bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Regulatory Fit
Authors: Aaker Jennifer L. , Lee Angela Y.
Published: February 2006

The authors focus on three critical areas of future research on regulatory fit. First, they focus on how regulatory orientation is sustained. The authors argue that there are two distinct approaches that bring about the “just-right feeling”: (1) a process-based approach that involves the interaction between regulatory orientation and decision-making processes and (2) an outcome-based approach that involves the interaction between regulatory orientation and the framed outcomes offered. Second, the authors discuss possible boundary conditions of regulatory fit effects, highlighting the apparent paradoxical role of involvement. They suggest that the antecedents that give rise to regulatory fit (e.g., lowered motivation) can differ from its consequences (e.g., increased motivation). Third, the authors discuss broader implications of regulatory fit, proposing three possible mechanisms by which regulatory fit can lead to improved physical health and discussing the degree to which the just-right feeling plays a role in goal-sustaining experiences related to subjective well-being (e.g., flow).
Feelings, Fit, and Funny Effects: A Situated Cognition Perspective
Authors: Schwarz Norbert
Published: February 2006

Recent research has documented numerous, apparently irrational influences on consumer judgment and choice, from the influence of temporary moods and metacognitive experiences to the role of “feeling right” about a decision strategy. From the metatheoretical perspective of situated cognition, such findings reflect the pragmatic, situated, and embodied nature of human cognition, which usually serves people well. Avnet and Higgins's (2006) target article extends the understanding of these processes by identifying the metacognitive experience of feeling right and by emphasizing the role of self-regulatory focus in judgment and decision making.
The Role of Regulatory Focus in Preference Construction
Authors: Wang Jing , Lee Angela Y.
Published: February 2006

The authors examine how consumers' regulatory focus affects their information search behavior and decision-making process. The results show that uninvolved research participants rely on their regulatory focus as a filter to process information selectively. Participants paid more attention to and based their product evaluation on product information that is relevant to their regulatory concerns, but only when they were not motivated to process information. This regulatory fit effect on evaluation seems to be driven by the perceptual salience of fit versus nonfit information and is more consistent with heuristic than with systematic processing of information.
Discount Rates for Time versus Dates: The Sensitivity of Discounting to Time-Interval Description
Authors: Leboeuf Robyn A.
Published: February 2006

Six experiments examine the impact of time-interval descriptions on consumers' discount rates. Consumers exhibit more discounting (e.g., they demand more money to delay income) when delay intervals are described by extents of time than when delay intervals are described by dates. This pattern holds in various contexts, including gains and losses, and is robust to response-mode changes. Findings further indicate that this effect may arise because, compared with date descriptions, extent descriptions enhance perceptions of interval length. The author discusses other potential mechanisms and implications.
A Direct Approach to Data Fusion
Authors: Gilula Zvi , McCulloch Robert E. , Rossi Peter E.
Published: February 2006

The generic data fusion problem is to make inferences about the joint distribution of two sets of variables without any direct observations of the joint distribution. Instead, information is available only for each set separately along with some other set of common variables. The standard approach to data fusion creates a fused data set with the variables of interest and the common variables. This article develops an approach that directly estimates the joint distribution of just the variables of interest. For the case of either discrete or continuous variables, the approach yields a solution that can be implemented with standard statistical models and software. In typical marketing applications, the common variables are psychographic or demographic variables, and the variables to be fused involve media viewing and product purchase. For this example, the approach directly estimates the joint distribution of media viewing and product purchase without including the common variables. This is the object required for marketing decisions. In marketing applications, fusion of discrete variables is required. The authors develop a method for relaxing the assumption of conditional independence for this case. They illustrate their approach with product-purchase and media-viewing data from a large survey of British consumers.
Channel Bargaining with Retailer Asymmetry
Authors: Dukes Anthony J. , Gal-Or Esther , Srinivasan Kannan
Published: February 2006

Manufacturers of consumer products often complain of lower profits in light of the growing channel dominance of retailers such as Wal-Mart, Home Depot, and other “power retailers.” The authors argue that this complaint might not be valid. In an analytical model of competing manufacturers and competing multiproduct retailers, the authors show that manufacturers may actually experience increased profits when a retailer gains an exogenous cost advantage over its rival retailer. Potential channel efficiencies exist when retailing costs are reduced. The authors illustrate that channel transactions based on bilateral bargaining capture these efficiencies by transferring market share to the more efficient retailer, thus increasing channel profits. In a bargaining relationship between a manufacturer and a retailer, the manufacturer realizes some of these enhanced efficiencies. The authors discuss the managerial implications for pricing in channels.
The Effect of Banner Advertising on Internet Purchasing
Authors: Manchanda Puneet , Dubé Jean-Pierre , Goh Khim Yong , Chintagunta Pradeep K.
Published: February 2006

This article focuses on whether banner advertising affects purchasing patterns on the Internet. Using a behavioral database that consists of customer purchases at a Web site along with individual advertising exposure, the authors measure the impact of banner advertising on current customers' probabilities of repurchase, while accounting for duration dependence. The authors model the probability of a current customer making a purchase in any given week (since the last purchase) with a survival model that uses a flexible, piecewise exponential hazard function. The advertising covariates are purely advertising variables and advertising/individual browsing variables. The model is cast in a hierarchical Bayesian framework, which enables the authors to obtain individual advertising response parameters. The results show that the number of exposures, number of Web sites, and number of pages all have a positive effect on repeat purchase probabilities, whereas the number of unique creatives has a negative effect. Returns from targeting are the highest for the number of advertising exposures. The findings also add to the general advertising literature by showing that advertising affects the purchase behavior of current (versus new) customers.
The Global Justice Movement: Where it Came From; Where We Hope it's Going
Authors: George Susan
Published: February 2006

This lecture was given upon the receipt of the Conrad A. Arensberg Award from the Society for the Anthropology of Work in San Francisco, California, in November 2004. In the lecture, Ms. George explains the background and strategies of what journalists often call the anti‐globalization movement and what she prefers–as an activist within that social movement–to call the global justice movement. She asks what the role of the scholar‐activist is in the global justice, or citizens', movement; Ms. George does not believe that intellectual neutrality is possible. In the lecture, she lays out the goals of the neoliberal proponents of global capitalist policies and discusses the effects of those policies on the lives of global citizens and on the global environment. She discusses the role of financiers and world lending agencies in implementing a neoliberal agenda, and the very specific ways that activists in the global justice movement are countering that neoliberal agenda–giving examples from France, where she is the Vice President of an organization called ATTAC. Included in this published transcript are the questions and answers following Ms. George's Arensberg Award lecture.
Like Exporting Baseball: Individualism and Global Competition in the High‐Tech Industry
Authors: Chet Carrie Lane
Published: February 2006

Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork among high‐technology jobseekers in Dallas, Texas, during the period 2001‐04, this article examines the response of unemployed U.S. tech workers to the intensification of the offshore outsourcing of white‐collar work from the United States to lower‐cost locations overseas. The researcher found that while a vocal minority of tech workers denounces offshore outsourcing, or offshoring, as unethical, unpatriotic, and economically shortsighted, most high‐tech jobseekers see offshoring as a natural offshoot of an unstoppable and ultimately beneficial system of global capitalist competition. These “globalist” workers, who espouse a model of work that privileges individual responsibility and flexibility over loyalty and security, argue that nations and individuals must take the initiative in making themselves competitive with other countries' increasingly skilled, educated, and low‐cost workforces if they are to survive in this newly global economy. This perspective is buttressed by globalists' individualist ethos and their remarkably resilient faith in the logic of the market economy.
Book Reviews
Authors: Briller Sherylyn H.
Published: February 2006

Nobody's Home: Candid Reflections of. Nursing Home Aide. Thomas Edward Gass. Ithaca, NY: ILR and Cornell University Press, 2004.
Central and/or peripheral immunoreactivity of orexin-A in pregnant rats and women
Authors: Sun G , Tian Z , Yao Y , Li H , Higuchi T
Published: February 2006

Orexins (A and B) have been implicated in feeding behavior, energy balance and state of vigilance. During pregnancy, their involvement in feeding regulation and reproduction are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated orexin-A immunoreactivity in the hypothalamus and serum in pregnant rats and women by immunofluorescence staining, image analysis and radioimmunoassay, examined the correlation of serum orexin-A and leptin with gestational age in pregnant women by regression analysis, and explored the effect of leptin injected intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) on orexin-A immunoreactivity in the hypothalamus of normal rats by immunohistochemistry. The results showed that pregnant rats had significantly greater daily food intake on days 15 and 20 of pregnancy than virgin ones (+27.3%, P< 0.01 and +38.6%, P< 0.001 respectively), with significantly fewer number and lower mean staining intensity of orexin-A-immunoreactive (ir) neurons on days 16 (both P< 0.05) and 21 (both P< 0.01) of pregnancy. Moreover, serum levels of orexin-A exhibited 2.0-fold and 2.2-fold increases (both P< 0.001) in rats on days 16 and 21 of pregnancy compared with those in virgin rats, and 1.9-fold and 2.0-fold increases (both P< 0.001) in mid (13–26 weeks) and late pregnant women (27–40 weeks) compared with those in non-pregnant women. Simultaneously, serum levels of leptin showed a 2.3-fold and 2.2-fold increase (both P< 0.001) in rats on days 16 and 21 of pregnancy, and a 3.3-fold and 4.3-fold increase (both P< 0.001) in mid and late pregnant women. Serum levels of both orexin-A and leptin correlated positively with gestational age in pregnant women. Leptin injected i.c.v. significantly decreased the number (P< 0.01) and mean staining intensity (P< 0.01) of orexin-A-ir neurons in the hypothalamus, food intake (P< 0.01) and body weight gain (P< 0.001) compared with vehicle injection in normal rats. These results suggested that central and serum orexin-A might be involved in the regulation of feeding and energy metabolism during pregnancy. The change in central orexin-A immunoreactivity might be related to the increased serum leptin concentrations.
Evidence that the mouse insulin receptor substrate-1 belongs to the gene family on which the promoter is activated by estrogen receptor α through its interaction with Sp1
Authors: Panno M L , Mauro L , Marsico S , Bellizzi D , Rizza P , Morelli C , Salerno M , Giordano F , Ando’ S
Published: February 2006

In the present study, the molecular mechanism underlying the up-regulatory effect of estradiol (E2) on mouse insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) promoter was investigated in CHO cells on which the same promoter had first been functionally characterized. The mouse IRS-1 promoter bears four consensus half Estrogen Responsive Elements (ERE) sequences and thirteen AP-1- and ten Sp1-binding elements. We performed molecular dissection of this promoter gene providing 3′ different deleted constructs, containing the same AP-1 rich region with a progressively increased number of ERE half sites located downstream. None of these constructs was responsive to E2, while a downstream region (nt −1420 to −160) rich in GC elements was induced by E2. However, the latter region lost its intrinsic E2 responsiveness when the whole IRS-1 promoter was mutated for deletion in all four ERE half sites. Deletion analysis of the ERE half sites demonstrated that only ERE located at the position −1500 to −1495, close to the GC-rich region, was able to maintain the induced activatory effect of E2 on the IRS-1 gene. Electrophoretic mobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays identified the region containing the half ERE/Sp1 (nt −1500 to −1477) as the one conferring E2 responsiveness to the whole promoter. This effect occurs through the functional interaction between E2/ERα and Sp1.
Role of MAP kinase phosphatases in GnRH-dependent activation of MAP kinases
Authors: Zhang T , Roberson M S
Published: February 2006

GnRH controls the synthesis and release of the pituitary gonadotropic hormones. MAP kinase (MAPK) cascades, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways, are crucial for GnRH-induced gene activation. In the present study, we investigated the function of GnRH-induced MAPK phosphatases (MKPs) using an in vivo mouse model as well as the αT3–1 cell line. Following GnRH agonist stimulation, in vivo gene profiling demonstrated that both MKP-1 and MKP-2 are induced with distinct temporal profiles, suggesting differential roles of these MKPs in the regulation of MAPK activation. Elevated activity of MKP-2 in αT3–1 cells, through either overexpression or activation of the endogenous MKP-2 gene, was correlated with inhibition of GnRH-induced activation of ERK and JNK, as well as the expression of ERK- and JNK-dependent proto-oncogenes. These data supported the conclusion that GnRH-induced MKPs likely serve as negative feedback regulators that modulate MAPK activity and function in the GnRH signaling pathway.
Disruption of neuromedin B receptor gene results in dysregulation of the pituitary–thyroid axis
Authors: Oliveira K J , Ortiga-Carvalho T M , Cabanelas A , Veiga M A L C , Aoki K , Ohki-Hamazaki H , Wada K , Wada E , Pazos-Moura C C
Published: February 2006

The level of thyrotropin (TSH) secretion is determined by the balance of TSH-releasing hormone (TRH) and thyroid hormones. However, neuromedin B (NB), a bombesin-like peptide, highly concentrated in the pituitary, has been postulated to be a tonic inhibitor of TSH secretion. We studied the pituitary–thyroid axis in adult male mice lacking NB receptor (NBR-KO) and their wild-type (WT) littermates. At basal state, NBR-KO mice presented serum TSH slightly higher than WT (18%, P< 0.05), normal intra-pituitary TSH content, and no significant changes in α and β TSH mRNA levels. Serum thyroxine was normal but serum triiodothyronine (T3) was reduced by 24% (P< 0.01) in NBR-KO mice. Pituitaries of NBR-KO mice exhibited no alteration in prolactin mRNA expression but type I and II deiodinase mRNA levels were reduced by 53 and 42% respectively (P< 0.05), while TRH receptor mRNA levels were importantly increased (78%, P< 0.05). The TSH-releasing effect of TRH was significantly higher in NBR-KO than in WT mice (7.1-and 4.0-fold respectively), but, while WT mice presented a 27% increase in serum T3 (P< 0.05) after TRH, NBR-KO mice showed no change in serum T3 after TRH. NBR-KO mice did not respond to exogenous NB, while WT showed a 30% reduction in serum TSH. No compensatory changes in mRNA expression of NB or other bombesin-related peptides and receptors (gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), GRP-receptor and bombesin receptor subtype-3) were found in the pituitary of NBR-KO mice. Therefore, the data suggest that NB receptor pathways are importantly involved in thyrotroph gene regulation and function, leading to a state where TSH release is facilitated especially in response to TRH, but probably with a less-bioactive TSH. Therefore, the study highlights the important role of NB as a physiological regulator of pituitary–thyroid axis function and gene expression.
Novel protein kinase C-epsilon inhibits human CYP11B2 gene expression through ERK1/2 signalling pathway and JunB
Authors: LeHoux Jean-Guy , Lefebvre Andrée
Published: February 2006

We previously reported that H295R cells co-express three diacylglycerol (DAG)-dependent protein kinase Cs (PKCs), namely conventional (c) PKCα and novel (n) PKCε and PKCϑ. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the implication of DAG-dependent PKCs in the activation of p44/42 MAP kinase (MAPK) by angiotensin II (Ang II) and to define the role of this pathway towards CYP11B2 regulation in H295R cells. The PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide 1 (Bis) inhibited Ang II-induced p44/42 MAPK phosphorylation whereas the cPKC inhibitor Gö6976 failed to do so, thus ruling out the participation of PKCα. Ang II activated nPKCε and did not affect nPKCϑ, pinpointing PKCε as the mediator of Ang II in p44/42 MAPK activation. Overexpression of wild-type ERK1 and ERK2 significantly reduced basal as well as Ang II-stimulated human -2023CYP11B2-CAT activity; conversely, the two dominant negative mutants increased them. Overexpression of constitutively active (ca) PKCsuppressed Ang II-induced -2023CYP11B2-CAT activity. Infection of H295R cells with adenoviruses (Adv) expressing caPKCε activated endogenous MEK1/2 and p44/42 MAPK. Adv-caPKCε inhibited Ang II-stimulated aldosterone synthase mRNA levels and this action was reversed by the MEK1 inhibitor, PD98059. Also, Ang II increased JunB protein levels and this effect was inhibited by PD98059 and Bis. Adv-caPKCε enhanced JunB protein levels and PD98059 attenuated the increase. JunB overexpression abolished the Ang II-induced promoter activity within -138 bp of the 5′-flanking region of CYP11B2. Collectively, these results demonstrate that PKCε inhibits CYP11B2 transcription through the p44/42 MAPK pathway and JunB in H295R cells.
Tetraspanin CD9 regulates invasion during mouse embryo implantation
Authors: Liu W M , Cao Y J , Yang Y J , Li J , Hu Z , Duan E-K
Published: February 2006

The expression of tetraspanin CD9 was found on blastocysts in mice and endometrium epithelial cells in human and bovine. However, it remains unknown how CD9 is involved in the precise dialogue between embryo and uterus during early pregnancy. This study was designed to investigate the functional roles of CD9 in the embryo implantation with monoclonal antibody against CD9 protein (anti-CD9 mAb) and antisense oligonucleotide against CD9 gene (AS-CD9). Our results showed that intrauterine injection of anti-CD9 mAb on day 4 of pregnancy significantly increased the number of embryos implanted (7.24±0.39 versus 4.04±0.38). In vitro, anti-CD9 mAb or AS-CD9 significantly enhanced embryo-outgrowth ability on the monolayer of uterus epithelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. However, the attachment of blastocysts to epithelial cells was unaffected. Furthermore, we found that anti-CD9 mAb or AS-CD9 stimulated matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) production of blastocysts on Fibronectin. LY294002, a specific inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3-kinase, was able to counteract the effect of anti-CD9 mAb and AS-CD9 on outgrowth ability and production of MMP-2. Our results indicated that CD9 played a role of inhibiting embryo implantation. CD9 was able to impair embryo invasion and the production of MMP-2 through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling pathway.
Mediation of the inhibitory effect of thyroid hormone on proliferation of hepatoma cells by transforming growth factor-beta
Authors: Yen Chun-Che , Huang Ya-Hui , Liao Chu-Yu , Liao Cheng-Jung , Cheng Wan-Li , Chen Wei-Jan , Lin Kwang-Huei
Published: February 2006

Thyroid hormone (triiodothyronine, T3) regulates growth, development and differentiation. To examine the influence of T3 on hepatoma cell growth, thyroid receptor (TR)α1 or TRβ1 over-expressing HepG2 cell lines were used. Growth of the HepG2-TR stable cell line was inhibited by over 50% following treatment with T3. However, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β neutralizing antibody, but not the control antibody can reverse the cell growth inhibition effect of T3. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that the growth inhibition was apparent at the transition point between the G1 and S phases of the cell cycle. The expression of major cell cycle regulators was used to provide further evidence for the growth inhibition. Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (cdk2) and cyclin E were down-regulated in HepG2-TR cells. Moreover, p21 protein or mRNA levels were up-regulated by around 5-fold or 7.3-fold respectively following T3 treatment. Furthermore, phospho-retinoblastoma (ppRb) protein was down-regulated by T3. The expression of TGF-β was studied to delineate the repression mechanism. TGF-β was stimulated by T3 and its promoter activity was enhanced six- to eight-fold by T3. Furthermore, both T3 and TGF-β repressed the expression of cdk2, cyclin E and ppRb. On the other hand, TGF-β neutralizing but not control antibody blocked the repression of cdk2, cyclin E and ppRb by T3. These results demonstrated that T3 might play a key role in liver tumor cell proliferation.
Tensin3 is a novel thyroid-specific gene
Authors: Maeda Ikuhiro , Takano Toru , Yoshida Hiroshi , Matsuzuka Fumio , Amino Nobuyuki , Miyauchi Akira
Published: February 2006

Thyroid-specific genes, such as thyroid peroxidase, thyroglobulin, Na+/I− symporter and thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor, play fundamental roles in thyroid function and relate to many pathological conditions. Using sequence specific-differential display, we detected three genes that showed higher expression levels in normal thyroid tissues than in thyroid tumor tissues. After subcloning and sequencing analysis, one of the genes was revealed to be tensin3. The expression level of tensin3 was examined with real-time quantitative PCR analysis. Its expression levels were more depressed in thyroid tumor tissues than in normal thyroid tissues. The decrease was even more evident in two anaplastic carcinomas. High and moderate levels of tensin3 mRNA expression were observed in the thyroid and placenta respectively. Tensin3 mRNA was expressed only in low levels in other tissues, such as the brain, heart, lung, liver, pancreas, kidney, skeletal muscle, white blood cells and prostate. These results show that tensin3 is a novel thyroid-specific gene and further investigations may reveal its relation to thyroid function or thyroid disease.
Female-enriched and thermosensitive expression of steroidogenic factor-1 during gonadal differentiation in Pleurodeles waltl
Authors: Kuntz S , Chardard D , Ko C-I , Dumond H , Ducatez M , Callier M , Flament S , Chesnel A
Published: February 2006

In the urodele amphibian Pleurodeles waltl, sex differentiation is genetically controlled, that is, ZZ male vs ZW female, but may be influenced by temperature, which induces a female-to-male sex reversal. We investigated whether steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) could be involved in Pleurodeles sex differentiation or in temperature-dependent sex reversal by cloning a Pleurodeles SF-1 cDNA and examining its developmental expression. The 468-amino-acid deduced protein is highly conserved in comparison with other species. In ZZ and ZW control larvae, SF-1 mRNA is detected at the first stage of the thermosensitive period (TSP) in the gonad–mesonephros–interrenal complex (GMI). By the end of TSP at stage 55, SF-1 is expressed in the gonad (Gd) and in the mesonephros-interrenal (MI) both in ZZ and ZW larvae. During this stage, a transient, ZW-specific increase of SF-1 transcription occurs not only in Gd but also in MI, this increase starting earlier in Gd than in MI. Therefore, in P. waltl, an SF-1 upregulation occurs after the onset of the ovarian-specific increase of aromatase mRNA expression. At the end of metamorphosis, the SF-1 transcription level in Gd and MI is nearly the same in both ZZ and ZW larvae. Besides, after long-term heat treatment leading to sex reversal, SF-1 mRNA upregulation is not observed in ZW larvae, in either Gd or MI. However, SF-1 expression is not decreased after a 48-h heat shock applied at the end of the TSP, suggesting that temperature has no inhibitory effect by itself in long-term heat treatment. Estradiol benzoate treatments show that, at the end of the TSP, SF-1 gene transcription could be controlled by the estrogen level. This is in accordance with the female-enriched SF-1 expression and the decreased SF-1 expression following long-term, sex-reversing heat treatment, which is known to decrease aromatase expression and activity. Thus, it is unlikely that SF-1 is directly involved in Pleurodeles temperature-dependent sex reversal.
Temporal recruitment of CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins to early and late adipogenic promoters in vivo
Authors: Salma N , Xiao H , Imbalzano A N
Published: February 2006

The CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) family of transcriptional regulators is critically important for the activation of adipogenic genes during differentiation. The C/EBPβ and δ isoforms are rapidly induced upon adipocyte differentiation and are responsible for activating the adipogenic regulators C/EBPα and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)γ2, which together activate the majority of genes expressed in differentiating adipocytes. However, mitosis is required following the induction of adipogenesis, and the activation of C/EBPα and PPARγ2 gene expression is delayed until cell division is underway. Previous studies have used electromobility shift assays to suggest that this delay is due, at least in part, to a delay between the induction of C/EBPβ protein levels and the acquisition of DNA binding capacity by C/EBPβ. Here we used in vivo chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis of the C/EBPα, PPARγ2, resistin, adiponectin, and leptin promoters to examine the kinetics of C/EBP protein binding to adipogenic genes in differentiating cells. In contrast to prior studies, we determined that C/EBPβ and δ were bound to endogenous regulatory sequences controlling the expression of these genes within 1–4 h of adipogenic induction. These results indicated that C/EBPβ and δ bind not only to genes that are induced early in the adipogenic process but also to genes that are induced much later during differentiation, without a delay between induction of C/EBP protein levels and DNA binding by these proteins. We also showed that each of the genes examined undergoes a transition in vivo from early occupancy by C/EBPβ and δ to occupancy by C/EBPα at times that correlate with the induction of C/EBPα protein levels, demonstrating the generality of the transition during adipogenesis and indicating that the binding of specific C/EBP isoforms does not correlate with timing of expression from each gene. We have concluded that C/EBP family members bind to adipogenic genes in vivo in a manner that follows the induction of C/EBP protein synthesis.
Spatio-temporal analysis of vascular endothelial growth factor expression and blood vessel remodelling in pig ovarian follicles during the periovulatory period
Authors: Martelli A , Berardinelli P , Russo V , Mauro A , Bernabò N , Gioia L , Mattioli M , Barboni B
Published: February 2006

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression pattern and blood vessel remodelling were evaluated during the transition from the preovulatory follicle to the corpus luteum (CL). To this end, prepubertal gilts were treated with equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) to collect preovulatory follicles (60 h after eCG) and with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) to obtain periovulatory follicles 18 h and 36 h later. The VEGF mRNA content was analysed by in situ hybridization, while protein localization in follicular fluid (FF) and in granulosa and theca compartments was evaluated by ELISA, immunohistochemistry or western blot. Blood vessel architecture and vascular area (VA) were investigated using immunohistochemistry for von Willenbrand Factor, a specific endothelial marker. Vascular remodelling was finally tested using Ki-67 immunocytochemistry as a proliferation marker, or α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) as a specific mural cell marker. eCG-treated follicles showed high VEGF levels and two concentric blood vessel networks composed of proliferating endothelial cells without any association with mural components. hCG injection inhibited VEGF synthesis in the granulosa compartment and, as a consequence, the protein fell within the FF. In parallel, endothelial cell proliferation stopped and the VA decreased. Close to ovulation, VEGF production restarted in both follicular compartments and VEGF mRNA content significantly increased in the theca layer. Changes in follicular VEGF secretion were observed; the protein disappeared from FF and was observed in the extracellular matrix. An active angiogenesis characterized the follicle; endothelial cell proliferation was associated with a recruitment of α-SMA-positive mural cells. The data presented in this work showed that, in the phases preceding ovulation, a complete vascular remodelling occurs, characterized by both an evident neovascularization and the appearance of blood vessels presenting smooth musculature which could be involved in CL formation after ovulation.
Leptin resistance following over-expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B in liver
Authors: Lam N T , Covey S D , Lewis J T , Oosman S , Webber T , Hsu E C , Cheung A T , Kieffer T J
Published: February 2006

Obesity is typically associated with resistance to leptin, yet the mechanism by which leptin signaling becomes impaired is poorly understood. Here we sought to determine if the development of obesity and leptin resistance correlates with increased expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) in peripheral tissues and whether over-expression of this phosphatase, specifically in liver, could alter the leptin-mediated effects on feeding and glucose metabolism. Obesity was induced in mice through a high-fat diet that resulted in hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and hyperleptinemia. Resistance to leptin was confirmed as exogenous leptin administration reduced food intake in animals on low-fat, but not high-fat diets. Diet-induced resistance to leptin and insulin was associated with increased hepatic levels of PTP1B. Intriguingly, hepatic adenoviral over-expression of PTP1B in ob/ob mice attenuated the ability of exogenous leptin to reduce both plasma glucose levels and food intake. These findings suggest that leptin reduces both plasma glucose and food intake in part through actions on the liver, and hepatic leptin resistance resulting from over-expression of PTP1B may contribute to the development of both diabetes and obesity.
Long‐Term Evaluation of Hollow Screw and Hollow Cylinder Dental Implants: Clinical and Radiographic Results After 10 Years
Authors: Telleman Gerdien , Meijer Henny J.A. , Raghoebar Gerry M.
Published: February 2006

Background: In 1988, an implant manufacturer offered a new dental implant system, with a wide choice of hollow cylinder (HC) and hollow screw (HS) implants. The purpose of this retrospective study of HS and HC implants was to evaluate clinical and radiographic parameters of peri‐implant tissue and to analyze surgical and prosthetic aftercare.

Methods: A total of 89 HS and 26 HC implants in 38 edentulous patients were available for complete evaluation. The patients were treated with overdentures stabilized by two or four implants. The follow‐up period was 10 years.

Results: The results of the clinical evaluation showed a mean sulcus probing depth of 3.3 ± 1.3 mm (range = 2 to 10 mm). The mean radiographic bone loss was 2.2 ± 2.1 mm (range = 0.1 to 12.2 mm). One implant (HS) was removed during the osseointegration period. Three other implants (two HS and one HC) in three patients had to be removed after 10 years. The survival rate of the HS implant (96.6%) was comparable to the HC implant (96.1%). The success rate of the HS implant (93.3%) was slightly more favorable compared to the HC implant (88.5%). The HS and HC implants met the Albrektsson criteria of success.

Conclusions: HS and HC implants provide a stable base for long‐term support of a mandibular overdenture. Furthermore, it is important to monitor peri‐implant bone level by taking annual radiographs and measuring probing depth, especially after prolonged service.
Comparative Study of Two Root Coverage Procedures: A 24‐Month Follow‐Up Multicenter Study
Authors: Moses Ofer , Artzi Zvi , Sculean Anton , Tal Haim , Kozlovsky Avital , Romanos Georgios E. , Nemcovsky Carlos E.
Published: February 2006

Background: Treatment alternatives to cover exposed root surfaces include free grafts, pedicle flaps, and barrier membranes. This 24‐month follow‐up study clinically evaluated the long‐term effect of a coronally advanced flap procedure with the additional use of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) to treat gingival recession versus the subpedicle connective tissue graft (CTG) procedure.

Methods: Miller Class I or II buccal recession‐type defects in the anterior teeth or premolars in 65 patients (28 in EMD and 37 in CTG groups) were treated in several centers. At baseline and 12 and 24 months post‐treatment, vertical recession defect (VRD), height of keratinized tissue (HKT), and probing depth (PD) were recorded, and the percentage of root coverage (PRC) of the original defect was calculated. Student t test, analysis of variance, and analysis of covariance were used for statistical analyses.

Results: At 12‐ and 24‐month evaluations, PRC was 73.2% (SD = 15.58%) and 76.9% (SD = 16.77%) in the EMD group and 86.8% (SD = 12.48%) and 84.3% (SD = 13.32%) in the CTG group, respectively (P <0.001). Differences between groups were statistically significant (P = 0.002). Baseline HKT was 1.07 mm (SD = 0.66 mm) in the EMD group and 1.65 mm (SD = 0.92 mm) in the CTG group. At 12 and 24 months, values were 1.75 mm (SD = 0.59 mm) and 2.25 mm (SD = 0.52 mm) in the EMD group and 4.24 mm (SD = 0.89 mm) and 4.05 mm (SD = 0.94 mm) in the CTG group, respectively. Differences in HKT were statistically significant within (EMD: P <0.001; CTG: P = 0.017) and between (P <0.001) groups.

Conclusions: Both treatments proved clinically successful. CTG treatment showed a higher percentage of root coverage and HKT increase. EMD is a valuable, long‐term effective treatment alternative to achieve root coverage together with an increase in HKT.
Periodontitis Is Associated With Preeclampsia in Pregnant Women
Authors: Contreras A. , Herrera J.A. , Soto J.E. , Arce R.M. , Jaramillo A. , Botero J.E.
Published: February 2006

Background: Recent investigations have demonstrated a positive association between periodontitis and pregnancy complications. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of periodontitis and the subgingival microbial composition on preeclampsia.

Methods: A case‐control study was carried out in Cali, Colombia that included 130 preeclamptic and 243 non‐preeclamptic women between 26 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. Sociodemographic data, obstetric risk factors, periodontal status, and subgingival microbial composition were determined in both groups. Preeclampsia was defined as blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg, and ≥2+ proteinuria, confirmed by 0.3 g proteinuria/24 hours of urine specimens. Controls were healthy pregnant women. Odds ratios (ORs) for periodontitis and subgingival microbiota compositions were calculated.

Results: A total of 83 out of 130 preeclamptic women (63.8%) and 89 out of 243 controls (36.6%) had chronic periodontitis (OR: 3.0; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.91 to 4.87; P <0.001). Clinical attachment loss increased in the case group (4.0 ± 0.10 mm) compared to the control group (3.0 ± 0.08 mm) (P <0.001). The average newborn birth weight from preeclamptic mothers was 2.453 g, whereas in controls was 2.981 g (P <0.001). Two red complex microorganisms, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythensis, and the green complex microorganism Eikenella corrodens were more prevalent in the preeclamptic group than in controls (P <0.01).

Conclusions: Chronic periodontal disease and the presence of P. gingivalis, T. forsythensis, and E. corrodens were significantly associated with preeclampsia in pregnant women. Further research is needed to establish pathogenic mechanisms of active periodontal disease and subgingival periodontopathogens related to preeclampsia development.
Implant Placement at the Time of Maxillary Molar Extraction: Technique and Report of Preliminary Results of 83 Sites
Authors: Fugazzotto Paul A.
Published: February 2006

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictability of implant placement at the time of maxillary molar extraction using a modified insertion technique and implant design.

Methods: At the time of maxillary molar extraction, 83 tapered‐end implants with an apical diameter of 4.1 mm and a neck diameter of 6.5 mm were placed in maxillary first or second molar sites, following manipulation of the remaining interradicular bone with osteotomes. Regenerative materials, consisting of demineralized freeze‐dried bone allograft (DFDBA) and/or osseous coagulum, and bioabsorbable or non‐resorbable membranes were placed, and passive soft‐tissue primary closure was attained in all cases.

Results: Soft‐tissue closure was maintained until the time of clinical reentry 6 months after implant insertion in 81 of 83 sites. Loss of primary soft‐tissue closure in the other two areas did not result in complete uncovering of the cover screw and implant top. All implants were clinically immobile at the time of implant uncovery 6 months after insertion and were restored with single crowns. All implants were functioning successfully for up to 18 months (mean: 12.4 months).

Conclusion: The combination of atraumatic removal of hopeless maxillary molars, controlled manipulation of the residual interradicular bone, insertion of implants of the aforementioned design, and use of appropriate regenerative materials at the time of implant insertion predictably afforded a stable implant for restoration with a single crown.
Five‐Year Follow‐Up of Regenerative Periodontal Therapy With Enamel Matrix Derivative at Sites With Angular Bone Defects
Authors: Heden Gunnar , Wennström Jan L.
Published: February 2006

Background: This prospective case series report aimed at analyzing the long‐term (5 years) stability of clinical attachment level (CAL) gains following regenerative therapy with the use of enamel matrix proteins in intrabony defects.

Methods: A total of 114 consecutively treated periodontal patients (mean age: 55.8 years) were initially included. Each subject exhibited at least one deep proximal intrabony defect with the inclusion criteria of 1) probing depth (PD) ≥5 mm, 2) clinical attachment loss ≥6 mm, and 3) radiographic evidence of a ≥3‐mm intrabony component. A total of 146 defects met the criteria for inclusion. At least 6 months after the completion of an initial phase of mechanical infection control, a baseline examination was performed to characterize the experimental site. Reconstructive therapy with the use of enamel matrix proteins was subsequently performed. Experimental sites were reexamined 1 and 5 years after reconstructive surgery. Primary efficacy variables were considered to be changes in PD, CAL, soft tissue recession (REC), and radiographic defect depth (RDD). Stepwise regression analysis was employed for evaluation of predicting factors of CAL change between the 1‐ and 5‐year reexaminations.

Results: A total of 82 patients (102 defects) were included in the analysis. One year following the regenerative surgery, a mean CAL gain of 4.3 mm (P <0.001), a mean PD reduction of 4.9 mm (P <0.001), and a mean increase in REC of 0.6 mm (P <0.001) were recorded. At the 5‐year follow‐up, a further mean PD reduction of 0.3 mm (P >0.05), CAL gain of 1.1 mm (P <0.01), and reduction in recession of 0.8 mm (P <0.01) had taken place. Radiographs revealed that the bone defect had been reduced in depth with an average of 2.9 mm at 1 year (P <0.001). No statistically significant alteration in defect depth was observed between 1 and 5 years of follow‐up. The stepwise regression analysis identified the degree of REC and residual PD at 1 year as significant predictors of CAL change between 1 and 5 years.

Conclusion: Results demonstrated long‐term (5 years) stability of CAL gains following regenerative therapy with the use of enamel matrix proteins in intrabony defects.
A Morphologic Comparison of Gingival Changes Influenced by Cyclosporin and Tacrolimus in Rats: An Experimental Study
Authors: Prabhu Ashwin , Mehta D.S.
Published: February 2006

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the morphologic changes in the gingiva brought about by the administration of cyclosporin and tacrolimus in rats.

Methods: The study was conducted on 30 six‐week‐old male Sprague‐Dawley rats, divided into three groups of 10 rats each, for a period of 4 weeks. Group I rats received cyclosporin (30 mg/kg body weight), and group II rats received tacrolimus (1.5 mg/kg body weight), by means of a gavage. Group III served as control and received olive oil alone. Impressions of the mandibular incisal region were made weekly, and stone casts were prepared for measuring morphologic changes of the gingiva.

Results: An increase in the measured gingival dimensions was observed in the test groups as early as week 2 after the commencement of drug administration. Intergroup comparison revealed that the increase in the measured dimensions was greater in group I than group II at the end of 4 weeks.

Conclusions: Cyclosporin and tacrolimus were capable of causing gingival enlargement in Sprague‐Dawley rats. However, the magnitude of tacrolimus‐influenced gingival enlargement seemed to be comparatively less than cyclosporin.
Povidone‐Iodine Used as an Adjunct to Non‐Surgical Treatment of Furcation Involvements
Authors: Del Peloso Ribeiro Érica , Bittencourt Sandro , Ambrosano Glaucia Maria Bovi , Nociti Francisco H. , Sallum Enilson A. , Sallum Antônio W. , Casati Márcio Zaffalon
Published: February 2006

Background: The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of topically applied povidone‐iodine (polyvinylpyrrolidone and iodine [PVP‐I]) used as an adjunct to non‐surgical therapy of furcation involvements.

Methods: Forty‐four patients presenting at least one Class II furcation involvement that bled on probing with probing depth (PD) ≥5 mm were recruited. Patients were stratified into two treatment groups: 1) subgingival instrumentation by an ultrasonic device using PVP‐I (10%) as the cooling liquid (test); and 2) identical treatment using distilled water as the cooling liquid (control). The following clinical outcomes were evaluated: plaque index, bleeding on probing (BOP), position of the gingival margin, relative attachment level (RAL), PD, and relative horizontal attachment level (RHAL). The N‐benzoyl‐L‐arginine‐p‐nitroanilide (BAPNA) test was used to analyze the trypsin‐like activity in dental biofilm. The clinical and biochemical parameters were evaluated at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after therapy.

Results: Both groups had similar means of PD reduction and RAL and RHAL gain. At 6 months, these variables were, respectively, 2.31, 1.17, and 1.00 mm in the control group and 2.31, 1.23, and 1.02 mm in the test group. There was also no difference between groups regarding the number of furcation sites presenting RAL gain ≥2 mm. The results of the BAPNA test failed to demonstrate significant differences between groups.

Conclusion: Non‐surgical therapy can effectively treat Class II furcation involvements, and the use of topically applied PVP‐I as an adjunct to subgingival instrumentation does not provide additional benefits.
Palatal Neurofibroma Associated With Localized Periodontitis
Authors: Powell Charles A. , Stanley Corey M. , Bannister Sharon R. , McDonnell Howard T. , Moritz Alan J. , Deas David E.
Published: February 2006

Background: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is the most common form of neurofibromatosis. While typically considered a dermatologic disorder, intraoral signs of neurofibromatosis occur quite commonly. This clinical entity can be confused with periodontitis because of the presence of periodontal pockets. In this report, we present the case of a palatal neurofibroma with radiographic involvement in a patient with NF1.

Methods: A 40‐year‐old female patient was referred from her general dentist to evaluate advanced periodontitis in the maxillary left quadrant. The patient's medical history was significant for a soft tissue lesion excised from her back 11 years previously and diagnosed as a neurofibroma. Subsequent medical examination at that time confirmed a systemic diagnosis of NF1. A comprehensive periodontal evaluation was performed, and panoramic and periapical radiographs were taken. Teeth were tested for vitality. An incisional biopsy was completed for histopathologic examination.

Results: The periodontal evaluation revealed the presence of 6 to 9 mm probing depths adjacent to teeth #14 and #15. Panoramic and periapical radiographs showed a circumscribed 0.8 × 0.9‐cm unilocular radiolucency superimposed over the root of tooth #13 and extensive horizontal bone loss on the distal side of #15. Incisional biopsy confirmed the presence of a neurofibroma, and because of the extent of the lesion, the patient was referred to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery service for complete excision.

Conclusions: Neurofibromas can cause extensive destruction of alveolar bone, mimicking periodontitis. Due to the potential systemic and genetic implications, the diagnosis of neurofibroma requires appropriate medical referral.