonen Vesa , Hanski Ilpo K.
Published: October 2003

Elements of the landscape, such as patches of preferred habitat, matrix between patches, and corridors linking patches, differ as movement habitat for animals. To understand how landscape structure influences the movement and thus, population dynamics of animals, clear empirical knowledge on patterns of movement is needed. The Siberian flying squirrel inhabits spruce‐dominated boreal forests from Finland to eastern Siberia. Numbers of flying squirrels have declined severely in Finland in past decades, probably due to modern forestry. We studied the movement of radio‐collared adult flying squirrels in preferred (spruce forest) and in matrix habitat (open areas and other habitats with trees) in Finland 1997–2000, and determined whether the woodland strips connecting patches of preferred habitat could function as ecological corridors for flying squirrels.  Flying squirrels used woodland strips for inter‐patch movements, but also used matrix with trees and were able to cross narrow open gaps. Males moved longer total distances and crossed edges more often than females. Males used matrix habitats for movement between spruce patches, and moved faster and more directly in the matrix than in the spruce forest. Females seldom changed spruce patches, but instead used the matrix for foraging. For both sexes probability of leaving the spruce forest patch correlated negatively with the size of the patch, but the type of connection the patch had to other patches did not affect the leaving probability. Due to efficient movement abilities of the flying squirrel and forest‐dominated landscape structure of southern Finland, we suggest that conservation acts for maintaining viable populations of flying squirrels should focus on the quality of managed forest and the area of suitable breeding habitat (i.e. on habitat loss), but not necessarily on ecological corridors.
Bulky disease is the most important prognostic factor in Hodgkin lymphoma stage IIB
Authors: Glimelius Ingrid , Molin Daniel , Amini Rose‐Marie , Gustavsson Anita , Glimelius Bengt , Enblad Gunilla
Published: October 2003

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate treatment results for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients younger than 60 yr in stage IIB, treated according to the Swedish National Care Programme. The intention was also to identify specific subgroups depending on the number of negative prognostic factors the patients have, in order to optimise and differentiate future treatment. In total, 99 patients with HL stage IIB, diagnosed between 1985 and 1994, have been analysed. There were 47 men and 52 women and the median age was 33 yr (range 17–59). Eighty‐six patients presented with supradiaphragmatic disease and 13 with infradiaphragmatic. The HL specific and overall 10‐yr survival was 73 and 65%, respectively. The HL‐specific survival for patients in pathological stage IIB tended to be better, although not statistically significant than for clinical stage IIB, despite less chemotherapy (P = 0.1). The patients in stage IIB who were selected for laparotomy were, however, younger and with fewer negative prognostic factors. The only significant negative prognostic factor was bulky disease (P = 0.001). The following factors also tended to have a negative influence on the prognosis although not statistically significant: the International Prognostic Score, the number of involved lymph node stations, extranodal involvement and leucocyte count >15 × 109/L. In conclusion, we suggest that bulky disease should be taken into account when treating patients with stage IIB HL.
Hydroxyurea‐induced pneumonitis in a patient with chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis after prolonged drug exposure
Authors: Wong Chi C. , Brown David , Howling Sarah J. , Parker Norman E.
Published: October 2003

Abstract: We describe a 63‐yr‐old patient diagnosed with chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis whose disease was treated with hydroxyurea for 2 yr. He developed respiratory symptoms that were extensively investigated including lung biopsy. Clinical, radiological and histological features were compatible with a diagnosis of hydroxyurea‐induced pneumonitis. Following drug withdrawal there was remarkable improvement in clinical and radiological findings.
Shwachman–Diamond syndrome with late‐onset neutropenia and fatal acute myeloid leukaemia without maturation: a case report
Authors: Lesesve Jean‐François , Dugué Franck , Grégoire Marie‐Josée , Witz Francis , Dror Yigal
Published: October 2003

Abstract: We report on a male patient affected by Shwachman Diamond syndrome (SDS) who presented an unusual delayed neutropenia and then developed a poorly differentiated acute myeloid leukaemia (M0‐AML) with trilineage myelodysplasia in adulthood. Conventional cytogenetics revealed complex karyotypic changes (monosomies 20, 21, 22, additional 15p). The patient was treated with conventional chemotherapy but never reached complete remission of leukaemia and died 18 months after diagnosis. SDS is an inherited bone marrow failure syndrome with a high propensity to leukaemic transformation. Since neutropenia may be intermittent or with delayed onset, and leukaemic transformation may not occur until adulthood, full blood count should be regularly monitored in such patients.
Correlation of c‐kit expression and cell cycle regulation by transforming growth factor‐beta in CD34+ CD38− human bone marrow cells
Authors: Morita Naoko , Yamamoto Masuji , Tanizawa Takakuni
Published: October 2003

Abstract: To investigate the relationship between c‐kit expression and cell cycle regulation by endogenous transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) in human bone marrow hematopoietic progenitor cells, CD34+ CD38−c‐kitlow/− and CD34+ CD38−c‐kithigh populations were cultured in stem cell factor, thrombopoietin, interleukin‐3 (IL‐3), IL‐6, granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor, granulocyte/macrophage colony‐stimulating factor and anti‐TGF‐β, and analyzed for cell cycle status. Arrest in G0/G1 was most prominent in the precultured CD34+ CD38−c‐kitlow/− subset (95.62 ± 4.15%). While postcultured CD34+ CD38−c‐kithigh cells initiated from CD34+ CD38−c‐kithigh cells entered cell cycle within 36 hr, postcultured CD34+ CD38−c‐kitlow/− cells initiated from CD34+ CD38−c‐kitlow/− cells remained dormant until 36 hr and entered cell cycle within 90 hr. Anti‐TGF‐β increased the percentage of S/G2M phase postcultured CD34+ CD38−c‐kithigh cells (from 19.08 ± 11.95 to 47.04 ± 2.93%), but no significant change was observed in postcultured CD34+ CD38−c‐kitlow/− cells. These results suggest that endogenous TGF‐β plays an important role in the cell cycle arrest of c‐kithigh but not c‐kitlow/− cells in CD34+ CD38− cells, which proliferate without undergoing differentiation. The different regulatory mechanism of cell cycle entry of the CD34+ CD38−c‐kithigh and CD34+ CD38−c‐kitlow/− subsets might be the result of differences in their sensitivity to endogenous TGF‐β.
Telomere shortening in patients with plasma cell disorders
Authors: Cottliar Alejandra , Pedrazzini Estela , Corrado Claudia , Engelberger María Inés , Narbaitz Marina , Slavutsky Irma
Published: October 2003

Abstract: Objectives: Telomeres are essential for maintaining chromosomal integrity; their shortening is associated with chromosome instability. The aim of this work was to study telomere length (TL) on bone marrow (BM) cells from patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).

Methods: Thirty‐one MM patients: 12 at diagnosis (D), 11 at relapse (R) and eight at remission (RE) and two cases with MGUS were studied. TL based on terminal restriction fragment (TRF) assay was evaluated. Cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic analyses were performed. Telomeric associations (TAs) on BM metaphases were also studied.

Results: TRF analysis in total MM patients showed a mean TRF peak value (5.20 ± 0.35 kb) shorter than those observed in controls (8.5 ±  0.5 kb) (P < 0.001). Moreover, TRF at D and R showed a significant telomere shortening (P < 0.001), with TL restored at RE. A strong correlation with the percentage of BM plasma cell infiltration (BMPCI) (rK = −0.540; P = 0.002) was found. Patients with abnormal karyotypes (AK) had significantly shorter TRFs than that observed in MM patients with normal karyotypes (P < 0.05). TRFs in MGUS patients did not differ with respect to controls. TA analysis showed an increased percentage in MM (19.46 ± 1.98%) with respect to MGUS (6.12 ± 1.87%) and normal BM cells (2.00 ± 0.93%) (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: MM patients showed a significant reduction in TL (>60% of BMPCI and AK), suggesting a probable association with clinical evolution. Moreover, our findings support the idea that telomere shortening usually leads to increased frequencies of TAs and chromosome instability.
Prevention of life‐threatening infections due to encapsulated bacteria in children with hyposplenia or asplenia: a brief review of current recommendations for practical purposes
Authors: Castagnola Elio , Fioredda Francesca
Published: October 2003

Abstract: The aim of the present work was to summarise in a single paper all the options for prevention of life‐threatening infections due to encapsulated bacteria in patients with hyposplenism or asplenia. Prevention of these infections should be obtained in all patients with 1) patient and family education, 2) prophylaxis by means of vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae, 3) antibiotic prophylaxis, based primarily on penicillin, 4) delay of elective splenectomy or use methods of tissue salvage in splenic trauma. Vaccination is not effective against all serotypes of S. pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis causing life‐threatening infections in hypo/asplenic patients. Moreover, antibacterial prophylaxis could select antibacterial‐resistant pathogens and is highly conditioned by patient's compliance. Therefore, empirical antibacterial therapy of fever and/or suspected infection should be recommended to all splenectomised patients independently from time elapsing from splenectomy, vaccinal status and assumption of antibacterial prophylaxis.
Decreased excretion of antimicrobial proteins and peptides in saliva of patients with oral candidiasis
Authors: Tanida Toyohiro , Okamoto Tetsuro , Okamoto Atsuko , Wang Haiyan , Hamada Toshihiro , Ueta Eisaku , Osaki Tokio
Published: October 2003

Background:  Antimicrobial peptides in saliva appear to play a crucial role in the regulation of oral Candida growth, and study on antimicrobial excretion in saliva and oral candidiasis appears useful for the analysis of pathophysiology of oral candidiasis.

Methods:  To clarify the role of saliva in the regulation of oral Candida growth, the levels of antimicrobial proteins and peptides and their excretion rates were examined in saliva obtained from 50 patients with oral candidiasis and 35 healthy individuals.

Results:  The inhibitory activities of patients' saliva against Candida adhesion with HeLa cells and against Candida growth (radiolabeled glucose incorporation) were lower than those of saliva from the healthy controls. The salivary levels of lactoferrin (Lf; 11 ± 9 µg/ml), secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA; 160 ± 37 µg/ml), β‐defensin 1 (375 ± 37 ng/ml), and β‐defensin 2 (412 ± 51 ng/ml) in the patients were largely lower than those in the control group (33 ± 14 µg/ml, 204 ± 51 µg/ml, 452 ± 89 ng/ml, and 530 ± 142 ng/ml, respectively), although the transferrin (Tf) and secretory component (SC) levels were almost same in both groups, and α‐defensin 1 was slightly increased in the patient group (660 ± 115 ng/ml vs. 467 ± 168 ng/ml). In addition, the excretion rates of the proteins and peptides were largely decreased in the patients (Tf: 14 ± 2 µg/10 min vs. 34 ± 7 µg/10 min; Lf: 18 ± 11 µg/10 min vs. 139 ± 43 µg/10 min; sIgA: 300 ± 132 µg/10 min vs. 900 ± 207 µg/10 min; SC: 112 ± 46 µg/10 min vs. 292 ± 64 µg/10 min; α‐defensin 1: 1223 ± 431 ng/10 min vs. 2044 ± 612 ng/10 min; β‐defensin 1: 687 ± 243 ng/10 min vs. 1985 ± 295 ng/10 min; and β‐defensin 2: 784 ± 299 ng/10 min vs. 2288 ± 278 ng/10 min).

Conclusion:  These results conclusively suggest that oral candidiasis is associated with salivary gland hypofunction and that decreases of salivary antibacterial proteins induce Candida overgrowth.
The increase of voltage‐gated potassium channel Kv3.4 mRNA expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chang Kuo‐Wei , Yuan Ta‐Chun , Fang Kung‐Ping , Yang Feng‐Shuo , Liu Chung‐Ji , Chang Che‐Shoa , Lin Shu‐Chun
Published: October 2003

Background:  Potassium channels have been reported to be involved in the proliferation of many types of cells, including tumor cells. The overexpression of the K+ channel and related channel activity are involved in the neoplastic process.

Methods:  We examined the expression of an A‐type voltage‐gated K+ channel, Kv3.4, in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) compared with non‐cancerous matched tissue (NCMT) using RT‐PCR analysis. In addition, administration of an A‐type K+ channel blocker, 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP), and an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) directed specifically against Kv3.4 were performed to identify the involvement of Kv3.4 in the growth of OSCC cells.

Results:  A significantly increase in the frequency of Kv3.4 mRNA expression was identified in OSCC (64%) compared to corresponding NCMT (29%) (P = 0.05). The increase of Kv3.4 mRNA expression was also eminent in ESCC. Growth of OSCC cells was significantly inhibited by 4‐AP in a dose‐dependent manner at different time point of treatment. In OECM‐1 OSCC cells, a significant growth inhibition was noted in antisense ODN‐treated cells compared to control cells.

Conclusion:  We provide novel evidences of the increase of Kv3.4 mRNA expression in OSCC. The abrogation of Kv3.4 inhibits the growth of OSCC cells.
Effect of ethanol on lipid metabolism and epithelial permeability barrier of skin and oral mucosa in the rat
Authors: Squier Christopher A. , Kremer Mary J. , Wertz Philip W.
Published: October 2003

Background:  Ethanol consumption induces changes in lipid metabolism. This might be reflected locally as an alteration in the epithelial lipid barrier.

Methods:  Rats were fed with an isocaloric liquid diet with, or without, ethanol (6.7%) and were sacrificed at 60 or 120 days. Plasma and liver triglycerides, γ‐glutamyl‐transferase (GGTP) levels, and permeability (Kp) of skin and buccal mucosa to tritiated water and the tobacco carcinogen, nitrosonornicotine, were determined.

Results:  Significant elevation of GGTP at 120 days and triglycerides at both 60 and 120 days was observed for rats fed with ethanol diet. For this diet, Kp values to both penetrants increased significantly for skin in rats after 120 days compared to all other groups.

Conclusion:  The parallel between changes in lipid metabolism and permeability suggests that one effect of ingested alcohol is to alter the lipid‐containing permeability barrier of stratified squamous epithelium.
Areca nut extract treatment elicits the fibroblastoid morphological changes, actin re‐organization and signaling activation in oral keratinocytes
Authors: Yang Shun‐Chun , Lin Shu‐Chun , Chiang Wei‐Fan , Yen Ching‐Yu , Lin Chi‐Hung , Liu Shyun‐Yeu
Published: October 2003

Background:  Areca (named as betel) is an important etiological factor linked with the high prevalence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in South‐Asian countries. This in vitro study investigated the cellular changes and signaling activation in oral keratinocytes in response to areca nut extract (ANE) treatment.

Methods:  Normal human oral keratinocyte (NHOK) and oral epidermoid carcinoma cell, Meng‐1 (OECM‐1) OSCC cell line were treated with variable dosages of ripen ANE. The morphological and cytoskeletal changes, as well as the activation of GTPase proteins and signaling kinases, were analyzed.

Results:  Most NHOK cells in culture were polygonal, with only <5% cells exhibiting fibroblastoid morphology. However, 10 µg/ml ANE elicited fibroblastoid morphological change, genesis of lamellipodia, loss of subcortical actin, and stress‐fiber formation in approximately 25% cultivated NHOK cells. Similar morphological changes were observed in nearly all OECM‐1 cells following the ANE treatment. The activation of Rac and Rho GTPase, together with the prominent phosphorylation of a stress‐activated kinases, particularly JNK1, was identified in treated OECM‐1 cells.

Conclusion:  The novel evidences from the study that ANE impairs the actin organization and activates the signals in oral keratinocytes might bestow further insight into the impacts of ANE in oral pathogenesis.
Function of Caveolae in Ca2+ Entry and Ca2+‐Dependent Signal Transduction
Authors: Isshiki Masashi , Anderson Richard G. W.
Published: October 2003

The correct spatial and temporal control of Ca2+ signaling is essential for such cellular activities as fertilization, secretion, motility, and cell division. There has been a long‐standing interest in the role of caveolae in regulating intracellular Ca2+ concentration. In this review we provide an updated view of how caveolae may regulate both Ca2+ entry into cells and Ca2+‐dependent signal transduction
Recombinant Antibodies Against Subcellular Fractions Used to Track Endogenous Golgi Protein Dynamics in Vivo
Authors: Nizak Clément , Martin‐Lluesma Silvia , Moutel Sandrine , Roux Aurélien , Kreis Thomas E. , Goud Bruno , Perez Franck
Published: October 2003

Generation of specific antibodies against enriched subcellular fractions is a powerful strategy to identify and characterize cellular components. We show that recombinant antibodies can be selected in vitro by phage display against complex subcellular fractions, namely microtubule‐binding proteins and Golgi stacks. This technique has allowed us to overcome many limitations of the classical animal‐based approach and generate cell biology‐compliant antibodies. In addition, we show that intracellular expression of GFP‐tagged recombinant antibodies can reveal the dynamics of endogenous proteins in vivo. Endogenous Giantin is very static and outlines the Golgi in living cells. It accumulates neither onto Golgi‐derived tubules upon Brefeldin A treatment before Golgi disappearance, nor onto de novo formed Golgi mini‐stacks upon microtubule depolymerization, and remains instead on the ‘old’ pericentriolar Golgi. This suggests that, in contrast to other Golgi matrix proteins, endogenous Giantin is very stably associated with the Golgi and does not efficiently recycle to the ER. Altogether, we show that the antibody phage display technique represents an efficient alternative to rapidly generate versatile antibodies that represent new tools to study protein function.
Characterization of the in Vitro Retrograde Transport of MPR46
Authors: Medigeshi Guruprasad Ramarao , Schu Peter
Published: October 2003

The mannose 6‐phosphate receptor MPR46 mediates sorting of lysosomal enzymes and recycles between the trans‐Golgi network and endosomes. We characterized the retrograde transport of MPR46 from endosomes to the TGN by an in vitro transport assay using mouse fibroblast cell lines. Sulfation of a modified MPR46 upon entering the TGN is measured. The in vitro retrograde transport is time‐, temperature‐, ATP‐ and cytosol‐dependent. Transport requires the SNARE proteins Vti1a and Syntaxin 16 and the Rab family member Rab6. The transport is sensitive to GTPγS, brefeldin A and independent of TIP47. These data indicate that MPR46 follows an early endosome‐to‐TGN route. Transport is inhibited by MPR46 tail peptide comprising the acidic cluster‐di‐leucine sorting motif to which adaptor proteins AP‐1 and AP‐3 bind. Transport depends on cytosolic AP‐3, but not on cytosolic AP‐1. Residual membrane‐associated AP‐1 may have masked a requirement for cytosolic AP‐1. The competence of membranes from AP‐1‐deficient cells for endosome‐to‐TGN transport in vitro was severely compromised.
Model of autism: increased ratio of excitation/inhibition in key neural systems
Authors: Rubenstein J. L. R. , Merzenich M. M.
Published: October 2003

Autism is a severe neurobehavioral syndrome, arising largely as an inherited disorder, which can arise from several diseases. Despite recent advances in identifying some genes that can cause autism, its underlying neurological mechanisms are uncertain. Autism is best conceptualized by considering the neural systems that may be defective in autistic individuals. Recent advances in understanding neural systems that process sensory information, various types of memories and social and emotional behaviors are reviewed and compared with known abnormalities in autism. Then, specific genetic abnormalities that are linked with autism are examined. Synthesis of this information leads to a model that postulates that some forms of autism are caused by an increased ratio of excitation/inhibition in sensory, mnemonic, social and emotional systems. The model further postulates that the increased ratio of excitation/inhibition can be caused by combinatorial effects of genetic and environmental variables that impinge upon a given neural system. Furthermore, the model suggests potential therapeutic interventions.
Can zebrafish be used as a model to study the neurodevelopmental causes of autism?
Authors: Tropepe V. , Sive H. L.
Published: October 2003

The zebrafish has proven to be an excellent model for analyzing issues of vertebrate development. In this review we ask whether the zebrafish is a viable model for analyzing the neurodevelopmental causes of autism. In developing an answer to this question three topics are considered. First, the general attributes of zebrafish as a model are discussed, including low cost maintenance, rapid life cycle and the multitude of techniques available. These techniques include large‐scale genetic screens, targeted loss and gain of function methods, and embryological assays. Second, we consider the conservation of zebrafish and mammalian brain development, structure and function. Third, we discuss the impressive use of zebrafish as a model for human disease, and suggest several strategies by which zebrafish could be used to dissect the genetic basis for autism. We conclude that the zebrafish system could be used to make important contributions to understanding autistic disorders.
Evaluation of motivation methods used to obtain appropriate oral hygiene levels in schoolchildren*
Authors: Rodrigues JA , Dos Santos PA , Garcia PPNS , Corona SAM , Loffredo LCM
Published: October 2003

Abstract:  The aim of the present study is to assess the behaviour of different motivation methods on levels of oral hygiene among schoolchildren aged from 7 to 9 years in Araraquara, SP, Brazil. The methods tested were: indirect instruction using ‘The Smiling Robot’ (group I), indirect instruction through class presentation (group II) and direct instruction with macromodels (group III). A control group was also constituted, which received no kind of motivation (group IV). The O'Leary Plaque Index was used as the evaluation method, applied before the instruction and 30 days after application of the different methods. It was noted that the plaque index had not decreased in group IV only. In conclusion, all the motivation methods promoted significant decrease of plaque index and among these methods, the ‘The Smiling Robot’ was the one that provided the best results.
The effects of gender disparities on dental hygiene education and practice in Europe
Authors: Luciak‐Donsberger C
Published: October 2003

Abstract:In Europe, over 96.5% of dental hygienists are women. The objective of this report was to examine the impact of gender role stereotyping on the image of the dental hygiene profession and on disparities in educational attainment and work regulations within Europe. Data pertaining to regulated or non‐regulated dental hygiene practice in 22 European countries were analysed according to possible gender impact on access to education and on the structure of the delivery of care. It was examined whether there is a correlation between national differences found in the dental hygiene profession and gender related disparities found in other work‐related areas. Results show that the gender bias in the dental hygiene profession has an effect on equal access to education, and on equal occupational opportunities for dental hygienists within the European Union (EU) and beyond. In northern Europe, higher educational attainment in the field of dental hygiene, more extensive professional responsibilities and greater opportunities for self‐employment in autonomous practice tend to correlate with greater equality in the work force. In eastern Europe, lower educational and professional opportunities in dental hygiene correlate with greater gender disparities found in other work‐related areas. In some western European countries, the profession has not been implemented because of the political impact of organised dentistry, which expects financial loss from autonomous dental hygiene practice. In order to fulfil mandates of the EU, initiatives must be taken to remove the gender bias in the delivery of preventive care and to promote equal access to educational attainment and to professional development in the whole of Europe for those who choose to do so.
Quality assurance and dental hygiene
Authors: Bilawka Craig E, BJ
Published: October 2003

Abstract:  Dental hygiene in Canada has experienced significant growth. It has shifted from an emerging occupation to a regulated health profession in several jurisdictions. Many achievements may be attributed to this growth, including self‐regulation and a national code of ethics. However, the majority of Canadian dental hygienists are relying on traditional, outdated and ineffective quality assurance mechanisms, such as mandatory continuing education requirements. In the interests of public protection, dental hygiene needs to ensure that the quality assurance activities required from its members are effective, valid and reliable. Quality assurance in health care continues to undergo modifications that better reflect the public's need for competent, ethical, safe and appropriate health care. Dental hygienists and dental hygiene regulatory bodies are challenged to find valid, reliable and effective methods of quality assurance. This paper discusses some of the developments in quality assurance in health care as well as some of the key and significant achievements of dental hygiene in Canada. The use of quality assurance mechanisms currently used in dental hygiene in Canada is also discussed. The paper concludes with a discussion on the potential barriers and issues that the profession may face when attempting to incorporate suitable quality assurance activities into daily dental hygiene practice.
Relationship between Fertilizing Ability of Ejaculated Human Spermatozoa and Its Chromatin Heterogeneity
Authors: Hashimoto Shinako , Yanagida Kaoru , Katayose Haruo , Yamada Hidekazu , Yamada Hiroko , Sato Akira
Published: October 2003

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the fertilizing ability of ejaculated human sperm and its chromatin heterogeneity.

Method: We used the D‐AO staining method (acridine orange epifluorescence accompanied by diamide, a thiol oxidizing agent) to analyze the sperm chromatin structure of infertile patients with IVF‐ET treatment. SDS‐PAGE was performed to analyze the sperm nuclear proteins collected from patients with immature sperm (stained red with D‐AO staining) and proven fertile men.

Results: 1. It was suggested that D‐AO staining allowed the immature sperm to be divided into two groups. One was immature sperm, which had disturbance of S‐S formation in the epididymides, and the other was sperm that which had an abnormal exchange process of nuclear proteins in the testes. 2. The stainability after D‐AO staining showed no correlation with the findings of semen analysis. 3. The fertilization rate of IVF‐ET was significantly correlated to the percentage of green sperm staining with D‐AO staining. 4. In the pregnant group after IVF–ET, it was noticed that sperm of the green type with D‐AO staining was increased in comparison with the non‐pregnancy group. 5. The fertilization rate in the group of the sperm stained red with D‐AO staining was increased to 73.5% by ICSI. 6. Definite differences were noticed between the protein components of the patients with immature sperm and those of the proven fertile men by analysing with SDS‐PAGE.

Conclusion: D‐AO staining was an efficient method for evaluating the fertilizing ability of human ejaculated sperm, and to determine an appropriate ART tool such as ICSI.
Fetal hemorrhage associated with congenital intestinal atresia
Authors: Shimizu Shoko , Kawagishi Rikako , Arimoto‐Ishida Emi , Wada Kazuko , Shimoya Koichiro , Murata Yuji
Published: October 2003

We encountered two cases of severe intrauterine hemorrhage associated with congenital intestinal atresia. In both cases, the first sign that necessitated immediate clinical management was the abnormal fetal heart rate patterns, represented by prolonged bradycardias and late decelerations. This occurred immediately after the onset of labor. An emergency cesarean section was performed on both patients and, despite being born with severe anemia, the condition of the infants was excellent.

We found that continuous fetal heart rate monitoring should be performed if polyhydramniosis suspected, when the fetus is diagnosed with congenital intestinal atresia and when changes in intrauterine pressure are clinically expected, such as at the onset of labor or after amniocentesis.
B‐Lynch Brace Suturing in primary post‐partum hemorrhage during cesarean section
Authors: Pal Manidip , Biswas Asok Kumar , Bhattacharya Sudhindra Mohan
Published: October 2003

Primary atonic post‐partum hemorrhage during lower segment cesarean section, which was not controlled by ecbolics – oxytocin, methylergometrine, 15‐methyl‐prostaglandinF2α– was managed by applying a B‐Lynch Brace Suture. The test of potential efficacy was the control of hemorrhage by bimanual uterine compression. Six primigravida patients at their term gestation, who underwent emergency cesarean section, all except one under spinal anesthesia, received this type of suture. Interestingly, in every case hemorrhage was controlled successfully with the compression suture. None of them received blood or blood products transfusions or developed disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. Postoperative recovery was good and all patients are in follow‐up to assess their future reproductive activity. B‐Lynch Brace Suturing is an invaluable procedure for the control of atonic primary post‐partum hemorrhage following cesarean delivery.