bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caries prevalence and salt fluoridation among 9‐year‐old schoolchildren in Strasbourg, France
Authors: Fabien V. , Obry‐Musset A. M. , Hedelin G. , Cahen P. M.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The 9‐year‐old group (236 children) of an epidemiological study carried out in 1991 in Strasbourg on children aged 6 to 15 years was selected with the aim of determining if the caries prevalence reduction observed could be related to the use of salt fluoridation (FS) introduced in France in 1987. From these 236 children, 143 answered a questionnaire which showed that 36 of them were fluoridated salt users and 107 were not. The dft index was significantly lower in the FS consumers which showed 35.5% dft reduction compared to the non‐FS‐consuming children. When using the Generalized Linear Model, this reduction was significant (P=0.03). Although lower in the FS group, the DMFT and DMFS indices showed no statistical significant difference. It appeared that 72.2% of the users took simultaneously fluoride tablets but no dental fluorosis was observed. The use of fluoride tablets had a significant effect on the DMFS (P= 10‐2). The children who consumed FS used more frequently fluoridated mouthrinses (P=10‐3) and had more frequent professional application of fluoridated gel and varnishes than non‐consumers (P=0.02). The DMFS index increased with the number of meals (P= 10‐6), which was the most significant variable entered into the Generalized Linear Model. The children who brushed their teeth once a day had a DMFS value 2.6 times higher than those who brushed regularly three times a day (P= 10‐3). The DMFS value was 4.4 times higher among the children who brushed their teeth irregularly when compared with those who brushed three times a day (P= 10‐2).
Diagnostic tools and measurements‐impact on appropriate care
Authors: Pitts Nigel B.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The diagnosis of primary coronal caries should be seen as a complex process, comprising both detection and measurement phases, which enables clinicians, researchers and epidemiologists to make informed decisions about the management and prognosis of the disease process. The different diagnostic thresholds employed for measurements of caries experience can be viewed as an iceberg, a metaphor which demonstrates the ambiguity of the term “caries free” and which can also represent the differing management options appropriate for the care of different types of active and inactive lesions: NAC (No Active Care), PCA (Preventive Care Advised) and OCA (Operative Care Advised). There are considerable methodological difficulties in drawing valid comparisons between studies using incompatible criteria and simulations. However, it is apparent that no caries diagnostic tool in current clinical use fulfils all of the ideal criteria for measurements needed to plan and monitor appropriate care. Systems providing reliable serial measurements with which to assess future caries risk and present caries activity are urgently required, as diagnostic tasks are becoming both more difficult and more important from the standpoint of long‐term oral health. Existing diagnostic tools frequently rely on subjective judgements and provide only semi‐quantitative measures insensitive to smaller lesions. In the future tools are needed which are objective, quantitative and which can provide acceptable compromises between sensitivity and specificity for a wide range of applications for individual patient care as well as for research and survey use. Key problem areas with existing tools include confusion in terminology and between caries assessments made by clinicians and epidemiologists as well as the lack of valid measurements relating to the activity of primary root caries and secondary caries. Deficiencies with current tools impact on the care of individuals by allowing false negative diagnoses of hidden occlusal dentine lesions and approximal cavities on the one hand, whilst generating some false positive diagnoses on sound surfaces leading to inappropriate decisions to restore on the other. At the population level, current conventional tools significantly underestimate overall caries experience. In future the adoption of more accurate and reliable methods would facilitate more effective preventive care and promote more appropriate restorative treatment decisions. Research in this area should focus for the next five years on diagnostic technologies which: 1) inform valid prospective caries risk assessments for different age groups, 2) can help to determine present caries activity and monitor lesion behaviour over time and 3) help identify methods which can implement existing and new research knowledge about diagnostic tools into clinical and research practice.
Analytic approaches to longitudinal caries data in adults
Authors: Beck James D. , Lawrence Herenia P. , Koch Gary G.
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to consider current methods for analyzing longitudinal caries data in adults. To illustrate these methods, we used data from the Piedmont dental study, a prospective investigation of the oral health of older adults. Longitudinal dental data sets comprise repeated observations of an outcome (often clustered within randomly selected primary sampling units), and a set of covariates for each of many subjects, in whom clustering can occur as a result of measuring teeth, or surfaces, within people. One objective of statistical analysis is to predict the outcome variable as a function of the covariates, while accounting for the correlation among the repeated observations for a given subject and the effect of clustering within subjects, as well as between subjects within primary sampling units, such as communities, schools, hospitals, or other such units. We considered two statistical approaches: generalized estimating equations and survey regression models. We also examined the impact of varying diagnostic criteria for caries estimation between epidemiologists and clinicians. One approach is to perform the usual timexexam score minus time0score analysis for the baseline and final examinations, while an alternative is to analyze trends among interim examinations. Finally, because caries studies in which the onset of the disease is the endpoint face the problem of censoring due to subject attrition and/or tooth loss, we recommend the incidence density (time‐to‐event) analytic strategy to address this problem. This approach was found to be most suitable for longitudinal studies of older adults since it accounts for the time each surface remains at risk for the event of interest, making use of interim exam data until the moment the subject and/or the tooth are no longer available for examination. We also included a discussion on biases that occur upon application of the usual methods of estimating caries experience in missing teeth and crowns, which often ignore the classification error in the estimation. We propose a method to adjust for misclassification of the M‐component of the DMFS index. In the case where one can observe true reversals or remineralization of caries lesions, we recommend an adjustment formula to account for reversals that are most likely due to examiner misclassification. We provide examples to demonstrate the applicability of the methods for covariates subject to outcome misclassification.
Impact of dental treatment on the incidence of dental caries in children and adults
Authors: Sheiham Aubrey
Published: May 2006

Abstract A review of the literature on the impact of dental care on the incidence of dental caries in children and adults suggests that the effect is small. Dental services were relatively unimportant in explaining the recent decline in caries in 5‐ and 12‐year‐olds. An important contribution of the dental services to the decline in caries was a change in the diagnostic and treatment criteria. The role of dentistry in reducing dental caries may lie mainly in the non‐personal health services. Knowledge of the life history and patterns of caries attack rates within populations and individuals could be used as a benchmark against which interventions can be assessed. Different teeth and tooth sites are affected differentially at different levels of dental caries. This truism may appear obvious but it is not used to evaluate the effectiveness and quality of dental treatment. A working rule is that “As caries prevalence falls, the least susceptible sites (proximal and smooth surfaces) reduce by the greatest proportion, while the most susceptible sites (occlusal) reduce by the smallest proportion.” There is a specific relationship between the mean DMFT and mean DMFS, and the percentage of caries‐free subjects and the frequency distribution of subjects with different levels of caries. Furthermore, the best predictor of caries at older ages is DMFT at a younger age. Caries levels follow trend lines for each level of caries. As the mean DMFT declines so post‐eruptive time increases for initiation of caries and the progression rates of caries through enamel decreases. This is true regardless of the presence of fluoride.
Incidence of tooth loss and dental caries in 60‐, 70‐ and 80‐year‐old Swedish individuals
Authors: Fure Solveig , Zickert Ingegerd
Published: May 2006

Abstract The retention of natural teeth among the elderly is increasing and, in recent studies, dental caries has been identified as the main reason for teeth being extracted. The 5‐year incidence of tooth loss and dental caries and the most crucial dental factors for tooth extraction were studied in a random sample of 60‐. 70‐ and 80‐year‐old inhabitants of Gothenburg, Of the 208 persons examined at baseline, 148 (71%) participated in the follow‐up examination: 69, 51 and 28 respectively in the different age groups. In all. 110 teeth had been extracted during the period in 40% of the participants. Only 9 persons had lost three or more teeth. The mean numbers of remaining teeth were 22, 18 and 15 respectively in the 60‐, 70‐ and 80‐year age groups and the mean numbers of teeth lost during the 5‐year period increased with age from 0.4 in the 60‐year‐olds to 0.8 and 1.4 in the 70‐ and 80‐year‐olds (P<0.05). The major reason for tooth extraction was dental caries and it was found in 60% of all cases and at a higher rate of 77%i in the oldest age group. Fifty‐one per cent had developed new coronal carious lesions and 61% had new root carious lesions, while 27% had not developed caries during the period. The mean 5‐year increment in decayed and filled coronal surfaces increased with age from 2.3 in the 60‐year‐olds to 3.7 and 5.3 in the 70‐ and 80‐year‐olds (N.S.). The increment in decayed and filled root surfaces was higher in women than men, 3.4 compared with 1.8 (N.S.), which also increased with age from 1.4 in the 60‐year‐olds to 2.4 and 5.5 in the 70‐ and 80‐year‐olds (P<0.0001). It was concluded from this study that few teeth had been lost during the 5‐year period but that dental caries still appeared to be a serious problem among some very elderly people.
Clinical factors related to reported satisfaction with oral function amongst dentate older adults in England
Authors: Steele James G. , Ayatollahi S. M. Taghi , Walls Angus W. G. , Murray John J.
Published: May 2006

Abstract This paper aims to identify the features of a natural dentition, specifically the number and distribution of teeth, which are important for oral satisfaction and freedom from eating problems in the elderly. Data were gathered on the dental condition, satisfaction and function of 1211 dentate adults aged 60 years or over, randomly sampled from three areas in England. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify the clinical factors which contribute to satisfaction with aesthetics and the ability to bite and chew. Satisfaction with biting and chewing was influenced by specific reported eating problems, dry mouth and increasing age. The presence of these eating problems was related to a complex series of factors describing the number and distribution of teeth and dentures, and some variables describing symptoms and disease. Having 21 or more natural teeth and no removable partial dentures (odds ratio 3.2), 2 or more posterior contacting pairs of teeth (odds ratio 1.7), and few anterior spaces were important factors related to the absence of eating problems. Unfilled anterior spaces (odds ratio 3.9), and widespread caries and periodontal disease were associated with aesthetic dissatisfaction. Many of the principles of shortened dental arch are consistent with good function and satisfaction in the elderly.
Association between carriage of oral yeasts, malnutrition and HIV‐1 infection among Tanzanian children aged 18 months to 5 years
Authors: Scheutz Flemming , Matee Mecky Isaac , Simon Elison , Mwinula Juma Hidaya , Lyamuya Eligius Francis , Msengi A. E. , Samaranayake Lakshman P.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The objective was to determine whether there is an association between carriage of oral yeasts, malnutrition and HIV‐1 infection among Tanzanian children. A case‐control study design within a cross‐sectional study was used, and the outcome was carriage of oral yeasts. The exposure variables were malnutrition and HIV‐1 antibody, and confounders to be adjusted for were age, sex, and breastfeeding. The study was carried out in Dar‐es‐Salaam, Tanzania, in two maternal and child health (MCH) clinics that offer routine medical checkups to all expectant mothers and children aged between 0 and 5 years in the catchment area. A total of 882 children aged between 18 months and 5 years participated. Smears from the tongue and buccal mucosa were examined for oral yeasts. Malnutrition was categorized according to standards on the MCH chart and World Health Organization/Centers for Disease Control (WHO/CDC) standards as weight‐for‐height (wasted), weight‐for‐age (underweight), and height‐for‐age (stunted). HIV‐1 infection was determined by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Reactive sera were confirmed by Western Blot. About 27% of the children were slightly or severely malnourished according to standards on the MCH chart. According to WHO/CDC standards, 2.6% were wasted, 16.3% were underweight, and 29.6% were stunted. Fourteen (1.6%) were seropositive for HIV‐1 antibody. Hyphal forms and blastospores were much more frequent among children infected with HIV‐1 with odds ratios ranging from 3.8 (95% CI: 1.3;11.2) to 6.2 (95% CI: 2.1;18.4) depending on categorization of malnutrition. Malnutrition was a risk factor, too, albeit to a much lesser and insignificant degree. The study supports our previous findings that malnutrition may predispose to carriage of oral yeasts and subsequent infection. However, in this study population HIV infection was clearly the predominant risk factor.
Predictors of tooth loss over 10 years in adult and elderly Chinese
Authors: Baelum Vibeke , Luan Wen‐Min , Chen Xia , Fejerskov Ole
Published: May 2006

Abstract This study describes the incidence of tooth loss over a 10–year period in a population of rural Chinese, initially aged between 20 and 80 years. Among the 587 persons who participated in a baseline examination in 1984, 440 persons were available for a follow‐up study in 1994. A total of 31 persons, mainly aged 50+ years at baseline, had become completely edentulous. Between 45% and 96% of the persons lost at least one tooth, and the average number of teeth lost ranged between 1.0 and 7.2. The distribution of the number of teeth lost was skew, indicating that a minor group of subjects had a substantially higher risk of tooth loss than the majority. Logistic regression analysis identified six significant predictors of tooth loss among those who remained dentate: age, a high number of teeth with dentinal caries lesions, a high number of teeth with caries lesions of any type, presence of teeth with attachment loss 7 mm, presence of mobile teeth, and a low percentage of sites with subgingival calculus deposits. At the subject level, caries variables and periodontal disease variables seemed equally important predictors of the incidence of tooth loss over 10 years, but at the tooth level caries was a predominant cause of tooth loss in all age groups.
Antecedents of dental anxiety: learned responses versus personality traits
Authors: Eli Ilana , Uziel Nir , Baht Roni , Kleinhauz Moris
Published: May 2006

Abstract The origins of dental fear and anxiety are numerous and complex. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relative effects of learned responses and subjective personality traits on the development of dental anxiety. The study was carried out in kibbutzim (closed homogeneous societies) in Israel where all subjects had received dental treatment from the same dentist since childhood with no choice of dentist. Subjects were requested to fill out questionnaires concerning their dental anxiety (DAS) in the past and at present, an evaluation of their dentist in the past and at present, and a psychopathologic symptom survey (SCL‐90). The results show that dental anxiety at present correlates significantly with the evaluation of the present dentist; with dental anxiety as remembered from childhood; and with the following SCL‐90 scales: interpersonal sensitivity, anxiety, phobic anxiety and Positive Symptom Distress Index. The best predictors of dental anxiety at present were the evaluation of the present dentist and past dental anxiety (as remembered from childhood). The results suggest that the level of the subject's dental anxiety is affected by environmental factors (evaluation of the present dentist, memories of anxiety from childhood), and by personality traits as evaluated by the SCL‐90 questionnaire.
A 48‐month survival analysis comparing sealant (Delton) with fluoride varnish (Duraphat) in 6‐ to 8‐year‐old children
Authors: Bravo Manuel , García‐Anllo Isabel , Baca Pilar , Llodra Juan Carlos
Published: May 2006

Abstract The objective of this study was to compare Delton visible‐light fissure sealant with Duraphat fluoride varnish in the prevention of occlusal caries in permanent first molars. A 48‐month clinical trial was carried out in three groups of 6‐ to 8‐year‐old schoolchildren: a sealant group (104 children), in which Delton was used; a varnish group (112 children), in which Duraphat was used; and a control group (128 children). Sealant or varnish was applied to all sound permanent first molars, according to group. Replacement (sealant) and reapplication (varnish) was carried out every 6 months. A survival analysis was used to describe the molar failures over time in the three groups. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was built to test the influence of group on molar failure. The median survival times were 28.6 months for the control molars and more than 48 months for both sealed and varnished molars. The Cox model indicated a hazard ratio of 0.177 for the sealant vs control comparison, 0.463 for varnish vs control and 0.382 for sealant vs varnish.
Dental fluorosis in 12–15‐year‐old rural children exposed to fluorides from well drinking water in the Hail region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Akpata E. S. , Fakiha Z. , Khan N.
Published: May 2006

Abstract To investigate the relationship between fluoride levels in well drinking water, severity of dental fluorosis and dental caries in the Hail region of Saudi Arabia, 2355 rural children aged 12–15 years were examined. Over 90% of the children had fluorosed teeth and chi‐square tests showed a strong association (P<0.001) between fluoride level (0.5–2.8 ppm) in well drinking water and severity of dental fluorosis. Although regression analysis showed a statistically significant relationship (P<0.001) between fluoride concentration and caries experience, the amount of variation explained was very low (R2=0.9%). Since fluoride in well water had little influence on caries experience and is causing dental fluorosis, it should be removed by defluoridation or the rural population should be provided with an alternative source of drinking water with lower fluoride concentration.
A national epidemiological survey of oral mucosal lesions in Malaysia
Authors: Zain Rosnah Binti , Ikeda Noriaki , Razak Ishak Abdul , Axéll Tony , Majid Zubaidah Abdul , Gupta Prakash C. , Yaacob Mohammed
Published: May 2006

Abstract The prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in Malaysia was determined by examining a representative sample of 11 707 subjects aged 25 years and above throughout the 14 states over a period of 5 months during 1993/1994. A two‐stage stratified random sampling was undertaken. A predetermined number of enumeration blocks, the smallest population unit in the census publication was selected from each state. With the selected enumeration block, a systematic sample of living quarters was chosen with a random start. The survey instrument included a questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics and a clinical examination. The clinical examination was carried out by 16 specially trained dental public health officers and the diagnosis calibrated with a final concordance rate of 92%. The age in the sample ranged from 25 to 115 years with a mean of 44.5+14.0. The sample comprised 40.2% males and 59.8% females; 55.8%. were Malays, 29.4% Chinese,10.0% Indians and 1.2% other ethnic groups. Oral mucosal lesions were detected in 1131 (9.7%.) subjects. 5 (0.04%) had oral cancer, 165 (1.4%) had lesions or conditions that may be precancerous (leukoplakia. erythroplakia, submucous fibrosis and lichen planus) and 187 (1.6%) had betel chewer's mucosa. The prevalence of oral precancer was highest amongst Indians (4.0%) and other Bumiputras (the indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak) (2.5%) while the lowest prevalence was amongst the Chinese (0.5%).
Caries progression in 12‐to 16‐year‐old schoolchildren in fluoridated and fluoride‐deficient areas in Brazil
Authors: Lawrence Herenia Procopio , Sheiham Aubrey
Published: May 2006

Abstract Water fluoridation may reduce the rate of caries initiation, but relatively little is known of its effect on rates of caries progression through the enamel and the dentin. Objective: This longitudinal study was designed to compare rates of caries progression in fluoridated and fluoride‐deficient areas. Methods: Approximal caries progression was evaluated on two standardized sets of bitewing radiographs taken at a 12‐month interval of 290 12‐ to 16‐year‐old Brazilian schoolchildren. Pitts' scoring system was used to measure caries progression on conventional bitewing images. Caries progression data on the occlusal, free‐smooth, and approximal surfaces of the anterior teeth were collected via clinical visual examinations. Results: The mean rate of approximal caries progression in schoolchildren living in fluoridated areas (0.54) was found to be 62% lower than that in children from fluoride‐deficient areas (1.41). When progression rates were adjusted for the initial number of decayed surfaces per subject, differences were statistically significant for lesions located at the inner half of the enamel at baseline (11% in the fluoridated areas vs. 16.5% in the fluoride‐deficient areas). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that residence in a fluoride‐deficient area remained a significant risk factor for caries progression after controlling for caries prevalence (D1FS), number of cavitated carious lesions, whether tooth type was molar or premolar, and tooth brushing frequency. Conclusions: These results suggest that water fluoridation reduces the rates of caries progression through the enamel and dentin, but the effect was more pronounced for lesions in the inner enamel than for those in the dentin.
Insurance status and provision of dental services in Australian private general practice
Authors: Brennan David S. , Spencer A. John , Szuster Fearnley S. P.
Published: May 2006

AbstractAnnual expenditure on dental care in Australia amounts to ADD 1.9 billion. Approximately one‐third of this expenditure involves private dental insurance, yet little is known about the impact of insurance on the provision of services. The aim of this analysis was to examine differences in dental service provision between insured and non‐insured patients. Data collected from a random sample of dentists from a survey conducted in 1993‐94 were used, providing 817 responses (response rate 74%). Logistic regression analysis controlling for patient age and sex and reason for visit indicated that in private general practice insured patients were more likely to receive preventive (OR=1.37), crown and bridge (OR = 2.25), and endodontic services (OR=1.27), but less likely to receive extraction services (OR=0.52). However, no significant differences by insurance status were found for diagnostic, restorative, or prosthodontic services in the multivariate models. These differences in service provision by insurance status indicate a more favourable pattern of services for insured patients, and point to equity issues in the provision of services.
Current trends of sugar consumption in developing societies
Authors: Ismail Amid I. , Tanzer Jason M. , Dingle Jennifer L.
Published: May 2006

Abstract This paper reviews recent data on sugar consumption in developing countries that may lead to a potential increase in caries prevalence. A search of the business, dental and nutritional literature was conducted through May 1995. There is evidence that sugar (sucrose) use was increasing in China, India, and Southeast Asia. In South and Central America (except Haiti) sugar use was either equivalent to or higher than that in most developed societies. In the Middle East, average sugar use was higher than that of other developing areas. However, it was either lower than or equivalent to the levels reported by other developed countries. Many central African countries consumed less than 15 kg of sugar/person/year. Of particular concern is a rise in the consumption of sugar‐containing carbonated beverages in a number of developing societies: China, India, Vietnam, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian countries are currently major growth markets for the soft drink industry. Consumption of high‐sugar desserts and snacks may also be increasing in urban centers in some developing countries. To counteract the potential increase in the prevalence of dental caries in some developing countries, preventive and oral health promotion programs should be planned and implemented. We contend that taxation of sugar‐containing products as well as efforts to reduce the level of sugar consumption to “safe” levels may be impractical, and in most countries, cannot be supported for political, economic, or health reasons. Instead, we recommend that collaboration be established between public health authorities and manufacturers/distributors of soft drinks and sweets in developing countries to establish a dental health fund that could be used to support caries preventive programs. The fund could be supported through donations from manufacturers based on the principle of the “millicent” (1 cent for every 1000 cents of sales). This minimal contribution would provide enough financial support for planning and implementing dental preventive and restorative programs in developing countries.
Characterization of a hemocyte intracellular fatty acid‐binding protein from crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) and shrimp (Penaeus monodon)
Authors: Söderhäll Irene , Tangprasittipap Amornrat , Liu HaiPeng , Sritunyalucksana Kallaya , Prasertsan Poonsuk , Jiravanichpaisal Pikul , Söderhäll Kenneth
Published: May 2006

Intracellular fatty acid‐binding proteins (FABPs) are small members of the superfamily of lipid‐binding proteins, which occur in invertebrates and vertebrates. Included in this superfamily are the cellular retinoic acid‐binding proteins and retinol‐binding proteins, which seem to be restricted to vertebrates. Here, we report the cDNA cloning and characterization of two FABPs from hemocytes of the freshwater crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus and the shrimp Penaeus monodon. In both these proteins, the binding triad residues involved in interaction with ligand carboxylate groups are present. From the sequence and homology modeling, the proteins are probably FABPs and not retinoic acid‐binding proteins. The crayfish transcript (plFABP) was detected at high level in hemocytes, hepatopancreas, intestine and ovary and at low level in hematopoietic tissue and testis. Its expression in hematopoietic cells varied depending on the state of the crayfish from which it was isolated. Expression was 10–15 times higher in cultures isolated from crayfish with red colored plasma, in which hemocyte synthesis was high, if retinoic acid was added to the culture medium. In normal colored crayfish, with normal levels of hemocytes, no increase in expression of p1FABP was detected. Two other putative plFABP ligands, stearic acid and oleic acid, did not have any effect on plFABP expression in hematopoietic cells. These results suggest that retinoic acid‐dependent signaling may be present in crustaceans.
PHYSICAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE HOLOGRAPHIC PRINCIPLE
Authors: CANFORA F. , VILASI G.
Published: May 2006

The would-be theory of quantum gravity, from which one should deduce the holographic principle, is not available yet. Here it is shown that the classical gravitational interaction is well inside the set of potentials allowed by the holographic principle. The role which such a principle could have in lowering the value of the cosmological constant computed in QFT to the observed one is clarified. It is also argued that, according to the Holographic Principle, the matter-antimatter asymmetry could behave like a seed for the inflationary phase of the universe. This scheme is supported by a good prediction of the number of e-folds. It seems that such a mechanism can only work in the presence of a Hagedorn-like phase transition. The issue of the "graceful exit" can be also naturally accounted for.
SPIN-1 GRAVITATIONAL WAVES: THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL ASPECTS
Authors: CANFORA F. , PARISI L. , VILASI G.
Published: May 2006

Exact solutions of Einstein field equations invariant for a non-Abelian bidimensional Lie algebra of Killing fields are described. Physical properties of these gravitational fields are studied, their wave character is checked by making use of covariant criteria and the observable effects of such waves are outlined. The possibility of detection of these waves with modern detectors, spherical resonant antennas in particular, is sketched.
Civilisation, Sovereignty and War: The Scottish Enlightenment and International Relations
Authors: Buchan Bruce
Published: May 2006

In recent international relations (IR) literature and foreign policy, the concept of civilisation has enjoyed a surprising revival. Its recent use, however, has had little reference to those who did most to introduce it into modern thought, the thinkers of the Scottish Enlightenment. A re-examination of their thought suggests the need for a more nuanced view of civilisation, one that appreciates that the promise of domestic peace that comes with civilisation is also laden with the peril of war and new dynamics of international order. This article will focus on how David Hume (1711–76), William Robertson (1721–93), Adam Smith (1723–90) and Adam Ferguson (1723–1816) framed their understanding of civilisation and the civilising process in Europe. It will be argued that they were animated by the need to identify the processes at work in reshaping Europe, giving rise to a new international order of civilised societies and mighty sovereign states. Civilisation thus emerged as a process not simply of domestic refinement and pacification, but of the emergence of a new kind of international order between militarily powerful, ‘civilised’ and ‘civilising’ sovereign states with enhanced capacities for waging war.
Library evaluation and organizational learning: A questionnaire study
Authors: Chen Kuan-Nien
Published: May 2006

This article focuses on organizational learning, particularly in the context of evaluation and organizational change. These concepts are discussed in terms of academic libraries. As part of this discussion, a model entitled Processes and Phases of Organizational Learning (PPOL) was developed which is a visual representation of the range of possible relationships between organizational learning and evaluation. The author conducted a questionnaire survey of the staff members of some 67 academic libraries in Taiwan. The general purpose of the questionnaire was to ascertain the nature of organizational learning within the libraries studied and how it might relate to the evaluation of those libraries by the Ministry of Education. The study results indicate that library organizational response can be described using the concepts of single-loop learning and double-loop learning. The PPOL model was refined in order to make it more applicable to the study of organizational communication and response within the libraries studied. The refined version takes into account the barriers and facilitators of organizational change which can exist.
Reversible inactivation of the transcriptional function of P53 protein by farnesylation
Authors: Couderc Bettina , Penary Marie , Tohfe Mustapha , Pradines Anne , Casteignau Antoine , Berg Danièle , Favre Gilles
Published: May 2006

Background

The use of integrating viral vectors in Gene therapy clinical trials has pointed out the problem of the deleterous effect of the integration of the ectopic gene to the cellular genome and the safety of this strategy. We proposed here a way to induce the death of gene modified cells upon request by acting on a pro-apoptotic protein cellular localization and on the activation of its apoptotic function.

Results

We constructed an adenoviral vector coding a chimeric p53 protein by fusing p53 sequence with the 21 COOH term amino acids sequence of H-Ras. Indeed, the translation products of Ras genes are cytosolic proteins that become secondarily associated with membranes through a series of post-translational modifications initiated by a CAAX motif present at the C terminus of Ras proteins. The chimeric p53HRCaax protein was farnesylated efficiently in transduced human osteosarcoma p53-/- cell line. The farnesylated form of p53 resided mainly in the cytosol, where it is non-functional. Farnesyl transferase inhibitors (FTIs) specifically inhibited farnesyl isoprenoid lipid modification of proteins. Following treatment of the cells with an FTI, p53HRCaax underwent translocation into the nucleus where it retained transcription factor activity. Shifting p53 into the nucleus resulted in the induction of p21waf1/CIP1 and Bax transcription, cell growth arrest, caspase activation and apoptosis.

Conclusion

Artificial protein farnesylation impaired the transcriptional activity of p53. This could be prevented by Farnesyl transferase inhibition. These data highlight the fact that the artificial prenylation of proteins provides a novel system for controlling the function of a transactivating factor.
Sporadic ALS is not associated with VAPB gene mutations in Southern Italy
Authors: Conforti Francesca Luisa , Sprovieri Teresa , Mazzei Rosalucia , Ungaro Carmine , Tessitore Alessandro , Tedeschi Gioacchino , Patitucci Alessandra , Magariello Angela , Gabriele AnnaLia , Labella Vincenzo , Simone Isabella Laura , Majorana Giovanni , Monsurrò Maria Rosaria , Valentino Paola , Muglia Maria , Quattrone Aldo
Published: May 2006

Mutations in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Sod1) gene have been reported to cause adult-onset autosomal dominant Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (FALS). In sporadic cases (SALS) de novo mutations in the Sod1 gene have occasionally been observed. The recent finding of a mutation in the VAMP/synaptobrevin-associated membrane protein B (VAPB) gene as the cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS8), prompted us to investigate the entire coding region of this gene in SALS patients. One hundred twenty-five unrelated patients with adult-onset ALS and 150 healthy sex-age-matched subjects with the same genetic background were analyzed.

Genetic analysis for all exons of the VAPB gene by DHPLC revealed 5 variant profiles in 83 out of 125 SALS patients. Direct sequencing of these PCR products revealed 3 nucleotide substitutions. Two of these were found within intron 3 of the gene, harbouring 4 variant DHPLC profiles. The third nucleotide variation (Asp130Glu) was the only substitution present in the coding region of the VAPB gene, and it occurred within exon 4. It was found in three patients out of 125. The frequency of the detected exon variation in the VAPB gene was not significantly different between patients and controls. In conclusion, our study suggests that VAPB mutations are not a common cause of adult-onset SALS.
Structures and Sorption Properties of Ionic Crystals of Polyoxometalates with Macrocation
Authors: Mizuno Noritaka , Uchida Sayaka
Published: May 2006

Polyoxometalates are nanosized metal–oxygen macroanions and suitable building blocks of ionic crystals with nanostructures in combination with appropriate macrocations. In this review, (1) formation of ionic crystals by the complexation of the polyoxometalates with a macrocation and the hydrophilic guest sorption properties, (2) effects of charges of polyoxometalates on the structures and sorption properties of ionic crystals, and (3) construction of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic channels in the crystal lattice of the polyoxometalate based ionic crystals are highlighted.
Unusual Photophysical Properties of Emerald Green [60]Fullerene
Authors: El-Khouly Mohamed E , Canteenwala Taizoon , Araki Yasuyuki , Ito Osamu , Chiang Long Y
Published: May 2006

Near-IR absorptive emerald green [60]fullerene (EF-6MC2) is capable of highly light-harvesting molecule. Photoinduced intermolecular electron transfer between EF-6MC2 and several electron donors in benzonitrile led to observation of the optical absorption of (EF-6MC2)•− at 1300 nm, the longest absorption wavelength among many [60]fullerenyl radical anions.
Pubertal Timing Predicts Previous Fractures and BMD in Young Adult Men: The GOOD Study
Authors: Kindblom Jenny M , Lorentzon Mattias , Norjavaara Ensio , Hellqvist Asa , Nilsson Staffan , Mellström Dan , Ohlsson Claes
Published: May 2006

The importance of pubertal timing for adult BMD in males was studied through association of pubertal timing with young adult bone phenotype. Pubertal timing was found to predict both cortical and trabecular volumetric BMD and previous fractures in young adult men. Thus, late puberty is a risk factor for low BMD and previous fractures in young adult men.

Introduction: Peak bone mass (PBM), achieved during puberty, is a determinant of the risk for osteoporosis and future fractures. The role of variations within the normal range in pubertal timing for fractures during pubertal development and for adult bone mass in men is unknown.

Materials and Methods: The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of pubertal timing for adult BMD and for fractures before achievement of PBM in men. The population-based Gothenburg Osteoporosis and Obesity Determinants (GOOD) study is a well-characterized cohort of young adult Swedish males 18–20 years of age. Detailed growth charts from birth to 18–20 years of age were retrieved for 642 men participating in the GOOD study. Age at peak height velocity (PHV) was estimated and used as an assessment of pubertal timing. The skeletal phenotype was analyzed at young adult age using DXA and pQCT and previous fractures were assessed by questionnaires.

Results: Age at PHV was a negative independent predictor of both adult cortical and trabecular volumetric BMD and of total body and radius areal BMD. Moreover, age at PHV was associated with previous fractures in a logistic regression analysis. The OR for cortical osteopenia was 2.49 (95% CI, 1.91–3.24; p < 0.001) and for previous upper limb fractures was 1.35 (95% CI, 1.04–1.75; p < 0.05) per year increment in age at PHV.

Conclusions: Age at PHV is a negative independent predictor of BMD and a positive predictor of previous fractures in young adult men. Longitudinal studies to determine if pubertal timing also predicts BMD and fractures in elderly men are required.
Sp1 Family of Transcription Factors Regulates the Human α2 (XI) Collagen Gene (COL11A2) in Saos-2 Osteoblastic Cells
Authors: Goto Tomohiro , Matsui Yoshito , Fernandes Russell J , Hanson Dennis A , Kubo Takahiro , Yukata Kiminori , Michigami Toshimi , Komori Toshihisa , Fujita Takashi , Yang Liu , Eyre David R , Yasui Natsuo
Published: May 2006

Genes encoding type XI collagen, normally associated with chondrogenesis, are also expressed by osteoblasts. By studying Saos-2 cells, we showed that the transcription factors, Sp1, Sp3, and Sp7 (Osterix), regulate COL11A2 expression through its proximal promoter. The findings indicate both ubiquitous and osteoblast-specific mechanisms of collagen gene regulation.

Introduction: Type XI collagen is essential for skeletal morphogenesis. Collagen XI gene regulation has been studied in chondrocytes but not in osteoblasts.

Materials and Methods: We cultured Saos-2 cells, a human osteosarcoma-derived line of osteoblasts, and analyzed them for α2(XI) protein and COL11A2 regulatory mechanisms.

Results and Conclusions: Although types I and V were the dominant collagens deposited by Saos-2 cells, they expressed COL11A2 mRNA, and α2(XI) chains were present in the extracellular matrix. The COL11A2 promoter region (from −149 to −40) containing three Sp1 binding sites was required for promoter activity in transient transfection assays. All three Sp1 sites were critical for binding by nuclear proteins in electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Further analysis using consensus oligonucleotides and specific antibodies as well as chromatin immunoprecipitation assay implicated Sp1 and Sp3 in binding to this promoter region. Overexpressing Sp1 or Sp3 significantly increased COL11A2 promoter activity and endogenous COL11A2 gene expression, an effect that was suppressed by the Sp1-binding inhibitor mithramycin A. Further experiments showed that Sp1, Sp3, CREB-binding protein (CBP), p300, and histone deacetylase (HDAC) were physically associated and HDAC inhibitors (trichostatin A or NaB) upregulated COL11A2 promoter activity and endogenous gene expression. Another Sp1 family member, Sp7 (Osterix), was expressed in Saos-2 cells, but not in chondrocytes, and was shown by chromatin immunoprecipitation to occupy the COL11A2 promoter. Overexpressing Sp7 increased COL11A2 promoter activity and endogenous gene expression, an effect also blocked by mithramycin A. Using siRNA to knockdown Sp1, Sp3, or Sp7, it was shown that depression of any of them decreased COL11A2 promoter activity and endogenous gene expression. Finally, primary cultures of osteoblasts expressed COL11A2 and Sp7, upregulated COL11A2 promoter activity and endogenous gene expression when Sp1, Sp3, or Sp7 were overexpressed, and downregulated them when Sp1, Sp3, or Sp7 were selectively depressed. The results establish that Sp1 proteins regulate COL11A2 transcription by binding to its proximal promoter and directly interacting with CBP, p300, and HDAC.
Interleukin-7 Influences Osteoclast Function In Vivo but Is Not a Critical Factor in Ovariectomy-Induced Bone Loss
Authors: Lee Sun-Kyeong , Kalinowski Judith F , Jacquin Claire , Adams Douglas J , Gronowicz Gloria , Lorenzo Joseph A
Published: May 2006

IL-7 is produced by stromal cells in bone marrow and is a major regulator of B and T lymphopoiesis. It is also a direct inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis in vitro. In this study we show that IL-7–deficient mice have increased OC and decreased trabecular bone volume compared with WT mice but mimic WT mice in the amount of trabecular but not cortical bone lost after ovariectomy.

Introduction: Interleukin (IL)-7 is a potent regulator of lymphocyte development, which has significant effects on bone. Bone marrow cell cultures from IL-7 deficient (IL-7KO) mice produced significantly more TRACP+ osteoclasts (OCs) than did cells from wildtype (WT) mice. A previous study found that treatment of mice with a neutralizing antibody to IL-7 blocked ovariectomy (OVX)-induced bone loss. We examined if differences exist between the bones of WT and IL-7KO mice and if OVX altered bone mass in IL-7KO mice.

Materials and Methods: Studies were in 2-month-old sham-operated (SHAM) and OVX female mice that were killed 4 weeks after surgery. IL-7KO mice and WT controls were in a C57BL/6 background. Both vertebrae (L1) and femora were evaluated by DXA, μCT, and histomorphometry. IL-7KO mice were confirmed as IL-7 deficient by their almost total lack of mature B cells in their bone marrow.

Results: There was significantly less trabecular bone volume in the vertebrae of IL-7KO mice than in WT mice. In addition, IL-7KO mice had significantly decreased (p < 0.05) trabecular number (13%) and increased trabecular spacing (15%). OVX decreased vertebral trabecular bone volume (TBV) by 21% (p < 0.05) in WT mice and by 22% (p < 0.05) in IL-7KO mice compared with SHAM. IL-7KO SHAM mice also had significantly less (30%) TBV (TA/TTA) in their femurs, as measured histomorphometrically, than did WT SHAM mice. Femurs from IL-7KO SHAM mice had significantly increased percent OC surface (23%) compared with WT SHAM. As in the vertebrae, OVX significantly decreased femoral TBV in both WT and IL-7KO mice by similar amounts (47% and 48%, respectively, p < 0.05 for both) compared with SHAM. However, OVX decreased cortical bone mass in WT but not in IL-7KO bones. We also examined bone marrow cells from WT and IL-7KO mice. Bone marrow cells from IL-7KO animals showed a significant increase in the number of TRACP+ osteoclast-like cells (OCLs), which formed in cultures that were stimulated with macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and RANKL (both at 30 ng/ml). However, there was no significant difference in the number of OCLs that formed in B lymphocyte–depleted (B220−) bone marrow cell cultures from WT and IL-7KO mice.

Conclusions: IL-7 deficiency in mice caused increased OC number in bone and decreased bone mass. OVX-induced bone loss in IL-7–deficient mice was selective and occurred in trabecular but not cortical bone.