bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Transmembrane AMPA Receptor Regulatory Protein γ4 Is a More Effective Modulator of AMPA Receptor Function than Stargazin (γ2)
Authors: Körber Christoph , Werner Markus , Kott Sabine , Ma Zhan-Lu , Hollmann Michael
Published: August 2007

AMPA receptors mediate the majority of the fast excitatory synaptic transmission in the brain. A family of recently described auxiliary proteins, the transmembrane AMPA receptor regulatory proteins (TARPs) γ2, γ3, γ4, and γ8, have been shown to modulate the trafficking of receptors to the plasma membrane as well as electrophysiological key properties. Most studies published to date focus exclusively on γ2 (stargazin), neglecting the other three members of the TARP family. Here, we analyzed the modulation of electrophysiological properties of AMPA receptors by γ4 and compare it with γ2, using heterologous coexpression in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. We show for the first time that γ4, a previously poorly examined TARP, modulates the desensitization properties of AMPA receptors significantly stronger than γ2 does. In contrast, other properties such as kainate efficacy and current–voltage relationships are modulated in a similar way by both of these TARPs. From these TARP-specific effects, we propose an interaction mechanism between AMPA receptors and TARPs and address the physiological relevance of γ4 and its regulatory effects, particularly on AMPA receptor desensitization properties, to developmental and regulatory processes in the brain.
The Neurochemically Diverse Intermedius Nucleus of the Medulla as a Source of Excitatory and Inhibitory Synaptic Input to the Nucleus Tractus Solitarii
Authors: Edwards Ian J. , Dallas Mark L. , Poole Sarah L. , Milligan Carol J. , Yanagawa Yuchio , Szabó Gábor , Erdélyi Ferenc , Deuchars Susan A. , Deuchars Jim
Published: August 2007

Sensory afferent signals from neck muscles have been postulated to influence central cardiorespiratory control as components of postural reflexes, but neuronal pathways for this action have not been identified. The intermedius nucleus of the medulla (InM) is a target of neck muscle spindle afferents and is ideally located to influence such reflexes but is poorly investigated. To aid identification of the nucleus, we initially produced three-dimensional reconstructions of the InM in both mouse and rat. Neurochemical analysis including transgenic reporter mice expressing green fluorescent protein in GABA-synthesizing neurons, immunohistochemistry, andin situhybridization revealed that the InM is neurochemically diverse, containing GABAegric and glutamatergic neurons with some degree of colocalization with parvalbumin, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, and calretinin. Projections from the InM to the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) were studied electrophysiologically in rat brainstem slices. Electrical stimulation of the NTS resulted in antidromically activated action potentials within InM neurons. In addition, electrical stimulation of the InM resulted in EPSPs that were mediated by excitatory amino acids and IPSPs mediated solely by GABAAreceptors or by GABAAand glycine receptors. Chemical stimulation of the InM resulted in (1) a depolarization of NTS neurons that were blocked by NBQX (2,3-dioxo-6-nitro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[f]quinoxaline-7-sulfonoamide) or kynurenic acid and (2) a hyperpolarization of NTS neurons that were blocked by bicuculline. Thus, the InM contains neurochemically diverse neurons and sends both excitatory and inhibitory projections to the NTS. These data provide a novel pathway that may underlie possible reflex changes in autonomic variables after neck muscle spindle afferent activation.
The Role of the Dorsal Striatum in Reward and Decision-Making: Figure 1.
Authors: Balleine Bernard W. , Delgado Mauricio R. , Hikosaka Okihide
Published: August 2007

Although the involvement in the striatum in the refinement and control of motor movement has long been recognized, recent description of discrete frontal corticobasal ganglia networks in a range of species has focused attention on the role particularly of the dorsal striatum in executive functions. Current evidence suggests that the dorsal striatum contributes directly to decision-making, especially to action selection and initiation, through the integration of sensorimotor, cognitive, and motivational/emotional information within specific corticostriatal circuits involving discrete regions of striatum. We review key evidence from recent studies in rodent, nonhuman primate, and human subjects.
What We Know and Do Not Know about the Functions of the Orbitofrontal Cortex after 20 Years of Cross-Species Studies: Figure 1.
Authors: Murray Elisabeth A. , O'Doherty John P. , Schoenbaum Geoffrey
Published: August 2007

When Pat Goldman-Rakic described the circuitry and function of primate prefrontal cortex in her influential 1987 monograph (Goldman-Rakic, 1987), she included only a few short paragraphs on the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). That year, there were only nine papers published containing the term “orbitofrontal,” an average of less than one paper per month. Twenty years later, this rate has increased to 32 papers per month. This explosive growth is partly attributable to the remarkable similarities that exist in structure and function across species. These similarities suggest that OFC function can be usefully modeled in nonhuman and even nonprimate species. Here, we review some of these similarities.
Cell Type-Specific Tuning of Hippocampal Interneuron Firing during Gamma OscillationsIn Vivo
Authors: Tukker John J. , Fuentealba Pablo , Hartwich Katja , Somogyi Peter , Klausberger Thomas
Published: August 2007

Cortical gamma oscillations contribute to cognitive processing and are thought to be supported by perisomatic-innervating GABAergic interneurons. We performed extracellular recordings of identified interneurons in the hippocampal CA1 area of anesthetized rats, revealing that the firing patterns of five distinct interneuron types are differentially correlated to spontaneous gamma oscillations. The firing of bistratified cells, which target dendrites of pyramidal cells coaligned with the glutamatergic input from hippocampal area CA3, is strongly phase locked to field gamma oscillations. Parvalbumin-expressing basket, axo-axonic, and cholecystokinin-expressing interneurons exhibit moderate gamma modulation, whereas the spike timing of distal dendrite-innervating oriens-lacunosum moleculare interneurons is not correlated to field gamma oscillations. Cholecystokinin-expressing interneurons fire earliest in the gamma cycle, a finding that is consistent with their suggested function of thresholding individual pyramidal cells. Furthermore, we show that field gamma amplitude correlates with interneuronal spike-timing precision and firing rate. Overall, our recordings suggest that gamma synchronizationin vivois assisted by temporal- and domain-specific GABAergic inputs to pyramidal cells and is initiated in pyramidal cell dendrites in addition to somata and axon initial segments.
Reducing Agents Sensitize C-Type Nociceptors by Relieving High-Affinity Zinc Inhibition of T-Type Calcium Channels
Authors: Nelson Michael T. , Woo Jiwan , Kang Ho-Won , Vitko Iuliia , Barrett Paula Q. , Perez-Reyes Edward , Lee Jung-Ha , Shin Hee-Sup , Todorovic Slobodan M.
Published: August 2007

Recent studies have demonstrated an important role for T-type Ca2+channels (T-channels) in controlling the excitability of peripheral pain-sensing neurons (nociceptors). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the functions of T-channels in nociceptors are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that reducing agents as well as endogenous metal chelators sensitize C-type dorsal root ganglion nociceptors by chelating Zn2+ions off specific extracellular histidine residues on Cav3.2 T-channels, thus relieving tonic channel inhibition, enhancing Cav3.2 currents, and lowering the threshold for nociceptor excitabilityin vitroandin vivo. Collectively, these findings describe a novel mechanism of nociceptor sensitization and firmly establish reducing agents, as well as Zn2+, Zn2+-chelating amino acids, and Zn2+-chelating proteins as endogenous modulators of Cav3.2 and nociceptor excitability.
The Use of Knock-Out Mice Unravels Distinct Roles for mGlu2 and mGlu3 Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration/Neuroprotection
Authors: Corti Corrado , Battaglia Giuseppe , Molinaro Gemma , Riozzi Barbara , Pittaluga Anna , Corsi Mauro , Mugnaini Manolo , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Bruno Valeria
Published: August 2007

Dual metabotropic glutamate 2/3 (mGlu2/3) receptor agonists have been examined with success in the clinic with positive proof of efficacy in several tests of anxiety and schizophrenia. Moreover, a large body of evidence has accumulated that these drugs have significant neuroprotective potential. An important discussion in the field deals with dissecting effects on mGlu2 versus effects on mGlu3 receptors, which is relevant for the potential use of subtype-selective agonists or allosteric activators. We addressed this issue using mGlu2 and mGlu3 receptor knock-out mice. We used mixed cultures of cortical cells in which astrocytes and neurons were plated at different times and could therefore originate from different mice. Cultures were challenged with NMDA for the induction of excitotoxic neuronal death. The mGlu2/3 receptor agonist, (−)-2-oxa-4-aminocyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (LY379268), was equally neuroprotective in cultures containing neurons from wild-type,mGlu2−/−, ormGlu3−/−mice. Neuroprotection was instead abolished when astrocytes lacked mGlu3 receptors, unless neuronal mGlu2 receptors were also absent. The latter condition partially restored the protective activity of LY379268. Cultures in which neurons originated frommGlu2−/−mice were also intrinsically resistant to NMDA toxicity. Inin vivoexperiments, systemic administration of LY379268 protected striatal neurons against NMDA toxicity in wild-type andmGlu2−/−mice but not inmGlu3−/−mice. In addition, LY379268 was protective against nigrostriatal degeneration induced by low doses of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine only in mice lacking mGlu2 receptors. We conclude that neuroprotection by mGlu2/3 receptor agonists requires the activation of astrocytic mGlu3 receptors, whereas, unexpectedly, activation of mGlu2 receptors might be harmful to neurons exposed to toxic insults.
An Endogenous Serine/Threonine Protein Phosphatase Inhibitor, G-Substrate, Reduces Vulnerability in Models of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Chung Chee Yeun , Koprich James B. , Endo Shogo , Isacson Ole
Published: August 2007

Relative neuronal vulnerability is a universal yet poorly understood feature of neurodegenerative diseases. In Parkinson's disease, dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) (A9) are particularly vulnerable, whereas adjacent DA neurons within the ventral tegmental area (A10) are essentially spared. Our previous laser capture microdissection and microarray study (Chung et al., 2005) demonstrated that molecular differences between these DA neurons may underlie their differential vulnerability. Here we show that G-substrate, an endogenous inhibitor of Ser/Thr protein phosphatases, exhibits higher expression in A10 compared with A9 DA neurons in both rodent and human midbrain. Overexpression of G-substrate protected dopaminergic BE(2)-M17 cells against toxins, including 6-OHDA and MG-132 (carbobenzoxy-l-leucyl-l-leucyl-l-leucinal), whereas RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of endogenous G-substrate increased their vulnerability to these toxins. G-substrate reduced 6-OHDA-mediated protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activationin vitroand increased phosphorylated levels of PP2A targets including Akt, glycogen synthase kinase 3β, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 but not p38. RNAi to Akt diminished the protective effect of G-substrate against 6-OHDA.In vivo, lentiviral delivery of G-substrate to the rat SN increased baseline levels of phosphorylated Akt and protected A9 DA neurons from 6-OHDA-induced toxicity. These results suggest that inherent differences in the levels of G-substrate contribute to the differential vulnerability of DA neurons and that enhancing G-substrate levels may be a neuroprotective strategy for the vulnerable A9 (SN) DA neurons in Parkinson's disease.
Opposite Regulation of Oligodendrocyte Apoptosis by JNK3 and Pin1 after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Li Qi Ming , Tep Chhavy , Yune Tae Y. , Zhou Xiao Zhen , Uchida Takafumi , Lu Kun Ping , Yoon Sung Ok
Published: August 2007

Although oligodendrocytes undergo apoptosis after spinal cord injury, molecular mechanisms responsible for their death have been unknown. We report that oligodendrocyte apoptosis is regulated oppositely by c-Jun N-terminal kinase 3 (JNK3) and protein interacting with the mitotic kinase, never in mitosis A I (Pin1), the actions of which converge on myeloid cell leukemia sequence-1 (Mcl-1). Activated after injury, JNK3 induces cytochromecrelease by facilitating the degradation of Mcl-1, the stability of which is maintained in part by Pin1. Pin1 binds Mcl-1 at its constitutively phosphorylated site, Thr163Pro, and stabilizes it by inhibiting ubiquitination. After injury JNK3 phosphorylates Mcl-1 at Ser121Pro, facilitating the dissociation of Pin1 from Mcl-1. JNK3 thus induces Mcl-1 degradation by counteracting the protective binding of Pin1. These results are confirmed by the opposing phenotypes observed between JNK3−/−and Pin1−/−mice: oligodendrocyte apoptosis and cytochromecrelease are reduced in JNK3−/−but elevated in Pin1−/−mice. This report thus unveils a mechanism by which cytochromecrelease is under the opposite control of JNK3 and Pin1, regulators for which the activities are intricately coupled.
Vine Deloria Jr. as a Philosopher of Education: An Essay of Remembrance
Authors: Richardson Troy A.
Published: August 2007

This essay engages the concepts of maturity, relationality, and responsibility in the writings of Vine Deloria Jr. as foundational to a Native philosophy of education. After situating Deloria and these Native philosophic concepts as a moment of difference in the colonial—modern world, I explore how these concepts of maturity, relationships, and responsibility have been discussed in his work and remain potent forces in the continuing evolution of education among Native peoples.
Open Accounts: Harriet Martineau and the Problem of Privacy in Early-Victorian Culture
Authors: HUNT AERON
Published: August 2007

In this essay I examine Harriet Martineau's domestic novel Deerbrook (1839), in which the author, famous for her works in the public discourse of political economy, experimented with the genre most associated with the private. I suggest that the novel be read as a struggle to reconcile the claims of privacy with Martineau's intellectual, social, and political commitments to free circulation. I link the tensions in Martineau's efforts to imagine a domestic sphere organized around the free circulation of information to an ambivalence about privacy in discussions of contemporary economic challenges and argue that this ambivalence lingered even where privacy has been understood to be most at ease—in business, in the novel, and in the home. I trace Deerbrook's uneven treatment of love, desire, and women to the difficulty assimilating them to the ethic of free circulation of information. The taint of suspicion that lingers around the private sphere in the novel suggests that we reconsider what is sometimes presumed: the Victorian faith in the private as the guarantor of morality and ethical identity under capitalist social relations.
The Isle of the Cross and Poems: Lost Melville Books and the Indefinite Afterlife of Error
Authors: PARKER HERSHEL
Published: August 2007

Reviewers of Hershel Parker's Herman Melville: A Biography, 1851–1891 in the New York Times and other influential papers expressed disbelief that The Isle of the Cross and Poems (1860) had ever existed. In fact, Melville scholars had known much about The Isle of the Cross (but not the name) for decades and since 1922 had known almost everything about Poems. Like these reviewers, many other modern critics no longer perform archival research themselves and fail to acknowledge decades of basic documentary work done on Melville. It is as if critics believe nothing new could have been discovered after 1921, the year of Raymond Weaver's biography of Melville. The consequence of this ignorance, manifest in much literary criticism, is a pernicious distortion of the trajectory of Melville's whole literary career.
“Memory: Lewis and Clark in Yellowstone, circa 2004”
Authors: Denzin Norman K.
Published: August 2007

Drawing on Walter Benjamin's concept of history as literary montage, “Memory: Lewis and Clark in Yellowstone, circa 2004” interrogates the place of memory in the bicentennial celebrations of the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804–06. Quoting from historical documents, I attempt to crack the racist facade that surrounds Lewis and Clark and the place of their project in our national imagination.
White Universal Identity as a “Sense of Group Position”
Authors: Perry Pamela
Published: August 2007

This article seeks to expand upon Blumer's “Race Prejudice as a Sense of Group Position.” I argue that Blumer's group position model invites us to critically consider the role that dominant group identity and “threats” to identity play in reproducing racial inequalities. Identities seat both material and ideal concerns, and white identities, in particular, may provide “ontological security” that whites will defensively protect. I draw on ethnographic research conducted in 1994–96 in two demographically distinct high schools. Young whites in both schools expressed identities that positioned them as “universal,” and they responded reactively, even prejudicially, when their universal group position was threatened.
White Matters: When, Where, and How?
Authors: McClure Stephanie M.
Published: August 2007

The author reflects on the qualitative research process as both a first‐time researcher and as a white woman doing research on African American men. This includes reflections on the assumption that the primary motivation for the researcher is romantically motivated, a discussion of racist sexism, and the nature of qualitative evidence, in particular that collected in a cross‐race researcher‐participant relationship. The research process and experience reinforces the importance of considering the context of the research when thinking about insider‐outsider positionality.
Researching Race: Identifying a Social Construction through Qualitative Methods and an Interactionist Perspective
Authors: Morris Edward W.
Published: August 2007

Although much of the sociological community now views race as a social construction, empirical research does not always identify it in this way. Many practices of designating a research participant's race approach this process uncritically, implicitly framing race as uncomplicated. Although this is more common in survey‐based work, in this article I explore the tendencies and difficulties of studying race using qualitative methods. I discuss two prevalent but potentially problematic ways of “operationalizing” race in qualitative methodology, and then elaborate on the difficulties of identifying race in practice, using examples from my own ethnographic research. I suggest that symbolic interactionism provides a unique perspective from which to express race as socially situated, as long as this process is approached reflectively.
Metabolic Syndrome in Childhood Predicts Adult Cardiovascular Disease 25 Years Later: The Princeton Lipid Research Clinics Follow-up Study
Authors: Morrison John A. , Friedman Lisa Aronson , Gray-McGuire Courtney
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVE. The goal was to assess the association of metabolic syndrome in childhood with adult cardiovascular disease 25 years later.

METHODS. Data from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Lipid Research Clinics Princeton Prevalence Study (1973–1976) and the Princeton Follow-up Study (2000–2004) were used. BMI was used as the obesity measure in childhood, because waist circumference was not measured in the Lipid Research Clinics study. The adult cardiovascular disease status of participants and their parents was obtained through participant report. A logistic analysis was used to predict adult cardiovascular disease; pediatric metabolic syndrome, age at the Princeton Follow-up Study, gender, race, and parental history of cardiovascular disease were potential explanatory variables.

RESULTS. Ages ranged from 6 to 19 years in the Lipid Research Clinics study and from 30 to 48 years in the Princeton Follow-up Study. There were 17 cases of cardiovascular disease in the analysis cohort in the Princeton Follow-up Study. Pediatric metabolic syndrome and age at follow-up assessment were significant predictors of cardiovascular disease. Pediatric metabolic syndrome and changes in age-specific BMI percentile from childhood to adulthood were significant predictors of adult metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS. Evaluating children for metabolic syndrome could identify patients at increased risk of adult cardiovascular disease, making targeted interventions possible.
Medical Home for Children With Hearing Loss: Physician Perspectives and Practices
Authors: Dorros Carol , Kurtzer-White Ellen , Ahlgren Marianne , Simon Peter , Vohr Betty
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVE. Our goal was to evaluate Rhode Island pediatricians' view of themselves as the medical home for infants and young children with permanent hearing loss.

METHODS. An observational study was conducted between September 2001 and March 2002. A survey of knowledge, beliefs, and practices relative to newborn hearing screening was sent to Rhode Island pediatricians practicing primary care for children aged birth to 5 years. The data set consisted of 107 (52%) of the eligible physicians.

RESULTS. Seventy-two percent of the pediatricians reported caring for 1 to >5 patients with permanent hearing loss within the past 5 years. Sixty-three percent of the pediatricians reported that the professional who has primary responsibility for follow-up planning for these children is the primary care physician, and 59% agreed that they were the medical home for their patients with hearing loss. However, only 43% agreed that their practice was well informed of services for their patients, and only 45% felt well informed about paths of follow-up. Sixty-three percent of the pediatricians agreed that they should coordinate care, but only 41% reported that they do coordinate care most of the time or always. The pediatricians' preferred methods for receiving educational information were resource guide (85%), grand rounds (75%), or journal articles (73%).

CONCLUSIONS. By contrasting pediatricians' medical home beliefs with actual reported care-coordination practices, we show that there is a disconnect between beliefs and practice. The survey demonstrated that physician belief ratings were consistently higher than the practice ratings, which suggests that the motivation exists but that additional educational efforts and strategies for enhanced care coordination are needed to develop an effective, seamless medical home for children with permanent hearing loss.
An Event-Related Potential Study of Attention and Recognition Memory in Infants With Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Authors: Burden Matthew J. , Westerlund Alissa J. , Armony-Sivan Rinat , Nelson Charles A. , Jacobson Sandra W. , Lozoff Betsy , Angelilli Mary Lu , Jacobson Joseph L.
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVES. The purpose of this work was to determine whether iron-deficiency anemia in infancy represents a risk factor for deficits in attention and memory development using event-related potentials.

METHODS. Artifact-free event-related potential data were obtained at 9 and/or 12 months from 15 infants with iron-deficiency anemia and 19 who were iron sufficient during a test of the infant's ability to discriminate a highly familiar stimulus, the mother's face, from a stranger's face.

RESULTS. A midlatency negative component associated with attention and a late-occurring positive slow wave associated with memory updating were identified at both ages in the iron-deficiency anemia and iron-sufficient groups. Consistent with the age-appropriate pattern of development at 9 months, the iron-sufficient group showed a greater attentional response (negative component) to the mother and a greater updating of memory for the stranger (positive slow wave). This pattern of responses was not evident in the iron-deficiency anemia group until 12 months, suggesting a delay in cognitive development.

CONCLUSIONS. These data suggest that iron-deficiency anemia adversely affects the allocation of neurophysiologic resources to attention and recognition memory during the processing of information about familiar and unfamiliar stimuli. This delay in cognitive development may reflect alterations in efficiency of central nervous system functions that seem related to early iron deficiency.
What Is the Early Adulthood Outcome of Boys Who Bully or Are Bullied in Childhood? The Finnish “From a Boy to a Man” Study
Authors: Sourander Andre , Jensen Peter , Rönning John A. , Niemelä Solja , Helenius Hans , Sillanmäki Lauri , Kumpulainen Kirsti , Piha Jorma , Tamminen Tuula , Moilanen Irma , Almqvist Fredrik
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVE. Our goal was to study predictive associations between bullying and victimization at age 8 years and psychiatric disorders in early adulthood.

METHODS. The sample comprised 2540 boys born in 1981. Information about bullying and victimization was gathered in 1989 when the boys were 8 years old from parents, teachers, and children. Information about psychiatric disorders was based on military call-up examination and army registry when the subjects were 18 to 23 years old.

RESULTS. In univariate logistic regression analysis, frequent bullying-only status predicted antisocial personality, substance abuse, and depressive and anxiety disorders; frequent victimization-only status predicted anxiety disorder, whereas frequent bully-victim status predicted antisocial personality and anxiety disorder. When controlled against the effects of parental education level and parent and teacher reports of emotional and behavioral symptoms by using Rutter scales, frequent victimization-only status predicted anxiety disorders, and frequent bullying-only predicted antisocial personality disorder, whereas frequent bully-victimization predicted both anxiety and antisocial personality disorder. Information about frequent bullying and victimization as primary screening for children at risk identified ∼28% of those with a psychiatric disorder 10 to 15 years later.

CONCLUSIONS. Both bullying and victimization during early school years are public health signs that identify boys who are at risk of suffering psychiatric disorders in early adulthood. The school health and educational system has a central role to play in detecting these boys at risk.
Restless Legs Syndrome: Prevalence and Impact in Children and Adolescents—The Peds REST Study
Authors: Picchietti Daniel , Allen Richard P. , Walters Arthur S. , Davidson Julie E. , Myers Andrew , Ferini-Strambi Luigi
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVES. Restless legs syndrome, a common neurologic sleep disorder, occurs in 5% to 10% of adults in the United States and Western Europe. Although ∼25% of adults with restless legs syndrome report onset of symptoms between the ages of 10 and 20 years, there is very little literature looking directly at the prevalence in children and adolescents. In this first population-based study to use specific pediatric diagnostic criteria, we examined the prevalence and impact of restless legs syndrome in 2 age groups: 8 to 11 and 12 to 17 years.

METHODS. Initially blinded to survey topic, families were recruited from a large, volunteer research panel in the United Kingdom and United States. Administration was via the Internet, and results were stratified by age and gender. National Institutes of Health pediatric restless legs syndrome diagnostic criteria (2003) were used, and questions were specifically constructed to exclude positional discomfort, leg cramps, arthralgias, and sore muscles being counted as restless legs syndrome.

RESULTS. Data were collected from 10523 families. Criteria for definite restless legs syndrome were met by 1.9% of 8- to 11-year-olds and 2.0% of 12- to 17-year-olds. Moderately or severely distressing restless legs syndrome symptoms were reported to occur ≥2 times per week in 0.5% and 1.0% of children, respectively. Convincing descriptions of restless legs syndrome symptoms were provided. No significant gender differences were found. At least 1 biological parent reported having restless legs syndrome symptoms in >70% of the families, with both parents affected in 16% of the families. Sleep disturbance was significantly more common in children and adolescents with restless legs syndrome than in controls (69.4% vs 39.6%), as was a history of “growing pains” (80.6% vs 63.2%). Various consequences were attributed to restless legs syndrome, including 49.5% endorsing a “negative effect on mood.” Data were also collected on comorbid conditions and restless legs diagnosis rates.

CONCLUSIONS. These population-based data suggest that restless legs syndrome is prevalent and troublesome in children and adolescents, occurring more commonly than epilepsy or diabetes.
Surfactant Function and Composition in Premature Infants Treated With Inhaled Nitric Oxide
Authors: Ballard Philip L. , Merrill Jeffrey D. , Truog William E. , Godinez Rodolfo I. , Godinez Marye H. , McDevitt Theresa M. , Ning Yue , Golombek Sergio G. , Parton Lance A. , Luan Xianqun , Cnaan Avital , Ballard Roberta A.
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVES. We hypothesized that inhaled nitric oxide treatment of premature infants at risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia would not adversely affect endogenous surfactant function or composition.

METHODS. As part of the Nitric Oxide Chronic Lung Disease Trial of inhaled nitric oxide, we examined surfactant in a subpopulation of enrolled infants. Tracheal aspirate fluid was collected at specified intervals from 99 infants with birth weights <1250 g who received inhaled nitric oxide (20 ppm, weaned to 2 ppm) or placebo gas for 24 days. Large-aggregate surfactant was analyzed for surface activity with a pulsating bubble surfactometer and for surfactant protein contents with an immunoassay.

RESULTS. At baseline, before administration of study gas, surfactant function and composition were comparable in the 2 groups, and there was a positive correlation between minimum surface tension and severity of lung disease for all infants. Over the first 4 days of treatment, minimum surface tension increased in placebo-treated infants and decreased in inhaled nitric oxide–treated infants. There were no significant differences between groups in recovery of large-aggregate surfactant or contents of surfactant protein A, surfactant protein B, surfactant protein C, or total protein, normalized to phospholipid.

CONCLUSIONS. We conclude that inhaled nitric oxide treatment for premature infants at risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia does not alter surfactant recovery or protein composition and may improve surfactant function transiently.
A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Bedside Versus Conference-Room Case Presentation in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Landry Marc-Antoine , Lafrenaye Sylvie , Roy Marie-Claude , Cyr Claude
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVES. Case presentation and teaching performed at the bedside are declining. Patients' preference between bedside case presentation and conference-room case presentation is divergent in the literature. Residents seem to prefer the conference room. The objective of this study was to ascertain whether there was a difference of satisfaction and comfort between bedside case presentation and conference-room case presentation for the parents of patients hospitalized in the PICU and for the residents in training in the PICU.

METHODS. Every child hospitalized in the PICU who had 2 consecutive morning rounds, performed in the presence of the same resident, attending pediatrician, and parent, was eligible for the study. The study began with the first patient's case presentation after admission in the PICU. Randomization was on the first case presentation: bedside or conference room. On the second day, the other type of case presentation was performed. After each round, the parents and the resident filled out a questionnaire.

RESULTS. Twenty-seven parents of 22 patients answered both questionnaires, and 21 questionnaires were answered by residents. Parents' satisfaction was significantly higher during bedside case presentation (96 vs 92, answers reported on a 100-mm linear scale), they preferred bedside case presentation (95 vs 15), and they were more comfortable attending bedside teaching (89 vs 19). There was no difference in the residents' satisfaction nor in their comfort giving the actual case presentation. Residents, on the other hand, were significantly more comfortable asking questions (84 vs 69) and being asked questions (85 vs 67) during conference-room case presentation. A total of 81% of the parents wished that the next case presentation would take place at the bedside.

CONCLUSIONS. This study demonstrates the feasibility of a clinical case presentation performed at the bedside in the PICU context that seems to satisfy parents without causing too much discomfort to residents. Thus, bedside case presentation could be a very good teaching strategy in university hospitals.
Pediatric Encephalitis: What Is the Role of Mycoplasma pneumoniae?
Authors: Christie Laura J. , Honarmand Somayeh , Talkington Deborah F. , Gavali Shilpa S. , Preas Chris , Pan Chao-Yang , Yagi Shigeo , Glaser Carol A.
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND. Encephalitis is a complex, debilitating, and sometimes fatal neurologic condition to which children are especially prone. Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a common respiratory pathogen, has been implicated as an etiology of encephalitis. Evidence for recent or acute M pneumoniae infection has been demonstrated in limited studies of both pediatric and adult patients with encephalitis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS. Unexplained encephalitis cases are referred to the California Encephalitis Project for diagnostic testing. Serum, cerebrospinal fluid, and respiratory specimens are tested by polymerase chain reaction and serology methods for the presence of multiple pathogens, including M pneumoniae. M pneumonia–associated cases of encephalitis were compared with other bacterial agents, herpes simplex virus 1, and enterovirus.

RESULTS. Of 1988 patients referred to the California Encephalitis Project, evidence of acute M pneumoniae infection was found in 111 patients, of which 84 (76%) were pediatric patients. Eighty percent of the 84 patients were positive for M pneumoniae by serology alone. Cerebrospinal fluid polymerase chain reaction for M pneumoniae was rarely positive (2%). Patients with M pneumoniae–associated pediatric encephalitis were a median of 11 years old, progressed rapidly (median: 2 days from onset to hospitalization), and were often in the ICU (55%). Symptoms included fever (70%), lethargy (68%), and altered consciousness (58%). Gastrointestinal (45%) and respiratory (44%) symptoms were less common. Compared with patients with other bacterial as well as viral agents, patients with M pneumoniae–associated encephalitis had fewer seizures and less-severe hospital courses.

CONCLUSIONS. M pneumoniae is the most common agent implicated in the California Encephalitis Project. Patients with M pneumoniae–associated encephalitis are predominantly pediatric, and their presentations are clinically similar to enterovirus encephalitis, although they frequently require intensive care with prolonged hospitalizations. Given that M pneumoniae infection is found more than any other pathogen, increased emphasis should be placed on elucidating the role and mechanism of M pneumoniae in encephalitis.
A Systematic Review of Stress and Psychological Factors as Possible Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease
Authors: Peruzzo Daiane C. , Benatti Bruno B. , Ambrosano Glaucia M.B. , Nogueira‐Filho Getúlio R. , Sallum Enilson A. , Casati Márcio Z. , Nociti Francisco H.
Published: August 2007

Background: Clinical observations and epidemiologic studies suggest that some negative life events and psychological factors may contribute to an increased susceptibility to periodontal disease. The aim of the present study was to systematically review the evidence from case‐control studies, cross‐sectional studies, and prospective clinical trials reporting on the influence of stress and psychological factors on periodontal disease. The focused question addressed in this systematic review was whether the scientific evidence is enough to consider stress and psychological factors as risk factors for periodontal disease.

Methods: A literature search was conducted using two databases (MEDLINE and the Cochrane Oral Health Group specialist trials register) in addition to searching reference lists of original and review articles. The search strategy used was the combination of the terms: “stress,” “periodontal disease,” and “psychosocial disorders.” Studies were selected if they were published in dental journals between January 1, 1990 and April 1, 2006; only human studies and studies with adults and middle‐aged subjects were included. Suitable variables included control for the potential effect of confounding factors, adequate criteria to define periodontal disease, adequate criteria for establishing stress, and methodologic quality. Only English‐language articles were considered, and unpublished data were not sought. Two reviewers independently extracted information regarding quality and study characteristics in duplicate. The studies were assessed regarding their methodologic characteristics, statistical analysis, characteristics of the periodontal outcome measures, and psychological measurements.

Results: Of the 58 articles identified in the search, 10 were excluded because they were reviews and 34 did not comply with the selection criteria. Fourteen articles (seven case‐control studies, six cross‐sectional studies, and one prospective clinical trial) were included in the analysis; their quality and main study characteristics were assessed according to the criteria preestablished in the protocol of the study. With regard to the results of the studies, 57.1% found a positive outcome between psychosocial factors/stress and periodontal disease, 28.5% observed a positive outcome for some characteristics and a negative outcome for others, and 14.2% found a negative outcome.

Conclusions: Within the limitations of this systematic review, the majority of studies showed a positive relationship between stress/psychological factors and periodontal disease. However, in the future, well‐designed and more representative studies should be considered to confirm these factors as a risk for periodontal disease.
Predictive Values of Self‐Reported Periodontal Need: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III
Authors: Fisher Monica A. , Taylor George W. , Shelton Brent J. , Debanne Sara M.
Published: August 2007

Background: This study assessed predictive values of self‐reported periodontal need to identify periodontal conditions using clinical examinations as the gold standard.

Methods: We identified 12,370 adults ≥18 years of age in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Self‐reported periodontal need was based on participants responding that gum treatment and/or cleaning was needed when asked: “What type of dental care do you need now?” Two periodontal conditions were at least two sites with pockets (pockets ≥3 mm or pockets ≥4 mm) and at least two sites with calculus. Main outcomes were: 1) positive predictive value (PPVClean): proportion of those who self‐reported the need for cleaning who had calculus; and PPVGum: proportion who self‐reported the need for gum treatment who had pockets; 2) negative predictive value (NPVClean): proportion of those who self‐reported no need for cleaning who did not have calculus; and NPVGum: proportion who self‐reported no need for gum treatment who did not have pockets; 3) association between predictive values and sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics; and 4) proportion of individuals with specific sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics whose self‐reported periodontal need predicted periodontal conditions.

Results: The prevalence of periodontal conditions influenced predictive values. Calculus prevalence = 85%: corresponding PPVClean = 88% and NPVClean = 16%. Prevalence of pockets ≥3 mm = 47%: corresponding PPVGum = 62% and NPVGum = 54%. Prevalence of pockets ≥4 mm = 11%: corresponding PPVGum = 25% and NPVGum = 90%. Ninety percent of 30‐ to 44‐year‐old minority female smokers who did not visit the dentist in the past year and reported the need for gum treatment had pockets ≥3 mm (PPVGum = 90%).

Conclusions: Self‐reported periodontal need (cleaning/gum treatment) predicted the presence of the prevalent conditions (calculus/pockets ≥3 mm). Not reporting a need for periodontal treatment predicted the absence of the less common condition (pockets ≥4 mm) but not the more prevalent condition (calculus).
Mandibular Disto‐Lingual Root: A Consideration in Periodontal Therapy
Authors: Huang Ren‐Yeong , Lin Chiao‐Dih , Lee Meei‐Shyuan , Yeh Ching‐Lin , Shen E‐Chin , Chiang Cheng‐Yang , Chiu Hsien‐Chung , Fu Earl
Published: August 2007

Background: Developmental and morphological abnormalities may contribute to the progression of localized periodontal disease. Although the presence of a disto‐lingual root in the mandibular first molar is rare, its role in periodontal destruction has not been examined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the presence of this root contributes to localized periodontal destruction.

Methods: The presence of the disto‐lingual root was identified by examination of two periapical radiographs in each of 197 Taiwanese patients with 332 mandibular first molars. Regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between the presence of the root and probing depth, gingival recession, and periodontal attachment loss at the disto‐buccal and disto‐lingual sites of the molars. The adjusted variables included patient characteristics (age, gender, diagnosis, and general periodontal conditions), tooth (right and left location, tooth mobility, and periodontal category of the molar), and site (bleeding on probing and adjacent furcation involvement).

Results: A disto‐lingual root was present in 26.9% of patients and in 21.7% of molars examined. A significant interaction between periodontal category and the presence of disto‐lingual root on probing depth and attachment loss at disto‐lingual but not disto‐buccal sites was observed. Multivariable regression analysis showed a significantly higher probing depth and attachment loss at the disto‐lingual site in molars with the disto‐lingual root than in molars without the root in teeth classified as having advanced periodontitis.

Conclusions: Greater probing depth and attachment loss occurred at disto‐lingual sites of molars with the roots. The presence of a disto‐lingual root may contribute to localized periodontal destruction.
Connective Tissue Graft Used as a Biologic Barrier to Cover an Immediate Implant
Authors: Covani Ugo , Marconcini Simone , Galassini Giovanni , Cornelini Roberto , Santini Stefano , Barone Antonio
Published: August 2007

Background: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of placing implants in fresh extraction sites with simultaneous connective tissue grafting. The teeth selected for this treatment showed gingival recession and/or absence of attached gingiva.

Methods: Ten patients (five men and five women), 42 to 55 years of age, were included in the study. After initial examination and treatment planning, all of the patients selected for the study underwent periodontal treatment that was deemed necessary to favor wound healing. Subsequently, the teeth were extracted, and implants were placed without reflection of a mucoperiosteal flap. Immediately after implantation, a connective tissue graft was placed over the implants to treat the gingival recession. The second stage of surgery was performed 6 months after the initial procedure. The following clinical parameters were evaluated for each patient at 6 and 12 months after implant placement and connective tissue grafting: probing depth, probing attachment level, and mobility. Radiographs were taken using a standardized method to evaluate the marginal bone loss. Esthetic outcomes were evaluated using the measurements before implant placement and 12 months after surgery: width of the keratinized mucosa, emergence profile of the crown, and patient satisfaction.

Results: The healing period was uneventful for all patients. All of the implants had osseointegrated. At the end of the 12‐month follow‐up, the patients were asymptomatic, and the implant sites showed no signs of infection or bleeding when probed. The parameters used to estimate the esthetic outcomes showed an improvement.

Conclusions: Implant placement immediately after tooth extraction with simultaneous connective tissue graft was considered a successful procedure. Moreover, the surgical approach used in this study can be considered a treatment option in cases with non‐salvageable teeth showing gingival recession and the absence of attached gingiva.
Effect of Supragingival Plaque Control in Smokers and Never‐Smokers: 6‐Month Evaluation of Patients With Periodontitis
Authors: Gomes Sabrina Carvalho , Piccinin Flávia Benetti , Susin Cristiano , Oppermann Rui Vicente , Marcantonio Rosemary Adriana Chiérici
Published: August 2007

Background: The effect of supragingival plaque control on clinical signs of periodontitis is controversial, particularly when smoking habits are considered. This study evaluated the clinical effects of supragingival plaque control on clinical signs of periodontitis in smokers and never‐smokers.

Methods: The following data were collected for 25 never‐smokers and 25 smokers at baseline and 30, 90, and 180 days: visible plaque index (VPI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), bleeding on probing (BOP), periodontal probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL). After baseline examinations, supragingival scaling was performed. Oral hygiene practices were reinforced and reevaluated weekly during the experimental period. Linear models adjusted for clustering of observations within individuals were used for statistical analysis.

Results: Reductions in VPI were significant for both groups, with no intergroup differences. GBI at baseline was similar between groups, and at 30, 90, and 180 days, smokers had a lower GBI than never‐smokers. Significant reductions were observed in PD for shallow (1 to 3 mm), moderate (4 to 5 mm), and deep sites (≥6 mm) in both groups. CAL was significantly greater in smokers throughout the study, but gains in attachment were similar for both groups (0.71 to 1.00 mm). BOP reductions were similar in both groups.

Conclusions: Supragingival plaque control resulted in significant changes in clinical parameters associated with gingivitis and periodontitis. Smoking did not affect results, regardless of initial PD.