Respiratory muscle stiffness is age- and muscle-specific

We investigated the possible contribution of respiratory muscles to the well documented increase in chest wall stiffness with age. Diaphragm and internal intercostal muscle strips were dissected from male Fischer 344 rats of 3, 6, 12, and 24 months of age. Muscles were subjected, in vitro, to stress-strain and yield point tests. Passive tension data from these tests were normalized to a reference length (Lr), which was defined in terms of absolute stress, 700 Pascals. In general, Lr of diaphragm was found to be 90% of the length (Lo) required for maximal tetanic tension. Within a range of stretch between Lr and 130% Lr, diaphragm muscles from adult rats (6-12 month) were more compliant than those of either young (3 month) or old (24 month) animals. In contrast, intercostal muscles from old rats were stiffer than those of young or adult rats. Yield strength of both muscles was constant with age, but diaphragm muscles were found to have a higher yield strength than intercostal muscles from any age. Thus, only some passive mechanical properties of respiratory muscles vary with age, and this variation in muscle-specific. A surprising finding of this study was that diaphragm muscles of adult animals were more compliant than those of either young or old rats.

Evaluation of mandibular infiltration versus block anesthesia in pediatric dentistry

The authors consider mandibular infiltration as a possible alternative to mandibular block anesthesia in young children. The study sample comprised eighteen children ages six to nine years old who required bilateral identical treatment on primary mandibular molars. A random number table was used to determine which side of the mouth was to receive the block or the infiltration technique and a coin toss determined which would be administered first: A short 27 gauge needle was used to inject a 2 percent lidocaine solution with 1:100,000 epinephrine, in both techniques. The paired t-test indicated no significant difference between the two techniques for any of the factors evaluated.

Impact of orthognathic surgery on normal and abnormal personality dimensions: a 2-year follow-up study of 61 patients

The psychological adjustments and self-concepts of 61 orthognathic surgery patients were evaluated before surgery and at 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. The impact of orthognathic surgery on self-concept and personality adjustment was assessed. Significant improvements in group scores were found with the use of a repeated measures ANOVA in the following subscales of personality disturbances: general maladjustment, psychosis, neurosis, personality disorder, and personality integration. A significantly positive effect was also observed in the following subscales of self-concept: self-esteem, self-satisfaction, self-identity, physical self, family self, social self, and total self-conflict. The improved changes in psychological profile two years after orthognathic surgery are encouraging.

Fluoride release from amalgam restorations lined with a silver-reinforced glass ionomer

This study evaluated the amount of fluoride released from amalgam restorations lined with a silver-reinforced glass ionomer. Thirty human extracted molars were divided into three groups of 10 teeth each. Group 1: Class V cavities were made on the facial surfaces and restored with Dispersalloy amalgam. Group 2: Same as Group 1 except 1 mm of GC Lining glass ionomer cement (GIC) was placed on the axial wall before amalgam insertion. Group 3: Same as Group 2 except 1 mm of Miracle Mix silver-reinforced glass ionomer cement (GIC) was placed on the axial wall before amalgam insertion. Before any treatment, all samples were placed in polyethylene vials with 4 ml of deionized water and thermocycled (100x) for baseline fluoride release levels. After restoration, each tooth was replaced in a vial with 4 ml of deionized water. At weekly intervals, each tooth was removed from its aqueous medium and transferred to another vial containing 4 ml of deionized water. Fluoride release was measured four times at weekly intervals with an Orion #9609 fluoride-ion electrode. At 1 and 4 weeks, Miracle Mix released significantly more fluoride than GC Lining (P less than 0.0001).

Effect of a copal varnish, ZOE or glass ionomer cement bases on microleakage of amalgam restorations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sealing ability of four cavity preparation treatment modalities under amalgam restorations. Class V cavity preparations were placed in 20 extracted teeth and randomly divided into four groups of five teeth each (10 restorations for each group): 1) no liner; 2) two applications of Copalite; 3) a base of IRM; and 4) a base of Chelon-Silver. After assigned cavity preparation treatment was accomplished, the teeth were restored with amalgam. The restored teeth were subjected to thermocycling and subsequently stained with basic fuchsin. The teeth were longitudinally sectioned and dye penetration recorded. Amalgam restorations with a Copalite or Chelon-Silver base exhibited significantly less microleakage than those amalgam restorations with an IRM base or no cavity preparation treatment. With the Copalite varnish, microleakage extended beyond the axial wall (toward the pulp chamber through the dentinal tubules) while with the Chelon-Silver base, microleakage was limited to the restoration-tooth interface.

Fluoride release from glass ionomer-lined amalgam restorations

This study evaluated the amount of fluoride released from glass ionomer-lined amalgam restorations. 50 human extracted molars were divided into five groups of 10 teeth each. Group 1: No restorations. Group 2: Class V cavities (2 x 2 x 7 mm) were made on the facial and lingual surfaces and restored with Dispersalloy amalgam. Group 3: Same as Group 2 except 1 mm of Ketac-Bond glass ionomer cement (GIC) was placed on the axial wall before amalgam insertion. Group 4: Same as Group 2 except 1 mm of Chelon-Silver glass ionomer cement (GIC) was placed on the axial wall before amalgam insertion. Group 5: Same as Group 2 except 1 mm of Ketac-Silver GIC was used before amalgam insertion. Before any treatment, all samples were placed in polyethylene vials with 4 ml of deionized water and thermocycled (100x) for baseline fluoride release levels. After restoration, each tooth was placed in a vial with 4 ml of fresh deionized water. At weekly intervals, each tooth was removed from its aqueous medium and transferred to another vial containing 4 ml of deionized water. Fluoride release was measured four times at weekly intervals with an Orion #9609 fluoride-ion electrode. At one week, Ketac-Bond released significantly more fluoride than Ketac-Silver (P less than 0.01) which released significantly more fluoride than Chelon-Silver (P less than 0.01). At four weeks, there was no significant difference in fluoride release between Chelon-Silver and Ketac-Silver, but Ketac-Bond released significantly more fluoride than either of the other materials (P less than 0.01).

Proximal surface caries detection with direct-exposure and rare earth screen/film imaging

This laboratory study compared five imaging systems for their diagnostic accuracy in detection of proximal surface dental caries. Ten viewers provided data on radiographic detectability of carious lesions. The diagnostic accuracy of each system was determined with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves by comparing viewer data with the true state of the teeth as determined microscopically. D-speed film marginally outperformed the other four systems, but the three screen/film systems matched the diagnostic accuracy of E-speed film. Radiation reductions between 62% and 92% were achieved with the screen/film systems when compared to the two conventional dental films. The feasibility of designing a screen/film bite-wing cassette was shown, but the poor diagnostic accuracy of the present bite-wing system indicated a need for a new technology in caries detection.

Metabolism of apoprotein B in selectively bred baboons with low and high levels of low density lipoproteins

Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) apoprotein (apo)-B turnover rates were measured simultaneously by injecting 131I-labeled VLDL and 125I-labeled LDL into fasting baboons (Papio sp.) selectively bred for high serum cholesterol levels and having either low or high LDL levels. The radioactivities in VLDL, intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL), LDL apoB, and urine were measured at intervals between 5 min and 6 days. Kinetic parameters for apoB were calculated in each baboon fed a chow diet or a high cholesterol, high fat diet (HCHF). VLDL apoB residence times were similar in the two groups of animals fed chow; they were increased by HCHF feeding in high LDL animals, but not in low LDL animals. Production rates of VLDL apoB were decreased by the HCHF diet in both high and low LDL animals. Most of the radioactivity from VLDL apoB was transferred to IDL. However, a greater proportion of radioactivity was removed directly from IDL apoB in low LDL animals than in high LDL animals, and only about one-third appeared in LDL. In high LDL animals, a greater proportion of this radioactivity was converted to LDL (61.4 +/- 7.2% in chow-fed animals and 49.2 +/- 10.9% in animals fed the HCHF diet; mean +/- SEM, n = 5). Production rates for LDL apoB were higher in high LDL animals than those in low LDL animals on both diets. The HCHF diet increased residence times of LDL apoB without changing production rates in both groups. VLDL apoB production was not sufficient to account for LDL apoB production in high LDL animals, a finding that suggested that a large amount of LDL apoB was derived from a source other than VLDL apoB in these animals.

Salt taste preference in baboons

Dietary salt (NaCl) has been implicated in the etiology of hypertension and atherosclerosis, although its role remains controversial. The human preference for salted foods is well-known and many investigators believe the taste for salt is acquired. An experiment we conducted suggests that the baboon does not have an acquired taste for salt. A sample of 36 baboons from a population of 70 baboons of known sire, sex, and dietary history was used; each had been raised since birth on a diet of fixed salt content in a study of dietary salt and blood pressure. Given this unique group of animals, we decided to test whether baboons raised on one dietary salt level (low, medium, or high) would prefer a different level. After baseline consumption was measured for 9 days, we offered each animal equal amounts of all 3 diets simultaneously in a counterbalanced randomized sequence for 9 days, controlling for tray position preference and color preference. We measured consumption of each diet by weighing the amount of food remaining. Our statistical analyses indicated an overwhelming preference for the lowest dietary salt level, regardless of which diet the animal had been fed since birth (p less than 0.0001).

The rate of formation of surface membrane ether lipids in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells: kinetic considerations

A previous investigation has shown that O-alkyl phospholipids are present in the surface membrane of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. In the present investigation it was shown that 90% or more of [1-3H]hexadecanol injected intraperitoneally into mice bearing Ehrlich ascites tumors is taken up by the neoplastic cells in less than 15 min. Near maximum formation of surface membrane O-alkyl phospholipids requires approximately 8 h. The rate of accumulation of O-alkyl phospholipids is very similar both for the whole cell and for the surface membrane. Further examination of the data revealed that the conversion of hexadecanol into O-alkyl glycerophospholipids can be described by a simple model in which O-alkyl lipids appear at a single rate constant of 0.25 to 0.35 per hour and disappear at a rate of 0.02 per hour or less. These rate constants were obtained initially by stochastic analysis and validated both by deterministic methods and by compartmental analysis using the SAAM computer program. The method of kinetic analysis described may find broader application in providing comparative rate constants for the in vivo turnover of O-alkyl lipids in both normal and neoplastic tissues. The advantage of a stochastic approach is that kinetic data may be obtained with fewer assumptions relating to pool structure or specific models.

Patient perceptions of orthognathic surgery

A retrospective study of ninety orthognathic surgery patients was conducted to investigate (1) their presurgical concerns and motivations, (2) their preoperative preparation for surgery, and (3) their perceptions of the postsurgical outcome. All subjects completed a twenty-three-item questionnaire and Rotter's Locus of Control Inventory. Statistical date analyses were performed by means of frequency distributions, chi-square, Spearman's r, and Fisher's exact probability tests. The results are presented as thirteen tentative conclusions categorized into three broad areas: motivations and concerns, presurgical preparation, and postsurgical outcome. In the area of motivations and concerns, those with primarily esthetic motivations have less initial reticence toward having orthognathic surgery and less difficulty adjusting to their new appearance than those with strong functional incentives. Younger patients and those patients with strong cosmetic motivations are less concerned about surgical risks. Under the category of presurgical preparation, more females than males desire to speak to a previous orthognathic surgery patient. Patients who receive inadequate explanation of the surgical procedure are more likely to be emotionally unprepared. One of the leading factors in patient dissatisfaction with surgery is the patient's experience of postoperative "surprises." In the area of postsurgical outcome, two-jaw operations precipitate more pain complaints than single-arch procedures. With time, however, patients tend to forget the degree of postoperative pain. Maxillary surgical procedures lead to less severe pain complaints than mandibular procedures, but there are more initial complaints of breathing difficulties and sinus problems following maxillary procedures. Surgical goal fulfillment does not guarantee that a patient would re-elect to have the treatment.

Mathematical Models of Central Pattern Generators in Locomotion

As a background for subsequent studies of mathematical models of central pattern generators in locomotion (Stafford & Barnwell, 1985a, b) relevant aspects of the literature on locomotion are reviewed, concepts of locomotion discussed, and extant models considered. Advantages and disadvantages of present models are discussed, and the need for mathematical models is emphasized. It is shown that realistic models of pattern generation in locomotion must take numerous factors into account, including phases of step cycle, muscle sequencing, gait and interlimb coordination, initiation and cessation of locomotion, and many aspects of neuromuscular control and function.

Mathematical models of central pattern generators in locomotion: III. Interlimb model for the cat

Possible neural connective patterns and functions with respect to interlimb coordination are studied theoretically with a mathematical model of the central pattern generating system for cat locomotion. Activities in populations of neurons controlling limb joint flexors and extensors in all four limbs are represented by a system of nonlinear differential equations. Solutions of the system for various parameter values simulate various gaits of the cat. The model is shown to be capable of generating all gaits of the cat and accounting for corresponding phase changes in interlimb coordination. The model also exhibits smooth changes of gait, and smooth initiation and termination of stepping. Further, within each limb, muscle sequencing, step cycle phases, and flexor-extensor interactions can be studied. The model suggests that one of the simplest mechanisms for a central command system to change the gait is via inhibition of specific interlimb propriospinal pathways. In a final section, properties of both proposed single limb and interlimb models are reviewed with specific reference to planning future experimental and theoretical studies.

Mathematical Models of Central Pattern Generators in Locomotion

Three mathematical models of central pattern generation for locomotion in the single limb of the cat are presented. In each model, the activities in populations of neurons controlling limb joint flexors and extensors are described by a system of nonlinear differential equations. Each solution of the system for a different set of parameters corresponds to a simulation of some gait of the cat. Model I is based on unit generators for each limb joint muscle group and assumes that flexors inhibit their paired extensors, but not vice-versa. Model IIa assumes that flexors and extensors are mutually inhibitory, but that only the flexors have inherent oscillatory capability. Model IIb assumes flexors and extensors are mutually inhibitory and that both flexors and extensors have oscillatory capability. The properties of each of these models are explored, compared and contrasted, and discussed in relation to the experimental literature. All three models are shown to be capable of generating patterns consistent with various stepping rates of the cat and to show appropriate muscle sequencing and flexor-extensor interactions. Further, all three models exhibit smooth initiation and termination of stepping. However, Model I seems to provide a more parsimonious account of producing changes in stepping rate and is preferred, therefore, over models IIa and IIb.

Ensuring data quality in medical research through an integrated data management system

An effective data management system ensures high quality research data by making certain of the proper execution of the study design. This paper presents the components of a data management system and describes procedures for use in each component of the system to obtain high quality data. We discuss the interrelationship among the components of the data management system and the relationship of the data management system to other parts of the research project. We identify underlying principles in design and implementation of a data management system to ensure high quality data.

Flavor preferences, food intake, and weight gain in baboons (Papio sp.)

To evaluate the influence of flavor on ad lib consumption and on associated changes in body weight, female baboons, 7-15 years of age, served in two experiments with seven monkey chows which were identical except for flavor: lemon, orange, apple, sugar, fruit punch, chocolate, and unflavored. In the first experiment, two groups of animals (n=7 and 4) received five of the seven flavors, presented in daily pair-wise combinations. Analysis of quantities consumed demonstrated marked and consistent flavor preferences in individual baboons. Although specific preference varied between animals, total amounts consumed of the various flavors differed significantly, with rank ordering clearly evident. Overall food intake and body weights increased significantly over baseline values obtained with a standard, unflavored chow. In the second experiment, three baboons received chow of a preferred flavor for nine weeks. Amounts consumed and body weights increased significantly over baseline. These results indicate that flavored chows may be useful for producing a nonhuman primate behavioral model of obesity and for inducing animals to eat otherwise unpalatable diets.