bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Morphologic Comparison of Gingival Changes Influenced by Cyclosporin and Tacrolimus in Rats: An Experimental Study
Authors: Prabhu Ashwin , Mehta D.S. 
Published: February 2006

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the morphologic changes in the gingiva brought about by the administration of cyclosporin and tacrolimus in rats.Methods: The study was conducted on 30 six‐week‐old male Sprague‐Dawley rats, divided into three groups of 10 rats each, for a period of 4 weeks. Group I rats received cyclosporin (30 mg/kg body weight), and group II rats received tacrolimus (1.5 mg/kg body weight), by means of a gavage. Group III served as control and received olive oil alone. Impressions of the mandibular incisal region were made weekly, and stone casts were prepared for measuring morphologic changes of the gingiva.Results: An increase in the measured gingival dimensions was observed in the test groups as early as week 2 after the commencement of drug administration. Intergroup comparison revealed that the increase in the measured dimensions was greater in group I than group II at the end of 4 weeks.Conclusions: Cyclosporin and tacrolimus were capable of causing gingival enlargement in Sprague‐Dawley rats. However, the magnitude of tacrolimus‐influenced gingival enlargement seemed to be comparatively less than cyclosporin.
Povidone‐Iodine Used as an Adjunct to Non‐Surgical Treatment of Furcation Involvements
Authors: Del Peloso Ribeiro Érica , Bittencourt Sandro , Ambrosano Glaucia Maria Bovi , Nociti Francisco H. , Sallum Enilson A. , Sallum Antônio W. , Casati Márcio Zaffalon 
Published: February 2006

Background: The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of topically applied povidone‐iodine (polyvinylpyrrolidone and iodine [PVP‐I]) used as an adjunct to non‐surgical therapy of furcation involvements.Methods: Forty‐four patients presenting at least one Class II furcation involvement that bled on probing with probing depth (PD) ≥5 mm were recruited. Patients were stratified into two treatment groups: 1) subgingival instrumentation by an ultrasonic device using PVP‐I (10%) as the cooling liquid (test); and 2) identical treatment using distilled water as the cooling liquid (control). The following clinical outcomes were evaluated: plaque index, bleeding on probing (BOP), position of the gingival margin, relative attachment level (RAL), PD, and relative horizontal attachment level (RHAL). The N‐benzoyl‐L‐arginine‐p‐nitroanilide (BAPNA) test was used to analyze the trypsin‐like activity in dental biofilm. The clinical and biochemical parameters were evaluated at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after therapy.Results: Both groups had similar means of PD reduction and RAL and RHAL gain. At 6 months, these variables were, respectively, 2.31, 1.17, and 1.00 mm in the control group and 2.31, 1.23, and 1.02 mm in the test group. There was also no difference between groups regarding the number of furcation sites presenting RAL gain ≥2 mm. The results of the BAPNA test failed to demonstrate significant differences between groups.Conclusion: Non‐surgical therapy can effectively treat Class II furcation involvements, and the use of topically applied PVP‐I as an adjunct to subgingival instrumentation does not provide additional benefits.
Palatal Neurofibroma Associated With Localized Periodontitis
Authors: Powell Charles A. , Stanley Corey M. , Bannister Sharon R. , McDonnell Howard T. , Moritz Alan J. , Deas David E. 
Published: February 2006

Background: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is the most common form of neurofibromatosis. While typically considered a dermatologic disorder, intraoral signs of neurofibromatosis occur quite commonly. This clinical entity can be confused with periodontitis because of the presence of periodontal pockets. In this report, we present the case of a palatal neurofibroma with radiographic involvement in a patient with NF1.Methods: A 40‐year‐old female patient was referred from her general dentist to evaluate advanced periodontitis in the maxillary left quadrant. The patient's medical history was significant for a soft tissue lesion excised from her back 11 years previously and diagnosed as a neurofibroma. Subsequent medical examination at that time confirmed a systemic diagnosis of NF1. A comprehensive periodontal evaluation was performed, and panoramic and periapical radiographs were taken. Teeth were tested for vitality. An incisional biopsy was completed for histopathologic examination.Results: The periodontal evaluation revealed the presence of 6 to 9 mm probing depths adjacent to teeth #14 and #15. Panoramic and periapical radiographs showed a circumscribed 0.8 × 0.9‐cm unilocular radiolucency superimposed over the root of tooth #13 and extensive horizontal bone loss on the distal side of #15. Incisional biopsy confirmed the presence of a neurofibroma, and because of the extent of the lesion, the patient was referred to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery service for complete excision.Conclusions: Neurofibromas can cause extensive destruction of alveolar bone, mimicking periodontitis. Due to the potential systemic and genetic implications, the diagnosis of neurofibroma requires appropriate medical referral.
Comparative 6‐Month Clinical Study of a Semilunar Coronally Positioned Flap and Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft for the Treatment of Gingival Recession
Authors: Bittencourt Sandro , Del Peloso Ribeiro Érica , Sallum Enilson A. , Sallum Antônio W. , Nociti Francisco H. , Casati Márcio Zaffalon 
Published: February 2006

Background: The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the outcome of gingival recession therapy using the semilunar coronally positioned flap (SCPF) or the subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG).Methods: Seventeen patients with bilateral Miller Class I buccal gingival recessions (≤4 mm) in maxillary canines or premolars were selected. The recessions were randomly assigned to receive either the SCPF or the SCTG. Recession height (RH), recession width (RW), width of keratinized tissue (WKT), thickness of keratinized tissue (TKT), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured at baseline and 6 months post‐surgery. Patient satisfaction with esthetics, root sensitivity, and postoperative pain was also evaluated.Results: The average percentages of root coverage for SCPF and SCTG were 90.95% and 96.10% (P <0.05), respectively, and the complete root coverage observed was 52.94% and 76.47%, respectively. The SCTG showed a statistically significant increase in TKT (P <0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to RH, RW, WKT, PD, and CAL. The esthetic condition after both treatments was considered satisfactory by the patients.Conclusion: The findings from this study indicate that SCPF and SCTG can be successfully used to treat Class I gingival recession.
Inhibition of Proinflammatory Activities of Major Periodontal Pathogens by Aqueous Extracts From Elder Flower (Sambucus nigra)
Authors: Harokopakis Evlambia , Albzreh Mohamad H. , Haase Elaine M. , Scannapieco Frank A. , Hajishengallis George 
Published: February 2006

Background: Prolonged induction of excessive levels of inflammatory mediators contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic disease states, such as periodontitis. It is thus important to develop safe and effective anti‐inflammatory strategies for therapeutic reasons. In this study, we determined the ability of aqueous extracts from elder flower (Sambucus nigra) to inhibit the proinflammatory activity of major virulence factors from the periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans.Methods: Monocytes/macrophages or neutrophils were incubated with whole cells of P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans, or purified components thereof (lipopolysaccharide and fimbriae) in the absence or presence of elder flower extract and were assayed for cytokine production, integrin activation, or induction of the oxidative burst.Results: The elder flower extract was found to potently inhibit all proinflammatory activities tested. Investigation of the underlying mechanisms revealed that the anti‐inflammatory extract inhibited activation of the nuclear transcription factor κB and of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase.Conclusion: The elder flower extract displays useful anti‐inflammatory properties that could be exploited therapeutically for the control of inflammation in human periodontitis.
Aspects of achondroplasia in the skulls of dwarf transgenic mice: A cephalometric study
Authors: Wadler Bloom Melissa , Murakami Shunichi , Cody Dianna , Montufar‐Solis Dina , Duke Pauline Jackie 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAchondroplasia, the most common short‐limbed dwarfism in humans, results from a single nucleotide substitution in the gene for fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3). FGFR3 regulates bone growth in part via the mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway (MAPK). To examine the role of this pathway in chondrocyte differentiation, a transgenic mouse was generated that expresses a constitutively active mutant of MEK1 in chondrocytes and exhibits dwarfing characteristics typical of human achondroplasia, i.e., shortened axial and appendicular skeletons, mid‐facial hypoplasia, and dome‐shaped cranium. In this study, cephalometrics of the MEK1 mutant skulls were assessed to determine if the MEK1 mice are a good model of achondroplasia. Skull length, arc of the cranial vault, and area, maximum and minimum diameters of the brain case were measured on digitized radiographs of skulls of MEK1 and control mice. Cranial base and nasal bone length and foramen magnum diameter were measured on midsagittal micro‐CT sections. Data were normalized by dividing by the cube root of each animal's weight. Transgenic mice exhibited a domed skull, deficient midface, and (relatively) prognathic mandible and had a shorter cranial base and nasal bone than the wild‐type. Skull length was significantly less in transgenic mice, but cranial arc was significantly greater. The brain case was larger and more circular and minimum diameter of the brain case was significantly greater in transgenic mice. The foramen magnum was displaced anteriorly but not narrowed. MEK1 mouse cephalometrics confirm these mice as a model for achondroplasia, demonstrating that the MAP kinase signaling pathway is involved in FGF signaling in skeletal development. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vasculogenesis of the embryonic heart: Origin of blood island‐like structures
Authors: Ratajska Anna , Czarnowska Elżbieta , Kołodzińska Agnieszka , Kluzek Wojciech , Leśniak Wojciech 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe earliest vascular structures (blood island‐like) in the embryonic heart are clusters of angioblasts and nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs), which differentiate into endothelial cells and erythrocytes, respectively. Our purpose was to define the area and chronology of NRBC appearance in the mouse embryonic heart at the stages before a patency between coronary vessels and peripheral circulation is established (10.5–13.5 dpc). Before and at the onset of vascularization, NBCs were not present within the proepicardium; however, Ter/119+ differentiating erythroblasts and single scattered CD45+ were found in the heart beginning from 10.5 dpc. The Ter/119+ cells were in close apposition to angioblasts (PECAM1+) and were recognized as components of blood island‐like structures or vascular vesicles in transmission electron microscope and were located mostly in the subepicardium. Some of the NRBCs were not accompanied by angioblasts and located close to the endocardial endothelium or at the border of the endocardial endothelium or in the subepicardium. These erythroblasts were beginning to assemble with angioblasts. CD34+ NBCs as well as progenitor cells of erythroid lineage were not detected in the heart at these stages of development. The state of differentiation of NRBCs of blood islands was similar/the same as the morphology of circulating blood cells at the respective stages of embryo development. The presence of mature NRBCs in the subendocardial area and lack of progenitor cells of erythroid lineage within the heart indicate that erythroid commitment occurs outside the heart. We suggest that NRBCs enter the heart from the blood stream at 10.5–12 dpc independently from angioblasts. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Protein distribution of Kcnq1, Kcnh2, and Kcne3 potassium channel subunits during mouse embryonic development
Authors: de Castro María Pilar , Aránega Amelia , Franco Diego 
Published: February 2006

AbstractVoltage‐dependent potassium channels consist of a pore‐forming α‐subunit, which is modulated by additional β‐ancillary or regulatory subunits. Kcnq1 and Kcnh2 α‐channel subunits play pivotal roles in the developing and adult heart. However, Kcnq1 and Kcnh2 have a much wider expression profile than strictly confined to the myocardium, similar to their putative regulatory Kcne1‐5 β‐subunits. At present, the distribution of distinct potassium channel subunits has been partially mapped in adult tissues, whereas almost no information is available during embryonic development. In this study, we report a detailed analysis of Kcnq1, Kcnh2, and Kcne3 protein expression during mouse embryogenesis. Our results demonstrate that Kcnq1 and Kcnh2 are widely distributed. Coexpression of both α‐subunits is observed in a wide variety of organs, such as heart and the skeletal muscle, whereas others display unique Kcnq1 or Knch2 expression. Interestingly, Kcne3 expression is also widely observed in distinct tissue layers during embryogenesis, supporting the notion that an exquisite balance of α‐ and β‐subunit expression is required for modulating potassium conductance in distinct organs and tissue layers. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synovial fluid levels of anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies and IgA rheumatoid factor in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and osteoarthritis
Authors: Caspi Dan , Anouk Marina , Golan Itzhak , Paran Daphna , Kaufman Ilana , Wigler Irena , Levartovsky David , Litinsky Irena , Elkayam Ori 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the levels of anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti‐CCP) and IgA rheumatoid factor (IgA‐RF) in synovial fluids of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsKnee effusions of 29 patients with RA (23 women, 6 men; mean ± SD age 60 ± 15 years), 20 with PsA (6 women, 14 men; mean age 51 ± 12 years), and 19 with OA (9 women, 10 men; mean age 73 ± 11.8 years) were aspirated, tested for white blood cell (WBC) counts, centrifuged, and stored at −20°. Sera of 22, 11, and 12 of these patients with RA, PsA, and OA, respectively, were similarly stored. IgG anti‐CCP and IgA‐RF were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C‐reactive protein levels were used as measures of disease activity.ResultsMean levels of synovial fluid anti‐CCP and IgA‐RF were significantly increased in RA joint effusions compared with PsA and OA (anti‐CCP: 150 ± 134, 34 ± 29, and 24 ± 26 units, respectively [P < 0.003]; IgA‐RF: 76 ± 77, 15.7 ± 10, and 18 ± 20 units, respectively). No significant difference was noted between OA and PsA. A significant correlation was found between synovial fluid anti‐CCP and serum anti‐CCP and IgA‐RF. In patients with RA, a significant correlation was found between synovial fluid WBC counts and IgA‐RF (P = 0.03) and serum IgA‐RF (P = 0.008), but not between synovial fluid and serum anti‐CCP levels. In RA patients, C‐reactive protein correlated with serum IgA‐RF.ConclusionAnti‐CCP and IgA‐RF were significantly increased in synovial fluid of RA in comparison with PsA and OA patients.
Effectiveness of the primary therapist model for rheumatoid arthritis rehabilitation: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Linda C. , Davis Aileen M. , Lineker Sydney C. , Coyte Peter C. , Bombardier Claire 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the primary therapist model (PTM), provided by a single rheumatology‐trained primary therapist, with the traditional treatment model (TTM), provided by a physical therapy (PT) and/or occupational therapy (OT) generalist, for treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsEligible patients were adults requiring rehabilitation treatment who had not received PT/OT in the past 2 years. Participants were randomized to the PTM or TTM group. The primary outcome was defined as the proportion of clinical responders who experienced a ≥20% improvement in 2 of the following measures from baseline to 6 months: Health Assessment Questionnaire, pain visual analog scale, and Arthritis Community Research and Evaluation Unit RA Knowledge Questionnaire.ResultsOf 144 consenting patients, 33 (10 PTM participants, 23 TTM participants) dropped out without completing any followup assessment, leaving 111 for analysis (63 PTM participants, 48 TTM participants). The majority were women (PTM 87.3%, TTM 79.2%), with a mean age of 54.2 years and 56.8 years for the PTM and TTM groups, respectively. Average disease duration was 10.6 years and 13.2 years for each group, respectively. At 6 months, 44.4% of patients in the PTM group were clinical responders versus 18.8% in the TTM group (χ2 = 8.09, P = 0.004).ConclusionCompared with the TTM, the PTM was associated with better outcomes in patients with RA. The results, however, should be interpreted with caution due to the high dropout rate in the TTM group.
Profile of arthritis disability: II
Authors: Verbrugge Lois M. , Juarez Lucia 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjectiveArthritis is the most common chronic condition and the most common cause of disability among older US adults. We studied social participation, disabilities in many life domains, accommodations used (buffers), and accommodations needed (barriers) for US adults with arthritis disability compared with adults with disability from other conditions.MethodsThe data source is the National Health Interview Survey Disability Supplement Phase Two. Arthritis‐disabled individuals named arthritis as the main cause of ≥1 disabilities. Other‐disabled individuals named only other conditions as causes of their disabilities. We compared outcomes for the groups, taking sample weights and complex variances into account.ResultsArthritis‐disabled individuals get out and about less often than other‐disabled individuals, but they manage to maintain active social ties. They have more disabilities of all types (personal care, household management, physical tasks, transportation, home, work), and the disabilities often cause fatigue, long task time, and pain. Despite this, arthritis‐disabled individuals use less personal assistance than other‐disabled individuals; they do use more equipment assistance. Arthritis‐disabled individuals report more barriers in getting around outside their home and at their workplace.ConclusionThe distinctive profile of arthritis disability includes extensive and uncomfortable disabilities, yet there are active management strategies to handle these disabilities. Problems away from home and at work should inspire engineers and planners to improve public access and equipment for persons with this high‐prevalence disability.
Prescription opioid use among older adults with arthritis or low back pain
Authors: Solomon Daniel H. , Avorn Jerry , Wang Philip S. , Vaillant George , Cabral Danielle , Mogun Helen , Stürmer Til 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo examine patterns of chronic opioid use in selected groups with arthritis and low back pain and compare them with patterns among persons with ischemic heart disease.MethodsThe study database consisted of Medicare beneficiaries who were enrolled in a drug benefit program for low‐to‐moderate income Pennsylvania residents. We identified selected patients who had a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, chronic low back pain, or ischemic heart disease since 1995. Chronic opioid use, defined as at least six 30‐day prescriptions in a year, was the endpoint of interest. We examined the proportion of patients meeting this definition during the period 1996–2001 and determined predictors based on multivariable Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsFour percent of subjects with rheumatoid arthritis used opioids chronically in 2001, compared with <1% in each of the other groups. There was no increase in the chronic use of opioids over the 6‐year study period. Low‐potency opioids were the most commonly prescribed preparations for chronic users from all patient groups. The prior use of medicines for psychiatric illness, including benzodiazepines or barbiturates, was associated with chronic prescription opioid use across all diagnoses. However, subjects with a prior diagnosis of psychiatric illness were less likely to receive chronic opioids.ConclusionChronic opioid use is relatively uncommon, even among older individuals with arthritis or low back pain. The proportion of these individuals receiving such medicines has not increased in the late 1990s. There seems to be a complex relationship between psychiatric medication use, psychiatric diagnoses, and the use of chronic opioids among these individuals.
Glucocorticoid use, other associated factors, and the risk of tuberculosis
Authors: Jick Susan S. , Lieberman Eric S. , Rahman Mahboob U. , Choi Hyon K. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the association of glucocorticoids and other purported risk factors with the development of tuberculosis.MethodsWe conducted a case‐control study of tuberculosis cases identified during 1990–2001 using the General Practice Research Database in the United Kingdom. Cases were patients with a first time diagnosis of tuberculosis accompanied by at least 6 months of treatment with at least 3 different tuberculosis medications. Up to 4 controls were matched to each case on age, sex, the practice attended by the case, index date, and amount of prior computerized records.ResultsThe study encompassed 497 new cases of tuberculosis and 1,966 controls derived from 16,629,041 person‐years at risk (n = 2,757,084 persons). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of tuberculosis for current use of a glucocorticoid compared with no use was 4.9 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.9–8.3). The adjusted ORs for use of <15 mg and ≥15 mg of prednisone or its equivalent daily dose were 2.8 (95% CI 1.0–7.9) and 7.7 (95% CI 2.8–21.4), respectively. Adjusted ORs of tuberculosis were 2.8 for patients with a body mass index (BMI) <20 compared with normal BMI; 1.6 for current smokers compared with nonsmokers; and 3.8, 3.2, 2.0, and 1.4 for those with history of diabetes, emphysema, bronchitis, and asthma, respectively, compared with those without such history (all P values <0.05).ConclusionThese results indicate that patients treated with glucocorticoids have an increased risk of developing tuberculosis, independent of other risk factors. Low adiposity, diabetes, current smoking, and obstructive pulmonary disorders are also important independent risk factors for tuberculosis.