bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exclusion of coding region mutations inMSX1,PAX9andAXIN2in eight patients with severe oligodontia phenotype
Authors: Gerits A , Nieminen P , De Muynck S , Carels C
Published: August 2006

Structured Abstract

Authors – Gerits A, Nieminen P, De Muynck S, Carels C

Purpose – This paper describes the screening of eight patients with severe oligodontia forPAX9andAXIN2mutations.

Subjects and Methods – Anamnestic data and a panoramic radiograph were collected to study the phenotype of eight patients with oligodontia and their first‐degree relatives. A blood sample was taken for a mutational screening forPAX9andAXIN2mutations.

Results – No mutations were discovered, but a unique nucleotide change in a conserved 5′ flanking region of PAX9 was revealed. Earlier screening of the same patients forMSX1mutations also had a negative outcome.

Conclusions – Considering the discrepancy between the high incidence rate of agenesis and the relatively small number of reported causative mutations inPAX9,MSX1andAXIN2genes, the genetic contribution to oligodontia probably is much more heterogeneous than expected so far. Therefore negative results, like the present exclusion data, should be published more often in order to get a better appreciation of the relative contribution of these specific mutations causing oligodontia. In this context the exact number of tested probands also should be mentioned at all cases. Recent evidence of PAX9–MSX1 protein interactions in odontogenesis as well as other genes and developmental factors should receive more attention.
Effects of aging on RANKL and OPG levels in gingival crevicular fluid during orthodontic tooth movement
Authors: Kawasaki K , Takahashi T , Yamaguchi M , Kasai K
Published: August 2006

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Kawasaki K, Takahashi T, Yamaguchi M, Kasai K

Objectives –  To compare the levels of the receptor activator of NFkB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during orthodontic tooth movement in juvenile and adult patients.

Design –  Fifteen juveniles and 15 adults served as subjects. GCF was collected from the distal cervical margins of the experimental and control teeth at 0, 1, 24, and 168 h after application of a retracting force. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to determine RANKL and OPG levels in the GCF samples.

Results –  The amount of tooth movement for juveniles was larger than for adults after 168 h. Further, after 24 h RANKL levels were increased and those of OPG decreased in GCF samples from the compression side during orthodontic tooth movement in both juveniles and adults. The RANKL/OPG ratio in GCF from adult patients was lower than that in the juvenile patient samples.

Conclusion –  Our results suggest that the age‐related decrease in amount of tooth movement may be related to a decrease in RANKL/OPG ratio in GCF during the early stages of orthodontic tooth movement.
Osteoglophonic dysplasia: dental and orthodontic implications
Authors: Roberts TS , Stephen L , Beighton P
Published: August 2006

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Roberts TS, Stephen L, Beighton P

Aims and Objectives –  Documentation of dental and orthodontic implications of osteoglophonic dysplasia (OGD).

Settings and Participants –  Case report describing oral and dental manifestations of a female with OGD, aged 39 years, who was first documented three decades ago.

Results –  This rare genetic disorder manifests with gross stunting of stature, associated with severe craniofacial malformation and multiple unerupted teeth. Radiographically, multiple lucent lesions were present in the tubular bones and mandible as well as several impacted teeth.

Conclusion –  We concluded that prosthetic dental replacement in this patient would be difficult because of the distorted jaw relationship and large alveolar ridges. Equally, craniofacial reconstruction might be compromised by obstruction of the nasal airways, difficulty in intubation and postoperative respiratory problems.
Cellular response to force application at craniofacial sutures
Authors: Alaqeel SM , Hinton RJ , Opperman LA
Published: August 2006

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Alaqeel SM, Hinton RJ, Opperman LA

Objectives –  To provide a comprehensive review of the literature describing research done on the responses of suture cells to force application in vitro and in vivo.

Design and Results –  This review outlines the types of forces that can be applied, methods of applying the forces, the sutures used in experiments, and the changes in morphology, molecular biology (gene and protein expression), and cell biology (proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis) in response to these forces.

Conclusion –  The molecular response of sutures to force needs to be further investigated as these molecules can be used to enhance the way in which craniofacial sutures respond to mechanical force during orthopedic–orthodontic treatment.
Essential roles ofGli3and sonic hedgehog in pattern formation and developmental anomalies caused by their dysfunction
Authors: Motoyama Jun
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT Pattern formation along the body axis directs the proportion of different types of cells required for functional tissue structures. The secreted protein sonic hedgehog (Shh) and zinc finger transcription factorGli3are key players in pattern formation during brain and limb development; the antagonistic action ofShhtowardsGli3may be crucial for pattern formation. Recent findings fromShh/Gli3double homozygous mutants suggest that a balance of both activities is required for the production of the normal proportion of different cell types during organogenesis. This conclusion contrasts with the alternative hypothesis that aShhgradient directs the specification of several different cell types. The observations reviewed here offer a new perspective on understanding the pathogenesis of human birth defects caused by mutations of theShhandGli3genes.
Application for regenerative medicine of epithelial cell culture‐vistas of cultured epithelium
Authors: Inoue Hajime , Oshima Hideo , Matsuzaki Kyo‐Ichi , Kumagai Norio
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT  This review describes culture techniques for the epithelial system as well as trends in the clinical application of cultured keratinocytes in our department and the possibility of applying the techniques to other organs. Cultured epithelium and cultured dermis in particular have considerably preceded regeneration of other organs in the field of regenerative medicine. Since 1988 we have grafted cultured keratinocytes by the Rheinwald‐Green modified method in at least 500 patients with large skin defects. As a result of the establishment of a culture technique for individual patients, it is now possible to prepare enough regenerated epithelium to cover the body surface area of as many as 10 adult patients in approximately  three weeks after collecting  1 cm2 of skin, and then remaining cultured keratinocytes can be cryo‐preserved for two‐stage dermatoplasty at another site. This procedure makes it possible to avoid frequent skin collection from the same patient and thereby improves patients’ quality of life and activities of daily living. On the other hand, to solve the problem of regenerated epithelium shrinking and problems with graft efficiency on dermis defect lesion, we have developed a proteinase‐resistant regenerated dermis by mixing a certain protein with a fibrin scaffold. Recently we also took the initiative in grafting hybrid‐type regenerated trachea in an animal experiment by using the epithelial and dermal cell culture technique, and some results of the graft were obtained.
Genome‐wide screening of dioxin‐responsive genes in fetal brain: bioinformatic and experimental approaches
Authors: Fujita Hideki , Samejima Hazuki , Kitagawa Noriyuki , Mitsuhashi Takayuki , Washio Takanori , Yonemoto Junzo , Tomita Masaru , Takahashi Takao , Kosaki Kenjiro
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT  Many of the effects of dioxins, which are potent environmental pollutants and teratogens, are mediated through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, also known as the dioxin receptor. The purpose of the present study was to characterize dioxin‐responsive genes in a comprehensive manner using two complementary approaches: bioinformatic analysis and microarray analysis. First, we characterized the overall distribution of the cis‐regulatory element for the dioxin‐responsive element sequence (DRE) ‘gcgtg’ within putative promoter regions. We assembled the upstream sequences  10 kb from the transcription start site and evaluated their location and frequency in the human and mouse genomes. Second, we characterized the expression profile of mouse embryonic day 12 fetal brain exposed to 2,3,7,8‐tetrarchlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin. The distributions of  26 680 DREs among 2843 human genes and  98 711 DREs among 18 541 mouse genes were examined. In both species, the DREs tended to be located close to the transcription start site. Forty genes exhibited significant induction or repression following dioxin exposure in fetal mice. The set of genes exhibited a strong functional coherence, with statistically significant enrichment in organogenesis and the DNA‐dependent regulation of transcription, according to Gene Ontology annotations. In both humans and mice, DREs were preferentially distributed close to transcription start sites. Evolutionary conservation of this unique DRE distribution pattern suggests that DREs may be involved in transcriptional regulation. In mice, prenatal dioxin exposure altered the expression of 10 transcription factors, many of which have been documented to play a role in organogenesis. These genes may represent potential mediators of dioxin’s effects in fetal tissues.
Genetic susceptibility in the neural tube defects induced by ochratoxin A in the genetic arhinencephaly mouse,Pdn/Pdn
Authors: Ohta Ken‐ichi , Maekawa Mizuho , Katagiri Ryu‐ichi , Ueta Etsuko , Naruse Ichiro
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT It is well known that ochratoxin A (OTA) induces neural tube defects (NTDs) in mice. In the present study, OTA was administered to the genetic polydactyly/arhinencephaly mouse (Pdn/Pdn) to investigate the synergistic effect between gene and environmental toxin. OTA treatment on day 7.5 of gestation increased NTDs in thePdn/Pdnmouse. The responsible gene forPdn/PdnisGli3. So, it was speculated that specific susceptibility for OTA in thePdn/Pdnmouse embryo may be due to the severe depression ofGli3gene expression. As correlated genes,Gli3,ShhandFgf8gene expressions were examined in thePdnmouse embryo on day 9 of gestation after administration of OTA on day 7.5. No alteration ofShhexpression was observed in the non‐treatedPdn/Pdn, and OTA‐treated +/+ andPdn/Pdn.Fgf8signal was observed at the anterior neural ridge (ANR) in the non‐treated +/+, and that was elongated in the non‐treatedPdn/Pdn, and further elongated and more intensive in the OTA‐treatedPdn/Pdn. It was suggested thatFgf8gene expression was affected by the depression ofGli3, and alteration ofFgf8gene expression was accelerated by the toxicity of OTA in thePdn/Pdn.
Analysis of polyploid cells in mouse embryonic cells cultured under diabetic conditions
Authors: Tatewaki Reiko , Kagohashi Yukiko , Otani Hiroki
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT  To clarify the cytogenetic effects of glucose and ketone bodies on the pathogenesis of diabetes‐associated congenital anomalies, we cultured cells from gestation‐day‐8 ICR mouse embryos under the diabetic condition. Cells were cultured in the medium with glucose (300 mg/dL) plus DL‐2‐hydroxybutyric acid (32 mM) (G + B group), glucose alone (G group), or neither of them (C group) for 5 days. At the end of the culture, cells were analyzed for the chromosomes. After 3–4 days culture, when the living cells grew into a mono‐layered sheet, cells floating in the medium were observed and showed morphological features of apoptosis. Ratio of the floating cells was significantly higher in the G + B group than in the G or C group (P < 0.05), suggesting the deleterious effect of glucose and ketone body. Polyploidy was observed in the cultured cells more frequently in the G + B group (64.1%) than in the G group (49.0%), which was higher than the C group (20.5%) (G + B vs G: P < 0.05, G vs C: P < 0.001). The higher ratio of the polyploidy, but not of the aneuploidy, in the G + B and G groups suggested the specific effect of glucose and ketone body for inducing polyploidy. These results suggest that diabetic condition causes polyploidy in cultured embryonic cells.
Dopamine transporter density and behavioral response to methylphenidate in a hyperlocomotor rat model
Authors: Muneoka Katsumasa , Kuwagata Makiko , Iwata Masaaki , Shirayama Yukihiko , Ogawa Tetsuo , Takigawa Morikuni
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT  Rats exposed prenatally to 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU‐rats) display hyperlocomotive activity, making them a possibly useful animal model for the study of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Using this model, we investigated dopamine transporter (DAT) density and behavioral outcomes in BrdU‐rats, some of which were also administered methylphenidate, a psychostimulant that is widely used for the treatment of ADHD. Pregnant rats were exposed to BrdU from gestational day 9 through 15. In male offspring, DAT densities in different regions of the striatum were quantified at  three weeks of age. At  seven weeks of age, locomotor, rearing and grooming behaviors were evaluated in an open‐field setting, with or without methylphenidate treatment (1 mg/kg or 4 mg/kg). The results revealed no significant changes in striatal DAT densities in BrdU‐rats compared with controls. Extreme hyperlocomotion of BrdU‐rats was detected in the open‐field environment, an effect that was exacerbated following treatment with the lower and higher dose of methylphenidate. Such increase in locomotor activity was observed only with the higher dose in control animals. In summary, degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the terminal field was not detected in juvenile BrdU‐rats, although adult animals displayed hyperactive behavior in a mildly stressful environment as well as hypersensitivity to a psychostimulant that facilitates dopaminergic neurotransmission.
Callosal agenesis followed postnatally after prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Imataka George , Nakagawa Eiji , Kuwashima Shigeko , Watanabe Hiroshi , Yamanouchi Hideo , Arisaka Osamu
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT  Callosal agenesis is a congenital brain anomaly caused by embryonal hypogenesis of the corpus callosum. Concerning the neurological prognosis, epilepsy and motor disturbance are noted in some cases, while many cases are asymptomatic and the prognosis is good. We report a fetus tentatively diagnosed with hydrocephaly on prenatal echo‐encephalography, which was performed without adequate explanation to and understanding of the parents. The parents had not expected an abnormality before the screening, and were subsequently not psychologically prepared for the discovery of the congenital brain anomaly on imaging. Moreover, they received no guidance on how to deal with any possible abnormalities. The pregnant mother was referred to our hospital. Prenatal MRI was performed after informed consent was obtained, and the fetus was diagnosed with callosal agenesis. The patient was followed for 5 years, and neurological development was normal. However, the parents have remained anxious while raising the child. Thus, the prenatal diagnosis of callosal agenesis in this case caused unnecessary mental burden to the parents. Here, we report the course of the case, and discuss the way prenatal ultrasonography should be used as a prenatal screening method, and the importance of counseling before the test.
Methylation status of insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein‐3 promoter in prostate cancer tissues
Authors: OKUGI Hironobu , KOIKE Hidekazu , SEKINE Yoshitaka , MATSUI Hiroshi , SUZUKI Kazuhiro
Published: August 2006

Background:  It has been postulated that insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein‐3 (IGFBP‐3) is a mediator of growth suppression signals. Recently, a correlation between the promoter hypermethylation of IGFBP‐3 and cancer risk was reported in hepatocellular cancer and in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We investigated whether the methylation status of IGFBP‐3 promoter in prostate tissues influences the progression and prognosis of prostate cancer.

Methods:  We conducted a case‐control study consisting of 38 prostate cancer patients and 57 control subjects, and assessed the relationship of promoter hypermethylation at IGFBP‐3 with the clinical and pathological tumor characteristics of these patients. The methylation status was analyzed by two methylation‐specific PCR techniques.

Results:  Hypermethylation of the IGFBP‐3 promoter was found in 13 (34.2%) of the 38 cases, and 11 (19.3%) of the 57 controls with one method using a hepatocellular primer as described by Hanafusa et al. With other methods using a NSCLC‐primer, as described by Chang et al., hypermethylation was found in four (10.5%) of the cases and two (3.5%) of the controls. No significant differences were observed in the methylation frequencies between the controls and the cases. When the cases were stratified based on their clinical stage (localized or metastatic) and pathological grade (Gleason score of <7 or ≥7), the promoter hypermethylation status of IGFBP‐3 also showed no significant differences.

Conclusions:  Hypermethylation of the IGFBP‐3 promoter was observed in prostate tissues, but we found no significant association of IGFBP‐3 promoter hypermethylation with the risk of developing prostate cancer.
The clinicopathological features, treatment and survival of gastric adenocarcinoma in Omani Arab patients
Authors: AL‐MOUNDHRI Mansour S , AL‐BAHRANI Bassim , BURNEY Ikram A , NIRMALA Vadakeppat , AL‐MADHANI Ali , AL‐NABHANI Maryam , THOMAS Valsa , GANGULY Shyam S , GRANT Christopher S
Published: August 2006

Background:  Gastric carcinoma (GC) is the second most frequent cancer worldwide and the most common cancer in the Sultanate of Oman. The surgical and medical management of GC varies worldwide, and variable ethnic differences in clinicopathological features and survival have been observed. The aim of this work was to study clinicopathological features, management and survival trends of GC in Oman and to assess the impact of aggressive management trends on survival.

Methods:  A retrospective study of gastric adenocarcinoma cases, treated at three main hospitals in Oman over a 12‐year period, was undertaken. The study was divided into period I (1993–1998) and period II (1999–2004), based on the evolution of cancer services.

Results:  A population of 339 patients was included in the study (M : F ratio 1.9 : 1). GC was mainly a disease of elderly males with mean ages of 60.3 and 59.3 years for periods I and II, respectively. The most prevalent types of GC observed during periods I and II were distal (60.7% vs. 57.7%), ulcerating (64.3% vs. 63.7%) and intestinal (80.9% vs. 78.4%), with no significant differences between them. The main histopathology was adenocarcinoma with an increase in the signet cell variant (4% to 12.1%, P, 0.03) during period II. Advanced stages III and IV constituted 71.1% and 76.5% of all patients in periods I and II, respectively (P, 0.9). More D2 lymph node dissections and increased use of adjuvant chemo‐radiotherapy and palliative chemotherapy were noted during period II. Median survival time for the entire cohort was 12.3 months (95% CI 9.7–14.4) with a 5‐year overall survival rate of 16.5%. The 5‐year overall survival for periods I and II was 14% and 19% (P, 0.27), respectively.

Conclusion:  GC in Oman is seen predominantly in elderly males who display predominately distal, ulcerative lesions with an intestinal‐type histology. GC continues to present in advanced stages, with poor prognosis. This fact underscores the need for early diagnosis to achieve a better outcome. There is a need to employ early detection policies of gastric cancer in developing countires as aggressive treatment does not alter the outcome of advanced presentaion.
Lung cancer patients with postoperative normalization of serum carcinoembryonic antigen level: Predictive factors for re‐elevation
Authors: TOMITA Masaki , MATSUZAKI Yasunori , SHIMIZU Tetsuya , HARA Masaki , AYABE Takanori , ONITSUKA Toshio
Published: August 2006

Background:  Postoperative normalization of serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level has been reported to be a favorable prognostic predictor in lung cancer. However, serum CEA levels of some patients’ groups re‐elevate during their postoperative course. The aim of study was to find predictors of CEA re‐elevation in patients with preoperative high and postoperative normal CEA.

Methods:  Sixty‐one consecutive lung cancer patients with preoperative high serum CEA level (>5 ng/mL) and postoperative normal level were reviewed retrospectively. Among these patients, serum CEA levels of 23 patients re‐elevated during their postoperative course. We compared patients with and without re‐elevation of serum CEA levels.

Results:  The 5‐year survival of patients with and without re‐elevation of serum CEA level was 13.20% and 88.68%, respectively (P < 0.0001). There are significant differences in pN2 status and CEA level in pleural lavage fluid between patients with and without re‐elevation of serum CEA level.

Conclusions:  Our results showed that pN2 status and lavage CEA level were related to the re‐elevation of serum CEA level.
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SENSORY AND RHEOLOGICAL MEASUREMENTS OF TEXTURE IN MATURING COMMERCIAL CHEDDAR CHEESE OVER A RANGE OF MOISTURE AND pH AT THE POINT OF MANUFACTURE
Authors: EVERARD C.D. , O'CALLAGHAN D.J. , HOWARD T.V. , O'DONNELL C.P. , SHEEHAN E.M. , DELAHUNTY C.M.
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTS

Textural characteristics of 10 Cheddar cheeses with a range of moisture contents and pH values were investigated by sensory and instrumental methods, over a 9‐month maturing period. A trained panel of nine assessors described the sensory texture characteristics of the cheeses using 11 texture parameters. Instrumental parameters were derived using texture profile analysis. Relationships between sensory, instrumental, compositional and maturation properties of the cheeses were determined with the aid of principal component analysis and multiple linear regression. Nine sensory parameters significantly correlated with instrumental parameters, e.g., sensory rubbery correlated with instrumental firmness (R = 0.696, P < 0.001), chewiness (R = 0.679, P < 0.001), fracture stress (R = 0.669, P < 0.001) and springiness (R = 0.643, P < 0.001). Sensory firmness corresponded closely with instrumental firmness (R = 0.539, P < 0.001) and fracture stress (R = 0.518, P < 0.001). Sensory and instrumental texture parameters were significantly affected by changes in moisture content, pH and maturation.
PREDICTION OF THE SENSORY TEXTURE OF A YAM THICK PASTE (AMALA) USING INSTRUMENTAL AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS
Authors: AKISSOE NOËL , MESTRES CHRISTIAN , HOUNHOUIGAN JOSEPH , NAGO MATHURIN
Published: August 2006

Amala is a traditional thick paste consumed in West Africa (Nigeria, Bénin, Togo). It is prepared from blanched dried yam flour and has a particular texture. The texture attributes of amala pastes obtained from market and prepared in laboratory were sensorily evaluated. Both compression and extrusion tests were done from which maxima force and slope were calculated. The physical (particle size), starch characteristics and functional properties (solubility, swelling power [Sp], viscosity) of yam flours were also determined to establish a predictive model for amala sensory texture attributes. The main amala sensory attributes were stickiness, firmness and smoothness. Stickiness and firmness could be assessed by uniaxial extrusion test: These attributes were highly correlated with the maximum extrusion slope (r = −0.60 and r = 0.53, respectively). Stickiness was associated with yam flour Sp, which in turn was related to gelatinization temperature and enthalpy changes. In addition, soluble matter and soluble amylose were found to be indicators of amala sensory stickiness. No clear relationships were observed between sensory firmness and yam flour physicochemical characteristics or functional properties.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SUGAR‐SNAP COOKIES USING GRANULE SURFACE DEPROTEINATED WHEAT STARCH
Authors: RYAN K.J. , BREWER M.S.
Published: August 2006

The physical properties of soft wheat starch granule surface proteins and soy flours or isolates, which contribute to the texture of sugar‐snap cookies was studied. Soft wheat flour was deproteinated and cookies were produced containing 0, 10, 20 or 30% soy flour, or one of two types of ground, textured soy flour. Color, fracture force and spread ratio of cookies were determined. Cookies formulated with wheat starch stripped of the starch granule surface proteins exhibited significant alterations in diameter, fracture force, thickness and surface cracking. Cookies containing ground, textured soy flour and protein‐stripped starch granule wheat flour were larger, thinner and had more surface cracking than those produced with nontextured soy flour. Wheat starch granule surface proteins appear to partially mediate the interaction of proteins and starch in a sugar‐snap cookie system.
Survey of health claims for Australian foods made on Internet sites
Authors: DRAGICEVICH Helen , WILLIAMS Peter , RIDGES Leisa
Published: August 2006

Objective:  Australia and New Zealand are currently preparing a new food standard code, which will allow the use of health claims on food products and in associated advertising. The aim of the present study was to obtain preliminary information about the current use of health claims on the Internet and the level of compliance of these claims with existing regulations.

Methods:  From August to October 2005 a survey was conducted of 1068 websites associated with the top 20 food‐processing companies in Australia, and an additional 683 websites for food products found to carry health claims in previous studies of product labels and magazine advertisements. The results were compared with those from a 2003 survey of health claims on the labels of 7850 products.

Results:  The survey found that 14.5% of food product websites carried a health claim, and 40.7% and 37.0% of products previously identified as carrying claims on product labels or in magazines, respectively, had Internet claims. Of claims 21.4% were located directly on the food product webpage, but the majority (78.6%) were on associated links within the manufacturer’s website. Many of the claims (19.7%) were high‐level or therapeutic claims not permitted by current food standards.

Conclusions:  Health claims are not being made more frequently on websites compared with product labels, but there is a greater prevalence of high‐level and therapeutic claims made on the Internet. In future, food standards enforcement will need to give greater priority to monitoring the use of health claims on the Internet.
Profile of the Australian dietetic workforce: 1991–2005
Authors: BROWN Leanne , CAPRA Sandra , WILLIAMS Lauren
Published: August 2006

Objective:  The present study aims to review current available data that describe the dietetics workforce in Australia.

Design:  A literature search was conducted using CIHNAL and hand searches. Following this, a review of the current available dietetics workforce data was conducted. Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) membership data were analysed.

Subjects and setting:  Sources of workforce data included: the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data, DAA membership database, state health department and national workforce reports, reports by allied health organisations and independent research.

Main outcome measures:  Descriptive data profiling the Australian dietetic workforce and employment trends.

Statistical analysis:  A descriptive analysis of DAA membership data was undertaken. The DAA membership data were mapped by postcode with the Australian Standard Geographical Classification for remoteness. Counts and proportions were used to summarise and compare available data.

Results:  There has been a growth and diversity of the dietetics profession in Australia in recent years, despite a lower proportion of qualified dietitians working as dietitians. The dietetic workforce is relatively young, predominantly female and unevenly distributed across the country. The available data are complex and difficult to interpret.

Conclusions:  The present review of currently available dietetic workforce data provides a profile of the dietetics profession in Australia. Further workforce data are required in order to adequately describe the dietetics workforce in Australia and to determine future needs for the profession. National monitoring and systematic workforce data collection are urgently required.
Understanding the gluten‐free diet for teaching in Australia
Authors: SHEPHERD Sue , GIBSON Peter R.
Published: August 2006

Diagnosis of coeliac disease in Australia is increasing. The only recognised treatment is a gluten‐free diet. It is essential that dietitians, who offer a critical role in the management of patients with coeliac disease, are up‐to‐date for the current teachings of a gluten‐free diet. The present article provides background to the condition, rationale for dietary restriction of gluten, practical education strategies, suggestions for managing associated conditions and long‐term management issues, in the Australian context.
Ecology, Domain Specificity, and the Origins of Theory of Mind: Is Competition the Catalyst?
Authors: Lyons Derek E. , Santos Laurie R.
Published: August 2006

In the nearly 30 years since Premack and Woodruff famously asked, “Does the chimpanzee have a theory of mind?”, the question of exactly how much non‐human primates understand about the mental lives of others has had an unusually dramatic history. As little as ten years ago it appeared that the answer would be a simple one, with early investigations of non‐human primates’ mentalistic abilities yielding a steady stream of negative findings. Indeed, by the mid‐1990s even very cautious researchers were ready to flatly assert that Theory of Mind was a uniquely human capacity. Recently, however, an exciting new theoretical perspective on primate social cognition has arisen, and with it the distinct possibility that our evolutionary relatives may understand far more of the social world than we previously believed. In this paper we review new theory and evidence suggesting that non‐human primates may indeed represent the mental states of others, at least within the domains for which their distinctive social ecology has prepared them. Having asserted that Premack and Woodruff's original question can be answered with a qualified yes, we then consider the new questions that arise in its place, particularly how and why our own Theory of Mind became more domain‐general than that of other primates.
Role of catecholaminergic neurones of the caudal ventrolateral medulla in cardiovascular responses induced by acute changes in circulating volume in rats
Authors: Pedrino Gustavo Rodrigues , Maurino Isabela , De Almeida Colombari Débora Simões , Cravo Sérgio Luiz
Published: August 2006

Several findings suggest that catecholaminergic neurones in the caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM) contribute to body fluid homeostasis and cardiovascular regulation. The present study sought to determine the effects of lesions of these neurones on the cardiovascular responses induced by changes in circulating volume. All experiments were performed in male Wistar rats (320–360 g). Medullary catecholaminergic neurones were lesioned by microinjection of anti‐dopamine β‐hydroxylase–saporin (6.3 ng in 60 nl; SAP rats, n= 14) into the CVLM, whereas sham rats received microinjections of free saporin (1.3 ng in 60 nl, n= 15). Two weeks later, rats were anaesthetized (urethane, 1.2 g kg−1, i.v.), instrumented for measurement of mean arterial pressure (MAP), renal blood flow (RBF) and renal vascular conductance (RVC), and infused with hypertonic saline (HS; 3 m NaCl, 0.18 ml (100 g body weight)−1, i.v.) or an isotonic solution (volume expansion, VE; 4% Ficoll, 1% of body weight, i.v.). In sham rats, HS induced sustained increases in RBF and RVC (155 ± 7 and 145 ± 6% of baseline, at 20 min after HS). In SAP rats, RBF responses to HS were blunted (125 ± 6%) and RVC increases were abolished (108 ± 5%) 20 min after HS. Isotonic solution increased RBF and RVC in sham rats (149 ± 10 and 145 ± 12% of baseline, respectively, at 20 min). These responses were reduced in SAP rats (131 ± 6 and 126 ± 5%, respectively, at 20 min). Pressor responses to HS were larger in SAP rats than in sham rats (17 ± 5 versus 9 ± 2 mmHg, at 20 min), whereas during VE these responses were similar in both groups (6 ± 3 versus 4 ± 6 mmHg, at 20 min). Immunohistochemical analysis indicates that microinjections of anti‐DβH–saporin produced extensive destruction within the A1/C1 cell groups in the CVLM. These results suggest that catecholaminergic neurones mediate the cardiovascular responses to VE or increases in plasma sodium levels.
Hyperpolarization‐activated currents are differentially expressed in mice brainstem auditory nuclei
Authors: Leao Katarina E. , Leao Richardson N. , Sun Hong , Fyffe Robert E. W. , Walmsley Bruce
Published: August 2006

The hyperpolarization‐activated cation current (Ih) may influence precise auditory processing by modulating resting membrane potential and cell excitability. We used electrophysiology and immunohistochemistry to investigate the properties of Ih in three auditory brainstem nuclei in mice: the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN), the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) and the lateral superior olive (LSO). Ih amplitude varied considerably between these cell types, with the order of magnitude LSO > AVCN > MNTB. Kinetically, Ih is faster in LSO neurons, and more active at rest, compared with AVCN and MNTB cells. The half‐activation voltage is −10 mV more hyperpolarized for AVCN and MNTB cells compared with LSO neurons. HCN1 immunoreactivity strongly labelled AVCN and LSO neurons, while HCN2 staining was more diffuse in all nuclei. The HCN4 subunit displayed robust membrane staining in AVCN and MNTB cells but weak labelling of the LSO. We used a dynamic clamp, after blocking Ih, to reinsert Ih to the different cell types. Our results indicate that the native Ih for each cell type influences the resting membrane potential and can delay the generation of action potentials in response to injected current. Native Ih increases rebound depolarizations following hyperpolarizations in all cell types, and increases the likelihood of rebound action potentials (particularly in multiple‐firing LSO neurons). This systematic comparison shows that Ih characteristics vary considerably between different brainstem nuclei, and that these differences significantly affect the response properties of cells within these nuclei.
Ca2+signalling in urethral interstitial cells of Cajal
Authors: Sergeant Gerard P. , Hollywood M. A. , McHale N. G. , Thornbury K. D.
Published: August 2006

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the urethra have been proposed as specialized pacemakers that are involved in the generation of urethral tone and therefore the maintenance of urinary continence. Recent studies on freshly dispersed ICC from the urethra of rabbits have demonstrated that pacemaker activity in urethra ICC is characterized by spontaneous transient depolarizations (STDs) under current clamp and spontaneous transient inward currents (STICs) under voltage clamp. When these events were simultaneously recorded with changes in intracellular Ca2+(using a Nipkow spinning disk confocal microscope) they were found to be associated with global Ca2+oscillations. In this short review we will consider some of these recent findings regarding the contribution of intracellular Ca2+stores and Ca2+influx to the generation of pacemaker activity in urethral ICC with particular emphasis on the contribution of reverse Na+/Ca2+exchange (NCX).
Change in contractile properties of human muscle in relationship to the loss of power and slowing of relaxation seen with fatigue
Authors: Jones D. A. , De Ruiter C. J. , De Haan A.
Published: August 2006

Slow relaxation from an isometric contraction is characteristic of acutely fatigued muscle and is associated with a decrease in the maximum velocity of unloaded shortening (Vmax) and both these phenomena might be due to a decreased rate of cross bridge detachment. We have compared the change in relaxation rate with that of various parameters of the force–velocity relationship over the course of an ischaemic series of fatiguing contractions and subsequent recovery using the human adductor pollicis muscle working in vivo at approximately 37°C in nine healthy young subjects. Maximal isometric force (F0) decreased from 91.0 ± 1.9 to 58.3 ± 3.5 N (mean ±s.e.m.). Maximum power decreased from 53.6 ± 4.0 to 17.7 ± 1.2 (arbitrary units) while relaxation rate declined from −10.3 ± 0.38 to −2.56 ± 0.29 s−1. Vmax showed a smaller relative change from 673 ± 20 to 560 ± 46 deg s−1 and with a time course that differed markedly from that of slowing of relaxation, showing very little change until late in the series of contractions. Curvature of the force–velocity relationship increased (a/F0 decreasing from 0.22 ± 0.02 to 0.11 ± 0.02) with fatigue and with a time course that was similar to that of the loss of power and the slowing of relaxation. It is concluded that for human muscle working at a normal physiological temperature the change in curvature of the force–velocity relationship with fatigue is a major cause of loss of power and may share a common underlying mechanism with the slowing of relaxation from an isometric contraction.
Structure and organization of interstitial cells of Cajal in the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Komuro Terumasa
Published: August 2006

The morphological features of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are described based on observations of laboratory animals including mice, rats and guinea‐pigs, using immunohistochemical staining for Kit and electron microscopy. ICC show a specific distribution, arrangement and cell shape depending on their location within various regions and tissue layers of the GI tract. Hence they are classified into several subtypes. The stomach shows distinct regional variations in the distribution of subtypes of ICC from the cardia to pylorus, whereas the small intestine and colon both seem to retain nearly the same distribution pattern of subtypes of ICC throughout each organ. All subtypes of ICC share common ultrastructural features, such as the presence of numerous mitochondria, abundant intermediate filaments, and formation of gap junctions with the same type of cells and with smooth muscle cells. In addition, depending on their species and anatomical location, some subtypes of ICC show some features typical of smooth muscle cells including a basal lamina, caveolae, subsurface cisterns and dense bodies. ICC are somewhat heterogeneous morphologically. A question is raised on a special relationship between their ultrastructural features and dependency on Kit/stem cell factor system. As the neuromediator function of ICC, reciprocal distribution of ICC and gap junctions in the muscle coat is demonstrated by the comparison of Kit immunoreactive cells and gap junction protein connexin 43 in both small intestine and colon.
Organization and function of ICC in the urinary tract
Authors: McHale N. G. , Hollywood M. A. , Sergeant G. P. , Shafei M. , Thornbury K. T. , Ward S. M.
Published: August 2006

ICC are found in both the upper and lower urinary tract. They are not found in the ureter itself but are confined to the lamina propria of the renal pelvis and pelvi‐calyceal junction. They do not appear to have a primary pacemaker role (this is ascribed to atypical smooth muscle cells in the same location) but rather conduct and amplify the pacemaker signals generated by the atypical smooth muscle cells. In the bladder, ICC are widely distributed in the sub‐urothelial region, in the lamina propria and at the margins of the detrusor smooth muscle bundles. Again they appear not to have a pacemaking role and such evidence as there is would suggest that they have a role in the modulation of signal transduction. The strongest evidence that ICC in the urinary tract act as pacemakers comes from studies of those in the urethra. Isolated ICC show regular spontaneous depolarizations in current clamp which resemble very closely the slow waves recorded from intact tissue. In voltage clamp they show abundant calcium‐activated chloride current and spontaneous transient inward currents which can be blocked by chloride channel blockers. However, their role in the modulation of urethral tone has yet to be fully elucidated.
Akt signalling through GSK‐3β, mTOR and Foxo1 is involved in human skeletal muscle hypertrophy and atrophy
Authors: Léger Bertrand , Cartoni Romain , Praz Manu , Lamon Séverine , Dériaz Olivier , Crettenand Antoinette , Gobelet Charles , Rohmer Paul , Konzelmann Michel , Luthi François , Russell Aaron P.
Published: August 2006

Skeletal muscle size is tightly regulated by the synergy between anabolic and catabolic signalling pathways which, in humans, have not been well characterized. Akt has been suggested to play a pivotal role in the regulation of skeletal muscle hypertrophy and atrophy in rodents and cells. Here we measured the amount of phospho‐Akt and several of its downstream anabolic targets (glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β), mTOR, p70s6k and 4E‐BP1) and catabolic targets (Foxo1, Foxo3, atrogin‐1 and MuRF1). All measurements were performed in human quadriceps muscle biopsies taken after 8 weeks of both hypertrophy‐stimulating resistance training and atrophy‐stimulating de‐training. Following resistance training a muscle hypertrophy (∼10%) and an increase in phospho‐Akt, phospho‐GSK‐3β and phospho‐mTOR protein content were observed. This was paralleled by a decrease in Foxo1 nuclear protein content. Following the de‐training period a muscle atrophy (5%), relative to the post‐training muscle size, a decrease in phospho‐Akt and GSK‐3β and an increase in Foxo1 were observed. Atrogin‐1 and MuRF1 increased after the hypertrophy and decreased after the atrophy phases. We demonstrate, for the first time in human skeletal muscle, that the regulation of Akt and its downstream signalling pathways GSK‐3β, mTOR and Foxo1 are associated with both the skeletal muscle hypertrophy and atrophy processes.
Transporters involved in regulation of intracellular pH in primary cultured rat brain endothelial cells
Authors: Taylor Caroline J. , Nicola Pieris A. , Wang Shanshan , Barrand Margery A. , Hladky Stephen B.
Published: August 2006

Fluid secretion across the blood–brain barrier, critical for maintaining the correct fluid balance in the brain, entails net secretion of HCO3−, which is brought about by the combined activities of ion transporters situated in brain microvessels. These same transporters will concomitantly influence intracellular pH (pHi). To analyse the transporters that may be involved in the maintenance of pHi and hence secretion of HCO3−, we have loaded primary cultured endothelial cells derived from rat brain microvessels with the pH indicator BCECF and suspended them in standard NaCl solutions buffered with Hepes or Hepes plus 5% CO2/HCO3−. pHi in the standard solutions showed a slow acidification over at least 30 min, the rate being less in the presence of HCO3− than in its absence. However, after accounting for the difference in buffering, the net rates of acid loading with and without HCO3− were similar. In the nominal absence of HCO3− the rate of acid loading was increased equally by removal of external Na+ or by inhibition of Na+/H+ exchange by ethylisopropylamiloride (EIPA). By contrast, in the presence of HCO3− the increase in the rate of acid loading when Na+ was removed was much larger and the rate was then also significantly greater than the rate observed in the absence of both Na+ and HCO3−. Removal of Cl− in the presence of HCO3− produced an alkalinization followed by a resumption of the slow acid gain. Removal of Na+ following removal of Cl− increased the rate of acid gain. In the presence of HCO3− and initial presence of Na+ and Cl−, DIDS inhibited the changes in pHi produced by removal of either Na+ or Cl−. These are the expected results if these cells possess an AE‐like Cl−/HCO3− exchanger, a ‘channel‐like’ permeability allowing slow influx of acid (or efflux of HCO3−), a NBC‐like Cl−‐independent Na+−HCO3− cotransporter, and a NHE‐like Na+/H+ exchanger. The in vitro rates of HCO3− loading via the Na+−HCO3− cotransporter could, if the transporter is located on the apical, blood‐facing side of the cells, account for the net secretion of HCO3− into the brain.
Modulation of the control of muscle sympathetic nerve activity during severe orthostatic stress
Authors: Ichinose Masashi , Saito Mitsuru , Fujii Naoto , Kondo Narihiko , Nishiyasu Takeshi
Published: August 2006

We tested the hypothesis that arterial baroreflex (ABR)‐mediated beat‐to‐beat control over muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) is progressively modulated as orthostatic stress increases in humans, but that this control becomes impaired just before the onset of orthostatic syncope. In 17 healthy subjects, the ABR control over MSNA (burst incidence, burst strength and total MSNA) was evaluated by analysing the relationship between beat‐to‐beat spontaneous variations in diastolic blood pressure (DAP) and MSNA during supine rest (control) and during progressive, stepwise increases in lower body negative pressure (LBNP) that were incremented by −10 mmHg every 5 min until presyncope (nine subjects) or −60 mmHg was reached. (1) The linear relationships between DAP and burst strength and between DAP and total MSNA were shifted progressively upward as LBNP increased until the level at which syncope occurred. The relationship between DAP and burst incidence, however, gradually shifted upward from control only to LBNP =−30 mmHg; there was no further upward shift at higher LBNPs. (2) Although the slope of the relationship between DAP and burst strength and between DAP and total MSNA remained constant at all LBNPs tested, except at the level where syncope occurred, the slope of the relationship between DAP and burst incidence was reduced at LBNPs of −40 mmHg and higher (versuscontrol). (3) In syncopal subjects, the slopes of the relationships between DAP and burst incidence, burst strength, and total MSNA were all substantially reduced during the 1–2 min period prior to the onset of syncope. Taken together, these results suggest baroreflex control over MSNA is progressively modulated as orthostatic stress increases, so that its sensitivity is substantially reduced during the period immediately preceding the severe hypotension associated with orthostatic syncope.