bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Separate Circadian Oscillator Controls Nocturnal Migratory Restlessness in the Songbird Sylvia borin
Authors: Bartell Paul A. , Gwinner Eberhard
Published: November 2005

When confined to a cage, migratory songbirds exhibit nocturnal migratory restlessness (also called Zugunruhe) during the spring and autumn migratory periods, even though these birds are exclusively diurnal during the remainder of the year. Zugunruhe, which has been demonstrated to be under the direct control of a circannual timer, is characterized by a stereotypic “wing-whirring” behavior while the bird is perched. To elucidate the role played by the circadian system in the regulation of Zugunruhe, the authors studied the activity of garden warblers ( Sylvia borin), long-distance nocturnal migrants, under skeleton photoperiods of different lengths and under constant dim light. In 11.5D:1L:10.5D:1L skeleton photoperiods, the authors found that Zugunruhe free-ran in a substantial proportion of birds, while their normal daily activities (e.g., feeding and preening) remained synchronized to 24 h. Some birds expressing Zugunruhe under constant dim light continued to show 2 distinct bouts of activity: one corresponding to daily activities, the other to wing-whirring. In some cases, these 2 bouts crossed while free-running with different periods. Birds expressing Zugunruhe also had significantly longer free-running periods than birds that did not. The study data suggest that the seasonal appearance of Zugunruhe is the result of the interactions of at least 2 circadian oscillators and that it is the phase relationship of these 2 oscillators that determines when nocturnal migratory restlessness is expressed. Furthermore, these data are consistent with the previously proposed internal coincidence hypothesis as a model for the ontogeny of circannual rhythms.
Strange Practices
Authors: Wells Karen
Published: November 2005

Children's fears about strangers are often intense and vivid. While various educational, policing and media initiatives have made children suspicious of strangers, the question of who the figure of the stranger is has not been addressed. The sociology of the stranger anticipates that visible minorities are marked out as strangers. However, for the children in this study, living in a multicultural neighbourhood, the stranger is not a racialized figure. For some children, the category of the stranger has expanded to include all unknowns, while for other children strangers are those whose practices are strange or those who have not been imaginatively incorporated into networks of neighbours and friends.
Attachment and the Body in Suicidal Adolescents: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wright John , Briggs Stephen , Behringer Johanna
Published: November 2005

There is a relative dearth of studies in the field of adolescent attachment despite the potential impact of such developmental changes on the organization of attachment systems. This omission is even more acute among clinical populations, although adolescence is notable for dramatic increases in specific psychopathologies, e.g. eating disorders, delinquency, and suicide and self-harm. This article attempts to address the shortfall using a mixed quantitative/qualitative research design. First, it examines the association between attachment styles and suicidality by comparing two groups of adolescent participants attending a psychotherapy clinic. Second, it explores the phenomenology of different presentations of suicidality in adolescence from a psychodynamically informed attachment theory perspective. The clinical and research implications from these findings are discussed.
Short-term Effectiveness of a School-based Early Intervention Program for Adolescent Depression
Authors: Kowalenko Nick , Rapee Ronald M. , Simmons Julie , Wignall Ann , Hoge Rebecca , Whitefield Kathy , Starling Julia , Stonehouse Roger , Baillie Andrew J.
Published: November 2005

This article reports on the effectiveness of an early intervention program, 'Adolescents Coping with Emotions' (ACE), for depression in girls. ACE was assessed in a short-term wait-list control trial. In 1999, 882 students (aged 13-16 years) were screened using the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). One hundred and seventy-nine students (63% female) who scored above the CDI cutoff (of 18) were offered the program and 143 (65% female) agreed to participate. On a school basis, participants were allocated to the intervention group ( n= 76; 56% female) who commenced the program within one month, or to a wait-list control condition (control group, n= 50; 79% female) who commenced the ACE program after 10 weeks. Data analysis was conducted for 82 female participants. All students completed the CDI, Adolescent Coping Scale and Children's Automatic Thoughts Scale at pre-And post-intervention. The intervention group alsocompleted a 6-month follow-up. At post-intervention, female ACE participants reported significantly reduced depressive symptoms and significantly improved coping skills compared with the control group. Using cognitive-behavioural and interpersonal techniques, the ACE program diminished depressive symptoms and increased coping skills in girls screening at-risk for depression.
Users' Views of a Group Therapy Intervention for Chronically Ill or Disabled Children and Their Parents: Towards a Meaningful Assessment of Therapeutic Effectiveness
Authors: Curle Christine , Bradford Julia , Thompson Julie , Cawthron Paul
Published: November 2005

This article describes users' views of a brief group therapy intervention for children with chronic illness or disability, together with a parallel group for parents. The aims of the intervention were to reduce feelings of isolation and facilitate coping. Users' views about research methods were also sought to inform the design of subsequent evaluation of effectiveness and the potential for long-term benefit. Grounded theory methodology was used and 27 participants were interviewed from 11 of the 17 families eligible to take part. A model emerged, which suggested that parents and children brought to the group common and specific difficulties. The benefits people described related to their perceived reasons for attending even if these were different from the therapist's overall aims. There was evidence of increased social support and range of coping responses. Participants gave constructive criticism of the group and articulated their views about acceptable research methods. They emphasized the need for research to value and respect the views of participants. This study suggests that this is a promising intervention being both acceptable and helpful and warrants a more extensive evaluation, which takes into account participants' preference for face-to-face interviews and is respectful and valuing of their perspective.
The Benefits of Letter Copying in Child and Family Mental Health
Authors: Nathan Mark
Published: November 2005

In this qualitative study in a child and adolescent mental health service setting, clinical letters written by one clinician were copied to 67 families. Feedback was sought from these families and was received from just under half of them. A majority found their letters helpful. Nearly all approved of the principleof copying. The requirement to copy meant extra effort for the clinician, but it had positive effects on both letter writing and clinical practice. There are grounds on which to argue that copied letters may have a 'therapeutic effect'.
Developmental Differences in Universal Preventive Intervention for Child Anxiety
Authors: Barrett Paula M. , Lock Sally , Farrell Lara J.
Published: November 2005

We compared the effects of a universal school-based preventive intervention for child anxiety at two developmental stages. Six hundred and ninety-two participants enrolled in either grade 6 ( n= 293), children aged between 9 and 10 years, or grade 9 ( n= 399), children aged between 14 and 16 years, were allocated to either a school-based cognitive-behavioural intervention or to a monitoring group. Participants completed the Spence Child Anxiety Scale and the Child Depression Inventory and were stratified into low-, moderate-And high-risk groups based on their anxiety scores at the start of the study. The effects of the prevention programme were evaluated at post- and 12-month follow-up intervals. Post-study results indicated significant reductions in anxiety ( p< .001) and depression ( p< .05) across high- and moderate-risk groups in both the intervention and monitoring conditions. This trend was evident at 12-month follow-up, however, reductions in anxiety were greater in the intervention condition ( p< .05). At post assessment, grade 6 participants showed significant changes in anxiety compared with grade 9 participants ( p< .001), although both primary and secondary school participants showed equal reductions in anxiety at 12-month follow-up. Overall, findings suggest that universal intervention is potentially successful in reducing anxiety symptoms in children. Primary school children reported the greatest changes in anxiety symptoms, suggesting that earlier preventive intervention is potentially more advantageous than later intervention in adolescence. The implications and limitations of this study and directions for future research are discussed.
Children's Understanding of a Psychiatric In-patient Admission
Authors: Hepper Felicity , Weaver Tim , Rose Gillian
Published: November 2005

Children (aged 8-13) admitted to an in-patient unit, were interviewed shortly after admission and before discharge, to explore how they made sense of the admission. The interviews were transcribed, coded and analysed to identify emergent themes. The findings suggest that children understood the reason for admission to relate to gaining control over 'out of control' emotions and behaviours that they perceived, in many cases, as leading to rejection by family, school or peers. At admission, the children expected to be passive recipients of 'help', with staff 'taking charge'. They valued the experience of containment provided by the unit. By the end of admission, children's conceptualization of their role in 'getting better' had shifted to incorporate an increasing sense of their own agency. Being taught strategies for anger-or anxiety-management was particularly valued by the children as helping them meet their objectives. However, despite the relevance of the children's ideas for treatment goals, children perceived themselves as excluded from goal setting. Ways in which services can enhance children's participation in decisions about treatment are discussed.
Being ill as narrated by children aged 11-18 years
Authors: Forsner Maria , Jansson Lilian , Soerlie Venke
Published: November 2005

Being ill from a child’s perspective has not been often investigated. The aim of this study was to illuminate the experience of being ill between the ages of 11-18 years. Four girls and one boy who were suffering short-term illness were interviewed and the data obtained subjected to qualitative content analysis. Illness disrupted their daily lives and made things unrecognizable. Being ill at the age of 11-18 seemed to imply being lost, hurt and in need of comfort from themselves and others. These narrations may indicate to health care professionals how they can improve their practice. This study suggests what is appreciated by children of this age when ill, namely being spoken to and informed about the illness and treatment. The children valued peace and quiet and wanted to listen to and adjust to their bodies.
Feminism and its ghosts
Authors: Hesford Victoria
Published: November 2005

This article contends that feminism is haunted by its past, and that to be haunted means that feminists need to bear witness to the possibilities, often unrealized, of that past and to actively resist the policing and defensiveness that have marked feminism's relationship to its diverse history in recent years. It engages with the work of Terry Castle and Avery Gordon in order to make this argument, and to map out a methodology for looking for the ghosts of the recent feminist past. In looking for one such ghost - the figure of the feminist-as-lesbian - the article asks, how does the trope of the apparitional in lesbian cultural visibility structure cultural memories of the second wave movement? To that end the article discusses the presence of the ghost in a recent feminist/queer study of feminist historicity and in the popular press respectively. The final section looks back to the 1980s in order to trace the connections between then and now, and, therefore, something of what the ghost wants us to remember.
Choosing Cesarean
Authors: Beckett Katherine
Published: November 2005

This article uses the US debate over elective Cesarean section to re-consider some of the more contentious issues raised in feminist debates about childbirth. Three waves of feminist commentary and critique in the United States are analysed in light of the ongoing debate over whether women should be able to choose Cesarean for non-medical reasons. I argue that the alternative birth movement's essentialist and occasionally moralistic rhetoric is problematic, and the idea that some women's preference for high-tech obstetrics is the result of a passive 'socialization' into 'dominant values' is theoretically inadequate. On the other hand, the invocation of women's choice and appreciation of high-tech childbirth serves as a weak foundation for a feminist perspective on childbirth. By limiting their analysis to the rhetorical and discursive nature and functions of 'the medical' and 'the natural', poststructuralist critics of the alternative birth movement obscure the connection of these discourses to practices that have very different consequences for maternal and infant health and, most importantly, for the consumption of health care resources.
Equality in multiplicity
Authors: Mookherjee Monica
Published: November 2005

Luce Irigaray classically challenges what she takes to be the masculine foundations of knowledge in Western liberal culture. The present article contends not only that this epistemological challenge implicates a radical feminist politics, but that it is also more helpful in formulating a multicultural feminist theory than is often acknowledged by her readers. This is because her account responds to the false neutrality of liberal feminist approaches to multiculturalism. It does so by supporting, at the socio-political level, transformative genealogical practices that are aimed at fostering women's agency in culturally sensitive ways. However, Irigaray's recent work on multiculturalism does not sustain the necessary continuity between her core epistemological critique and her political claims. In particular, the continuity between her criticism of the West's sexual indifference and the cultural multiplicity of female identity becomes problematic in her recent work. The author finally contends that Irigaray's writings pose difficulties for a multicultural feminism, because they fail to specify the different forms of policy necessary to promote diverse women's equality in the postcolonial contexts on which she recently focuses.
Masculine domination, radical feminism and change
Authors: Chambers Clare
Published: November 2005

Feminists are starting to look to the work of Pierre Bourdieu, in the hope that it might provide a useful framework for conceptualizing the tension between structure and agency in questions of gender. This article argues that Bourdieu's analysis of gender can indeed be useful to feminists, but that the options Bourdieu offers for change are problematic. The article suggests that Bourdieu's analysis of gender echoes the work of earlier radical feminists, particularly Catharine MacKinnon, in important ways. Consciousness-raising, one of MacKinnon's strategies for change, sits well with Bourdieu's concept of habitus, despite Bourdieu's own scepticism. The article argues that recasting the role of consciousness-raising in Bourdieu's theory helps to undermine the deterministic elements of his work. It concludes that a feminist turn to Bourdieu as an attempt to understand gender's entrenchment-and-malleability can be fruitful, and that such a turn might find a re-engagement with the idea of consciousness-raising helpful.
Book reading interactions between African American and Puerto Rican Head Start children and their mothers
Authors: Hammer Carol Scheffner , Nimmo Diana , Cohen Risa , Draheim Heather Clemons , Johnson Amy Achenbach
Published: November 2005

In keeping with a sociocultural view of children’s literacy development, this study investigated the book reading behaviors of African American and Puerto Rican mothers and their Head Start children. Ten African American and 10 Puerto Rican mothers and their children participated. The communicative behaviors of the mothers and children produced during book reading were analyzed and the book reading styles of the dyads were also identified. Results revealed that mothers read the text from the books, responded to their children and asked questions most frequently. The children responded to their mothers’ utterances, produced labels/comments, and asked questions most frequently. Puerto Rican mothers produced significantly more labels/comments than did African American mothers. Puerto Rican children had higher assertiveness ratios than their African American counterparts. Four book reading styles were identified in the two groups. Implications for developing interventions that incorporate families’ literacy practices are discussed.
Executive Insights: Exporting Services to Southeast Asia: Lessons from Australian Knowledge-Based Service Exporters
Authors: Styles Chris , Patterson Paul G. , La Vinh Q.
Published: November 2005

Despite the growing importance of service exports in the world economy, there is limited research into the unique success factors in this sector. This article reports the key lessons from 17 Australian exporters of knowledge-based services (e.g., market research, legal, advertising, engineering) that conduct business in Southeast Asia. The authors selected the cases in accordance with Patterson and Cicic's (1995) classification scheme, which recognizes key differences across service types. Analysis of the data shows that though there are some common success factors across service types, services characterized by high tangibility on the one hand and low tangibility on the other hand derived additional success factors on the basis of their tangible and intangible assets, respectively. Furthermore, the performance of firms with high face-to-face contact during service manufacturing and delivery was enhanced by personnel-related factors. This suggests a “contingency guide” to knowledge-based service exports.
Order of Entry and Performance of Multinational Corporations in an Emerging Market: A Contingent Resource Perspective
Authors: Cui Geng , Lui Hon-Kwong
Published: November 2005

Drawing on the resource-based view, this study examines the contingency effects of industry- and firm-level variables on the first-mover advantages and effective follower strategies in an emerging-market context. Using hierarchical regressions, the authors analyze a large data set of foreign investors in China. Contingency models that include the interactions of entry order with the moderating variables have better fit of the data than the main-effect models. Industry growth and competition, firm size, entry mode, resource commitment, and marketing intensity have significant moderating effects on first-mover advantages. After the authors correct for multicollinearity bias using ridge regression, it seems that pioneers still enjoy a small advantage in market share but not in profitability, indicating a trade-off between the two. Furthermore, followers may augment performance by increasing resource commitment and marketing intensity. These findings have significant implications for entry-order strategies and for improving foreign direct investment performance in foreign markets; they also suggest meaningful directions for further research.
Culture Matters: Consumer Acceptance of U.S. Films in Foreign Markets
Authors: Craig C. Samuel , Greene William H. , Douglas Susan P.
Published: November 2005

Culture matters for products with significant cultural content. The current study examines the impact of cultural context on the box office performance of U.S. films in foreign markets. The results indicate that films perform better in countries that are culturally closer to the United States and those that have a greater degree of Americanization. The authors draw implications for films and, more broadly, for products with cultural content.
A Systematic Review on the Effects of Subgingival Chlorhexidine Gel Administration in the Treatment of Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Cosyn Jan , Sabzevar Mehran Moradi
Published: November 2005

Background: Since scaling and root planing are not always successful, predominantly when access to periodontal defects is compromised, various antimicrobial agents as adjuncts have been suggested to enhance their efficacy. Gel vehicles delivering chlorhexidine (CHX) have become available and tested for these indications.

Methods: An electronic (MEDLINE and Cochrane Oral Health Group Specialized Trials Register) and manual search were made to detect studies concerning the use of chlorhexidine gels as a single measure of treatment and as an adjunct to scaling and root planing. Only full‐text randomized controlled trials published in English up to January 2005 were included.

Results: Eight studies were finally selected. Due to considerable heterogeneity in study design and outcome variables measured a qualitative data analysis was performed. There is evidence that subgingival chlorhexidine gel administration as a monotherapy temporarily reduces bleeding tendency on probing; a clinical effect coinciding with relevant microbiological changes described in all but one study. To what extent chemical effects contribute to these changes appears to be related to the frequency of gel administration. There seem to be little to no data indicating that the treatment outcome of scaling and root planing will benefit from the adjunctive subgingival administration of a CHX gel.

Conclusion: The limited data currently available on the effects of subgingival chlorhexidine gel application do not justify its use in the treatment of chronic periodontitis.
Histologic and Histomorphometric Findings From Retrieved, Immediately Occlusally Loaded Implants in Humans
Authors: Romanos George E. , Testori Tiziano , Degidi Marco , Piattelli Adriano
Published: November 2005

Background: The immediate loading treatment concept can be successfully used in implant dentistry. Bone cells migrate onto the implant surface and establish a stable anchorage on the titanium surface. When implants are loaded immediately after surgery, there is a high long‐term success rate of the implant‐supported reconstruction. Based on histologic observations from different animal studies, the interface of immediately loaded implants can have a direct bone‐to‐implant connection without any fibrous tissue formation. Mature bone formation is dependent on the loading period. The aim of this study was to demonstrate a histologic analysis of retrieved, clinically stable immediately loaded implants with different implant designs and surfaces. An objective demonstration of the bone‐implant interface was presented for the implant systems used.

Methods: A total of 29 implants with different implant designs and surfaces were retrieved from patients who were treated with implants using an immediate loading protocol and fixed immediate restorations placed the same day after surgery. The loading period was between 2 and 10 months. The bone‐implant interface was examined histologically and histomorphometrically.

Results: A high bone‐to‐implant percentage of 66.8% (±8.9%) was found in the examined retrieved implants. Some marginal bone resorption was observed in the crestal part of the implants.

Conclusion: According to the present histologic and histomorphometric evaluation of retrieved, clinically stable implants, immediate occlusal loading can present a high level of bone‐to‐implant contact in humans.
Platelet‐Derived Growth Factor Enhancement of Two Alloplastic Bone Matrices
Authors: Bateman Jeremy , Intini Giuseppe , Margarone Joseph , Goodloe Samuel , Bush Peter , Lynch Samuel E. , Dziak Rosemary
Published: November 2005

Background: The use of alloplastic matrices that mimic the mineral phase of bone has become a viable alternative to current mainstream therapies in dentistry such as allografts and autogenous grafts. Because alloplastic bone substitutes generally have relatively poor osteogenic properties, analyzing their potential as vehicles to deliver growth factors is an important step in assessing methods to enhance their clinical efficacy. The aim of these studies was to treat beta‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) and calcium sulfate (CaSO4) with platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐BB to enhance the osteogenic capabilities of these materials.

Methods: In the β‐TCP studies, PDGF‐BB adsorption and release were accomplished using 125I radiolabeled growth factor and non‐radioactive human recombinant PDGF at a ratio of 1:300 M. For the adsorption studies, the radiolabeled PDGF‐BB/ non‐radioactive PDGF solutions with resultant PDGF concentrations of 10−7 and 10−8 M were incubated with β‐TCP from 1 to 120 minutes, and the amount of adsorbed 125I‐PDGF‐BB was measured using a gamma counter. Similar adsorption studies were conducted with a 30‐minute incubation of β‐TCP with various PDGF concentrations. In vitro release studies were conducted with β‐TCP to which radiolabeled PDGF had been adsorbed as above. Release studies were also conducted with CaSO4 that was hydrated with the radioactive PDGF solution described above for the TCP studies. In vivo PDGF‐BB release from β‐TCP and CaSO4 was evaluated in a mouse model, where the radioactive PDGF/non‐radioactive PDGF‐BB treated β‐TCP or CaSO4 sample was inserted subcutaneously and later removed for radioactive measurement. Proliferation of human osteoblastic cells in the presence of PDGF‐ treated β‐TCP or CaSO4 was assessed by 3H thymidine incorporation.

Results: The absorption studies revealed that PDGF‐BB was absorbed in a concentration and time‐dependent manner to β‐TCP. In the in vitro release studies, ∼45% of the adsorbed PDGF‐BB was released after 10 days. In vivo release from both materials occurred faster than in vitro release. Osteoblastic cells incubated with PDGF‐BB‐treated matrices showed significantly (P <0.05, ANOVA) greater proliferation than with control matrices alone.

Conclusion: These experiments demonstrate the feasibility of using PDGF‐BB in combination with alloplastic materials such as β‐TCP or CaSO4 to serve as more effective bone graft materials with enhanced osteogenic properties.
Dimension of Keratinized Mucosa and the Interproximal Papilla Between Adjacent Implants
Authors: Lee Dong‐Won , Park Kwang‐Ho , Moon Ik‐Sang
Published: November 2005

Background: The interproximal papilla between two adjacent implants is gaining critical interest in the implant dentistry. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of 1) the width of keratinized mucosa, 2) the distance from the base of the contact point to the crestal bone, and 3) the horizontal distance between two implants on the radiographic dimension from the tip of the papilla to the crestal bone between two implants.

Methods: This study involved 72 interproximal papillae between two adjacent implants (interimplant papilla) in 52 patients who had implants placed adjacent to each other and had a prosthesis in place more than 1 year. The shortest distance between the radiopaque material on the tip of the interimplant papilla and most coronal portion of the interimplant crestal bone was measured (the radiographic length of the papilla [RL]). The width of keratinized mucosa from the tip of the papilla was measured (WK). The vertical distance between the base of the contact point and the interimplant crestal bone was measured (CC). The horizontal distance between the two adjacent implants was measured at the fixture‐abutment interface level (HD). Multiple regression analysis was performed between WK‐RL, CC‐RL, and HD‐RL.

Results: RL had a significant relation with WK between two adjacent implants (P = 0.001). However, RL was not related with other variables, such as CC and HD (CC, P = 0.641; HD, P = 0.901).

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the width of keratinized mucosa between two adjacent implants might be related to the dimension of the interproximal papilla between two adjacent implants.
Coverage of Miller Class I and II Recession Defects Using Enamel Matrix Proteins Versus Coronally Advanced Flap Technique: A 2‐Year Report
Authors: Spahr Axel , Haegewald Stefan , Tsoulfidou Fotini , Rompola Eirini , Heijl Lars , Bernimoulin Jean‐Pierre , Ring Christina , Sander Silvia , Haller Bernd
Published: November 2005

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate a comparison of the coronally advanced flap procedure with or without the use of enamel matrix proteins in the treatment of recession defects.

Methods: This 2‐year study was conducted as a blinded, split‐mouth, placebo‐controlled, and randomized design. Thirty patients from two dental schools with two paired buccal recession defects were chosen. Surgical recession coverage was performed as the coronally advanced flap technique. One site was additionally treated with derivative (EMD) and the other site with a placebo (propylene glycol alginate [PGA]). A blinded examiner assessed pre‐ and post‐surgical measurements. Measurements comprised the height and width of the gingival recession, height of keratinized tissue, probing attachment level, probing depth, and alveolar bone level.

Results: Twenty‐four months after therapy, both treatment modalities showed significant root coverage and probing attachment gain. The mean gingival recession decreased from 3.6 to 0.8 mm for the EMD‐treated sites and from 3.8 to 1.4 mm for the control sites. However, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.122). Similarly, all other clinical parameters did not differ significantly in the between‐group comparison except for the recession width (P = 0.027) and probing depth (P = 0.046) exhibiting higher reductions in the EMD group. Complete root coverage could be maintained over 2 years in 53% of the EMD versus merely 23% in the control group. A total of 47% of the treated recessions in the control group deteriorated again in the second year after therapy compared to 22% in the EMD group.

Conclusion: Enamel matrix derivative seems to provide better long‐term results.
Bisphosphonate Modulates Cementoblast Behavior In Vitro
Authors: Chun Yong‐Hee P. , Foster Brian L. , Lukasavage Patricia A. , Berry Janice E. , Zhao Ming , Tenenbaum Howard C. , Somerman Martha J.
Published: November 2005

Background: Cementum formation is deemed to be instrumental for the successful regeneration of periodontal tissues, and thus events and modifiers of cementum formation and mineralization need to be determined. This study aimed to determine whether the bisphosphonate 1‐hydroxyethylidene‐1,1‐bisphosphonate (HEBP) altered the behavior of immortalized cementoblasts (osteocalcin‐cementoblasts [OCCM]).

Methods: OCCM from transgenic mice were exposed to HEBP at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 10.0 μM. The assays performed included the count of cell number for proliferation, Northern blot analysis for gene expression (up to 10 days for core binding factor alpha‐1 [Cbfa1], bone sialoprotein [BSP], osteocalcin [OCN], and osteopontin [OPN], markers for cementoblast/osteoblast maturation/mineralization), von Kossa stain and alizarin red S stain for mineralization, and enzyme assay (p‐nitrophenol phosphate cleavage) for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity.

Results: Mineral nodule formation was inhibited at the higher doses of HEBP (1.0 and 10.0 μM) only. At early stages (1, 3, and 6 days), gene expression assays revealed only subtle changes in treated cells versus untreated cells, but by day 10, groups treated with lower doses (0.01 and 0.1 μM) were markedly different at the gene expression level. OCN was significantly downregulated (70%) at the lowest dose, with less pronounced effects at higher doses. In concurrence, the master switch gene for osteoblasts, Cbfa1, was also downregulated at the lower doses. Inversely, OPN mRNA was enhanced at the lower doses. ALP activity was not altered by HEBP.

Conclusion: Bisphosphonate alters cementoblast function in vitro through the regulation of gene expression and mineral formation.
Systemic Low‐Dose Doxycycline and Alendronate Administration and Serum Interleukin‐1Beta, Osteocalcin, and C‐Reactive Protein Levels in Rats
Authors: Buduneli Eralp , Buduneli Nurcan , Vardar‐Şengül Saynur , Kardeşler Levent , Atilla Gül , Lappin David , Kinane Denis F.
Published: November 2005

Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of systemic administration of low‐dose doxycycline and a bisphosphonate, alendronate, on serum levels of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), osteocalcin (OC), and C‐reactive protein (CRP) in experimental periodontitis in rats.

Methods: Experimental periodontitis was induced by repeated injection of purified lipopolysaccharide (LPS) derived from Escherichia coli endotoxin. Forty‐seven adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into five study groups and given LPS, LPS + doxycycline, LPS + alendronate, LPS + doxycycline + alendronate, and saline control. At the end of the 1‐week protocol, blood samples were obtained, and the rats were sacrificed. Serum samples were analyzed for IL‐1β, OC, and CRP concentrations by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The jaws were defleshed, and alveolar bone loss was assessed morphometrically. Data were evaluated statistically by non‐parametric tests.

Results: Morphometric measurements revealed significantly more bone loss in the LPS group compared to the saline control group (P <0.05). Alendronate revealed slight inhibition on alveolar bone loss either alone or in combination with doxycycline (alveolar bone loss: 0.41 mm in alendronate and combined drug treatment groups versus 0.45 mm in LPS and doxycycline groups). Significantly higher IL‐1β levels were observed with alendronate either alone or in combination with doxycycline than in the LPS group (P <0.05). Combined administration of doxycycline and alendronate showed significantly higher levels of OC than all of the other groups (P <0.01). Serum CRP levels did not exhibit significant differences between the study groups.

Conclusions: Alendronate either alone or in combination with doxycycline provided slight inhibition on LPS‐induced alveolar bone resorption. The significantly increased serum OC level observed in the combined drug treatment group suggests that combined administration of alendronate and doxycycline might increase bone remodeling and thereby inhibit the progression of alveolar bone resorption in rats.
Analysis of Eosinophilic Round Bodies Formed After Injection of Enamel Matrix Derivative Into the Backs of Rats
Authors: Kim Nak‐Hyun , Tominaga Kazuya , Tanaka Akio
Published: November 2005

Background: Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) is used in dental clinics for the regeneration of alveolar bone. Its effects have not yet been clarified, although it induces eosinophilic round bodies (ERBs) and cartilage formation at the injection site. The objective of this experiment was to examine the histopathologic and biochemical properties of ERBs formed after EMD injection.

Methods: The backs of Sprague‐Dawley rats injected with various concentrations of EMD were examined histopathologically. For biochemical examinations, ERBs were microdissected out from the sections. Sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), matrix‐assisted laser‐desorption ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry (MS), and database analysis of ERBs were carried out.

Results: The histopathological findings were consistent with a foreign body reaction. Numerous ERBs were observed 7 days after injection of 30.0 mg/ml EMD. Histopathologically, ERBs did not contain polysaccharide, amyloid, or hemosiderin. The cells surrounding ERBs were not macrophages or vascular endothelial cells. SDS‐PAGE of the microdissected ERBs revealed an intense band at around the 40‐kDa region. MALDI‐TOF MS showed that the spectrum for ERBs has only a single strong ion intensity. Analysis of the amino acid sequence revealed that the ERBs were composed of various molecular fragments, which all contained an identical seven amino acid sequence. In addition, these peptides are a component of amelogenin.

Conclusions: A high concentration of EMD induces ERBs that consist of a 40‐kDa protein which includes a constituent part of amelogenin. The ERBs (or remaining EMD) might promote mesenchymal cell differentiation into hard tissue‐forming cells around the EMD injection site.
The Expression Profile of Lipopolysaccharide‐Binding Protein, Membrane‐Bound CD14, and Toll‐Like Receptors 2 and 4 in Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Ren Lei , Leung W. Keung , Darveau Richard P. , Jin Lijian
Published: November 2005

Background: This study aimed to investigate the interrelationship of in vivo expression of lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein (LBP) and membrane‐bound CD14 (mCD14) in human gingival tissues as well as the coexpression of Toll‐like receptors (TLR) 2 and 4 in association with periodontal conditions.

Methods: Gingival biopsies were collected from 43 subjects with chronic periodontitis, including periodontal pocket tissues (PoTs) and clinically healthy gingival tissues (HT‐Ps), and from 15 periodontally healthy subjects as controls (HT‐Cs). The expression of LBP, CD14, TLR 2, and TLR 4 was detected by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).

Results: LBP and mCD14 peptides were simultaneously detected in 91% of PoTs, 85% of HT‐Ps, and 100% of HT‐Cs. LBP and mCD14 mRNAs were simultaneously detected in 55% of PoTs, 55% of HT‐Ps, and 75% of HT‐Cs. The expression of LBP was confined to the gingival epithelium, whereas mCD14 was observed around the epithelium‐connective tissue interface. A positive correlation existed between LBP and mCD14 peptides in both detection expression (rs = 0.608; P <0.001) and expression levels (r = 0.304; P <0.05) of these two molecules. In PoTs, TLR 2 was detected in both pocket epithelia and macrophage‐like cells in connective tissues, whereas TLR 4 was predominantly detected in connective tissues. In HT‐Ps and HT‐Cs, a weak expression of TLR 2 was found in gingival epithelia, and no TLR 4 expression was detected. In PoTs, mCD14 was codetected on CD68‐labeled macrophages in the underlying connective tissues of pocket epithelium as well as on CD1a‐labeled dendritic cells in the pocket epithelium and connective tissues interface. No similar expression profile was detected in HT‐Ps and HT‐Cs.

Conclusions: This study suggests that the in vivo expression of LBP and mCD14 may be interrelated. Altered cellular expression profiles of mCD14 and TLR 2 and 4 in periodontal pocket tissues imply that these pattern recognition receptors may play a role in periodontal pathogenesis.
Alveolar Bone Loss and Aging: A Model for the Study in Mice
Authors: Rivaldo Elken G. , Padilha Dalva P. , Hugo Fernando N.
Published: November 2005

Background: Several animal studies have shown a positive correlation between aging and alveolar bone loss (ABL). The purpose of this study was to develop a model for the study of ABL in mice and aging.

Methods: Mucoperiosteal flap surgery (MFS) was performed on the buccal aspect of the left side of the mandible (BL) in 72 CF1 Mus domesticus mice and divided into three groups as follows: males, breeding (non‐virgin) females, and virgin females. The MFS was performed in 3‐, 6‐, 9‐, and 12‐month‐old animals under anesthesia. The buccal aspects of right hemimandibles were used as controls (BR). Animals were sacrificed under anesthesia 21 days after surgery. Mandibles were removed, defleshed, stained with toluidine blue, and photographed in a microscope. The photographs were digitized, and ABL was measured as the exposed root surface area (mm2). Blinded measurements were performed using a computer‐assisted image analysis system.

Results: In terms of alveolar bone loss, the BL (operated) area showed a significant difference (paired Student t test; P <0.001) when compared to the BR area in all three groups. Sex and breeding differences were not observed in this experiment. ABL in the left hemimandibles was significantly larger in 3‐ (mean: 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59 to 0.80) and 12‐month‐old animals (mean: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.46 to 0.71) than in 6‐ (mean: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.33 to 0.46) and 9‐month‐old animals (mean: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.35 to 0.48); P <0.001.

Conclusion: The results suggest that 3‐month‐old CF1 mice, in a sex and breeding independent process, could be a useful model for provoked alveolar bone loss studies in aging.
Immediate Occlusal Loading of Double Acid‐Etched Surface Titanium Implants in 41 Consecutive Full‐Arch Cases in the Mandible and Maxilla: 6‐ to 74‐Month Results
Authors: Ibañez Juan C. , Tahhan Marcelo J. , Zamar Juan A. , Menendez Alicia B. , Juaneda Agustina M. , Zamar Nicolas J. , Monqaut Jose L.
Published: November 2005

Background: The high success rate of dental implants has changed the quality of life for many patients. Immediate loading finds its application in some clinical cases and certainly adds another modality of treatment for the implant patient. Starting with a few implants immediately loaded with a bar overdenture in the mandible, the concept of immediate loading evolved to loading multiple implants in both the maxilla and mandible.

Methods: In this investigation, 41 consecutive patients who needed full‐arch restorations were treated with 343 double acid‐etched surface implants between May 1998 and March 2004. The sample included smokers and bruxers. Twenty‐three mandibular and 26 maxillary cases were treated, loading the implants within 48 hours, by using resin provisional prostheses, metal‐reinforced provisional prostheses, or definitive prostheses (metal‐acrylic or metal‐ceramic). All implants were followed for 12 to 74 months. Follow‐up consisted of clinical as well as radiographic examination. Furthermore, resonance frequency analysis was done in most of the implants during the last 2 years.

Results: The success rate obtained was 99.42% (only two mandibular implants that are still surviving were considered failures). The bone level was measured every year. The average radiographic bone level change was 0.56 mm at 12, 0.76 mm at 24, 0.84 mm at 36, 0.82 mm at 48, 0.83 mm at 60, and 0.94 mm at 72 months.

Conclusion: A high success rate can be achieved when double acid‐etched surface implants are immediately loaded with fixed full‐arch restorations in the maxilla and mandible.
Management of Gingival Recession by the Use of an Acellular Dermal Graft Material: A 12‐Case Series
Authors: Santos A. , Goumenos G. , Pascual A.
Published: November 2005

Background: Different soft tissue defects can be treated by a variety of surgical procedures. Most of these techniques require the palatal area as a donor site. Recently, an acellular dermal graft has become available that can substitute for palatal donor tissue.

Methods: This study describes the surgical technique for gingival augmentation and root coverage and the results of 12 clinical cases. A comparison between the three most popular mucogingival procedures for root coverage is also presented.

Results: The results of the 12 patients and the 26 denuded surfaces have shown that we can obtain a mean root coverage of 74% with the acellular dermal graft. Thirteen out of the 26 denuded surfaces had complete root coverage. The average increase in keratinized tissue was 1.19 mm. It seems that the long‐term results of the cases are stable.

Conclusion: The proposed technique of root coverage with an acellular dermal graft can be a good alternative to soft tissue grafts for root coverage, and it should be part of our periodontal plastic surgery armamentarium.
Physician Estimates and Patient-Reported Health Status in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Ikemura Nobuhiro , Kohsaka Shun , Kimura Takehiro , Jones Philip G. , Katsumata Yoshinori , Tanimoto Kojiro , Ueda Ikuko , Takatsuki Seiji , Ieda Masaki , Chan Paul S. , Spertus John A.
Published: February 2024

Importance

A primary objective in managing atrial fibrillation (AF) is to optimize patients’ health status, which can be done only if physicians accurately quantify the outcomes associated with AF in patients’ lives.

Objective

To explore physicians’ estimation of the health status of patients with AF and its association with subsequent care and outcomes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A multicenter, prospective cohort study was conducted in 2 outpatient practices in Tokyo, Japan. Participants included patients with newly diagnosed AF or those referred for initial treatment of AF at outpatient practices and treating physicians from November 8, 2018, to April 1, 2020. Data analysis was performed from December 22, 2022, to July 7, 2023.

Exposures

Participating patients completed the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-Life (AFEQT) questionnaire, a 20-item tool covering 4 domains with a 7-point Likert scale; 3 domains (symptoms, daily activities, and treatment concerns) were used in this study. Blinded to patients’ responses, treating physicians answered a 3-item questionnaire quantifying each patient’s AFEQT domain with a single item. Patients’ mean Likert scale responses within each AFEQT domain were subtracted from the physicians’ assessments so that higher scores (≥0.5 points) indicate physician underestimation, while lower scores (≤0.5 points) indicate physician overestimation of the health status of patients with AF.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The independent association of physician-patient concordance with treatment escalation (alteration or initiation of antiarrhythmic drugs, cardioversion, or catheter ablation) and 1-year adjusted changes in AFEQT scores.

Results

Among 330 patients (238 [72.1%] men; mean [SD] age, 67.9 [11.9] years; 163 [49.4%] with paroxysmal AF), physicians correctly estimated health status in 112 patients (33.9%), underestimated it in 42 patients (12.7%), and overestimated it in 176 patients (53.3%). Treatment escalation occurred in 63.6% of patients whose health status was correctly estimated, 47.6% of those whose health status was underestimated, and 66.3% of patients whose health status was overestimated. After multivariable adjustment, underestimation of health status was independently associated with less treatment escalation (adjusted odds ratio, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.20-0.90) and less frequent AFEQT overall summary score improvement at 1 year (underestimated, 2.5 [95% CI, −1.6 to 6.7] vs correctly and overestimated health status, 8.4 [95% CI, 7.0-9.9] points;P = .01).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, physician underestimation of the health status of patients with AF was common and associated with less aggressive treatment and less health status improvement at 1 year.