bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Integrated Framework of Corporate Governance and Firm Valuation
Authors: Beiner Stefan , Drobetz Wolfgang , Schmid Markus M. , Zimmermann Heinz
Published: February 2006

Recent empirical research shows evidence of a positive relationship between the quality of firm‐specific corporate governance and firm valuation. Instead of looking at one single corporate governance mechanism in isolation, we construct a broad corporate governance index and apply five additional variables related to ownership structure, board characteristics, and leverage to provide a comprehensive description of firm‐level corporate governance for a representative sample of Swiss firms. To control for potential endogeneity of these six governance mechanisms, we develop a system of simultaneous equations and apply three‐stage least squares (3SLS). Our results support the widespread hypothesis of a positive relationship between corporate governance and firm valuation.
‘Doing femininity’ at work: More than just relational practice1
Authors: Holmes Janet , Schnurr Stephanie
Published: February 2006

Workplaces constitute one of the more interesting sites where individuals ‘do gender’, while at the same time constructing their professional identities and meeting their organisation's expectations. Drawing on interactional data recorded in New Zealand professional organisations, this paper focuses in particular on how participants manage and interpret the notion of ‘femininity’ in workplace discourse. In much current usage, the concepts ‘feminine’ and ‘femininity’ typically evoke negative reactions. Our analysis suggests these notions can be reclaimed and reinterpreted positively using an approach which frames doing femininity at work as normal, unmarked, and effective workplace behaviour in many contexts. The analysis also demonstrates that multiple femininities extend beyond normative expectations, such as enacting relational practice (Fletcher 1999), to embrace more contestive and parodic instantiations of femininity in workplace talk.
Gentlemanly gender? Japanese men's use of clause‐final politeness in casual conversations1
Authors: SturtzSreetharan Cindi L.
Published: February 2006

Much of the Japanese language and gender literature discusses the differential use of polite language by women and men. The exchange of non‐reciprocal clause‐final speech levels is typically taken as a sign that interlocutors are of unequal social status.Cook (1998)has shown how Japanese speakers manipulate the use of clause‐final politeness in order to index particular stances in specific moments of ongoing verbal interaction. Using naturally occurring all‐male informal conversations, this paper examines the use of clause‐final politeness as marked by the presence or absence of the verb ending ∼masu[+politeness] by Japanese men in the Kansai (Western) region. The data provide a deeper understanding into how men exploit linguistic structures such as politeness, at the everyday local level, to create, maintain, and manage particular identities and/or stances.
Acquired haemophilia: dynamic whole blood coagulation utilized to guide haemostatic therapy
Authors: JOHANSEN R. F. , SØRENSEN B. , INGERSLEV J.
Published: February 2006

Summary.  Acquired haemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder caused by autoimmune antibodies interacting with factor VIII (FVIII) or factor IX. Anticipating a high degree of heterogeneity amongst cases, we recently initiated systematic recording of whole blood (WB) coagulation dynamic profiles using our recently developed thrombelastographic method employing very small amounts of tissue factor for activation. Six newly diagnosed patients with acquired haemophilia A in our University Hospital were investigated with the purpose to characterize the WB clotting phenotypes in each patient, as well as inspecting the ex vivo and in vivo response to supplementation with various haemostatic agents. Our results show a striking heterogeneity in patients WB clotting profiles, each patient having a particular pattern and an individual type of response to bypassing agents. Profiles in some of patients resembled severe haemophilia A, even if there was a measurable residual FVIII:C activity while others were more similar moderate‐to‐mild haemophilia. In one case the profile was very close to normal. Each patient seemed to respond individually to bypassing agents. WB clotting profiles assisted us in selecting an optimal treatment modality in each case and whenever possible, we compared the clinical effects of the treatment selected with the appearance of the WB clotting pattern. In one patient, the ex vivo response to FVIII looked promising, and a approximately 200 IU kg−1 per 24 h high‐dose programme nearly normalized the clotting profile in 2‐week time. Our preliminary small series of data should be concluded with caution. However, it seems that WB clotting profile studies at baseline, with ex vivo addition of haemostasis promoting agents, and during treatment may hold the potential to predict the success of treatment.
Fatal postoperative pulmonary embolism in mild haemophilia
Authors: BUTCHER J. H. , PASI K. J.
Published: February 2006

Summary.  The use of thromboprophylaxis in patients with haemophilia receiving factor replacement is often not considered necessary, but remains an area of debate. In this report we describe a patient with mild haemophilia A, who underwent major pelvic surgery. He had several underlying risk factors associated with the development of thromboembolism, and ultimately died as a direct consequence of multiple pulmonary emboli. The need for thromboprophylaxis and the risk balance ratio should always be considered in patients with bleeding disorders if they fall into what would otherwise be high‐risk category for hospital acquired venous thromboembolism.
Computerized pedobarography in the characterization of ankle–foot instabilities of haemophilic patients
Authors: JORGE FILHO D. , BATTISTELLA L. R. , LOURENÇO C.
Published: February 2006

Summary.  Among the most common clinical manifestations of haemophilia are joint haemorrhages. This study aimed to verify whether repetitive ankle haemarthrosis is associated with instability of the rear foot. We evaluated haemophilic patients with repetitive bleeding in the ankles, 39 of type A and four of type B, whose mean age was 16.1 years. All presented a functional gait, without the need for motion assistance devices. The number of rear‐foot and ankle haemarthrosis episodes during the 6 months prior to the study was verified from the medical records of each patient. After verifying the alignment of the rear foot of the patients, we evaluated the subjects through computerized pedobarography with the f‐scan system, emphasizing the study of the trajectory of the centre of pressure (COP) with each step taken. All patients received functional orthoses according to the results of these examinations, and were re‐evaluated 1 week and 6 months after being fitted. The number of haemarthrosis episodes at the rear foot and the ankle was compared with the occurrence of joint bleeding within the previous 6 months. In the first examination, the COP trajectory showed that all the 43 patients studied had some sort of instability. Six months later, a significant reduction in the frequency of spontaneous bleeding events (P < 0.001) concerning the rear foot and the ankle was observed. This method of evaluation was useful to identify joint instabilities, allowing the best prescription of orthoses to improve stability in the rear foot and the ankle.
A patient satisfaction survey for haemophilia treatment centres
Authors: HACKER M. R. , PRIMEAUX J. , MANCO‐JOHNSON M. J.
Published: February 2006

Summary. The importance of patient satisfaction has continued to grow such that patient satisfaction is now viewed as a vital component of health‐care delivery. This is evidenced by the expanding body of research in the area and the use of measures of patient satisfaction as indicators of health‐care quality. The value of patient satisfaction is particularly apparent in the setting of chronic disease where medical care utilization is high, compliance with therapy is critical and the patient–provider relationship is often long‐term. Although several validated tools exist to quantify general measures of patient satisfaction, there is a recognized need for disease‐specific instruments. Not only are there issues that are unique to haemophilia, but many patients receive care via a specialized comprehensive clinic model. The authors were unaware of an instrument that could adequately address patient satisfaction issues specific to haemophilia; thus, they undertook to develop one. The patient satisfaction survey presented here contains fixed‐choice, Likert‐scale and open‐ended questions adapted from previously validated questionnaires. Assessment of face validity and internal consistency indicate that the survey is measuring one underlying construct – patient satisfaction. Information acquired through this survey will provide a quantitative assessment of patient satisfaction within a clinic population of persons with bleeding disorders and could be used to guide decisions regarding provision of health‐care services.
Effect of factor VIII concentrate on leucocyte cytokine receptor expression in vitro: relevance to inhibitor formation and tolerance induction
Authors: HODGE G. , SAXON B. , REVESZ T.
Published: February 2006

Summary.  Inhibitor formation in haemophilia patients receiving factor VIII (FVIII) concentrate is a serious problem requiring tolerance induction therapy. Inhibitor antibody formation is dependent on interactions between leucocyte cytokines with their corresponding receptors. To investigate this we studied the effect of FVIII on cytokine receptor expression using multiparameter flow cytometry and a whole blood stimulation assay. Upregulation of many cytokine receptors was inhibited by plasma‐derived FVIII (pdFVIII) in a dose‐dependent manner on T cells, B cells and monocytes although interleukin (IL)‐4Rα and IL‐7Rα were upregulated on T cells. The decrease in cytokine receptor upregulation on B cells in the presence of pdFVIII, may result in reduced antibody production. Inhibition of CD132 in the presence of pdFVIII may result in immune tolerance in some recipients of pdFVIII. The immunomodulatory effects of pdFVIII were dose and batch dependent, some being more inhibitory than others. The inhibitory effects of prednisolone with pdFVIII, on cytokine receptor upregulation, were additive. Cytokine receptor expression was not altered in the presence of human recombinant FVIII (rFVIII) concentrate. These findings may explain the reports of less frequent inhibitor antibody formation in some recipients of pdFVIII concentrates. The use of pdFVIII, particularly the more inhibitory batches, may be more suitable than rFVIII for tolerance induction protocols. A clinical study needs to be undertaken to determine the significance of these in vitro findings.
Pain and functional limitations in patients with severe haemophilia
Authors: VAN GENDEREN F. R. , FISCHER K. , HEIJNEN L. , DE KLEIJN P. , VAN DEN BERG H. M. , HELDERS P. J. M. , VAN MEETEREN N. L. U.
Published: February 2006

Summary.  Patients with severe haemophilia often experience pain caused by haemophilic arthropathy, and it is known that pain acts as a predictor of disability. The role of pain in functional limitations in these patients, however, has not been systematically investigated. The aim of this study was to describe pain as experienced by patients with haemophilia and to address the role of pain in subsequent functional limitations. Seventy‐eight adult patients (18–70 years) with severe haemophilia completed one questionnaire on pain and one on self‐perceived functional abilities. Two‐thirds of the patients suffered from more than one painful joint, the ankle being mentioned most frequently (n = 43). Analgesics were used by 36% of the patients indicating having pain. Six of 10 most frequently mentioned pain descriptors were of evaluative nature. Evaluative qualities of pain were associated with pain intensity, which in turn was associated with the impact of pain on daily life. Pain outcomes, after adjusting for age and treatment modality, explained 3–22% of the variance in self‐perceived functional abilities. Data on radiological joint damage (Pettersson scores) were retrieved for a subgroup of 28 younger patients on prophylaxis and no significant correlations with pain parameters were found. Over two‐thirds of the patients with severe haemophilia had one or more painful joints. Pain plays a small, but significant role in functional limitations. In the identified subgroup, arthropathy, as measured by the Pettersson score, seemed to have no role in pain experience. Promoting analgesic use might decrease the impact of pain on functional limitations.
Quality of life is associated to the orthopaedic status in haemophilic patients with inhibitors
Authors: SCALONE L. , MANTOVANI L. G. , MANNUCCI P. M. , GRINGERI A. ,   THE COCIS STUDY INVESTIGATORS
Published: February 2006

Summary.  Inhibitors represent one major complication of haemophilia treatment, as they increase the risk of bleeding, physical disability and mortality. The Cost Of Care Inhibitors Study (COCIS) showed that modern strategies applied to manage patients with inhibitors adsorb high amounts of resources but provide satisfactory levels of Health‐Related Quality‐of‐Life (HR‐QoL). This paper focuses on determinants of HR‐QoL in inhibitory patients. Fifty adult patients, enrolled by 11 Italian Haemophilia Centres, were clinically assessed and filled in two HR‐QoL generic questionnaires: the EuroQol instrument (EQ‐5D) and the Short Form‐36 (SF‐36). According to our results, bleeding frequency and inhibitor titres were not found associated with HR‐QoL. Global HR‐QoL, and in particular the physical component of wellbeing in these patients was found negatively associated with their orthopaedic condition: the EQ‐5D Visual Analogue Scale (P < 0.001) scores, the SF‐36 domain ‘physical functioning’ and ‘physical component summary’ (P < 0.01) scores were found significantly correlated with the orthopaedic joint score, even after adjusting for patients’ age. These results were confirmed by those from the EQ‐5D profile. To conclude, the COCIS study is the first study showing that HR‐QoL in inhibitory patients is impaired by their orthopedic status, while other aspects do not seem to influence patients’ global wellbeing. Our results suggest that while the management of this complication is satisfactory, the attention has now to be focused on the prevention of the orthopaedic problems in these patients, which nowadays constitute one of the most important aspects to be considered in the haemophilia care.
A case of coagulation factor V deficiency caused by compound heterozygous mutations in the factor V gene
Authors: YAMAKAGE N. , IKEJIRI M. , OKUMURA K. , TAKAGI A. , MURATE T. , MATUSHITA T. , NAOE T. , YAMAMOTO K. , TAKAMATSU J. , YAMAZAKI T. , HAMAGUCHI M. , KOJIMA T.
Published: February 2006

Summary.  We investigated the molecular basis of a severe factor V (FV) deficiency in a Japanese female, and identified two distinct mutations in the FV gene, a novel cytosine insertion (1943insC) and a previously reported point mutation (A5279G). We expected the patient to be a compound heterozygote for those mutations, as a 1943insC, but not an A5279G, was found in the mother and a sibling. The 1943insC will cause a frame‐shift after 590Gln, resulting in amino acid substitutions with two abnormal residues followed by a stop codon in the FV A2 domain (FS592X). The A5279G will cause an amino acid alteration in the FV A3 domain (Y1702C), which has been observed in several ethnic groups. We found that both mutant mRNAs were detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) in the patient's platelets, whereas no FV antigen and activity were detected in plasma. On the one hand, the RT‐PCR signal from the FS592X‐FV mutant mRNA was markedly reduced, suggesting that the RNA surveillance system would eliminate most of the abnormal FS592X‐FV transcripts with a premature termination. On the other hand, expression analyses revealed that only small amounts of Y1702C‐FV with a low specific activity were secreted, and that the FS592X‐FV was not detected in cultured media. These data indicated that both mutant FV molecules would be impaired, at least in part, during the post‐transcriptional process of protein synthesis and/or in secretion. Taken together, it seems to suggest that each gene mutation could be separately responsible for severe FV deficiency, while this phenotype is due to the in‐trans combination of the two defects.
Vitamin D receptor is required to control gastrointestinal immunity in IL‐10 knockout mice
Authors: Froicu Monica , Zhu Yan , Cantorna Margherita T.
Published: February 2006

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a nuclear receptor expressed in a number of different cells of the immune system. This study was performed to determine the effect of VDR deficiency on immune function and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract in a model of inflammatory bowel disease, namely interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) knockout mice. IL‐10 knockout mice were generated which either could or could not respond to vitamin D (double IL‐10/VDR knockout; DKO). The distribution and function of lymphocytes in both the primary and secondary lymphoid organs were compared and determined as a function of the severity of intestinal inflammation. DKO mice had normal thymic development and peripheral T‐cell numbers at 3 weeks of age, but a week after intestinal disease was detected the thymus was dysplastic with a reduction in cellularity. The atrophy was coupled with increased apoptosis. The spleen weight of DKO mice increased as a result of the accumulation of red blood cells; however, there was a 50% reduction in the numbers of T and B cells. Conversely, the mesenteric lymph nodes were enlarged and contained increased numbers of lymphocytes. The T cells from DKO mice were of a memory phenotype and were hyporesponsive to T‐cell receptor stimulation. Colitis in the DKO mice was associated with local and high expression of IL‐2, interferon‐γ, IL‐1β, tumour necrosis factor‐α and IL‐12. The primary and secondary lymphoid organs in DKO mice are profoundly altered as a consequence of the fulminating inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. VDR expression is required for the T cells and other immune cells to control inflammation in the IL‐10 KO mice.
Peritoneal macrophages suppress T‐cell activation by amino acid catabolism
Authors: Matlack R. , Yeh K. , Rosini L. , Gonzalez D. , Taylor J. , Silberman D. , Pennello A. , Riggs J.
Published: February 2006

T‐lymphocyte activation triggered by anti‐CD3, endogenous or exogenous superantigen, and mitogens was suppressed in a cell‐dose‐dependent fashion by peritoneal cavity (PerC) leucocytes. Study of lymphocyte‐deficient mice and the use of multiparameter fluorescence‐activated cell sorter analyses revealed that macrophages were responsible for this form of immune regulation. Interferon‐γ was essential to trigger suppression, which, by enzyme inhibition studies, was shown to be the result of tryptophan and arginine catabolism. These results illustrate that macrophages, which are classically defined by their innate effector function as antigen‐presenting cells, have the potential to temper adaptive immunity.
Phospho‐ and sphingolipid distribution during processing of milk, butter and whey
Authors: Rombaut Roeland , Camp John Van , Dewettinck Koen
Published: February 2006

Phospho‐ and sphingolipids (SPHs) were monitored upon processing of raw milk into skimmed milk, cream, butter, buttermilk, fresh cheese, acid whey, anhydrous milk fat and butterserum (=the aqueous phase of butter). These products were analysed on polar lipids, fat and dry matter and corresponding balances were calculated. It was found that polar lipids were preferentially enriched in aqueous phases like skimmed milk, buttermilk and butterserum. Significant differences in relative SPH content were observed. Tangential filtration and thermocalcic aggregation of the acid whey successfully recovered the polar lipids. With 11.5% of polar lipids on a dry matter base, representing 28.4% of the milk polar lipids and only 0.9% of the milk mass, butterserum was found to be most suitable for further purification. This could result in a food (ingredient) with enhanced technological and nutritional properties, as recent studies reveal health‐improving capacities of phospho‐ and SPHs.
Influence of the glass transition and storage temperature of frozen peas on the loss of quality attributes
Authors: Lim Miang , Wu Hongbing , Breckell Michael , Birch John
Published: February 2006

Green peas of two different maturities were used to evaluate the influence of the glass transition temperature (Tg′) and storage temperatures on quality loss during frozen storage. Young peas which have a lower tenderness rating (TR) value, possibly with less starch and higher sugar content than old peas, gave a lower Tg′ value. Quality attributes, including green colour and vitamin C, were measured over time when the peas were stored at −5, −12, −20, −25 and −30 °C, respectively. The results indicated that these qualities were maintained during frozen storage as long as the peas remained below or close to their Tg′. The loss of quality at different storage temperatures is relative to the difference between the storage temperature and the Tg′, where the bigger the difference, the greater the loss.
Effect of drying and storage time on the physico‐chemical properties of mango leathers
Authors: Azeredo Henriette M.C. , Brito Edy S. , Moreira Germano E.G. , Farias Virna L. , Bruno Laura M.
Published: February 2006

Fruit leathers are made by drying a very thin layer of fruit puree to obtain a chewy product. The objective of this work was to minimise the drying time required to produce mango leathers with no preservatives and no sugar added, and to evaluate their acceptance and storage stability. Mango puree was spread on Petri dishes and oven‐dried according to a central composite design with two independent variables: drying temperature (60–80 °C) and puree load (0.4–0.6 g cm−2). The minimum drying time (120 min) resulted from drying a puree load of 0.5 g cm−2 at 80 °C. The product was well accepted, especially in terms of flavour. The mango leathers were packed in polypropylene buckets and stored at 25 °C. The combination between low water activity (0.62) and low pH (3.8) allowed the product to be microbiologically stable for at least 6 months, without the need for chemical preservatives.
Chewing ability and quality of life in an 80‐year‐old population
Authors: TAKATA Y. , ANSAI T. , AWANO S. , FUKUHARA M. , SONOKI K. , WAKISAKA M. , FUJISAWA K. , AKIFUSA S. , TAKEHARA T.
Published: February 2006

summary  As quality of life (QOL) could be influenced by oral status in the elderly, we examined whether chewing ability or number of teeth affected QOL in 80‐year olds. A cross‐sectional survey included dental examination, chewing self‐assessment, and a QOL questionnaire. A total of 823 people who were 80 years old participated in this study. QOL was assessed in terms of satisfaction with physical condition, meals, daily living and social interactions, and with face‐scale scores. After adjustment for gender, spouse and activities of daily living, dissatisfaction with social interactions was 3·9 times more prevalent in individuals able to chew four foods or fewer than in those chewing 15. Dissatisfaction with physical condition, meals and daily living, and poor face‐scale scores, were 2·7, 2·4, 3·4, and 2·4 times more prevalent, respectively, in subjects chewing four foods or fewer. The number of teeth showed little effect. In conclusion, self‐assessed chewing ability but not number of teeth was associated with QOL in 80‐year‐old subjects.
Feasibility of using collagen as the base of the antifungal drug, miconazole
Authors: YOSHIDA K. , HIRAI K. , ARA T. , ITO M. , WANG P.‐L. , IGARASHI Y.
Published: February 2006

summary  The feasibility of using collagen as the base of miconazole was investigated. The addition of 33% collagen to a miconazole solution did not affect the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC80) of the miconazole solution for Candida albicans. When 1 μg mL−1 of miconazole in 33% collagen solution was plated on resin discs and dried to yield a thin membrane, the growth of C. albicans on the resin discs was nearly completely inhibited. In addition, we compared the antifungal effect of this collagen solution that contained 1 μg mL−1 miconazole, with the antifungal effect of miconazole gel that had been diluted with glycerol (the main component of miconazole gel) to yield a final concentration of 1 μg mL−1 of miconazole; as a result, we found that the collagen solution containing 1 μg mL−1 miconazole had a stronger antifungal effect. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that it may be feasible to use collagen as the base of miconazole instead of glycerol, and suggest that a collagen‐based miconazole solution would have a stronger antifungal effect than commercially available miconazole gel. Collagen‐based miconazole solution may be useful for the treatment of Candida‐associated denture stomatitis.
Influence of food platform width of mandibular removable partial denture on food mixing ability
Authors: YOSHIMURA M. , FUEKI K. , GARRETT N. , OHYAMA T.
Published: February 2006

summary  The aim of this study was to clarify the influence of food platform width on food mixing ability in patients with mandibular removable partial dentures (RPDs). Twelve subjects (six males and six females, mean age 56·8 years) with intact dentition except for unilaterally missing mandibular first and second molars participated in the study. The food platforms of their RPDs were made of light polymerized composite and three platform conditions were evaluated. A food platform (Control condition) had 7 mm width with a central focus on the top of the residual ridge. Narrowed platforms (5 mm) were created by trimming a lingual portion (Buccally oriented occlusion, Buccal condition) or a buccal portion (Lingually oriented occlusion, Lingual condition) from the control. Subjects chewed a standardized wax cube which provided an estimate of food mixing ability [Mixing Ability Index (MAI)] for each of the three platforms. A significant effect (P < 0·001) on the MAI was found for food platform type (repeated measures one‐way analysis of variance). Tukey multiple comparisons found significant differences of MAI between Control condition (1·05 ± 0·26) and Buccal condition (0·86 ± 0·23) (P = 0·032), and between Control and Lingual condition (0·54 ± 0·37) (P < 0·001). Furthermore, MAI with Lingual condition was significantly smaller than that with Buccal condition (P < 0·001). These results suggest that reduction in the width of the food platform may impair masticatory function and the buccal portion of mandibular food platform of RPD is more critical for food mixing than the lingual portion of the platform.
The effect of oral splint devices on sleep bruxism: a 6‐week observation with an ambulatory electromyographic recording device
Authors: HARADA T. , ICHIKI R. , TSUKIYAMA Y. , KOYANO K.
Published: February 2006

summary  This study investigated the effect of stabilization splint (SS) and palatal splint (PS), which had the same design as SS except for the elimination of the occlusal coverage, on sleep bruxism (SB) using a portable electromyographic (EMG) recording system. Sixteen bruxers participated in this study. The EMG activities of the right masseter muscle during sleep were recorded for three nights each in the following five recording periods: before, immediately after, and 2, 4 and 6 weeks after the insertion of the splint. The crossover design, in which each splint was applied to each subject for 6 weeks with an interval of 2 months for a washout period, was employed in this randomized‐controlled study. The number of SB events, duration and total activities of SB were analysed. The number of SB events before the insertion of splints (baseline) was 2·98 ± 1·61 times h−1. Both splints significantly reduced SB immediately after the insertion of devices (P < 0·05, one‐way repeated‐measures anova followed by Dunnett); however, no reduction was observed in 2, 4 or 6 weeks (P > 0·05). There was no statistical difference in the effect on SB between the SS and PS (P > 0·05, two‐way repeated‐measures anova). Both splints reduced the masseter EMG activities associated with SB; however, the effect was transient.
An in vitro investigation of the effect of some analgesics on human enamel
Authors: MCNALLY L. M. , BARBOUR M. E. , O'SULLIVAN D. J. , JAGGER D. C.
Published: February 2006

summary  The sale of over‐the‐counter pain relief medication has increased dramatically in recent years, and typically amounts to several hundred thousands of pounds per year in the UK. Many soluble analgesic preparations contain citric acid, and it has been suggested that these formulations may cause dental erosion. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of some over‐the‐counter analgesics on tooth surface loss from human enamel. Six commonly available analgesics were chosen for this study and the effect of immersing unerupted human enamel was examined using non‐contact optical profilometry. Two of the six analgesics investigated caused no detectable erosion (Boots soluble aspirin and Anadin ExtraTM). Three caused statistically significant enamel erosion, but this was very slight and is thought to be clinically insignificant (Alka SeltzerTM, PanadolTM and SolpadeineTM). Only one analgesic caused possible potentially clinical significant enamel erosion. Further studies are needed to determine whether AsproTM causes clinically significant enamel erosion.
Changes in neurophysiologic parameters in a patient with dental anxiety by hypnosis during surgical treatment
Authors: EITNER S. , SCHULTZE‐MOSGAU S. , HECKMANN J. , WICHMANN M. , HOLST S.
Published: February 2006

summary  It was hypothesized that dental anxiety, which leads to neurophysiologic alterations in heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure prior, during and subsequent to dental treatment, can be influenced by medical hypnosis. We report the positive impact from non‐invasive hypno‐sedation during dental implant surgery on a 54‐year‐old female patient who experienced neurophysiologic reactions as a result of the psychosomatic process of dental anxiety (dental anxiety scale value = 13). The neurophysiologic changes during dental surgery performed with and without hypnosis were compared after the patient underwent the same surgical treatment protocol. This case report was part of a study designed to evaluate hypnosis as a non‐invasive therapy for dental‐anxious patients over six sessions using subjective experience and objective parameters, which included electroencephalogram, electrocardiogram, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation of the blood, respiration rate, salivary cortisol concentration and body temperature.
Subjective and objective perception of upper incisors
Authors: WOLFART S. , QUAAS A. C. , FREITAG S. , KROPP P. , GERBER W.‐D. , KERN M.
Published: February 2006

summary  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the subjective judgment (SJ) of patients on their own dental appearance and to correlate the results with objective measurements (OM) of their dentition concerning the appearance of the upper incisors. Seventy‐five participants (30 men and 45 women) with normal well‐being were included in the study. In a questionnaire they judged the appearance of their upper incisors. Furthermore, OM were evaluated by the investigator with regard to the following points: (i) absolute length of the upper central incisors, (ii) their length exposed during laughing, (iii) width‐to‐length ratio of central incisors and (iv) the proportion between the width of the lateral and central incisors. The subjective results were registered on visual‐analogue scales. For the objective results standardized photographs were taken. No gender dependent differences could be found for the objectively measured parameters (median): OM1, 10·7 mm; OM2, 8·1 mm; OM3, 0·81; OM4, 0·79. However, significant correlations between subjective and objective results (SJ1/OM1, SJ2/OM2, SJ3/OM3) could be shown for men, but not for women. The maximum of the calculated regression‐curves for men reflect ‘golden standard values’ well known from the literature. The degree of satisfaction concerning appearance of anterior incisors in accordance with golden standard values is higher for men than for women.
Arabidopsis Bax inhibitor‐1 functions as an attenuator of biotic and abiotic types of cell death
Authors: Watanabe Naohide , Lam Eric
Published: February 2006

Programmed cell death (PCD) is a common process in eukaryotes during development and in response to pathogens and stress signals. Bax inihibitor‐1 (BI‐1) is proposed to be a cell death suppressor that is conserved in both animals and plants, but the physiological importance of BI‐1 and the impact of its loss of function in plants are still unclear. In this study, we identified and characterized two independent Arabidopsis mutants with a T‐DNA insertion in the AtBI1 gene. The phenotype of atbi1‐1 and atbi1‐2, with a C‐terminal missense mutation and a gene knockout, respectively, was indistinguishable from wild‐type plants under normal growth conditions. However, these two mutants exhibit accelerated progression of cell death upon infiltration of leaf tissues with a PCD‐inducing fungal toxin fumonisin B1 (FB1) and increased sensitivity to heat shock‐induced cell death. Under these conditions, expression of AtBI1 mRNA was up‐regulated in wild‐type leaves prior to the activation of cell death, suggesting that increase of AtBI1 expression is important for basal suppression of cell death progression. Over‐expression of AtBI1 transgene in the two homozygous mutant backgrounds rescued the accelerated cell death phenotypes. Together, our results provide direct genetic evidence for a role of BI‐1 as an attenuator for cell death progression triggered by both biotic and abiotic types of cell death signals in Arabidopsis.
Metabolic engineering of proanthocyanidins through co‐expression of anthocyanidin reductase and the PAP1 MYB transcription factor
Authors: Xie De‐Yu , Sharma Shashi B. , Wright Elane , Wang Zeng‐Yu , Dixon Richard A.
Published: February 2006

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) and their monomeric building blocks, the (epi)‐flavan‐3‐ols, are plant antioxidants that confer multiple human health benefits. The presence of PAs in forage crops is an important agronomic trait, preventing pasture bloat in ruminant animals. However, many consumed plant materials lack PAs, and there has been little success to date in introducing monomeric or polymeric flavan‐3‐ols de novo into plant tissues for disease prevention by dietary means or development of ‘bloat‐safe’ forages. We report the introduction of PAs into plants by combined expression of a MYB family transcription factor and anthocyanidin reductase for conversion of anthocyanidin into (epi)‐flavan‐3‐ol. Tobacco leaves expressing both transgenes accumulated epicatechin and gallocatechin monomers, and a series of dimers and oligomers consisting primarily of epicatechin units. The levels of PAs reached values that would confer bloat reduction in forage species. Expression of anthocyanidin reductase in anthocyanin‐containing leaves of the forage legume Medicago truncatula resulted in production of a specific subset of PA oligomers.
Seed dormancy and ABA metabolism in Arabidopsis and barley: the role of ABA 8′‐hydroxylase
Authors: Millar Anthony A. , Jacobsen John V. , Ross John J. , Helliwell Chris A. , Poole Andrew T. , Scofield Graham , Reid James B , Gubler Frank
Published: February 2006

We have investigated the relationship between seed dormancy and abscisic acid (ABA) metabolism in the monocot barley and the dicot Arabidopsis. Whether dormant (D) or non‐dormant (ND), dry seed of Arabidopsis and embryos of dry barley grains all had similarly high levels of ABA. ABA levels decreased rapidly upon imbibition, although they fell further in ND than in D. Gene expression profiles were determined in Arabidopsis for key ABA biosynthetic [the 9‐cis epoxycarotenoid dioxygenasegene family] and ABA catabolic [the ABA 8′‐hydroxylase gene family (CYP707A)] genes. Of these, only the AtCYP707A2 gene was differentially expressed between D and ND seeds, being expressed to a much higher level in ND seeds. Similarly, a barley CYP707 homologue, (HvABA8′OH‐1) was expressed to a much higher level in embryos from ND grains than from D grains. Consistent with this, in situ hybridization studies showed HvABA8′OH‐1 mRNA expression was stronger in embryos from ND grains. Surprisingly, the signal was confined in the coleorhiza, suggesting that this tissue plays a key role in dormancy release. Constitutive expression of a CYP707A gene in transgenic Arabidopsis resulted in decreased ABA content in mature dry seeds and a much shorter after‐ripening period to overcome dormancy. Conversely, mutating the CYP707A2 gene resulted in seeds that required longer after‐ripening to break dormancy. Our results point to a pivotal role for the ABA 8′‐hydroxylase gene in controlling dormancy and that the action of this enzyme may be confined to a particular organ as in the coleorhiza of cereals.
Spontaneous short‐range silencing of a GFP transgene in Nicotiana benthamiana is possibly mediated by small quantities of siRNA that do not trigger systemic silencing
Authors: Kalantidis Kriton , Tsagris Mina , Tabler Martin
Published: February 2006

A green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgene under the control of the 35S cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) promoter was introduced by Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation into Nicotiana benthamiana to generate fourteen transgenic lines. Homozygous lines that contained one or two copies of the transgene showed great variation of GFP expression under ultraviolet (UV) light, which allowed classification into three types of transgenic plants. Plants from more than half of the transgenic lines underwent systemic RNA silencing and produced short interfering RNA (siRNA) as young seedlings, while plants of the remaining lines developed, in a spontaneous manner, defined GFP‐silenced zones on their leaves, mostly in the form of circular spots that expanded to about 4–7 mm in size. In some of the latter lines, the GFP‐silenced spots remained stable, but no systemic silencing occurred. Here we characterize this phenomenon, which we term spontaneous short‐range silencing (SSRS). Biochemical analysis of silenced spot tissue did not reveal detectable levels of siRNA. However, agro‐infiltration with the suppressor proteins P19 of cymbidium ring spot virus (CymRSV), HC‐Pro of tobacco etch virus (TEV), and crosses to a P19 transgenic line, nevertheless suggests that low concentrations of siRNA may have a functional role in the locally silenced zone. We propose that small alterations in the steady‐state concentration of siRNAs and their cognate mRNA are decisive with regard to whether silencing remains local or spreads in a systemic manner.
Colonization of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in the oral cavity
Authors: Yli‐Knuuttila H. , Snäll J. , Kari K. , Meurman J. H.
Published: February 2006

Background/aims:  Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is one of the most widely studied probiotic bacterial strain. The benefits of LGG treatment in gastrointestinal disorders are well documented. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether LGG can be detected in the oral cavity after discontinuation of administration of a product prepared with this bacterium.

Material and methods:  56 volunteers consumed Gefilus® juice (Valio Ltd, Helsinki, Finland) containing LGG during a 14‐day trial period. Saliva samples were collected and cultured onto MRS agar after a clearance period and then daily after a 2‐week intervention period for as long as LGG was found. LGG‐like colonies were analyzed in saliva samples, identified by characteristic colony morphology, a lactose fermentation test, and PCR with specific primers.

Results:  LGG was not able to colonize the oral cavity. It could only be temporarily detected. In one female subject, however, whose medical history revealed use of LGG in childhood, the bacterium was detected in all saliva samples taken up to 5 months. (She was excluded from the intervention trial).

Conclusion:  Permanent colonization of LGG in the oral cavity is improbable but seems possible in individual cases.
Use of polymerase chain reaction techniques and sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for differentiation of oral Lactobacillus species
Authors: Teanpaisan R. , Dahlén G.
Published: February 2006

Background/aims:  The genus Lactobacillus has been associated with dental caries in humans, although it is seldom speciated due to lack of simple and nonlaborious identification methods. A considerable heterogeneity among Lactobacillus species has been demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to develop simple methods combining restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐amplified 16S rRNA (16S rRNA gene PCR‐RFLP) and sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) for the identification of 13 reference strains of Lactobacillus.

Methods:  The 16S rRNA gene sequences were amplified by PCR using universal primers and digestion of PCR products with the restriction endonucleases, HpaII and HaeIII. The 16S rRNA gene PCR‐RFLP is reproducible and has been proved to be useful for differentiating Lactobacillus strains to species level. Seventy‐seven Lactobacillus isolates from a Thai population were used to show the applicability of the identification test.

Results:  PCR‐RFLP alone had limitations, because the RFLP patterns of Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus and of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus crispatus showed similar patterns; however, these could be differentiated by SDS‐PAGE. Of the 77 isolates, 38 were identified as Lactobacillus fermentum, 25 as L. rhamnosus, 5 as Lactobacillus salivarius, 5 as L. casei, 3 as L. acidophilus and 1 as Lactobacillus plantarum.

Conclusion:  16S rRNA gene PCR‐RFLP, using HpaII and HaeIII, together with SDS‐PAGE protein profiles could be an alternative method for the identification of oral Lactobacillus strains to species level, and may be applicable for large‐scale studies on the association of Lactobacillus to dental caries.
Porphyromonas gingivalis lipids and diseased dental tissues
Authors: Nichols F. C. , Rojanasomsith K.
Published: February 2006

Background/aim:  Porphyromonas gingivalis synthesizes several classes of dihydroceramides and at least one of these lipid classes promotes proinflammatory secretory reactions in gingival fibroblasts as well as alters fibroblast morphology in culture. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether the dihydroceramide lipids of P. gingivalis are recovered in lipid extracts of subgingival plaque, diseased teeth, and diseased gingival tissue samples.

Methods:  Lipids were extracted from P. gingivalis, subgingival plaque, subgingival calculus, teeth laden with gross accumulations of subgingival calculus, and gingival tissue samples obtained from chronic severe periodontitis sites. Lipid samples were analyzed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry as trimethylsilyl derivatives or by electrospray‐mass spectrometry as underivatized products. High‐performance liquid chromatography fractions of P. gingivalis lipids and gingival tissue lipids were also analyzed by electrospray‐mass spectrometry analysis.

Results:  P. gingivalis phosphorylated dihydroceramides were recovered in lipid extracts of subgingival plaque, subgingival calculus, calculus contaminated teeth, and diseased gingival tissue samples. However, the distribution of phosphorylated dihydroceramides varied between these samples.

Conclusion:  Subgingival plaque, subgingival calculus, diseased teeth, and gingival tissue are contaminated with phosphorylated dihydroceramides produced by P. gingivalis. The previously reported biological activity of these substances together with the recovery of these lipids at periodontal disease sites argues strongly for their classification as virulence factors in promoting chronic inflammatory periodontal disease.
Lethal outcome caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis A7436 in a mouse chamber model is associated with elevated titers of host serum interferon‐γ
Authors: Huang J.‐H. , Lin Y.‐Y. , Lai Y.‐Y. , Hu S.‐W.
Published: February 2006

Background/aims:  Septic shock caused by gram‐negative bacteria has been associated with cytokines produced by hosts. Porphyromonas gingivalis A7436, a disseminating strain, caused septic shock‐like symptoms and even animal death in a mouse chamber model. However, P. gingivalis exhibits lower endotoxin activities in its lipopolysaccharide than other typical gram‐negative bacteria. In this study, we examined the effects of P. gingivalis lethal infection on host pro‐inflammatory cytokines production.

Methods:  Nude and normal BALB/c mice were infected with a lethal dose of P. gingivalis A7436 using a mouse chamber model. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐12 and interferon‐γ were evaluated. The effects of tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (thalidomide) and anti‐interferon‐γ antibody on infection outcomes were examined.

Results:  All nude mice survived infectious challenge, whereas 100% of normal mice died with abdominal lesions. Bacterial cultures indicated P. gingivalis dissemination to the circulation. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor, IL‐1β and IL‐12 showed no significant differences between nude and normal mice. Thalidomide treatment did not protect normal mice from death but decreased remote lesion occurrence, with concurrent reduced bacterial counts recoverable from blood. There was a 3.5‐fold elevation in normal mice serum interferon‐γ titers compared to those of nude mice and anti‐interferon‐γ antibody treatment resulted in 100% protection from lethal outcome.

Conclusion:  Lethal outcome following P. gingivalis A7436 infection is T‐lymphocyte dependent and involves an increase in systemic interferon‐γ levels. The data further indicate that P. gingivalis transvascular dissemination (bacteremia) alone is not sufficient for lethal outcome.
Unmarked gene deletion mutagenesis of gtfB and gtfC in Streptococcus mutans using a targeted hit‐and‐run strategy with a thermosensitive plasmid
Authors: Atlagic D. , Kiliç A. O. , Tao L.
Published: February 2006

Unmarked gene deletion of the Streptococcus mutans gtfB–gtfC locus was achieved using a thermosensitive plasmid. DNA fragments flanking the locus were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and jointly ligated into pG+host5, which was transformed into S. mutans at 37°C to facilitate integration. A transformant was then grown at 28°C for 60 generations without antibiotics to facilitate excision. Antibiotic sensitive clones appeared at a frequency of about 99% and were analyzed for deletions of gtfB, gtfC and a part of mbrA by the lack of insoluble glucan synthesis, sensitivity to bacitracin, and polymerase chain reaction. Targeted gene deletions occurred at a frequency of 2.5%.