bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aldo‐keto reductase 1C subfamily genes in skin are UV‐inducible: possible role in keratinocytes survival
Authors: Marín Yarí E. , Seiberg Miri , Lin Connie B.
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Human skin is endowed with the capacity to synthesize and metabolize steroid hormones, a function of importance in skin physiology and pathology. It is the hormone‐regulatory enzymes, including the aldo‐keto reductase 1C subfamily (AKR1Cs) that are largely responsible for the local levels of active steroid hormones. AKR1C1 and AKR1C2 inactivate progesterone and 5α‐dihydrotestosterone, respectively, whereas AKR1C3 activates oestradiol and testosterone. Here, we show that AKR1C1‐3 are expressed in keratinocytes and fibroblasts, with marginal expression in melanocytes. In human primary keratinocytes, AKR1C1 and ‐2 were UVB‐inducible in a dose‐dependent manner, as shown by quantitative PCR and Western blot analyses. The induction of AKR1C1 by UVB was concomitant with the presence of an apoptotic marker, the cleavage product of poly‐ADP ribose polymerase. Similarly, the activation of AKR1C1 and ‐2 upon UVB exposure was demonstrated in swine skin in vivo and in human skin explants. As expected, hydrogen peroxide‐derived reactive oxygen species also induced AKR1C1 and ‐2 mRNA and protein levels in keratinocytes in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, down‐regulation of AKR1Cs by small interfering ribonucleic acid led to significantly reduced cell viability. Based on the combined evidence of the presence of an apoptotic marker in the UVB‐exposed keratinocytes with increased AKR1Cs expression and reduced cell viability in down‐regulated AKR1Cs, we suggest that AKR1C subfamily genes are stress‐inducible and might function as survival factors in keratinocytes.
Pigmentation‐related genes and their implication in malignant melanoma susceptibility
Authors: Fernandez Lara P. , Milne Roger L. , Pita Guillermo , Floristan Uxua , Sendagorta Elena , Feito Marta , Avilés Jose A. , Martin‐Gonzalez Manuel , Lázaro Pablo , Benítez Javier , Ribas Gloria
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Human pigmentation appears to be one of the main modulators of individual risk of developing malignant melanoma (MM). A large number of genes are known to be involved in rare pigmentary disorders and explain most of the variation in pigmentation phenotypes seen in human populations. This Spanish case–control study included 205 patients with melanoma and 245 control subjects. Thirty‐one single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes that had been mainly associated with congenital pigmentation syndromes (ADTB3A, ATRN, CHS1, EDNRB, HPS, KIT, MGRN1, MITF, MLANA, MYO5A, MYO7A, OA1, OCA2, PAX3 and SOX10) were selected. We found that the variant allele of OCA2 R419Q (rs1800407) was associated with increased risk of MM (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.04–2.31, P = 0.03). This effect on melanoma risk appeared to be stronger among individuals with solar lentigines, or at least 50 nevi. We also describe, for the first time, an association with the variant S1666C (rs2276288) in the MYO7A gene (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.04–1.76; P = 0.03). Again, this association appeared to be stronger in several phenotypic groups such as individuals with fair skin and those with childhood sunburns. We also found that several variants in the pigmentation genes considered were associated with intermediate phenotypic characteristics. Our findings highlight the potential importance of pigmentation genes in sporadic MM susceptibility.
Using underwater cameras to describe the reproductive behaviour of the endangered eastern freshwater cod Maccullochella ikei
Authors: Butler G. L. , Rowland S. J.
Published: March 2009

Abstract –  Underwater cameras were used to observe the breeding behaviour of the endangered eastern freshwater cod, Maccullochella ikei, over 3 years and across three areas in the Mann and Nymboida rivers, Australia. The annual breeding season for M. ikei was short and succinct, lasting only 8–10 weeks. Spawning commenced each year in the lowest altitude area during the first week of spring, and approximately 1 week later in the closest upstream area. Day‐length is the primary spawning cue for M. ikei, but increasing water temperature may also be of importance. Nesting sites were located in slow‐flowing pools, under cover such as large boulders and bedrock shelves, at depths of 0.9–4.0 m, and with one or two entrances only. The nesting site was vigorously cleaned by the male up to 1 week prior to spawning and was only entered by the female for spawning. Paternal care of eggs and larvae was undertaken for up to 24 days, after which larvae dispersed. Greater protection of breeding M. ikei must be a management priority to ensure long‐term conservation of the species.
Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (Btk): function, regulation, and transformation with special emphasis on the PH domain
Authors: Mohamed Abdalla J. , Yu Liang , Bäckesjö Carl‐Magnus , Vargas Leonardo , Faryal Rani , Aints Alar , Christensson Birger , Berglöf Anna , Vihinen Mauno , Nore Beston F. , Edvard Smith C. I.
Published: March 2009

Summary:  Bruton’s agammaglobulinemia tyrosine kinase (Btk) is a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase important in B‐lymphocyte development, differentiation, and signaling. Btk is a member of the Tec family of kinases. Mutations in the Btk gene lead to X‐linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) in humans and X‐linked immunodeficiency (Xid) in mice. Activation of Btk triggers a cascade of signaling events that culminates in the generation of calcium mobilization and fluxes, cytoskeletal rearrangements, and transcriptional regulation involving nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT). In B cells, NF‐κB was shown to bind to the Btk promoter and induce transcription, whereas the B‐cell receptor‐dependent NF‐κB signaling pathway requires functional Btk. Moreover, Btk activation is tightly regulated by a plethora of other signaling proteins including protein kinase C (PKC), Sab/SH3BP5, and caveolin‐1. For example, the prolyl isomerase Pin1 negatively regulates Btk by decreasing tyrosine phosphorylation and steady state levels of Btk. It is intriguing that PKC and Pin1, both of which are negative regulators, bind to the pleckstrin homology domain of Btk. To this end, we describe here novel mutations in the pleckstrin homology domain investigated for their transforming capacity. In particular, we show that the mutant D43R behaves similar to E41K, already known to possess such activity.
The Tec kinases Itk and Rlk regulate conventional versus innate T‐cell development
Authors: Prince Amanda L. , Yin Catherine C. , Enos Megan E. , Felices Martin , Berg Leslie J.
Published: March 2009

Summary:  Tec family kinases are important components of antigen receptor signaling pathways in B cells, T cells, and mast cells. In T cells, three members of this family, inducible T‐cell kinase (Itk), resting lymphocyte kinase (Rlk), and Tec, are expressed. In the absence of Itk and Rlk, T‐cell receptor signaling is impaired, with defects in mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation, Ca2+ mobilization, and actin polymerization. During T‐cell development in the thymus, no role has been found for these kinases in the CD4+ versus CD8+ T‐cell lineage decision; however, several studies indicate that Itk and Rlk contribute to the signaling leading to positive and negative selection. In addition, we and others have recently described an important role for Itk and Rlk in the development of conventional as opposed to innate CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Natural killer T and γδ T‐cell populations are also altered in Itk‐ and Rlk/Itk‐deficient mice. These findings strongly suggest that the strength of T‐cell receptor signaling during development determines whether T cells mature into conventional versus innate lymphocyte lineages. This lineage decision is also influenced by signaling via signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) family receptors. Here we discuss these two signaling pathways that each contribute to conventional versus innate T‐cell lineage commitment.
Tyrosine kinases and their substrates in B lymphocytes
Authors: Kurosaki Tomohiro , Hikida Masaki
Published: March 2009

Summary:  Gene‐targeting experiments have highlighted the importance of the intracellular protein tyrosine kinases, Lyn, Syk, and Btk, in B‐cell receptor‐mediated phospholipase Cγ2 and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase activation. In linking such tyrosine kinases with effector enzymes, an important role has emerged for adapter molecules. Adapter proteins nucleate formation of distinct signaling complexes in a specific location within the cell and facilitate the interaction between these signaling components in this particular subcellular compartment, which, in turn, contribute to the qualitative and quantitative control of B‐cell signaling.
Fine tuning the immune response with PI3K
Authors: Fruman David A. , Bismuth Georges
Published: March 2009

Summary:  The phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) family of lipid kinases regulates diverse aspects of lymphocyte behavior. This review discusses how genetic and pharmacological tools have yielded an increasingly detailed understanding of how PI3K enzymes function at different stages of lymphocyte development and activation. Following antigen receptor engagement, activated PI3K generates 3‐phosphorylated inositol lipid products that serve as membrane targeting signals for numerous proteins involved in the assembly of multiprotein complexes, termed signalosomes, and immune synapse formation. In B cells, class IA PI3K is the dominant subgroup whose loss causes profound defects in development and antigen responsiveness. In T cells, both class IA and IB PI3K contribute to development and immune function. PI3K also regulates both chemokine responsiveness and antigen‐driven changes in lymphocyte trafficking. PI3K modulates the function not only of effector T cells, but also regulatory T cells; these disparate functions culminate in unexpected autoimmune phenotypes in mice with PI3K‐deficient T cells. Thus, PI3K signaling is not a simple switch to promote cellular activation, but rather an intricate web of interactions that must be properly balanced to ensure appropriate cellular responses and maintain immune homeostasis. Defining these complexities remains a challenge for pharmaceutical development of PI3K inhibitors to combat inflammation and autoimmunity.
Abl tyrosine kinases in T‐cell signaling
Authors: Gu Jing Jin , Ryu Jae Ryun , Pendergast Ann Marie
Published: March 2009

Summary:  Stimulation of the T‐cell antigen receptor (TCR) leads to the activation of signaling pathways that are essential for T‐cell development and the response of mature T cells to antigens. The TCR has no intrinsic catalytic activity, but TCR engagement results in tyrosine phosphorylation of downstream targets by non‐receptor tyrosine kinases. Three families of tyrosine kinases have long been recognized to play critical roles in TCR‐dependent signaling. They are the Src, ζ‐associated protein of 70 kDa, and Tec families of kinases. More recently, the Abelson (Abl) tyrosine kinases have been shown to be activated by TCR engagement and to be required for maximal TCR signaling. Using T‐cell conditional knockout mice deficient for Abl family kinases, Abl (Abl1) and Abl‐related gene (Arg) (Abl2), it was recently shown that loss of Abl kinases results in defective T‐cell development and a partial block in the transition to the CD4+CD8+ stage. Abl/Arg double null T cells exhibit impaired TCR‐induced signaling, proliferation, and cytokine production. Moreover, conditional knockout mice lacking Abl and Arg in T cells exhibit impaired CD8+ T‐cell expansion in vivo upon Listeria monocytogenes infection. Thus, Abl kinase signaling is required for both T‐cell development and mature T‐cell function.
CD45, CD148, and Lyp/Pep: critical phosphatases regulating Src family kinase signaling networks in immune cells
Authors: Hermiston Michelle L. , Zikherman Julie , Zhu Jing W.
Published: March 2009

Summary:  Reciprocal regulation of tyrosine phosphorylation by protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) and protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) is central to normal immune cell function. Disruption of the equilibrium between PTK and PTP activity can result in immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, or malignancy. Src family kinases (SFKs) play a central role in both immune cell function and disease due to their proximal position in numerous signal transduction cascades including those emanating from integrin, T and B‐cell antigen receptors, Fc, growth factor, and cytokine receptors. Given that tight regulation of SFKs activity is critical for appropriate responses to stimulation of these various signaling pathways, it is perhaps not surprising that multiple PTPs are involved in their regulation. Here, we focus on the role of three phosphatases, CD45, CD148, and LYP/PEP, which are critical regulators of SFKs in hematopoietic cells. We review our current understanding of their structures, expression, functions in different hematopoietic cell subsets, regulation, and putative roles in disease. Finally, we discuss remaining questions that must be addressed if we are to have a clearer understanding of the coordinated regulation of tyrosine phosphorylation and signaling networks in hematopoietic cells and how they could potentially be manipulated therapeutically in disease.
Tec kinases regulate T‐lymphocyte development and function: new insights into the roles of Itk and Rlk/Txk
Authors: Readinger Julie A. , Mueller Kristen L. , Venegas Ana M. , Horai Reiko , Schwartzberg Pamela L.
Published: March 2009

Summary:  The Tec (tyrosine kinase expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma) family of non‐receptor tyrosine kinases consists of five members: Tec, Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (Btk), inducible T‐cell kinase (Itk), resting lymphocyte kinase (Rlk/Txk), and bone marrow‐expressed kinase (Bmx/Etk). Although their functions are probably best understood in antigen receptor signaling, where they participate in the phosphorylation and regulation of phospholipase C‐γ (PLC‐γ), it is now appreciated that these kinases contribute to signaling from many receptors and that they participate in multiple downstream pathways, including regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. In T cells, three Tec kinases are expressed, Itk, Rlk/Txk, and Tec. Itk is expressed at highest amounts and plays the major role in regulating signaling from the T‐cell receptor. Recent studies provide evidence that these kinases contribute to multiple aspects of T‐cell biology and have unique roles in T‐cell development that have revealed new insight into the regulation of conventional and innate T‐cell development. We review new findings on the Tec kinases with a focus on their roles in T‐cell development and mature T‐cell differentiation.
Profiling of melatonin in the model tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivar Micro‐Tom
Authors: Okazaki Masateru , Ezura Hiroshi
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Melatonin exists in a considerable variety of plant species. However, the physiological roles of melatonin in plants are not well understood. In this study, the distribution and accumulation of melatonin during leaf and fruit development were analyzed in Micro‐Tom, a model cultivar of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Melatonin was extracted using an acetone–methanol method and measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Melatonin was detected in leaves, stems, roots, flowers, fruits, seedlings and seeds in the range of 1.5–66.6 ng/g fresh weight, with seeds containing the highest concentration of melatonin. In fruits and leaves, melatonin concentrations varied depending on the developmental stage, suggesting that melatonin controls some of the processes involved in plant maturation.
Parent and caretaker knowledge about avulsion of permanent teeth
Authors: Santos Marconi Eduardo Sousa Maciel , Habecost Ana Paula Zambarda , Gomes Fernando Vacilotto , Weber João Batista Blessmann , De Oliveira Marília Gerhardt
Published: March 2009

Abstract –  Traumatic dentoalveolar injuries are frequent in children and adolescents, affecting teeth, their supporting structures and adjacent soft tissues and contributing to the appearance of major psychosocial and economic problems. Tooth avulsion, the most severe dentoalveolar lesion, is a dental emergency. The prognosis of avulsed teeth significantly depends on prompt and efficient action at the site of the accident, thus requiring that parents or caretakers be knowledgeable about the correct management of this situation. The objective of the present study was to assess the level of knowledge of parents or caretakers concerning the management of tooth avulsion and to investigate the association between level of knowledge and schooling, monthly family income and age. We interviewed 107 parents or caretakers using a 12‐item questionnaire comprising objective questions whose answers received a score from 0 to 3. The results show that 99% of those interviewed would immediately seek professional help; however, 71% did not know what avulsion was. Only 3% would use milk as storage medium and 16% would attempt replantation of the avulsed tooth. The distribution of final means for the overall level of parent or caretaker knowledge was 44.63% for score 3, 15.88% for score 2, 17.99% for score 1 and 21.47% for score 0, showing a low level of knowledge concerning tooth avulsion. Schooling, monthly family income and age were not associated with the knowledge scores for any of the 12 questions. The level of parent and caretaker knowledge concerning the management of tooth avulsion is low, without association with age, schooling and monthly family income.
Analysis in vitro of direct bonding system with cyanoacrylate ester and orthodontic wires
Authors: Manfrin Thais Mara , Poi Wilson Roberto , De Mendonça Marcos Rogério , Cardoso Leandro Carvalho , Massa Sundefeld Maria Lúcia Marçal , Sonoda Celso Koogi , Panzarini Sônia Regina
Published: March 2009

Abstract –  The aim of this study was to evaluate the tensile strength of orthodontic wires bonded onto the enamel with cyanoacrylate ester. To obtain the specimens, 120 human premolars (extracted for orthodontic or periodontal reasons) were included in acrylic blocks of rapid polymerization with three teeth each. Four groups were formed with ten specimens each. In the specimens, a dental splint model was made with cyanoacrylate ester and round stainless steel wire. In groups I, II and III, cyanoacrylate ester was used with round steel wires, with variation in diameter: 0.014 inches; 0.016 inches and 0.018 inches, respectively. In group IV, round steel wire 0.018 inches was used with photo polymerizing resin composite with previous acid etching. The adhesive force of the materials was measured in two points under the action of the tensiometer (ETM‐USA). The number of loose wires was counted along with those that remained fixed according to the different levels of force applied because of the direction of the tensile force (vertical or horizontal) and the diameter of the wire used. The data obtained were first submitted to a descriptive analysis and then submitted to a statistical analysis (Friedman’s Test and Dunn’s Test of Multiple Comparison – Epi‐info 3.2). Within the limitations of the experimental conditions presented, the cyanoacrylate ester or ‘Super Bonder®’ maintained bonded to enamel and steel wires (0.016 and 0.018 inches) during the tensile strength tests under different levels of applied forces.
Mesiodens as a risk factor in treatment of trauma cases
Authors: Alaçam Alev , Bani Mehmet
Published: March 2009

Abstract –  The presence of mesiodens often results in complications including retention of primary teeth and delayed eruption of permanent teeth, closure of eruption path, rotations, retention, root resorption, pulp necrosis, and diastema as well as nasal eruption and formation of dentigerous and primordial cysts. Less common complications involving the permanent incisors include dilaceration of the developing roots and loss of tooth vitality. Therefore, early diagnosis of mesiodens has particular importance in terms of preventing such complications. However, with respect to surgical removal of mesiodens, ideal timing of intervention – immediate or delayed intervention – remains to be a highly controversial issue. While predisposing factors of dental trauma such as open bite, increasing overjet with protrusion of upper incisors, and insufficient lip closure have been well documented in the literature, there is limited evidence indicating mesiodens as a risk factor in trauma. In this report of two cases, it is aimed to emphasize mesiodens as a risk factor in the treatment of dental trauma besides its effect on prognosis.
An evidence‐based assessment of the clinical guidelines for replanted avulsed teeth. Part II: prescription of systemic antibiotics
Authors: Hinckfuss Susan Elisabeth , Messer Louise Brearley
Published: March 2009

Abstract –  Background:  Current clinical guidelines recommend prescribing systemic antibiotic therapy (SAT) for patients having an avulsed permanent tooth replanted. The principles of evidence‐based dentistry can be used to assess whether this is the best approach based on currently‐available evidence. The objective of this study was to use the principles of evidence‐based dentistry to answer the PICO question: (P) for a replanted avulsed permanent tooth, (I) is prescribing SAT, (C) compared with not prescribing SAT, (O) associated with an increased likelihood of successful periodontal healing after tooth replantation?

Materials and methods:  A literature search was performed across four internet databases (Ovid Medline, Cochrane Library, PubMed, ISI Web of Science), for relevant citations (n = 35 702). Limiting citations to those in English and removing duplicates produced a set of titles (n = 14 742) that were sieved according to evidence‐based dentistry principles. Relevant titles were selected for abstract assessment (n = 782), identifying papers for examination (n = 74). Inclusion criteria were applied and three papers (326 total teeth) met the final criteria for meta‐analysis.

Results:  Meta‐analyses found no statistically significant difference between prescribing or not prescribing antibiotics for acceptable periodontal healing without progressive root resorption (common odds ratio = 0.90, SE = 0.29, 95% confidence intervals = 0.51–1.58).

Conclusion:  The evidence for an association between prescribing SAT and an increased likelihood of acceptable periodontal healing outcome is inconclusive. This investigation of antibiotic use as defined in the clinical guidelines indicates there is inconclusive clinical evidence from studies of replanted avulsed human teeth to either contradict or support the guideline. Pending future research to the contrary, dentists are recommended to follow current guidelines in prescribing SAT when replanting avulsed teeth.
Dental trauma: an evidence‐based approach to care
Authors: De França Caldas Jr Arnaldo , Soriano Evelyne Pessoa , Rosenblatt Aronita , De Melo Eduardo Henriques , De Miranda Coelho Luiz Gutenberg Toledo
Published: March 2009

Abstract –  Background:  One of the key aspects of improving the dental care we offer to our patients is in basing our practice on the best available evidence.

Aim:  The main purpose of this paper is to present some basic ways of searching reliable papers on Internet and to introduce some techniques to facilitate the development of strategic search skill to improve the quality of dental care, using dental trauma as an example.

Materials and methods:  After formulation of a clinical question on a dental trauma issue, a comparison was made between: data collected in PubMed using a given term; data collected in PubMed using the Medical Subject Headings vocabulary (Mesh) and data collected using the principles of evidence‐based research, all by an independent researcher. A number of papers searched about a clinical question on dental trauma and a brief commentary about each Internet research database is presented. The authors reported that the best sites available to perform the sample search were those produced by academic centers, professional organizations and government‐sponsored. To get evidence‐based clinical papers we did internet search on PubMed, Cochrane, Center of Evidence‐Based Dentistry and Knowledge Finder using the clinical question “Emergency Treatment for Avulsed Tooth”.

Results:  All searched databases were efficient for scientific journals, but when we used the PI strategy, the search seemed to be more relevant and specific. The Cochrane, Center of Evidence‐Based Dentistry and Knowledge Finder presented more reliable papers to answer our clinical question about dental trauma treatment.

Conclusion:  It is imperative that dentists understand the advantages of searching the Internet and learning to use it effectively to guide practice and assist their patients in their pursuit for better oral health.
Traumatic dental injuries of permanent incisors in 11‐ to 13‐year‐old South African schoolchildren
Authors: Naidoo Sudeshni , Sheiham Aubrey , Tsakos Georgios
Published: March 2009

Abstract –  Traumatic dental injuries (TDI) are common in children. There are few data on prevalence of TDI in South African populations. We assessed the prevalence and causes of TDI to anterior teeth in 11‐ to 13‐year‐old South African schoolchildren through a cross‐sectional study, using a random cluster sampling method. Oral examinations were performed by calibrated examiners following training for TDI to anterior permanent incisor teeth (eight teeth) using a modified version of Ellis’s classification. Of the study population of 2610 children aged 11–13 years old from 26 primary schools, 1665 children participated. The response rate was 64%. More than two‐thirds (64.4%) were 12 years old. One hundred and six children had a TDI (6.4%). After adjusting for the effect of age and socio‐economic status, boys had an almost 2.5 (95% CI: 1.59, 3.69) times higher probability of having a traumatic dental injury than girls. The highest prevalence was in 12 year olds and in the high socio‐economic status group. Most of the children had trauma to one tooth. Enamel fracture was the main type of TDI (69.1%). The majority of the TDIs were untreated (85.4%). Homes and schools were the most common places where TDIs occurred, while only 5.7% occurred on a street, road or pavement. Falls were the main cause of TDIs. Sport was the second most common cause and the third most common cause was collision with objects. The present study indicates that the prevalence of TDIs in schoolchildren is not as high as has been reported in other countries. The prevalence of TDIs in this population was relatively low.
Comparison of the effects of pilocarpine and cevimeline on salivary flow
Authors: Braga MA , Tarzia O , Bergamaschi CC , Santos FA , Andrade ED , Groppo FC
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Objective:  The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of low‐dose pilocarpine and cevimeline as stimulants for salivary flow in healthy subjects.

Methods:  In this cross‐over clinical trial with a 1‐week washout period, 40 male volunteers were submitted to an oral dose of pilocarpine 1% (Salagen™) −60 μg kg−1 body‐weight (Group 1) or Cevimeline (Evoxac™) −30 mg (Group 2). Saliva samples were collected and the salivary flow rate was measured (ml min−1) at baseline and 20, 40, 60, 80, 140 and 200 min after administration of drugs. In addition, salivary secretion was also measured under mechanical stimulation to observe salivary gland function.

Results:  The data were analyzed by Friedman and Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests (significance level = 5%). Pilocarpine and cevimeline significantly increased salivary flow 140 min after intake. There was a significant higher secretion with cevimeline 140 and 200 min after administration. There were no differences seen among subjects in the salivary glands function by mechanical stimulation.

Conclusion:  Both drugs showed efficacy in increasing the salivary flow in healthy volunteers, but cevimeline was more effective than pilocarpine.
Public awareness and social acceptability of dental therapists
Authors: Dyer TA , Robinson PG
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Objectives:  To investigate public awareness and the social acceptability of the use of dental therapists in dental care.

Method:  A telephone survey of a representative quota sample of 500 adults (>18 years of age) in South Yorkshire, England.

Results:  Fifteen per cent of participants were aware of dental therapists as a professional group, of whom only three people correctly identified their ‘permitted duties’. Those without problems of access to care were more likely to report awareness (P < 0.05). Fifty‐seven per cent were willing to receive simple restorative treatment from a therapist, with acceptability predicted by being younger [OR 1.016 (95% CI: 1.015–1.017)] and having a perceived need for treatment [OR 1.301 (1.053–1.607)]. Fewer were willing to allow a therapist to restore a child’s tooth (47%, P < 0.001, test for paired proportions) with acceptability predicted by being younger [OR 1.016 (1.015–1.017)] and being an irregular attender at the dentist [OR 1.309 (1.138–1.697)]. Forty per cent of participants expected to pay less for treatment provided by therapists with the acceptability of equal costs predicted by having access to care [OR 1.346 (1.017–1.781)].

Conclusion:  These findings have implications for the use of dental therapists. They question patients’ and the public’s ability to provide informed consent for the treatment provided by them and identify a need for education of the public on the training and competence of therapists and the rationale for employing skill‐mix in dentistry.
Factors affecting oral health‐related quality of life among pregnant women
Authors: Acharya S , Bhat PV , Acharya S
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Objectives:  To assess oral health status and to describe the possible factors that could affect the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) among a group of pregnant rural women in South India.

Materials and methods:  A total of 259 pregnant women (mean age 26 ± 5.5 years) who participated in the cross‐sectional study were administered the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14) questionnaire and were clinically examined for caries and periodontal status.

Results:  The highest oral impact on quality of life was reported for ‘painful mouth’ (mean: 1.7) and ‘difficulty in eating’ (mean: 1.1). On comparing the mean OHIP‐14 scores against the various self‐reported oral problems, it was seen that the mean OHIP‐14 scores were significantly higher among those who reported various oral problems than those who did not. Those with previous history of pregnancies had more severe levels of gingivitis than those who were pregnant for the first time. Also gingival index scores, community periodontal index of treatment needs scores and previous pregnancies was associated with poorer OHRQoL scores.

Conclusion:  Increased health promotion interventions and simple educational preventive programmes on oral self‐care and disease prevention during pregnancy can go a long way in improving oral health and lessening its impact on the quality of life in this important population.
Diseases caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV)
Authors: Handisurya Alessandra , Schellenbacher Christina , Kirnbauer Reinhard
Published: March 2009

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are non‐enveloped tumor viruses with a double stranded DNA approximately 8 kilobases in length. The viral genome is enclosed by a spherical capsid with icosahedral symmetry and a diameter of about 55 nm. More than 100 HPV types have been identified. They infect the squamous epithelia of skin and mucosa and usually cause benign papillomas or warts. Persistent infection with high‐risk oncogenic HPV causes all cervical cancers, most anal cancers, and a subset of vulvar, vaginal, penile and oropha‐ryngeal cancers. In recent years cutaneous beta‐HPV types have been associated with the pathogenesis of non‐melanoma skin cancers. Two prophylactic HPV vaccines based on virus‐like particles (VLP) are licensed. These are up to 100% effective in preventing HPV 16 and HPV 18 infections and associated genital lesions in women, who have not been previously infected with these types. One vaccine also prevents genital warts caused by HPV 6 and HPV 11.
Long hospitalization is the most important risk factor for early weaning from breast milk in premature babies
Authors: Kirchner Lieselotte , Jeitler Valerie , Waldhör Thomas , Pollak Arnold , Wald Martin
Published: March 2009

Aim: To identify certain variables related to the infants' course that might have an impact on the mothers' decision to breastfeed.

Patients and Method: Retrospective survey including all patients <1500 g birth weight (BW) treated between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2005 at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Medical University of Vienna who were not transferred to another hospital. Multiple regression analysis of the following variables was carried out: gestational age (GA), BW, length of stay (LOS), parity, singleton or multiple gestation, sex and severe morbidity.

Results: Of the 239 patients included, 142 (60%) were fed breast milk at the time of final discharge, 97 (40%) were fed formula. LOS was significantly correlated with the probability of being breastfed: the shorter it was, the higher was the probability of being breastfed at the time of final discharge (p = 0.0064 for singletons, p = 0.001 for multiples). Lower GA also increased the probability of being breastfed, but this was only statistically significant for multiples (p = 0.001).

Conclusion: This study shows clearly that the most important influencing factor on the mothers' decision to continue breastfeeding is the LOS. Thus more emphasis should be put on encouraging mothers to continue lactation throughout their babies' hospital stay.
The Screening Effect of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
Authors: Choi Stephen J. , Nelson Karen K. , Pritchard A. C.
Published: March 2009

Prior research shows that the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act (PSLRA) increased the significance of merit‐related factors in determining the incidence and outcomes of securities fraud class actions (Johnson et al. 2007). We examine two possible explanations for this finding: the PSLRA may have reduced the incidence of nonmeritorious litigation, or it may have changed the definition of merit, effectively precluding claims that would have survived and produced a settlement pre‐PSLRA. We find no evidence that pre‐PSLRA claims that settled for nuisance value would be less likely to be filed under the PSLRA regime. There is evidence, however, that pre‐PSLRA nonnuisance claims would be less likely to be filed under the PSLRA regime. The latter result, which we refer to as the screening effect, is particularly pronounced for claims lacking hard evidence of securities fraud or abnormal insider trading. We find only limited evidence of a similar screening effect for case outcomes.
Intuitive Lawmaking: The Example of Child Support
Authors: Ellman Ira Mark , Braver Sanford , MacCoun Robert J.
Published: March 2009

Setting the amount of a child support award involves tradeoffs in the allocation of finite resources among at least three private parties: the two parents, and their child or children. Federal law today requires states to have child support guidelines or formulas that determine child support amounts on a uniform statewide basis. These state guidelines differ in how they make these unavoidable tradeoffs. In choosing the correct balance of these competing claims, policymakers would do well to understand the public's intuitions about the appropriate tradeoffs. We report an empirical study of lay intuitions about these tradeoffs, which we compare to the principles underlying typical state guidelines. As in other contexts in which people are asked to place a dollar value on a legal claim, we find that citizen assessments of child support for particular cases conform to the pattern that Ariely and his co‐authors have called “coherent arbitrariness”: the respondent's choice of dollar magnitude may be arbitrary, but relative values respond coherently to case variations, within and across citizens. These patterns also suggest that our respondents have a consistent and systematic preference with respect to the structure of child support formulas that differs in important ways from either of the two systems adopted by nearly all states.
What is the Settlement Rate and Why Should We Care?
Authors: Eisenberg Theodore , Lanvers Charlotte
Published: March 2009

After establishing the importance of knowledge of settlement rates, this article first shows that different research questions can yield different settlement rates. Using data gathered from about 3,300 federal cases in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (EDPA) and the Northern District of Georgia (NDGA), differing measures of settlement emerge depending on whether one is interested in (1) settlement as a proxy for plaintiffs' litigation success, or (2) settlement as a measure of litigated disputes resolved without final adjudication. Using settlement as a proxy for plaintiff success, we estimate the aggregate settlement rate across case categories in the two districts to have been 66.9 percent in 2001–2002. Regardless of the method of computing settlement rates, no reasonable estimate of settlement rates supports an aggregate rate of over 90 percent of filed cases, despite frequent references to 90 percent or higher settlement rates. The aggregate rate for the EDPA alone was 71.6 percent and for the NDGA alone was 57.8 percent, suggesting significant interdistrict variation, which persists even within case categories. We report separate settlement rates for employment discrimination, constitutional tort, contract, and tort cases in the two districts. The highest settlement rate was 87.2 percent for tort cases in the EDPA and the lowest was 27.3 percent for constitutional tort cases in the NDGA. Our results suggest a hierarchy of settlement rates. Of major case categories, tort cases tend to have the highest settlement rates, then contract cases, then employment discrimination cases, followed by constitutional tort cases. Attorney fee structure and the nature of the parties may explain settlement rate variation. Our findings provide no evidence of a material change in aggregate settlement rates over time.
The Expressive Function of Trade Secret Law: Legality, Cost, Intrinsic Motivation, and Consensus
Authors: Feldman Yuval
Published: March 2009

In recent years, leading legal scholars have proposed many competing models for the expressive function of the law. This article attempts to organize and compare the competing models while examining a real‐life dilemma—sharing confidential information when one moves from one company to another—and explores the mechanisms through which the law can affect people's behavior. The article examines the expressive impact that results when trade secret laws are experimentally “primed” on factors such as: intention to share confidential information, morality of sharing confidential information, perceived proportion of other employees who would share confidential information, and the likelihood of social approval by previous and current employers for sharing confidential information. Taking a path analysis approach, I discern which models (cost related, morality related, coordination based, or reflection of consensus) best explain the mechanism responsible for the expressive effect of legality. The comparison between the models illustrates the relative legal repercussions of price, consensus, and intrinsic motivation as they relate to employees' evaluations of the prevalence and desirability of trade secret sharing norms. Based on data collected from a sample of 260 high‐tech employees in the Silicon Valley, the article demonstrates that—at least in the context of trade secret law—the expressive impact is based primarily on morality and less on the law's ability to impose social and career costs.
An Analysis of Ideological Effects in Published Versus Unpublished Judicial Opinions
Authors: Keele Denise M. , Malmsheimer Robert W. , Floyd Donald W. , Zhang Lianjun
Published: March 2009

Almost without exception, scholars have tested theories of judicial behavior by relying onpublishedcase decisions. Though understandable given the inaccessibility of unpublished cases, this focus means that scholars may be drawing conclusions regarding judicial behavior that do not accurately describe the motivational forces behind all judicial decisions. This study employed the attitudinal model of judicial behavior to empirically test whether published judicial opinions are representative of all opinions in litigation challenging the U.S. Forest Service. Results indicate that the effects of ideological preferences are different in published and unpublished opinions issued by appellate judges: judges' decisions followed their ideological preferences in published opinions, but they did not in unpublished opinions. At the district court level, judges did not follow their ideological preferences in either published or unpublished opinions and there was no difference between judges' decisions in published and unpublished opinions. This research supports the contention that the process of judicial decision making in the courts of appeals differs between published and unpublished opinions and that scholars should use caution in drawing conclusions from examinations of published opinions alone.
Functional and structural characterization of novel mutations and genotype–phenotype correlation in 51 phenylalanine hydroxylase deficient families from Southern Italy
Authors: Daniele Aurora , Scala Iris , Cardillo Giuseppe , Pennino Cinzia , Ungaro Carla , Sibilio Michelina , Parenti Giancarlo , Esposito Luciana , Zagari Adriana , Andria Generoso , Salvatore Francesco
Published: March 2009

Hyperphenylalaninemia (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man ®database: 261600) is an autosomal recessive disorder mainly due to mutations in the gene for phenylalanine hydroxylase; the most severe form of hyperphenylalaninemia is classic phenylketonuria. We sequenced the entire gene for phenylalanine hydroxylase in 51 unrelated hyperphenylalaninemia patients from Southern Italy. The entire locus was genotyped in 46 out of 51 hyperphenylalaninemia patients, and 32 different disease‐causing mutations were identified. The pathologic nature of two novel gene variants, namely, c.707‐2delA and p.Q301P, was demonstrated by in vitro studies. c.707‐2delA is a splicing mutation that involves the accepting site of exon 7; it causes the complete skipping of exon 7 and results in the truncated p.T236MfsX60 protein. The second gene variant, p.Q301P, has very low residual enzymatic activity (∼ 4.4%), which may be ascribed, in part, to a low expression level (8–10%). Both the decreased enzyme activity and the low expression level are supported by analysis of the 3D structure of the molecule. The putative structural alterations induced by p.Q301P are compatible with protein instability and perturbance of monomer interactions within dimers and tetramers, although they do not affect the catalytic site. In vivo studies showed tetrahydrobiopterin responsiveness in the p.Q301P carrier but not in the c.707‐2delA carrier. We next investigated genotype–phenotype correlations and found that genotype was a good predictor of phenotype in 76% of patients. However, genotype–phenotype discordance occurred in approximately 25% of our patients, mainly those bearing mutations p.L48S, p.R158Q, p.R261Q and p.P281L.
Hydrolysis of acetylthiocoline, o‐nitroacetanilide and o‐nitrotrifluoroacetanilide by fetal bovine serum acetylcholinesterase
Authors: Montenegro María F. , Moral‐Naranjo María T. , Muñoz‐Delgado Encarnación , Campoy Francisco J. , Vidal Cecilio J.
Published: March 2009

Besides esterase activity, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) hydrolyze o‐nitroacetanilides through aryl acylamidase activity. We have reported that BuChE tetramers and monomers of human blood plasma differ in o‐nitroacetanilide (ONA) hydrolysis. The homology in quaternary structure and folding of subunits in the prevalent BuChE species () of human plasma and AChE forms of fetal bovine serum prompted us to study the esterase and amidase activities of fetal bovine serum AChE. The kcat/Km values for acetylthiocholine (ATCh), ONA and its trifluoro derivative N‐(2‐nitrophenyl)‐trifluoroacetamide (F‐ONA) were 398 × 106 m−1·min−1, 0.8 × 106 m−1·min−1, and 17.5 × 106 m−1·min−1, respectively. The lack of inhibition of amidase activity at high F‐ONA concentrations makes it unlikely that there is a role for the peripheral anionic site (PAS) in F‐ONA degradation, but the inhibition of ATCh, ONA and F‐ONA hydrolysis by the PAS ligand fasciculin‐2 points to the transit of o‐nitroacetalinides near the PAS on their way to the active site. Sedimentation analysis confirmed substrate hydrolysis by tetrameric 10.9S AChE. As compared with esterase activity, amidase activity was less sensitive to guanidine hydrochloride. This reagent led to the formation of 9.3S tetramers with partially unfolded subunits. Their capacity to hydrolyze ATCh and F‐ONA revealed that, despite the conformational change, the active site architecture and functionality of AChE were partially retained.
Mechanism of mild acid hydrolysis of galactan polysaccharides with highly ordered disaccharide repeats leading to a complete series of exclusively odd‐numbered oligosaccharides
Authors: Yang Bo , Yu Guangli , Zhao Xia , Jiao Guangling , Ren Sumei , Chai Wengang
Published: March 2009

Sulfated galactan κ‐carrageenan is a linear polysaccharide with a repeating disaccharide sequence of alternating 4‐sulfated 3‐linked galactose and 4‐linked 3,6‐anhydrogalactose units. In contrast to many examples of chemical hydrolysis of polysaccharides, mild acid treatment of κ‐carrageenan resulted in facile and highly specific cleavage. In this article, we report the identification, by various MS and chromatographic techniques, of an unexpected series of exclusively odd‐numbered oligosaccharide fragments from its hydrolytic products. Detailed sequence analysis of the products indicated that all the oligosaccharide fragments have the 4‐sulfated 3‐linked galactose residues at both the reducing and the nonreducing ends. Further detailed investigation and analysis suggested that these odd‐numbered oligosaccharides were derived from two‐step cleavages of the glycosidic bonds on either sides of the 3,6‐anhydrogalactose residues. Neutral galactan agarose also contains 3,6‐anhydrogalactose and has a similar backbone sequence, and exhibited similar results upon mild acid hydrolysis. It is highly unusual to obtain exclusively odd‐numbered oligosaccharides from polysaccharides composed of ordered disaccharide repeats.
Effect of a water‐based no‐sting, protective barrier formulation and a solvent‐containing similar formulation on skin protection from medical adhesive trauma
Authors: Shannon Ronald J , Chakravarthy Debashish
Published: March 2009

Trauma to the skin from repeated removal of adhesive‐based medical products can cause pain, anxiety, risk of secondary infections and additional health care costs. Skin barrier formulations are used to protect the integrity from such trauma. However, not all formulations are equally protective. We report the results of a randomised controlled study comparing a solvent‐free (SF) formulation and a solvent‐containing (SC) formulation to the skin of 12 healthy volunteers aged 18–55 years. Treatments were applied at baseline to two of the four test sites on the back of each subject and repeated for 5 days. Measurements of pain, discomfort, erythema and skin water loss were taken 24 hours after each application. The SF formulation is associated with lower mean scores for erythema (day 5, P < 0·05) and lower values for transepidermal water loss (day 5, P < 0·05) and redness (days 4 and 5, P < 0·05) when compared with either no treatment or daily treatment with a SC formulation. There were no significant differences between subject responses when pain on application of the test formulation or discomfort associated with removal of the medical adhesive tapes were rated. We conclude that a SF formulation provides better security against adhesive‐derived skin trauma than a SC formulation.