Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Ultrasonic Scaler Tips and Toothbrush on Titanium Disc Surfaces Evaluated With Confocal Microscopy

Purpose Instrumentation to remove plaque from dental implants may cause damage to the implant surface, and previous studies that have evaluated the effects of the ultrasonic scalers and brushing in experimental settings reported that substantial changes were seen on implant surfaces after mechanical plaque removal. There is limited information on changes of the surface profile and roughness of sandblasted acid-etched (SLA) and machined titanium surfaces after treatment with different instruments in simulated clinical situations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral hygiene instruments including various types of ultrasonic tips in simulated clinical settings and brushing with dentifrice on machined and SLA titanium surface with confocal microscopy. Methods Both SLA and machined discs were treated with various ultrasonic scaler tips and brushing. Discs were either instrumented with 4 different ultrasonic scaler tips or brushed with dentifrice. The entire top surface of the discs was instrumented for a total of 40 seconds (20 seconds, 2 cycles). Brushing with dentifrice was done for 40 seconds. Roughness measurements were performed using a confocal microscope. Results The change of surface structure after different treatment modalities could be observed with the naked eye when compared with the untreated surface (SLA and machined groups). In case of SLA surfaces, the 2 metal tips produced greater changes on the titanium surfaces when compared with the plastic ultrasonic tips and brushing. On the machined discs, scratch lines over the original surfaces could be observed from all ultrasonic metal and plastic tips, but 2 metal tips produced significant and definite scratches on the original disc surfaces. Conclusions This study showed the effects of different types of ultrasonic tips and brushing with dentifrice on both SLA and machined titanium surfaces in simulated clinical setting. Within the limits of our study, we suggest that metal or plastic ultrasonic scaler tips may be applied as usual to treat the SLA surface of dental abutment or fixture surfaces without increasing the irregularities on the titanium surfaces. However, in case of machined surfaces, ultrasonic metal tips cannot be recommended because the surface becomes rougher after treatment. In addition, brushing of titanium, regardless of surface treatment (SLA and machined surfaces), resulted in reduction of surface roughness. Meticulous oral hygiene with brushing must be reinforced for the patients with dental implants to maintain the exposed implant surface clean. Brushing with dentifrice may facilitate maintaining the exposed fixture surface clean by smoothening the surface.
Prognostic Value of E-Cadherin Expression and CDH1 Promoter Methylation in Patients With Endometrial Carcinoma

The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical significance of E-cadherin protein expression and the methylation status in CDH1 promoter in endometrial cancer. The expression of E-cadherin and methylation in its promoter region was analyzed, retrospectively, in 152 clinical tissue samples from patients with endometrial lesions. We found that the hypermethylation of CDH1 promoter, which caused low expression of E-cadherin in endometrial cancer, was associated with not only clinicopathological progress of endometrial cancer but also with the overall 5-year clinical survival rate. The findings provide the potential therapeutic and prognostic target molecule for patients with endomethrial cancer.
Effect of Helicobacter pylori infection on deep vein thrombosis seen in patients with Behçet's disease.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of homocysteine metabolism due to Helicobacter pylori infection on the development of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with Behcet's disease (BD). DESIGN Prospective clinical study. SETTING Teaching hospital. SUBJECT Fifty-five patients with BD divided into groups, with DVT and without DVT, 19 healthy individuals and 18 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) were enrolled into the study. INTERVENTIONS Plasma homocysteine and Hp seropositivity were determined. RESULTS There was significant Hp positivity in all groups (p > 0.05). Homocysteine levels were not significantly different for each group except patients with CAD (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION There was no difference for frequency of Hp infection in all groups. We conclude that Hp does not influence DVT seen in BD via homocysteine metabolism, but the methinnin-loading test would be appropriate for enlighting patients whose fasting plasma homocysteine levels are found to be normal.
Impaired spermatogenic ability of testicular germ cells in mice deficient in the LIM-kinase 2 gene.

LIM-Kinase (LIMK), including LIMK1 and LIMK2, is the only known catalytic protein among LIM-family molecules. It is well known that LIMK phosphorylates and inactivates cofilin, an actin-depolymerizing factor regulating actin reorganization, while in vivo functions have remained to be elucidated. In the present study, we generated Limk2 gene-deficient mice in which three LIMK2 isoforms were disrupted in a Cre-mediated fashion. Impaired cofilin phosphorylation was clearly observed in Limk2-/- fibroblasts stimulated with bradykinin or lysophosphatidic acid, thereby suggesting that Cdc42 or Rho-dependent LIMK activation did not occur. However, Limk2-/- mice did not exhibit embryonic lethality or any phenotypic abnormalities in postnatal growth and development, except for spermatogenesis in the testis. The testes of Limk2-/- mice were smaller in size and partial degeneration of spermatogenic cells in the seminiferous tubules was apparent in association with increased apoptosis. In addition, the viability of Limk2-/- spermatogenic cells, when cultured under stressed conditions, was diminished. Furthermore, the potential for germ cells to differentiate in a regenerative state was severely impaired in Limk2-/- testis. Experimental hyperthermia induced impairment of ADF/cofilin phosphorylation and the formation of intranuclear cofilin inclusions in mutant germ cells. Based on these findings, we propose that LIMK2, especially the testis-specific isoform tLIMK2, plays an important role in proper progression of spermatogenesis by regulation of cofilin activity and/or localization in germ cells.
Evaluation of clinical pallor in the identification and treatment of children with moderate and severe anaemia

Summary background Anaemia from malaria is a common problem in developing countries. Blood transfusion in developing countries is available in few hospitals. Children who are severely anaemic and may require urgent blood transfusion usually present to peripheral first‐level health facilities from where they must be referred to hospitals. Since most peripheral facilities do not determine haemoglobin levels, the decision on referral has to be made on clinical grounds.
Modulation of KCa channels increases anticancer drug delivery to brain tumors and prolongs survival in xenograft model

Most anticancer drugs fail to impact patient survival since they fail to cross the blood-brain tumor barrier (BTB) at therapeutic levels. For example, Temozolomide (TMZ) exhibits some anti-tumor activity against brain tumors, so does Trastuzumab (Herceptin, Her-2 inhibitor), which might be effective against Her2 neu overexpressing gliomas. Nevertheless, intact BTB and active efflux system may prevent their entry to brain tumors. Previously we have shown that potassium channel agonists increased carboplatin and Her-2 neu antibody delivery in animal glioma models. Here, we studied whether potassium channel agonist increase TMZ and Herceptin delivery across the BTB to elicit anti-tumor activity and increase survival in nude mice with human glial tumor. The KCa channel activity and expression was also evaluated in human glioma tissues. We administered NS-1619, calcium-dependent potassium (KCa) channel agonist, with [14C]-TMZ, and quantified TMZ delivery. The results clearly demonstrate that when given systemically both TMZ and Herceptin do not cross the BTB in significant amounts, however, NS-1619 co-infusion with [14C]-TMZ and Herceptin resulted in enhanced drug delivery to brain-tumor cells. The combination treatment of TMZ and Herceptin also showed improved anti-tumor effect which was more prominent than that of either treatment alone in increasing the survival in mice with brain tumor, when co-infused with KCa channel agonists. In conclusion, KCa channel agonists may benefit brain tumor patients by increasing anti-neoplastic agent’s delivery to brain tumors. A clinical outcome of this research is the discovery of a novel drug delivery system that circumvents the BBB/BTB to benefit brain tumor patients.
Vector Competence of Culex pipiens molestus (Diptera: Culicidae) from Taiwan for a Sympatric Strain of Japanese Encephalitis Virus

Abstract Laboratory strains of Culex pipiens molestus Forskal and Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles from northern Taiwan were compared for their susceptibility to the Sanhsia MQ1–2 (SH) strain of Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus isolated from Taiwan. After feeding on a sweetened blood–virus mixture, viral titers in Cx. p. molestus during the 14-d incubation period ranged from a minimum of 2.9 log10PFU (plaque forming units) per mosquito on day 3 after ingestion to a maximum of 4.65 log10PFU at day 8 and in Cx. tritaeniorhynchus from 2.6 on day 10–5.18 log10PFUper mosquito on day 13. Although virus titer in Cx. p. molestus was lower than in Cx. tritaeniorhynchus at the end of the experiment, this difference was not statistically significant. The median infective dose (ID50) for Cx. p. molestus was 2.83 log10PFU and for Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was 1.02 log10PFU per mosquito, and this difference also was not significant. There also was no significant difference between the median infective dose for transmission (TID50) per mosquito for Cx. p. molestus (5.34 log10PFU) and Cx. tritaeniorhynchus (4.59 log10PFU). We concluded that Cx. p. molestus is an effective laboratory vector of JE virus.
Sialylatin of glycoproteins of murine mammary tumor virus, murine leukemia virus, and Mason-Pfizer monkey virus

Neuraminidase treatment of mouse mammary tumor virus, Rauscher murine leukemia virus, and Mason-Pfizer monkey virus resulted in loss of their capacity to inhibit hemagglutination of influenza virus. Hemagglutination-inhibition activity of these RNA tumor viruses could be restored by in vitro resialylation catalyzed by sialyl transferase. The major glycoprotein in the intact envelope of desialylated and, to some extent, native virions could be specificallly labeled in vitro with CMP-(14C) sialic acid. These studies further characterize the individual glycoproteins of mouse mammary tumor virus, Rauscher murine leukemia virus, and Mason-Pfizer monkey virus.
Electron beam computed tomography for the detection of left atrial thrombi in patients with atrial fibrillation

Approximately 13–15% of patients with atrial fibrillation have atrial thrombi, usually in the left atrial appendage (LAA). Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE), frequently used before cardioversion, constitutes the routine clinical tool to detect atrial thrombi.1 TOE is a safe test,2 but may be considered not completely non-invasive, may require sedation, and relies on an experienced operator. The development of alternative imaging modalities to rule out atrial thrombi thus bears potential interest. We therefore evaluated the ability of electron beam computed tomography (EBCT), a computed tomography (CT) technique with high temporal resolution, to visualise atrial thrombi in patients with atrial fibrillation. We enrolled 52 consecutive patients (33 men, 19 women, mean (SD) age 66 (10) years, mean heart rate: 91 (24) minute) with atrial fibrillation of at least 48 hours duration, scheduled for direct current cardioversion. Patients with contraindications to iodinated contrast agent, post-prosthetic mitral valve replacement, in an unstable haemodynamic condition, or unable to give consent were not enrolled. The study protocol was approved by the institutional review board. EBCT was performed before TOE using a C-150 XP EBCT scanner (GE/Imatron, South San Francisco, California, USA). Fifty cross sectional images of the left atrium were acquired in inspiration (1.5 mm slice thickness, 1.0 mm table increment, acquisition time …
Theoretical perspective: A new model for the regulation of bone resorption, with particular reference to the effects of bisphosphonates

IKE II~MATOPOIESIS, bone remodeling requires the con-L tinual production of relatively short-lived cells, and for both processes manipulation of cell production is more important than manipulation of differentiated cell function, and regulates supply in relation to demand. '" In the adult skeleton, the demand for osteoblasts is created by bone resorption, but the demand for osteoclasts is governed by the purposes of bone remodeling. Most therapeutic agents used for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis are referred to as inhibitors of bone resorption, but this vague term obscures the important distinction between inhibition of the recruitment of new osteoclasts and inhibition of the function of existing osteoclasts. '" Although bisphosphonates as a class have been studied for more than 25 years, their mode of action as inhibitors of bone resorption is still unclear and is probably different for different members of the class. '" In the intact organism, tetracycline-based his-tomorphometric studies indicate a major long-term effect of bisphosphonate administration to reduce the rate at which new cycles of bone remodeling are initiated, or activation frequency,(4,') an expression of reduced osteoclast recruitment and the basis for the reduction in whole body bone turnover shown by biochemical
From Prescribed Curriculum to Classroom Practice: An Examination of the Implementation of the New York State Earth Science Standards

ABSTRACT In New York State (NYS), Earth science teachers use the National Science Education Standards (NSES), the NYS Learning Standards for Mathematics, Science and Technology (NYS Standards), and the Physical Setting/Earth Science Core Curriculum (Core Curriculum) to create local curricula and daily lessons. In this study, a purposeful sample of experienced and innovative teachers provided insight on how NYS Earth science teachers organize their scope and sequences, align their lessons with the State standards–based documents, establish internal lesson coherence, and prepare their students for the state assessment, the Physical Setting/Earth Science Regents Examination (Regents Exam). Teachers provided responses to a questionnaire regarding their scope and sequence and typical lessons they teach for each unit. These data were then reviewed by the first author as well as by a team of Earth science education experts. Teachers' scope and sequences were well aligned with the Core Curriculum and Regents, but misalignment was found between their lessons and the Core Curriculum as well as between the stated objectives for their students and evaluation of those objectives. The insights gained from this analysis of the NYS system could be helpful to other states as they move toward increased standards-based Earth science curricula. Among other suggestions, it is recommended that the Core Curriculum be revised to emphasize alignment principles and more opportunity be provided for teacher professional development focused on alignment issues relative to the state standards and enhanced internal lesson coherence.
Dynamics of Epstein–Barr virus in HIV-1-infected subjects on highly active antiretroviral therapy

Objective Patients infected with HIV-1 are at high risk of developing Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-associated lymphoproliferative disorders. This study evaluated the impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on EBV infection. Methods To measure EBV content in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and in plasma, we set up a quantitative analysis using the real-time PCR. EBV latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) expression was determined by reverse transcriptase-PCR. Results EBV levels were determined in 33 HIV-1- and EBV-coinfected patients at the start of HAART, and during therapy. At baseline, EBV content in PBL samples ranged from 8 to 14 532 copies/μg DNA. EBV levels transiently increased in nine out of 17 patients in whom HIV-1 plasmaviraemia declined to undetectable levels (virological response) and CD4 cell counts increased (immunological response), while they remained fairly stable or decreased in the other eight virological and immunological responders, and in seven patients who showed a virological response only. Of interest, a significant increase in EBV load was observed in five out of nine patients who showed an increase in CD4 cell counts but lack of HIV-1 suppression during HAART. This EBV increase was accompanied by the detection of both LMP1 transcripts in PBL and EBV DNA in plasma, and was paralleled by an increase in immunoglobulin levels, a marker of B-cell stimulation. Conclusions These findings suggest that peripheral immune reconstitution during HAART without a reduction in HIV-1 replication may increase B-cell stimulation and the number of EBV-infected B cells.
Long-term effects of n-3 fatty acids on serum lipids and glycaemic control.

The long-term influence of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) on serum lipids and glucose homeostasis was studied in a group of non-diabetic, moderately hypertriglyceridaemic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. They were investigated according to the same procedure before and 6 months after the operation. Following randomization postoperatively, 28 patients received 3.4 g eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid per day, whereas 29 patients comprised the control group. The decline in serum triglycerides after 6 months was significantly greater in the n-3 PUFA group than in the control group (median decline, -33.2% vs. -11.1%, p = 0.002), while no group difference was noted in serum total, HDL, or LDL cholesterol levels. Fasting plasma glucose levels decreased less in the n-3 PUFA group compared with the control group (median change, -0.2 mmol l-1 vs. -0.5 mmol l-1, p = 0.054). The corresponding changes in fasting insulin levels were -2 mIU ml-1 in the n-3 PUFA group and no change in the control group (p = 0.039). In both groups combined, the recorded changes in serum triglyceride and serum insulin levels were negatively correlated with the change in serum phospholipid n-3 fatty acids (r = -0.35, p = 0.008 and r = -0.32, p = 0.016, respectively). An oral glucose tolerance test revealed no significant group differences after 6 months, neither in the peak levels, nor in the areas under the curves between 0 and 3h after the glucose load for glucose, insulin, and C-peptide. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Endothelins Stimulate c‐fos and Nerve Growth Factor Expression in Astrocytes and Astrocytoma

Abstract: Endothelin receptors have been identified on astrocytes and astrocytoma, but their physiological significance has remained elusive. It is shown here that endothelins induce c‐fos in primary cultures of mouse embryo astrocytes, as well as in two subclones of rat astrocytoma C6 cells, although with different kinetics. In addition, nerve growth factor expression is stimulated, as seen by mRNA accumulation and protein secretion, in primary astrocytes and one of the two C6 subclones, with an apparent correlation with the transience of c‐fos induction. The activation of protein kinase C appears as an obligatory step during these processes, because (a) inhibition of protein kinase C by staurosporine blocks the induction by endothelin or phorbol esters of both c‐fos and nerve growth factor, and (b) phorbol esterevoked down‐regulation of protein kinase C completely abolishes the c‐fos induction by endothelin, but not that by the β‐adrenergic agonist isoproterenol, a known activator of the cyclic AMP‐dependent pathway. Our results support the hypothesis that c‐fos product might be implicated in nerve growth factor expression by astrocytes, and also suggest that endothelins may participate in vivo in the modulation of the glial neurotrophic activity during brain development or wound healing.
Stimulation of renal interstitial bradykinin by sodium depletion.

The ability to measure and detect change in renal bradykinin in situ would allow study of relations between local kinin production and renal function in hypertensive or diabetic disorders. A new renal interstitial microdialysis technique allowed collections of renal subcapsular interstitial fluid 2 weeks after microdialysis probe placement in conscious dogs (n = 5) on a normal sodium diet (50 mEq/day) and for 5 subsequent days on low sodium intake (10 mEq/day). Although interstitial bradykinin measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) was undetectable (< 0.08 pg/min) during normal sodium intake, it was detectable (0.34 +/- 0.02 pg/min) after 1 day of low sodium. The kinin level at the end of the 5 subsequent days on low sodium was 1.94 +/- 0.09 pg/min (P < .01). The data show that renal interstitial kinin can be measured in situ. Further, a low sodium diet can rapidly increase interstitial kinin in the conscious dog.
Increased sensitivity for the detection of malignant melanoma cells in peripheral blood using an improved protocol for reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction

Conflicting results have been obtained by various research groups using tyrosinase reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) for detecting micrometastases in the blood of melanoma patients, with positive results ranging from 0 to 100% in disseminated melanoma. Methodological differences in the processing of blood samples may in part account for these discrepancies. The aim of this study was to standardize and optimize the experimental conditions for RT–PCR detection of melanoma cells in peripheral blood. We analysed the effect of different parameters of sample processing on the sensitivity of the tyrosinase RT–PCR using peripheral blood spiked with defined numbers of SKMEL28 melanoma cells. Purification of the mononuclear cell fraction using a Ficoll gradient with a density of 1.077 g/mL prior to RNA isolation gave the highest sensitivity, with the detection of two SKMEL28 cells in 5 mL of blood. In addition, the RNA isolation method and the kind of RT enzyme used had a significant impact on the sensitivity and reproducibility of tyrosinase detection, whereas variations in the PCR conditions had only a minor influence. Furthermore, we showed that amplification of MelanA in addition to tyrosinase resulted in an approximately 10% enhanced sensitivity of melanoma cell detection, whereas gp100/pMel17 and MUC18 gene products were also detected in blood from non‐melanoma patients. MelanA could serve as a sensitive marker in addition to tyrosinase for detecting micrometastases.