bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of stimulus eccentricity on vection reevaluated with a binocularly defined depth1
Authors: NAKAMURA SHINJI
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  The effects of stimulus eccentricity (central or peripheral) on vection (visually induced self‐motion perception) were investigated using a stimulus combination consisting of a static foreground and a moving background, the depths of which were defined by binocular disparity. By using these stimulus settings, the effect of stimulus eccentricity can be assessed without any artifacts in the perceived depth of the stimulus, which would covary with the stimulus eccentricity. The results of this psychophysical experiment indicated that stimulus eccentricity cannot affect the strength of vection, and that both the central and peripheral stimuli can induce self‐motion perception with equal magnitudes if the stimulus sizes are equalized. The present investigation, which used a controlled stimulus depth condition, clearly negated the idea of the peripheral dominance of vection, which has been accepted for a long time.
Influence of water depth on nest success of the endangered Cape Sable seaside sparrow in the Florida Everglades
Authors: Baiser B. , Boulton R. L. , Lockwood J. L.
Published: April 2008

The restoration of the Florida Everglades rests largely on the ability of managers to re‐create a more natural hydrologic regime throughout the remaining natural areas. The Cape Sable seaside sparrow, an endangered subspecies endemic to the freshwater marl prairies of the Everglades, has suffered from changes in the depth and the timing of water flows through its habitat. However, it remains unclear what temporal and spatial aspects of water inputs (both managed and natural) affect nesting success. We monitored 429 nests in two of the six extant sparrow subpopulations over 10 breeding seasons and a variety of water levels. Using an information‐theoretic approach, we find that nests initiated early in the breeding season experience substantially higher success rates than those initiated later. We suggest that this seasonal effect is due to a change in predator abundance or activity levels as the season progresses, which are tied to the increase in water levels that accompany the onset of the wet season. In addition, nest success is influenced to a lesser degree by where sparrows choose to nest across the landscape, the height of base water levels within the sparrow's breeding season and the height of water levels when nests are active. Our observation of extreme variability in nest success over the span of a single season suggests that successful late‐season breeding, although shown to be important for population recovery, is a rare event. Management actions that maximize the success of late‐season broods or increase the number of early broods are warranted, but the ecosystem implications of such actions are poorly understood.
Tissue engineering: strategies, stem cells and scaffolds
Authors: Howard Daniel , Buttery Lee D. , Shakesheff Kevin M. , Roberts Scott J.
Published: April 2008

Tissue engineering scaffolds are designed to influence the physical, chemical and biological environment surrounding a cell population. In this review we focus on our own work and introduce a range of strategies and materials used for tissue engineering, including the sources of cells suitable for tissue engineering: embryonic stem cells, bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells and cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells. Furthermore, we emphasize the developments in custom scaffold design and manufacture, highlighting laser sintering, supercritical carbon dioxide processing, growth factor incorporation and zoning, plasma modification of scaffold surfaces, and novel multi‐use temperature‐sensitive injectable materials.
The Limits of Unilateral Migration Control: Deportation and Inter-state Cooperation
Authors: Ellermann Antje
Published: April 2008

Despite the recent proliferation of policy initiatives designed to curb illegal immigration, advanced industrialized states have made little headway towards the goal of effective migration control. Examining the case of deportation in Germany and the European Union, this article contends that one of the most fundamental reasons underlying this failure is a unilateral policy bias that fails to take into account two related conditions. First, policies of migration control directly and substantially impinge upon the interests of foreign governments. Secondly, the cooperation of foreign officials is an essential condition for policy implementation. To the extent that they disregard these basic conditions, then, migration control policies are bound to fail. By examining the implementation of deportation policy, the article illustrates the limited efficacy of control measures that are dominated by the interests of advanced industrialized states to the exclusion of the concerns of foreign governments.
Characteristics of Mechanical Heart Valve Cavitation in a Pneumatic Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Lee Hwansung , Taenaka Yoshiyuki
Published: April 2008

Abstract: In previous studies, we investigated the mechanism of mechanical heart valve (MHV) cavitation and cavitation intensity with a nonsynchronized experiment system. Our group is currently developing a pneumatic ventricular assist device (PVAD), and in this study we investigated MHV cavitation intensity in the PVAD using a synchronized analysis of the cavitation images and the acoustic signal of cavitation bubbles. A 23‐mm Medtronic Hall valve with an opening angle of 70° was mounted in the mitral position of the PVAD after removing the sewing ring. A function generator provided a square signal, which used the trigger signal of the electrocardiogram R wave (ECG‐R) mode of the control‐drive console for circulatory support. This square signal was delayed by a delay circuit and was then used as the trigger signal for a pressure sensor and a high‐speed video camera. The data were stored using a digital oscilloscope at a 1‐MHz sampling rate, and then the pressure signal was band‐pass filtered between 35 and 200 kHz using a digital filter. The band‐pass filtered root mean squared (RMS) pressure and cavitation cycle duration were used as an index of cavitation intensity. The cavitation bubbles were concentrated at the valve stop, and the cavitation cycle duration and RMS pressure increased as the heart rate and driving pressure increased. At the low valve‐closing velocity, bubble cavitation was observed near the valve stop. However, at the fast valve‐closing velocity, cloud cavitation was observed. A high‐frequency signal wave was generated when the bubbles collapsed. The cavitation cycle duration and RMS pressure increased as the valve‐closing velocity increased linearly.
Plasma Exchange Before Surgery for Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation
Authors: Radovancevic Rajko , Bracey Arthur W. , Radovancevic Branislav , Elayda MacArthur , Gregoric Igor D. , Frazier O. Howard
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation in end‐stage heart failure patients is frequently associated with hemorrhagic complications requiring reoperation. The preoperative coagulopathic profile includes prolonged prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), and bleeding time; platelet dysfunction; decreased coagulation factor activity; and increased inflammatory markers. We compare outcomes in LVAD patients treated with preoperative plasma exchange with concurrent, nonrandomized control patients. We reviewed data from 68 consecutive elective patients who received LVADs at our institution. Thirty‐five received LVADs after preoperative plasma exchange (replacement of one plasma volume of fresh frozen plasma), and 33 received LVADs without plasma exchange. Groups were comparable in age, sex, body weight, New York Heart Association class, intra‐aortic balloon pump insertion, cardiac index, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, creatinine, total bilirubin, hemoglobin levels, PT, international normalized ratio, PTT, and platelet count. Early mortality was lower in the plasma exchange group (0% [0/35] vs. 18% [6/33], P = 0.026), and postoperative chest tube drainage decreased by 33% (P = not significant). Blood transfusion requirements were similar.Perioperative mortality decreased in patients treated with plasma exchange before LVAD implantation.
Uremic Pruritus, Cytokines, and Polymethylmethacrylate Artificial Kidney
Authors: Lin Hsin‐Hung , Liu Yao‐Lung , Liu Jiung‐Hsiun , Chou Che‐Yi , Yang Ya‐Fei , Kuo Huey‐Liang , Huang Chiu‐Ching
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  Uremic pruritus is one of the common complications in long‐term dialysis patients. Recently, researchers reported that immunohypothesis with high serum level of cytokines could be the cause of uremic pruritus. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) artificial kidney (AK) has been reported to adsorb more serum cytokines than other high‐flux AKs. In July 2006, 30 patients with severe uremic pruritus from 300 chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients in a single center entered this prospective study. Their dialyzers were changed to PMMA AK for 4 weeks. The severity of pruritus was evaluated every week using the results of a questionnaire (pruritus score). Laboratory assays including predialysis serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, β2‐microglobulin (β2M), calcium, phosphate, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), total CO2, ferritin, hematocrit, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐18, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), Kt/V, and β2M clearance were measured before and at the end of 4 weeks of PMMA AK use. PMMA AK was effective in reducing the pruritus score from 23.46 ± 11.94 to 7.38 ± 6.42 (P < 0.001). The effect of uremic pruritus relief appeared after 1 week of PMMA AK use. There were no significant differences in the laboratory assay results including predialysis serum BUN, Cr, β2M, calcium, phosphate, calcium–phosphate product, iPTH, total CO2, ferritin, hematocrit, hsCRP, IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐18, TNF‐α, Kt/V, and β2M clearance. The mechanism for the beneficial effect of PMMA AK on uremic pruritus remains to be determined. PMMA AK may be a useful adjuvant therapy in chronic HD patients with severe uremic pruritus.
Mock Circulatory System for the Evaluation of Left Ventricular Assist Devices, Endoluminal Prostheses, and Vascular Diseases
Authors: Legendre Daniel , Fonseca Jeison , Andrade Aron , Biscegli José Francisco , Manrique Ricardo , Guerrino Domingos , Prakasan Akash Kuzhiparambil , Ortiz Jaime Pinto , Lucchi Julio Cesar
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  A new digital computer mock circulatory system has been developed in order to replicate the physiologic and pathophysiologic characteristics of the human cardiovascular system. The computer performs the acquisition of pressure, flow, and temperature in an open loop system. A computer program has been developed in Labview programing environment to evaluate all these physical parameters. The acquisition system was composed of pressure, flow, and temperature sensors and also signal conditioning modules. In this study, some results of flow, cardiac frequencies, pressures, and temperature were evaluated according to physiologic ventricular states. The results were compared with literature data. In further works, performance investigations will be conducted on a ventricular assist device and endoprosthesis. Also, this device should allow for evaluation of several kinds of vascular diseases.
Botulinum Toxin Type‐A (BOTOX®) in the Treatment of Occipital Neuralgia: A Pilot Study
Authors: Taylor Martin , Silva Sachin , Cottrell Constance
Published: April 2008

Objective.— To determine the efficacy of occipital nerve blocks using reconstituted botulinum toxin type‐A (BTX‐A) in providing significant and prolonged pain relief in chronic occipital neuralgia.

Background.— Occipital neuralgia is a unilateral or bilateral radiating pain with paresthesias commonly manifesting as paroxysmal episodes and involving the occipital and parietal regions. Common causes of occipital neuralgia include irritation or injury to the divisions of the occipital nerve, myofascial spasm, and focal entrapment of the occipital nerve. Treatment options include medication therapy, occipital nerve blocks, and surgical techniques. BTX‐A, which has shown promise in relief of other headache types, may prove a viable therapeutic option for occipital neuralgia pain.

Methods.— Botulinum toxin type‐A (reconstituted in 3 cc of saline) was injected into regions traversed by the greater and lesser occipital nerve in 6 subjects diagnosed with occipital neuralgia. Subjects were instructed to report their daily pain level (on a visual analog pain scale), their ability to perform daily activities (on several quality of life instruments) and their daily pain medication usage (based on a self‐reported log), 2 weeks prior to the injection therapy and 12 weeks following injection therapy. Data were analyzed for significant variation from baseline values.

Results.— The dull/aching and pin/needles types of pain reported by the subjects did not show a statistically significant improvement during the trial period. The sharp/shooting type of pain, however, showed improvement during most of the trial period except weeks 3‐4 and 5‐6. The quality of life measures exhibited some improvement. The headache‐specific quality of life measure showed significant improvement by 6 weeks which continued through week 12. The general health‐ and depression‐related measures showed no statistical improvement. No significant reduction in pain medication usage was demonstrated.

Conclusions.— Our results indicate that BTX‐A improved the sharp/shooting type of pain most commonly known to be associated with occipital neuralgia. Additionally, the quality of life measures assessing burden and long‐term impact of the headaches, further corroborated improvement seen in daily head pain.
Migralepsy: Is the Current Definition Too Narrow?
Authors: Maggioni Ferdinando , Mampreso Edoardo , Ruffatti Silvia , Viaro Federica , Lunardelli Viviana , Zanchin Giorgio
Published: April 2008

The relationship between epilepsy and migraine is complex and remains to be determined. We report 3 cases that address 2 questions on this topic. The first and second cases showed an association between migraine without aura and the onset of epileptic seizures. The third case report describes a patient in whom migraine with aura occurred and was followed by the development of status epilepticus, which occurred 2 or 3 hours after the attack of migraine with aura. We discuss the present definition of migralepsy and reassess its definition by suggesting possible extensions to its current definition.
Ethanol Enhances GABAergic Transmission Onto Dopamine Neurons in the Ventral Tegmental Area of the Rat
Authors: Theile Jonathan W. , Morikawa Hitoshi , Gonzales Reuben A. , Morrisett Richard A.
Published: April 2008

Background:  Activation of the dopaminergic (DA) neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) by ethanol has been implicated in its rewarding and reinforcing effects. At most central synapses, ethanol generally increases inhibitory synaptic transmission; however, no studies have explored the effect of acute ethanol on GABAergic transmission in the VTA.

Methods:  Whole‐cell patch clamp recordings of inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) from VTA‐DA neurons in midbrain slices from young rats.

Results  Acute exposure of VTA‐DA neurons to ethanol (25 to 50 mM) robustly enhanced GABAergic spontaneous and miniature IPSC frequency while inducing a slight enhancement of spontaneous IPSC (sIPSC) amplitude. Ethanol (50 mM) enhanced paired‐pulse depression of evoked IPSCs, further suggesting enhanced GABA release onto VTA‐DA neurons. The frequency of sIPSCs was suppressed by the GABAB agonist, baclofen (1.25 μM) and enhanced by the antagonist, SCH50911 (20 μM); however, neither appeared to modulate or occlude the effects of ethanol on sIPSC frequency.

Conclusions:  The present results indicate that ethanol increases postsynaptic GABAA receptor sensitivity, enhances action potential‐independent GABA release onto VTA‐DA neurons, and that this latter effect is independent of GABAB auto‐receptor inhibition of GABA release.
Loss of integrity of umbilical cord blood unit freezing bags: description and consequences
Authors: Thyagarajan Bharat , Berger Michael , Sumstad Darin , McKenna David H.
Published: April 2008

BACKGROUND: Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is now a commonly used resource for hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation; great effort has been put forth in standardizing protocols for processing, storage, and testing of UCB units. Because UCB units are selected on an individual basis to maximize the chance of engraftment, loss of container integrity may have adverse effects on patient outcome.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: All bag breaks involving UCB units thawed for transplantation at our institution between January 1, 2000, and May 31, 2006, were identified. Information on various laboratory variables and the clinical consequences of UCB bag breaks was obtained from the deviation database of the Clinical Cell Therapy Laboratory (CCTL). Patient medical charts were reviewed for infusion‐related data.

RESULTS: The incidence of bag breaks over a 6½‐year period was 3.5 percent. A majority of cases of loss of container integrity occurred in units that had been cryopreserved for more than 2 years (75%) and resulted in minimal loss of product. There were no significant decreases in quantity or quality of UCB, as determined by various quality control tests; no adverse clinical outcomes related to receiving a broken UCB unit were noted except increased antibiotic usage.

CONCLUSION: There was a relatively low incidence of UCB bag breaks in this study that did not result in significant loss of UCB or adverse clinical outcomes. With the FDA considering licensure of UCB for hematopoietic reconstitution, improvement in container design and possibly guidelines limiting length of storage will likely be addressed in detail.
Bound Together: The Future of Globalization
Authors: CHANDA NAYAN
Published: April 2008

Globalization has indeed flattened the earth, paving the way for new beginnings and the resurgence of old cultures alike by levelling the playing field for all comers. While this new era of post‐globalization certainly heralds de‐Westernization by century's end, is it more likely to mean a revival of the old ways of the East or the new hybrid ways of the first global civilization?

Some of Asia's most provocative voices, as well as the world's most renowned cellist and cross‐pollinating musician, offer their views.
Tibet and the Olympics
Authors: JINGSHENG WEI
Published: April 2008

Globalization has indeed flattened the earth, paving the way for new beginnings and the resurgence of old cultures alike by levelling the playing field for all comers. While this new era of post‐globalization certainly heralds de‐Westernization by century's end, is it more likely to mean a revival of the old ways of the East or the new hybrid ways of the first global civilization?

Some of Asia's most provocative voices, as well as the world's most renowned cellist and cross‐pollinating musician, offer their views.
Eulogy for the Dollar?
Authors: WACHTEL HOWARD M.
Published: April 2008

Globalization has indeed flattened the earth, paving the way for new beginnings and the resurgence of old cultures alike by levelling the playing field for all comers. While this new era of post‐globalization certainly heralds de‐Westernization by century's end, is it more likely to mean a revival of the old ways of the East or the new hybrid ways of the first global civilization?

Some of Asia's most provocative voices, as well as the world's most renowned cellist and cross‐pollinating musician, offer their views.
Headscarves Are Secular Turkey's Waterloo
Authors: SAHIN HALUK
Published: April 2008

The drama between the secularist legacy of Ataturk and the popular surge of Islamist‐rooted politics continues in Turkey, centered on the debate over the headscarf. Is it a sign of religious reaction, or a sign of non‐Western modernization that will ensure higher education for Muslim women? We represent here all sides of the debate.

Elsewhere in the Muslim world are the reformers and critics listening to each other, or impeding progress with a blame game? Europe's most controversial figures in this debate—Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Tariq Ramadan—engage here.
Woman's Turban Is Sign of Rebellion Against Ataturk
Authors: REFIG HALIT
Published: April 2008

The drama between the secularist legacy of Ataturk and the popular surge of Islamist‐rooted politics continues in Turkey, centered on the debate over the headscarf. Is it a sign of religious reaction, or a sign of non‐Western modernization that will ensure higher education for Muslim women? We represent here all sides of the debate.

Elsewhere in the Muslim world are the reformers and critics listening to each other, or impeding progress with a blame game? Europe's most controversial figures in this debate—Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Tariq Ramadan—engage here.
Effect of pea lectin expressed transgenically in oilseed rape on pollen beetle life‐history parameters
Authors: Lehrman Anna , Åhman Inger , Ekbom Barbara
Published: April 2008

When investigating resistance to herbivorous insects in transgenic plants, it is primarily the damaging stage of the insect that is targeted. In our study, we showed that small effects of the transgenic plant on the pest performance might lead to a clear effect on the pest population level. Pollen beetle, Meligethes aeneus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), larvae were reared on three transgenic lines of Brassica napus L. (Brassicaceae) expressing pea (Pisum sativum L.) lectin at 0.2, 0.6, and 0.7% of total soluble protein in anthers, and then monitored until the adult stage. Two lines without the gene construct and consequently containing no pea lectin were used as controls. The egg viability, larval weight, development time, and survival rate were recorded. In a separate experiment, the development time from egg to adult, adult weight, and winter survival of pollen beetles developed on intact plants were recorded. Survival of larvae to adult stage was significantly lower on the transgenic plant lines, independent of lectin level. Survival during hibernation was only 2.4% and was not affected by plant line. Combining previously published results from adult feeding and oviposition assays with the new data on larval development we summarize the effect of the transgenic oilseed rape on the pollen beetle, from oviposition in spring to overwintered adults of the new generation. Net reproductive rate was then shown to be reduced by half on the transgenic oilseed rape compared to the control plants.
Investigating dietary preferences in two competing dipterans, Coelopa frigida and Coelopa pilipes, using stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen
Authors: Edward Dominic A. , Newton Jason , Gilburn André S.
Published: April 2008

Two species of seaweed fly, Coelopa frigida (Fabricius) and Coelopa pilipes (Halliday) (both Diptera: Coelopidae: Coelopini), compete for resources within deposits of marine algae washed ashore on British beaches. Previous studies report that adult flies exhibit algal‐specific behaviour that may influence interspecific interactions. It is predicted that coelopid larvae may also demonstrate algal‐specific dietary preferences. Larval dietary preferences are investigated by comparing the ratios of 13C/12C and 15N/14N in both wild flies and macroalgae to those of laboratory‐reared flies. Results showed only a small difference between the stable isotope ratios of the most abundant algae, Laminaria spp. (Laminariaceae) and Fucus spp. (Fucaceae), although there were significant differences between wild adult coelopids. This result illustrates different metabolic processes in two closely related species. The stable isotope ratios of wild‐caught coelopids were found to differ significantly from laboratory‐reared coelopids. This is either the result of red algae in the diet of natural populations or a difference in bacterial communities. We suggest that experiments with laboratory‐reared flies/specimens can greatly increase the utility of stable isotope analysis in the investigation of animal food webs, even where potential diets are isotopically similar. However, this approach is dependent on re‐creations that accurately mimic natural conditions.
The anti‐angiogenic 8‐epipuupehedione behaves as a potential anti‐leukaemic compound against HL‐60 cells
Authors: Martínez‐Poveda Beatriz , Quesada Ana R. , Medina Miguel Ángel
Published: April 2008

We have previously reported that 8‐epipuupehedione, a synthetic derivative of sesquiterpenes found in several kinds of sponges, is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis. Here, we show that 8‐epipuupehedione is also a potent anti‐ leukaemic compound, targeting three hallmarks of malignancy: proliferation, survival and extra‐cellular matrix re‐modelling. To fulfil this goal, we use the HL‐60 promyeolocytic cells as our model system and the following experimental procedures: cell growth assay, Hoetsch staining, cell cycle analysis and DNA fragmentation, caspase 3 activity and zymographic assays. Our results show that this compound inhibits proliferation and has potent and specific pro‐apoptotic effects on HL‐60 promyelocytic cells, inducing their nuclei and DNA fragmentation, as well as caspase 3 activity activation. Furthermore, 8‐epipuupehedione strongly inhibits matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and urokinase production by HL‐60 cells. These results suggest that 8‐epipuupehedione could be an attractive drug for further evaluation in the treatment of leukemia.
Correlation between the expression of divalent metal transporter 1 and the content of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 in hypoxic HepG2 cells
Authors: Li Zhu , Lai Zhang , Ya Ke , Fang Du , Ho Yung Wing , Lei Yang , Ming Qian Zhong
Published: April 2008

Transferrin and transferrin receptor are two key proteins of iron metabolism that have been identified to be hypoxia‐inducible genes. Divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) is also a key transporter of iron under physiological conditions. In addition, in the 5′ regulatory region of human DMT1 (between −412 and −570), there are two motifs (CCAAAGTGCTGGG) that are similar to hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) binding sites. It was therefore speculated that DMT1 might also be a hypoxia‐inducible gene. We investigated the effects of hypoxia and hypoxia/re‐oxygenation on the expression of DMT1 and the content of HIF‐1alpha in HepG2 cells. As we expected, a very similar tendency in the responses of the expression of HIF‐1α, DMT1+IRE (iron response element) and DMT1−IRE proteins to chemical (CoCl2) or physical hypoxia was observed. A highly significant correlation was found between the expression of DMT1 proteins and the contents of HIF‐1 in hypoxic cells. After the cells were exposed to hypoxia and subsequent normoxia, no HIF‐1α could be detected and a significant decrease in DMT1+IRE expression (P<0.05), but not in DMT1−IRE protein (versus the hypoxia group), was observed. The findings implied that the HIF‐1 pathway might have a role in the regulation of DMT1+IRE expression during hypoxia.
High‐resolution analysis of genetic stability of human adipose tissue stem cells cultured to senescence
Authors: Meza‐Zepeda Leonardo A. , Noer Agate , Dahl John Arne , Micci Francesca , Myklebost Ola , Collas Philippe
Published: April 2008

The potential use of human mesenchymal stem cells for therapeutic applications implies large scale in vitro culture, increasing the probability of genetic instability and transformation. We examine here the incidence of unbalanced and balanced chromosome rearrangements in polyclonal and single cell‐derived cultures of human adipose stem cells to senescence. G‐banding karyotyping of the polyclonal cultures shows a normal karyotype. In addition, high‐resolution microarray‐based comparative genomic hybridization analyses relative to uncultured adipose stem cells from the same donors reveal overall genomic stability in long‐term (∼6 months) polyclonal and clonal culture. One adipose stem cell clone displayed minor deletions in gene‐rich telomeric and sub‐telomeric regions on three chromosomes in early passage. This however, was detected only in a sub‐population of cells that was subsequently spontaneously eliminated from the culture. Apparent pericentromeric instabilities are also occasionally detected in specific chromosomes. Our results indicate that clonal chromosomal aberrations may arise transiently in early passage adipose stem cells (ASC) cultures. Nonetheless, incidence of these aberrations seems to be negligible in the majority of long‐term ASC cultures, at least under the culture conditions used here.
Oval cell proliferation in p16INK4a expressing mouse liver is triggered by chronic growth stimuli
Authors: Ueberham Elke , Lindner Ricco , Kamprad Manja , Hiemann Rico , Hilger Nadja , Woithe Barbara , Mahn Doris , Cross Michael , Sack Ulrich , Gebhardt Rolf , Arendt Thomas , Ueberham Uwe
Published: April 2008

Terminal differentiation requires molecules also involved in aging such as the cell cycle inhibitor p16INK4a.Like other organs, the adult liver represents a quiescent organ with terminal differentiated cells, hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. These cells retain the ability to proliferate in response to liver injury or reduction of liver mass. However, under conditions which prevent mitotic activation of hepatocytes, regeneration can occur instead from facultative hepatic stem cells.For therapeutic application a non‐toxic activation of this stem cell compartment is required. We have established transgenic mice with conditional overexpression of the cell cycle inhibitor p16INK4a in hepatocytes and have provoked and examined oval cell activation in adult liver in response to a range of proliferative stimuli.We could show that the liver specific expression of p16INK4a leads to a faster differentiation of hepatocytes and an activation of oval cells already in postnatal mice without negative consequences on liver function.
Cytokine‐induced β‐cell apoptosis is NO‐dependent, mitochondria‐mediated and inhibited by BCL‐XL
Authors: Holohan C. , Szegezdi E. , Ritter T. , O'Brien T. , Samali A.
Published: April 2008

Pro‐inflammatory cytokines are implicated as the main mediators of β‐cell death during type 1 diabetes but the exact mechanisms remain unknown. This study examined the effects of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), interferon‐γ (IFNγ) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) on a rat insulinoma cell line (RIN‐r) in order to identify the core mechanism of cytokine‐induced β‐cell death. Treatment of cells with a combination of IL‐1β and IFNγ (IL‐1β/IFNγ)induced apoptotic cell death. TNFα neither induced β‐cell death nor did it potentiate the effects of IL‐1β, IFNγ or IL‐1β/IFNγ . The cytotoxic effect of IL‐1β/IFNγ was associated with the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and production of nitric oxide. Adenoviral‐mediated expression of iNOS (AdiNOS) alone was sufficient to induce caspase activity and apoptosis. The broad range caspase inhibitor, Boc‐D‐fmk, blocked IL‐1β/IFNγ ‐induced caspase activity, but not nitric oxide production nor cell death. However, pre‐treatment with L‐NIO, a NOS inhibitor, prevented nitric oxide production, caspase activity and reduced apoptosis. IL‐1β/IFNγ ‐induced apoptosis was accompanied by loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c and cleavage of pro‐caspase‐9, ‐7 and ‐3. Transduction of cells with Ad‐Bcl‐XL blocked both iNOS and cytokine‐mediated mitochondrial changes and subsequent apoptosis, downstream of nitric oxide. We conclude that cytokine‐induced nitric oxide production is both essential and sufficient for caspase activation and β‐cell death, and have identified Bcl‐XL as a potential target to combatβ‐cell apoptosis.
The paradigm of postconditioning to protect the heart
Authors: Penna C. , Mancardi D. , Raimondo S. , Geuna S. , Pagliaro P.
Published: April 2008

Introduction

Reperfusion injury

Definition of postconditioning

Protective effects of postconditioning

Potentiality of postconditioning

Mechanisms involved in postconditioning

Conclusions

Ischaemic preconditioning limits the damage induced by subsequent ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R). However, preconditioning is of little practical use as the onset of an infarction is usually unpredictable. Recently, it has been shown that the heart can be protected against the extension of I/R injury if brief (10–30 sec.) coronary occlusions are performed just at the beginning of the reperfusion. This procedure has been called postconditioning (PostC). It can also be elicited at a distant organ, termed remote PostC, by intermittent pacing (dyssynchrony‐induced PostC) and by pharmacological interventions, that is pharmacological PostC. In particular, brief applications of intermittent bradykinin or diazoxide at the beginning of reperfusion reproduce PostC protection. PostC reduces the reperfusion‐induced injury, blunts oxidant‐mediated damages and attenuates the local inflammatory response to reperfusion. PostC induces a reduction of infarct size, apoptosis, endothelial dysfunction and activation, neutrophil adherence and arrhythmias. Whether it reduces stunning is not clear yet. Similar to preconditioning, PostC triggers signalling pathways and activates effectors implicated in other cardioprotective manoeuvres. Adenosine and bradykinin are involved in PostC triggering. PostC triggers survival kinases (RISK), including A t and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK). Nitric oxide, via nitric oxide synthase and non‐enzymatic production, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and protein kinases G (PKG) participate in PostC. PostC‐induced protection also involves an early redox‐sensitive mechanism, and mitochondrial adenosine‐5′ ‐triphosphate (ATP)‐sensitive K+ and PKC activation. Protective pathways activated by PostC appear to converge on mitochondrial permeability transition pores, which are inhibited by acidosis and glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β). In conclusion, the first minutes of reperfusion represent a window of opportunity for triggering the aforementioned mediators which will in concert lead to protection against reperfusion injury. Pharmacological PostC and possibly remote PostC may have a promising future in clinical scenario.
A Direct Role for Phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate in Unconventional Secretion of Fibroblast Growth Factor 2
Authors: Temmerman Koen , Ebert Antje D , Müller Hans‐Michael , Sinning Irmgard , Tews Ivo , Nickel Walter
Published: April 2008

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF‐2) is a mitogen that is exported from cells by an endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi‐independent secretory pathway. Recent findings have shown that FGF‐2 export occurs by direct translocation from the cytoplasm across the plasma membrane into the extracellular space. Here, we report that FGF‐2 contains a binding site for phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2], the principal phosphoinositide species associated with plasma membranes. Intriguingly, in the context of a lipid bilayer, the interaction between FGF‐2 and PI(4,5)P2 is shown to depend on a lipid background that resembles plasma membranes. We show that the interaction with PI(4,5)P2 is critically important for FGF‐2 secretion as experimental conditions reducing cellular levels of PI(4,5)P2 resulted in a substantial drop in FGF‐2 export efficiency. Likewise, we have identified FGF‐2 variant forms deficient for binding to PI(4,5)P2 that were found to be severely impaired with regard to export efficiency. These data show that a transient interaction with PI(4,5)P2 associated with the inner leaflet of plasma membranes represents the initial step of the unconventional secretory pathway of FGF‐2.
Short‐term changes in temporomandibular joint function in subjects with cleft lip and palate treated with maxillary distraction osteogenesis
Authors: Hashimoto K , Otsuka R , Minato A , Sato‐Wakabayashi M , Takada J , Inoue‐Arai MS , Miyamoto JJ , Ono T , Ohyama K , Moriyama K
Published: April 2008

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Hashimoto K, Otsuka R, Minato A, Sato‐Wakabayashi M, Takada J, Inoue‐Arai MS, Miyamoto JJ, Ono T, Ohyama K, Moriyama K

Objectives –  To investigate the short‐term effects of maxillary distraction osteogenesis (DO) on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function in 21 subjects with cleft lip and palate (CLP).

Design –  Morphological changes in the maxillofacial region were measured using lateral cephalometric radiographs taken immediately before (pre‐DO) and after DO (post‐DO) and 1 year after DO (1‐year follow‐up). A questionnaire was evaluated using a visual analog scale. A chi‐square test was used to compare the prevalence of TMJ symptoms between pre‐DO and 1‐year follow‐up. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to determine the correlation between changes in cephalometric variables and TMJ symptoms in association with maxillary DO. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results –  The ANB (anteroposterior relationship of the maxilla with the mandible) angle and the mandibular plane angle at pre‐DO, post‐DO, and 1‐year follow‐up were −4.3°, +5.8°, +4.3° and 32.1°, 33.5°, 33.6°, respectively. The average amounts of anterior and downward movement of the maxilla at post‐DO and 1‐year follow‐up were 8.3, −1.3 and 0.9, 1.1 mm, respectively. The prevalence of TMJ symptoms showed no significant increase in association with maxillary DO. Moreover, there was no significant correlation between changes in cephalometric variables and TMJ symptoms.

Conclusion –  These results suggest that there was no short‐term (i.e., up to 1 year after DO) effect of maxillary DO on TMJ function in subjects with CLP.
A new system for scanning, measuring and analyzing dental casts based on a 3D holographic sensor
Authors: Redlich M , Weinstock T , Abed Y , Schneor R , Holdstein Y , Fischer A
Published: April 2008

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Redlich M, Weinstock T, Abed Y, Schneor R, Holdstein Y, Fischer A

Objectives –  To evaluate the reliability of a new technique for measuring 3D‐scanned orthodontic cast models with cross‐section planes using teledent, a new software, developed at Technion – for the purpose of this research.

Experimental Variable –  Thirty orthodontic plaster models were divided into three equal groups according to severity of teeth crowding. Measurements of mesio‐distal tooth width and the arch length were performed manually on the casts using a conventional caliper. Thereafter, the models were scanned and processed into the software using a 3‐D measuring scanner with a holographic sensor ‘ConoProbe’ (by Optimet©, Jerusalem, Israel). teledent used two types of digital measurements; linear and cross‐section planes to perform a space analysis on the scanned teeth. Significance was determined by the paired Wilcoxon rank sum test.

Results –  Results show that 3D measurements of tooth width and arch length obtained by cross‐section planes were generally similar to manual caliper measurements, while linear measurements were statistically smaller. When comparing space analysis, both digital measurements were statistically smaller than the caliper (p < 0.05). The difference in space analysis between the caliper and the cross‐section plane measurements was very small (0.38–0.74 mm) and can be considered clinically acceptable. However, a difference of 1.19–3 mm between the linear measurements and the caliper might have clinical implications especially in severely crowded dentition.

Conclusions –  This study suggests that measurements performed by cross‐section planes are as accurate as the manual caliper and can be employed clinically while the accuracy of linear measurements is sometimes questionable.
The neurocranial and craniofacial morphology in children with solitary median maxillary central incisor (SMMCI)
Authors: Tabatabaie F , Sonnesen L , Kjær I
Published: April 2008

Structed Abstract

Authors –  Tabatabaie F, Sonnesen L, Kjær I

Objectives –  The purpose of this study was to describe the neurocranial and craniofacial morphology on profile radiographs of children with single median maxillary central incisor (SMMCI).

Design –  Cephalometric analyses of neurocranium and craniofacial morphology on profile radiographs.

Setting and Sample Population –  Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Copenhagen. Thirteen children with SMMCI, 12 girls and one boy (7–17 years of age).

Outcome Measure –  Cephalometric measurement were compared with normal standards using a paired t‐test and Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results –  The size of the neurocranium (especially the length of the anterior cranial base), the maxillary prognathia, the maxillary inclination, the mandibular prognathia and the inclination of the mandibular incisors are significantly reduced in SMMCI. The mandibular inclination, the vertical jaw relationship, the alveolar bone prognathia in the upper jaw and the mandibular angle are significantly enlarged in SMMCI.

Conclusion –  The present study showed that occurrence of SMMCI is a sign of a developmental anomaly associated with deviations in neurocranial size and shape and in craniofacial morphology.
Factors influencing efficiency of sliding mechanics to close extraction space: a systematic review
Authors: Barlow M , Kula K
Published: April 2008

Structured Abstract

Authors – Barlow M, Kula K

Objectives – To review recent literature to determine strength of clinical evidence concerning the influence of various factors on the efficiency (rate of tooth movement) of closing extraction spaces using sliding mechanics.

Design – A comprehensive systematic review on prospective clinical trials. An electronic search (1966–2006) of several databases limiting the searches to English and using several keywords was performed. Also a hand search of five key journals specifically searching for prospective clinical trials relevant to orthodontic space closure using sliding mechanics was completed.

Outcome Measure – Rate of tooth movement.

Results – Ten prospective clinical trials comparing rates of closure under different variables and focusing only on sliding mechanics were selected for review. Of these ten trials on rate of closure, two compared arch wire variables, seven compared material variables used to apply force, and one examined bracket variables. Other articles which were not prospective clinical trials on sliding mechanics, but containing relevant information were examined and included as background information.

Conclusion – The results of clinical research support laboratory results that nickel‐titanium coil springs produce a more consistent force and a faster rate of closure when compared with active ligatures as a method of force delivery to close extraction space along a continuous arch wire; however, elastomeric chain produces similar rates of closure when compared with nickel‐titanium springs. Clinical and laboratory research suggest little advantage of 200 g nickel‐titanium springs over 150 g springs. More clinical research is needed in this area.
Skull thickness in patients with skeletal deep bite
Authors: Jacobsen PE , Kjær I , Sonnesen L
Published: April 2008

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Jacobsen PE, Kjær I, Sonnesen L

Objectives –  Skull thickness in relation to patients with skeletal deep bite has not been reported previously. The present study examines the skull thickness in patients with skeletal deep bite and compares it with the skull thickness in subjects with neutral occlusion and normal craniofacial morphology.

Design –  A retrospective case–control study.

Setting and Sample Population –  The material comprised 36 patients divided into two groups, a group of 18 patients with skeletal deep bite (eight females, 10 males) and a control group of 18 subjects (eight females, 10 males) with neutral occlusion and normal craniofacial morphology.

Outcome –  Skull thickness measurements.

Results –  No significant gender differences were found regarding skull thickness. The skull was thicker in the deep bite group compared with the group with neutral occlusion and normal craniofacial morphology (p < 0.05).

Conclusion –  The present study demonstrates that patients with skeletal deep bite have a significantly thicker skull than subjects with neutral occlusion and normal vertical craniofacial morphology. This is considered important for the treatment planning for orthodontic and orthognathic patients.
Comparison of 2‐h versus 3‐h enteral feeding in extremely low birth weight infants, commencing after birth
Authors: Rüdiger Mario , Herrmann Sandra , Schmalisch Gerd , Wauer Roland R , Hammer Hannes , Tschirch Edda
Published: April 2008

Aim: Immaturity is associated with problems in enteral nutrition of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. Different time intervals between single feedings are used; however, no data are available to show a benefit of either regime.

Methods: In January 2001 enteral feeding regime was changed from 2‐h to 3‐h intervals. In a retrospective study charts were analysed for all ELBW infants during a period of 2 years prior (01/99–12/00) and after (08/01–07/03) changing the feeding regime.

Results: Forty‐two in the 2‐h group (gestational age 27 ± 2.1, birth weight 797 ±150) and 32 infants in 3‐h (GA 26.9 ± 1.8 weeks, BW 809 ± 148 g) were included. Median (range) time until complete enteral feeding (26 (7 to 69) vs. 20 (12 to 58) days) was not statistical different. There were no differences with respect to enteral morbidity (NEC, abdominal surgery, feeding intolerance), length of stay (84 ± 23 vs. 86 ± 26 days), growth parameters or weight at discharge. Total duration of phototherapy and average length of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) support were significantly (p < 0.01) longer in the 3‐h feeding group.

Conclusion: Weight gain and time until complete enteral nutrition are similar in 2‐h and 3‐h feeding regimes. Data suggest an advantage of 2‐h feedings concerning the length of CPAP and phototherapy.
The value of clinical features in differentiating between viral, pneumococcal and atypical bacterial pneumonia in children
Authors: Korppi Matti , Don Massimiliano , Valent Francesca , Canciani Mario
Published: April 2008

Objective: To evaluate the value of clinical features in differentiating between viral, pneumococcal and atypical bacterial pneumonia in children.

Design: A retrospective analysis of clinical signs and symptoms, supplemented with chest radiograph and serum procalcitonin data, in 101 children with community‐acquired pneumonia. Viral and bacterial aetiology was studied prospectively by antibody assays, and pneumococcal infection was found in 18, atypical bacterial infection in 28 and viral infection alone in 22 cases.

Methods: Chest radiographs and serum procalcitonin were studied in all cases. Data on clinical signs and symptoms were retrospectively collected from the medical cards of the patients.

Results: Among symptoms, cough was present in 89% and fever (>37.5°C) in 88% of the cases. Among physical signs, crackles were present in 49% and decreased breath sounds in 58%. No significant associations were found between any of the clinical signs or symptoms and the aetiology of pneumonia. In multivariate analyses, age over 5 years and serum procalcitonin over 1.0 ng/mL were the only independent predictors of bacterial aetiology, but no finding was able to screen between pneumococcal and atypical bacterial aetiology of infection.

Conclusion: No clinical or radiological characteristic was helpful in the separation between viral, pneumococcal and atypical bacterial aetiology of community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children.