Administration of anesthetic and analgesic prevent the suppression of many leukocyte responses following surgical castration and physical dehorning.

The objectives of the current research were to determine the physiological effects and responses of many leukocytes following surgical castration and/(or) physical dehorning and the influence of anesthetics and analgesics in 3-month-old calves. Eighty 3-month-old Holstein bull calves were completely randomized to treatments in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with castration, dehorning, and anesthetic/analgesic as the main effects. Peripheral blood samples were collected just before (0) and 0.

Structural arrangement of the intracellular Ca2+ binding domains of the cardiac Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX1.1): effects of Ca2+ binding.

The cardiac Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX1.1) serves as the primary means of Ca(2+) extrusion across the plasma membrane of cardiomyocytes after the rise in intracellular Ca(2+) during contraction. The exchanger is regulated by binding of Ca(2+) to its intracellular domain, which contains two structurally homologous Ca(2+) binding domains denoted as CBD1 and CBD2.

Acute toxicant exposure and cardiac autonomic dysfunction from smoking a single narghile waterpipe with tobacco and with a "healthy" tobacco-free alternative.

Tobacco smoking using a waterpipe (narghile, hookah, shisha) has become a global epidemic. Unlike cigarette smoking, little is known about the health effects of waterpipe use. One acute effect of cigarette smoke inhalation is dysfunction in autonomic regulation of the cardiac cycle, as indicated by reduction in heart rate variability (HRV).

A multiyear survey of waterpipe and cigarette smoking on a US university campus.

Objectives: To examine the prevalence and characteristics of dual users of cigarettes and waterpipes by comparing them with individuals who use either product exclusively.

Participants: Cross-sections of undergraduate students at a public university recruited each spring semester from 2006 to 2011 (total N = 2,998).

Methods: Participants completed an Internet survey that assessed demographics, tobacco use, perceptions, and norms concerning various tobacco products.

A multiple indicators and multiple causes model of alternative tobacco use.

Objective: To examine the relationship between adolescents' cigarette smoking experiences and alternative tobacco product (ATP) use.

Methods: Multiple indicators and multiple causes (MIMIC) models estimated simultaneously the relationship between cigarette smoking experiences and ATP use among high school students (N=1827) completing the 2009 Virginia Youth Tobacco Survey.

Results: Overall, ATP use was associated with adolescents' ever use of cigarettes, early onset of cigarette smoking, cigarettes smoked per day, and peer smoking; however, important model differences between racial/ethnic groups were observed.

Role of cytopathology in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal tract cancers.

Cytology of gastro-intestinal (GI) tract lesions can be used successfully to diagnose neoplastic and non-neoplastic conditions, especially when combined with biopsies. Cytologic evaluation is widely accepted as a cost-effective method that allows rapid interpretation and triaging of material. Technical advances over the years have allowed simultaneous visualization of abnormal tissue and procurement of needle aspirates, brushings and biopsies from mucosal and deeper seated lesions.

Parotid dermoid cyst: a case report.

A dermoid cyst arising in the parotid is rare and usually represents the rare first branchial cleft type II anomaly, which can have morphology similar to a dermoid cyst. This study reports the case of a 20-year-old woman who presented with a parotid mass, which on histologic review was consistent with a dermoid cyst. This appears to be the first case report of a parotid dermoid cyst with focus on the gross and histopathologic findings and to be presented in a histopathology focused journal.

Effect of 980-nm diode laser-aided circumferential supracrestal fiberotomy on fluorosed root surfaces.

Objective: To evaluate and compare the root surface morphological changes after 980-nm diode laser-aided circumferential supracrestal fiberotomy (CSF) on fluorosed and non-fluorosed teeth.

Materials And Methods: The sample comprised 27 orthodontic patients (14 males and 13 females; mean age  =  17.3 years) with and without fluorosis, from whom 40 fluorosed and 40 non-fluorosed premolar teeth were extracted for orthodontic reasons.

The clinical effect of scaling and root planing and the concomitant administration of systemic amoxicillin and metronidazole: a systematic review.

Background: The treatment of periodontitis frequently begins with a non-surgical phase that includes scaling and root planing (SRP) and, on occasion, the use of systemic antibiotics. The goal of this review is to systematically evaluate the data concerning the effect of the concomitant administration of amoxicillin and metronidazole adjunctive to SRP in adults who are otherwise healthy.

Methods: The PubMed-MEDLINE, Cochrane-Central, and EMBASE databases were searched to April 1, 2012, to identify appropriate studies.

Randomized clinical trials: is periodontal research good for patients?

Randomized controlled trials, in which randomization is used to allocate patients to a treatment arm, are a relatively new concept. Randomized controlled trials are increasingly high-stakes endeavors requiring a high level of planning and considerable financial support. Randomized controlled trials are the gold standard by which effectiveness of various treatments or interventions are determined.

Trends in alternative tobacco use among light, moderate, and heavy smokers in adolescence, 1999-2009.

Objective: To examine trends in alternative tobacco product (ATP) use (smokeless tobacco, cigars, and bidis/cloves) among a national sample of adolescent cigarette smokers (light, moderate, and heavy) during 1999-2009.

Method: A secondary analysis of data from the 1999-2009 National Youth Tobacco Survey was performed to investigate the tobacco behaviors of 6th through 12th graders enrolled in public and private schools in the United States. Long-term trends in ATP use were analyzed using logistic regression--controlling for sex, grade, and race/ethnicity--and simultaneously assessing linear and higher order time effects and their interaction with cigarette smoking status.

Indoor air quality in Virginia waterpipe cafes.

Introduction: A revised indoor air quality law has been implemented in Virginia to protect the public from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke exposure. This legislation contains exemptions that include allowances for smoking in a room that is structurally separated and separately ventilated. The objective of the current study was to examine the impact of this law on air quality in waterpipe cafés, as well as to compare the air quality in these cafés to restaurants that allow cigarette smoking and those where no smoking is permitted.

Does switching to a tobacco-free waterpipe product reduce toxicant intake? A crossover study comparing CO, NO, PAH, volatile aldehydes, "tar" and nicotine yields.

Waterpipe (hookah, narghile, shisha) use has become a global phenomenon, with numerous product variations. One variation is a class of products marketed as "tobacco-free" alternatives for the "health conscious user". In this study toxicant yields from waterpipes smoked using conventional tobacco-based and tobacco-free preparations were compared.

Patterns of alternative tobacco use among adolescent cigarette smokers.

Introduction: Alternative tobacco use among adolescents who smoke cigarettes is a growing public health concern, and evidence suggests that patterns of alternative tobacco use varies with respect to cigarette consumption and frequency of cigarette use. This study aimed to examine (a) whether variations in adolescent cigarette smoking and alternative tobacco use can be explained by underlying subtypes and (b) if these subtypes differ in their demographic and psychosocial characteristics.

Methods: Using data from the 2009 National Youth Tobacco Survey, latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify patterns of cigarette smoking and alternative tobacco use among 2746 current (past 30-day) smokers.

Interproximal cervical lesions caused by incorrect flossing technique.

Unlabelled: This case report describes an interproximal cervical lesion caused by the incorrect use of dental floss. A 58-year-old man who was asymptomatic, presented with unusual notch-like cervical lesions. After clinical and radiographical examinations, it was concluded that the aetiology of these lesions was an incorrect flossing technique.

The psychology of patient compliance: a focused review of the literature.

Background: Excellent patient compliance to periodontal maintenance is absolutely necessary for successful long-term therapy. However, absolute (100%) compliance is rare, having been reported as low as 16%. Although social, behavioral, cultural, and economic factors have been implicated as determinants in patterns of compliance, the influence of personality characteristics on attitudes remains to be carefully explored.

Acute simvastatin increases endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation via AMP-activated protein kinase and reduces contractility of isolated rat mesenteric resistance arteries.

Statins can have beneficial cholesterol-independent effects on vascular contractility, which may involve increases in the bioavailability of NO (nitric oxide) as a result of phosphorylation of eNOS (endothelial NO synthase). Although this has been attributed to phosphorylation of Akt (also known as protein kinase B), studies in cultured cells have shown that statins can phosphorylate AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase); it is unknown whether this has functional effects in intact arteries. Thus we investigated the acute effects of simvastatin on resistance arterial contractile function, evaluating the involvement of NO, Akt and AMPK.

Effects of changing milk replacer feedings from twice to once daily on Holstein calf innate immune responses before and after weaning.

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of switching Holstein calves to once-daily feeding during the fourth week of life (24 ± 2.3 d of age; once-fed n=22; twice-fed n=22) on innate immune responses, and to evaluate whether carry-over effects occurred when the calves were weaned during the seventh week of life. Peripheral blood samples were taken immediately before the change in feeding strategy (24 d of age) and at 27, 31, 45, 48, 52, and 66 d of age and were analyzed for circulating cortisol, haptoglobin, total leukocyte counts, neutrophil:mononuclear cells, and hematocrit percentage.

The effects of early weaning on innate immune responses of Holstein calves.

The objectives of this study were to compare innate immune responses of calves weaned early (EW; n=23; weaned at 23.7 ± 2.3 d of age) with those of conventionally weaned calves (CW; n=22; weaned at 44.

Determination of structural models of the complex between the cytoplasmic domain of erythrocyte band 3 and ankyrin-R repeats 13-24.

The adaptor protein ankyrin-R interacts via its membrane binding domain with the cytoplasmic domain of the anion exchange protein (AE1) and via its spectrin binding domain with the spectrin-based membrane skeleton in human erythrocytes. This set of interactions provides a bridge between the lipid bilayer and the membrane skeleton, thereby stabilizing the membrane. Crystal structures for the dimeric cytoplasmic domain of AE1 (cdb3) and for a 12-ankyrin repeat segment (repeats 13-24) from the membrane binding domain of ankyrin-R (AnkD34) have been reported.

The CEJ: a biofilm and calculus trap.

There is a direct correlation between increasing periodontal probing depth and increasing presence of residual biofilms and calculus. One of the more common areas to find postscaling and root-planing residual biofilm and calculus is the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ)--an area that in most cases is easily accessible. Yet few studies have addressed the question of why the CEJ is a potential biofilm and calculus trap.

Effects of intravenous Escherichia coli dose on the pathophysiological response of colostrum-fed Jersey calves.

Objectives of the present study were to characterize the dose dependency of an intravenous Escherichia coli O111:H8 challenge in colostrum-fed Jersey calves and to identify any biochemical markers indicative of septicemia. Eighteen 3-week old colostrum-fed Jersey calves were completely randomized to 1 of 6 doses of E. coli O111:H8.

Periodontal status of patients with hypophosphatemic rickets: a case series.

Background: It was previously reported that dentin matrix protein 1-null mice, which are the hypophosphatemic rickets animal model, postnatally developed severe periodontal defects. However, to the best of our knowledge, it was not documented whether similar periodontal defects were present in human patients with hypophosphatemic rickets. The aim of this study is to evaluate the periodontal status of adult patients with hypophosphatemic rickets.

Acute effects of waterpipe tobacco smoking: a double-blind, placebo-control study.

Background: Waterpipe tobacco smoking usually involves heating flavored tobacco with charcoal and inhaling the resulting smoke after it has passed through water. Waterpipe tobacco smoking increases heart rate and produces subjective effects similar to those reported by cigarette smokers. These responses are thought to be nicotine-mediated, though no placebo-control studies exist.

Waterpipe tobacco smoking and cigarette smoking: a direct comparison of toxicant exposure and subjective effects.

Introduction: Waterpipe tobacco smoking is increasing worldwide and is believed by many users to be less harmful and addictive than cigarette smoking. In fact, waterpipe tobacco and cigarette smoke contain many of the same chemicals, and users are exposed to the dependence-producing drug nicotine as well as other smoke toxicants. The subjective effect profile of these 2 tobacco use methods has not been compared directly, though this information is relevant to understanding the risk of dependence development.