bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oral health and personnel needs in the Pacific
Authors: Finau Sitaleki A. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractA regional review of oral health in the Pacific showed the major problems to be dental caries, periodontal diseases, poor dental health service management and lack of appropriate dental personnel. A strategy for training appropriate dentists to manage oral health services in the Pacific was suggested. Such a strategy must include training of ancillary and auxiliary dental health workers guided by dentists with clinical and managerial competencies. The training programme for dentists must be career‐ladder, problem‐based, and community‐oriented with competency‐based learning of a spiral of tasks with increasing sophistication. The curriculum content must contain about 50 per cent on public health and clinical aspects, respectively.
Burning mouth syndrome: Patient management
Authors: Savage Neil W. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBurning mouth syndrome is an underdiagnosed and often poorly managed oral sensory disturbance. This paper discusses the recognition of the condition and suggests clinical approaches to ensure a correct diagnosis and appropriate management. The expansion of the traditional dental rote of the dentist is reviewed in the context of overall oral and general health particularly with respect to the syndrome which demands an intensive workup, open discussions with the patient, and a carefully planned long‐term management strategy.
The use of low‐tack chewing gum for individuals wearing orthodontic appliances
Authors: Gray A. , Ferguson M. M. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractA clinical study was carried out to determine the acceptability of a sugar‐free, low‐tack chewing gum by orthodontic patients undergoing fixed appliance treatment. Twenty‐five orthodontic and 25 non‐orthodontic control subjects were questioned on their preference between regular‐tack and low‐tack chewing gum. The orthodontic subjects showed a strong preference for the low‐tack gum compared with the regular‐tack gum. It was concluded that low‐tack, sugar‐free chewing gum can be used by orthodontic patients to increase saliva flow, with the potential to promote remineralization and help reduce white spot lesion formation related to fixed orthodontic appliances. This gum should also be of value in patients being treated for xerostomia who are wearing a partial denture.
Efficacy of arthroscopic surgery and midlaser treatments for chronic temporomandibular joint articular disc derangement following motor vehicle accident*
Authors: McNamara David C. , Rosenberg Ian , Jackson Peter A. , Hogben John 
Published: May 2009

AbstractAs a result of motor vehicle accident soft‐tissue injury, temporomandibular joint articular disc derangement may develop and persist despite symptomatic treatment and medication. This study reports the effectiveness of management directed at controlling the TMJ and masticatory neuromuscular pain dysfunction with a TMJ/interocclusal stabilization appliance, specific biofeedback and ultrasound therapy. Following these conservative measures residual articular disc derangement was present in some subjects who were offered arthroscopic surgery and infrared midlaser with TMJ/ocdusal stabilization.Twenty subjects with residual disc derangement were randomly selected into two groups with and without arthroscopic surgery, and analyses of variance made before treatment, 12 months after conservative procedures, 3 months following arthroscopic surgery and midlaser therapy and 3 years since commencement of management. Dependent variables compared were pain‐discomfort, Clinical Dysfunction Index, articular disc derangement and maximal voluntary jaw opening. Conservative management alone provided significant reduction of pain‐discomfort and clinical dysfunction, while arthroscopic surgery resulted in significant reduction in articular disc derangement. The midlaser with TMJ/occlusal stabilization maintained significant improvement in the variables (p<0.01) for both groups. The common articular deviations in form found at arthroscopy were soft tissue alteration with hyperaemia, synovitis, synovial membrane and posterior attachment folding with connective tissue hyperplasia, and disc displacement with fibrous adhesions. The Global Status Score of pain behaviour compared with residual function, confirmed the presence of greater pain before treatment commenced.
Evaluation of the dose calculation accuracy in intensity‐modulated radiation therapy for mesothelioma, focusing on low doses to the contralateral lung
Authors: Court Laurence E , Ching David , Schofield Deborah , Czerminska Maria , Allen Aaron M 
Published: May 2009

This study compares Monte Carlo (MC) with conventional treatment planning system (TPS) calculations. The EGS4nrc MC code, BEAMnrc, was commissioned to simulate a Varian 21Ex Linac. The accuracy of the simulations, including points blocked by the jaws, was evaluated by comparing MC with ion chamber and MOSFET measurements. Eight mesothelioma IMRT cases were planned using Eclipse (pencil beam and superposition convolution algorithms). Dose distributions were recalculated using BEAMnrc/DOSxyz, and compared with TPS. MC agreed with experimental results for IMRT fields within 3% (96% of points). For regions blocked by the jaws, average agreement between MC and experiment was better than 5% up to 20 cm from isocenter. The pencil beam algorithm underestimated lung MLD, V20, and V5, compared with MC, by a mean (range) of 16% (11–22%), 9.0% (2.4 – 30.1%), and 11.8% (2 – 30%), respectively. The superposition convolution algorithm gave better agreement of 8.5% (0 – 17%), 4% (0 – 12%) and 0% (–6 – 6%). Mean dose to the targets was better than in all cases. In conclusion, there is excellent correlation between TPS and MC calculations for the target doses. The pencil beam algorithm and superposition convolution algorithms both underestimate lung dose parameters, but the superposition convolution dose offers improvements in dose calculation accuracy for these patients.PACS number: 87.55.kh, 87.55.dk, 87.55.Qr
Radiation survey around a Liac mobile electron linear accelerator for intraoperative radiation therapy
Authors: Ciocca Mario , Pedroli Guido , Orecchia Roberto , Guido Andrea , Cattani Federica , Cambria Raffaella , Veronesi Umberto 
Published: May 2009

The aim of this study was to perform a detailed analysis of the air kerma values around a Liac mobile linear accelerator working in a conventional operating room (OR) for IORT.The Liac delivers electron beams at 4, 6, 8 and 10 MeV. A radiation survey to determine photon leakage and scatter consisted of air kerma measurements on a spherical surface of 1.5 m radius, centered on the titanium exit window of the accelerating structure. Measurements were taken using a 30 cm3 calibrated cylindrical ion chamber in three orthogonal planes, at the maximum electron energy. For each point, 10 Gy was delivered. At selected points, the quality of x‐ray radiation was determined by using lead sheets, and measurements were performed for all energies to investigate the energy dependence of stray radiation. The photon scatter contribution from the metallic internal patient‐shielding in IORT, used to protect normal tissues underlying the target, was also evaluated. At seven locations outside the OR, the air kerma values derived from in‐room measurements were compared to measurements directly performed using a survey meter. The results, for a delivered dose of 10 Gy, showed that the air kerma values ranged from approximately 6 μGy (upper and rear sides of the Liac) to 320 μGy (lateral to beam stopper) in the two orthogonal vertical planes, while values lower than 18 μGy were found in the horizontal plane. At 10 MeV, transmission behind 1 cm lead shield was found to be 42%. The use of internal shielding appeared to increase the photon scatter only slightly. Air kerma values outside the OR were generally lower than 1 mGy for an annual workload of 200 patients. Thus, the Liac can safely work in a conventional OR, while the need for additional shielding mainly depends on patient workload. Our data can be useful for centers planning to implement an IORT program using a mobile linear accelerator, permitting radiation safety personnel to estimate in advance the shielding required for a particular workload.PACS number: 87.55.ne, 87.56.bd
Efficacy and safety of comfrey root extract ointment in the treatment of acute upper or lower back pain: results of a double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled, multicentre trial
Authors: Giannetti B M , Staiger C , Bulitta M , Predel H-G 
Published: May 2009

ObjectiveThe objective was to show the superiority of comfrey root extract ointment to placebo ointment in patients with acute upper or lower back pain.DesignThe study was conducted as a double-blind, multicentre, randomised clinical trial with parallel group design over a period of 5 days (SD 1). The patients (n = 120, mean age 36.9 years) were treated with verum or placebo ointment three times a day, 4 g ointment per application. The trial included four visits.Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary efficacy variable was the area under the curve (AUC) of the visual analogue scale (VAS) on active standardised movement values at visits 1 to 4. The secondary efficacy variables were back pain at rest using assessment by the patient on VAS, pressure algometry (pain–time curve; AUC over 5 days), global assessment of efficacy by the patient and the investigator, consumption of analgesic medication and functional impairment measured using the Oswestry disability index.ResultsThere was a significant treatment difference between comfrey extract and placebo regarding the primary variable. In the course of the trial the pain intensity on active standardised movement decreased on average (median) approximately 95.2% in the verum group and 37.8% in the placebo group.ConclusionsThe results of this clinical trial were clear-cut and consistent across all primary and secondary efficacy variables. Comfrey root extract showed a remarkably potent and clinically relevant effect in reducing acute back pain. For the first time a fast-acting effect of the ointment (1 h) was also witnessed.
Secreted Frizzle-Related Protein 2 Stimulates Angiogenesis via a Calcineurin/NFAT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Courtwright Andrew , Siamakpour-Reihani Sharareh , Arbiser Jack L. , Banet Natalie , Hilliard Eleanor , Fried Levi , Livasy Chad , Ketelsen David , Nepal Desh Bandhu , Perou Charles M. , Patterson Cam , Klauber-DeMore Nancy 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Secreted frizzle-related protein 2 (SFRP2), a modulator of Wnt signaling, has recently been found to be overexpressed in the vasculature of 85% of human breast tumors; however, its role in angiogenesis is unknown. We found that SFRP2 induced angiogenesis in the mouse Matrigel plug assay and the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay. SFRP2 inhibited hypoxia induced endothelial cell apoptosis, increased endothelial cell migration, and induced endothelial tube formation. The canonical Wnt pathway was not affected by SFRP2 in endothelial cells; however, a component of the noncanonical Wnt/Ca2+ pathway was affected by SFRP2 as shown by an increase in NFATc3 in the nuclear fraction of SFRP2-treated endothelial cells. Tacrolimus, a calcineurin inhibitor that inhibits dephosphorylation of NFAT, inhibited SFRP2-induced endothelial tube formation. Tacrolimus 3 mg/kg/d inhibited the growth of SVR angiosarcoma xenografts in mice by 46% (P = 0.04). In conclusion, SFRP2 is a novel stimulator of angiogenesis that stimulates angiogenesis via a calcineurin/NFAT pathway and may be a favorable target for the inhibition of angiogenesis in solid tumors. [Cancer Res 2009;69(11):4621–8]
p38δ Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Is Essential for Skin Tumor Development in Mice
Authors: Schindler Eva M. , Hindes Anna , Gribben Erin L. , Burns Carole J. , Yin Yan , Lin Meei-Hua , Owen Robert J. , Longmore Gregory D. , Kissling Grace E. , Arthur J. Simon C. , Efimova Tatiana 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Activating Ras mutations occur in a large portion of human tumors. Yet, the signaling pathways involved in Ras-induced tumor formation remain incompletely understood. The mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways are among the best studied Ras effector pathways. The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase isoforms are important regulators of key biological processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, inflammation, senescence, and tumorigenesis. However, the specific in vivo contribution of individual p38 isoforms to skin tumor development has not been elucidated. Recent studies have shown that p38δ, a p38 family member, functions as an important regulator of epidermal keratinocyte differentiation and survival. In the present study, we have assessed the effect of p38δ deficiency on skin tumor development in vivo by subjecting p38δ knockout mice to a two-stage 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate chemical skin carcinogenesis protocol. We report that mice lacking p38δ gene exhibited a marked resistance to development of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced skin papillomas, with increased latency and greatly reduced incidence, multiplicity, and size of tumors compared with wild-type mice. Our data suggest that the underlying mechanism for reduced susceptibility to skin carcinogenesis in p38δ-null mice involves a defect in proliferative response associated with aberrant signaling through the two major transformation-promoting pathways: extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2-activator protein 1 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. These findings strongly suggest an in vivo role for p38δ in promoting cell proliferation and tumor development in epidermis and may have therapeutic implication for skin cancer. [Cancer Res 2009;69(11):4648–55]
Inhibition of Ovarian Cancer Growth by a Tumor-Targeting Peptide That Binds Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 4E
Authors: Ko Song Yi , Guo Huifang , Barengo Nicolas , Naora Honami 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Purpose: A critical step of protein synthesis involves the liberation of the mRNA cap-binding translation initiation factor eIF4E from 4EBP inhibitory binding proteins, and its engagement to the scaffolding protein eIF4G. eIF4E is a candidate target for cancer therapy because it is overexpressed or activated in many types of tumors and has tumorigenic properties. Our aim was to design and evaluate 4EBP-based peptides for their antitumor activity in ovarian cancer.
Experimental Design: The ability of peptides to bind and inhibit eIF4E was determined by immunoprecipitation and by assaying cap-dependent reporter synthesis. To target ovarian tumors, the lead candidate 4EBP peptide was fused to an analog of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Cellular uptake of peptide, and effects on cell viability and cell death were determined. The antitumor activity of fusion peptide was evaluated in female nude mice bearing i.p. ovarian tumor xenografts.
Results: 4EBP-based peptides bound eIF4E, prevented eIF4E from binding eIF4G, and inhibited cap-dependent translation. GnRH agonist-4EBP fusion peptide was taken up by, and inhibited the growth of, GnRH receptor-expressing tumor cells, but not receptor-negative cells. Intraperitoneal tumor burden was significantly smaller in mice treated with fusion peptide than in mice treated with saline (P &lt; 0.001). Ascites was also reduced in peptide-treated mice. Significant cytotoxic effects to host tissues were not observed. On the other hand, treatment with GnRH agonist alone did not inhibit tumor growth or ascites.
Conclusion: Because ovarian cancer is rarely cured by conventional chemotherapies, GnRH-4EBP fusion peptide may be of therapeutic potential for treatment of this disease.
The Solitude and Agony of Unbearable Shame
Authors: Rustomjee Sabar 
Published: May 2009

The focus of this article is only on the very severe intensity of unbearable shame, which remains unspoken, as opposed to shame encountered in everyday life, which does not lead to longstanding, emotionally traumatic consequences. Theoretical, as well as clinical aspects of unbearable shame, leading to `loss of face', dehumanization, severe impairment of both physical and emotional health, repeated failures in psychotherapy, or in certain circumstances, resulting in even more serious consequences, namely soul murder, overwhelming despair, leading to violence, suicide, or murder are explored. Group analysis, as well as combined group and individual psychotherapy frameworks, as used for the management of these patients, are discussed. A study of the complexities of unbearable shame is made with reference to the works of Paul Mollon (2002), James Gilligan (2000), Donald Nathanson (1987), Helen Block Lewis (1971), Michael Lewis (1975) and others.
The role of the gubernaculum in the descent and undescent of the testis
Authors: Hutson John M. , Nation T. , Balic A. , Southwell B.R. 
Published: May 2009

Testicular descent to the scrotum involves complex anatomical rearrangements and hormonal regulation. The gubernaculum remains the key structure, undergoing the `swelling reaction' in the transabdominal phase, and actively migrating out of the abdominal wall to the scrotum in the inguinoscrotal phase. Insulin-like hormone 3 (Insl3) is the primary regulator of the first phase, possibly augmented by Müllerian inhibiting substance/anitmüllerian hormone (MIS/AMH), and regression of the cranial suspensory ligament by testosterone. The inguinoscrotal phase is controlled by androgens acting both directly on the gubernaculum and indirectly via the genitofemoral nerve, and release of calcitonin gene-related peptide from its sensory fibres. Outgrowth of the gubernaculum and elongation to the scrotum has many similarities to an embryonic limb bud. Cryptorchidism occurs because of both failure of migration congenitally, and failure of elongation of the spermatic cord postnatally. Germ cell development postnatally is disturbed in congenital cryptorchidism, but our current understanding of germ cell biology suggests that early orchidopexy, around 6 months of age, should provide a significant improvement in prognosis compared with a previous generation. Hormone treatment is not currently recommended. Acquired cryptorchid testes may need orchidopexy once they no longer reach the scrotum, although this remains controversial.
Direct susceptibility testing for multi drug resistant tuberculosis: A meta-analysis
Authors: Bwanga Freddie , Hoffner Sven , Haile Melles , Joloba Moses L 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
One of the challenges facing the tuberculosis (TB) control programmes in resource-limited settings is lack of rapid techniques for detection of drug resistant TB, particularly multi drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB). Results obtained with the conventional indirect susceptibility testing methods come too late to influence a timely decision on patient management. More rapid tests directly applied on sputum samples are needed. This study compared the sensitivity, specificity and time to results of four direct drug susceptibility testing tests with the conventional indirect testing for detection of resistance to rifampicin and isoniazid in M. tuberculosis. The four direct tests included two in-house phenotypic assays – Nitrate Reductase Assay (NRA) and Microscopic Observation Drug Susceptibility (MODS), and two commercially available tests – Genotype® MTBDR and Genotype® MTBDRplus (Hain Life Sciences, Nehren, Germany).

Methods
A literature review and meta-analysis of study reports was performed. The Meta-Disc software was used to analyse the reports and tests for sensitivity, specificity, and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) curves. Heterogeneity in accuracy estimates was tested with the Spearman correlation coefficient and Chi-square.

Results
Eighteen direct DST reports were analysed: NRA – 4, MODS- 6, Genotype MTBDR® – 3 and Genotype® MTBDRplus – 5. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for detection of resistance to rifampicin were 99% and 100% with NRA, 96% and 96% with MODS, 99% and 98% with Genotype® MTBDR, and 99% and 99% with the new Genotype® MTBDRplus, respectively. For isoniazid it was 94% and 100% for NRA, 92% and 96% for MODS, 71% and 100% for Genotype® MTBDR, and 96% and 100% with the Genotype® MTBDRplus, respectively. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) curves was in ranges of 0.98 to 1.00 for all the four tests. Molecular tests were completed in 1 – 2 days and also the phenotypic assays were much more rapid than conventional testing.

Conclusion
Direct testing of rifampicin and isoniazid resistance in M. tuberculosis was found to be highly sensitive and specific, and allows prompt detection of MDR TB.
Generation of an external guide sequence library for a reverse genetic screen in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Yan Qitao , Zhao Rui , Zheng Wenlin , Yin Changxin , Zhang Bao , Ma Wenli 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
A method for inhibiting the expression of particular genes using external guide sequences (EGSs) has been developed in bacteria, mammalian cells and maize cells.

Results
To examine whether EGS technology can be used to down-regulate gene expression in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), we generated EGS-Ngfp-lacZ and EGS-Mtgfp that are targeted against Ngfp-lacZ and Mtgfp mRNA, respectively. These EGSs were introduced, both separately and together, into the C. elegans strain PD4251, which contains Ngfp-lacZ and Mtgfp. Consequently, the expression levels of Ngfp-lacZ and Mtgfp were affected by EGS-Ngfp-lacZ and EGS-Mtgfp, respectively. We further generated an EGS library that contains a randomized antisense domain of tRNA-derived EGS ("3/4 EGS"). Examination of the composition of the EGS library showed that there was no obvious bias in the cloning of certain EGSs. A subset of EGSs was randomly chosen for screening in the C. elegans strain N2. About 6% of these EGSs induced abnormal phenotypes such as P0 slow postembryonic growth, P0 larval arrest, P0 larval lethality and P0 sterility. Of these, EGS-35 and EGS-83 caused the greatest phenotype changes, and their target mRNAs were identified as ZK858.7 mRNA and Lin-13 mRNA, respectively.

Conclusion
EGS technology can be used to down-regulate gene expression in C. elegans. The EGS library is a research tool for reverse genetic screening in C. elegans. These observations are potentially of great importance to further our understanding and use of C. elegans genomics.