Tooth root formation is initiated by the elongation of Hertwig’s epithelial root sheath (HERS). HERS cells are widely accepted to control root formation, but the mechanisms regulating HERS growth have not been elucidated. To solve this problem, we have established a new culture method for postnatal mouse mandibular molars and, using it, examined the role of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) ...

RAPID EYE MOVEMENT (REM) SLEEP BEHAVIOR DISORDER (RBD) IS A PARASOMNIA CHARACTERIZED BY DREAM-ENACTING BEHAVIORS RELATED TO LOSS OF the normal generalized skeletal muscle atonia during REM sleep1,2. RBD may be idiopathic or associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease3, multiple system atrophy4, dementia with Lewy bodies5, Machado-Joseph disease6 and parkinsonism with ...

Clostridium difficile strain NAP1/027 (North American pulsed-field gel electrophoresis [PFGE] type 1 and PCR ribotype 027 [R027]) has been associated with recent outbreaks in North America and Europe. It has been associated with more severe disease symptoms, higher mortality rates, and greater risk of relapse. This strain is thought to produce more toxins and sporulate to higher levels. However...

host defenses allow varying types of infection. Candidal infections offer a clear example of this point. Granulocytes primarily prevent bloodborne candidiasis, and this becomes apparent in neutropenic patients, who are at greater risk to develop Candida-induced fungemia and sepsis. Contrast this situation with the T-cell–mediated defense that prevents mucosal Candida proliferation. This propert...

In this study, we investigate the relationship between uncertainty and trust in exogenous shifts in modes of social exchange (i.e., those that are not initiated by the individuals in a given exchange system). We explore how transitions from a high uncertainty environment (reciprocal exchange) to lower-uncertainty environments (nonbinding or binding negotiated exchange) affect the level of trust...

TO THE EDITOR—The epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and role of particular strain types in clinical outcome is complex. Walk et al conclude that the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) ribotypes 027 and 078 are not independent predictors of severe outcome when adjusted by the patient’s leukocyte count and albumin level [1]. Although the albumin level more clearly reflects underl...

Of 175 Clostridium difficile strains isolated from patient hospitalized in one academic hospital in Warsaw between 2005-2006, one isolate belonged to PCR-ribotype 027/toxinotype III. This isolate had tcdA, tcdB, binary toxin genes (cdtA and cdtB), a 18-bp deletion and a 1 bp deletion at 117 position in the tcdC gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests revealed high level resistance to erythromy...

In 2006 and 2007, a large outbreak of Clostridium difficile infections (CDIs) with PCR-ribotype 027 was identified in northern France. Overall, 38 healthcare facilities notified 529 CDIs over a 22-month period, including 281 laboratory-confirmed CDI 027 and 248 non-confirmed CDI 027 cases (incidence rate per 10,000 elective bed days: 1.63, range: 0.07 to 7.94). The cases occurred mainly in long...

Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) have emerged as a major cause of healthcare associated disease, and recent epidemiological evidence also suggests an important role in community-acquired diarrhea. This increase is associated with specific types, especially PCR ribotypes 027 and 078, which are sometimes referred to as "hypervirulent". Over the past years major advances have been made in ou...

been a lightning rod for opponents. Title X funds are distributed directly by the federal government to a range of grantees, which include state agencies as well as nonprofit organizations such as Planned Parenthood affiliates and regional family planning councils. Title X funds are distributed in all states. Two major federal block grants, the maternal and child health (MCH) and the social ser...