bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity of odourant binding proteins revealed by an expressed sequence tag project on male Manduca sexta moth antennae
Authors: Robertson H. M. , Martos R. , Sears C. R. , Todres E. Z. , Walden K. K. O. , Nardi J. B.
Published: March 2003

A small expressed sequence tag (EST) project generating 506 ESTs from 375 cDNAs was undertaken on the antennae of male Manduca sexta moths in an effort to discover olfactory receptor proteins. We encountered several clones that encode apparent transmembrane proteins; however, none is a clear candidate for an olfactory receptor. Instead we found a greater diversity of odourant binding proteins (OBPs) than previously known in moth antennae, raising the number known for M. sexta from three to seven. Together with evidence of seventeen members of the family from the Drosophila melanogaster genome project, our results suggest that insects may have many tens of OBPs expressed in subsets of the chemosensory sensilla on their antennae. These results support a model for insect olfaction in which OBPs selectively transport and present odourants to transmembrane olfactory receptors. We also found five members of a family of shorter proteins, named sensory appendage proteins (SAPs), that might also be involved in odourant transport. This small EST project also revealed several candidate odourant degrading enzymes including three P450 cytochromes, a glutathione S‐transferase and a uridine diphosphate (UDP) glucosyltransferase. Several first insect homologues of proteins known from vertebrates, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, yeast and bacteria were encountered, and most have now also been detected by the large D. melanogaster EST project. Only thirteen entirely novel proteins were encountered, some of which are likely to be cuticle proteins.
FST, a female‐specific transcript from the medfly Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Rosetto M. , De Filippis T. , Manetti A. G. O. , Marchini D. , Dallai R.
Published: March 2003

We report here the sequence of a novel cDNA clone (FST, female‐specific transcript), isolated by differential screening during a search for sexually mature accessory gland‐specific transcripts from the medfly Ceratitis capitata. It contains an open reading frame (ORF) with a potential translational start site encoding a putative precursor peptide of 100 amino acids. The FST gene is expressed only in the female reproductive accessory glands. Like the accessory gland‐specific antibacterial peptides ceratotoxins, its expression reaches the maximum level when sexual maturity is achieved. However, in contrast to ceratotoxins, it is expressed at a basal level in newly emerged females, and its expression does not increase after mating.
Satellite DNA variation in parental and derived unisexual hybrids of Bacillus stick insects (Phasmatodea)
Authors: Scali V. , Tinti F.
Published: March 2003

The Bag320 sequence family of satellite DNA (satDNA) has been found in some stick insect taxa: the bisexual Bacillus grandii, the related parthenogen B. atticus and their hybrids with B. rossius. However, under the same experimental conditions, the Bag320 sequences were not found in B. rossius. Bag320 sequences of the clonal hybrid B. whitei (= B. rossius/grandii grandii) intermingled with those of B. grandii in all plotted dendrograms. On the whole, satDNA features (restriction pattern, sequence variation, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH)), allozymes and karyology support a relatively recent origin of B. whitei. Our investigations on unisexual hybrids of Bacillus also suggested that their origin and clonal reproduction allow the occurrence of different sequence subsets of limited variability in isolated populations stemming from the hybridization focus.
Mobility assays confirm the broad host‐range activity of the Minos transposable element and validate new transformation tools
Authors: Klinakis A. G. , Loukeris T. G. , Pavlopoulos A. , Savakis C.
Published: March 2003

Fast and reliable methods for assessing the mobility of the transposable element Minos have been developed. These methods are based on the detection of excision and insertion of Minos transposons from and into plasmids which are co‐introduced into cells. Excision is detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with appropriate primers. Transposition is assayed by marker rescue in Escherichia coli, using a transposon plasmid that carries a tetracycline resistance gene and a target plasmid carrying a gene that can be selected against in E. coli. Using both assays, Minos was shown to transpose in Drosophila melanogaster cells and embryos, and in cultured cells of a mosquito, Aedes aegypti, and a lepidopteran, Spodoptera frugiperda. In all cases, mobility was dependent on the presence of exogenously supplied transposase, and both excision and transposition were precise. The results indicate that Minos can transpose in heterologous insect species with comparable efficiencies and therefore has the potential to be used as a transgenesis vector for diverse species.
Aedes aegypti dopa decarboxylase: gene structure and regulation
Authors: Ferdig M. T. , Taft A. S. , Smartt C. T. , Lowenberger C. A. , Li J. , Zhang J. , Christensen B. M.
Published: March 2003

Dopa decarboxylase converts l‐dopa to dopamine, a precursor molecule for diverse biological activities in insects including neurotransmission and a variety of tanning reactions required for development, reproduction and defence against parasites. Herein, we report the cloning and sequencing of the Aedes aegypti Ddc gene, including 2.1 kb of the upstream promoter region. The transcribed region of the gene spans more than 16 kb and contains five exons. In situ hybridization localizes the blood‐meal‐induced ovarian transcription of this gene to the follicular epithelial cells surrounding individual oocytes. Ovary tissue transcription of Ddc is increased in response to injection of 20‐hydroxyecdysone to levels equal to those observed for blood‐fed controls, however coinjection with the translational inhibitor cycloheximide negates the effect, indicating an indirect regulatory role for this hormone. Clusters of putative ecdysone‐responsive elements and zinc‐finger binding domains for the products of Broad‐Complex gene family are identified in the 5′‐promoter region. These elements are discussed in the context of common insect Ddc regulatory mechanisms.
A novel member of the RING‐finger gene family associated with reproductive tissues of the mosquito, Aedes aegypti
Authors: Zhao X. , Smartt C. T. , Hillyer J. F. , Christensen B. M.
Published: March 2003

The RING finger is a zinc‐binding domain that is found in proteins from viruses, plants and animals. Here we report the characterization and tissue‐specific expression of a mosquito gonadal protein gene, mgp, from the mosquito, Aedes aegypti. The putative gene product, MGP, contains two RING fingers, a B‐box, and a hydrophobic core. These mosquito MGP structural motifs are highly conserved in proteins found in mouse and nematode. Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization demonstrated the presence of multiple mgp RNA transcripts in male and female reproductive tissues. Expression of mgp in the ovary is constitutive, but an increase in message was observed in the ovaries of female mosquitoes previously exposed to a blood meal. These results suggest that MGP is a protein that might play a role(s) in mosquito gametogenesis.
Expression and activity of a house‐fly cytochrome P450, CYP6D1, inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Korytko P. J. , Maclntyre R. J. , Scott J. G.
Published: March 2003

The cytochrome P450 system of animals comprises many individual cytochromes P450 in addition to a single cytochrome P450 reductase and cytochrome b5. Although individual genes of the cytochrome P450 superfamily are highly diverged, the P450 reductase and cytochrome b5remain more conserved across taxa. Here, we describe the transformation ofDrosophila melanogasterwith a house‐fly‐specific cytochrome P450, CYP6D1. Functional activity of ectopically expressed cytochromes P450 requires successful interaction between the transgenic P450 and the requisite coenzymes of the host organism. TransformedDrosophila, but not controls, contained CYP6D1 protein as identified by protein immunoblotting, elevated total P450 and elevated CYP6D1 enzymatic activity. These data demonstrate that house‐fly CYP6D1 can interact with low to moderate efficiency withDrosophilaP450 reductase and cytochrome b5.
High amplification of a densovirus‐derived vector in larval and adult tissues of Drosophila
Authors: Royer C. , Bossin H. , Romane C. , Bergoin M. , Couble P.
Published: March 2003

The Lepidopteran densovirus‐derived vector, pJlacZΔNS3, is a defective virus genome with an insertion of lacZ DNA in the viral structural protein coding sequence, and a deletion of the sequence coding the non‐structural polypeptide NS3. pJlacZΔNS3 was injected into Drosophila eggs and the maintenance of the viral genome was monitored by expression of β‐galactosidase and by Southern blot hybridizations. Intense β‐galactosidase activity was observed in many somatic tissues of third‐instar larvae and adult flies, in more than 60% of the injected animals. DNA analyses showed that staining in adult tissues correlated with the amplification of the vector. Together, these results suggest the occurrence of early events of integration of the vector into the Drosophila host genome.
Drosophila yolk protein produced in E. coli is accumulated by mosquito ovaries
Authors: Bownes M. , Hurd H. , Büsgen T. , Servay D. , Alvis S. , Popovic B. , Bruce S. , Burns I. , Rothwell K. , Walkinshaw Malcolm
Published: March 2003

Despite similar functions, the yolk proteins of the higher dipteran flies and the vitellogenins found in other insects are unrelated at the sequence level and have evolved from different genes. Both are selectively endocytosed into the ovary via receptors belonging to the LDLR receptor subfamily. We cloned the Drosophila yp1 gene into an E. coli expression vector and showed that the yolk protein produced by E. coli is taken up into ovaries of both Drosophila melanogaster and the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae, which normally uses vitellogenin.
Polymicrobial coronal leakage of super EBA root‐end fillings following two methods of root‐end preparation
Authors: Chailertvanitkul  , Saunders  , Saunders  , MacKenzie
Published: March 2003

The aim of this study was to compose in vitro coronal leakage of a super EBA root‐end filling material after two root‐end cavity preparation techniques. A mixed anaerobic microbial marker was used. Forty‐five extracted human teeth with straight, single root canals were prepared chemo‐mechanically to a size 40 master apical file. The teeth were divided into experimental groups (35 teeth) and control groups (10 teeth). Forty teeth (35 experimental teeth and five negative control teeth) were obturated by lateral condensation of cold gutta‐percha with Tubliseal EWT sealer. The remaining five teeth were not obturated and served as positive controls. These teeth were stored for 6 months in artificial saliva. The apical 3‐4 mm of each root was resected perpendicular to the long axis of the root and a root‐end cavity prepared to a depth of 3 mm using either a size 008 rosehead burr or an ultrasonic retroprep tip. Freshly mixed EBA cement was placed into the root‐end cavity. The entire root surface of each tooth, except the cutting surface of the apical end, was sealed with nail varnish. The coronal part of each root canal was sealed with the cut end of a tube and placed in a bottle containing sterile Brain Heart Infusion Broth (BHIB). A marker consisting of Anaerobic streptococci and Fusobacterium nucleatum in BHIB was placed in each coronal chamber at 7‐day intervals and daily observations were made for bacterial growth in the apical chamber for 60 days. All positive control teeth exhibited bacterial leakage within 48 h, whilst the apical chamber of negative control teeth remained uncontaminated throughout the test period. Fifty‐nine percent (n= 10) of the specimens prepared with a burr showed leakage after 90 days, whilst only 22% (n= 4) of the ultrasonically prepared group showed leakage after the same time. The group prepared with ultrasonic tips showed statistically significant less specimens with leakage (P < 0.05) than the group prepared with burrs.
3D computer‐aided reconstruction of six teeth with morphological abnormalities
Authors: Mikrogeorgis G. , Lyroudia K. L. , Nikopoulos N. , Pitas I. , Molyvdas I. , Lambrianidis T. H.
Published: March 2003

Aim The purpose of this study was the 3D reconstruction of six teeth with morphological peculiarities using serial cross‐sections.

Methodology All the teeth were put in 3% NaOCl solution after extraction, washed under running water and air‐dried. They were then embedded in a two‐phase polyester resin and serial cross‐sections were produced from each specimen using a special microtome. The thickness of each section was 0.75 mm. Each section was photographed under a stereoscopic microscope. The photographs of the cross‐sections were digitized and the external contours of the teeth and the root‐canal outline were annotated foreach section. Semiautomatic alignment of the sections was achieved with the use of image‐processing techniques. Three dimensional surface representation was used in this project to reconstruct the inner and outer surface of the teeth.

Results The results showed in detail the internal morphology of the teeth under investigation. The fact that it was possible to observe and study these teeth from different angles is one of the main advantages of this method as the three dimensional anatomy of these teeth was apparent.

Conclusions The 3D reconstructing method is a useful tool for the study of the morphology of the teeth.
Effect of eugenol‐containing sealer on marginal adaptation of dentine‐bonded resin fillings
Authors: Peters O. , öhring T. N. G. , Lutz F.
Published: March 2003

Peters O, Göhring TN, Lutz F. Effect of eugenol‐containing sealer on marginal adaptation of dentine‐bonded resin fillings. International Endodontic Journal, 33, 53–59, 2000.

Aim  Eugenol is claimed to interfere with the polymerization of composite resins and to affect shear bond strengths of dentine‐bonded composite restorations. Eugenol‐based sealers are used during root canal treatment in teeth that may require build‐ups or extensive restorations. Unfortunately, the adverse effect of eugenol has mostly been assessed in shear bond tests and this variable may be clinically inappropriate. The current study evaluated the effect of eugenol in a eugenol‐based endodontic sealer on marginal adaptation of composite resin restorations with and without thermo‐mechanical stress.

Methodology Thirty Class V cavities with half of the cavity margins in dentine and half of the cavity margins in enamel were prepared in extracted human premolars and then divided into 5 groups. Teeth in group 1 were not contaminated with eugenol. Cavities in groups 2–4 were contaminated with a eugenol‐based sealer (Tubli‐Seal, Kerr) and cleaned with: (i) sandblasting, (ii) bur finishing alone or (iii) bur‐finishing combined with swabbing with alcohol. These 4 groups were temporized for 6 weeks (Ketac, ESPE), whilst group 5 received no eugenol, was not temporized and acted as the control. Cavities were restored with Tetric Ceram using Syntac Classic (Vivadent) as a dentine‐bonding agent. The specimens

were then thermo‐mechanically stressed. The percentages of marginal adaptation in dentinal and enamel margins were assessed in a SEM at ×200 magnification before and after stress using a replica method. Mean percentages of marginal adaptation were calculated and compared using a two way‐ANOVA (influence of eugenol and cleaning procedure) and non‐parametric tests.

Results  Marginal adaptation in enamel exceeded 95% and 92% in all specimens before and after thermo‐mechanical stess, respectively. Before stress, marginal adaptation in dentine ranged from 92.3 ± 7.9% to 95.7 ± 6.2% in groups 1–5. After stress, the percentage of marginal adaptation in dentine decreased significantly overall (P < 0.05, range 39.8 ± 21.1% to 82.9 ± 13.7%). The effect of contamination with eugenol was not significant (P> 0.05); in contrast, there was a significantly beneficial effect when the entire cavity was finished with burs (P < 0.01).

Conclusions  Under the conditions of this study, the eugenol containing sealer did not significantly impair marginal adaptation in dentinal margins of mixed Class V restorations when bur finishing was employed before placement. However, no other cleaning method was sufficient to produce acceptable figures of marginal adaptation.
C‐shaped root canal configuration in maxillary first molars
Authors: De Moor R. J. G.
Published: March 2003

Aim This clinical report presents the endodontic treatment of two maxillary first molars and the anatomical study of two additional maxillary first molars with a C‐shaped distally located root canal system. This configuration is not a common finding.

Summary According to the endodontic literature, the C‐shaped root canal is most frequently seen in the mandibular second molar. The occurrence of C‐shapes in maxillary first molars, however, has only been described in a limited number of case reports. We observed this configuration in two out of 2175 root‐filled maxillary first molars treated at the Department of Endodontology, Ghent University Hospital, during the last 10 years. In order to study and visualize this particular aberration, cross‐sections in two additional two‐rooted maxillary first molars were made. From these cross sections it can be concluded that the C‐shaped canal configuration is the result of a fusion of the distobuccal and the palatal roots.

Key learning points

C‐shaped root canal morphotypes may occur in the distal portion of the pulp chamber in maxillary first molars.

The C‐shape results from a fusion of the distobuccal and palatal roots.

The C‐shape may extend to the apical third of the fused roots.
Centromere sequences localize to the nuclear halo of human spermatozoa
Authors: YARON  , KRAMER  , GYI  , EBRAHIM  , EVANS  , JOHNSON  , KRAWETZ
Published: March 2003

Chromatin is organized into a series of discrete nuclear matrix‐associated and non‐nuclear matrix‐associated domains. The non‐matrix‐associated domains consist of loops of DNA that are attached to the proteinaceous nuclear matrix by matrix‐associated regions (MARs). Although this organization is well characterized in somatic cells, comparatively little is known of this mode of organizing the genome in the human sperm nucleus. To define this relationship, the interaction of human sperm chromatin with the nuclear matrix was assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridization using specific alpha satellite probes directed to the centromeric regions of chromosomes 13 plus 21 and 18. Hybridization of the centromeric sequences was visualized as segmented, bundled structures that extended from the nuclear core into the halo.
Transurethral resection of cystic and non‐cystic ejaculatory duct obstructions
Authors: POPKEN  , WETTERAUER  , SCHULTZE‐SEEMANN  , DECKART  , SOMMERKAMP
Published: March 2003

Ejaculatory duct obstructions are diagnosed in ≈ 5% of azoospermic men and can be treated by transurethral resection (TURED) or incision of the ducts. Eight patients with azoospermia and ejaculatory duct obstructions were treated by TURED after clinical examination, semen analysis, biochemical analysis of seminal plasma, endocrine analysis, transrectal ultrasonography and testicular biopsy. In 3/3 cases of cystic and in 3/5 cases of non‐cystic obstruction, TURED of the stenosis was possible. During a follow‐up of 12 months there was an increase in semen volume and sperm count in 3/3 and 3/5 patients, respectively. No pregnancy was achieved during the period up to 12 months. Clinical symptoms such as haemospermia and pain disappeared in all cases. In our cases and another 98 cases of ejaculatory duct obstructions documented in the literature, men of semen quality improved in 38–60% with a pregnancy rate of men 22–31% after TURED. We conclude that there is a correlation between the aetiology of ejaculatory duct obstructions and success rate of TURED.
Influence of seminal plasma on cryopreservation of human spermatozoa in a biological material‐free medium: study of normal and low‐quality semen
Authors: GRIZARD  , CHEVALIER  , GRIVEAU  , LANNOU D. LE , BOUCHER
Published: March 2003

The objective was to evaluate the efficiency of a biological material‐free medium and the role of seminal plasma (SP) in the cryopreservation of human spermatozoa. Normal semen samples and low‐quality semen samples were used for this study. After centrifugation of 300 μL fractions of whole semen, pellets were resuspended either in autologous SP or in a chemically defined medium (BM) supplemented or not with 3% bovine serum albumin (BSA); after 15 min at 37 °C, the samples were diluted (V/V) with cryoprotective medium (30 mMNaCl; 22 mMsodium citrate, 19.4 mMfructose; 80 mMglutamine; 14%, V/V, glycerol) and maintained for 15 min at room temperature before freezing. Assessment of viability and motility was performed using fresh semen (To), after centrifugation and resuspension prior to adding the cryoprotectant (T15), after adding the cryoprotectant (T30) and after freezing and thawing (Tpost). In all three resuspending media used, sperm viability and motility (forward and total) decreased (p < 0.05) during both the equilibration period especially before addition of the cryoprotective medium (between T0and T15) and during the freeze–thaw process comparison between T30and Tpost. The recovery of viable and motile spermatozoa (post‐thaw values/values of fresh samples) was higher (p < 0.05) in normal semen than in low‐quality semen. In both groups, the recovery was slightly, but significantly, higher with SP than with BM and the presence of BSA has no beneficial effect. To conclude, these data suggest that SP may reduce the deleterious effects of cryopreservation. Nevertheless cryopreservation of spermatozoa in a medium containing neither SP nor biological substances could offer an acceptable cryoprotection of spermatozoa to be used in assisted fertilization procedures, especially for intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
Endocrine disruptors and male reproductive function – a short review
Authors: Chia Sin‐Eng
Published: March 2003

Semen quality has decline in many countries over the last few decades. There has been an increase in the incidence of testicular cancer world‐wide. The incidences of cryptorchidism and hypospadias have also increased in many countries. A biological plausible hypothesis has suggested that man‐made chemicals act as endocrine disruptors resulting in altered development of the reproductive tract causing the observed effects. Endocrine disruptors include natural products, pharmaceuticals, industrial products and environmental pollutants. There are limitations in the current in vivo and in vitro assays for the assessment of endocrine disruptors. Epidemiological human studies are necessary to fill in the gap of knowledge. Based on the current knowledge, the impact of endocrine disruptors on the male reproductive function remain to be appreciated.
TestisBank: an internet‐based gene sequence database of the testis
Authors: Claussen S. , Prokosch H.‐U. , Nieschlag E. , Gromoll J.
Published: March 2003

The testis is a highly transcriptionally active organ with hundreds of genes expressed during different stages of spermatogenesis. Scientists working on the testis are restricted to using two sources for further information on testicular genes, GenBank and MEDLINE. However, these two databases are not completely linked and give only very little information on the cellular type of expression or whether a gene is cloned in other tissues but is also expressed in the testis. We have generated an organ‐specific database named TestisBank, which is capable of retrieving a more complete set of genes expressed in the different cell types of the testis. Furthermore, it extends to the epididymis which plays an important role in germ cell maturation. TestisBank is automatically updated to match the current status of sequence entries in the genome databases and it provides the user with an interface convenient to handle and provides useful links related to male reproduction. The TestisBank is publicly available at http://medweb.uni‐muenster.de/TestisBank/. The design of the TestisBank may provide a simple model for the development of databases in which molecular and literature data are merged, thereby allowing detailed insight into the contribution of different cells/genes to the complex process of spermatogenesis.
Histological changes in TSH‐dependent tumours of the thyroid gland during serial transplantation in Fischer 344 rats
Authors: Wollman Seymour H.
Published: March 2003

Transplantable tumours were induced in the thyroids of Fischer 344 rats fed thiouracil (TU) in a moderately low iodine diet for 8–13 months. Pieces of hyperplastic thyroid were implanted subcutaneously into rats fed a TU containing diet. Almost all implants gave rise to very small vascularized transplants but there were three significantly larger, pieces of which were transplanted again and gave rise to the tumour lines. From the third transplantation generation on, pieces of tumours were implanted into rats treated to have elevated circulating thyrotropin and a group fed a high iodine diet. With some exceptions, the implants grew only in rats fed the TU or a low iodine diet and yielded TSH‐dependent tumours. Almost all the tumours observed initially were papillary, and most of the remainder had colloid‐filled follicles bounded by columnar cells. One line of tumours was of the latter type for eight generations. The others had more complex histories, in which there were sublines that were papillary for eight or nine generations, whereas, others became progressively more cellular or follicular, and more heterogenous with respect to histological types present per section at rates that varied with the subline. The large number of population doublings necessary to make a one gram tumour from a single original tumour cell indicates that the cells of dependent papillary tumours were immortalized.
Morphological features of Murray Valley encephalitis virus infection in the central nervous system of swiss mice
Authors: Matthews Vance , Robertson Terry , Kendrick Tulene , Abdo Michael , Papadimitriou John , Mcminn Peter
Published: March 2003

We have examined the histological and ultrastructural features of CNS infection with Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) virus in mice inoculated with a virulent parental strain (BH3479). Light microscopic examination revealed neuronal necrosis in the olfactory bulb and hippocampus of MVE‐infected brains by 5 days post‐infection (pi). Electron microscopy of these regions showed endoplasmic reticulum membrane proliferation, and tubular and spherical structures in the cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex and nuclear envelope. At seven to eight days pi, infected neurones exhibited chromatin condensation and extrusion, nuclear fragmentation, loss of segments of the nuclear envelope, reduced surface contact with adjacent cells and loss of cytoplasmic organelles. This cell injury was particularly noticeable in the proximal CA3 and distal CA1 regions of the hippocampus. The inflammatory cell profile consisted of macrophages, lymphocytes and especially neutrophils, and many of these inflammatory cells were apoptotic. High mortality rates in the BH3479‐infected population of mice correlated with the intense polymorphonuclear and mononuclear leucocyte inflammatory infiltrate in the CNS.
Warfarin exposure and calcification of the arterial system in the rat
Authors: Howe  , Webster
Published: March 2003

There is evidence from knock‐out mice that the extrahepatic vitamin K‐dependent protein, matrix gla protein, is necessary to prevent arterial calcification. The aim of this study was to determine if a warfarin treatment regimen in rats, designed to cause extra‐hepatic vitamin K deficiency, would also cause arterial calcification. Sprague‐Dawley rats were treated from birth for 5–12 weeks with daily doses of warfarin and concurrent vitamin K1. This treatment causes an extrahepatic vitamin K deficiency without affecting the vitamin K‐dependent blood clotting factors. At the end of treatment the rats were killed and the vascular system was examined for evidence of calcification. All treated animals showed extensive arterial calcification. The cerebral arteries and the veins and capillaries did not appear to be affected. It is likely that humans on long‐term warfarin treatment have extrahepatic vitamin K deficiency and hence they are potentially at increased risk of developing arterial calcification.
Is IL12 necessary in experimental hypersensitivity pneumonitis?
Authors: SCHUYLER MARK , GOTT KATHERINE , CHERNE AMY
Published: March 2003

Summary.  Inhalation of Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula (SR) can cause the disease Farmer's Lung, a classic example of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Th1, but not Th2, cell lines can adoptively transfer experimental hypersensitivity pneumonitis (EHP). Substantial amounts of IL12 appear in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) after a single intratracheal (IT) injection of SR, and SR‐induced IL12 secretion by both a macrophage cell line and alveolar macrophages. We tested the hypothesis that IL12 is essential for the development of EHP by addition of anti‐IL12 to cultured cells, and adoptive transfer of EHP in IL12p40–/– animals. We transferred SR cultured spleen and lung associated lymph node cells from SR sensitized mice (both IL12p40–/– and wild type), to naïve recipients (both wild type and IL12p40–/–). The addition of anti‐IL12 to cultures of sensitized cells could not ablate the ability of these cells to transfer EHP. Cultured cells from IL12p40–/– animals were fully capable of transferring EHP. In contrast, IL12p40–/– recipients of both wild type and IL12p40–/–‐cultured cells were less able to express EHP (lung histology and BALF characteristics) than wild type mice, and had more eosinophils in both lung tissue and BALF. We conclude that IL12 is not necessary for development of cells able to adoptively transfer EHP, but that it is required for full expression of EHP in recipient animals.
Surgical repair of a resorptive defect in an anterior tooth of an adolescent: a case report
Authors: Pitt Ford  , Pitt Ford
Published: March 2003

A case is described in which a 14‐year‐old girl was referred with external inflammatory resorption in the middle third of the root of her maxillary left lateral incisor; the resorptive defect was in continuity with the root canal and the prognosis was considered poor. After controlling the infection in the root canal and then repairing the defect surgically, the resorption ceased, and healing occurred, enabling the tooth to be retained.
A four‐rooted primary upper second molar
Authors: Kavanagh C. , O’sullivan V.R.
Published: March 2003

Both primary upper second molars were extracted from a young male patient. The left had a normal root pattern but the right had four well‐defined roots. The accessory root appeared to be the mesiopalatal which had a distinctly rounded cross‐sectional profile. The other roots had the typical form characteristic of primary molar roots. Some degree of bifurcation can occur in the mesiobuccal roots of upper molars and the accessory root described in this report may represent an extreme example of such bifurcation.
The diagnostic value of routine intra‐oral premaxillary radiographs in orthodontic assessment
Authors: Mattick C.R. , Carter N.E. , Gordon P.H.
Published: March 2003

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to determine whether significant dental abnormalities are likely to be overlooked in the anterior region of the maxilla if, in the absence of any clinical indication for further views, the only radiograph used during an initial orthodontic assessment is a good‐quality orthopantomogram (OPT).

Sample and methods. Two orthodontists examined, retrospectively, the written and radiographic dental hospital records of 1169 consecutive, new, young patients who on their first visit to a dental teaching hospital underwent radiographic examination comprising an OPT and one or more supplementary radiographs of the anterior maxilla.

Results. In five cases (0·43%) significant findings would have been overlooked if the intra‐oral views had not been taken. These included periapical lesions and supernumerary teeth, but in three of the cases the image quality of the OPT was poor.

Conclusions. If the OPT is not routinely supplemented by intra‐oral views, the chances of completely missing significant findings in the anterior maxilla are small, provided a thorough history and clinical examination have been completed and the image quality of the OPT is good.
Consumer demand in the purchase and prescription of sugar‐free medicines
Authors: Hunter  , Lewis  , Hunter
Published: March 2003

Objectives. To determine the current level of consumer demand in the purchase and prescription of sugar‐free paediatric medicines.

Design. Data were collected by administered questionnaire.

Setting. The study was conducted in a Hospital Paediatric Dentistry Unit and a Community Dental Clinic, both within the Bro Taf area of south‐east Wales.

Sample and methods. The parents of 240 children attending for routine dental care responded to one of two short questionnaires, depending on whether their child had received a liquid oral medicine in the preceding month.

Results. Although aware of the benefits of sugar‐free medicines, parents did not appear to be attempting to exercise the power of consumer demand to its full potential. They were more likely to ask a pharmacist (or pharmacist’s assistant) than their general medical practitioner for a sugar‐free medicine.

Conclusions. We must continue to promote sugar‐free medicines. While increasing the importance that health professionals attach to such products, future campaigns should also aim to increase consumer demand.
A retrospective study of treatment provided in the primary and secondary care services for children attending a dental hospital following complicated crown fracture in the permanent dentition
Authors: Maguire A. , Murray J.J. , Al‐Majed I.
Published: March 2003

Objectives. To investigate treatment provision in primary and secondary dental care following complicated crown fracture of permanent teeth.

Design and methods. Retrospective observational survey of dental records of all patients attending a dental hospital trauma clinic during a 2‐year period with complicated crown fracture.

Results. Eighty children (70% male) aged 6–16 years (mean age 10·3 years) with 98 complicated crown fractures were identified. Of these children, 54% were seen for emergency treatment on the day of their injury, 75% within 48 h. Of the 98 injured teeth, 60% were seen initially in general dental practice but only 56% of these 59 cases were provided with emergency treatment in practice, the others being referred immediately to the trauma clinic for treatment. The main cause of fractures was transport, in particular, bicycles. Radiographs were available for 96 teeth; for the 43 open apex teeth, the definitive treatment was pulp capping (44% of cases) and pulpotomy (30%), with vitality maintained in five cases up to 4·8 years after trauma. The 53 closed apex cases were treated definitively with pulp capping (38%) and pulpectomy (36%) and six teeth had maintained their vitality up to 4·3 years after trauma. Sixty‐seven per cent of the pulp caps and 47% of the 19 pulpotomies provided relied on a doubtful coronal seal. This was primarily due to the extensive use of a conventional glass ionomer cement as an emergency bandage. The use of an etched or bonded material at initial presentation extended the Median Survival Time for vitality in open apex teeth from 188 to 377 days and in closed apex teeth from 15 to 64 days.

Conclusions. Emergency treatment of complicated crown fractures, particularly in primary care services is often inappropriate or inadequate with regard to emergency management of the exposed pulp and provision of a hermetic coronal seal.
The dentofacial manifestations of XXXXY syndrome: a case report
Authors: Hata S. , Maruyama Y. , Fujita Y. , Mayanagi H.
Published: March 2003

This paper presents a six‐year‐old patient with XXXXY syndrome, whose oral findings included a cleft soft palate, hyper‐ or meso‐taurodontism in eight primary molars and in the mandibular permanent first molars, five congenitally missing premolars, and delayed development of the permanent tooth germs. The maxillary and mandibular primary central incisors were in a cross‐bite relationship. Cephalometric findings showed a short ramus of the mandible and a short maxilla in the anterio‐posterior plane. The anteroposterior jaw relationship was in harmony. The cross‐bite was considered to be due to the retroinclination of the maxillary primary incisors. This case emphasises the importance of regular dental care, and monitoring of facial growth and dental development in children with XXXXY syndrome.
Description of a clinical technique for tooth extraction in the cleft lip and palate area
Authors: Dalben G.S. , Goide M.R. , Costa B. , Neves L.T.
Published: March 2003

Cleft lip and palate are relatively common congenital malformations, which may require specialist paedodontic treatment. In this article, the case of a 9‐year‐old boy with bilateral complete cleft lip and palate is presented. He attended the Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies (HRAC) for routine examination, during which the presence of pre‐canine supernumeraries bilaterally in the cleft area was seen. The extraction of these dental elements was justified by extensive carious lesions and because they represented a potential problem during secondary palatoplasty. The precautions needed in tooth extraction in patients with cleft lip and palate are described, together with illustrations of the clinical procedure.
Dense bone island: clinical features and possible complications
Authors: Nakano K. , Ogawa T. , Sobue S. , Ooshima T.
Published: March 2003

Summary. A case of dense bone island in a girl aged 10 years, 1 month old is presented. The lesion was asymptomatic and was an incidental finding on a radiograph taken for another purpose. Nine months after the patient's first visit, an obvious inclination of adjacent teeth was identified. The size and density of the lesion had increased by 10 and 7%, respectively. As the patient was still in adolescence, the lesion may increase in size and density, potentially resulting in further problems such as increased inclination of the adjacent teeth. In addition, the presence of the lesion may complicate any future orthodontic treatment. The lesion should be kept under observation until its growth ceases.
Dental fluorosis and caries prevalence in the fluorosis endemic area of Asembagus, Indonesia
Authors: Budipramana E. S. , Hapsoro A. , IRMAWATI E. S. , Kuntari S.
Published: March 2003

Summary. Objectives. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis and caries in a fluorosis endemic area, with fluoride content in drinking water ranging from 0·51 to 3·15 ppm.

Materials and methods. Children (n = 474), aged 6–12 years, were randomly selected from one primary school in each of ten villages in the subdistrict of Asembagus. The villages were grouped into four according to the fluoride content in the drinking water: Group A: 0·41–0·50; Group B: 0·73–0·90; Group C: 2·01–2·41 and Group D: 3·07–3·25. Fluorosis examination used Bischoff's modification (1976), which was based on Dean's classifications, and caries was scored according to WHO standard 1997.

Results. DT from Group A to D increased from 0·46, 0·55, 0·66 to 1·03; while dT decreased from 0·89, 0·87, 0·86 to 0·32. CFI increased from 1·36, 1·67, 2·03 to 1·80. Kruskal–Wallis one‐way anova was significant for the relationship between fluoride water content and CFI, DT, and dT. There was no significant linear relationship between fluoride water content and DT or dT, but there was a positive correlation with CFI. Caries prevalence in the subdistrict was 62% for permanent teeth and 68% for primary teeth. Fluorosis prevalence was 96% with a mean CFI of 1·71.

Conclusions. The high CFI values of 1·36 and 1·67 in villages A and B may relate to the main side‐dishes eaten in the two villages. Of these, 88% contained fish, 68% dried salted fish and 61% a type of shellfish gathered locally.
Australian registered nurse medical device education: a comparison of life‐sustaining and non‐life‐sustaining devices
Authors: McConnell Edwina A , Fletcher Jan
Published: March 2003

Registered nurses are primarily responsible for the use of medical devices in direct patient care This cross‐sectional survey compared how and what 139 registered nurses working in a variety of wards/units in a 1000‐bed tertiary care hospital in South Australia initially learned about the life‐sustaining and non‐life‐sustaining medical devices they use Furthermore, the consequences of device use both for patients and staff were explored How and what registered nurses initially learned about life‐sustaining and non‐life‐sustaining devices were remarkably similar Consequences of device use, which included increased or decreased quality of care, increased nurse stress and patient harm, were related, in part, to knowledgeable and proficient device use Thus, device education for nurses is essential and warrants further exploration
The superiority of rectal thermometry to oral thermometry with regard to accuracy
Authors: Jensen Bruno Nyholm , Jeppesen Liselotte Juhl , Mortensen Birthe Brøndum , Kjærgaard Benedict , Andreasen Helle , Glavind Karin
Published: March 2003

Electronic oral thermometry is performed routinely in most medical centres From the studies available on this subject it seems difficult to find any documentation for this practice We have conducted clinically controlled studies in which the accuracy of electronic oral thermometry (CRAFTEMP and TERUMO WCT) and that of electronic rectal thermometry (TERUMO WCT) were tested Rectal glass mercury thermometry was used as a reference method Two studies were designed In study 1,184 patients (72 women, 112 men), median age 70 (18–95) years were investigated In study 2, 91 patients (41 women, 50 men), median age 59 (18–96) years were investigated Electronic oral thermometry was found unacceptably inaccurate under daily routine conditions Electronic rectal thermometry was found to be accurate Calculations of mean temperature difference between reference measurements and test measurements (mean ± SD) were found to be routine oral CRAFTEMP at 0 70 ± 0 50°C, optimum oral TERUMO WCT at 0 75 ± 0 74°C, routine rectal TERUMO WCT at 0 08 ± 0 26°C and optimum rectal TERUMO WCT at 0 02 ± 0 17 In the screening procedure for fever oral thermometry showed low sensitivity (routine CTAFTEMP 0 47 and optimum TERUMO WCT 0 59) whereas rectal thermometry showed high sensitivity (routine TERUMO WCT 0 74 and optimum TERUMO WCT 0 91) It was concluded that rectal thermometry must be preferred to oral thermometry for daily routine measurements
Evaluating clinical educators: an employer's perspective
Authors: Wellard Sally J , Rolls Colleen , de Sales Ferguson
Published: March 2003

An Australian school of nursing's attempt to introduce an evaluation process required by management for clinical educators involved in undergraduate preregistration education is discussed Reliance on student feedback and clinical agencies' perceptions of the quality of teaching were seen as inadequate mechanisms for evaluation The evaluation process adopted incorporated observation of the educators together with self‐reflection on their performance We conclude that post‐briefings were poorly used and generally not reflective Educators relied heavily on their clinical skills and used a limited range of teaching strategies Whilst evaluation of clinical educators was time consuming and therefore costly, it is argued that it is essential to the integrity of the course The evaluation process has provided direction for support and development of clinical educators within the context of the curriculum
Does the distinction between killing and letting die justify some formsof euthanasia?
Authors: Dines Alison
Published: March 2003

Nurses will often be at the forefront in a health care team which decides that it is ethically acceptable to allow a particular patient to die butthe possibility of actually killing another patient who requests his own death is met with heartfelt resistance This paper explores the distinction between killing and letting die and the connection these arguments have withjustifications for euthanasia Two practical examples of killing and lettingdie are analysed Various issues are examined including the active‐passive distinction, the difference between causing and preventing a death and the probability of outcome Justifications for euthanasia are then revisited and some concluding remarks made
A concept analysis of, and proposed new term for, challenging behaviour
Authors: Slevin Eamonn
Published: March 2003

While the term ‘challenging behaviour’ is used frequently in literaturewith reference to people who have learning disabilities, the concept has not been defined comprehensively and empirical indicators for the presence ofthe phenomenon have not been defined from the perspective of nurses for people with learning disabilities In this paper the concept ‘challenging behaviour’, as used in the area of nursing people who have learning disabilities, is analysed It is suggested that it is an ambiguous term which is unsuitable for use in the field of learning disabilities A new term is synthesizedto replace that of ‘challenging behaviour’ and an attempt to develop concise indicators which will demonstrate the concept's presence in individuals who have a learning disability will be undertaken It is suggested that the proposed term is less ambiguous than ‘challenging behaviour’ and, as such, is more user‐friendly for both nurses and other carers of people who have learning disabilities The paper concludes with the recommendation that further refinement is required in practice to expand and define the operational indicators of the proposed new term ‘problematic behaviours’
The effects of nightwork on psychological changes during the menstrual cycle
Authors: Totterdell Peter , Spelten Evehen , Pokorski Janusz
Published: March 2003

This study investigated whether the temporal stress of working at night interferes with nurses' experience of different phases of the menstrual cycle Twenty‐four, rotatmg‐shift nurses recorded data on a hand‐held computer at the start and end of each day and every 2 hours during their shifts for a period of 28 days The measures included a sleep diary, self‐ratings of mood and symptoms, and two cognitive performance tasks Using a pooled time series analysis, it was found that some of the self‐report measures showed a significant interaction between type of shift worked and menstrual cycle phase For example, alertness was found to be lower towards the end of the night shift during the premenstrual phase compared to other phase and shift combinations However, some of the measures showed only main effects of cycle phase or were nonsignificant Retrospective measures from a larger sample showed an association between the number of nights worked per year and duration of premenstrual and menstrual problems, and seventy of premenstrual problems The results suggest that nightwork may alter some aspects of nurses' psychological experience of the menstrual cycle