bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The consequences of orofacial pain symptoms: a population‐based study in Hong Kong
Authors: Wong May C. M. , McMillan Anne S. , Zheng Jun , Lam Cindy L. K. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryObjectives:  To investigate the impacts associated with orofacial pain symptoms among adult Chinese people in Hong Kong. Associations between impacts, pain characteristics and professional treatment seeking behaviour were explored.Methods:  A cross‐sectional, population‐based study was conducted using a telephone survey method. A sample of Cantonese‐speaking Chinese people aged 18 years and over living in Hong Kong was interviewed. The questionnaire incorporated questions on recent orofacial pain experience and characteristics. Respondents with orofacial pain symptoms were asked about the consequences of the pain on various aspects of daily life and whether they had sought treatment for the pain.Results:  Of the 1222 survey respondents, 41.6% reported some form of orofacial pain. 79.3% of those who reported orofacial pain and about one‐third of the total sample had experienced at least one impact. The most common impact was worried about oral and dental health (59.8%) followed by avoided certain food (50.4%). Respondents with toothache were found to be more likely to have experienced all the impacts investigated (OR range: 2.048–3.309). People who had stayed in bed more than usual (OR = 2.342), experienced sleep disturbance (OR = 2.149), and worried about their oral and dental health (OR = 2.851) were more likely to seek professional treatment.Conclusions:  The adverse impact of orofacial pain on the well‐being of the adult population of Hong Kong was substantial. Despite this, treatment seeking was low with a high level of untreated orofacial pain symptoms.
Dissatisfaction with dental care among mothers of Medicaid‐enrolled children
Authors: Milgrom Peter , Spiekerman Charles , Grembowski David 
Published: February 2008

AbstractObjectives:  This paper is part of a larger study examining the impact of mothers’ having a regular source of dental care (RSDC) on utilization of dental care and oral health of their preschool children. We describe levels of satisfaction with care among mothers whose preschool children were enrolled in Medicaid in Washington State. We report mothers’ satisfaction related to having a RSDC by type of dental setting/office.Methods:  Disproportionate stratified sampling by racial/ethnic group selected 11 305 children aged 3–6 in Medicaid in Washington State. Mothers (n = 4373) completed a mixed‐mode survey. Satisfaction with dental care was measured using the Dental Satisfaction Questionnaire (DSQ).Results:  Overall mean DSQ was 57.1 ± 9.9 (range 18–89). A higher score indicates greater satisfaction. There was not evidence of a difference in dissatisfaction by race/ethnicity but Blacks and Hispanics were less satisfied with pain management than Whites. The majority of respondents agreed with the statement that ‘Dentists sometimes act rude to their patients.’ Satisfaction is higher for mothers who have a regular private dentist they see consistently versus having a regular dentist through a public or non‐profit clinic.Conclusions:  The satisfaction with dental care for this population is low, and considerably lower than found in other studies for primary medical care. Steps need to be taken to increase dental satisfaction and access to private dental clinics, and to increase perceived quality and pain management of dental care in both private clinics and public/non‐profits serving low‐income populations.
COL1A2 gene polymorphisms (Pvu II and Rsa I), serum calciotropic hormone levels, and dental fluorosis
Authors: Huang Hui , Ba Yue , Cui Liuxin , Cheng Xuemin , Zhu Jingyuan , Zhang Yuling , Yan Pingping , Zhu Cairong , Kilfoy Briseis , Zhang Yawei 
Published: February 2008

AbstractObjectives:  To investigate the relationship between dental fluorosis, polymorphisms in the COL1A2 gene, and serum calciotropic hormone levels.Methods:  We conducted a case‐control study among children between 8 and 12 years of age with (n = 75) and without (n = 165) dental fluorosis in two counties in Henan Province, China. The PvuII and RsaI polymorphisms in the COL1A2 gene were genotyped using the PCR‐RFLP procedure. Calcitonin and osteocalcin levels in the serum were measured using radioimmunassays.Results:  Children carrying the homozygous genotype PP of COL1A2 PvuII had a significantly increased risk of dental fluorosis (OR =4.85, 95% CI: 1.22–19.32) compared to children carrying the homozygous genotype pp in an endemic fluorosis village (EFV). However, the risk (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.45–2.52) was not elevated when the control population was recruited from a non‐endemic fluorosis village. Additionally, fluoride levels in urine and osteocalcin levels in serum were found to be significantly lower in controls from non‐endemic villages compared to cases. However, the differences in fluoride and osteocalcin levels were not observed when cases were compared to a control population from endemic fluorosis villages.Conclusions:  This study provides the first evidence of an association between polymorphisms in the COL1A2 gene with dental fluorosis in high fluoride exposed populations. Future studies are needed to confirm the association.
Melatonin enhances pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels and protects against Chagas disease
Authors: Santello Fabricia Helena , Frare Eduardo Osório , Caetano Leony Cristina , AlonsoToldo Míriam Paula , Do Prado José Clóvis 
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  Pro‐inflammatory and modulatory cytokines have an essential role in host defense against human and murine Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Control of T. cruzi parasitism during the acute phase of infection is considered to be critically dependent on direct macrophage activation by cytokines. Melatonin has been proposed to regulate the immune system by affecting cytokine production in immunocompetent cells, enhancing the production of several T helper (Th)1 cytokines. The aims of this work were to evaluate in rats, the influences of exogenous melatonin treatment on T. cruzi‐infected host’s immune responses. With this in mind, several immunological parameters were analyzed, including tumor necrosis factor‐α, γ‐interferon, interleukin‐12, nitric oxide (NO) and macrophage count. The melatonin therapy was provided in one of two different treatment regimens, that is, either beginning 7 days prior to infection or concomitant with the infection. Both treatments triggered an up‐regulation of the immune response, with the concomitant treatment being more effective; in this case all cytokines studied, with exception of NO, displayed enhanced concentrations and there was a higher number of peritoneal macrophages, which displayed reduced concentrations under melatonin therapy. We conclude that melatonin plays a pivotal role in up‐regulating the Th1 immune response thus controlling parasite replication.
A study of the prosthodontic and oral health needs of an ageing psychiatric population
Authors: Bhansali Sumit , Tripathi Arvind , Tiwari S. C. , Singh Saumyendra V. 
Published: February 2008

Background:  Life expectancy has increased worldwide, with India (having 8% who are senior citizens), falling into the “Greying Country” category. This ageing population constitutes a high‐risk oral health group, vis‐à‐vis impaired manual dexterity, cognitive deterioration and unmet treatment needs, which could be compounded by psychiatric morbidity.Objective:  To assess oral health status and prosthodontic need of ageing psychiatric patients.Materials and method:  One hundred and twenty‐five patients, aged 50 years or above, admitted to the Department of Geriatric Mental Health, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, were examined for prosthodontic, oral health status and need, the study population being divided into groups on the basis of Bristol Activities Scale of Daily Living.Results:  Depressive symptoms (which increased with age) and psychiatric morbidity were found to be more in females. About 98% of the population showed probing depths of more than 3 mm, with mean number of decayed/missing teeth and inability to maintain oral/denture hygiene (p < 0.001) increasing in higher disability levels. While 91.3% of the population wearing a prosthesis required new dentures, 33.3% of the study population had unfulfilled partial denture need and 28.4% had unfulfilled upper/lower complete denture need.Conclusion:  Ageing psychiatric subjects require dental education and treatment to meet their needs.
Two‐dimensional finite element analysis of stresses developed in the supporting tissues under complete dentures using teeth with different cusp angulations
Authors: Chowdhary Ramesh , Lekha K. , Patil N.P. 
Published: February 2008

Statement of problem:  The selection of appropriate teeth for complete denture occlusion is very important for long‐term success, and adequate maintenance of the residual alveolar ridge.Purpose:  The purpose of this study was to determine the stress generated underneath the complete denture by altering the cuspal angulations of the denture teeth.Material and methods:  A two‐dimensional finite element model of a coronal section of maxillary and mandibular complete dentures, mucosa and alveolar bone in the first molar region was designed. The occlusal aspect of the denture teeth was altered to make 33°, 20°, 0° cuspal angulation. All the nodes at the bases of maxillary and mandibular alveolar bone of finite element analysis models were restrained in all directions. A functional occlusal load of 50 N was applied through the mandibular model base. To design these models and to analyse them, EMRC’s NISA II finite element analysis computer software was used. In these models, the elements were selected (a, b, c, d, e, f) in the region where it was necessary to determine the stresses generated in both the maxillary and mandibular portions.Results:  The results were interpreted as Von Mises stresses and were observed in pre‐defined areas. The stress patterns observed within model with each type of posterior occlusion, showed unique variations as well as some similarities.Conclusion:  Stresses of greater magnitude were observed in cuspal teeth, 33° and 20° respectively, where as 0° teeth showed a slightly less magnitude of stress generated.
Tooth loss, denture wearing and associated factors among an elderly institutionalised Brazilian population
Authors: Ferreira Raquel Conceição , De Magalhães Cláudia Silami , Moreira Allyson Nogueira 
Published: February 2008

Objective:  This cross‐sectional study assessed the prevalence and extent of tooth loss as well as denture wear and associated factors in institutionalised elderly in Brazil.Background:  There is scarcity of research in Brazil concerning geriatric oral health issues.Material and methods:  A sample of 335 individuals over 60 years of age, representative of the institutionalised elderly from Belo Horizonte, Brazil, were selected through a stratified sampling strategy. Data were collected from structured questionnaires, reviews of medical records and intra‐oral examinations.Results:  Edentulousness was observed in 74.9% of the elderly and was related to age, years of study, income, length of institutionalisation, systemic diseases and mini‐mental score. Among the dentate subjects, 17.9% possessed 20 or more teeth. Approximately half the edentulous elderly (42.6%) and most of the partially dentate subjects (66.7%) did not wear dentures. The multivariate analysis showed that subjects that wear dentures were more likely to be female, possess higher incomes, be more functionally independent and married. Furthermore, the odds of wearing dentures among the elderly who had lost 13–32 teeth were 9.11 times higher than those who had lost up to 12 teeth.Conclusion:  Tooth loss is highly prevalent in this institutionalised Brazilian population, and the prevalence of denture wear is low. The extent of tooth loss, income, functional status and marital status are important predictors for denture wear. The development of an oral health programme for these individuals should assist in their rehabilitation needs and promote in‐home care or safe transport for the elderly to a health care location.
Spine–sheath layer radiative interplay in subparsec-scale jets and the TeV emission from M87
Authors: Tavecchio Fabrizio , Ghisellini Gabriele 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Simple one-zone homogeneous synchrotron self-Compton models have severe difficulties in explaining the TeV emission observed in the radio galaxy M87. Also, the site the TeV emission region is uncertain: it could be the unresolved jet close to the nucleus, analogously to what is proposed for blazars, or it could be the active knot, called HST-1, tens of parsec away. We explore the possibility that the TeV emission of M87 is produced in the misaligned subparsec-scale jet. We base our modelling on a structured jet, with a fast spine surrounded by a slower layer. In this context the main site responsible for the emission of the TeV radiation is the layer, while the (debeamed) spine accounts for the emission from the radio to the GeV band: therefore we expect a more complex correlation with the TeV component than that expected in one-zone scenarios, in which both components are produced by the same region. Observed from small angles, the spine would dominate the emission, with an overall spectral energy distribution close to those of BL Lac objects with a synchrotron peak located at low energy.
The Compton-thick quasar at the heart of the high-redshift giant radio galaxy 6C 0905+39
Authors: Erlund M. C. , Fabian A. C. , Blundell Katherine M. , Crawford Carolin S. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Our XMM–Newton spectrum of the giant, high-redshift (z = 1.88) radio galaxy 6C 0905+39 shows that it contains one of the most powerful, high redshift, Compton-thick quasars known. Its spectrum is very hard above 2 keV. The steep XMM–Newton spectrum below that energy is shown to be due to extended emission from the radio bridge using Chandra data. The nucleus of 6C 0905+39 has a column density of 3.5+1.4−0.4× 1024 cm−2 and absorption-corrected X-ray luminosity of 1.7+0.9−0.1× 1045 erg s−1 in the 2–10 keV band. A lower redshift active galaxy in the same field, SDSS J090808.36+394313.6, may also be Compton thick.
Voluntary running exercise attenuates the progression of endothelial dysfunction and arterial calcification in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Park J.‐H. , Iemitsu M. , Maeda S. , Kitajima A. , Nosaka T. , Omi N. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAim:  Loss of oestrogen synthesis capacity after menopause contributes to increases in arterial stiffness and calcification. Exercise training improves arterial stiffness and calcification. However, the mechanism of exercise training‐induced improvement of arterial stiffness and calcification remains unclear.Method:  We examined the mechanism by using aortas of sham‐operated rats (sham control; SC), ovariectomized rats (OVX control; OC), OVX plus treatment with vitamin D3 plus nicotine (VDN) rats (OV sedentary; OVSe), which is an animal model of endothelial dysfunction and arterial calcification, and voluntary running wheel exercise for 8 weeks plus OVX plus VDN rats (OV exercise; OVEx).Results:  The arterial tissue calcium and endothelin‐1 (ET‐1: a vasoconstrictor peptide and a potent regulator of arterial calcification) levels were significantly higher in OVSe rats compared with the SC and OC rats, whereas these levels in the OVEx rats were significantly lower than in the OVSe rats. Additionally, arterial expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), which is an enzyme that produces nitric oxide (NO: a vasodilator substance), was reduced in OVSe rats. However, exercise training prevented the decrease in eNOS expression. Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between arterial calcium level and arterial ET‐1 level.Conclusion:  These findings suggest that exercise training‐induced improvement of ET‐1 and NO prevents the impairment of endothelial function after menopause in females, and this improvement may result in less arterial calcification.
Near‐infrared spectroscopy provides an index of blood flow and vasoconstriction in calf skeletal muscle during lower body negative pressure
Authors: Hachiya T. , Blaber A. P. , Saito M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAim:  Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been used previously for forearm blood flow estimation at rest and during exercise. In this study we applied NIRS to selectively monitor deep calf oxygenated haemoglobin (Hb) responses in order to estimate blood flow changes in the calf muscle during lower body negative pressure (LBNP). The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that changes in calf skeletal muscle oxygenated‐Hb, after the removal of superficial tissue responses, were related to blood flow changes during orthostatic stress, and to determine the efficacy of using NIRS measurements as an index of vasoconstriction.Methods:  Twenty‐nine subjects participated in this study. All attempted a graded LBNP trial from baseline (0 mmHg) to −60 mmHg LBNP in 10 mmHg steps at 5‐min intervals. Calf blood flow changes were estimated by oxygenated‐Hb responses in relation to changes in mercury strain gauge plethysmography and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA).Results:  Calf selective deep oxygenated‐Hb decreased continuously from −10 mmHg LBNP. Regression analysis showed that oxygenated‐Hb was significantly related to declines in plethysmography evaluations of blood flow [oxygenated‐Hb = (−1.57 ± 0.26) + (1.86 ± 0.49) plethysmography, r2 = 0.87 ± 0.09]. Changes in MSNA (total activity) were also inversely related to oxygenated‐Hb (slope < 0, P = 0.037; r2 = 0.52 ± 0.15).Conclusion:  These results suggest that changes in selective deep calf oxygenated‐Hb can be utilized to estimate calf muscle blood flow changes that are most likely caused by vasoconstriction during graded LBNP.
Mathematical modelling of the calcium–left ventricular pressure relationship in the intact diabetic rat heart
Authors: Op Den Buijs J. , Ligeti L. , Ivanics T. , Miklós Z. , Van Der Vusse G. J. , Van Riel N. A. W. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAim:  The objective was to characterize cross‐bridge kinetics from the cytoplasmic calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) and the left ventricular pressure (LVP) in the early‐stage diabetic rat heart under baseline conditions and upon β‐adrenergic stimulation.Methods:  Four weeks after the induction of diabetes in rats by the injection of streptozotocin, the hearts were perfused according to Langendorff, and [Ca2+]i was obtained by epifluorescence measurements using Indo‐1 AM. [Ca2+]i and LVP were measured simultaneously at a temporal resolution of 200 Hz. The input/output relationship between the Ca2+ and the pressure transients was described by a mathematical model representing the chemical binding of Ca2+ to troponin C on the actin myofilament (TnCA), and the subsequent cooperative force‐producing cross‐bridge formation of the Ca2+–TnCA complex with myosin. The kinetic parameters of this model were evaluated using a numerical optimization algorithm to fit the model equations to the experimental data. β‐adrenergic stimulation of the hearts with increasing doses of isoproterenol allowed quantification of the model parameters over an extended dynamic range, because isoproterenol administration increased developed pressure, heart rate, as well as [Ca2+]i amplitude in a dose‐dependent manner.Results:  Model analysis of the experimental data indicates that β‐adrenergic stimulation of healthy hearts resulted in a decreased sensitivity of TnCA for Ca2+, increased rates of cross‐bridge cycling and decreased cooperativity. By contrast, the responses in cross‐bridge kinetic parameters to isoproterenol stimulation were blunted in the 4‐week diabetic heart.Conclusion:  We conclude from our modelling results that myocardial cross‐bridge cycling is impaired at the early stage of diabetes.
Structural and functional evolution of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone in vertebrates
Authors: Okubo K. , Nagahama Y. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe neuropeptide gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) has a central role in the neural control of vertebrate reproduction. This review describes an overview of what is currently known about GnRH in vertebrates in the context of its structural and functional evolution. A large body of evidence has demonstrated the existence of three paralogous genes for GnRH (GnRH1, GnRH2 and GnRH3) in the vertebrate lineage. They are most probably the products of whole‐genome duplications that occurred early in vertebrate evolution. Although GnRH3 has been identified only in teleosts, comparative genomic analyses indicated that GnRH3 has not arisen from a teleost‐specific genome duplication, but has been derived from an earlier genome duplication in an ancestral vertebrate, followed by its loss in the tetrapod lineage. A loss of other paralogous genes has also occurred independently in different vertebrate lineages, leading to species‐specific differences in the organization of the GnRH system. In addition to the GnRH3 gene, the GnRH2 gene has been deleted or silenced in certain mammalian species, while some teleosts seem to have lost the GnRH1 or GnRH3 gene. The duplicated GnRH genes have undergone subfunctionalization during the evolution of vertebrates; GnRH1 has become the major stimulator of gonadotropins and probably other pituitary hormones as well, whereas GnRH2 and GnRH3 would have functioned as neuromodulators, affecting reproductive behaviour. Conversely, in cases where a paralogous gene for GnRH has been lost, one of the remaining paralogues appears to have adopted its role.
Ventricular repolarization pattern under heart cooling in the rabbit
Authors: Azarov J. E. , Shmakov D. N. , Vityazev V. A. , Roshchevskaya I. M. , Arteyeva N. V. , Kharin S. N. , Roshchevsky M. P. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAim:  Prolongation of ventricular repolarization is characteristic of myocardial cooling. In the present study, we investigated whether this prolongation is uniform or not throughout ventricular epicardium and how these hypothermia‐induced changes express in the body surface potential distribution.Methods:  Epicardial and body surface potential mapping from 64 unipolar leads was carried out in 18 anaesthetized adult rabbits. Mild hypothermia documented by lowering the mediastinal and rectal temperature from 38 to 32 °C was elicited by perfusion of the mediastinum with cooled saline. Activation times, repolarization times and activation–recovery intervals were determined in each epicardial lead.Results:  Baseline activation–recovery intervals distributed non‐uniformly on the ventricular epicardium, increasing progressively from the apex to the base and from the left ventricular (LV) sites to the right ventricular (RV) sites (P < 0.05), governing the repolarization sequence of ventricular epicardium. Heart cooling from 38 to 32 °C produced the heterogeneous prolongation of activation–recovery intervals which was more pronounced at the apex than at the base, and in the LV areas compared to the RV areas (P < 0.05). These nonuniform changes in local repolarization durations resulted in the development of base‐to‐apex repolarization sequence and inversion of the body surface potential distribution during the T wave.Conclusion:  Thus, under cooling the rabbit heart from 38 to 32 °C, the nonuniform prolongation of local repolarization durations resulted in the reversal of ventricular epicardial repolarization sequence which, in turn, was responsible for the inversion in the body surface potential distribution during the T wave.