bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory mediators of the terminal dentition in adult and early onset periodontitis
Authors: Salvi G. E. , Brown C. E. , Fujihashi K. , Kiyono H. , Smith F. W. , Beck J. D. , Offenbacher S.
Published: June 2010

Based upon the prosthodontic literature, subjects who are at the transition stage between natural dentition and edentulism are called “terminal dentition” (TD) cases. The aim of the present cross‐sectional investigation was to characterize the local and systemic inflammatory responses in 2 groups of patients with terminal dentition periodontitis. Eight severe adult periodontitis terminal dentition (AP‐TD) subjects and 8 early onset periodontitis terminal dentition (EOP‐TD) subjects were entered into the study. Our purpose was to measure an extended battery of cytokines in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated monocytic culture supernatants as well as gingival mononuclear cell messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts determined from biopsy samples. Within the GCF there were 3 tiers (levels) of mediators based upon approximate 10‐fold differences in concentration. The highest tier included prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin‐1/β (IL‐1/β) and interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), the intermediate tier included tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interferon gamma (IFN) and at the lowest concentration level were interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). Thus, the GCF analysis clearly indicated that in both AP‐TD and EOP‐TD groups the monocytic, i.e. IL‐l/β and PGE2 and Thl, i.e. IL‐2 and IFN‐, inflammatory mediator levels quantitatively dominated over the Th2 mediators, i.e. IL‐4 and IL‐6. LPS‐stimulated monocytic release of IL‐1/β, PGE2 and TNFα was significantly elevated in both AP‐TD and EOP‐TD groups compared to those of a control group of 21 subjects with moderate to advanced adult periodontitis. The cytokine mRNA expression of isolated gingival mononuclear cells showed that in both the AP‐TD and the EOP‐TD groups Thl and Th2 cytokines were expressed, with low levels of IL‐4 and IL‐12. In conclusion, our data suggest that this cross‐sectional TD periodontitis model may reflect progressive periodontal disease associated with tooth loss. Furthermore, although Thl cytokine levels in the GCF dominate over the Th2 response, monocytic activation provides the main source of proinflammatory mediators. In addition, LPS‐stimulated peripheral blood monocytes demonstrate an upregulated inflammatory mediator secretion in the terminal dentition.
Effect of two delivery systems for recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 on periodontal regeneration in vivo
Authors: King Gaston N. , King Nicola , Hughes Francis J.
Published: June 2010

Resorbable collagen membranes for guided tissue regeneration in periodontal therapy have shown promise but are not osteoinductive. As recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) is known to have an affinity for collagen, the use of this osteoinductive agent incorporated into a collagen vehicle may act as a suitable carrier to promote periodontal regeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two different collagen delivery systems for rhBMP‐2 in rat periodontal fenestration defects. Using the collagen membrane delivery system, 3 groups of adult Wistar rats which had surgical defects created on the right side of the mandible involving the removal of bone and exposure of the molar roots were treated with either rhBMP‐2 in collagen membrane (BMPm) (n= 12 animals), or collagen membrane only (COLm) (n = 12), or were left untreated (UN) (n= 14). Using the collagen gel delivery system, surgical defects were treated with either rhBMP‐2 incorporated in a collagen gel carrier (BMPg) (n = 5) or had collagen gel only (COLg) (n = 6). Animals were killed 10 d postoperatively and tissues processed for histology. New bone formation was significantly greater in BMPg compared with both BMPm and controls (p<0.05). However, new cementum formation was significantly greater in BMPm (721 ± 166 μm2, mean ± SE) compared with COLm, COLg and UN (p<0.02) (190±44μm2, 327±114 μm2 and 172 ± 33 μm2, respectively) and more than 1.5 times BMPg (451 ± 158 μm2). In conclusion, both carrier systems for rhBMP‐2 significantly increased new bone formation compared with controls during the early stages of periodontal wound healing. However, the more slowly dissolving collagen membrane carrier system for rhBMP‐2 produced significantly greater new cementum compared with the collagen gel carrier, suggesting that a more prolonged exposure of rhBMP‐2 is required to increase cementogenesis.
Elastic modulus, permeation time and swelling ratio of a new porcine dermal collagen membrane
Authors: Lu H. K. , Lee S. Y. , Lin F. P. , Lu Dr , Hsein‐Kun J.
Published: June 2010

The goal of a single step therapy has been an important consideration in the development of guided tissue regeneration devices. It would spare the patient from the need for repeated surgery and eliminate many problems associated with a non‐resorbable barrier. Animal studies of a collagen membrane extracted from porcine dermis (PDCM), as conditioned by different concentrations of glutaraldehyde (GA), have shown it to be biocompatible and biodegradable (up to 9 wk). This in vitro study further investigated the physical properties of this membrane. A PDCM modified and cross‐linked with various concentrations (0.0l%, 0.05% and 3.00%) of GA was used. A similar control series was not conditioned. At least 4 specimens for each experimental condition were prepared. The elastic modulus (EM) was measured by a universal testing machine. In the permeability test, Al2O3 particles of different sizes (5‐23 μm) were mixed with normal saline to make 5 v/v% suspension and the time needed for collecting 7.5 ml of the filtered suspension from 10 ml suspension was recorded. Swelling ratio (y) was also measured according to y = 1/Vf (volume fraction). Data were analysed using ANOVA and Tukey's LSD test. The EM (40.8±3.8 gf/mm2) for the GA conditioned membranes showed no significant difference but was greater (p < 0.05) than that of the control. There was a significant increase (100‐300%) in the permeation time with GA concentration (control 0.168 vs. 3% GA 0.100). The results suggest that the physical properties of the GA conditioned PDCM (especially in 3%) may fit the clinical requirements of membrane materials used in guided tissue regeneration techniques.
Dissolution of type I collagen fibrils by gingival fibroblasts isolated from patients of various periodontitis categories
Authors: Havemose‐Poulsen Anne , Holmstrup Palle , Stoltze Kaj , Birkedal‐Hansen Henning
Published: June 2010

The classification of periodontitis in various disease categories, including juvenile periodontitis, rapidly progressive adult periodontitis and slowly progressive adult periodontitits is based mainly on differences in disease progression and age group susceptibility. Because dissolution of collagen fibers is an integral part of periodontal attachment loss, we investigated whether the clinical differences among these periodontitis/control groups are reflected in the collagen‐degrading activity of gingival fibroblasts isolated from affected tissues. All fibroblast strains isolated from the 4 groups (n=48) displayed cell‐associated collagenolytic activity when seeded in contact with a reconstituted film of type I collagen fibrils. Cells from the control group (n = 14) dissolved the collagen fibril film twice as fast as those from each of the 3 disease groups (juvenile periodontitis (n = 13), rapidly progressive adult periodontitis (n = 7), and slowly progressive adult periodontitits (n = 14)). Both interleukin‐1β and phorbolester accelerated the rate of dissolution 2‐4‐fold, but even after cytokine or phorbolester stimulation control cells were still considerably more effective in dissolving the collagen fibrils than cells from the disease groups. The observation made in this study, that dissolution of collagen fibrils by gingival fibroblasts from periodontally diseased individuals is significantly slower than by cells from healthy control subjects, challenges disease paradigms based on a direct relationship between collagenolytic potential and disease activity.
A study of the proliferative activity of the long junctional epithelium using argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region (AgNORs) staining
Authors: Uno T. , Hashimoto S. , Shimono M.
Published: June 2010

The proliferative activity of the long junctional epithelium (LJE) in rats was examined using stains for argyrophilic proteins of the nucleolar organizer region (AgNORs protein). The LJE was experimentally produced by insertion of a rubber piece between maxillary molars for 1 wk. After removal of the rubber, the length and AgNORs parameters of the LJE were measured and analyzed statistically. The LJE widely covered the apical side of the exposed root surface 4 wk after the removal. Its length was longest after 4 and 8 wk; it became shorter subsequently. The AgNORs were visible as black dots of various sizes and numbers on the sections. A high potential for proliferation was obvious in the LJE after 4 wk and was maintained until 12 wk after the removal. The AgNORs ratio on the connective tissue interface of the LJE was about twice of that of normal junctional epithelium after 4‐12 wk. The proliferative activity on the root surface side was slightly increased after 4 wk. There was no significant difference in proliferative activity between the coronal and apical sides. These results suggest that the proliferative activity of the LJE is maintained continuously at a high level on the connective tissue interface supplying the epithelial cells. Basal cells proliferate at the connective tissue interface of the LJE, migrate directly to the root surface or via the apical portion and finally desquamate from the surface of the epithelium.
Alterations of neutrophil l‐selectin and CD18 expression by tobacco smoke: implications for periodontal diseases
Authors: Ryder Mark I. , Fujitaki Ron , Lebus Scott , Mahboub Mahyar , Faia Brandi , Muhaimin Dawud , Hamada Makoto , Hyun William
Published: June 2010

Alterations in neutrophil functions by both chronic low levels of tobacco and by acute short‐term higher levels of tobacco smoke, as encountered during the act of smoking, may play a role in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases in smokers. Among the early migration events of neutrophil function is the alteration in surface expression of L‐selectin and the CD11/18 integrins. In the present study we examined the effect of in vitro smoke exposure and nicotine alone on the expression of these 2 adhesion molecules in neutrophils from smokers and non‐smokers. We also determined the physiological relevance of this in vitro system by assessing the levels of nicotine exposure in this in vitro system and comparing these levels to acute and chronic levels of nicotine in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid. Peripheral neutrophils were isolated from the blood of smokers (< 1 pack/d) and non‐smokers and incubated in vitro with either cigarette smoke (0‐5 min), 10−7 M F‐met‐leu‐phe, or nicotine alone at 1.62 mg/ml to 162 ng/ml (10−2 M‐10−6 M). The neutrophils were then incubated with fluoresceine conjugated anti‐Leu8 (L‐selectin), anti‐CD 18 (CD 18 integrin), or γ‐4 (non‐specific control), fixed and analyzed by flow cytometry. With cigarette smoke exposure, there was an approximate 75% shedding of L‐selectin in both smokers and non‐smokers with no marked difference between groups at 1‐5 min of smoke exposure. Cigarette smoke exposure resulted in a 15‐20% increase in CD18 expression in both smokers and non‐smokers. At all time points, there was slightly greater but statistically insignificant expression of CD 18 integrin in non‐smokers when compared to smokers. These patterns of CD 18 increases and L‐selectin shedding were similar in magnitude to incubations with 10−7 M F‐met‐leu‐phe. Acute smoke exposure resulted in elevation of nicotine in the smoke box to 529 ng/ml at 5 min, in saliva from 109.2 ng/ml before smoking to 1821.4 ng/ml after smoking, and in gingival crevicular fluid to 5961 ng/ml after smoking. No significant alterations in L‐selectin or CD 18 expression were noted with in vitro nicotine from 1.62 mg/ml to 162 ng/ml.
A murine model of accelerated periodontal disease in diabetes
Authors: Lalla Evanthia , Lamster Ira B. , Feit Michael , Huang Linda , Schmidt Ann Marie
Published: June 2010

Diabetes is a risk factor for periodontal disease in humans. In hyperglycemia, glycoxidation of proteins and lipids results in the formation of advanced glycation endproducts, or AGEs. The accumulation of AGEs in the plasma and tissues, and their interaction with their cellular receptor for AGE (RAGE), has been implicated in diabetic complications. In order to establish a model with which to delineate the specific host response factors that underlie the development of periodontal disease in diabetes, male C57BL/6J mice were rendered diabetic with streptozotocin. One month after documentation of diabetes or control state, mice were inoculated with the human periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis, strain 381 (P. gingivalis) or treated with vehicle. Infection with P. gingivalis was achieved, as demonstrated by infiltration of gingival tissue with granulocytes, presence of DNA specific for P. gingivalis as well as increased serum antibody titer to P. gingivalis. At 2 and 3 months after infection, increased alveolar bone loss was demonstrated in P. gingivalis–inoculated diabetic vs. non–diabetic mice, along with enhanced tissue–destructive capacity, as demonstrated by increased collagenolytic activity in gingival extracts. Consistent with an important role for AGE–RAGE interaction, increased AGE deposition and expression of vascular and monocyte RAGE were demonstrated in diabetic gingiva compared with non–diabetic controls. Taken together, these data indicate that we have established a murine model of enhanced periodontal disease in diabetes. This model will serve to delineate molecular mechanisms which account for the increased susceptibility of diabetic patients to periodontal disease.
Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide modulates the responsiveness of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts to platelet‐derived growth factor
Authors: Takemura Akane , Matsuda Naoki , Kimura Shigenobu , Fujiwara Taku , Nakagawa Ichiro , Hamada Shigeyuki
Published: June 2010

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) prepared from periodontopathic bacteria have been known to induce various biological responses which may lead to periodontal tissue breakdown. The purpose of this study was to determine if Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS could affect cellular functions of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPLF). We showed here the responsiveness of cultured HPLF to platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐BB, a growth factor for mesenchymal cells, in the presence of P. gingivalis LPS. DNA synthesis of HPLF was enhanced in a dose‐dependent manner when LPS were co‐incubated for 48 h; thereafter, it decreased to the baseline level within 24 h incubation. The stimulating effect of PDGF‐BB was further enhanced by the pretreatment of HPLF with LPS (10 μg/ml) for 48 h. The binding assay of [125I] PDGF‐BB and the flow cytometric assay using rabbit antiserum to human PDGF receptor (PDGF‐R) β‐type indicated that this enhancement was due to the increase of the number of PDGF‐R β‐type on HPLF. Immunoprecipitation using antiserum to human PDGF‐R β‐type also showed that the synthesis of PDGF‐R β‐type was augmented in the LPS‐treated HPLF. These results indicate that P. gingivalis LPS stimulate cellular proliferation and responsiveness to PDGF‐BB of cultured HPLF. These cellular reactions may be mediated by PDGF‐BB binding, followed by increased synthesis of the receptor protein.
Induction of matrix metalloproteinases and a collagen‐degrading phenotype in fibroblasts and epithelial cells by secreted Porphyromonas gingivalis proteinase
Authors: DeCarlo Arthur A. , Grenett Hernan E. , Harber Greg J. , Windsor L. Jack , Bodden M. Kirby , Birkedal‐Hansen Bente , Birkedal‐Hansen Henning
Published: June 2010

Periodontitis is characterized by advancement of a narrow band of epithelium (1–10 cells wide) through the collagenous periodontal ligament in response to bacterial accumulation and infection. A modulating role by epithelial cells in the progression of periodontitis was hypothesized due to the close proximity of the advancing epithelium to both the etiological bacteria and to the collagen fibers of the ligament. We demonstrate that rat mucosal epithelial cells and human fibroblasts are similarly stimulated to degrade a collagen type I cellular substrate by thiol‐dependent activity released by the major periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. A purified, extracellular bacterial thiolproteinase from P. gingivalis ATCC 33277 stimulated mucosal epithelial cells to upregulate expression of collagenase and stromelysin, and to degrade a collagen type I fibril matrix. Stimulation of the epithelial cells with this purified proteinase was associated with morphological changes in the cells and with accumulation of secreted latent procollagenase throughout the culture medium. Release of active collagenase was minimal and collagen degradation by the epithelial cells was discreet and localized subcellularly suggesting the possibility that activation of the secreted procollagenase was cell‐associated. We conclude that a collagen‐degrading phenotype can be stimulated in relatively quiescent mucosal epithelial cells and fibroblasts by the presence of bacterial proteinase. These experiments suggest roles for the P. gingivalis thiol‐proteinase and the epithelial cell in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease and demonstrate the potential for dysregulation of extracellular matrix remodeling events during healing of other bacterially infected wounds.
The influence of prostaglandins on steroid conversions by human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Soory M. , Gower D. B.
Published: June 2010

The aim of this investigation was to study the effects of prostaglandins E1 and E2 (PGE1 and PGE2) on the accumulation, release and metabolism of C19 steroids by human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) and gingivae, due to their anabolic potential in inflammatory repair. For the accumulation studies, HGF were incubated with 14C‐testosterone at timed intervals and the cell‐digests analysed for label uptake. The release of 5α‐dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by HGF was studied by preincubating the cells with 14C‐DHT and reincubating with cold steroid to quantify its release at timed intervals. For the metabolic studies, HGF/gingival tissue were incubated with 14C‐testosterone and serial concentrations of PGE1 and PGE2 to study their effects on the synthesis of DHT. The incubations were terminated at 24 h and extracted metabolites were analysed and quantified. The accumulation of 14C‐testosterone by human gingival fibroblasts was elevated 3‐fold at 24 h by PGE1 (n = 3, p < 0.001; 1‐way ANOVA). The release of 14C‐DHT was enhanced nearly 2‐fold by PGEX (n = 3, p < 0.001), compared with controls. Both PGE1 and PGE2 caused 2‐fold increases in DHT synthesis by HGF and 3‐fold increases in 4‐androstenedione formation (n=4, p < 0.001). With the tissue incubations PGE1/PGE2 caused 3‐4‐fold increases in DHT synthesis (n = 5, p<0.005; Wilcoxon signed rank statistic for paired observations). Direct stimulation of the accumulation/release and metabolism of these steroids by prostaglandins in gingivae may contribute to the anabolic potential of androgens in inflammatory periodontal disease.
New limits on the population of normal and millisecond pulsars in the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds
Authors: Ridley J. P. , Lorimer D. R.
Published: June 2010

We model the potentially observable populations of normal and millisecond radio pulsars in the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds (LMC and SMC, respectively) where the known population currently stands at 19 normal radio pulsars. Taking into account the detection thresholds of previous surveys, and assuming optimal period and luminosity distributions based on studies of Galactic pulsars, we estimate that there are (1.79 ± 0.20) × 104 and (1.09 ± 0.16) × 104 normal pulsars in the LMC and SMC, respectively. When we attempt to correct for beaming effects, and the fraction of high-velocity pulsars which escape the clouds, we estimate birth rates in both the LMC and SMC to be comparable and in the range of 0.5–1 pulsars per century. Although higher than estimates for the rate of core-collapse supernovae in the clouds, these pulsar birth rates are consistent with historical supernova observations in the past 300 yr. A substantial population of active radio pulsars (of the order of a few hundred thousand) has escaped the LMC and SMC and populates the local intergalactic medium. For the millisecond pulsar (MSP) population, the lack of any detections from current surveys leads to respective upper limits (at the 95 per cent confidence level) of 15000 for the LMC and 23000 for the SMC. Several MSPs could be detected by a currently ongoing survey of the SMC with improved time and frequency resolution using the Parkes multibeam system. Giant-pulse emitting neutron stars could also be seen by this survey.
Meaningful or redundant complexity – mechanisms behind cyclic changes in gastroduodenal pH in the fasting state
Authors: Sjövall H.
Published: June 2010

The antroduodenal region is probably the site of the most common chronic infection of mankind, helicobacter‐induced antral gastritis. After meals, the remaining gastric contents are evacuated by an interdigestive motor programme, the so‐called migrating motor complex (MMC). The most characteristic feature of the MMC is phase III, a series of contractions at slow wave frequency (3 min−1 in the stomach, approx. 12 min−1 in the duodenum). Phase III is associated with complex changes in antroduodenal pH, the most prominent feature being a rapid alkalinization of the antral lumen immediately after the end of antral phase III. Before and during antral phase III (late phase II), gastric acid secretion increases and reflux of bile‐containing fluid from the duodenum frequently occurs. At the start of duodenal phase III, the pacemaker driving the motor waves is located proximally in the contracting segment, and the motor waves are uniformly antegrade. After passing the papilla, the pacemaker which is now in the middle of the contracting segment stops its migration and waves passing the papilla hence become retrograde. Bile is diverted into the gall bladder. Duodenal phase III activates electrogenic chloride and bicarbonate secretion and release of secretory IgA. During the second half of phase III, there is accordingly reflux of bile‐free fluid, bicarbonate and secretory IgA containing fluid from the duodenum into the stomach. Possible physiological and pathophysiological implications of this complex system, in particular the role of the gastric mucus layer in antral Helicobacter infection, will be discussed.
Photoactive Ternary Rare Earth Complex Hybrids with Sulfoxide Functionalized Silica and PMMA (or Phen)
Authors: Guo Lei , Yan Bing , Li Ying
Published: June 2010

A series of ternary rare earth complexes were covalent grafted to the inorganic Si–O networks through the novel bifunctional silylated monomer BBMSSi (BBMS = Bis [benzoylmethyl] sulfoxide). FT–IR, NMR, XRD, TGA, SEM, DRS and photoluminescence properties were used to characterize the obtained hybrid materials. Scanning electron micrograph results revealed hybrids exhibiting homogeneous morphology with large particle size of 100–200 μm and no phase separation. Photoluminescence measurements indicated hybrids with characteristic red and green luminescence. In addition, the existence of the polymeric chain PMMA and 1,10‐phenanthroline in different hybrid systems present different microstructure and luminescence behavior.
Phototaxis of Haloarcula marismortui Revealed Through a Novel Microbial Motion Analysis Algorithm
Authors: Lin Yu‐Cheng , Fu Hsu‐Yuan , Yang Chii‐Shen
Published: June 2010

Haloarcula marismortui has been described to be nonmotile prior to the recent identification of flagellar filaments, suggesting the motile nature of H. marismortui. Here we observed the locomotion of freshly cultured H. marismortui cells and tracked the swimming trajectories via ImageJ. Trajectories of H. marismortui are intrinsically noisy, posing difficulties in motion analysis with previously established algorithms. By introducing the concept of “window vector,” a Microsoft Excel‐VBA‐implemented microbial motion analysis algorithm reported here was able to (1) discriminate nonswimming objects from swimming cells without empirical customization by applying a power‐law relationship and (2) reduce the noise caused by Brownian motion, thus enhancing the accuracy of swim reversal identification. Based on this motion analysis algorithm, two recently identified sensory rhodopsins, HmSRI and HmSRII, were shown to mediate photoattractant and photorepellent responses, respectively, revealing the phototactic activity of H. marismortui, the only archaeon showing such phenomenon other than Halobacterium salinarum.
Review: Nutriceuticals as Antithrombotic Agents
Authors: Chakrabarti Subrata , Freedman Jane E.
Published: June 2010

Thrombus formation in a disrupted endothelium is influenced not only by the platelet redox state and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species but also by the presence of endogenous or exogenous antioxidants. Thrombus formation in the stenotic arteries is triggered predominantly by attenuated shear stress. Superoxide and nitric oxide production, as well as their metabolism, potentially influence platelet activation and thrombosis. Antioxidant supplementation has not been generally associated with better cardiovascular outcome and is often compounded by bleeding and hemorrhagic stroke. Because of recent developments like the human genome project and personalized medicine, an emerging new area of nutrigenomics and nutraceuticals offers a scientific approach of diet‐based therapeutics applicable to a plethora of human diseases, including cardiovascular inflammation and thrombosis. Therefore, further mechanistic research using nutragenomics and nutraceuticals in the prevention and management of thrombosis offers great potential and may be effective in limiting the problems associated with antioxidant‐based therapeutics. In the present review, we have summarized the effect of dietary antioxidants in the modulation of platelet‐mediated thrombosis. In addition, therapeutic opportunities in the area of nutragenomics and nutraceuticals in vascular and nonvascular diseases are also discussed.
Nutraceuticals in Cardiovascular Prevention: Lessons from Studies on Endothelial Function
Authors: Zuchi Cinzia , Ambrosio Giuseppe , Lüscher Thomas F. , Landmesser Ulf
Published: June 2010

An “unhealthy” diet is considered as a main cause of increased atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the industrialized countries. There is a substantial interest in the potential cardiovascular protective effects of “nutraceuticals,” that is food‐derived substances that exert beneficial health effects. The correct understanding of cardiovascular effects of these compounds will have important implications for cardiovascular prevention strategies. Endothelial dysfunction is thought to play an important role in development and progression of atherosclerosis, and the characterization of the endothelial effects of several nutraceuticals may provide important insights into their potential role in cardiovascular prevention. At the same time, the analysis of the endothelial effects of nutraceuticals may also provide valuable insights into mechanisms of why certain nutraceuticals may not be effective in cardiovascular prevention, and it may aid in the identification of food‐derived substances that may have detrimental cardiovascular effects. These findings further support the notion that nutraceuticals do need support from large clinical outcome trials with respect to their efficacy and safety profile for cardiovascular prevention, before their widespread use can be recommended. In fact, the term nutraceutical was coined to encourage an extensive and profound research activity in this field, and numerous large‐scale clinical outcome trials to examine the effects of nutraceuticals on cardiovascular events have now been performed or are still ongoing. Whereas it is possible that single nutraceuticals may be effective in cardiovascular prevention, this field of research provides also valuable insights into which food components may be particularly important for cardiovascular prevention, to further advice the composition of a particularly healthy diet. The present review summarizes recent studies on the endothelial effects of several nutraceuticals, that have been intensely studied.
Dyslipidemia in Chronic Kidney Disease: Are Statins Still Indicated in Reduction Cardiovascular Risk in Patients on Dialysis Treatment?
Authors: Scarpioni Roberto , Ricardi Marco , Melfa Luigi , Cristinelli Luciano
Published: June 2010

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an increasingly health disease all around the world with a high burden of mortality and cardiovascular (CV) morbidity rate. Even when renal replacement therapy is reached, more than half patients die, mainly for CV causes due either to uremia‐related cardiovascular risk factors (such as anemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, mineral bone disease–CKD with hyperparathyroidism, oxidative stress, hypoalbuminemia, chronic inflammation, prothrombotic factors) or to traditional ones (age, male gender, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, smoking, insulin levels, family history, dyslipidemia). Among the latter causes dyslipidemia represents one of the major, potentially correctable risk factor. Methods and Results: Statins have demonstrated to effectively and safely reduce cholesterol levels in CKD patients. Here we will examine the effects of statins on CV risk factors in CKD patients and particularly in patients on dialysis treatment, in the light of the unfavorable results of the large trials 4D and AURORA, recently published, underlining the role of malnutrition/inflammation as confounding factor. Probably it will be that only with a real prevention, starting statins even in the early stages of CKD, as indicated by post hoc analysis of large trials, that we will reach results in reducing the mortality rate in CKD patients. In the meanwhile, all the other remediable CV risk factors have to be at the same time corrected.
Nutraceuticals in the Early Infancy
Authors: Pignatelli Pasquale , Basili Stefania
Published: June 2010

Atherosclerosis disease and its extent in childhood correlate positively with established risk factors, namely obesity, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. The safety and efficacy of some dietary interventions to modulate risk factors in childhood are documented by an increasing body of evidence. The present review analyzes nutritional and nutraceutical current strategies addressed to modify some risk factors of atherosclerosis in childhood. In particular, studies concerning nutrients such as fibers, omega‐3‐fatty acids, vitamin D, antioxidants, and calcium have been evaluated. An overall analysis suggests that some nutraceuticals might represent an attractive tool to lower the development of atherosclerotic‐related cardiovascular complication in children. Nevertheless, at this moment, due to the methodological weakness that characterizes the majority of the analyzed studies, nutrients or supplements should not be considered as a therapeutic tool potentially usable for clinical purpose in children at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Effects of Exogenous Agents on Brain Development: Stress, Abuse and Therapeutic Compounds
Authors: Archer Trevor
Published: June 2010

The range of exogenous agents likely to affect, generally detrimentally, the normal development of the brain and central nervous system defies estimation although the amount of accumulated evidence is enormous. The present review is limited to certain types of chemotherapeutic and “use‐and‐abuse” compounds and environmental agents, exemplified by anesthetic, antiepileptic, sleep‐inducing and anxiolytic compounds, nicotine and alcohol, and stress as well as agents of infection; each of these agents have been investigated quite extensively and have been shown to contribute to the etiopathogenesis of serious neuropsychiatric disorders. To greater or lesser extent, all of the exogenous agents discussed in the present treatise have been investigated for their influence upon neurodevelopmental processes during the period of the brain growth spurt and during other phases uptill adulthood, thereby maintaining the notion of critical phases for the outcome of treatment whether prenatal, postnatal, or adolescent. Several of these agents have contributed to the developmental disruptions underlying structural and functional brain abnormalities that are observed in the symptom and biomarker profiles of the schizophrenia spectrum disorders and the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. In each case, the effects of the exogenous agents upon the status of the affected brain, within defined parameters and conditions, is generally permanent and irreversible.
The Role of Tau in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders
Authors: Medeiros Rodrigo , Baglietto‐Vargas David , LaFerla Frank M.
Published: June 2010

Tau, the microtubule‐associated protein, forms insoluble filaments that accumulate as neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related tauopathies. Under physiological conditions, tau regulates the assembly and maintenance of the structural stability of microtubules. In the diseased brain, however, tau becomes abnormally hyperphosphorylated, which ultimately causes the microtubules to disassemble, and the free tau molecules aggregate into paired helical filaments. A large body of evidence suggests that tau hyperphosphorylation results from perturbation of cellular signaling, mainly through imbalance in the activities of different protein kinases and phosphatases. In AD, it appears that ß‐amyloid peptide (Aß) plays a pivotal role in triggering this imbalance. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the role of tau in AD and other tauopathies, and highlight key issues that need to be addressed to improve the success of developing novel therapies.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Morphometric evaluation for relationship of atherosclerosis developed in coronary and peripheral muscular arteries: An autopsy study
Authors: Jeong Seong Muk , Lee Jung Hee , Park Won Young , Lee Chang Hun , Park Do Youn , Kim Kwang Hoon , Jo Gam Rae , Lee Sang Yong , Huh Gi Yeong
Published: June 2010

Background and aims: Atherosclerosis is a systemic disorder that develops in any blood vessel of the body. Atherosclerosis can result in fatal complications such as myocardial infarction or stroke. The aim of this study was to compare the severity of atherosclerosis between the coronary arteries and other peripheral arteries. To our knowledge, no such morphometric tissue studies through autopsy samples so far are available in Korea. Methods: The left anterior descending artery, right coronary artery and bilateral carotid, renal and femoral arteries were obtained from 50 autopsies during the period from June to October 2008. Detailed gross examination of the each arteries was performed to look for the most severe site of luminal narrowing. Results: There was a significant correlation between the maximal carotid artery intima‐media thickness and the largest plaque area of the coronary artery (P < 0.05). However, some discordant cases were also noted. Seven cases had more severe coronary atherosclerosis compared to the carotid artery. Conclusions: The careful examination of peripheral arteries including the carotid artery can be helpful in clinical prediction of coronary artery disease. However, such prediction should include other risk factors such as age, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia and other relevant clinical conditions.
NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 Pro187Ser polymorphism and the risk of lung cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Cheng , Yin Zhi‐Hua , Guan Peng , Li Xue‐Lian , Zhou Bao‐Sen
Published: June 2010

Background:  NAD(P)H:quinine oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is a two‐electron reductase that catalyzes quinine to hydroquinone. Variant genotypes of NQO1 Pro187Ser may be related to low enzyme activity and thus are suggested as affecting the risk of lung cancer. Our purpose was to study the NQO1 Pro187Ser polymorphism and the risk of lung cancer.

Methods:  We conducted a PubMed search and a China National Knowledge Infrastructure search using “NAD(P)H quinine reductase 1” ,”lung cancer”, and “ polymorphism” for articles published from January 1997 to March 2010. For each study, we calculated the crude odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for lung cancer. Summary estimates for crude as well as adjusted OR were calculated with the statistical program stata.

Results:  The summary OR for carrying one variant allele and the homozygous variant genotype was 1.04 (95%CI, 0.97–1.13). In the Asian population, the summary OR for carrying one variant genotype was 1.09 (95%CI, 0.95–1.25).

Conclusions:  Through our meta‐analysis, we found that the Pro/Ser and Ser/Ser genotypes involving NQO1 were non‐significantly associated with lung cancer. In the Asian population, the combined genotype was marginally associated with increased risk of lung cancer. When stratified on gender and smoking, the meta‐analysis showed that there was no statistically significant difference between men and women, smokers and non‐smokers, respectively.
Two week induction of interferon‐beta followed by pegylated interferon alpha‐2b and ribavirin for chronic infection with hepatitis C
Authors: Matsui Keiji , Iwabuchi Shogo , Shimizu Hirohito , Yoshida Atsushi , Fujikawa Tomoaki , Takatsuka Kentaro
Published: June 2010

Objectives:  To elucidate the efficacy of interferon (IFN)‐beta induction therapy followed by pegylated IFN alpha and ribavirin for chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Methods:  Patients chronically infected with HCV genotype 1, high titer were enrolled. Twice daily bolus injections of 3 million units IFN‐beta were administered for 14 days. Thereafter, weekly injection of pegylated IFN alpha 2b and daily intake of ribavirin were followed. Therapy duration was adjusted according to the response to the therapy. When time to an undetectable HCV‐RNA was 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, total duration of therapy was 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 weeks, respectively. Patients who failed to achieve an undetectable HCV‐RNA within 12 weeks discontinued therapy on 12 week.

Results:  Among the 101 patients treated, 56 (55.4%) achieved sustained virological response (SVR). SVR rate for each treatment duration was 10/10 for 12 weeks, 12/14 for 24 weeks, 18/19 for 36 weeks, 15/26 for 48 weeks, 1/4 for 60 weeks and 0/28 for patients who discontinued therapy at 12 weeks. Mean time to an undetectable HCV‐RNA was 35.5 ± 2.7 days. Mean therapy duration was 27.3 ± 1.4 weeks. Using a cut off value of 21.5 fmol/L of HCV core‐antigen in the first week, SVR could be predicted by sensitivity of 0.91 and specificity of 0.78.

Conclusion:  IFN‐beta induction therapy resulted in acceptable SVR rates despite short therapy duration. Steep reduction of HCV by IFN‐beta enables us to predict SVR in the first week of therapy.
An Investigation of the Transferability of Design Management Education from the UK to China
Authors: Ashton Philippa , Deng Jian Ye
Published: June 2010

An Design management has not previously been taught in China and many of the new courses are imported from the West. However, differences in culture, education system, and economic need make the transfer complex, thus requiring interpretation, as well as translation. This paper aims to explore the nature of problems and challenges faced in design management education when transferring from the UK to China. It will also present a program of research set up to explore these issues.

The transfer of educational programs to a culturally different context must consider both the curriculum and the teaching and learning methods of participants. In the case of education that aims to prepare graduates for industry, the structure and needs of the employer must also be considered. There is already much written about the transfer of management education from West to East, and although this knowledge should inform our study of design management education in China, the discipline has additional aspects that may be culturally sensitive. From existing literature, this paper presents key issues relating to curriculum and teaching and learning that need to be taken into account when developing new courses.

The findings from a research project described in this paper are expected to provide groundwork for the development of design management education as an enabling discipline. It will also provide a better understanding of cultural aspects of design management provision, question Western paradigms, and assist in an understanding of the transfer of curriculum across cultural boundaries.
The Role of Design in the Development of the Made in Italy Brand in China
Authors: Bianchini Massimo , Parente Marina
Published: June 2010

Nowadays, the world‐wide globalization process has brought a new economic and production scene and a different economic geography. The progressive liberalization and deregulation of markets, together with the ICT development have led to the birth of a New Economy. This new context is defined by a high level of competition, by the reduction of production costs, and by the use of intangible assets to create value‐added products and services. The Western industrial systems—both of which lead to or have endured this change—and the new Eastern ones—generating competitive advantage from globalization opportunities—now coexist and compete with each other.

This paper presents the results of two studies led by DesignFocus1 in 2005 on a sample of SMEs that trade in China. The goal was to identify critical areas and opportunities within which design can develop policies, strategies, and tools to consolidate or renew the Made in Italy brand on new worldwide markets; these should stimulate innovation processes so that both Italian SMEs and government are able to promote the Made in Italy system in China and in other emerging markets.
Toward the Management of Design Creativity: Personal Creativity Modes, Design Activity, and Team Interaction
Authors: Kim Yong Se , Kim Myung Sook , Wilde Douglass J.
Published: June 2010

Cognitive preferences can be related to the creativity required for design tasks. In this paper, personal creativity modes are described from a cognitive preference theory perspective, and the design activity characteristics related to personal creativity modes are identified. Personal creativity modes are further explained using the way individuals in design teams perceive their own characteristics. In addition, the nature of team interaction is analyzed and compared using a design team of students of diverse personal creativity modes and a design team of students with similar modes. From this, we conclude that design team creativity can be constructed and managed by exploiting the personal creativity modes of team members.
Correlation of Global Warming Potential and Atmospheric Life Times of Halocarbons
Authors: Sharma Suman Kumar
Published: June 2010

Sustainability of life form on the earth is a major concern of every nation, which stems from the continued global warming trend, which has become a major policy, political, and economic issue. Global warming is the most important challenge thrown by the human activities largely due to rapid pace of industrialization in the twenty first century. The impact is likely to extend to next few centuries and unless controlled there would be irrevocable damage to the life form on this planet. Human made halocarbons have a high global warming potential, and some still have the potential to cause damage to the ozone layer as well if released to the atmosphere. The implications of global warming have far-reaching effects beyond the imagination of common person. Rise in global temperature, rise in sea level, food shortages, large scale spread of diseases & infections, catastrophic economic consequences and colossal loss of bio-diversity are some of the major implications of global warming trend. Although many methods are in vogue for comparison of impact of global warming of different compounds, yet the concept of Global warming potential with reference to Carbon dioxide is the simplest one and is widely used. An endeavor has been made in this paper to correlate and develop empirical relations of global warming potential and atmospheric lifetimes of Halocarbons. A new parameter Glife has been evolved for this purpose.
Performance Analysis for Mechanical Draft Cooling Tower
Authors: Lee Si Y. , Bollinger James S. , Garrett Alfred J. , Koffman Larry D.
Published: June 2010

Industrial processes use mechanical draft cooling towers (MDCT’s) to dissipate waste heat by transferring heat from water to air via evaporative cooling, which causes air humidification. The Savannah River Site (SRS) has cross-flow and counter-current MDCT’s consisting of four independent compartments called cells. Each cell has its own fan to help maximize heat transfer between ambient air and circulated water. The primary objective of the work is to simulate the cooling tower performance for the counter-current cooling tower and to conduct a parametric study under different fan speeds and ambient air conditions. The Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) developed a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model and performed the benchmarking analysis against the integral measurement results to accomplish the objective. The model uses three-dimensional steady-state momentum, continuity equations, air-vapor species balance equation, and two-equation turbulence as the basic governing equations. It was assumed that vapor phase is always transported by the continuous air phase with no slip velocity. In this case, water droplet component was considered as discrete phase for the interfacial heat and mass transfer via Lagrangian approach. Thus, the air-vapor mixture model with discrete water droplet phase is used for the analysis. A series of parametric calculations was performed to investigate the impact of wind speeds and ambient conditions on the thermal performance of the cooling tower when fans were operating and when they were turned off. The model was also benchmarked against the literature data and the SRS integral test results for key parameters such as air temperature and humidity at the tower exit and water temperature for given ambient conditions. Detailed results will be published here.