bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational Fluid Dynamic Modeling of a Flame Reaction Process for Silica Nanopowder Synthesis from Tetraethylorthosilicate
Authors: Ji Yanhui , Sohn Hong Yong , Jang Hee Dong , Wan Bin , Ring Terry A.
Published: October 2007

The process of synthesizing silica nanopowder by the gas phase thermal oxidation of tetraethylorthosilicate in a diffusion flame reactor was simulated using a commercial computational fluid dynamic code. The fuel combustion process and silica particle formation and growth in the flame were modeled. The temperature, velocity, and particle size distribution (PSD) fields inside the reactor were computed. Chemical reaction rate and a population balance model were used to calculate the particle formation and growth and PSD. Satisfactory results were obtained for the temperature profile and PSD. Computed values of the average size of the final products were consistent with those obtained in a previous experimental work.
Polymorphism and Dielectric Properties of Nb‐Doped BaTiO3
Authors: Masó Nahum , Beltrán Héctor , Cordoncillo Eloisa , Sinclair Derek C. , West Anthony R.
Published: October 2007

A working subsolidus phase diagram for the system BaTiO3–Ba5Nb4O15 has been determined by firing sol–gel‐synthesized samples over a range of temperatures. The main difference from previous diagrams is the greater extent of the Nb‐doped BaTiO3 cubic solid solutions, BaTi1−5xNb4xO3, at lower temperatures with x extending to 0.09 at 900°C, but only 0.05 at 1400°C. Electrical property measurements show that compositions with large x (x≥0.0025) are highly insulating for pellets sintered at 1300°C in air, followed by a slow cool. Compositions with low x, however, exhibit a residual semiconducting grain core and are not fully reoxidized readily. Composition dependence of the dielectric properties shows a continuous and smooth transition from classic ferroelectric behavior with pure BaTiO3 to normal dielectric response with a temperature‐independent relative permittivity of approximately 22–24 for x>∼0.08. At intermediate compositions, ranges of both relaxor ferroelectric and quasi‐ferroelectric behavior are observed. Possible reasons for an observed anomalous increase in value of the permittivity at the ferroelectric transition temperature at low x, which is superposed on an overall decrease in permittivity with increasing x, are discussed.
A New Method of Reproduction of Fingerprints from Corpses in a Bad State of Preservation Using Latex
Authors: Porta Davide , Maldarella Monica , Grandi Marco , Cattaneo Cristina
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  In view of the problems arising while fingerprinting corpses in a bad state of preservation, especially in case of mummification and carbonization, the authors propose an innovative technique which uses latex film. To better illustrate the potential of the method, two cases where the latex technique was applied successfully are reported: the first one is a mummified body discovered in a shack on the outskirts of Milan and the second one is the case of a burnt corpse found in a car boot. Such a technique is versatile, easy to apply, and allows the operator to work quickly on cadavers without amputating parts, except in rare cases (i.e., burnt bodies with muscle retraction). By the latex technique, a perfect and enduring negative copy of the fingerprint is obtained, ready to be inked and photographed. The numerous copies produced this way can be inked several times allowing for the repeatability of the procedure and this is crucial in cases of problematic legal identification of corpses. In both the cases illustrated, the fingerprints obtained by the latex technique were useful for identification. The quality was good enough for the automatic fingerprint identification system research system to be applied.
.177 Caliber Pellet Classification System and Identification Key*
Authors: Bailey James A.
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  A classification system and identification key for .177 caliber air gun pellets was developed based on a five‐class characteristic criterion. Sixty‐eight pellet types from 15 companies were examined and compared. A classification system was developed based on the pellets’ head shapes, skirt types, lengths, weights, and other markings or observations. In some cases, when a pellet is recovered from a crime scene, product brand identification may aid the investigation. Even though all product brands cannot be identified, various brands of pellets can be eliminated based on a pellet’s class characteristics. The pellet producers in this study were located in the following countries: China, Czech Republic, England, Korea, Spain, and the United States. An identification key can be used for possible pellet identification or elimination.
A Review of Recent Advances in Impurity Profiling of Illicit MDMA Samples
Authors: Waddell‐Smith Ruth J. H.
Published: October 2007

Abstract: Profiling illicit ecstasy tablets has the potential to become an invaluable tool in the crackdown on drug trafficking, but that potential has yet to be fully realized. The impurity profile of an ecstasy tablet can be used to determine the method employed to synthesize the actual controlled substance, which in most cases, is 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Tablets can then be linked to a common synthetic route, potentially to a common manufacturer, and possibly even to a common manufacturing batch, based on the impurities present. Current methods for profiling MDMA tablets typically involve extracting the organic impurities for analysis by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The potential of profiling the trace metals present in tablets has begun to be investigated while more robust statistical and chemometric procedures are being applied to compare and link tablets. This article reviews the recent advances in MDMA impurity profiling from 2002 up to the end of 2006.
Selective Detection of Trace Nitroaromatic, Nitramine, and Nitrate Ester Explosive Residues Using a Three‐Step Fluorimetric Sensing Process: A Tandem Turn‐off, Turn‐on Sensor*
Authors: Sanchez Jason C. , Toal Sarah J. , Wang Zheng , Dugan Regina E. , Trogler William C.
Published: October 2007

Abstract: Detection of trace quantities of explosive residues plays a key role in military, civilian, and counter‐terrorism applications. To advance explosives sensor technology, current methods will need to become cheaper and portable while maintaining sensitivity and selectivity. The detection of common explosives including trinitrotoluene (TNT), cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine, cyclotetramethylene‐tetranitramine, pentaerythritol tetranitrate, 2,4,6‐trinitrophenyl‐N‐methylnitramine, and trinitroglycerin may be carried out using a three‐step process combining “turn‐off” and “turn‐on” fluorimetric sensing. This process first detects nitroaromatic explosives by their quenching of green luminescence of polymetalloles (λem ≈ 400–510 nm). The second step places down a thin film of 2,3‐diaminonaphthalene (DAN) while “erasing” the polymetallole luminescence. The final step completes the reaction of the nitramines and/or nitrate esters with DAN resulting in the formation of a blue luminescent traizole complex (λem = 450 nm) providing a “turn‐on” response for nitramine and nitrate ester‐based explosives. Detection limits as low as 2 ng are observed. Solid‐state detection of production line explosives demonstrates the applicability of this method to real world situations. This method offers a sensitive and selective detection process for a diverse group of the most common high explosives used in military and terrorist applications today.
Bad Nature, Bad Nurture, and Testimony Regarding MAOA and SLC6A4 Genotyping at Murder Trials*
Authors: Bernet William , Vnencak‐Jones Cindy L. , Farahany Nita , Montgomery Stephen A.
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Recent research—in which subjects were studied longitudinally from childhood until adulthood—has started to clarify how a child’s environment and genetic makeup interact to create a violent adolescent or adult. For example, male subjects who were born with a particular allele of the monoamine oxidase A gene and also were maltreated as children had a much greater likelihood of manifesting violent antisocial behavior as adolescents and adults. Also, individuals who were born with particular alleles of the serotonin transporter gene and also experienced multiple stressful life events were more likely to manifest serious depression and suicidality. This research raises the question of whether testimony regarding a defendant’s genotype, exposure to child maltreatment, and experience of unusual stress is appropriate to present during the guilt or penalty phases of criminal trials, especially when capital punishment is a consideration. The authors present their experience in genotyping criminal defendants and presenting genetic information at criminal trials.
Bile Analysis in Heroin Overdose
Authors: Tassoni Giovanna , Cacaci Claudio , Zampi Massimiliano , Froldi Rino
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Following its metabolism in the liver, morphine and its metabolites can be directly eliminated in bile. Then, they undergo the enterohepatic cycle (EHC) and mostly reappear in the circulation. We report a case showing the presence of morphine in bile (21.3 μg/mL) and hair (4.8 ng/mg) but not in blood, urine or the liver of an addict who survived in hospital for about 144 h (6 days). These data would indicate that the EHC does not play any role about 144 h after the last injection, and directly confirms that gall bladder is a storage depot for morphine. They constitute the first report of a demonstration of the effect of the EHC on morphine bioavailability in an addict, and could be considered as indication, without supporting circumstantial evidence, that the morphine level in bile is related to chronic opiate use.
Fatalities Associated with Fentanyl and Co‐administered Cocaine or Opiates
Authors: Hull Mindy J. , Juhascik Matthew , Mazur Frank , Flomenbaum Mark A. , Behonick George S.
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Fatalities associated with fentanyl hydrochloride are increasingly seen in Massachusetts. Between September 2005 and November 2006, 5009 medicolegal investigations associated 107 deaths with licit or illicit fentanyl use, along with a co‐detection of an opiate/opioid or cocaine/benzoylecognine, or both. Deaths associated with illicit fentanyl use occur in younger people (39.4 vs. 61.5 years) with higher fentanyl (17.1 ng/mL vs. 4.4 ng/mL) and lower morphine (76.9 ng/mL vs. 284.2 ng/mL) postmortem blood concentrations, and more frequent cocaine co‐intoxication (65% vs. 3%), than deaths associated with licit fentanyl use. A wide range of postmortem blood concentrations of fentanyl was detected (trace–280 ng/mL), with a minimum concentration of 7 ng/mL of fentanyl strongly associated with illicit use of fentanyl in poly‐drug cases. The most commonly detected opiates/opioids in illicit fentanyl users were: morphine (29%), oxycodone (14.5%), and methadone (14.5%). Ethanol, cannabinoids, diazepam, citalopram, and diphenhydramine were each detected in greater than 10% of the illicit fentanyl cases. Most fentanyl abusers died at their own home and their deaths were most often classified as accidental. Mapping of primary residences of decedents revealed conspicuous clustering of the illicit fentanyl use cases, as opposed to the random pattern in licit use cases. Fentanyl misuse is a public health problem in Massachusetts.
The relaxing effect of perivascular tissue on porcine retinal arterioles in vitro is mimicked by N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate and is blocked by prostaglandin synthesis inhibition
Authors: Holmgaard Kim , Aalkjær Christian , Lambert John D. C. , Hessellund Anders , Bek Toke
Published: October 2007

Purpose:  Retinal hyperperfusion resulting from disturbances in the regulation of arteriolar tone is involved in the pathophysiology of a variety of retinal diseases. The mechanisms underlying this regulation of tone involve cellular components in both the vascular wall and the perivascular tissue. However, previous in vitro studies of the influence of perivascular retinal tissue on retinal tone regulation have been hampered by the release of an endogenous relaxing factor that renders the arteriole insensitive to vasoconstrictors. The purpose of the present study was to test whether N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) and γ‐amino butyric acid (GABA) receptors, and a cyclooxygenase (COX) product influence this effect of perivascular retinal tissue in vitro.

Methods:  Porcine retinal arterioles were mounted in a wire myograph for isometric force measurements. The contractile effect of the prostaglandin analogue U46619 was studied on vessels with preserved perivascular retinal tissue and after this tissue had been removed. The influence of the perivascular tissue was studied after addition of NMDA (a specific agonist for a subtype of the glutamate receptor), DL‐amino‐5‐phosphonovaleric acid (DL‐APV, an antagonist at the same receptor), the natural inhibitory transmitter GABA, and picrotoxin (an antagonist at ionotropic GABA receptors). These experiments were made in the absence and presence of the COX inhibitor, ibuprofen.

Results:  U46619 caused a concentration‐dependent contraction of isolated retinal arterioles. This vasoconstriction was significantly smaller in the presence of perivascular tissue. The NMDA‐receptor antagonist, DL‐APV, reduced this attenuating influence of the perivascular tissue on the response to U46619, and the response could be modified by NMDA and GABA, but not by picrotoxin. However, ibuprofen totally blocked the attenuating influence of the perivascular tissue on the response to U46619.

Conclusions:  The inhibition of vascular contractility induced by perivascular retinal tissue in vitro involves NMDA‐receptors and an effect of GABA‐mimetic substance on retinal tissue. The generation of these effects involves a COX product.
Digital fundus image grading with the non‐mydriatic VisucamPRO NM versus the FF450plus camera in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Neubauer Aljoscha S. , Rothschuh Antje , Ulbig Michael W. , Blum Marcus
Published: October 2007

Purpose:  Grading diabetic retinopathy in clinical trials is frequently based on 7‐field stereo photography of the fundus in diagnostic mydriasis. In terms of image quality, the FF450plus camera (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany) defines a high‐quality reference. The aim of the study was to investigate if the fully digital fundus camera VisucamPRO NM could serve as an alternative in clinical trials requiring 7‐field stereo photography.

Methods:  A total of 128 eyes of diabetes patients were enrolled in the randomized, controlled, prospective trial. Seven‐field stereo photography was performed with the VisucamPRO NM and the FF450plus camera, in random order, both in diagnostic mydriasis. The resulting 256 image sets from the two camera systems were graded for retinopathy levels and image quality (on a scale of 1–5); both were anonymized and blinded to the image source.

Results:  On FF450plus stereoscopic imaging, 20% of the patients had no or mild diabetic retinopathy (ETDRS level ≤ 20) and 29% had no macular oedema. No patient had to be excluded as a result of image quality. Retinopathy level did not influence the quality of grading or of images. Excellent overall correspondence was obtained between the two fundus cameras regarding retinopathy levels (κ 0.87) and macular oedema (κ 0.80). In diagnostic mydriasis the image quality of the Visucam was graded slightly as better than that of the FF450plus (2.20 versus 2.41; p < 0.001), especially for pupils < 7 mm in mydriasis.

Conclusions:  The non‐mydriatic VisucamPRO NM offers good image quality and is suitable as a more cost‐efficient and easy‐to‐operate camera for applications and clinical trials requiring 7‐field stereo photography.
Clinical decision‐making during 5 years of antipsychotic treatment
Authors: Levander S. , Eberhard J. , Lindström E.
Published: October 2007

Objective:  Explore how clinicians select drug treatment based on symptoms, side effects and patient factors, including patient participation in the process, and the association between these factors and attitudes towards drugs.

Method:  A cohort of 166 patients initially treated with risperidone was followed with yearly assessments over 5 years. At the end of the study, 101 patients were evaluated of whom 58 were still treated with risperidone.

Results:  More women than men remained in the study, and on the initial medication. The most common reason for medication switch was lack of efficacy. Clinicians and patients agreed well in their global ratings of medication effects and side effects. Robust associations between switch decisions and patient characteristics including symptoms and side effects could not be identified. The effects of switches were rated as better by the clinicians than by the patients. Negative drug attitudes were associated with pronounced positive symptoms (threshold effect), whereas the corresponding association with ‘lack of judgment and insight’ was linear over the whole range.

Conclusion:  The decision‐making process appears to have many unknown components, and may benefit from more active patient involvement by using structured clinician and patient rating scales for monitoring the treatment. Such shared decision‐making may improve compliance.
Costs of schizophrenia during 5 years
Authors: Lindström E. , Eberhard J. , Neovius M. , Levander S.
Published: October 2007

Objective:  To explore the direct and indirect costs in a cohort of 225 risperidone‐treated patients with schizophrenia followed up annually during 5 years.

Method:  Data on costs for medication, hospitalization, sheltered living and productivity losses, as well as degree of social isolation, were collected.

Results:  The direct costs were dominated by hospitalization and sheltered living expenses, while drug costs only represented 7% of the direct costs. Indirect costs represented 43% of the total costs during the 5 years. About 12% worked full‐time, and 12% worked part‐time, implying large productivity losses. As a consequence of the national mental health care reform, a substantial shift of costs from hospital care to sheltered living took place on the national level, but the reduction of hospital days for the study patients over time was much larger suggesting that the switch from first to second generation compounds was therapeutically successful. A high degree of social isolation was seen, with more than 20% being completely without social contacts and 30% seeing friends/relatives less often than once a week.

Conclusion:  The economic costs of schizophrenia are high and driven by the need for assisted living and hospitalizations, together with productivity losses. In addition, the intangible costs, such as social contacts, are also high.
Obstetric complications and postpartum psychosis: a follow‐up study of 1.1 million first‐time mothers between 1975 and 2003 in Sweden
Authors: Nager A. , Sundquist K. , Ramírez‐León V. , Johansson L. M.
Published: October 2007

Objective: The severity of postpartum psychosis calls for further research on the association between obstetric variables and this psychiatric disorder.

Method: A total of 1 133 368 Swedish first‐time mothers were included during a 29‐year period yielding 1413 hospitalized cases of postpartum psychosis. Several obstetric variables were analysed separately after adjustment for possible confounders.

Results: Respiratory disorder in the neonate, severe birth asphyxia, preterm birth, caesarean section, perinatal death and SGA infant were associated with an increased risk of postpartum psychosis. After adjustment for previous hospitalization for psychiatric disorder only preterm birth and acute caesarean section remained significant risk factors for postpartum psychosis (relative risks were 1.20 and 1.31 respectively). The relative risk of postpartum psychosis among first‐time mothers with previous hospitalization for psychiatric disorder was increased more than 100‐fold.

Conclusion: Careful clinical risk assessments of postpartum psychosis are crucial among women with a history of psychiatric disorder whereas obstetric variables have a minor importance.
Social functioning as an outcome measure in schizophrenia studies
Authors: Burns T. , Patrick D.
Published: October 2007

Objective:  Deficits in social functioning are a core feature of schizophrenia.

Method:  A literature search of English language articles published between January 1990 and December 2006 was undertaken to identify: i) scales used most frequently to assess social functioning in schizophrenia; and ii) the most frequently used social functioning scales in randomized, controlled trials of antipsychotics. A further search (without time limits) examined their psychometric properties.

Results:  A total of 301 articles employed social functioning scales in the assessment of schizophrenia. These contained 87 potentially relevant measures. Only 14 randomized, controlled studies of antipsychotic agents were identified that examined social functioning. Scales varied greatly in terms of measurement approach, number and types of domains covered and scoring systems. A striking lack of data on psychometric properties was observed.

Conclusion:  Limited consensus on the definition and measurement of social functioning exists. The Personal and Social Performance Scale is proposed as a useful tool in future research.
Biomechanical interactions in tooth–implant‐supported fixed partial dentures with variations in the number of splinted teeth and connector type: a finite element analysis
Authors: Lin Chun‐Li , Wang Jen‐Chyan , Chang Wen‐Jen
Published: October 2007

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the biomechanical interactions in tooth–implant‐supported fixed partial dentures (FPDs) under several loading conditions with different numbers of splinted teeth and connector types (rigid and non‐rigid) by adopting the three‐dimensional (3D) non‐linear finite element (FE) approach.

Material and methods: A 3D FE FPD model was constructed containing one Frialit‐2 implant in the mandibular second‐molar region splinted to the first and second premolars. Frictional contact elements were used to simulate realistic interface conditions within the implant system and the non‐rigid connector function. The main effects for each level of the three investigated factors (loading condition, number of splinted teeth and connector type) in terms of the stress values and dissimilar mobility of the natural teeth and implant were computed for all models.

Results: The results indicated that load condition was the main factor affecting the stress developed in the implant, bone and prosthesis when comparing the type of connector and the number of splinted teeth. The stress values were significantly reduced in centric or lateral contact situations once the occlusal forces on the pontic were decreased. However, the prosthesis stress for the non‐rigid connections was increased more than 3.4‐fold relative to the rigid connections. Moreover, the average tooth‐to‐implant displacement ratios (RTID) with a non‐rigid connection were obviously larger than those for rigid connections under axial loading forces. Adding an extra tooth to support a three‐unit tooth–implant FPD only exploited its function when the prosthesis withstood lateral occlusal forces.

Conclusions: The load condition is the main factor affecting stress distribution in different components (bone, prosthesis and implant) of tooth–implant‐supported FPDs. Minimizing the occlusal loading force on the pontic area through selective grinding procedures could reduce the stress values obviously. A non‐rigid connector may more efficiently compensate for the dissimilar mobility between the implant and natural teeth under axial loading forces but with the risk of increasing unfavorable stresses in the prosthesis.
Effect of bone conditioning on primary stability of FRIALIT‐2® implants
Authors: Proff P. , Bayerlein T. , Rottner K. , Mai R. , Fanghänel J. , Gedrange T.
Published: October 2007

Background: Primary stability is crucial to implants used for orthodontic anchorage. Bone condensing to enhance primary stability is controversial.

Material and methods: Fourteen Frialit‐2®‐stepped screw and cylinder implants were placed in the median palatine sutures of 22 cadaveric human heads. In half of both types, the implant bed was prepared using a Frialit® Bone Condenser. Primary implant stability was evaluated using non‐invasive resonance frequency analysis. Moreover, the bone–implant contact area was examined histomorphometrically and radiographically.

Results: Bone condensing yielded a slightly, yet not significantly increased implant stability quotient compared with a conventional technique. In spongy bone, a significant histomorphometric increase of bone–implant contact (P<0.0001) and a significant increase of radiographic density was revealed for both implant types, while no significant changes were observed within the compact area.

Conclusion: The study shows that bone condensing yields an improved histologic implant–bone contact only in spongy bone, which was paralleled by radiographic–densitometric findings.
Changing risk factors for fluorosis among South Australian children
Authors: Spencer A. John , Do Loc G.
Published: October 2007

Abstract –  Background:  Research in the last decade has shown changing exposure patterns to discretionary fluorides and declining prevalence of fluorosis among South Australian children, raising the question of how risk factors for fluorosis have changed.

Objective:  To examine and compare risk factors for fluorosis among representative samples of South Australian children in 1992/1993 and 2002/2003.

Methods:  Similar sampling strategies and data collection methods were employed in the Child Fluoride Study (CFS) Marks 1 (1992/1993) and 2 (2002/2003). Participants in each CFS round were examined for fluorosis using the Thylstrup and Fejerskov (TF) Index. Exposure history was collected for fluoride in water, toothpaste, fluoride supplements and infant formula, allowing for a fluorosis risk assessment analysis. Data were re‐weighted to represent the child population at each time. Changes in prevalence of fluorosis, defined as having a TF score of 1+ on maxillary central incisors, fluoride exposure and risk factors between the two rounds were evaluated.

Result:  A total of 375 and 677 children participated in the 1992/1993 and 2002/2003 rounds respectively. Prevalence of fluorosis declined significantly from 45.3% to 25.9%. Reduced use of fluoride supplements and increased use of 400–550‐ppm children F toothpaste were the most substantial fluoride exposure changes. Early toothpaste use, residence in fluoridated areas and fluoride supplement use were the risk factors in 1992/1993. Early toothpaste use and fluoride supplement use were not risk factors, leaving fluoridated water as the only risk factor among the common variables in 2002/2003. In an analysis stratified by the type of fluoridated toothpaste in 2002/2003, the large amount of toothpaste used was a risk factor in those who used 1000‐ppm fluoridated toothpaste, and eating/licking toothpaste when toothpaste use started was a risk factor among children who used either 1000‐ppm or 400–550‐ppm fluoridated toothpaste.

Conclusion:  Introduction of the 400–550‐ppm F toothpaste and use of smaller amount of toothpaste restricted risk associated with early toothpaste use. Less use and possibly a stricter fluoride supplements regimen also restricted fluorosis risk. Periodic monitoring of risk of fluorosis is required to adjust guidelines for fluoride use in caries prevention.
Determinants of perceived need for dental pain medication
Authors: Pau Allan , Croucher Ray , Marcenes Wagner
Published: October 2007

Abstract –  Objectives:  To describe the perceived inability to cope (PIC) and impact on quality of life (QOL) in dental pain patients, and investigate their effect on perceived need for pain medication.

Methods:  Fully structured self‐complete questionnaire survey of a sample of patients with current experience of dental pain/discomfort and sensitivity. Subjects were recruited from a dental teaching hospital’s emergency and restorative clinics. Questions were asked on pain intensity, PIC, impact on QOL and perceived need for pain medication.

Results:  Of 318 subjects approached, 199 (63%) completed usable questionnaires. In expressing PIC, 48.2% of the sample reported that they felt dependent on somebody else doing something about the pain, whereas 69.3% reported feeling helpless in their effort to try and do something about the pain. The prevalence of impact on QOL ranged from 55.8% reporting feeling like isolating oneself from other people to 77.9% for feeling grumpy, irritable, bad‐tempered or miserable. Logistic regression analysis identified impact on QOL (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.06–1.30), PIC (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.01–1.21) and pain intensity (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.05–1.50) as independent significant predictors of perceived need for pain medication.

Conclusions:  Pain intensity and PIC can enhance the ability of QOL measures in differentiating population groups into those who perceive the need for pain medication and those who do not.
A comprehensive evaluation of the validity of Child‐OIDP: further evidence from Peru
Authors: Bernabé Eduardo , Sheiham Aubrey , Tsakos Georgios
Published: October 2007

Abstract –  Objective:  To comprehensively assess the psychometric properties of the child version of the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (Child‐OIDP), by reporting additional validation methodologies and highlighting underlying constructs.

Methods:  Four of seven public schools linked to the Mother‐Child Health Centre from Puente Piedra (Lima, Peru) were randomly selected as clusters. All their 903 11‐ to 12‐year‐old children were invited to participate. The Child‐OIDP was cross‐culturally adapted to Spanish and its content, face, criterion and construct validity as well as internal and external reliability evaluated in successive pilot studies and a main study.

Results:  For criterion validity, Child‐OIDP scores were associated to self‐perceived oral health status, self‐perceived dental treatment need and satisfaction with oral health status (P < 0.001 in all cases). In relation to construct validity, an exploratory factor analysis provided three factors with eigenvalues greater than 1, which represented the physical, psychological and social health components. Cronbach’s alpha varied between 0.62 and 0.65, whereas test–retest reliability was 0.85 (intra‐class correlation coefficient).

Conclusions:  The Spanish(Peru) Child‐OIDP is a valid and reliable interviewer‐administered instrument to measure the impact of the oral conditions on quality of life. This study provides new evidence in support of the psychometric properties of the Child‐OIDP.
Social disparities in periodontitis among United States adults 1999–2004
Authors: Borrell Luisa N. , Crawford Natalie D.
Published: October 2007

Abstract – Objectives: To investigate whether race/ethnicity, income, and education are independently associated with periodontitis; and to investigate the effect of adjusting for income and education on the association between race/ethnicity and periodontitis in the National Health and Examination Nutrition Surveys 1999–2004.

Methods: Analyses were limited to records of non‐Hispanic black, non‐Hispanic white or Mexican‐American adults (n = 10 648). SUDAAN was used to estimate the strength of the association of race/ethnicity, education, and income with the prevalence of periodontitis before and after adjusting for selected characteristics and risk factors.

Results: The prevalence of periodontitis was 3.6%, with Black people (7.2%) exhibiting significantly higher prevalence than Mexican Americans (4.4%) and White people (3.0%,P < 0.01). After adjusting for selected sociodemographic characteristics, black adults, those with less than a high school education and those with low income were 1.94 (95% CI 1.46–2.58), 2.06 (95% CI 1.47–2.89) and 1.89 (95% CI 1.18–3.04) times more likely to have periodontitis than White people, those with more than a high school diploma and those with high income, respectively.

Conclusions: This study indicates that inequalities in periodontitis associated with race/ethnicity, education and income continue to be pervasive in the US over the years.
Number of teeth – a predictor of mortality in 70‐year‐old subjects
Authors: Österberg Tor , Carlsson Gunnar E , Sundh Valter , Mellström Dan
Published: October 2007

Abstract –  Objectives:  To investigate whether the number of teeth at age 70 is an independent predictor of mortality.

Methods:  Within the gerontological population studies in Göteborg, Sweden, four birth cohorts born in 1901/1902, 1906/1907, 1911/1912 and 1922 were examined cross‐sectionally at 70 years of age. The total number of participants in the odontological cohorts was 1803. Mortality data were collected from the national Swedish health registers. Cox regression models were used to measure the association between mortality and the number of teeth with adjustment for covariates such as health factors, socio‐economic and lifestyle factors.

Results:  The prevalence of edentulism showed a marked change from 51% in the first cohort to 16% in the last cohort. The 7‐year mortality rate was 14% in women and 28% in men, and the highest in edentulous men in the last two cohorts (42% and 47% respectively). The 7‐year mortality including all four cohorts showed a hazard ratio of 0.96 (95% CI 0.94–0.98; P < 0.001) for the number of teeth with adjustment for cohort. The corresponding 18‐year mortality including the three first cohorts showed a hazard ratio of 0.98 for women and 0.97 for men. The number of teeth was an independent statistically significant predictor of 7‐year mortality in both genders and of 18‐year mortality in men.

Conclusions:  The result showed that each remaining tooth at age 70 decreased the 7‐year mortality risk by 4%. The difference between edentulous subjects and dentate subjects with ≥20 teeth regarding 7‐year mortality was significantly higher in the last compared to the first cohort. The number of teeth was a significant predictor of mortality independent of health factors, socio‐economic status and lifestyle.
Pigmented hamartoma of the eyelid with apocrine, follicular and sebaceous differentiation
Authors: Proia Alan D.
Published: October 2007

Aim:  Adnexal tumors with divergent lines of differentiation are uncommon. Herein, I report a hamartoma of the eyelid with follicular, sebaceous and apocrine differentiation that exhibited prominent melanin pigmentation.

Methods:  A 63‐year‐old white woman had a nodule present on her left upper eyelid for 15 years. The nodule had been slowly increasing in size but was unchanged in color. Examination disclosed an 8‐ × 5‐mm nodule of the left upper eyelid, with slight purple discoloration.

Results:  Biopsy showed a well‐circumscribed tumor composed of predominantly apocrine glands but with areas of sebaceous and follicular differentiation. Some areas had prominent light‐brown, granular pigment within tumor cells. The pigment had histochemical features of neuromelanin. Immunohistochemistry indicated that the hamartomatous elements had antigenic features of various adnexal structures independent of the histological phenotype. The hamartomatous cells did not react with antibodies to tyrosinase or melanoma antigen recognized by T‐cells 1 (MART‐1).

Conclusions:  This case is unique because of its location and prominent melanin pigmentation. Lack of tyrosinase activity in the tumor cells and the periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) positivity of the pigment indicating its similarity to neuromelanin raise the possibility that the melanin in the hamartoma is a non‐enzymatically derived oxidation product of a substance intrinsic to the tumor cells.
Dermal cysts: a dermatopathological perspective and histological reappraisal
Authors: Jenkins Joseph R. , Morgan Michael B.
Published: October 2007

Dermal cysts constitute an extremely common entity routinely encountered in dermatology and dermatopathology practice. Their ubiquity, overlapping clinical presentation, dermal location, and histologic diversity can engender diagnostic quandary. Though basically defined by the histologic presence of an epithelial lining, cysts derive from a variety of sources including developmental defects, trauma, and tumoral degeneration. Herein, we will discuss the dermatopathologic attributes of the more common dermal cyst entities, updating the most recent and pertinent literature.
CCR4 and CCR10 ligands play additive roles in mouse contact hypersensitivity
Authors: Mirshahpanah Parham , Li Yi‐Yang Yvonne , Burkhardt Nicole , Asadullah Khusru , Zollner Thomas M.
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis are T‐cell‐mediated inflammatory skin diseases; chemokine receptors (CCR) 4 and 10 play an important role in the ligand‐mediated recruitment of T cells into the skin in mice and humans, specifically with regards to tethering, firm adhesion and subsequent extravasation to the sight of injury. We utilized established murine models of dinitrofluorobenzene‐, trimellitic acid anhydride‐ or oxazalone‐induced contact hypersensitivity, to reflect the various Th‐polarizations of different skin diseases, and investigated the functional effect of antibody blocking of single CCR ligands or combination therapy to block all CCR4 and CCR10 ligands. Our results indicate a greater reduction in inflammatory response – measured by oedema formation, myeloid cell and neutrophil infiltration and activity and CD3+ cell infiltration at the site of injury – with combination antibody therapy to CCR4 and CCR10 ligands versus controls, in nearly every tested condition. We conclude that blocking CCR4 and CCR10 simultaneously, or their ligands, should be beneficial in the treatment of T‐cell‐mediated skin diseases.
Prevalence of periodontal pathogens in subgingival lesions, atherosclerotic plaques and healthy blood vessels: a preliminary study
Authors: Elkaïm R. , Dahan M. , Kocgozlu L. , Werner S. , Kanter D. , Kretz J. G. , Tenenbaum H.
Published: October 2007

Background and Objective:  Previous studies have reported different periodontal bacteria in atherosclerotic lesions, but their involvement in plaque formation remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of 20 periodontal bacteria in atherosclerotic samples and healthy blood vessels (used as controls) and to clarify their relationship in regard to clinical and bacteriological periodontal status.

Material and Methods:  The day before vascular surgery the patients had a thorough periodontal examination and bacteriological samples were taken from periodontally diseased sites. Atheromatous plaques, internal mammary arteries and saphenous veins were harvested during surgery. A DNA–DNA hybridization procedure was used to screen periodontal and vascular samples for the 20 selected bacterial species.

Results:  Periodontal samples from the severe periodontitis group were found to have a higher prevalence and biomass of bacterial species than the moderate periodontitis group. In vessel samples, the prevalence of the same 20 bacterial species analyzed together was similar in the two groups, except for saphenous veins.

Conclusion:  The presence of periodontal pathogens in atherosclerotic plaques and in apparently healthy vessels appeared to reflect a higher level of bacteremia rather than infection of endothelial cells.
Protective effect of melatonin against hippocampal injury of rats with intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Hung Ming‐Wai , Tipoe George L. , Poon Angela Ming‐See , Reiter Russel J. , Fung Man‐Lung
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients suffer from intermittent hypoxia (IH) and neuropsychologic impairments. Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of OSA, so the application of an antioxidant may be useful. We evaluated the hypothesis that melatonin would reduce IH‐induced hippocampal injury via an increased expression of antioxidant enzymes. Adult Sprague–Dawley rats that had received a daily injection of melatonin or vehicle were exposed to IH for 8 hr/day for 7 or 14 days. The serum and hippocampus were harvested for the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA). Apoptotic cell death was studied histologically in hippocampal sections. The mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase‐2 and antioxidant enzymes including glutathione peroxidase, catalase and copper/zinc superoxide dismutase were examined in the hippocampus by RT‐PCR. The results show significant increases in levels of serum and hippocampal MDA, apoptotic cell death and mRNA levels of inflammatory mediators in hypoxic rats when compared with the normoxic controls. Also, mRNA levels of the antioxidant enzymes were decreased in hypoxic animals. In the melatonin‐treated hypoxic rats, serum MDA levels were comparable with those in normoxic control rats. Also, melatonin treatment significantly reduced hippocampal MDA levels and totally prevented apoptosis. Moreover, there were a decreased expression of the inflammatory mediators and an elevated expression of antioxidant enzymes in the melatonin injected rats when compared with vehicle‐treated animals. These results indicate that melatonin mitigates oxidative stress and the pathogenesis of IH‐induced hippocampal injury via its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties which includes stimulation of transcriptional regulation of antioxidant enzymes.
Melatonin reverses lipopolysaccharide‐induced gastro‐intestinal motility disturbances through the inhibition of oxidative stress
Authors: De Filippis Daniele , Iuvone Teresa , Esposito Giuseppe , Steardo Luca , Herman Arnold G. , Pelckmans Paul A. , De Man Joris G. , De Winter Benedicte Y.
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  A growing number of reports demonstrate that a pro‐inflammatory and oxidative condition is related to the pathogenesis and the progression of endotoxin‐induced septic shock and that antioxidants may have therapeutic potential in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced sepsis. Melatonin has been shown to possess potent antioxidant properties in several models of inflammation in mice and rats. In the present study we focused on the possible protective mechanism of melatonin in preventing gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances induced by LPS in mice. In fact, mice treated with LPS showed a reduced gastric emptying of solid beads. Also the geometric center, representing the relative distribution of the solid beads throughout the entire GI tract, was significantly reduced in LPS‐treated mice confirming that sepsis leads to a disturbed GI motility in mice. Melatonin completely reversed the LPS‐induced motility disturbance. This beneficial effect of melatonin is associated with a reduction in lipid peroxidation, MAPK activation, NF‐kappaB activation, iNOS transcription and expression and nitrite production in intestinal tissue from septic mice. These results demonstrate that melatonin prevents the LPS‐induced GI disturbances in mice switching off the pro‐oxidant pathways induced by the endotoxin. Therefore, it is reasonable to propose melatonin as a molecule with therapeutic potential for the treatment of systemic inflammation by interfering at the earliest steps of activation of the oxidative and pro‐inflammatory cascade.
Melatonin–insulin interactions in patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Robeva R. , Kirilov G. , Tomova A. , Kumanov Ph.
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Metabolic syndrome (MS) as a group of risk factors is strongly associated with diabetes type 2 and cardiovascular disease. Insulin resistance plays a key role in the pathogenesis of MS. Recent studies have shown that melatonin may influence insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis. Therefore, the present study analyzed the relationships between the melatonin and the insulin in patients with MS and controls. The melatonin rhythm, insulin and lipid levels were studied in 40 subjects (21 patients and 19 controls) in reproductive age. The night melatonin–insulin ratio was correlated negatively with low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = −0.370, p = 0.024) and total cholesterol (r = −0.348, p = 0.030), and positively with high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (r = +0.414, p = 0.010). Night‐time melatonin levels were related to night‐time insulin concentrations (r = +0.313, p = 0.049). The correlation was pronounced in patients with MS (r = +0.640, p = 0.002), but did not reach statistical significance in controls (P > 0.05). In the patients with MS unlike the controls the night–day melatonin difference (%) correlated negatively with the fasting glucose (r = −0.494, p = 0.023) and positively to daily insulin (r = +0.536, p = 0.012). Our results show that melatonin–insulin interactions may exist in patients with MS, as well as relationships between melatonin–insulin ratio and the lipid profile. Pineal disturbances could influence the pathogenesis and the phenotype variations of the MS. Larger studies are needed to confirm or reject this hypothesis and to clarify the role of the melatonin in the metabolic disturbances.
Light/dark patterns of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 in relation to melatonin in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Dominguez‐Rodriguez Alberto , Abreu‐Gonzalez Pedro , Garcia‐Gonzalez Martín J. , Samimi‐Fard Sima , Kaski Juan Carlos , Reiter Russel J.
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Elevated levels of soluble cellular adhesion molecules have been reported in patients with acute coronary syndromes. Likewise, a relation between decreased nocturnal melatonin levels and coronary artery disease has been suggested. The aim of the present study was to investigate the day–night variations in the concentration of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (sVCAM‐1) in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in relation to the light/dark melatonin pattern. Ninety consecutive patients with STEMI who were admitted to the Coronary Care Unit of our institution were studied. We also recruited 70 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy normal subjects. Blood samples were drawn at 09:00 and 02:00 hr, while patients were at rest, for the assessment of sVCAM‐1 and melatonin, which were measured using commercially available ELISA. In STEMI patients, melatonin concentrations maintained a diurnal variation, but the difference between nocturnal and diurnal levels was less than that in healthy subjects (P < 0.0001). In contrast to findings with melatonin, sVCAM‐1 levels showed no diurnal variations in control subjects. In the STEMI group, however, sVCAM‐1 concentration at 02:00 hr was significantly higher than that during the light phase (09:00 hr; 1391 ± 38 versus 1200 ± 43 ng/mL, P < 0.05). The results suggest that diurnal variations in endogenous sVCAM‐1 production in STEMI patients might be related to an attenuated circadian secretion of melatonin.