bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo controlled trial of melatonin add‐on therapy in epileptic children on valproate monotherapy: effect on glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase enzymes
Authors: Gupta Madhur , Gupta Yogendra Kumar , Agarwal Sarita , Aneja Satinder , Kohli Kamlesh
Published: November 2004

Aims

To compare the effect of add‐on melatonin with placebo on the antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase) in epileptic children on valproate monotherapy.

Methods

In a double‐blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial, the effect of add‐on melatonin administration on the antioxidant enzymes in epileptic children on valproate (VPA) monotherapy was assessed. A total of 31 patients met the entry criteria. 16 patients were randomly allocated to receive add‐on melatonin, and 15 to receive add‐on placebo. Blood samples (5 ml) were collected just before the morning dose of valproate for baseline values of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase enzymes, and then after 14 days of add‐on melatonin/placebo. Blood was then centrifuged at 3500 r.p.m., serum separated and stored in deep freezer at −20 °C until assay of glutathione reductase. Heparinized blood was collected and stored at −20 °C in eppendorfs in the deep freezer for assay of glutathione peroxidase. All activity assays were performed on the Ames (Technicon) RA 50 chemistry analyser.

Results

Fifteen patients in the add‐on melatonin group and 14 patients in the add‐on placebo group were finally assessed. There was an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) and glutathione reductase (GSSG‐Rd), in the add‐on melatonin (MEL) group as compared with a reduction in the same in the add‐on placebo group (P). After the addition of melatonin/placebo in the respective groups, there was a 7.5% decrease in GSH‐Px in the valproate + placebo group, whereas a 11.9% increase in the valproate + melatonin group was observed, the difference between the groups being not statistically significant (P = 0.29). On administration of melatonin/placebo, the post‐treatment concentrations of GSSG‐Rd in the valproate + placebo group decreased from 92.0 U l−1 to 67.0 U l−1 and increased from 82.0 U l−1 to 113.0 U l−1, in the valproate + melatonin group, respectively, the difference between them being statistically significant (P = 0.05). The percentage change in the values of GSSG‐Rd in the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Melatonin exerts neuroprotection due to its antioxidant, antiexcitotoxic and free radical scavenging properties within the central nervous system. Melatonin, thus, as an adjunct, can be a putative neuroprotector in conditions involving oxidative stress like epilepsies.
Point of care testing for INR monitoring: where are we now?
Authors: Murray E. T. , Fitzmaurice D. A. , McCahon D.
Published: November 2004

Point of care (POC, or near patient) testing for measurement of the international normalized ratio (INR) has facilitated the devolution of service delivery from the traditional hospital outpatient setting. However it must be undertaken within the confines of safe practice involving quality control procedures. The evaluation of INR POC tests should be closely related to the clinical issues of management and, specifically, improving the quality of care. One benefit of POC testing is in the increased motivation that some practitioners feel, being able to perform diagnostic tests without sending samples to a laboratory. POC for INR testing within primary care eliminates the delay in waiting for the result to be processed by the hospital laboratory, and the subsequent delay in informing the patient of their dosing advice. This review describes the utilization of POC testing outside the laboratory setting to develop models of care for oral anticoagulation management.
Inhibitors in congenital coagulation disorders
Authors: Key Nigel S.
Published: November 2004

The development of inhibitory ‘allo’ antibodies to a deficient coagulation factor is arguably now the most severe and important complication of clotting factor concentrate exposure in haemophilia and other congenital coagulation disorders. Furthermore, development of an inhibitor to the factor VIII or factor IX transgene product remains a significant concern in gene therapy protocols for haemophilia. Although the development of an inhibitor does not usually change the rate, initial severity or pattern of bleeding, it does compromise the ability to manage haemorrhage in affected individuals, resulting in a greater rate of complications, cost and disability. The purpose of this review is to summarize current understanding of the epidemiology, immunobiology, laboratory evaluation and management of inhibitors arising in patients with congenital coagulation disorders. An attempt has been made to focus on recent advances in the immunology of inhibitors, and to speculate on their potential clinical application.
T‐cell post‐transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders after cardiac transplantation: a single institutional experience
Authors: Draoua H. Y. , Tsao Lawrence , Mancini Donna M. , Addonizio Linda J. , Bhagat Govind , Alobeid Bachir
Published: November 2004

Post‐transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) are a well‐recognized and potentially life‐threatening complication of solid organ transplantation. While the vast majority of PTLDs are B‐cell lymphoproliferations, T‐cell PTLDs are rarely seen. Among 898 patients receiving cardiac transplants between 1990 and 2003, 34 patients (3·8%) developed PTLDs with two (0·2%) T‐cell PTLDs, 31 (3·5%) B‐cell PTLDs and one (0·1%) natural killer cell PTLD. An additional three cases of T‐cell PTLD were identified among all cardiac transplant patients followed at our institution. These T‐cell PTLDs comprised a heterogeneous group of Epstein–Barr virus negative lymphoproliferations that developed late after transplantation and followed an aggressive course.
von Willebrand factor cleaving protease (ADAMTS‐13) and ADAMTS‐13 neutralizing autoantibodies in 100 patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Peyvandi Flora , Ferrari Silvia , Lavoretano Silvia , Canciani Maria Teresa , Mannucci Pier Mannuccio
Published: November 2004

The congenital or acquired deficiency of the von Willebrand factor (VWF) cleaving protease, ADAMTS‐13 has been specifically associated with a diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a microangiopathy characterized by the formation of occlusive platelet thrombi. The mechanisms of TTP were investigated in 100 patients diagnosed on the basis of the presence of at least three of the following: thrombocytopenia, haemolytic anaemia, elevated serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase and neurological symptoms. Plasma levels of ADAMTS‐13 were severely reduced (<10% of normal) in 48%, moderately reduced (between 10% and 46%) in 24% and normal (>46%) in 28%. A neutralizing antibody was the cause of the deficiency in 38% of the cases, with a higher prevalence of this mechanism (87%) in the 48 patients with severely reduced ADAMTS‐13. Double heterozygosity for a 29 base pair (bp) deletion and a nucleotide insertion and homozygosity for a 6 bp deletion in the ADAMTS13 gene were identified only in two patients born from consanguineous marriages. In conclusion, this study indicated that ADAMTS‐13 was normal in nearly one‐third of patients with TTP and that ADAMTS‐13 deficiency was not associated with the presence of neutralizing antibodies in more than half of the patients.
Low‐intensity warfarin reduces thrombin generation and fibrin turnover, but not low‐grade inflammation, in men at risk of myocardial infarction
Authors: MacCallum Peter K. , Rudnicka Alicja R. , Rumley Ann , Meade Tom W. , Lowe Gordon DO
Published: November 2004

In the Thrombosis Prevention Trial (TPT), low‐intensity warfarin reduced the risk of first coronary events only when the achieved international normalized ratio (INR) was ≥1·4. To validate the likely mechanism of action of low‐intensity warfarin we measured its effects on plasma markers of thrombin generation, fibrin turnover and low‐grade inflammation in TPT participants. d‐dimer and prothrombin fragment F1·2 levels were lower at INRs ≥1·4 (P = 0·02 and 0·03 respectively); levels fell as INR increased (P for trend 0·04 and 0·002 respectively). C‐reactive protein did not vary with INR. The efficacy of warfarin is related to reductions in thrombin generation and fibrin turnover.
Role of CD21 antigen in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma and its clinical significance
Authors: Otsuka Masaki , Yakushijin Yoshihiro , Hamada Makoto , Hato Takaaki , Yasukawa Masaki , Fujita Sigeru
Published: November 2004

Recent advances in immunological and molecular technology have prompted proposals to change tumour classification and treatment strategies. Cell surface antigens are now easy to access, and tumour origins and clinical characteristics are now readily identifiable. However, in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), one of the heterogeneous forms of haematological malignancy, the clinical significance of tumour surface antigens has not been well documented. We analysed the tumour surface antigens of 50 tumours from newly diagnosed DLBCL patients by flow cytometry in accordance with their clinical characteristics and followed the patients for a median 3·7 years. Statistical analysis showed that CD21 expression was significantly negatively associated with mortality in DLBCL (CD21 negative versus positive; relative risk = 2·36, P < 0·05). As a result of these clinical observations, we generated CD21‐overexpressed (CD21+) lymphoma cell lines after gene transfection and analysed tumour cell growth in vivo in immunocompromised mice. Mice challenged with vector‐only transfectants and parental cells as controls died within 50 d. In contrast, mice injected with CD21+ transfectants exhibited significantly reduced tumour growth and 83% survived long term (versus control groups; P < 0·05). Interestingly, all established CD21+ transfectants (six clones from different bulks) showed homotypic aggregation during in vitro cell culture, and anti‐CD21 antibodies did not block this aggregation. Expression of CD21 is strongly associated with increased survival in DLBCL in vivo. CD21 expression may be indirectly concerned with the expression of additional cell adhesion molecules.
Clonogenicity, gene expression and phenotype during neutrophil versus erythroid differentiation of cytokine‐stimulated CD34+human marrow cellsin vitro
Authors: Edvardsson Louise , Dykes Josefina , Olsson Martin L. , Olofsson Tor
Published: November 2004

With the objective to correlate clonogenicity, gene expression and phenotype during differentiation, human bone marrow CD34+cells were culturedin vitroto stimulate erythroid or neutrophil development, and sorted into five subpopulations according to their surface expression of CD15/CD33 and blood group antigen A/CD117 respectively. Sorted cells were cultured in methylcellulose and analysed by real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for expression of neutrophil and erythroid marker genes. Surface expression of CD15 coincided with restriction to neutrophil/monocyte differentiation and A antigen with restriction to erythroid differentiation. GATA‐2 mRNA was down‐regulated during both neutrophil and erythroid maturation, whereas GATA‐1, SCL, ABO, erythropoietin receptor, Kell, glycophorin A,β‐globin andα‐haemoglobin stabilizing protein were up‐regulated during erythroid differentiation and silenced during neutrophil differentiation. CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein (C/EBP)‐α, PU.1, granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor receptor, PR3, C/EBP‐ɛand lactoferrin were sequentially expressed during neutrophil differentiation but rapidly down‐regulated during the early erythroid stages. Nuclear factor erythroid‐derived 2 (NF‐E2) and glycophorin C were expressed both during neutrophil and erythroid differentiation. Our data support the notion of early expression of several lineage‐associated genes prior to actual lineage commitment, defined by surface expression of CD15 and A antigen as markers for definitive neutrophil/monocyte and erythroid differentiation respectively. Previous findings, primarily from cell lines and mouse models, have been extended to adult human haematopoiesis.
Failure to normalize parathyroid hormone during treatment of vitamin D deficiency in Asian patients
Authors: Peacey Steven R. , Wright Dianne , Harries Matthew J.
Published: November 2004

objective  Vitamin D deficiency and osteomalacia remain commonplace within the Asian community in Bradford. The treatment of vitamin D deficiency and osteomalacia is cheap and effective, but there are few data on long‐term outcomes. Studies have suggested that a minority of patients fail to normalize parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels during therapy with vitamin D. This study aimed to determine what proportion of Asian patients with vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism normalize PTH levels following therapy with oral vitamin D and to examine reasons for failure to normalize PTH.

design  This study examined the impact of an oral regimen of vitamin D 800 i.u. (20 micrograms) and calcium 1000 mg daily, on PTH levels within an endocrinology outpatient clinic.

patients  51 (4M:47F) Asian patients, median age 39 years (range 16–77 years) with vitamin D deficiency (25‐hydroxyvitamin D < 25 nmol/l) and secondary hyperparathyroidism (PTH > 5·7 pmol/l).

measurements  All patients had at least one follow‐up measurement of PTH and calcium during treatment. A subgroup of patients gave consent for examination of GP‐prescribing records to indirectly asses adherence to therapy.

results  PTH normalized in only 28/51 (55%) patients (group N) and failed to normalize in 23/51 (45%) patients (group F). Baseline patient characteristics including: age, basal serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), basal serum PTH, basal serum calcium and post treatment serum calcium, were similar in groups N and F. Mild hypercalcaemia occurred in only two (3·9%) patients. The proportion of prescriptions collected by patients in group N was 75 (17–100)% and in group F was 17 (0–100)%, P < 0·0001.

conclusions  This study has demonstrated that long‐term oral treatment with vitamin D and calcium, fails to normalize PTH in a significant proportion of patients with vitamin D deficiency and osteomalacia. This is most likely related to lack of adherence to long‐term treatment. Improved ways of treating this condition need to be explored.
Long‐term follow‐up study of radioiodine treatment of hyperthyroidism
Authors: Metso Saara , Jaatinen Pia , Huhtala Heini , Luukkaala Tiina , Oksala Heikki , Salmi Jorma
Published: November 2004

objective  To determine the cumulative incidence of hypothyroidism during long‐term follow‐up in patients treated for hyperthyroidism by radioactive iodine 131I (RAI) therapy, the significance of clinical factors in predicting the development of hypothyroidism, and the outcome after a fixed 7 mCi (259 MBq) dose of RAI.

design  Prospective cohort study of patients treated for hyperthyroidism by RAI.

patients and measurements  Since 1965, details on 2043 patients treated by RAI therapy in Tampere University Hospital were entered into a computerized register. Following RAI treatment, thyroid status was monitored every 1–3 months during the first year, and subsequently at 1–3‐year intervals until June 2002 or until the patient died or moved out of the Tampere University Hospital district.

results  The cumulative incidence of hypothyroidism in patients with Graves’ disease and toxic multinodular goitre at 1, 10 and 25 years was 24%vs. 4%, 59%vs. 15% and 82%vs. 32%, respectively. In a Cox regression model, previous partial thyroidectomy [risk ratio (RR) = 1·63 in patients with Graves’ disease and RR = 1·59 in those with toxic multinodular goitre] and age at the first RAI treatment (RR = 0·998 and RR = 0·996 per year) were statistically significantly associated with the development of hypothyroidism both in patients with Graves’ disease and in those with toxic multinodular goitre. Antithyroid medication preceding RAI therapy (RR = 0·47) decreased and female gender (RR = 1·53) increased the risk of hypothyroidism only in patients with Graves’ disease. Administration of a single dose of RAI resulted in the control of hyperthyroidism in 75% of patients, while two to six RAI treatments were needed in 25% of patients to achieve either a hypothyroid or a euthyroid state in both groups. None of the clinical factors studied was associated with the remission rate either in patients with Graves’ disease or in those with toxic multinodular goitre. The remission rate did not differ between the patients who received a dose of RAI calculated according to the uptake of RAI and thyroid size and those who received an empirical dose of RAI. The fixed 7 mCi (259 MBq) dose of RAI cured 80% of patients.

conclusion  RAI treatment is effective in treating hyperthyroidism in patients with Graves’ disease, but hypothyroidism will develop in 82% of patients in 25 years. Because the development of hypothyroidism seems to be inevitable and unpredictable by any clinical factors, the objective of RAI treatment should be to minimize the persistence of hyperthyroidism with the simplest possible form of treatment. We recommend a fixed 7 mCi dose of RAI to be used as the first empirical dose in the treatment of hyperthyroidism, at least in Graves’ disease.
Stereotomography: a semi‐automatic approach for velocity macromodel estimation
Authors: Lambaré G. , Alerini M. , Baina R. , Podvin P.
Published: November 2004

Most methods for velocity macromodel estimation require considerable operator input, mainly concerning the regularization and the picking of events in the data set or in the migrated images. For both these aspects, slope tomography methods offer interesting solutions. They consider locally coherent events characterized by their slopes in the data cube. Picking is then much easier and consequently denser than in standard traveltime tomography. Stereotomography is the latest slope tomography method. In recent years it has been improved significantly, both from an algorithmic point of view and in terms of practical use. Robust and fast procedures are now available for 2D stereotomographic picking and optimization.

Concerning the picking, we propose simple criteria for the selection of relevant data among the automatically picked events. This enables an accurate smooth velocity macromodel to be estimated quite rapidly and with very limited operator intervention. We demonstrate the method using a 2D line extracted from the Oseberg NH8906 data set.
Enhanced velocity estimation using gridded tomography in complex chalk
Authors: Sugrue M. , Jones I.F. , Evans E. , Fairhead S. , Marsden G.
Published: November 2004

The theme of the 2003 EAGE/SEG imaging workshop concerned the contrast between different philosophies of ‘model building’: whether an explicit, user‐determined model should be imposed throughout the processing, with user updates at each step; or alternatively, whether user intervention should be kept to a minimum so as to avoid preconceived bias, and instead to allow the data itself to guide some heuristic process to converge to an optimal solution.

Here we consider a North Sea study where our initial approach was to build the subsurface model using interpreted horizons as a guide to the velocity update. This is common practice in the North Sea, where the geology ‘lends itself’ to a layer‐based model representation. In other words, we encourage preconceived bias, as we consider it to be a meaningful geological constraint on the solution.

However, in this instance we had a thick chalk sequence, wherein the vertical compaction gradient changed subtly, in a way not readily discernible from the seismic reflection data. As a consequence, imposing the explicit top and bottom chalk horizons, with an intervening vertical compaction gradient (of the form v(x, y, z) =v0(x, y) +k(x, y).z), led to a misrepresentation of the subsurface.

To address this issue, a gridded model building approach was also tried. This relied on dense continuous automatic picking of residual moveout in common‐reflection point gathers at each iteration of the model update, followed by gridded tomography, resulting in a smoothly varying velocity field which was able to reveal the underlying local changes within the chalk.
3D sparse‐data Kirchhoff redatuming
Authors: Tegtmeier S. , Gisolf A. , Verschuur D.J.
Published: November 2004

Wave‐equation redatuming can be a very efficient method of overcoming the overburden imprint on the target area. Owing to the growing amount of 3D data, it is increasingly important to develop a feasible method for the redatuming of 3D prestack data.

Common 3D acquisition designs produce relatively sparse data sets, which cannot be redatumed successfully by applying conventional wave‐equation redatuming. We propose a redatuming approach that can be used to perform wave‐equation redatuming of sparse 3D data. In this new approach, additional information about the medium velocity below the new datum is included, i.e. redatumed root‐mean‐square (RMS) velocities, which can be extracted from the input data set by conventional velocity analysis, are used. Inclusion of this additional information has the following implications: (i) it becomes possible to simplify the 4D redatuming integral into a 2D integral such that the number of traces needed to calculate one output time sample and the computational effort are both reduced; (ii) the information about the subsurface enables an infill of traces which are needed for the integral calculation but which are missing in the sparse input data set.

Two tests applying this new approach to fully sampled 2D data show satisfactory results, implying that this method can certainly be used for the redatuming of sparse 3D data sets.
The common focal point and common reflection surface methodologies: subsets or complements?
Authors: Bolte J.F.B.
Published: November 2004

The common focal point (CFP) method and the common reflection surface (CRS) stack method are compared. The CRS method is a fast, highly automated procedure that provides high S/N ratio simulation of zero‐offset (ZO) images by combining, per image point, the reflection energy of an arc segment that is tangential to the reflector. It uses smooth parametrized two‐way stacking operators, based on a data‐driven triplet of attributes in 2D (eight parameters in 3D). As a spin‐off, the attributes can be used for several applications, such as the determination of the geometrical spreading factor, multiple prediction, and tomographic inversion into a smooth background velocity model. The CFP method aims at decomposing two‐way seismic reflection data into two full‐aperture one‐way propagation operators. By applying an iterative updating procedure in a half‐migrated domain, it provides non‐smooth focusing operators for prestack imaging using only the energy from one focal point at the reflector. The data‐driven operators inhibit all propagation effects of the overburden. The CFP method provides several spin‐offs, amongst which is the CFP matrix related to one focal point, which displays the reflection amplitudes as measured at the surface for each source–receiver pair. The CFP matrix can be used to determine the specular reflection source–receiver pairs and the Fresnel zone at the surface for reflection in one single focal point. Other spin‐offs are the prediction of internal multiples, the determination of reflectivity effects, velocity‐independent redatuming and tomographic inversion to obtain a velocity–depth model. The CFP method is less fast and less automated than the CRS method. From a pointwise comparison of features it is concluded that one method is not a subset of the other, but that both methods can be regarded as being to some extent complementary.
Hardness and compressive strength of indirect composite resins: effects of immersion in distilled water
Authors: Da Fonte Porto Carreiro A. , Dos Santos Cruz C. A. , Vergani C. E.
Published: November 2004

summary  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ageing in distilled water on the hardness and compressive strength of a direct composite resin Z100, a feldspatic porcelain (Noritake) and three indirect composites (Artglass, Solidex and Targis). For the Vickers hardness tests, five disk‐shaped specimens (2 × 4 mm) of each material were prepared according to the manufacturers’ instructions. The hardness tests were conducted using a Vickers diamond indentor. Compressive strength measurements were recorded on cylindrical specimens with a diameter of 6 mm and a length of 12 mm. The compression tests were carried out with a constant cross‐head speed of 0·5 mm min−1 on a mechanical test machine. For each material, 10 specimens were tested after 7 days of dry storage at 37 ± 1 °C and 10 specimens were tested after water storage at 37 ± 1 °C for 180 days. Noritake porcelain specimens showed higher hardness values than the composites. Among the composite materials, Z100 promoted the highest VHN values, regardless of the ageing periods. The results showed that Solidex and Z100 had the highest compressive strength values. Ageing in water reduced the hardness for all composites, but had no long‐term effect on the compressive strength.
Physical properties and compatibility with dental stones of current alginate impression materials
Authors: Murata H. , Kawamura M. , Hamada T. , Chimori H. , Nikawa H.
Published: November 2004

summary  This study examined physical properties and compatibility with dental stones of two types of alginate impression materials. Five powder‐type alginate impression materials (Alginoplast EM, Aroma Fine, Algiace Z, Coe Alginate, Jeltrate Plus) and a paste‐type alginate impression material (Tokuso AP‐1) were used. The dynamic viscosity immediately after mixing was measured by means of a controlled‐stress rheometer. The gelation times were determined according to Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) T6505, and recovery from deformation, strain in compression and compressive strength were determined according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) specification 1563. Detail reproduction and surface roughness of type III dental stones (New Plastone, New Sunstone) and a type IV dental stone (Die Stone) were evaluated using a ruled test block as specified in the ISO specification 1563 and a profilometer, respectively. The alginate impression materials evaluated in this study were all in compliance with the ISO specification 1563 and JIS T6505. The alginate impression materials had similar mechanical properties after gelation, whilst a wide range of dynamic viscosity immediately after being mixed, gelation times and compatibility with dental stones were found among the materials. The paste‐type material had a higher dynamic viscosity and a shorter gelation time than the powder‐type materials. The best surface quality was obtained with the paste‐type material/type III dental stone cast combinations. The materials should be selected in consideration of initial flow, setting characteristics and compatibility with dental stones. The results suggested that a paste‐type material would better meet the requirements of an alginate impression material.
The effect of Coca‐Cola and fruit juices on the surface hardness of glass–ionomers and ‘compomers’
Authors: Aliping‐McKenzie M. , Linden R. W. A. , Nicholson J. W.
Published: November 2004

summary  The interaction of tooth‐coloured dental restorative materials (a conventional glass–ionomer, two resin‐modified glass–ionomers and two compomers) with acidic beverages has been studied with the aim of investigating how long‐term contact affects solution pH and specimen surface hardness. For each material (ChemFil Superior, ChemFlex, Vitremer Core Build‐Up/Restorative, Fuji II LC, Dyract AP and F2000) disc‐shaped specimens were prepared and stored in sets of six in the following storage media: 0·9% NaCl (control), Coca‐Cola, apple juice and orange juice. After time intervals of 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 4 months, 6 months and 1 year, solution pH and Vickers Hardness Number were determined for each individual specimen. Differences were analysed by anova followed by Student–Newman–Keuls post hoc analysis. All materials were found to reduce the pH of the 0·9% NaCl, but to increase the pH of the acidic beverages. The conventional glass–ionomers dissolved completely in apple juice and orange juice, but survived in Coca‐Cola, albeit with a significantly reduced hardness after 1 year. The other materials survived in apple juice and orange juice, but showed greater reductions in surface hardness in these beverages than in Coca‐Cola. Fruit juices were thus shown to pose a greater erosive threat to tooth coloured materials than Coca‐Cola, a finding which is similar to those concerning dentine and enamel towards these drinks.
Efficacy of conventional and experimental techniques for denture repair
Authors: Rached R. N. , Powers J. M. , Del Bel Cury A. A.
Published: November 2004

summary  This study investigated the efficacy of one experimental and three conventional techniques for denture repair. Forty maxillary dentures were constructed in dental stone casts duplicated from an edentulous copper–aluminium maxillary master cast. Two groups of 20 dentures each were prepared with Lucitone 199 (water‐bath, 8 h/74 °C) or Acron MC (microwave, 3 min/500 W) denture base materials processed in gypsum moulds. The 40 dentures were all separated sagittally in the middle. After that, five dentures of each denture base material were repaired with one of the four following techniques: L (Lucitone 199, water‐bath, 8 h/74 °C, gypsum mould), A (Acron MC, microwave, 3 min/500 W, gypsum mould), AR (Acron MC/R, autopolymerized, 60 psi/45 °C/15 min) and the experimental technique AS (Acron MC, 1 min/500 W + 1 min/0 W + 1 min/500 W, hard silicone mould). The parameters denture accuracy (DA), horizontal (HC) and vertical changes (VC) of the occlusal plane measured the efficacy of the repair techniques. The DA was determined by weighing a film of silicone impression material set in contact to the tissue surface of the denture seated on the metallic master die. For HC, cross‐arch measurements were made among reference marks drilled on the teeth 11, 21, 16 and 26. The VC was obtained by calculating the relative differences in height between similar teeth of each semi‐arch (pairs 13–23, 14–24, 15–25 e 16–26). For DA, HC and VC, the percentage differences between the percentage means obtained before and after repair were calculated and grouped for comparisons. Analysis of variance (Superanova) and means compared by Tukey–Kramer intervals (0·05) revealed that AR repair had the best percentage difference value for DA [0·5% (P < 0·05)], while the others were not statistically different [L = 27·2%, A = 28·9%, AS = 21·2% (P > 0·05)]. For HC, there was a statistical difference (P < 0·05) between AR and the other techniques for the tooth pairs, 16–26, 11–26 and 21–16; repairs with AR and AS differed for the 11–21 pair, while those with A and AS techniques differed for the 16–26 pair (P < 0·05). The VC differences were not detected between repair methods (P > 0·05). Denture accuracy was not affected by the interaction of base material‐repair technique; repair with AR technique gave the best adaptation; the interaction of base material‐repair technique did not affect HC; HC was affected by the repair technique.
Characterization of the inorganic fraction of resin composites
Authors: Sabbagh J. , Ryelandt L. , Bachérius L. , Biebuyck J.‐J. , Vreven J. , Lambrechts P. , Leloup G.
Published: November 2004

summary The purposes of this study were to determine the weight fraction of filler in thirty‐nine resin‐based materials including flowable and packable composites, and to examine the morphology of the filler particles. The percentages of inorganic fillers by weight were determined by Thermogravimetric Analysis and by ashing in air technique at 900 °C. The size and shape of the filler particles were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after dissolution of the organic matrix. The weight fraction of inorganic fillers ranged between 41bmiddot;6 and 84·6%. Wide variations were found among materials of the same category. Values found in the present study were sometimes different from those given by the manufacturers. The SEM photomicrographs showed various shapes, and sizes of inorganic fillers. Compared with universal hybrid restorative materials, flowable composites have lower filler loading and packable resin composites did not show higher values as claimed by some manufacturers. Various factors may explain the observed discrepancies between the manufacturer's data and our results. The silane treatment as well as the incorporation of organic material as part of the fillers of the composite could be responsible for those differences.
Asiaticoside induction for cell‐cycle progression, proliferation and collagen synthesis in human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Lu Luo , Ying Kang , Wei Shaoming , Fang Yong , Liu Yuliang , Lin Huifen , Ma Laiji , Mao Yumin
Published: November 2004

Asiaticoside, isolated from Centella asiatica, promotes fibroblast proliferation and extracullar matrix synthesis in wound healing. The precise mechanism, however, in molecular and gene expression levels still remains partially understood. Using cDNA microarray technology, the alternation of genes expression profiles was determined in a human dermal fibroblast in vitro in the presence of asiaticoside (30 µg/ml). Fifty‐four genes, with known functions for cell proliferation, cell‐cycle progression and synthesis of the extracellular matrix, were significantly up‐regulated in our “whole‐genes nest” expression profile at various timepoints. Furthermore, mRNA levels and protein productions of certain genes responsible for extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis (e.g. encoding type I and type III collagen proteins) were evaluated by Northern blot and radioimmunoassay, respectively. As a result, there is a close correlation among the gene profile, mRNA and protein production in the cells response to asiaticoside stimulation. This information could be used for exploring the target genes in response to asiaticoside in fibroblasts.
Round excision of small, benign, papular and dome‐shaped melanocytic nevi on the face
Authors: Tursen Umit , Kaya Tamer Irfan , Ikizoglu Guliz
Published: November 2004

Background  Patients frequently request the removal of benign, papular and dome‐shaped nevi for cosmetic or functional reasons. Total excision is probably the most widely used method of removal.

Aim  To introduce the round excision technique for the treatment of benign, papular and dome‐shaped nevi on the face.

Methods  In a prospective study, 36 benign, papular or dome‐shaped nevi of all types were removed by the round excision technique. The lesions were circumscribed with a number 15 scalpel blade, 2 mm beyond the limits, with incision to the full depth of the dermis, and removed by cutting horizontally at the maximum depth of the circular incision. Histologic examinations were performed for all specimens.

Results  Complete removal of nevi was achieved in all patients with excellent or good cosmetic results. Of the 36 nevi, 24 were intradermal and 12 were compound nevi. Dog‐ear formation was observed in only one patient.

Conclusion  Round excision may be a better alternative to conventional fusiform or shave excision of benign, dome‐shaped or papular nevi of the face.
Importance of the direct fresh examination in the diagnosis of cutaneous sporotrichosis
Authors: Civila Eduardo S. , Bonasse Julio , Conti‐Díaz Ismael A. , Vignale Raúl A.
Published: November 2004

Background  To date the direct fresh examination has not been considered, except by a few authors, as a valid laboratory procedure for the diagnosis of cutaneous sporotrichosis.

Methods  Forty‐two patients with cutaneous sporotrichosis (36 lymphangitic and six fixed) were studied. Pus was obtained through digital compression of opened lesions followed by collection with a spatula and examination of the material between the slide and the coverslip. Cultures on Sabouraud's glucose agar slants with cloramphenicol and cicloheximide were made in all cases.

Results  Direct, fresh examination asteroid bodies of Sporothrix schenckii were found in 85.7% of the cases, which allowed the authors to immediately diagnose the disease. Cultures confirmed the diagnosis in 95.2% of the patients.

Conclusions  Fastness, simplicity and low cost of the fresh examination lead us to recommend systematic use of the method for primary diagnosis of the disease, mainly at first level public health laboratories.
Atypical clinical form of cutaneous leishmaniasis: erysipeloid form
Authors: Karincaoglu Yelda , Esrefoglu Muammer , Ozcan Hamdi
Published: November 2004

A 60‐year‐old woman was admitted to our clinic with a gradually enlarging red papule on her face. Her history revealed that, 9 months previously, a painless, red papule of 1–2 cm in diameter had occurred in the middle of her face and, with time, had enlarged to cover her nose, both cheeks, and eyelids. It was diagnosed as a superficial skin infection, and topical and systemic antibiotics were prescribed; however, no response was obtained. In the last 2 months, a sore had formed in the middle of her nose. The patient lives in the east of Eastern Anatolia, where no case of cutaneous leishmaniasis has been reported in the last 20 years.

On dermatologic examination of the patient, an erythematous, indurated, slightly squamous, 10 cm × 5 cm, butterfly‐shaped plaque with sharply defined borders was seen on both cheeks, lower eyelids, and the whole nose (Fig. 1). In smears taken from the lesion, a number of amastigotes belonging to Leishmania were determined in the intracellular and extracellular area (Fig. 2). Histopathologic examination of the cutaneous lesion showed scattered infiltration composed of mononuclear cells, histiocytes, plasma cells, and small epithelioid granulomas. Gram smear and anaerobe–aerobe culture prepared from the lesion were negative. The total blood count and sedimentation rate of the patient were within normal limits. Routine biochemical tests, urine analysis, chest radiography, and intradermal purified protein derivative (PPD) skin test were all normal. Antinuclear antibody and antistreptolysin antibody examinations were negative.

Butterfly‐shaped infiltrated erythematous plaque on the face

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Smear from the lesion showing a number of amastigotes in the intracellular and extracellular area (Giemsa‐stained smear; original magnification, ×100; with immersion oil)

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The patient was treated intramuscularly with 10 mg/kg/day systemic meglumine antimoniate, divided into two doses, for 20 days, with good control.
A quantitative study of epidermal Langerhans cells in cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania tropica
Authors: Meymandi Simin , Dabiri Shahriar , Dabiri Darya , Crawford Richard I. , Kharazmi Arsalan
Published: November 2004

Objective  The purpose of this study was to characterize the number and distribution of epidermal Langerhans cells in different clinical forms of dry‐type cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL).

Methods  Sixteen cases of dry‐type cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania tropica were studied. These cases were classified clinically as five cases of acute leishmaniasis with indurated papules, nodules and plaques with central crust formation and duration < 2 years, six cases of lupoid leishmaniasis with characteristic papules around previous scars of cutaneous leishmaniasis with duration > 2 years, and five cases of chronic nonlupoid type with nonhealing lesions of duration > 2 years. Paraffin‐embedded blocks were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and stained immunohistochemically for CD1a.

Results  The number of Langerhans cells per millimeter length of epidermis was increased in acute cases compared to chronic and lupoid cases.

Conclusions  Lesions of acute leishmaniasis contain the greatest amounts of antigen for presentation, so Langerhans cells increase in number and in trafficking to present antigens derived from Leishman bodies to the cellular immune system. In chronic leishmaniasis, the Langerhans cell population is reduced, perhaps because of exhaustion of the source of Langerhans cells, or because of reduced response to modified antigen.
Antibodies against human herpesvirus 8 in South African renal transplant recipients and blood donors
Authors: Stein L. , Carrara H. , Norman R. , Alagiozoglou L. , Morris L. , Sitas F.
Published: November 2004

Abstract: Objective: To examine the seroprevalence of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV‐8) antibodies in a selected group of renal transplant recipients and blood donors, in relation to various socio‐demographic variables.

Subjects: Anonymised serum samples were obtained from 306 black donors attending blood donations at the SA National Blood Transfusion Service, Johannesburg, and 430 recipients of renal transplants at Johannesburg General Hospital, from 1998 to 1999.

Methodology: Serum samples were tested by indirect immunofluorescence assay to detect IgG antibodies against HHV‐8. Crude and adjusted seroprevalence, and odds ratios were calculated to examine the relationship between antibodies to HHV‐8 and age, sex, population, and risk group.

Results: Adjusted HHV‐8 seroprevalence at ‘medium to high’ antibody titres (at least 1:51,200) increased with age, from 2% (age 15–24; 95% CI=0.7–5.2) to 10% (age 45+; 95% CI=6.3–15.2). Whites had the lowest % adjusted seroprevalence (1.8; 95% CI:0.8–4.2), followed by blacks (7.4; 95% CI=5.1–10.8), Asians/Indians (9.5; 95% CI=3.6–22.9), and individuals of mixed race (12.5; 95% CI=4.5–30.2). Seroprevalence was not related to gender, or to occupation of blood donors. HHV‐8 seroprevalence did not differ significantly between first‐time blood donors, repeat donors, and transplant recipients (P=0.49). Transplant recipients had a greater proportion of persons with high HHV‐8 antibody intensity; however, this difference was statistically not significant (P=0.08).

Conclusions: Blood donors and renal transplant patients had relatively high HHV‐8 antibody titres. Given the strong association between HHV‐8 seropostivity and the risk of developing Kaposi's sarcoma, it may be prudent in settings where HHV‐8 seroprevalence is high to screen for HHV‐8 in donated blood used for these immunocompromised individuals.
Lymphosarcoma in a Boar
Authors: Vo T. D. , Van Ederen A. M. , Ultee A. , Hendriksen S. W. M. , Van Beers‐Schreurs H. M. G. , Gruys E.
Published: November 2004

A 14‐month‐old Yorkshire boar was examined. In the abdomen, two big tumour masses were found in the intestines. In addition, pale nodules occurred in the liver, kidneys, in and upon the spleen, in the wall of the heart and in the testicles. By immunohistochemistry tumour cells were positive for CD3, but negative for B‐lymphocyte antigen and CD79. From these findings it was concluded that the boar was suffering from multicentric lymphosarcoma probably of T‐cell origin.
An Analgesic Evaluation of Isoxsuprine in Horses
Authors: Lizarraga I. , Castillo F. , Valderrama M. E.
Published: November 2004

Isoxsuprine is used clinically to treat navicular disease and laminitis in horses. Although it is thought to increase digital and laminar blood flow, isoxsuprine's mechanism of action remains controversial, and analgesia has been suggested recently as such possible mechanism. This research investigated the analgesic potential of isoxsuprine in healthy horses submitted to a mechanical nociceptive test. Isoxsuprine (1.2 mg/kg), xylazine (1.1 mg/kg), distilled water : ethanol 95% (2 : 1, v/v, 20 ml) and saline (0.9%, 20 ml) were injected intravenously, and nociceptive thresholds were measured over 90 min. Only xylazine significantly increased nociceptive thresholds, confirming that α2‐adrenoceptor agonists produce analgesia in horses. Our results do not support an analgesic mechanism of action for isoxsuprine in horses, suggesting that other mechanisms might account for the clinical efficacy of this drug or that mechanical nociceptive testing may not be sufficiently sensitive to demonstrate an analgesic effect for this drug.
Effects of Training on Na+, K+‐ATPase Contents in Skeletal Muscle and K+Homeostasis of African Draught Bulls and Cows
Authors: Veeneklaas R. J. , Harun M. A. S. , Backx A. , Mamade M. , Joosten B. J. L. , Everts M. E.
Published: November 2004

In semiarid parts of Africa animal traction is still one of the most reliable sources for rural work power. However, draught animals have to produce most of their work power at an unfavourable moment of the year that is at the end of the dry season when feedlot is scare. To improve their condition prior to the planting season, a short training could help. The effect of training can be expressed by the changes in contents of Na+, K+‐pumps in the muscle cell membrane. After a training period of 15 days all cattle showed a mean increase in Na+, K+‐ATPase of 24% (P < 0.01) in the semitendinosus muscle of the hind leg, whereas the control group showed no change. Bulls demonstrated already after 8 days of training an increase of 20% (P < 0.05). The principal factor responsible for this up‐regulation of the Na+, K+‐pumps is most probably the excitation of muscles during exercise. In the course of the 15 days training period, the surge of plasma K+in during exercise showed a tendency to decrease, but this was not significant. Nevertheless, the reduced elevations of plasma [K+] may delay the moment of fatigue and so improve endurance. In conclusion, a training period of 8–15 days improves the contents of Na+, K+‐pumps and so the possible work output of draught cattle.
Distribution of Virulence Genes in Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Diarrhoeic Piglets in the Slovak Republic
Authors: Vu‐Khac H. , Holoda E. , Pilipčinec E.
Published: November 2004

Ninety‐two Escherichia coli isolates from 14 to 28‐day‐old piglets that died because of diarrhoea were examined for genes for fimbriae (F4, F5, F6, F18 and F41), enterotoxins (STa, STb and LT), verotoxin (VT2e or Stx2e) and enteroaggregative heat‐stable enterotoxin 1 (EAST1) by polymerase chain reaction. Twenty‐two strains (24%) carried a gene for F4, whereas genes for F18, F6 and F5 + F41 were detected in 10.8, 3.3 and 1.1% of strains respectively. Genes for STb, LT, STa and Stx2e were detected in 40.2, 26.1, 14.1 and 1.1% of strains respectively. The astA gene was detected in 49 (53.3%) isolates, 35 of which also carried genes for enterotoxins and/or fimbriae. The major genotypes reached at (in decreasing order of prevalence) were F4/STb/LT/EAST1, F18/STa/STb/EAST1, STb/EAST1, F6/STa/STb/EAST1 and F18/STb/EAST1.
Canine Coronavirus Infection in Turkish Dog Population
Authors: Yeşilbağ K. , Yilmaz Z. , Torun S. , Pratelli A.
Published: November 2004

Canine coronavirus (CCoV) is one of the most important viral agents affecting the gastrointestinal system of dogs. In this study virological and serological investigations were performed to demonstrate the existence and prevalence of CCoV infection in a Turkish dog population. A total of 269 animals were subjected to the study. Of 179 dogs tested for CCoV antibodies, 112 (62.5%) were found to be positive by serum neutralization test, while 133 (74.3%) were positive by ELISA. The highest prevalence (94.2%) was detected in kennel dogs. Detection of CCoV genome in faeces was performed in samples from 90 diarrhoeic puppies by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Fourteen (15.5%) faeces were positive for CCoV RNA, five of which were characterized as CCoV type I. The widespread CCoV infection in the Turkish dog population may be attributed as an important cause of viral diarrhoea in dogs.