bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of head‐fractioned teletherapy on pulp tissue
Authors: Vier‐Pelisser F. V. , Figueiredo M. A. Z. , Cherubini K. , Filho A. Braga , Figueiredo J. A. P.
Published: October 2007

Aim  To evaluate the early and delayed effects of fractioned teletherapy (radiotherapy) on the dental pulps of rats using Co60.

Methodology  In group 1 – rats (n = 15) were subjected to fractioned teletherapy by 30 daily sessions fractioned in doses of 200 cGy day−1, totaling 60 Gy and the rats were killed immediately after the final dose of irradiation; group 2 – same protocol but killed 30 days following the final irradiation dose; groups 3 (n = 7) and 4 (n = 8) – formed controls without irradiation. Following perfusion, the left mandible of each rat was dissected and processed for histopathology. Serial sections (5 μm) were obtained and stained with HE or picrosirius. Observations were recorded for the coronal pulp tissue. A blinded observer evaluated HE sections using pre‐defined indices of inflammation, nuclear alterations and extracellular matrix (ECM) hyalinization. Images of sections stained with picrosirius were converted to black and white for analysis by image‐pro plus; areas in black (collagen) were measured as percentage area. The pulps of mandibular incisors of the specimens prepared for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were subjected to descriptive analysis. Magnifications of 6300 and 10000× were used to observe 10 pulp fibroblasts from each group.

Results  No inflammatory reactions or modification of the ECM status were found (P = 0.428) in any specimens. The collagen content also displayed no significant changes (P = 0.067) as a result of treatment. Groups 1 and 2 displayed significantly more nuclear alterations than the control groups (P < 0.05). The bubble‐like aspect was more pronounced in group 1, and the bubbles looked smaller in group 2. The ECM showed no differences in the hyalinization status and there were no differences in the collagen area within the pulps. Under TEM, the pulp fibroblasts in group 1 displayed nuclear alterations that resembled circular, oval or elongated perforations; perforations also appeared in the cytoplasm.

Conclusion  Fractioned teletherapy is capable of producing nuclear alterations in the dental pulp tissue of rats.
Nonsurgical endodontic management of a double tooth: a case report
Authors: Kremeier K. , Pontius O. , Klaiber B. , Hülsmann M.
Published: October 2007

Aim  To present a case with various morphological irregularities requiring root canal treatment and to discuss the problems and options for orthograde root canal treatment.

Summary  Root canal treatment of a double tooth presenting with an acute alveolar abscess is described. The anatomical variations of this tooth included double tooth, dental invagination, incomplete apical closure, three root canal systems and an internal lacuna. The tooth was treated nonsurgically with orthograde root canal treatment resulting in nearly complete radiographic apical repair after 4 years.

Key learning points

Double teeth occur infrequently and may be distinguished from fusion, gemination, concrescence and dental twinning.

Several malformations may be present in a single tooth.

Orthograde root canal treatment may be an adequate treatment option even in teeth with a complex internal anatomy.
Outcome of primary root canal treatment: systematic review of the literature – Part 2. Influence of clinical factors
Authors: Ng Y.‐L. , Mann V. , Rahbaran S. , Lewsey J. , Gulabivala K.
Published: October 2007

Aims  (i) To carry out meta‐analyses to quantify the influence of the clinical factors on the efficacy of primary root canal treatment and (ii) to identify the best treatment protocol based on the current evidence.

Methodology  The evidence for the effect of each clinical factor on the success rate (SR) of primary root canal treatment was gathered in three different ways: (i) intuitive synthesis of reported findings from individual studies; (ii) weighted pooled SR by each factor under investigation was estimated using random‐effect meta‐analysis; (iii) weighted effect of the factor under investigation on SR were estimated and expressed as odds ratio for the dichotomous outcomes (success or failure) using fixed‐ and random‐effects meta‐analysis. Statistical heterogeneity amongst the studies was assessed by Cochran’s (Q) test. Potential sources of statistical heterogeneity were investigated by exploring clinical heterogeneity using meta‐regression models which included study characteristics in the regression models.

Results  Out of the clinical factors investigated, pre‐operative pulpal and periapical status were most frequently investigated, whilst the intra‐operative factors were poorly studied in the 63 studies. Four factors were found to have a significant effect on the primary root canal treatment outcome, although the data heterogeneity was substantial, some of which could be explained by some of the study characteristics.

Conclusions  Four conditions (pre‐operative absence of periapical radiolucency, root filling with no voids, root filling extending to 2 mm within the radiographic apex and satisfactory coronal restoration) were found to improve the outcome of primary root canal treatment significantly. Root canal treatment should therefore aim at achieving and maintaining access to apical anatomy during chemo‐mechanical debridement, obturating the canal with densely compacted material to the apical terminus without extrusion into the apical tissues and preventing re‐infection with a good quality coronal restoration.
Autotransplantation of a maxillary third molar to replace a maxillary premolar with vertical root fracture
Authors: Tsurumachi T. , Kakehashi Y.
Published: October 2007

Aim  To report the successful autotransplantation of a fully developed third molar that required nonsurgical and surgical interventions for tooth adaptation.

Summary  This case report describes the autotransplantation of a third molar with complete root development after the loss of a fractured premolar in a 47‐year‐old male. To allow better adaptation of the donor tooth, the buccal roots of the third molar were removed using a diamond bur and the canal entrances were filled. Recall examination 6 years after completion of root‐canal treatment showed normal periodontal healing with absence of infection, ankylosis or progressive resorption. The transplantation of a third molar is seen as a promising method to replace a lost permanent tooth, and to restore aesthetics and function.

Key learning points 

Autotransplantation is a viable option for the treatment of a missing tooth or for replacement of traumatized tooth when there is a donor tooth available.

Fully developed third molars are potentially reliable candidates in the absence of other suitable donor teeth.
Salivary microbiota of HIV‐positive children and its correlation with HIV status, oral diseases, and total secretory IgA
Authors: SILVA‐BOGHOSSIAN CARINA , CASTRO GLÓRIA FERNANDA , TELES RICARDO PALMIER , DE SOUZA IVETE P. R. , COLOMBO ANA PAULA V.
Published: October 2007

Aim.  This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and levels of salivary microorganisms in HIV‐positive children, and their correlation to HIV status, oral lesions, and salivary IgA levels.

Design.  Forty‐two HIV‐positive and 36 control children were clinically examined, had their saliva collected and processed for the microbiological analysis of 38 bacterial taxa by the checkerboard method, and salivary IgA quantification by ELISA.

Results.  The majority of the species tested were more prevalent in control children than in the HIV group. Mean concentration of total salivary IgA was similar in both groups. High levels of Veillonella parvula were found in children with cheilitis and herpes. Tannerella forsythia, Eikenella Corrodens, and Propionibacterium acnes were prevalent in children with gingivitis, while Fusobacterium periodonticum, Streptococcus gordonii, and Streptococcus oralis were significantly more frequent in children with no oral lesions. Significant negative correlations between salivary IgA levels and Eubacterium nodatum and oral streptococci were observed (P < 0.05).

Conclusion.  HIV‐seropositive children presented significantly lower prevalence and levels of several bacterial species in saliva; HIV‐positive children are able to mount a mucosal immune response; HIV‐seropositive children under highly active antiretroviral therapy presented low prevalence of oral lesions.
Temperamental reactivity and negative emotionality in uncooperative children referred to specialized paediatric dentistry compared to children in ordinary dental care
Authors: ARNRUP KRISTINA , BROBERG ANDERS G. , BERGGREN ULF , BODIN LENNART
Published: October 2007

Background.  Current treatment of children with dental behaviour management problems (DBMP) is based on the presupposition that their difficulties are caused by dental fear, but is this always the case?

Objective.  The aim of this study was to study temperamental reactivity, negative emotionality, and other personal characteristics in relation to DBMP in 8‐ to 12‐year‐old children.

Methods.  Forty‐six children referred because of DBMP (study group) and 110 children in ordinary dental care (reference group) participated. The EASI tempramental survey assessed temperamental reactivity and negative emotionality, the Child Behaviour Questionnaire internalizing and externalizing behaviour problems, and the Children's Fear Survey Schedule general and dental fears. Cluster analyses and tree‐based modelling were used for data analysis.

Results.  Among the five clusters identified, one could be characterized as ‘balanced temperament’. Thirty‐five per cent of the reference group compared to only 7% of the study group belonged to this cluster. Negative emotionality was the most important sorting variable.

Conclusions.  Children referred because of DBMP differed from children in ordinary dental care, not only in dental fear level, but also in personal characteristics. Few of the referred children were characterized by a balanced temperament profile. It is important to consider the dual impact of emotion dysregulation and emotional reactivity in the development of DBMP.
Psychological characteristics of Norwegian adolescents reporting no likelihood of visiting a dentist in a situation with toothache
Authors: SKARET ERIK , BERG EINAR , KVALE GERD , RAADAL MAGNE
Published: October 2007

Objectives.  The aim of the present study was to explore and compare psychological characteristics in two groups of 18‐year‐old adolescents: (i) subjects reporting no likelihood of visiting the dentist in a situation with toothache (avoiders); and (ii) subjects who definitely would see the dentist in the same situation (non‐avoiders).

Methods.  The study included a representative sample (n = 1385) of 18‐year‐old adolescents attending high schools in the county of Hordaland, Norway. Data were collected by use of questionnaires completed in classrooms.

Results.  The following factors increased the risk of being included in the avoider group: negative beliefs of the dentist (communication, trust and control) (OR = 4.3), high dental anxiety (OR = 3.5), and being a male (OR = 2.4). No predictive power for being included in the avoider group was found for general self‐efficacy, coping style, multiple fears, or anxiety and depression.

Conclusions.  Adolescents with avoidance behaviour have more negative beliefs of the dentist and higher dental anxiety compared to non‐avoiders, but were found to have no other specific psychological characteristics. These results indicate a high potential for prevention of future avoidance of care for dentists that are focusing on patient communication and to give young patients perceptions of trust and control during dental treatment.
A fearful child attends: a psychoanalytic explanation of children's responses to dental treatment
Authors: FREEMAN RUTH
Published: October 2007

Background.  At the mention of dental treatment some children become overwhelmed by anxiety whereas others appear to take the news in their stride. Sometimes when anxious children attend dental treatment, they appear to cope, contain their fears, and passively submit to treatment, whereas others angrily refuse to open their mouths and a third group of children exist who seem to just ‘tough it out’ no matter how disagreeable or frightening dental treatment becomes. The question remains: why do children react so differently to dental treatment?

Aim.  This paper aims to provide a psychoanalytic explanation as to why children react and respond differently to dental treatment.

Results.  This paper proposes a psychoanalytic formulation based on the functionality of the family, parent–child dyads, child psychological development, and the child's emotional and actual life experiences.

Conclusions.  There is a need to understand the dynamic nature of child dental anxiety and to appreciate the hidden factors and underlying complexities associated with the anxious child who attends for dental treatment.
Using memory restructuring strategy to enhance dental behaviour
Authors: PICKRELL JACQUELINE E. , HEIMA MASAHIRO , WEINSTEIN PHILIP , COOLIDGE TRILBY , COLDWELL SUSAN E. , SKARET ERIK , CASTILLO JORGE , MILGROM PETER
Published: October 2007

Aims.  This study sought to ‘restructure’ memory of dental treatment to help children develop positive memories and cooperate more fully with the dentist at future visits.

Design.  The design compared ‘usual care’ plus an intervention designed to positively restructure memory with ‘usual care’ plus a control for 45 children, ages 6–9 years, who were in need of two restorative treatment visits. The intervention occurred at the second visit immediately before the dental treatment and focused on restructuring the child's memory of the first treatment visit. Children were asked to recall how much fear and pain they experienced during the first dental treatment.

Results.  The child's behaviour improved from the first dental treatment visit to the second in the intervention group but not in the control condition. When compared to the controls, those in the intervention group changed their memory of the fear they experienced at the first treatment and their memory of experienced pain.

Conclusions.  Restructuring memory may be effective in reducing fear for future treatment, and is easily adaptable to clinical practice in other healthcare situations.
The relationship between temperament and fearfulness in adult dental phobic patients
Authors: LUNDGREN JESPER , ELFSTRÖM MAGNUS L. , BERGGREN ULF
Published: October 2007

Background.  Temperament has been associated with dental fear (DF) and dental behavioural management problems (DBMP) in children, but little is known about what role temperament plays in the aetiology of DF. Thus, measures of temperament suitable for use among children, adolescents, and adults would be of value for longitudinal and family studies of DF, where relations between children's and parent's ratings are investigated.

Aim.  Our aim was to explore the adapted EASI (emotionality, activity, sociability, and impulsivity) in adult patients, and to evaluate the instrument in comparison with established measures of DF and general emotional reactions in adults.

Design.  The subjects were 230 adult patients applying for treatment for DF and 41 nonfearful patients (reference group). Questionnaires investigated temperament (general and DF) and general anxiety and depression.

Results.  The previously described factor structure of the EASI among children was confirmed and the adapted EASI had acceptable psychometric qualities. Emotionality correlated with DF and with measures of general psychological distress. No differences were found in mean scores of EASI dimensions between DF group and the reference group, which was in contrast with studies in children.

Conclusions.  The adapted EASI seem promising for use in future longitudinal and familial studies of development of DF and DBMP.
Psychosocial concomitants to dental fear and behaviour management problems
Authors: GUSTAFSSON ANNIKA , ARNRUP KRISTINA , BROBERG ANDERS G. , BODIN LENNART , BERGGREN ULF
Published: October 2007

Background. Children with dental behavioural management problems (DBMP) form a heterogeneous group, where personal characteristics play significant roles. Attention to everyday life and family situation as additional background facets may help to better understand and treat these patients.

Aim. This study describes everyday life and family situation in child/adolescent patients referred because of DBMP, as compared to patients in ordinary dental care.

Design. A study group of 230 referred patients (8–19 years old; 118 girls) was compared to a reference group of 248 same‐aged patients (142 girls) without DBMP. Patients and parents were interviewed according to a semistructured protocol.

Results. Patients referred because of DBMP more often lived in low socioeconomic status families, had parents not living together, fewer leisure‐time activities, and were assessed as doing worse in social interactions compared to the reference group. Half of the study group had personal professional support, and some had experienced interventions by the social authorities. Whether these findings apply also to children/adolescents with DBMP who are not referred to specialist care remains to study.

Conclusions. Many children and adolescents referred because of DBMP have a burdensome life and family situation. This should be paid attention to in research and in clinical care.
Bordetella pertussis adenylate cyclase toxin (ACT) induces cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) in murine macrophages and is facilitated by ACT interaction with CD11b/CD18 (Mac‐1)
Authors: Perkins Darren J. , Gray Mary C. , Hewlett Erik L. , Vogel Stefanie N.
Published: October 2007

Bordetella pertussis causes a profound inflammatory response in lungs of infected individuals. The adenylate cyclase toxin (ACT) of B. pertussis is a potent enzyme that converts cytosolic ATP into cAMP, and is required for virulence in vivo. During infection, secreted ACT binds to macrophages utilizing the β2 integrin, Mac‐1 (CR3, CD11b/CD18), and subsequent intoxication by ACT inhibits essential antibacterial activities of macrophages. Additionally, Mac‐1 has been reported to be a co‐receptor for TLR4 required for the full induction of some LPS‐responsive genes, including pro‐inflammatory cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2). We have examined the effect of ACT on COX‐2 expression in HEK293T cells expressing Mac‐1 and in murine macrophages. We report that ACT induces COX‐2 in a manner that absolutely requires the catalytic activity of this enzyme and Mac‐1 expression dramatically enhanced the sensitivity of cells to ACT‐dependent COX‐2 induction. The mechanism of COX‐2 induction by ACT utilizes the cAMP‐PKA‐CREB‐dependent pathway. Finally, ACT and TLR2 or TLR4 act synergistically to increase COX‐2 expression. These data suggest that ACT contributes significantly to the inflammatory response induced by B. pertussis infection by augmenting COX‐2 expression and provides evidence against the concept that ACT functions exclusively via its inhibitory effects on phagocytic leucocytes.
Impact of ageing on lymphatic cerebrospinal fluid absorption in the rat
Authors: Nagra G. , Johnston M. G.
Published: October 2007

Several parameters associated with the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) system show a change in the later stages of life, including elevated CSF outflow resistance. The latter implies a CSF absorption deficit. As a significant portion of CSF absorption occurs into extracranial lymphatic vessels located in the olfactory turbinates, the purpose of this study was to determine whether any age‐related impediments to CSF absorption existed at this location. In previous studies, we observed rapid movement of the CSF tracer into the olfactory turbinates in young rats (peaking 30 min after injection), with the concentration of the tracer being much higher in the turbinates than in any other tissue measured. In the study reported here, 125I‐human serum albumin was injected into the lateral ventricles of 3‐, 6‐, 12‐ and 19‐month‐old Fisher 344 rats. The animals were sacrificed at various times after injection of the radioactive tracer, and appropriate tissue samples were extracted. At 30 min post injection, the average tracer values expressed as per cent injected/g tissue were 6.68 ± 0.42 (n = 9, 3 months), 4.78 ± 0.67 (n = 9, 6 months), 2.49 ± 0.31 (n = 9, 12 months) and 2.42 ± 0.72 (n = 9, 19 months). We conclude that lymphatic CSF transport declines significantly with age. In concert with the known drop in CSF formation, the reduction in lymphatic CSF absorption may contribute to a decrease in CSF turnover in the elderly.
Development of spontaneous optic neuropathy in NF‐κΒp50‐deficient mice: requirement for NF‐κΒp50 in ganglion cell survival
Authors: Takahashi Y. , Katai N. , Murata T. , Taniguchi S.‐I. , Hayashi T.
Published: October 2007

Although the transcription factor NF‐κΒ is known to regulate cell death and survival, its precise role in cell death within the central nervous system remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of NF‐κΒp50 in the age‐related survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Eyes of mice with a deleted NF‐κΒp50 gene and its wild‐type mice at each of age were studied by histopathological studies. The number of RGCs was counted using retrograde labelling methods. Mice were subjected to intravitreous injection of N‐methyl‐D aspartate (NMDA) to induce RGC death. In p50‐deficient mice, the number of RGCs significantly decreased with age in total independence of intraocular pressure measurement. Optic nerves of p50‐deficient mice showed hypertrophy astrocytes and enlargement of the axons, together with a decreased number of axons. Immunohistochemistry showed a strong expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein. The histological results show obvious excavation of the optic nerve head in p50‐deficient mice at 10 months of age. Intravitreal injection of NMDA in young p50‐deficient mice damaged RGCs more intensively than in control animals. We further noticed that autoantibodies against RGCs were produced in p50‐deficient mice. Our results show that p50 deficiency induced age‐related RGC death, indicating a new insight into the role of p50 in the pathophysiology of neuropathy, and further experiments with p50‐deficient mice may provide new targets for therapeutic intervention for human glaucoma.
Age‐dependent impairment of hippocampal neurogenesis in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion
Authors: Sivilia S. , Giuliani A. , Del Vecchio G. , Giardino L. , Calzà L.
Published: October 2007

Acute ischaemic brain damages, including both strokes and local ischaemia, are powerful stimulators of neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus in adult rats and mice. As no data are available in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, we investigated neurogenesis in rats after bilateral chronic occlusion of the carotid arteries (2VO). 2VO was performed in 3‐ and 12‐month‐old rats. Proliferation was investigated by bromodeoxyuridine uptake and MCM2 nuclear immunoreactivity, neurogenesis by counting doublecortin‐IR cells in the subgranular area of the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. We found increased proliferation and neurogenesis in the subgranular area of the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus in adult (3‐month‐old) rats 8 days after 2VO. This capability is lost in middle‐aged (12‐month‐old) rats. Our data suggest that 2VO ligation can be a useful model for studying neurogenesis in experimental conditions mimicking long‐lasting human pathologies, and also in the exploration of the uncertain relation between chronic brain hypoperfusion and age‐related changes of cognitive function.
Expression of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response marker, BiP, in the central nervous system of HIV‐positive individuals
Authors: Lindl K. A. , Akay C. , Wang Y. , White M. G. , Jordan‐Sciutto K. L.
Published: October 2007

The prevalence of HIV‐associated neurocognitive impairment (NCI), which includes HIV‐associated dementia (HAD) and minor cognitive and motor disorder (MCMD), has been increasing. HIV‐infected and/or activated macrophages/microglia in the brain initiate the neurodegeneration seen in HIV‐associated NCI via soluble neurotoxic mediators, including reactive oxygen species, viral proteins and excitotoxins. Neurotoxic factors released by macrophages/microglia injure neurones directly and alter astrocytic homeostatic functions, which can lead to excitotoxicity and oxidative stress‐mediated neuronal injury. Often, cells respond to oxidative stress by initiating the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. Thus, we hypothesize that ER stress response is activated in HIV‐infected cortex. We used immunofluorescence and immunoblotting to assess expression patterns of the ER stress proteins, BiP and ATF6, in HIV‐positive cortical autopsy tissue. Additionally, we performed immunofluorescence using cell type‐specific markers to examine BiP staining in different cell types, including neurones, astrocytes and macrophages/microglia. We observed a significant increase in BiP expression by both immunoblotting and immunofluorescence in HIV‐positive cortex compared with control tissue. Additionally, phenotypic analysis of immunofluorescence showed cell type‐specific increases in BiP levels in neurones and astrocytes. Further, ATF‐6β, an ER stress response initiator, is up‐regulated in the same patient group, as assessed by immunoblotting. These results suggest that ER stress response is activated in HIV‐infected cortex. Moreover, data presented here indicate for the first time that numbers of macrophages/microglia increase in brains of MCMD patients, as has been observed in HAD.
Latino populations: a unique opportunity for epidemiological research of asthma
Authors: Salari Keyan , Burchard Esteban González
Published: October 2007

Asthma is a significant health problem among Latinos, the largest minority population in the US. Asthma prevalence, morbidity and mortality are highest in Puerto Ricans, intermediate in Dominicans and Cubans, and lowest in Mexicans and Central Americans. From a cultural and social perspective, Latinos represent a wide variety of national origins and ethnic and cultural groups, with a full spectrum of social class. From a genetic perspective, Latinos have descended from Native American, European and African populations. Here, we review results from recent genetic and clinical studies to illustrate the unique opportunity Latino groups offer for studying the interaction between racial, genetic and environmental contributions to asthma and drug responsiveness.
Examining the hygiene hypothesis: the Trial of Infant Probiotic Supplementation
Authors: Cabana Michael D , McKean Michelle , Wong Angela R. , Chao Cewin , Caughey Aaron B.
Published: October 2007

The hygiene hypothesis suggests that the absence of infectious exposure at a critical point in immune system development leads to a greater risk for the later development of atopic disease. As a result, it may be possible to devise strategies that can block the onset of atopic diseases such as asthma. This paper outlines the rationale, background and design for the Trial of Infant Probiotic Supplementation study, which is designed to test the effectiveness of a daily infant probiotic supplement in the first 6 months of life in preventing the development of early markers of asthma.
Comprehensive asthma management for underserved children
Authors: Thyne Shannon M , Marmor Andrea K. , Madden Nanette , Herrick Gail
Published: October 2007

In response to the ‘asthma epidemic’, local organisations in San Francisco formed the Yes We Can Urban Asthma Partnership, which uses a comprehensive medical/social model for paediatric asthma care. The Yes We Can Urban Asthma Partnership reaches out to high‐risk children in different clinical settings: urgent visits, the hospital, a comprehensive specialty asthma clinic, and through an expanded community health worker programme. This article highlights the initial development, implementation, and evaluation of the success of this innovative management programme to address the problem of paediatric asthma in underserved urban areas.
The immune response in Taenia solium cysticercosis: protection and injury
Authors: SCIUTTO E. , CHAVARRIA A. , FRAGOSO G. , FLEURY A. , LARRALDE C.
Published: October 2007

This article reviews current knowledge on the innate and acquired immune responses in human Taenia solium neurocysticercosis, highlighting the conditions that appear to be favourable for the survival or destruction of the parasite and for the benefit or injury to its host.
The divergent roles of alternatively activated macrophages in helminthic infections
Authors: REYES J. L. , TERRAZAS L. I.
Published: October 2007

Macrophages play crucial roles in the immune response, as they can initiate, modulate and also be final effector cells during immune responses to infections. Macrophages are derived from myeloid precursor cells in bone marrow and are widely distributed in every tissue of the body. Over the past 10 years, the concepts about macrophage activation have clearly changed; macrophages are not called activated or inactivated as they used to be. These changes in the concept of macrophage response is the result of many in vitro and in vivo studies, but the major support for the current concept of alternatively activated macrophages (AAMφ) comes from parasitic helminth infections. Parasitic helminths have developed complex mechanisms to evade and modulate host immunity. Infections with these parasites induce strong polarized Th2‐type immune responses frequently associated with impaired T‐cell proliferative responses to parasitic or unrelated antigens. Given the recent advances in understanding the immunoregulatory capabilities of helminthic infections, it has been suggested that macrophages can be a target for immunomodulation. Furthermore, they become altered when a host experiences chronic exposure to helminth parasites or their by‐products, which favour the induction of AAMφ. How AAMφ participate in modulating host immunity during helminth infections and what their roles are in clearing or favouring parasite survival remains elusive. Here we review the most recent advances in the literature on AAMφ at the host–parasite interface, including three classes of helminths: nematodes (Brugia, Nippostrongylus, Litomosoides, Heligmosomoides), trematodes (Schistosoma, Fasciola) and cestodes (Taenia, Echinococcus, Hymenolepis).
Data integration in plant biology: the O2PLS method for combined modeling of transcript and metabolite data
Authors: Bylesjö Max , Eriksson Daniel , Kusano Miyako , Moritz Thomas , Trygg Johan
Published: October 2007

The technological advances in the instrumentation employed in life sciences have enabled the collection of a virtually unlimited quantity of data from multiple sources. By gathering data from several analytical platforms, with the aim of parallel monitoring of, e.g. transcriptomic, metabolomic or proteomic events, one hopes to answer and understand biological questions and observations. This ‘systems biology’ approach typically involves advanced statistics to facilitate the interpretation of the data. In the present study, we demonstrate that the O2PLS multivariate regression method can be used for combining ‘omics’ types of data. With this methodology, systematic variation that overlaps across analytical platforms can be separated from platform‐specific systematic variation. A study of Populus tremula × Populus tremuloides, investigating short‐day‐induced effects at transcript and metabolite levels, is employed to demonstrate the benefits of the methodology. We show how the models can be validated and interpreted to identify biologically relevant events, and discuss the results in relation to a pairwise univariate correlation approach and principal component analysis.
Variable‐angle epifluorescence microscopy: a new way to look at protein dynamics in the plant cell cortex
Authors: Konopka Catherine A. , Bednarek Sebastian Y.
Published: October 2007

Live‐cell microscopy imaging of fluorescent‐tagged fusion proteins is an essential tool for cell biologists. Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM) has joined confocal microscopy as a complementary system for the imaging of cell surface protein dynamics in mammalian and yeast systems because of its high temporal and spatial resolution. Here we present an alternative to TIRFM, termed variable‐angle epifluorescence microscopy (VAEM), for the visualization of protein dynamics at or near the plasma membrane of plant epidermal cells and root hairs in whole, intact seedlings that provides high‐signal, low‐background and near real‐time imaging. VAEM uses highly oblique subcritical incident angles to decrease background fluorophore excitation. We discuss the utilities and advantages of VAEM for imaging of fluorescent fusion‐tagged marker proteins in studying cortical cytoskeletal and membrane proteins. We believe that the application of VAEM will be an invaluable imaging tool for plant cell biologists.
A case of necrotizing fasciitis with septic shock in a cat caused byAcinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Brachelente Chiara , Wiener Dominique , Malik Yasminda , Huessy Daniela
Published: October 2007

A 4‐year‐old, neutered female, domestic shorthair cat admitted to the animal hospital for recurrent constipation presumed to be due to post‐traumatic injuries, went into shock with signs including fever and ataxia followed by stupor. On the fifth day of hospitalization, the cat developed severe, diffuse oedema of the ventral abdomen with multifocal to coalescing erythematous areas and small vesicle formation. The results of bacteriological cultures of liver, spleen and kidney specimens led to the diagnosis ofAcinetobacter baumanniisepsis. Histopathological findings of skin samples taken during necropsy showed an extensive epidermal and dermal necrosis with septic vasculitis and numerous intralesional gram‐negative bacteria. Detection of theblaOXA‐51‐likegene specific forA. baumanniiby PCR, performed retrospectively on samples of the deep layers of the skin, confirmed the presence ofA. baumanniialso in the cutaneous lesions. To our knowledge this is the first report of a necrotizing fasciitis with septic shock in a cat caused byA. baumannii.
Sweat gland hamartoma resembling human syringocystadenoma papilliferum in two young cats
Authors: Heimann Marianne Hélène , Ngendahayo Placide
Published: October 2007

Syringocystadenoma papilliferum, a hamartoma with mostly sweat gland, but also follicular infundibular elements, is described on the flank and head of two young cats. Clinically, lesions were cutaneous plaques characterized by irregular but sharply demarcated borders and a roughened, hyperpigmented surface. Complete surgical excision in one case was curative. Histologically, the lesion was limited to the superficial dermis and consisted of coalescing units of proliferating sweat glands. The proliferation was tubular or papillary, and may have been epitrichial, opening within dilated hypertrophied follicular infundibuli, or atrichial. Three types of epithelium were observed, recapitulating the formation of the follicular‐sweat gland unit with infundibular, ductal and secretory epithelia. The glands reacted positively for alpha cytokeratin 8 and were supported by fibrous tissue with a plasmacytic, lymphocytic and neutrophilic infiltrate. As in humans, this lesion may be classified within the hamartoma‐nevus‐type category.
Factors affecting graft function in pediatric and adult recipients of adult live donor kidney transplants
Authors: Lezaic Visnja , Naumovic Radomir , Stanic Mirjana , Marinkovic Jelena , Kostic Mirjana , Peco‐Antic Amira , Djukanovic Ljubica
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  The aims of this investigation were to compare changes of function of adult living kidney grafts transplanted into adult and child recipients and to analyze factors associated with graft function during the first post‐transplant year. The study involved 53 adult and 23 pediatric recipients with immediate graft function and without complications that could influence graft function. In comparison to children, adult recipients and their donors were older, and having been longer on hemodialysis they had received more transfusions. Although similar baseline graft function – GFR0 was transplanted in both groups, absolute and relative GFR in adults rose and maintained stable, while in children absolute GFR decreased and remained similar to the GFR0 until the end of the study. Significant predictors of kidney function in both adult and child recipients were donor age, ratio between GFR0 and recipient BSA, induction immunosuppression, and systolic hypertension. In conclusion, the function of adult live kidney grafts changed differently in children and adults because of different functional requirements of recipients but donor age, induction immunosuppression and hypertension are significant predictor of graft function in both adults and children.
Endoscopic observation of Meckel's diverticulum by double balloon endoscopy: Report of five cases
Authors: Shinozaki Satoshi , Yamamoto Hironori , Ohnishi Hirohide , Kita Hiroto , Yano Tomonori , Iwamoto Michiko , Miyata Tomohiko , Hayashi Yoshikazu , Sunada Keijiro , Ido Kenichi , Takayashiki Norio , Sugano Kentaro
Published: October 2007

Background and Aim:  Most cases of Meckel's diverticula are asymptomatic, however, some cases presented with gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. It is often difficult to determine whether Meckel's diverticulum is a source of obscure GI bleeding. Double balloon endoscopy allows endoscopic access to the entire small intestine. The aim of this study was to compare endoscopic findings of three hemorrhagic and two non‐hemorrhagic Meckel's diverticula in patients with obscure GI bleeding using this novel technique.

Methods:  Between September 2000 and April 2005, 354 enteroscopies, including 162 anterograde and 192 retrograde procedures, were performed on 217 patients at the Jichi Medical University Hospital, Japan, using the double balloon endoscopy system. Five consecutive patients where Meckel's diverticulum was endoscopically observed were selected and analyzed.

Results:  Double balloon endoscopy enabled direct observation of Meckel's diverticula in all five patients. Surgical procedures were indicated for three patients where double balloon endoscopy discovered ulcers. By contrast, double balloon endoscopy detected other sources of bleeding in the remaining two patients where no ulcers were found in the Meckel's diverticula.

Conclusion:  Endoscopic observation of the ulcers in Meckel's diverticula was important evidence of bleeding in patients with obscure GI bleeding. Other sources of bleeding should be considered when no ulcers are found in the Meckel's diverticula.
Angiopoietin‐2 levels in the hepatic vein as a useful predictor of tumor invasiveness and prognosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kuboki Satoshi , Shimizu Hiroaki , Mitsuhashi Noboru , Kusashio Kimihiko , Kimura Fumio , Yoshidome Hiroyuki , Ohtsuka Masayuki , Kato Atsushi , Yoshitomi Hideyuki , Miyazaki Masaru
Published: October 2007

Background and Aim:  Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characteristically a hypervascular tumor and its progression is known to be closely related to angiogenesis. In this study, we investigated angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in the hepatic vein draining from HCC, as well as in the peripheral vein, to evaluate their relation to clinicopathological features and prognosis.

Methods:  To obtain hepatic venous blood samples, a catheter was placed into the main branch of the hepatic vein draining from HCC in 21 patients. The Ang‐2 and VEGF levels in both the hepatic and peripheral veins were investigated. Furthermore, Ang‐2 mRNA expression in surgically resected HCC was evaluated by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), as well as microvessel density (MVD) by CD34 immunostaining.

Results:  Ang‐2 levels in the hepatic vein significantly correlated with Ang‐2 mRNA expression in HCC, but Ang‐2 levels in the peripheral vein did not correlate. Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between hepatic venous Ang‐2 and MVD levels, whereas there was no significant correlation with hepatic venous VEGF levels. When hepatic venous Ang‐2 levels were compared with clinicopathological features, a significant relationship was found between high Ang‐2 levels and portal vein invasion. The survival for patients in the high hepatic venous Ang‐2 group was significantly poorer when compared with the low group.

Conclusion:  Preoperative hepatic venous Ang‐2 levels may be a good predictor for portal vein invasion and also prognosis in patients with HCC.
Pre‐school teachers' knowledge, attitudes and practices on childhood developmental and behavioural disorders in Singapore
Authors: Lian Wee Bin , Ying Selina Ho Kah , Tean Sylvia Choo Henn , Lin Daisy Chan Kwai , Lian Yeo Cheo , Yun Ho Lai
Published: October 2007

Aim:  Demands for diagnostic and intervention services in childhood developmental and behavioural disorders (CDABD) have increased in Singapore. With earlier enrolment of some 50 000 children in pre‐schools, early childhood educators must be well‐versed in normal development (ND) and CDABD, to help detect children with potential difficulties and refer for early diagnosis and intervention.

Methods:  Knowledge, attitudes and practices in ND and CDABD were evaluated among 503 pre‐school teachers, most aged 30–44 years. With a median pre‐school experience of 6.0 (0.1, 40) years, most had received formal training in early childhood but not special‐needs (SN) education.

Results:  A pass rate in knowledge (≥50% total‐score) was achieved in 56%, with the overall median total‐score of 50 (0, 87)%. In specific blocks on ND, autistic spectrum disorder and attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, pass‐rate was achieved in 66%, 68% and 32%, with median block‐scores of 56 (0, 100)%, 50 (0, 100)%, 40 (0, 100)% respectively. Results on attitudes and perceptions revealed that most supported mainstream integration and aides in the classroom, agreeing that both the government and parents should pay for such support services. While most felt unequipped, further training interested them, with >90% wanting to and feeling that they could make a difference for these children.

Conclusion:  This study demonstrated educational deficits in CDABD among our pre‐school teachers. Yet, most care and want to improve their skills to aid integration and improve SN education, calling for more training and resource support. Necessary changes in policy and resource allocation should occur to allow better‐integrated adults of tomorrow.
Efficacy and safety of a mixture of ketamine, midazolam and atropine for procedural sedation in paediatric oncology: a randomised study of oral versus intramuscular route
Authors: Bhatnagar Sushma , Mishra Seema , Gupta Meenu , Srikanti Madhurima , Mondol Anindya , Diwedi Alok
Published: October 2007

Aim:  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a mixture of ketamine, midazolam and atropine given orally by comparing the same mixture given through the intramuscular route in children with malignancy undergoing minor invasive procedures.

Methods:  Sixty children, aged between 1 and 10 years, scheduled to undergo minor procedures were randomised into two groups to receive a mixture of ketamine (6 mg/kg), midazolam (0.05 mg/kg) and atropine (0.02 mg/kg) intramuscularly (Group 1) or ketamine (10 mg/kg), midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) and atropine (0.05 mg/kg) orally (Group 2). Sedation score, observer‐rated visual analogue scale for pain were noted by an observer blinded to the route of drug administration.

Results:  Optimum sedation was present in all children in both groups after drug administration, with Group 1 being more deeply sedated than Group 2 at the start of the procedure. Supplementation with intravenous ketamine was required in four children in Group 1 and eight children in Group 2 (P = 0.33). The mean (±SD) observer‐rated visual analogue scale for pain during the procedure was 8.33 (±15.99) and 9.33 (±16.39) in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively (P = 0.892). One patient in Group 1 had vomiting after the procedure. There were no differences in proportion of patients with hallucinations and nystagmus in both groups.

Conclusions:  A mixture of ketamine, midazolam and atropine given orally provides sedation and analgesia similar to that produced by the same drugs given intramuscularly. It offers advantage over the intramuscular route as it is painless and can be given for minor paediatric oncology procedures with appropriate monitoring.
Anorexia, Maudsley and an impressive recovery: One family's story
Authors: Parent B A , Parent T C
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Ann was first diagnosed with anorexia nervosa at the age of 14 years. For two years she maintained unshakeable delusions that her body was grossly obese and that she did not require food to live. Her rational thought processes were swamped by overwhelming emotions of fear, self‐loathing, rage and despair. She developed obsessive and compulsive behaviours, her reactions to food were phobic, she withdrew from social contact, was flooded by suicidal thoughts and had periods of self‐harming. For 16 months after diagnosis Ann was seen by a variety of medical professionals who prescribed a range of treatments, some of which were life saving but none of which, crucially, had any appreciable impact on the long‐term course of her illness. She then began treatment following the family‐based Maudsley Approach which encourages parents to develop and maintain a programme of weight gain for their child. Six months after starting Maudsley Ann achieved a healthy body weight and all of her psychiatric symptoms began to disappear spontaneously. Over the next five months Ann's physical and mental health continued to improve dramatically. She has made a full recovery and has shown no sign of relapse for over 12 months.
Leaf‐cutting ants, seasonal burning and nutrient distribution in Cerrado vegetation
Authors: SOUSA‐SOUTO LEANDRO , SCHOEREDER JOSÉ H. , SCHAEFER CARLOS E. G. R.
Published: October 2007

Abstract  Fire and herbivory are known to modify plant community structure. Many studies have suggested that fire ashes may increase soil nutrients in dystrophic soils. Herbivores may also change plant community structure through direct effects of herbivory and affecting nutrient cycling. Leaf‐cutting ants were traditionally viewed as herbivores, although their role may be more complex, because their nests affect both chemical and physical soil properties, thus affecting plants indirectly. We investigated the effects of frequent burning and of leaf‐cutting ants on the nutrient status of an herbaceous and a shrub species occurring in the Brazilian Cerrado, a habitat that is characterized by natural burnings. The proximity of ant nests resulted in an increase of nutrients in the leaves of both vegetation strata, whereas burning sometimes resulted in a decrease of nutrients. Our results do not lead to a possible positive effect of fire on plant nutrient content. On the other hand, ant nests may represent an important source of nutrients for plants on the nutrient‐depleted Cerrado soils and may accelerate vegetation recovery after burning.