Intermittent versus continuous neuroleptic treatment in a rat model

The treatment schedule for neuroleptic therapy is of relevance when evaluating the development of side-effects. Seventy-five rats were treated discontinuously or continuously with the predominantly dopamine D₂ receptor blocker haloperidol or the combined dopamine D₁/D₂ receptor blocker zuclopenthixol for 15 weeks. During and after treatment, a broad spectrum of behavioural parameters including vacuous chewing movements and tongue protrusions were observed. Discontinuous neuroteptic treatment as opposed to continuous neuroleptic treatment produced a significant long-lasting increase in oral activity. The changes were most pronounced in haloperidol-treated rats. The differences observed may have methodological implications for animal models of neuroleptic-induced movement disorders. Our finding are consistent with the hypothesis that pharmacological sensitization to the dyskinetic side-effects of neuroleptics develops when the drug effect is allowed to wear off between repeated administration.     

Effect of an instructional motivation program on oral health in Danish adolescents after 1 and 2 years

A 2-year study of the isolated effect of an intensive motivation program in the oral health of 11-15-year-old schoolchildren was carried out in a Danish provincial town. The motivation program consisted of small-group sessions during which maximum effort was made to obtain active engagement from the children. After 1 year the experimental group was supplemented with two new groups of children who in addition to the motivation participated in a competition on dental hygiene. The effect of the motivational program on knowledge and behavior was evaluated. While the program seemed to result in a reinforcement, of the already existing positive attitude, the cognitive level was only slightly improved and no change in behavior resulting in improved oral health was registered.     

Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia with Positive Ham and Crosby's Test and Scleroderma: A Case Report

A report is given on a case of scleroderma with a fulminant, autoimmune haemolytic anaemia with positive Ham's and Crosby's tests as the first symptom. The scleroderma was localized to the skin. The haemolytic anaemia was treated effectively with corticosteroids.     

Ethyl-branched aldehydes, ketones, and diketones from caimans (Caiman and Paleosuchus; Crocodylia, Reptilia)

Secretions from the paracloacal glands of alligators (Alligator spp.) and caimans (Caiman spp., Melanosuchus niger, and Paleosuchus spp.) were examined by GC-MS. The secretions of the common caiman (C. crocodilus), the broad-snouted caiman (C. latirostris), the yacare caiman (C. yacare), the dwarf caiman (P. palpebrosus), and the smooth-fronted caiman (P. trigonatus) yielded a new family of 43 aliphatic carbonyl compounds that includes aldehydes, ketones, and beta-diketones with an ethyl branch adjacent to the carbonyl group. The identification of these glandular components and the syntheses and stereochemical investigations of selected compounds are described.     

Towards a comprehensive model for the study of compliance in orthodontics

The aims of the present study were to explore methods used by Dutch orthodontists in daily practice to estimate and stimulate patient compliance, and to develop a theoretical model of compliance. A questionnaire, containing 38 items, was distributed among participants at the annual congress of the Dutch Society of Orthodontists in September 2002. The items concerned the need for and the level of patient adherence during orthodontic treatment, modes of estimating and stimulating compliance, and perceived reasons for non-compliance. Based on this pilot study and on an extensive literature search, a model for future research was developed in which concepts related to compliance in orthodontics were systematically organized. Of the 88 orthodontists who attended the congress, 51 responded (mean age 47 years, 22 per cent females). The respondents considered compliance to be of vital importance for a successful treatment result. Most patients were regarded as moderate compliers. The respondents believed that a lack of awareness of dental problems, a lack of motivation to co-operate, and personal problems were the main reasons for non-compliance. Only indirect methods were used to estimate compliance. It was concluded that Dutch orthodontists used subjective methods to measure compliance in daily practice, and that a theoretical model was needed to be able to examine compliance in orthodontics in a more systematic way. A multiple assessment of compliance, using a variety of research methods, seems to be the most appropriate way at present to ensure accuracy in measuring levels of patient compliance in orthodontics.     

B-cell exposure to self-antigen induces IL-10 producing B cells as well as IL-6- and TNF-α-producing B-cell subsets in healthy humans

Human B cells are able to secrete IL-10 after stimulation with mitogens, but their ability to produce IL-10 and regulate T-cell responses after stimulation with self-antigens is unclear. We co-cultured thyroglobulin-pulsed B cells from healthy donors with autologous T cells and observed production of IL-10 and TGF-β, in addition to TNF-α and IL-6. Pulsing with foreign antigen, tetanus toxoid (TT), induced a Th1-response with minimal IL-10 production. After thyroglobulin-pulsing, 1.10±0.50% of B cells and 1.00±0.20% of CD4(+) T cells produced IL-10, compared to 0.29±0.19% of B cells (P=0.01) and 0.13±0.15% of CD4(+) T cells (P=0.006) following TT-pulsing. Thyroglobulin-stimulated, IL-10-secreting B cells were enriched within CD5(+) and CD24(high) cells. While thyroglobulin-pulsed B cells induced only modest proliferation of CD4(+) T cells, B cells pulsed with TT induced vigorous proliferation. Thus, B cells mediate self-antigen-specific IL-10, TNF-α and IL-6 production in co-cultures with T cells and contribute actively to these cytokine secretions.     

Association of natural anti-platelet factor 4/heparin antibodies with periodontal disease

Platelet factor 4 (PF4) and heparin (H) form PF4/H complexes, the target of the immune reaction in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). HIT seems to be a secondary immune response as anti-PF4/H-IgG antibodies occur as early as day 4 of heparin treatment. This study investigated whether prevalent infections such as periodontitis may induce the PF4/H immune response as: (1) natural anti-PF4/H Abs are present in the normal population; (2) PF4 bound to bacteria exposes the same antigen(s) as PF4/H complexes; and (3) sepsis induces PF4/H Abs in mice. We found PF4 bound to periodontal pathogens (Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans; Porphyromonas gingivalis) enabling subsequent binding of human anti-PF4/H Abs. The association of natural PF4/H Abs and periodontitis was assessed in a case-control study, enrolling individuals with natural anti-PF4/H Abs (n = 40 matched pairs), and in the cross-sectional population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP; n = 3500). Both studies showed a robust association between periodontitis and presence of anti-PF4/H Abs independent of inflammation markers (case-control study: lowest vs highest tertile, odds ratio, 7.12 [95% confidence interval, 1.73-46.13; P = .005]; SHIP study, p(trend) ≤ 0.001). Thus, preimmunization to PF4/bacteria complexes by prevalent infections, for example, periodontitis, likely explains the presence of natural anti-PF4/heparin Abs and the early occurrence of anti-PF4/H-IgG in HIT.