bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo gene expression in granulosa cells during pig terminal follicular development
Authors: Bonnet A , Lê Cao K A , SanCristobal M , Benne F , Robert-Granié C , Law-So G , Fabre S , Besse P , De Billy E , Quesnel H , Hatey F , Tosser-Klopp G
Published: May 2008

Ovarian antral follicular development is clearly dependent on pituitary gonadotrophins FSH and LH. Although the endocrine mechanism that controls ovarian folliculogenesis leading to ovulation is quite well understood, the detailed mechanisms and molecular determinants in the different follicular compartments remain to be clarified. The aim of this study was to identify the genes differentially expressed in pig granulosa cells along the terminal ovarian follicle growth, to gain a comprehensive view of these molecular mechanisms. First, we developed a specific micro-array using cDNAs from suppression subtractive hybridization libraries (345 contigs) obtained by comparison of three follicle size classes: small, medium and large antral healthy follicles. In a second step, a transcriptomic analysis using cDNA probes from these three follicle classes identified 79 differentially expressed transcripts along the terminal follicular growth and 26 predictive genes of size classes. The differential expression of 18 genes has been controlled using real-time PCR experiments validating the micro-array analysis. Finally, the integration of the data using Ingenuity Pathways Analysis identified five gene networks providing descriptive elements of the terminal follicular development. Specifically, we observed: (1) the down-expression of ribosomal protein genes, (2) the genes involved in lipid metabolism and (3) the down-expression of cell morphology and ion-binding genes. In conclusion, this study gives new insight into the gene expression during pig terminal follicular growth in vivo and suggested, in particular, a morphological change in pig granulosa cells accompanying terminal follicular growth.
Sequential exposure of porcine cumulus cells to FSH and/or LH is critical for appropriate expression of steroidogenic and ovulation-related genes that impact oocyte maturation in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Kawashima Ikkou , Okazaki Tetsuji , Noma Noritaka , Nishibori Masahide , Yamashita Yasuhisa , Shimada Masayuki
Published: May 2008

In this study, we collected follicular fluid, granulosa cells, and cumulus cells from antral follicles at specific time intervals following equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment of gilts. The treatment with eCG increased the production of estrogen coordinately with up-regulated proliferation of granulosa and cumulus cells. eCG also induced the expression of LHCGR and PGR in cumulus cells and progesterone accumulation was detected in follicular fluid prior to the LH/hCG surge. Moreover, progesterone and progesterone receptor (PGR) were critical for FSH-induced LHCGR expression in cumulus cells in culture. The expression of LHCGR mRNA in cumulus cells was associated with the ability of LH to induce prostaglandin production, release of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like factors, and a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin-like repeats 1 expression, promoting cumulus cell oocyte complexes (COCs) expansion and oocyte maturation. Based on the unique expression and regulation of PGR and LHCGR in cumulus cells, we designed a novel porcine COCs culture system in which hormones were added sequentially to mimic changes observed in vivo. Specifically, COCs from small antral follicles were pre-cultured with FSH and estradiol for 10 h at which time progesterone was added for another 10 h. After 20 h, COCs were moved to fresh medium containing LH, EGF, and progesterone. The oocytes matured in this revised COC culture system exhibited greater developmental competence to blastocyst stage. From these results, we conclude that to achieve optimal COC expansion and oocyte maturation in culture the unique gene expression patterns in cumulus cells of each species need to be characterized and used to increase the effectiveness of hormone stimulation.
A Rapid Solution to Align the Severely Malpositioned Premaxilla in Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients
Authors: Vachiramon Amornpong T. , Groper John N. , Gamer Simon
Published: May 2008

Objective:

To describe a laboratory modification of the maxillary cast to make an improved nasoalveolar molding plate used in presurgical orthopedics for infants with bilateral cleft lip and palate.

Conclusions:

Modifying the nasoalveolar molding plate may reduce the presurgical treatment time for the bilateral cleft lip and palate patient.
Family-Based Association Study of the MTHFR Polymorphism C677T in Patients with Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and Palate from Central Europe
Authors: Reutter Heiko , Birnbaum Stefanie , Lacava Amalia Diaz , Mende Meinhard , Henschke Henning , Bergé Stefaan , Braumann Bert , Lauster Carola , Schiefke Franziska , Wenghoefer Matthias , Saffar Mitra , Reich Rudolf , Scheer Martin , Kramer Franz-Josef , Knapp Michael , Mangold Elisabeth
Published: May 2008

Objective:

The 677C→T allele in the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene has been implicated in the etiology of nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate (CL/P). This study involved a family-based association study of the MTHFR polymorphism.

Patients/participants:

We examined 181 patients with CL/P of central European descent and their parents for this variant.

Results:

The transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) did not confirm an association between the MTHFR 677C→T polymorphism and nonsyndromic CL/P as previously suggested (p = .36). When comparing the offspring of mothers with periconceptional use of folate to those without, no statistically significant differences were found (p = .708).

Conclusion:

Our data suggest that the MTHFR 677C→T polymorphism does not make a major contribution to the occurrence of CL/P among central Europeans.
Validity and Reliability of Craniofacial Anthropometric Measurement of 3D Digital Photogrammetric Images
Authors: Wong Julielynn Y. , Oh Albert K. , Ohta Eiichi , Hunt Anne T. , Rogers Gary F. , Mulliken John B. , Deutsch Curtis K.
Published: May 2008

Background:

Direct anthropometry performed during a patient examination is the standard technique for quantifying craniofacial dysmorphology, as well as for surgical planning and outcome assessment. Several new technologies have been designed to computerize anthropometric measurements, including three-dimensional (3D) digital photogrammetry. These digital systems have the advantage of acquiring patient craniofacial surface images quickly and noninvasively. Before morphometry using digital photogrammetry can be applied in clinical and research practice, it must be assessed against direct anthropometry.

Objective:

To evaluate the validity and reliability of facial anthropometric linear distances imaged by 3D digital photogrammetry with respect to direct anthropometry.

Design, Setting, Participants, Measures:

Standard craniofacial distances were directly measured twice on 20 normal adult volunteers. Craniofacial surfaces were also imaged using the 3dMDface digital photogrammetry system, and distances were digitally measured twice for each subject. Validity measures of accuracy and bias (for direct versus digital measurements) and reproducibility measures of precision and test-retest reliability (for repeated sets of digital measurements) were computed.

Results:

Seventeen of the 18 direct measurements correlated highly with digital values (mean r = 0.88). The correlation for one measurement (upper prolabial width) was not statistically significant. The overall precision of all 17 digital measurements was less than 1 mm, and the reliability was high (mean r = 0.91).

Conclusions:

Craniofacial anthropometry using the 3dMDface System is valid and reliable. Digital measurements of upper prolabial width may require direct marking, prior to imaging, to improve landmark identification.
Mandibular Morphology and Spatial Position following One-Stage Simultaneous Repair of Complete Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Fudalej Piotr , Obloj Barbara , Dudkiewicz Zofia , Hortis-Dzierzbicka Maria
Published: May 2008

Objective:

To assess mandibular structure and spatial position following one-stage simultaneous repair of the unilateral cleft lip and palate.

Design:

Forty boys and 17 girls with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate who underwent one-stage simultaneous repair of the cleft by the same surgeon at the age of 9.23 months (standard deviation  =  1.74) were selected. Lateral cephalograms taken at the age of approximately 10 years were analyzed and were compared with a sex- and age-matched control group that consisted of individuals with Angle Class I, no crossbite, positive overbite <5 mm, mild crowding (Incisor Irregularity Index <3.5 mm), and harmonious facial build.

Results:

No intergroup differences were demonstrated regarding structure of the cranial base. The mandible was found to be retruded and at a larger inclination to the cranial base as compared with controls. Both total mandibular length (ArGn) and length of the mandibular body were larger in the control group, at <2 mm. Height of the ramus and gonial angle were similar in both groups. Intergender comparison showed few significant differences in control subjects only (SN, SGo, and NMe variables).

Conclusions:

The mandible, following a one-stage simultaneous repair of cleft, was found to be retrusive, and the length of mandibular body was <2 mm shorter than that of the controls.
Long-Term Treatment Effectiveness of Molding Helmet Therapy in the Correction of Posterior Deformational Plagiocephaly: A Five-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Lee Robert P. , Teichgraeber John F. , Baumgartner James E. , Waller Amy L. , English Jeryl D. , Lasky Robert E. , Miller Charles C. , Gateno Jaime , Xia James J.
Published: May 2008

Objective:

To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of helmet therapy in the correction of deformational plagiocephaly and to assess the early occlusal abnormalities seen in these patients.

Design:

A prospective study with blinded measurements.

Patients:

Twenty-eight patients with deformational plagiocephaly who were treated with molding helmet therapy with at least 5 years of follow-up.

Interventions:

The average length of molding helmet treatment was 6.2 months. At the time of this follow-up evaluation, the mean interval since completing the molding helmet therapy was 5.6 years.

Main Outcome Measures:

Anthropometric measurements of cranial asymmetry included cranial vault asymmetry (CVA), orbitotragial depth asymmetry (OTDA), and cranial base asymmetry (CBA). A dental examination was also performed.

Results:

At the completion of therapy, the most improvement was seen in the measurement of CBA, followed by CVA and OTDA. However, in evaluating the long-term stability of molding treatment, OTDA tended to continue improving after the initial treatment, while CBA and CVA appeared to regress, although none of the changes reached statistically significant levels. In dental measurements, all the dental midline and chin deviations were toward the unaffected side with respect to occipital deformation.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated that helmet remodeling with the dynamic orthotic cranioplasty band is effective in the correction of cranial asymmetry, with some nonstatistically significant changes in long-term cranial vault symmetry. Dental observations indicated the possibility of occlusal abnormalities that may affect dental, especially orthodontic, diagnosis and teatment planning.
Surgically Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion in Two Cases of Osteopathia Striata with Cranial Sclerosis
Authors: Koudstaal M. J. , Wolvius E. B. , Ongkosuwito E. M. , van der Wal K. G. H.
Published: May 2008

Osteopathia striata with cranial sclerosis (OS-CS) is a rare skeletal dysplasia characterized by linear striations of the long bones, osteosclerosis of the cranium, and extraskeletal anomalies. Osteosclerosis of the cranial and facial bones can lead to disfigurement and to disability due to the pressure on the cranial nerves. We report two cases of OS-CS where surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion was performed for widening the extremely narrow maxilla. One should be aware of the disease-related problems and the possible complications that might occur with this type of patient.
Combined Fmri and MRI Movie in the Evaluation of Articulation in Subjects with and without Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Sato-Wakabayashi Michiru , Inoue-Arai Maristela Sayuri , Ono Takashi , Honda Ei-ichi , Kurabayashi Tohru , Moriyama Keiji
Published: May 2008

Objective:

This study was undertaken to explore the application of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and MRI movies in the evaluation of articulatory function in subjects with and without cleft lip and palate (CLP).

Design:

The authors examined brain activation and the dynamic movement of articulators during bilabial and velar plosives using fMRI and MRI movies.

Subjects:

Two subjects, one with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and one with bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP), and 12 non-CLP volunteers.

Results:

Activation foci were found in the precentral gyrus, thalamus, and cerebellum in non-CLP volunteers. In comparison, similar regions were activated in the UCLP subject during both plosives, whereas the regions activated in the BCLP subject were different, particularly during the velar plosive. The dynamic movement of articulators in the UCLP subject was comparable to that in a non-CLP volunteer but different from that in the BCLP subject.

Conclusions:

The results suggest that these two MRI modalities may be a promising evaluation methodology for articulatory function in CLP from central and peripheral perspectives.
Möbius Syndrome: A Case with Oral Involvement
Authors: Scarpelli Ana Carolina , Vertchenko Tatiana Brener , Resende Vera Lucia Silva , Castilho Lia Silva , Paiva Saul Martins , Pordeus Isabela Almeida
Published: May 2008

Möbius syndrome is a rare congenital condition that is characterized clinically by paralysis of a group of cranial nerves. It presents diverse manifestations that can have negative repercussions on the quality of life of affected individuals. This article presents a clinical case of a child with the syndrome and addressed the clinical manifestations and difficulties experienced during dental treatment. Knowledge of the etiopathological aspects and clinical manifestations of the condition is essential to perfecting treatments that aim to improve the quality of life of such individuals and their families.
Derivation of Euploid Human Embryonic Stem Cells from Aneuploid Embryos
Authors: Lavon Neta , Narwani Kavita , Golan-Lev Tamar , Buehler Nicole , Hill David , Benvenisty Nissim
Published: May 2008

Human embryonic stem cells (HESCs) are pluripotent cells derived from the inner cell mass of preimplantation embryos. In this study, to isolate new lines of HESCs, we used blastocyst-stage embryos diagnosed as aneuploid in preimplantation genetic screening (PGS). During in vitro fertilization treatments, PGS is widely applied to identify chromosomal aneuploidies, especially in cases of advanced maternal age. Embryos that are detected as carrying aneuploidies are destined to be discarded unless donated for research. From 74 fresh PGS-defined aneuploid embryos, we derived seven HESC lines. Most of the embryos were left to hatch spontaneously through the hole created for blastomere biopsy and further treated by immunosurgery. The seven HESC lines exhibited morphology and markers typical of HESCs and the capacity for long-term proliferation. The derived HESC lines manifested pluripotent differentiation potential both in vivo and in vitro. Surprisingly, karyotype analysis of the HESC lines that were derived from these aneuploid embryos showed that the cell lines carry a normal euploid karyotype. We show that the euploidy was not achieved through chromosome duplication. Alternatively, we suggest that the euploid HESC lines originated from mosaic embryos consisting of aneuploid and euploid cells, and in vitro selection occurred to favor euploid cells. We assume that aneuploid HESC lines could be isolated mostly from embryos that are uniform for the aneuploidy. These results led us to conclude that the aneuploid mosaic embryos that are destined to be discarded can serve as an alternative source for normal euploid HESC lines.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Immunohistochemical detection, regulation and antiproliferative function of G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 in thyroid carcinomas
Authors: Métayé Thierry , Levillain Pierre , Kraimps Jean-Louis , Perdrisot Rémy
Published: May 2008

TSH, via its G-protein-coupled receptor, activates cell growth of both benign and malignant thyroid tumors. G-protein-coupled receptors (GR) kinase 2 (GRK2) has been reported to regulate the TSH receptor but its role in cancer is unknown. To determine a possible function for GRK2 in the growth process of thyroid cancers, we analysed its expression in normal and tumoral thyroid tissues and studied thyroid cancer cell line proliferation after GRK2 overexpression. Thirty one thyroid tissues, including 16 non-medullary thyroid cancers and 15 adjacent normal tissues, were analysed by immunohistochemistry. Five paired tissues were also studied by western blotting for the GRK2 enzymatic activity. Immunohistochemical staining showed an increase in GRK2 in thyroid cancers including papillary, follicular, and anaplastic types, compared with their adjacent normal tissues. Immunoblot analysis and GRK2 enzymatic activity measurement confirmed immunohistochemical study. TSH and TSH in association with insulin or IGF-I stimulated GRK2 protein accumulation in normal human thyroid cells in primary culture. The TSH effect on the GRK2 expression was mimicked by forskolin. After GRK2 overexpression in two poorly differentiated thyroid cell lines, all the clones showed a significant reduction in cell proliferation, ranging from 28 to 65% inhibition compared with vector alone after 96-h culture. In conclusion, thyroid mitogenic factor-stimulated GRK2 accumulation may explain, in part, high GRK2 levels in differentiated carcinoma, because TSH, insulin, or IGF-I is known to be involved in the thyroid cancer progression. Surprisingly, instead of stimulating, GRK2 reduced cell proliferation revealing a new role for this kinase in the growth of thyroid cancers.
Expression of paralogs of cytochrome P45021a1 pseudogene (Cyp21a1-ps) and endogenous retrovirus SC1 (SC1) in the rat ovary during the ovulatory process
Authors: Espey Lawrence L , Garcia Rebecca A , Kondo Haruhiro , Ishizuka Bunpei , Yoshioka Shinya , Fujii Shingo , Hampton Stephen , Richards JoAnne S
Published: May 2008

This study assesses the relatively high incidence of the expression of paralogs of several pseudogenes within the cascade of expression of functional genes in the rat ovary in response to an ovulation-stimulating dose of gonadotropin. Immature Wistar rats were primed with 10 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin subcutaneously, and 48 h later the 12-h ovulatory process was initiated by 10 IU hCG subcutaneously. Ovarian RNA was extracted at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h after injecting the animals with hCG. The RNA extracts were used for RT-PCR differential display to detect gene expression in the ovarian tissue. Sequence analyses of differentially expressed cDNAs revealed that ∼27% (i.e. 22/82 clones) of the transcripts were fragments of paralogs of known pseudogenes. Out of the 22 clones reported here, 12 have high sequence similarity to the cytochrome P450 pseudogene Cyp21a1-ps, and 5 have high sequence similarity to both the Cyp21a1-ps and the aldo-keto reductase gene Akr1c6. The remaining five clones were paralogs of the endogenous retrovirus SC1 that has heavily infested the rat genome. Northern analyses reveal that peak expression of all the 22 paralogs occurs at 4–8 h into the ovulatory process. In situ hybridization shows that expression of these pseudogenes is primarily in the granulosa layer of ovulatory follicles. In summary, the results reveal that ovarian expression of Cyp21a1-ps- and SC1-like pseudogenes occurs concurrently with the ovulatory process.
Mechanical and Repeated Antimicrobial Therapy Using a Local Drug Delivery System in the Treatment of Peri‐Implantitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Renvert Stefan , Lessem Jan , Dahlén Gunnar , Renvert Helena , Lindahl Christel
Published: May 2008

Background: Peri‐implantitis is an inflammatory process caused by microorganisms affecting the tissues around an osseointegrated implant in function, resulting in a loss of supporting bone. Limited data exist regarding the treatment of peri‐implantitis. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and microbiologic outcome of repeated local administration of minocycline microspheres, 1 mg, in cases of peri‐implantitis.

Methods: Thirty‐two subjects with at least one implant with a probing depth ≥4 mm combined with bleeding and/or exudate on probing and the presence of putative pathogenic bacteria were included in the study. At baseline, subjects were randomly assigned to receive local minocycline microspheres (17 subjects and 57 implants) or chlorhexidine gel (15 subjects and 38 implants) following debridement. Treatments were performed on three occasions: baseline and days 30 and 90. Follow‐up examinations were conducted at 10 days and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.

Results: The use of minocycline resulted in significant improvements in probing depths compared to chlorhexidine at days 30, 90, and 180 (P = 0.5, P = 0.01, and P = 0.04, respectively). For the deepest sites of the minocycline‐treated implants, the mean probing depth reduction was 0.6 mm at 12 months. Regarding bleeding on probing, significant differences between groups, based on all four sites at the implants, were found at days 30, 90, 180, 270, and 360. Both treatments resulted in a marked reduction in the indicator bacteria.

Conclusions: The use of a repeated local antibiotic as an adjunct to the mechanical treatment of peri‐implantitis lesions demonstrated improvements in probing depths that were significantly different from controls and were sustained for 6 months. The adjunctive use of minocycline microspheres is beneficial in the treatment of peri‐implant lesions, but the treatment may have to be repeated.
The Evaluation of Cystatin C, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α Levels in Total Saliva and Gingival Crevicular Fluid From 11‐ to 16‐Year‐Old Children
Authors: Ülker A. Evren , Tulunoglu Özlem , Özmeric Nurdan , Can Murat , Demirtas Selda
Published: May 2008

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of cystatin C, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) in the total saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of periodontally healthy children (PHC) and children with gingivitis (CG) who were between 11 and 16 years old.

Methods: The study was carried out with 10 PHC and 25 CG. Unstimulated total saliva and GCF samples were obtained. Clinical parameters, including probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and gingival bleeding index (GBI), were assessed. GCF samples were collected from four maxillary upper incisors. After sampling, biochemical analyses were performed using latex particle–enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay for cystatin C and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for IL‐1β and TNF‐α. The multivariate analysis of variance test was used for statistical evaluation.

Results: In total saliva, cystatin C and TNF‐α levels were higher in PHC, and IL‐1β levels were higher in CG, but the differences were not statistically significant. In GCF, cystatin C levels were higher in PHC (P >0.05), whereas TNF‐α and IL‐1β levels were higher in CG (P >0.05). In the CG group, there were positive correlations between the GCF cystatin C level and the PI of the sampled site (r = 0.488; P <0.05); also, GCF IL‐1β (r = 0.603; P <0.05) and TNF‐α (r = 0.456; P <0.05) levels were positively correlated with PD and CAL. For the whole mouth and the sampled sites, PI, GI, GBI, PD, and CAL values were higher in CG (P <0.05), but no significant differences were detected between GCF volumes of the two groups.

Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first evaluation of cystatin C in the gingival disease mechanism in children. Our results showed that total saliva and GCF cystatin C levels were higher in PHC (P >0.05), but there was no correlation between cystatin C levels and IL‐1β or TNF‐α levels in total saliva or GCF.
Histologic Observation of Soft Tissue Acquired From Maxillary Tuberosity Area for Root Coverage
Authors: Jung Ui‐Won , Um Yoo‐Jung , Choi Seong‐Ho
Published: May 2008

Background: The palatal area has been the major donor site for obtaining connective tissue for root‐coverage procedures. This study evaluated the long‐term outcome of using a gingival cuff from the maxillary tuberosity area as a donor site for root coverage procedures.

Methods: Case 1: A 26‐year‐old female patient complaining of tooth hypersensitivity and gingival recession on the maxillary left canine was treated with root coverage using a pouch technique. A connective tissue graft was obtained from the gingival cuff of the maxillary tuberosity area. An additional gingivectomy was performed at 3 months after surgery to trim the bulk of the grafted tissue. Regular recall check‐up visits, including oral hygiene maintenance, occurred every 6 months. The patient was followed for 35 months after surgery. Case 2: A 24‐year‐old female patient with a chief complaint of tooth hypersensitivity and multiple areas of gingival recession in the maxilla was treated with a pouch and semilunar technique. The patient was treated with the same surgical protocol as in case 1. The patient was followed for 31 months after surgery.

Results: Full coverage was achieved in both cases with uneventful healing. The gingival biotype changed from a thin scalloped biotype to a thick flat biotype, and the overall color match was successful. The histologic findings of case 1 revealed good adaptation of the grafted tissue with continuous epithelial lining into the recipient site. The grafted tissue remained consistently stable with no change in the probing depths.

Conclusion: The long‐term evaluation of root coverage with a gingival cuff of the maxillary tuberosity area showed it to be an easier method than obtaining the graft from palatal masticatory mucosa, with a highly predictable prognosis.
Gingival Contour Assessment: Clinical Parameters Useful for Esthetic Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Charruel Sylvain , Perez Christophe , Foti Bruno , Camps Jean , Monnet‐Corti Virginie
Published: May 2008

Background: The purposes of this study were to quantify some clinical parameters that are useful as esthetic guidelines when the gingival contour is modified and to compare the left and right sides of the six maxillary anterior teeth.

Methods: Maxillary casts mounted on an articulator according to the axis orbital plane were photographed from 103 young adults. The angle formed between the gingival line and the maxillary midline (GLA) and the distance between the gingival zenith of the lateral incisor and the gingival line (LID) were measured. The asymmetry was evaluated using a paired t test for the left versus right measurements of GLA and LID. The descriptive statistics for GLA and LID were calculated.

Results: The GLA measurements of the left side (86.5° ± 5.1°) were significantly greater than those of the right side (85.2° ± 4.9°), and the mean absolute asymmetry for GLA was 4.1° ± 3.0°. The mean LID measurement was 0.68 ± 0.52 mm.

Conclusions: The gingival zenith of the canine is apical to the gingival zenith of the incisors (GLA <90°), and the gingival zenith of the lateral incisor is below (81.1%) or on (15%) the gingival line when the head is oriented in the axis orbital plane. A directional asymmetry was shown, with the right side higher than the left side. Along with other parameters related to dental esthetics, these clinical parameters applied to the gingival contours may serve as esthetic guidelines and may enable us to obtain a more predictable esthetic outcome.
Fibronectin Fragmentation Is a Feature of Periodontal Disease Sites and Diabetic Foot and Leg Wounds and Modifies Cell Behavior
Authors: Stanley Corey M. , Wang Yao , Pal Sanjay , Klebe Robert J. , Harkless Lawrence B. , Xu Xiaoping , Chen Zhihua , Steffensen Bjorn
Published: May 2008

Background: Fibronectin (FN) undergoes fragmentation in periodontal disease sites and in poorly healing diabetic wounds. The biologic effects of FN fragments on wound healing remain unresolved. This study characterized the pattern of FN fragmentation and its effects on cellular behavior compared to intact FN.

Methods: Polyclonal antibodies were raised against FN and three defined recombinant segments of FN and used to analyze gingival crevicular fluid from periodontal disease sites in systemically healthy subjects and in subjects with diabetes, as well as chronic leg and foot wound exudates from subjects with diabetes. Subsequently, the behavior of human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) and HT1080 reference cells were analyzed by measuring cell attachment, migration, and chemotaxis in the presence of intact FN or recombinant FN fragments.

Results: FN fragmentation was evident in fluids from periodontal disease sites and diabetic leg and foot wounds. However, no fragmentation pattern distinguished systemically healthy subjects from subjects with diabetes. hGFs and HT1080 cells required significantly higher concentrations of FN fragments to achieve attachment comparable to intact FN. Cells cultured on FN fragments also were morphologically different from cells cultured on full‐length FN. Migration was reduced for hGFs cultured on FN fragments relative to full‐length FN. In contrast, FN fragments increased HT1080 fibrosarcoma cell migration over intact FN.

Conclusions: FN fragmentation is a prominent feature of periodontal and chronic leg and foot wounds in diabetes. Furthermore, cell culture assays confirmed the hypothesis that exposure to defined FN fragments significantly alters cell behavior.
Responses to Iron Limitation inHordeum vulgareL. as Affected by the Atmospheric CO2Concentration
Authors: Haase S. , Rothe A. , Kania A. , Wasaki J. , Römheld V. , Engels C. , Kandeler E. , Neumann G.
Published: May 2008

Elevated atmospheric CO2treatments stimulated biomass production in Fe‐sufficient and Fe‐deficient barley plants, both in hydroponics and in soil culture. Root/shoot biomass ratio was increased in severely Fe‐deficient plants grown in hydroponics but not under moderate Fe limitation in soil culture. Significantly increased biomass production in high CO2treatments, even under severe Fe deficiency in hydroponic culture, indicates an improved internal Fe utilization. Iron deficiency‐induced secretion of PS in 0.5 to 2.5 cm sub‐apical root zones was increased by 74% in response to elevated CO2treatments of barley plants in hydroponics but no PS were detectable in root exudates collected from soil‐grown plants. This may be attributed to suppression of PS release by internal Fe concentrations above the critical level for Fe deficiency, determined at final harvest for soil‐grown barley plants, even without additional Fe supply. However, extremely low concentrations of easily plant‐available Fe in the investigated soil and low Fe seed reserves suggest a contribution of PS‐mediated Fe mobilization from sparingly soluble Fe sources to Fe acquisition of the soil‐grown barley plants during the preceding culture period. Higher Fe contents in shoots (+52%) of plants grown in soil culture without Fe supply under elevated atmospheric CO2concentrations may indicate an increased efficiency for Fe acquisition. No significant influence on diversity and function of rhizosphere‐bacterial communities was detectable in the outer rhizosphere soil (0–3 mm distance from the root surface) by DGGE of 16S rRNA gene fragments and analysis of marker enzyme activities for C‐, N‐, and P‐cycles.
Effect of Liquid Municipal Biosolid Application Method on Tile and Ground Water Quality
Authors: Lapen D. R. , Topp E. , Edwards M. , Sabourin L. , Curnoe W. , Gottschall N. , Bolton P. , Rahman S. , Ball‐Coelho B. , Payne M. , Kleywegt S. , McLaughlin N.
Published: May 2008

This study examined bacteria and nutrient quality in tile drainage and shallow ground water resulting from a fall land application of liquid municipal biosolids (LMB), at field application rates of 93,500 L ha−1, to silt‐clay loam agricultural field plots using two different land application approaches. The land application methods were a one‐pass AerWay SSD approach (A), and surface spreading plus subsequent incorporation (SS). For both treatments, it took between 3 and 39 min for LMB to reach tile drains after land application. The A treatment significantly (p < 0.1) reduced application‐induced LMB contamination of tile drains relative to the SS treatment, as shown by mass loads of total Kjeldahl N (TKN), NH4–N, Total P (TP), PO4–P, E. coli, and Clostridium perfringens. E. coli contamination resulting from application occurred to at least 2.0‐m depth in ground water, but was more notable in ground water immediately beneath tile depth (1.2 m). Treatment ground water concentrations of selected nutrients and bacteria for the study period (∼46 d) at 1.2‐m depth were significantly higher in the treatment plots, relative to control plots. The TKN and TP ground water concentrations at 1.2‐m depth were significantly (p < 0.1) higher for the SS treatment, relative to the A treatment, but there were no significant (p > 0.1) treatment differences for the bacteria. For the macroporous field conditions observed, pre‐tillage by equipment such as the AerWay SSD, will reduce LMB‐induced tile and shallow ground water contamination compared to surface spreading over non‐tilled soil, followed by incorporation.
Transport and Fate of Nitrate at the Ground‐Water/Surface‐Water Interface
Authors: Puckett Larry J. , Zamora Celia , Essaid Hedeff , Wilson John T. , Johnson Henry M. , Brayton Michael J. , Vogel Jason R.
Published: May 2008

Although numerous studies of hyporheic exchange and denitrification have been conducted in pristine, high‐gradient streams, few studies of this type have been conducted in nutrient‐rich, low‐gradient streams. This is a particularly important subject given the interest in nitrogen (N) inputs to the Gulf of Mexico and other eutrophic aquatic systems. A combination of hydrologic, mineralogical, chemical, dissolved gas, and isotopic data were used to determine the processes controlling transport and fate of NO3− in streambeds at five sites across the USA. Water samples were collected from streambeds at depths ranging from 0.3 to 3 m at three to five points across the stream and in two to five separate transects. Residence times of water ranging from 0.28 to 34.7 d m−1 in the streambeds of N‐rich watersheds played an important role in allowing denitrification to decrease NO3− concentrations. Where potential electron donors were limited and residence times were short, denitrification was limited. Consequently, in spite of reducing conditions at some sites, NO3− was transported into the stream. At two of the five study sites, NO3− in surface water infiltrated the streambeds and concentrations decreased, supporting current models that NO3− would be retained in N‐rich streams. At the other three study sites, hydrogeologic controls limited or prevented infiltration of surface water into the streambed, and ground‐water discharge contributed to NO3− loads. Our results also show that in these low hydrologic‐gradient systems, storm and other high‐flow events can be important factors for increasing surface‐water movement into streambeds.
Water Movement within the Unsaturated Zone in Four Agricultural Areas of the United States
Authors: Fisher Lawrence H. , Healy Richard W.
Published: May 2008

Millions of tons of agricultural fertilizer and pesticides are applied annually in the USA. Due to the potential for these chemicals to migrate to groundwater, a study was conducted in 2004 using field data to calculate water budgets, rates of groundwater recharge and times of water travel through the unsaturated zone and to identify factors that influence these phenomena. Precipitation was the only water input at sites in Indiana and Maryland; irrigation accounted for about 80% of total water input at sites in California and Washington. Recharge at the Indiana site (47.5 cm) and at the Maryland site (31.5 cm) were equivalent to 51 and 32%, respectively, of annual precipitation and occurred between growing seasons. Recharge at the California site (42.3 cm) and Washington site (11.9 cm) occurred in response to irrigation events and was about 29 and 13% of total water input, respectively. Average residence time of water in the unsaturated zone, calculated using a piston‐flow approach, ranged from less than 1 yr at the Indiana site to more than 8 yr at the Washington site. Results of bromide tracer tests indicate that at three of the four sites, a fraction of the water applied at land surface may have traveled to the water table in less than 1 yr. The timing and intensity of precipitation and irrigation were the dominant factors controlling recharge, suggesting that the time of the year at which chemicals are applied may be important for chemical transport through the unsaturated zone.
A Comparison of Phosphorus Speciation and Potential Bioavailability in Feed and Feces of Different Dairy Herds Using 31P Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: McDowell R. W. , Dou Z. , Toth J. D. , Cade‐Menun B. J. , Kleinman P. J. A. , Soder K. , Saporito L.
Published: May 2008

An experiment was conducted to examine how potential phosphorus (P) bioavailability (inferred from speciation) differs in feed and feces collected in spring from four dairy herds representing different management systems: (i) total confinement with cows fed total mixed ration (TMR), (ii) total confinement with TMR plus P mineral supplement, (iii) a hybrid of confinement with TMR and pastoral grazing, and (iv) predominantly grazing with supplemental grains. A treatment was included that air dried feces to simulate conditions after dung deposition. Wet chemical techniques and solution 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P‐NMR) were used to identify P concentrations and compounds present in water (a surrogate for P in overland flow), dilute acid (0.012 M HCl, an estimate of P utilization by cattle), or NaOH‐EDTA (a solution that maximizes the organic P extraction) extracts of feed and feces. In general, P concentration in feces paralleled P in feed. Air drying feces decreased water‐extractable P by 13 to 61% largely due to a decrease in orthophosphate, whereas NaOH‐EDTA–extractable P increased by 18 to 48%. Analysis of dilute HCl was unsuccessful due to orthophosphate precipitation when pH was adjusted to 12 for 31P‐NMR. In water extracts, more P was in bioavailable diester‐P forms, undetectable by colorimetry, than in NaOH‐EDTA extracts. In feed, orthophosphate dominated (46–70%), but myo‐IHP varied with feed (<10% in forage samples but 43% in a TMR sample). The proportion of myo‐IHP decreased in feces compared with feed via mineralization but decreased less in systems with a greater proportion of available P input (e.g., orthophosphate and phospholipids). Feed and drying effect the concentrations and forms of P in feces and their potential impact on soil and water quality. Although bioavailable P in feces from pasture‐based and confined systems can be similar in spring, dung‐P is distributed on a lower kg P ha−1 rate in grazing systems. The best method to mitigate P loss from feces is to decrease P in feed.
Spatial Distributions and Potential Risk Analysis of Total Soil Selenium in Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Zhang H. H. , Wu Z. F. , Yang C. L. , Xia B. , Xu D. R. , Yuan H. X.
Published: May 2008

A total of 260 soil profiles were examined to investigate the spatial distribution of total soil selenium (Se) in Guangdong province, China. In the investigated area, the soil Se concentrations follow an approximately lognormal distribution. The soil Se geometric mean concentration of 0.23 mg kg−1 is higher than that of Chinese soils; however, Se concentration varies over the study area. The baseline concentration of 0.13 to 0.41 mg kg−1 indicates that the soil Se concentration is mostly in the range of deficiency to medium level for surface soils in Guangdong province. In A‐, B‐, and C‐horizon, soil Se spatial distribution is correlated with the nature of the parent material, with high Se concentration mainly located in limestone and sandshale areas and low Se concentration associated with purple shale and granite areas. The spatial distribution pattern of soil Se concentrations suggests that potential Se deficiency may be an issue for human health in this province. Moreover, due to soil degradation and erosion, calculated soil Se exported into surrounding waters could reach approximately 23,000 kg yr−1 in the study area.
Field Evaluation of Nitrogen Availability from Fresh and Composted Manure
Authors: Muñoz Gabriela R. , Kelling Keith A. , Rylant Karen E. , Zhu Jun
Published: May 2008

Prediction of manure nitrogen availability to crops is key to ensuring adequate production while minimizing potential adverse environmental impacts. This field study estimated first‐year and residual N availability from several manures subjected to various levels of processing, and evaluated the applicability of the presidedress soil N test (PSNT) in fields receiving the different manures using corn (Zea mays L.) as the test crop. Plots received several rates of fresh (FP), dried (DP), or composted (CP) poultry (Gallus gallus domesticus) manure, composted cow (Bos taurus) (CC) manure, ammonium nitrate (AN), or no N. Crop yields and N uptake from plots where CC was applied were undistinguishable from controls in most years, whereas poultry manures significantly increased corn production. Average apparent first‐year N availability, as measured by fertilizer equivalence, was 57, 53, 14, and 4% for FP, DP, CP, and CC respectively. Apparent second‐year N availability, as measured by relative effectiveness, was 18, 19, 12, and 7% for FP, DP, CP, and CC; however, for CC both first‐ and second‐year estimates of apparent N recovery (ANR) could statistically not be separated from the controls. Apparent nitrogen avail‐ability was greater for less processed manures and for CP compared to CC, emphasizing that producers should know the source and level of compost stability when these materials are used as a primary nutrient source. The PSNT successfully (87% correct) identified sites with a critical value of 24 mg kg−1 that were N sufficient across a variety of N amendments from those that would have benefitted from additional N input.
National, Holistic, Watershed‐Scale Approach to Understand the Sources, Transport, and Fate of Agricultural Chemicals
Authors: Capel Paul D. , McCarthy Kathleen A. , Barbash Jack E.
Published: May 2008

This paper is an introduction to the following series of papers that report on in‐depth investigations that have been conducted at five agricultural study areas across the United States in order to gain insights into how environmental processes and agricultural practices interact to determine the transport and fate of agricultural chemicals in the environment. These are the first study areas in an ongoing national study. The study areas were selected, based on the combination of cropping patterns and hydrologic setting, as representative of nationally important agricultural settings to form a basis for extrapolation to unstudied areas. The holistic, watershed‐scale study design that involves multiple environmental compartments and that employs both field observations and simulation modeling is presented. This paper introduces the overall study design and presents an overview of the hydrology of the five study areas.
Tillage, Cropping Systems, and Nitrogen Fertilizer Source Effects on Soil Carbon Sequestration and Fractions
Authors: Sainju Upendra M. , Senwo Zachary N. , Nyakatawa Ermson Z. , Tazisong Irenus A. , Reddy K. Chandra
Published: May 2008

Quantification of soil carbon (C) cycling as influenced by management practices is needed for C sequestration and soil quality improvement. We evaluated the 10‐yr effects of tillage, cropping system, and N source on crop residue and soil C fractions at 0‐ to 20‐cm depth in Decatur silt loam (clayey, kaolinitic, thermic, Typic Paleudults) in northern Alabama, USA. Treatments were incomplete factorial combinations of three tillage practices (no‐till [NT], mulch till [MT], and conventional till [CT]), two cropping systems (cotton [Gossypium hirsutum L.]‐cotton‐corn [Zea mays L.] and rye [Secale cereale L.]/cotton‐rye/cotton‐corn), and two N fertilization sources and rates (0 and 100 kg N ha−1 from NH4NO3 and 100 and 200 kg N ha−1 from poultry litter). Carbon fractions were soil organic C (SOC), particulate organic C (POC), microbial biomass C (MBC), and potential C mineralization (PCM). Crop residue varied among treatments and years and total residue from 1997 to 2005 was greater in rye/cotton‐rye/cotton‐corn than in cotton‐cotton‐corn and greater with NH4NO3 than with poultry litter at 100 kg N ha−1 The SOC content at 0 to 20 cm after 10 yr was greater with poultry litter than with NH4NO3 in NT and CT, resulting in a C sequestration rate of 510 kg C ha−1 yr−1 with poultry litter compared with −120 to 147 kg C ha−1 yr−1 with NH4NO3 Poultry litter also increased PCM and MBC compared with NH4NO3 Cropping increased SOC, POC, and PCM compared with fallow in NT. Long‐term poultry litter application or continuous cropping increased soil C storage and microbial biomass and activity compared with inorganic N fertilization or fallow, indicating that these management practices can sequester C, offset atmospheric CO2 levels, and improve soil and environmental quality.
Effects of Soil Phosphorus Status on Environmental Risk Assessment of Glyphosate and Glufosinate‐Ammonium
Authors: Laitinen Pirkko , Siimes Katri , Rämö Sari , Jauhiainen Lauri , Eronen Liisa , Oinonen Seija , Hartikainen Helinä
Published: May 2008

The increased use of herbicides poses a risk to the aquatic environment. Easy and economical methods are needed to identify the fields where specific environment protection measures are needed. Phosphorus (P) and organophosphorus herbicides compete for the same adsorption sites in soil. In this study the relationship between P obtained in routine Finnish agronomic tests (acid ammonium acetate [PAC]) and adsorption of glyphosate and glufosinate‐ammonium was investigated to determine whether PAC values could be used in the risk assessment. The adsorption of glyphosate ((N‐(phosphonomethyl)glycine) and glufosinate‐ammonium (2‐amino‐4‐(hydroxymethylphosphinyl)butanoic acid) was studied in a clay and a sandy loam soil enriched with increasing amounts of P added as potassium dihydrogen phosphate. Desorption was also determined for some P‐enriched soil samples. The adsorption of both herbicides diminished with increasing PAC value. The correlations between Freundlich adsorption coefficients obtained in the adsorption tests and PAC were nonlinear but significant (r > 0.98) in both soils. The exponential models of the relationship between soil PAC values and glyphosate adsorption were found to fit well to an independent Finnish soil data set (P < 0.1 for glyphosate and P < 0.01 for glufosinate‐ammonium). The desorption results showed that glufosinate‐ammonium sorption is not inversely related to soil P status, and the high correlation coefficients obtained in the test of the model were thus artifacts caused by an abnormal concentration of exchangeable potassium in soil. The solved equations are a useful tool in assessing the leaching risks of glyphosate, but their use for glufosinate‐ammonium is questionable.