bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enamel matrix derivative and titanium implants
Authors: Stenport V. Franke , Johansson C. B.
Published: December 2004

Aim: The aim of present study was to evaluate if an enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain®) may enhance bone formation and osseointegration of titanium implants, using a well‐documented rabbit model.

Material and methods: Thirty‐six threaded commercially pure titanium (cp.ti.) implants were inserted in six New Zealand white rabbits. One implant was placed in each femur and two in each tibia. Prior to implant insertion approximately 0.5 mL of Emdogain (EMD) (test) or the vehicle gel (PGA: propylene glycol alginate) (control) was injected into the surgically prepared implant site. The follow‐up time was 6 weeks. Biomechanical evaluations by resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and removal torque measurements (RTQ) were performed. Histomorphometrical quantifications were made on ground sections by measurements of the percentage of bone‐to‐metal contact, bone area inside the threads as well as outside the threads (mirror image). Bone lengths along the implant surface were also measured and used for shear strength calculations.

Results: The results demonstrated no beneficial effects from the EMD treatment on bone formation around titanium implants in any of the tested parameters. Significant differences were demonstrated with removal torque test and shear force calculations for the control implants. No other parameter demonstrated a statistically significant difference.

Conclusion: The results of the present study may indicate that EMD does not contribute to bone formation around titanium implants. This observation may indicate that the bone formation that occurs after EMD treatment in periodontal defects is the result of functional adaptation. However, further research is required to evaluate the effect of EMD treatment on bone formation.
Clinical effects of a new mouthrinse containing chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride and zinc‐lactate on oral halitosis
Authors: Winkel E. G. , Roldán S. , Van Winkelhoff A. J. , Herrera D. , Sanz M.
Published: December 2004

Objectives:  The aim of this double‐blind, parallel study was to test the clinical efficacy of a newly developed mouthrinse in the treatment of oral halitosis in patients without periodontitis.

Material and methods:  Forty volunteers, recruited in two centers, participated in this study. Patients were selected on the basis of (1) halitosis of oral origin, (2) full‐mouth organoleptic score>1, using an arbitrary 0–5 scale, (3) level of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC)>170 parts per billion (ppb) and (4) Winkel tongue coating index (WTCI)>4 (0–12). Intervention included gargling with a mouthrinse containing chlorhexidine (0.05%), cetylpyridinium chloride (0.05%) and zinc‐lactate (0.14%) or with a placebo mouthrinse without active ingredients. At days 0 and 14 clinical variables were assessed in order of performance: (1) organoleptic assessments, (2) levels of VSC, and (3) WTCI.

Results:  Treatment with the active mouthrinse resulted in a significant mean reduction in the organoleptic score from 2.8 to 1.5 (p<0.005). In the placebo group, no significant reduction in the mean organoleptic score occurred. Consequently, this resulted, after 2 weeks, in a greater change of the organoleptic scores in the test group in comparison to the placebo group (p<0.005). The mean VSC scores were reduced from 292 to 172 ppb in the test group (p<0.005), whereas no reduction was observed in the placebo group. At the 2‐week examination, the mean change of the VSC scores in the test group was significantly greater than the mean change in the placebo group (p<0.005). Neither in the test nor in the placebo group a significant reduction in tongue coating was observed.

Conclusions:  In conclusion, the tested mouthrinse is effective in the treatment of oral halitosis.
Periodontal repair in dogs: gingival tissue occlusion, a critical requirement for GTR?
Authors: Wikesjö Ulf M. E. , Lim Won Hee , Thomson Robert C. , Hardwick W. Ross
Published: December 2004

Background: Design criteria for guided tissue regeneration (GTR) devices include biocompatibility, cell occlusion, space maintenance, tissue integration, and ease of use. Previous studies have established the importance of wound stabilization and space provision during the early healing sequel for successful GTR outcomes as well as evaluated biocompatibility, tissue integration, and clinical manageability of various biomaterials. The importance of cell or tissue occlusion has yet to be established. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of tissue occlusion as a critical determinant for GTR outcomes.

Methods: Routine, critical size, 5–6 mm, supra‐alveolar, periodontal defects were created around the mandibular premolar teeth in six young adult Beagle dogs. Space‐providing expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes, with (macroporous) or without (occlusive) 300‐μm laser‐drilled pores, 0.8 mm apart, were implanted to provide for GTR. Treatments were randomly assigned to left and right jaw quadrants in subsequent animals. The gingival flaps were advanced to cover the membranes and sutured. The animals were euthanized at 8 weeks postsurgery for histologic and histometric analysis.

Results: Three animals experienced wound failure within 2–3 weeks postsurgery resulting in exposure and removal of the occlusive ePTFE membranes. All defect sites, irrespective of membrane configuration or history of membrane exposure and removal, exhibited substantial evidence of periodontal regeneration including a functionally oriented periodontal ligament. To evaluate the biologic potential of GTR devices, only animals without wound failure and membrane removal were included. Alveolar bone regeneration for animals receiving occlusive and macroporous ePTFE membranes averaged (±sd) 3.2±1.1 versus 2.0±0.4 mm (p=0.3113). Cementum regeneration was enhanced in defect sites receiving the occlusive ePTFE membrane compared to the macroporous membrane (4.7±0.4 versus 2.3±0.2 mm; p=0.0167). Ankylosis was observed in one animal. Limited root resorption was observed in a second animal.

Conclusion: Tissue occlusion does not appear to be a critical determinant for GTR. However, tissue occlusion may be a requirement for optimal GTR. Moreover, macroporous space‐providing devices may increase the predictability of clinical GTR therapy.
Gingival lesions in a patient with chronic oral graft‐versus‐host disease: a case report
Authors: Argiriadou Annie S. , Sardella Andrea , Demarosi Federica , Carrassi Antonio
Published: December 2004

Background: The patient reported in this study was diagnosed with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia and underwent an allogenic bone marrow transplantation. She was referred for persisting oral ulceration and pain associated with the transplant procedure.

Aim: To present an unusual involvement of gingival tissues during a case of oral chronic graft‐versus‐host‐disease.

Conclusion: This is one of the very few reports in the dental literature of a case of oral chronic graft‐versus‐host disease that includes the unusual manifestation of prominent gingival lesions.
Deproteinized cancellous bovine bone (Bio‐Oss®) as bone substitute for sinus floor elevation
Authors: Tadjoedin E. S. , De Lange G. L. , Bronckers A. L. J. J , Lyaruu D. M , Burger E. H.
Published: December 2004

Objectives: To study in detail the performance of deproteinized cancellous bovine bone (DPBB, Bio‐Osso®) granules as a bone substitute, a histomorphometric was performed on five patients treated with DPBB for reconstruction of the severely atrophic maxilla.

Material and Methods: DPBB was used as mixture with autogenous bone particles, in concentrations that increased from 20% to 100% DPBB, with the time of healing increasing accordingly from 5 to 8 months. A total of 20 vertical biopsies was taken at the time of fixture installation and used for histomorphometry as undecalcified Goldner stained sections.

Results: The results show that in all cases, the DPBB granules had been interconnected by bridges of vital newly formed bone. The volume of bone in the grafted area correlated inversely with the concentration of DPBB grafted, and varied between 37% and 23%. However, the total volume of mineralized material (bone plus DPI3B granules) remained within the same range in all five patients (between 53% and 59%). The high values for osteoid and resorption surface, and the presence of tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase‐positive multinucleated osteoclasts in resorption lacunae, indicated that bone remodeling was very active in all grafts. Osteoclasts were also observed in shallow resorption pits on DPBB surfaces. The percentage DPBB surface in contact with bone remained stable at about 35% and could not be related to the proportion of DPBB grafted.

Conclusion: Although the number of patients examined was limited, the data suggest that deproteinized cancellous bovine bone, preferably combined with autogenous bone particles, is a suitable material for sinus floor elevation in the severely atrophic human maxilla.
Change of antibiotic susceptibility following periodontal therapy
Authors: Buchmann Rainer , Müller Rüdiger F. , Van Dyke Thomas E. , Lange Dieter E.
Published: December 2004

Background:  The hypothesis was tested that bacterial susceptibilities in aggressive periodontitis change upon administration of systemic antibiotics as adjuncts to periodontal therapy.

Methods:  In 23 subjects (average age 38.9±6.7 years) with aggressive periodontitis, microbial parameters were assessed prior to and 1 year after completion of comprehensive mechanical/surgical and systemic antimicrobial therapy. Following identification of five selected pathogens with the Rapid ID 32 A system, their susceptibilities towards amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium, metronidazole, and tetracycline were examined with the E‐test. Antibiotics were administered according to the test results, and the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC90) were reevaluated after 1 year. Statistical analysis was performed on a patient basis, with the site data used for evaluation of the MIC levels.

Results:  Bacterial MIC levels remained constant among the three antibiotic treatment groups compared with baseline. Mean MIC90 values ranged from <0.02 to 0.11 μg/ml (amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium), <0.02 to 0.27 μg/ml (metronidazole), and <0.02 to 0.11 μg/ml (tetracycline). Observed changes in susceptibility were attributed to the elimination of single bacterial taxa in the subgingival environment after antibiotic therapy. There were no statistically significant differences in clinical parameters among the treatment groups. Single tetracycline MICs were 1.5‐ to 6‐fold enhanced compared to amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium and metronidazole.

Conclusion:  The periodontal pathogens investigated prior to and 1 year after periodontal therapy are tested sensitive to the antimicrobial agents. In aggressive periodontitis, changes in bacterial susceptibility upon the administration of systemic antibiotics are associated with the limited number of isolates tested following therapy.
Gentamicin used as an adjunct to GTR
Authors: Stavropoulos A. , Kostopoulos L. , Mardas N. , Nyengaard J. R. , Karring T.
Published: December 2004

Objectives: To evaluate in a discriminating “capsule” model whether local application of gentamicin may have an added effect on bone formation produced by Bio‐Oss® and guide tissue regeneration (GTR).

Material and Methods: Thirty male 3‐month‐old Wistar rats were used. After elevation of muscle‐periosteal flaps, a rigid hemispherical Teflon capsule, loosely packed with 0.025 g of Bio‐Oss® impregnated with 2 mg/ml gentamicin sulfate (Garamycin®), was placed with its open part facing the lateral bone surface of the mandibular ramus (test) in one side of the jaw. A capsule filled only with Bio‐Oss® (control) was placed on the contralateral side of the jaw. After healing periods of 1, 2 and 4 months, groups of 10 animals were sacrificed and the specimens were processed for histological examination. The volumes of (1) the space created by the capsule, (2) newly formed bone, (3) Bio‐Oss® particles, (4) loose connective tissue, and (5) acellular space in the capsule were estimated by a point‐counting technique in three to four histological sections of each specimen, taken by uniformly random sampling.

Results: The histological evaluation showed limited but increasing bone fill in the capsules from 1 to 4 months in both the test and control sides. After 4 months, the newly formed bone occupied 11.9% (CV: 0.39) of the space created by the capsules at the test sides versus 13.2% (CV: 0.41) at the control sides. There was no statistical significant difference between test and control specimens at any observation time (p>0.05).

Conclusion: It is concluded that local application of gentamicin has no added effect on bone formation when combined with Bio‐Oss® and GTR.
The relationship of stress and anxiety with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Vettore M.V. , Leão A.T.T. , Monteiro da Silva A.M. , Quintanilha R.S. , Lamarca G.A.
Published: December 2004

Aim: This case–control study investigates the relationship of stress and anxiety with periodontal clinical characteristics.

Method: Seventy‐nine selected patients (mean age 46.8±8 years) were assigned to three groups in accordance with their levels of probing pocket depth (PPD): control group (PPD≤3 mm, n=22), test group 1 (at least four sites with PPD ≥4 mm and ≤6 mm, n=27) and test group 2 (at least four sites with PPD >6 mm, n=30). An inclusion criterion of the study required that patients presented a plaque index (PI) with a value equal to or larger than 2 in at least 50% of dental surfaces. All subjects were submitted to stress and anxiety evaluations. Stress was measured by the Stress Symptom Inventory (SSI) and the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS), while the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to assess anxiety. Clinical measures such as PI, gingival index (GI), PPD and clinical attachment level (CAL) were collected. Patient's medical history and socioeconomic data were also recorded.

Results: The mean clinical measures (PI, GI, PPD and CAL) obtained for the three groups, were: control group, 1.56±0.32, 0.68±0.49, 1.72±0.54 and 2.04±0.64 mm; group 1, 1.56±0.39, 1.13±0.58, 2.67±0.67 and 3.10±0.76 mm, group 2, 1.65±0.37, 1.54±0.46, 4.14±1.23 and 5.01±1.60 mm. The three groups did not differ with respect to percentage of clinical stress, scores of the SRRS, trait and state anxiety. Frequency of moderate CAL (4–6 mm) and moderate PPD (4–6 mm) were found to be significantly associated with higher trait anxiety scores after adjusting for socioeconomic data and cigarette consumption (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Based on the obtained results, individuals with high levels of trait anxiety appeared to be more prone to periodontal disease.
Osteogenesis by guided tissue regeneration and demineralized bone matrix
Authors: Mardas N. , Kostopoulos L. , Stavropoulos A. , Karring T.
Published: December 2004

Aim:  To evaluate in a discriminating capsule model whether bone formation by guided tissue regeneration (GTR) may be influenced by concomitant implantation of demineralized bone matrix (DBM).

Materials and Methods:  Thirty 4‐month‐old male albino rats of the Wistar strain were used in the study. Following surgical exposure of the mandibular ramus, a hemispherical, Teflon capsule (5.0 mm in diameter), loosely packed with a standardized amount of DBM, was placed with its open part facing the lateral bone surface of the ramus. At the contralateral side, an empty capsule was placed, serving as control. After healing periods of 15, 30, and 120 days, groups of 10 animals were sacrificed and 40–70 μm thick undecalcified sections of the capsules were produced. In the sections, the cross‐sectional areas of (1) the space created by the capsule, (2) newly formed bone, (3) DBM particles, (4) loose connective tissue as well as the (5) height of the capsules, and (6) that of the newly formed bone were measured.

Results:  Increasing bone fill was observed in both test and control sites from 30 to 120 days. After 30 days of healing, the mean amount of bone was approx. 3% of the cross‐sectional area of the capsules at the test sites while it was 8% in the control sites (p<0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the test (46%) and control (64%) sites after 120 days regarding any of the measured parameters (p>0.05). The newly formed bone in the DBM group at 120 days, on the other hand, appeared more dense than that in the control capsules.

Conclusion:  DBM used as an adjunct to GTR did not provide any added effect on bone formation but increased the density of the newly formed bone.
Gingival bleeding on probing increases after quitting smoking
Authors: Nair P. , Sutherland G. , Palmer R. M. , Wilson R. F. , Scott D. A.
Published: December 2004

Background: Gingival inflammation associated with plaque accumulation is delayed or impaired in smokers. Anecdotal evidence suggests that smokers who quit experience an increase in gingival bleeding.

Method: A group of 27 subjects on a Quit‐smoking programme were examined for changes in gingival health over a 4–6‐week period.

Results: The bleeding on probing with a constant force probe increased from 16% of sites to 32% of sites, despite improvements in the subjects oral hygiene.

Conclusion: This provides further evidence that tobacco smoking affects the inflammatory response and that these changes are reversible on quitting.
Contact sensitization to N‐(cyclohexylthio)phthalimide
Authors:   Johannes Geier, Lessmann Holger , Frosch Peter J. , Schnuch Axel
Published: December 2004

Previous reports revealed relative high sensitization rates to the rubber chemical N‐(cyclohexylthio)phthalimide (CTP; CAS‐No. 17796‐82‐6), but the relevance of positive reactions remained unknown. It was discussed whether the test concentration of 1% pet. needed to be changed. The German Contact Dermatitis Research Group (DKG) added CTP in 3 concentrations, i.e. 0.25% pet., 0.5% pet, 1% pet., to the rubber series. From June 1999 to December 2000, 1936 patients in 30 departments of dermatology were tested with CTP. Of the 56 patients with a positive test reaction (2.9%), 52 reacted to CTP 1% pet., 21 to CTP 0.5% pet., and 9 to CTP 0.25% pet. The reaction indices were about the same with all concentrations. 34 patients with a positive reaction to CTP 1% pet. did not react to the lower concentrations. The majority of these reactions are probably false‐positive. With CTP 0.25% pet., however, the majority of true allergic reactions to CTP were missed. Analysis of population characteristics and concomitant sensitizations to other rubber chemicals led to the conclusion that a positive reaction to CTP 0.5% pet. was a good indicator of contact allergy to CTP. Thus, the DKG decided to continue patch testing with CTP 0.5% pet. in the rubber series. Manufacturers' information about the use of CTP seem to partly contradict the patients' characteristics seen in this study. So the relevance of positive CTP patch test reactions, and the causative exposures in patients with CTP allergy, still remain to be clarified.
Erythema multiforme due to contact with weeds: a recurrence after patch testing
Authors: Jovanović M. , Mimica‐Dukić N. , Poljački M. , Boža P.
Published: December 2004

Erythema multiforme (EM) as a complication of patch testing (PT) is rare. A 52‐year‐old woman with a 13‐year history of episodes of EM, after contact with weeds during home gardening, had had no recent history of herpes simplex, other infection, drug ingestion or vaccination. On examination, EM lesions were distributed on the exposed skin. 5 weeks after complete resolution, PT and photopatch testing (PPT) were done with fresh plants she brought in. She was PT with a standard series and the Hermal‐Trolab plants, woods, tars, balsams and flavors series. Intradermal testing, with a 3 + reaction to mixed weed pollens, was done 3 weeks later. Specific IgE to weed pollens class 1 (CAP‐Pharmacia) was detected. Eczematous PT reactions were obtained with fresh leaves: common chickweed (Stellaria media Caryophyllaceae), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Compositae), field‐milk thistle (Sonchus arvensis Compositae) and white clover (Trifolium repens Leguminosae). Photoaggravation was seen to common chickweed and dandelion. Positive PT was also seen with alantolactone. By the 4‐day reading, a typical EM had commenced, coming up to quite the same extent as seen on admission. There was no photosensitivity (UV skin tester, K. Waldmann). In the essential oil obtained from common chickweed, thin layer chromatography (TLC) revealed the well‐known contact allergens borneol, menthol, linalool, 1,8‐cineole, and other terpenes such as epoxy‐dehydro‐caryophyllene, monoterpene alcohol‐ester and caryophyllene. Up to now, no data on essential oil in Stellaria media (common chickweed) have been reported. It can be concluded that EM developed due to contact with weeds, and recurred after patch testing. Neither blistering nor eczematous lesions have been seen on her skin, making this case very unusual. As far as the world literature is concerned, this is only the 4th report of EM developing in association with patch testing.
Occupational rubber glove allergy: results of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK), 1995–2001
Authors: Geier Johannes , Lessmann Holger , Uter Wolfgang , Schnuch Axel ,   For The Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK)
Published: December 2004

About 21% of the patients with occupational contact dermatitis registered in the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK) in the years 1995–2001 were patch tested due to suspected rubber glove allergy. We analysed reaction frequencies to thiurams, dithiocarbamates, mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) and its derivatives, thioureas, and 1,3‐diphenylguanidine (1,3‐DPG). Thiurams were by far the most frequent rubber allergens in these patients (16.2% positive reactions, age‐ and sex‐standardized), and the reaction frequency showed a decline from 20.9% in 1997 to 12.8% in 2000. However, this trend was not statistically significant, and was followed by an increase to 16.5% in 2001. All other rubber allergens showed no time trend at all. Although, according to manufacturers' information, the use of dithiocarbamates and MBT derivatives in rubber glove production increased in recent years, these allergens elicited positive reactions in only about 3% of the patients tested, and showed no increasing trend. Thioureas and 1,3‐DPG are not widely used in rubber glove production, and play only a minor role in rubber glove contact allergy. Most of the positive reactions to 1,3‐DPG are probably false‐positive, irritant reactions.
Patch testing with the irritant sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is useful in interpreting weak reactions to contact allergens as allergic or irritant
Authors: Geier J. , Uter W. , Pirker C. , Frosch P. J.
Published: December 2004

Several contact allergens are tested at concentrations which might cause irritant reactions. In this study we investigated whether the reactivity to a standard irritant is useful in identifying subjects with hyperreactive skin yielding a higher rate of doubtful or irritant reactions. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) 0.5% (aqua) was tested in addition to the standard series routinely for 5 years in the Department of Dermatology, Dortmund. For data analysis, we compared reactions at D3 to the standard series, the vehicle/emulsifier and preservative series and benzoyl peroxide to the reactions obtained with SLS. Proportions were standardized for age and sex. The association between reactivity to a certain allergen and SLS reactivity as a dichotomous outcome, controlled for age and sex as potential confounders, was assessed with logistic regression analysis. Results showed that of the 1600 tested patients, 668 (41.8%) had an irritant reaction to SLS which exceeded 2 + in only 41 patients. Seasonal variation was statistically significant, showing reduced SLS reactivity in summer vs. winter. Patients with irritant reactions to SLS showed significantly more erythematous reactions to the following 10 allergens of the standard series: fragrance mix, cobalt chloride, balsam of Peru (Myroxylon pereirae), lanolin alcohol, 4‐phenylenediamine base (PPD), propolis, formaldehyde, N‐isopropyl‐N′‐phenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine (IPPD), benzocaine, and 4‐tert‐butylphenol‐formaldehyde resin. No significant differences regarding strong positive allergic reactions were observed. Concerning other allergens, significantly more erythematous reactions were observed in SLS‐reactive patients to benzoyl peroxide, octyl gallate, cocamidopropyl betaine, Amerchol L‐101, tert‐butylhydroquinone, and triethanolamine. In the SLS‐reactive group of patients, the reaction index was negative for 10 allergens of the standard series compared to only 5 in the SLS non‐responder group. For the first time, this study, based on a large data pool, revealed a significant association between reactivity to the irritant SLS and erythematous reactions to certain allergens. With SLS as a marker for hyperreactive skin at hand, some of these reactions can now be classified as irritant more confidently, particularly if there is no history of exposure to the allergen.
Modulations of nerve growth factor and Bcl‐2 in ultraviolet‐irradiated human epidermis
Authors: Stefanato Catherine M. , Yaar Mina , Bhawan Jag , Phillips Tania J. , Kosmadaki Maria G. , Botchkarev Vladimir , Gilchrest Barbara A.
Published: December 2004

Background:  Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation to the skin causes apoptosis of keratinocytes. Melanocytes are more resistant to UV‐induced apoptosis, due, in part, to high levels of antiapoptotic proteins such as Bcl‐2. In vitro studies have shown that nerve growth factor (NGF), a neurotrophic polypeptide, is produced by keratinocytes and exerts a protective role for melanocytes by upregulating Bcl‐2. The purpose of this study was to determine NGF and Bcl‐2 modulations in UV‐irradiated human skin.

Methods:  Nine volunteers were irradiated with two minimal erythema doses using solar‐simulated UV irradiation. Seventy‐two hours post irradiation, skin biopsies were obtained from irradiated and sun‐protected skin. The skin specimens were stained with anti‐tyrosinase‐related protein‐1 monoclonal antibody IgG2a (Mel‐5), anti‐Bcl‐2 (monoclonal antibody IgG‐kappa), and with anti‐NGF (polyclonal antibody IgG).

Results:  NGF staining was identified within the cytoplasm of epidermal melanocytes, similar to the staining observed for TRP‐1 and Bcl‐2. While no significant difference in the number of TRP‐1‐ and Bcl‐2‐positive melanocytes was observed between irradiated and non‐irradiated skin within 72 h, the number of NGF‐positive melanocytes decreased significantly, 72 h after UV irradiation (p < 0.024). NGF was also identified within keratinocytes, and while non‐irradiated skin exhibited cytoplasmic NGF staining throughout the epidermis, NGF staining was reduced in the lower epidermal layers after UV irradiation.

Conclusions:  This is the first in vivo study showing NGF to be present in melanocytes, as well as showing modulations of NGF and Bcl‐2 in melanocytes, following solar‐simulated UV irradiation.
Expression of stratum corneum chymotryptic enzyme in ichthyoses and squamoproliferative processes
Authors: Johnson Brad , Horn Thomas , Sander Christian , Kohler Sabine , R. Smoller Bruce
Published: December 2004

Objective:  Stratum corneum chymotryptic enzyme (SCCE) is a serine protease, which is thought to play a role in the desquamation of skin via the proteolysis of desmosomes in the stratum corneum. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of SCCE in ichthyoses and squamoproliferative processes, conditions in which the shedding and replacement of epidermal cells is disrupted.

Design:  Tissue samples from cases of Netherton's syndrome, congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma, ichthyosis vulgaris, actinic keratosis, squamous cell carcinoma in situ, and invasive squamous cell carcinoma were examined for expression of SCCE using immunohistochemistry.

Main outcome measures:  The slides were qualitatively analyzed for the expression of SCCE by a certified dermatopathologist.

Results:  In all disease states, we found that the expression of SCCE was absent in areas of parakeratotic stratum corneum of normal thickness. In areas of mixed orthokeratosis and parakeratosis where the stratum corneum was greatly thickened as might correspond clinically to a cutaneous horn, SCCE staining was either absent or focally aggregated without regard to orthokeratosis or parakeratosis. Of note, complete absence of SCCE expression was not observed in any of the cases of ichthyosis examined, nor was there increased expression of SCCE in the atypical cells of the squamoproliferative disorders.

Conclusions:  These results suggest that SCCE is abnormally expressed in skin where epidermal cell kinetics are disrupted due to inherited and acquired defects. Further investigation is needed to determine causality between the abnormal expression of SCCE and the altered cell kinetics in these diseases.
Localized epidermolytic hyperkeratosis of the female external genitalia
Authors: Swann Michael H. , Pujals John S. , Pillow Jessica. , Collier Susannah L . , Hiatt Kim , Smoller Bruce R.
Published: December 2004

Background:  Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis (EH) is most commonly associated with the diffuse involvement of congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma, but can also be found in a localized pattern. Localized EH is rare, but mucocutaneous lesions have been been identified, most commonly in the mouth.

Methods:  We observed a 58‐year‐old African‐American female who noted spots on her genitalia for approximately 2 years. The lesions were increasing in size, darkening, and had become pruritic and sore over the past 6 months.

Results:  Physical examination revealed seven scattered, tan to brown, verrucoid papules on the labia and mons pubis, resembling condylomata acuminata or Bowenoid papulosis. Biopsy of a single labial papule revealed epidermal acanthosis, compact hyperkeratotic papillomatosis, perinuclear clear zones, granular keratohyalin clumping, hypergranulosis, and dyskeratosis resulting in intracellular eosinophilic globules, all characteristic of EH.

Conclusions:  Because of the rarity of localized genital EH and similar appearance to common diagnoses, clinical confusion may occur without biopsy.
Teaching paediatric dentistry by multimedia: a three‐year report
Authors: Brearley Messer L , Kan K. , Cameron A. , Robinson R.
Published: December 2004

Clinical cases can now be simulated utilising multimedia and used to teach case management to dental students. The modules developed should provide intellectual stimulation, user‐interaction and immediate feedback, in addition to being intuitively navigated and user‐helpful. Five paediatric dental case modules (early childhood caries, anterior trauma, anterior coronal fragment, anterior crossbite and dentigerous cyst) were created, installed in a multimedia presentation tool, PathFinder (from Westmead Hospital Dental Clinical School, New South Wales, Australia), and used to teach three classes of fourth year dental students at The University of Melbourne. Questionnaires, focus groups and a review were conducted by an external educational expert. Students responded anonymously to general learning questions and case specific questions using a five‐point Likert scale (strongly agree to strongly disagree). Student responses indicated they were very enthusiastic about learning via multimedia, although a few students disliked this educational approach. Focus groups and external review indicated that the modules were navigated readily and were suitably interactive.
Context rich problems in oral biology teaching
Authors: Kieser Jules , Kardos Thomas , Higgins Andrew , Herbison Peter
Published: December 2004

Problem‐based learning (PBL) has now been introduced in at least one of its various taxonomic forms in most dental curricula. We recently developed a novel form of PBL, referred to as Context Rich Problems, which we implemented in the Oral Biology course at the Otago University Dental School. A unique event, the teaching of second and third year students in the same year, allowed us to evaluate CRPs in these two academic years simultaneously. Our findings showed that second year students were not as positive as more mature third year students in accepting the transition from a traditional didactic form of teaching to PBL. Both groups, however, found that CRPs significantly enhanced their learning experience and both groups found that they needed less time spent on preparation than they had expected. In some respects, such as previous exposure to the web and electronic media, non‐New Zealanders had had a significantly higher exposure.
Regional dynamics and dispersal in the vascular plant Silene viscosa (L.) inhabiting small islands
Authors: Löfgren Anders , Jerling Lenn
Published: December 2004

We investigated and compared the patch occupancy and colonisation and extinction over a 40‐yr period in the vascular plant Silene viscosa in two archipelagos off the Swedish east coast. We also assessed the importance of regional vs local dynamics for regional persistence by examining factors affecting colonisation and extinction processes.

 We found an effect of isolation on the patch occupancy in 1957, but this effect disappeared 1997. The effect of isolation was not detected when analysing colonisations and extinctions during the 40‐yr period separately, which suggests that the colonisations and extinctions since 1957 have changed the patch occupancy of S. viscosa. The change in the patch occupancy is attributed to an increased colonisation, presumably mediated by the increase of the greylag goose Anser anser. The large amplitude of population size change, the high persistence of populations during a 40‐yr period, and the long term persistence for some populations all suggest that the distribution pattern approximates a distribution that is expected to be generated from an Island‐Mainland model, where a number of large populations are persistent and a number of smaller populations are more prone to extinction due to catastrophes (nesting cormorants) and environmental stochasticity (summer drought). Most evidence suggests that regional processes are of less importance than local processes for regional persistence on a time scale of 40 yr for S. viscosa.
Genetic variation of the Siberian titParus cinctuspopulations at the regional level: a mitochondrial sequence analysis
Authors: Uimaniemi Leena , Orell Markku , Kvist Laura , Jokimäki Jukka , Lumme Jaakko
Published: December 2004

We studied the matrilinear genetic structure of the Siberian titParus cinctusby sequencing 911 bp of the mitochondrial control region of 56 birds from Fennoscandia and 3 from Yakutia, central Siberia, representing subspeciesP. c. lapponicusandP. c. cinctus, respectively. One major haplotype comprised 35.7% of all birds and was present in all Fennoscandian populations. Sequence variation of 5 museum specimens from Norway fitted with the pattern of the present‐day birds. The nucleotide diversity was 0.00205±0.00025 in the Fennoscandian population and no population structuring was detected. The star‐like phylogeny suggests a recent expansion of the population size in the evolutionary time scale. A modern decline of the population size from 200 000 pairs to 50 000 pairs in Finland has resulted from cutting and fragmentation of old‐growth forests, but the effects of this could not yet be detected in the mtDNA pattern. However, the nucleotide diversity differed among populations being the highest at Kuusamo, close to the Russian border. Conceivably, the gene flow maintained by the substantial migration of Siberian tits is sufficient to prevent differentiation of local populations in Fennoscandia. Presumably the large conservation areas in NE Finland and on the Russian side of the border contribute to the high genetic variation observed in the Kuusamo population. Comparison of the mtDNA phylogeny of the Siberian tit with the phylogenies of the great tit, the blue tit and the willow tit showed that the Siberian tit and some other non‐migratory species of the foliage gleaning guild share similar post glacial histories in the western palaearctic.
Winter habitat and travel route selection by wolves in the northern Apennines, Italy
Authors: Ciucci Paolo , Masi Monica , Boitani Luigi
Published: December 2004

To assess the wolf‐habitat relationship on the home range scale (i.e., third order selection), we developed a resource selection probability function (RSPF) through a multiple logistic regression model based on the winter travel routes of a wolf pack in the northern Apennines, Italy (1991–95). Both travel routes (240 km) and habitat variables were mapped at 1:10 000 scale, digitised as Geographical Information System (GIS) layers, and overlaid with a 100×100 m pixel grid to census all used and unused resource units. Out of 15 covariates, the full model included 10 variables and 4 interaction terms. According to the model, travel routes by wolves were not randomly located within the home range but were clearly associated with selected bio‐physical factors, including human‐related habitat modifications (i.e., roads), which appeared to affect the wolves' resource selection and, ultimately, habitat quality. Using a jackknife procedure, the model correctly classified 73.1% of used resource units and 63.2% of unused resource units. A Monte Carlo test showed a non‐significant effect on the model coefficients of 4 increasing sub‐sampling levels of used resource units, suggesting that autocorrelation of snow‐tracking data exerted little influence on the point estimates of the coefficients. However, given the increased standard error at higher sub‐sampling levels, autocorrelation might have caused an underestimation of the theoretical variance. Although wolves are generally considered habitat generalists, this study shows that patterns of habitat selection are disclosed at finer scales of analysis. In this perspective, resource selection probability functions at finer scales offer different and complementary insight with respect to regional landscape applications, and provide a useful management tool for assessment of habitat quality at the local scale.
Predictive models of habitat preferences for the Eurasian eagle owl Bubo bubo: a multiscale approach
Authors: Martínez Jose Antonio , Serrano David , Zuberogoitia Iñigo
Published: December 2004

Habitat preference of eagle owls Bubo bubo were examined through comparing habitat composition around 51 occupied cliffs and 36 non‐occupied cliffs in Alicante (E Spain). We employed Generalized Linear Models to examine patterns of habitat preference at three different spatial scales: nest site (7 km2), home range (25 km2), and landscape (100 km2). At the nest site scale, occupied cliffs were more rugged, had a greater proportion of forest surface in the surroundings, and were further from the nearest paved road than unoccupied cliffs. Additionally, probability of having an occupied cliff increased when there was another occupied territory in the surroundings. At both the home range scale and the landscape scale, high probabilities of presence of eagle owls were related to high percentages of Mediterranean scrubland around the cliffs, which are the preferred habitat of European rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus, the main prey of the owls. We suggest a hierarchical process of habitat selection in the eagle owl concerning suitable trophic resources at the broadest scales and adequate sites for breeding and roosting at the smallest scale. However, it should be noted that some structural features such as the proximity of roads were not necessarily avoided by the owls, but their presence were possibly constrained by systematic killing of individuals. Our paper provides new evidence for the requirement of multi‐scale approaches to gain insight into both the different limiting factors for the persistence of populations and the role of individual perception of the environment in the evolution of habitat selection.
Patterns in woody species diversity, richness and partitioning of diversity in forest communities of tropical deciduous forest biome
Authors: Saha Sonali
Published: December 2004

The regressive succession model hypothesizes tropical savanna‐woodlands to be a degraded stage of primary deciduous forests. Species diversity, richness and evenness of woody species in savanna‐woodlands, secondary deciduous forests and mature deciduous forests of central India were compared to test if the regressive succession explained pattern in species richness, diversity, functional diversity and basal area. At the plot scale (0.1 ha) secondary deciduous forests and savanna‐woodlands had similar species diversity, a pattern not consistent with the regressive model of deciduous forest succession, and mature deciduous forests had greater species diversity and richness (p<0.05). When examined at a larger scale or community scale by pooling all plots within a community type, the trend in diversity persisted even with greater effort allocated to sampling of secondary deciduous forests. Species richness at the community scale was greatest in secondary deciduous forest as expected from species area relationship. The communities shared 28 woody species but the species composition was significantly different between the communities. I suggest that conservation of tropical deciduous forests based on regressive succession model is problematic.
Decreased plasma activity of antithrombin or protein C is not due to consumption coagulopathy in septic patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation
Authors: Asakura Hidesaku , Ontachi Yasuo , Mizutani Tomoe , Kato Minori , Ito Takako , Saito Masanori , Morishita Eriko , Yamazaki Masahide , Aoshima Keiji , Takami Akiyoshi , Yoshida Tomotaka , Suga Yukio , Miyamoto Ken‐ichi , Nakao Shinji
Published: December 2004

Abstract: We investigated whether depressed plasma antithrombin and protein C activity, considered as a specific finding of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), is due to consumption coagulopathy in septic patients with DIC. An analysis of hemostatic parameters was performed in 139 septic patients (68 with DIC and 71 without DIC). Plasma activity of antithrombin and protein C tended to be significantly decreased in septic patients with DIC but not in those without DIC (p < 0.001). However, when the septic patients were classified into three groups according to the albumin (or choline esterase) level, no significant differences in antithrombin activity or protein C activity were observed between the patients with and without DIC in any of the subgroups. Notably, neither the plasma activity of antithrombin nor protein C was decreased even in septic patients with DIC who had normal plasma levels of albumin (or choline esterase). No significant correlation was observed between plasma levels of thrombin–antithrombin complex (TAT) and antithrombin activity, or between plasma levels of TAT and protein C activity either in septic patients with DIC or without DIC. It is reasonable to conclude that the markedly reduced plasma activity of antithrombin and protein C is not due to consumption coagulopathy in septic patients with DIC.
Validation and clinical implication of a quantitative real‐time PCR determination of MDR1 gene expression: comparison with semi‐quantitative PCR in 101 patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Olesen L.H. , Nørgaard J.M. , Pallisgaard N. , Bukh A. , Hokland P.
Published: December 2004

Abstract: Introduction: The multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) has the capacity to extrude chemotherapeutics and has been implicated in treatment failure in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Previous methods for determination of MDR1 expression have included dye exclusion, demonstration of P‐glycoprotein by flow cytometry and/or immunohistochemistry, and molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based assays for RNA expression. However, these assays have either proven difficult to standardize or tedious to perform. We have therefore designed a real‐time quantitative (RQ)‐PCR based assay measuring MDR1 gene expression and validated it in AML patients by direct comparison with a competitive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assay.

Patients and methods: Bone marrow or peripheral blood from 101 AML patients diagnosed (1987–96) at our department were assessed for quantitative expression of MDR1 employing TaqMan RQ‐PCR. These data were compared with results obtained by a semi‐quantitative competitive PCR assay employing an artificial internal RNA construct.

Results: While the RQ‐PCR method was able to determine MDR1 gene expression in a continuous fashion over five logs, the semi‐quantitative PCR only yielded data in a discontinuous fashion and over four logs at best. Compared with the MDR1 positive and negative cell lines 8226 DOX40 and REH AML cells exhibited variation of 10 PCR cycles, equivalent to a 1000‐fold difference. A significant correlation was observed between the two methods, Spearman's correlation coefficient = –0.502, P‐value = 10−5.

Conclusion: We conclude that, RQ‐PCR is a novel methodology, which enables sensitive and quantitative measurement of MDR1 gene expression. This assay is moreover suitable because of its high throughput for longitudinal follow‐up and large number of patients.
USH1C: a rare cause of USH1 in a non‐Acadian population and a founder effect of the Acadian allele
Authors: Ouyang XM , Hejtmancik JF , Jacobson SG , Xia XJ , Li A , Du LL , Newton V , Kaiser M , Balkany T , Nance WE , Liu X‐Z
Published: December 2004

Usher syndrome (USH) is characterized by the associated findings of hearing loss and retinitis pigmentosa (RP), leading to progressive loss of vision. Three forms of USH can be distinguished clinically. In the most severe form, USH1, profound congenital deafness is associated with vestibular dysfunction and RP. To determine the frequency of USH1C mutations as a cause for USH1, 128 probands with Usher syndrome type 1 including seven from Acadian and 121 from non‐Acadian populations were systematically screened for mutations in USH1C using a combined single‐strand conformational polymorphisms (SSCP)/heteroduplex and sequencing method. All seven Acadian USH1 patients were found to be homozygous for both the 216G>A mutation and the 9‐repeat VNTR which characterizes the Acadian allele, confirming previous evidence for a founder effect by haplotype analysis. However, USH1C mutations were identified in only two non‐Acadian USH1 probands (1.65%) including one from Pakistan who was homozygous for a 238‐239insC mutation and one from Canada was also homozygous for the Acadian allele. The low prevalence of USH1C mutations in the present study suggests that the high prevalence of the 238‐239insC in Germany may reflect a founder effect. Comparison of the affected haplotypes in the Canadian patient with the Acadian USH1 patients yielded evidence for a founder effect. Our data suggest that USH1C is a relatively rare form of USH1 in non‐Acadian populations and that in addition to the 216G>A Acadian mutation, the 238‐239insC mutation appears to be common in some populations.