bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond Core Knowledge: Natural Geometry
Authors: Spelke Elizabeth , Lee Sang Ah , Izard Véronique
Published: June 2010

For many centuries, philosophers and scientists have pondered the origins and nature of human intuitions about the properties of points, lines, and figures on the Euclidean plane, with most hypothesizing that a system of Euclidean concepts either is innate or is assembled by general learning processes. Recent research from cognitive and developmental psychology, cognitive anthropology, animal cognition, and cognitive neuroscience suggests a different view. Knowledge of geometry may be founded on at least two distinct, evolutionarily ancient, core cognitive systems for representing the shapes of large‐scale, navigable surface layouts and of small‐scale, movable forms and objects. Each of these systems applies to some but not all perceptible arrays and captures some but not all of the three fundamental Euclidean relationships ofdistance(orlength),angle, anddirection(orsense). Like natural number (Carey, 2009), Euclidean geometry may be constructed through the productive combination of representations from these core systems, through the use of uniquely human symbolic systems.
Sensitization to thiourea derivatives among Finnish patients with suspected contact dermatitis
Authors: Liippo Jussi , Ackermann Leena , Hasan Taina , Laukkanen Arja , Rantanen Tapio , Lammintausta Kaija
Published: June 2010

Background: Thiourea derivatives in rubber products may induce contact sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis. Sensitization is most often from neoprene rubber, but the multitude of possible sensitizing products has remained poorly characterized.

Objective: The aim of this study was to collect information on the occurrence of thiourea‐related contact allergy and to show novel sources of sensitization.

Patients and methods: A mixture of dibutyl‐, diethyl‐, and diphenylthiourea was included in patch test baseline series in five Finnish dermatology clinics during 2002–2007. In addition, an extended series of rubber chemicals was tested in patients with suspected rubber allergy. Sources of sensitization to thioureas were analysed in sensitized patients.

Results: Thiourea mix yielded positive patch test reactions in 59 of 15 100 patients (0.39%); 33/59 patients were also tested with individual rubber chemicals. Diethylthiourea was positive in 24/33, diphenylthiourea in 5, and dibutylthiourea in 1 patient. The most common sources of sensitization included various neoprene‐containing orthopaedic braces, sports equipment, and foot wear.

Conclusions: The sources of sensitization to thiourea chemicals were detected in most cases. These sources comprise a heterogenous group of products extending from orthopaedic materials to sports equipment.
Immunohistochemical demonstration of the plasminogen activator system in human gingival tissues and gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Xiao Yin , Bunn Clive L. , Bartold P. Mark
Published: June 2010

The relative distribution of urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (u‐PA), tissue‐type plasminogen activator (t‐PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐2 (PAI‐2) was studied in cultured human gingival fibroblasts, healthy gingival tissues and inflamed gingival tissues by immunohistochemistry. In cultured gingival fibroblasts t‐PA, u‐PA and PAI‐1 were expressed in cytoplasm; u‐PA and PAI‐1 were more intensely stained than t‐PA; PAI‐2 was not detectable in gingival fibroblasts. Following interleukin 1β (IL‐1β) stimulation, the intensity of intracellular staining for t‐PA was increased and a number of cells staining strongly for PAI‐2 were seen; no difference in the intensity of immunostaining level was noted for the expression of u‐PA and PAI‐1 between IL‐1β stimulated cells and unstimulated cells. In healthy gingival tissues, u‐PA and PAI‐1 displayed a wide distribution throughout all the connective tissue and epithelium; t‐PA localized mainly in the connective tissue while PAI‐2 showed little association with the connective tissue but did faintly stain in the epithelial layer. In inflamed gingival tissues, staining for t‐PA was significantly increased in the extracellular matrix of the connective tissue, whereas staining for u‐PA, PAT‐I and PAI‐2 was found to be slightly increased, but no significant difference was noted for staining when compared with the healthy gingival tissues. A granular distribution of t‐PA, u‐PA, PAI‐1 and PAI‐2 was noted around areas of inflammatory cell infiltration. These immunohistochemical findings indicate that the plasminogen activator system produced by fibroblasts may be influenced by the presence of the inflammatory mediator IL‐1β. In addition, the significant increase of t‐PA in inflamed connective tissue and the wide expression of these components around inflamed cells may contribute to connective tissue degradation and may relate to the migration and localization of monocytes/macrophages in inflamed tissue.
Localization and quantification of TXB2 in human healthy and inflammatory gingival mucosa
Authors: Sons‐Sicard C. , Choquet A. , Escola R.
Published: June 2010

We conducted a study to localize and quantify the thromboxane B, (TXB2) in human gingival tissue obtained from clinically healthy sites and patients with gingivitis and periodontitis. Human gingival samples were assayed for TXB2 by immunofluorescence on slides and enzyme‐immunoassay (EIA). We found that concentrations of TXB2 in gingivitis sites are at mean 10‐fold higher than in the healthy sites and histologically show a consistently intracytoplasmic staining with a significant increase in gingivitis. This argues in favour of a local production of TXB2. Concentrations of TXB2 at periodontitis sites are only 3‐fold higher than in healthy sites and histologically show a stronger staining as for the gingivitis sections, with principally an extracellular localization. Thus, TXB2 could be released in large quantities in the crevicular fluid when the periodontitis stage has reached. These data suggest that the epithelial cells of the gingival tissue are involved in synthesis and secretion of TXB2, which occurred during the development of gingival inflammation.
Gingival fibroblast response to cyclosporin A and transforming growth factor β1
Authors: James J. A. , Irwin C. R. , Linden G. J.
Published: June 2010

This study investigates a potential role for TGFβ1 in the pathogenesis of cyclosporin A‐induced gingival overgrowth (CsA‐OG). TGFβ1 was localized immunohistochemically in the connective tissue of both normal gingiva and CsA‐OG. Intense staining for TGFβ1 was detected at the tips of the dermal papillae of the overgrown gingiva. In addition, fibroblasts derived from healthy gingiva and fibroblasts derived from CsA‐OG were cultured both as monolayers or embedded in a 3D‐collagen gel. Fibroblast activity was monitored in terms of protein and collagen production in the presence of (i) 1 ng/ml TGFβ1 (ii) 500 ng/ml CsA, or (iii) 500 ng/ml CsA and 1 ng/ml TGFβ1. In monolayer culture TGFβ1 significantly increased protein and collagen production in all cell strains (p<0.05); however, there was no difference in response between fibroblasts from overgrown and healthy tissue. The production of both protein and collagen was significantly lower in the presence of the combination of CsA and TGFβ1 when compared with the maximal stimulation produced by TGFβ1 alone. In gel, TGFβ1 significantly elevated matrix production by all overgrown cell strains (p<0.05) but had little or no effect on the normal cell strains. The combination of CsA and TGFβ1 in gel cultures reduced protein and collagen production by overgrown cell strains compared with TGFβ1 alone. It is concluded that the cellular activity of gingival fibroblasts is dependant on culture conditions and that fibroblasts derived from overgrown gingival tissue are more responsive to TGFβ1 than normal gingival fibroblasts when cultured in type I collagen gel.
Coordinate production of PGE, and IL‐1β in the gingival crevicular fluid of adults with periodontitis: its relationship to alveolar bone loss and disruption by twice daily treatment with ketorolac tromethamine oral rinse
Authors: Cavanaugh P. F. , Meredith M. P. , Buchanan W. , Doyle M. J. , Redd M. S. , Jeffcoat M. K.
Published: June 2010

The inflammatory mediators prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) play critical roles in the inflammatory process leading to alveolar bone and connective tissue loss in periodontal disease. Data from a previously published 6‐month clinical study demonstrated that twice daily use of 0.1% ketorolac tromethamine oral rinse prevented alveolar bone loss in adults with periodontitis. We further analyzed data from this study to examine the relationship between PGE2, IL‐1β and bone loss. Patient mean PGE2, and IL‐1β levels in gingival crevicular fluid (M‐GCF) measured throughout the course of the study were directly compared to the maximum amount of alveolar bone height loss observed at a single study site in each patient. The maximum amount of bone loss measured was chosen for the analysis since the pattern of bone loss was clearly episodic in nature. A statistically significant correlation (r = 0.73, p = 0.001) exists between M‐GCF PGE2 concentration and the maximum amount of bone height lost at individual patient study sites. The correlation between M‐GCF IL‐1β concentration and maximum bone height lost is also statistically significant (r = 0.66, p = 0.005). Over the 6‐month duration of the study, both PGE, and IL‐1β were coordinately expressed in the placebo treatment group as reflected in the significant correlation between M‐GCF concentrations of the 2 mediators (r=0.81, p<0.001). Treatment of patients with 0.1% ketorolac tromethamine twice daily for 6 months resulted in reductions of PGE, in GCF and a negligible correlation between M‐GCF PGE, and M‐GCF IL‐1β (r=0.42, p=0.088). This lack of a strong association between the 2 mediators in the ketorolac treatment group provides a direct biochemical readout of the anti‐inflammatory efficacy of ketorolac tromethamine oral rinse in patients with periodontitis. Further studies are warranted to determine the full diagnostic potential of M‐GCF levels of PGE2, and IL‐1β for predicting risk of alveolar bone loss in patients with periodontitis and monitoring periodontal therapy effectiveness.
The regulation of fiber arrangement in advanced cellular cementogenesis of human teeth
Authors: Yamamoto T. , Domon T. , Takahashi S. , Islam N. MD. , Suzuki R. , Wakita M.
Published: June 2010

This study observed cellular cementum in fully formed human premolars by light and electron microscopy to elucidate how cementoblasts regulate the fiber arrangement in cementum. Cementoblasts had wing‐like processes encircling the principal fibers, where Sharpey's fibers were dense. On the cementum‐facing side, wing‐like processes were segmented into finger‐like processes in parallel with the cementum surface. Observations suggested that with the segmentation intrinsic fibers appeared around principal fibers in close association with finger‐like processes. Where Sharpey's fibers were few or absent, where intrinsic fibers were the main fibrous element of the cementum, cementoblasts had only few or no wing‐like processes, but had finger‐like processes not associated with the wing‐like processes on the cementum‐facing side. On the basis of the origin of the finger‐like processes the main results suggest that there are two kinds of cementoblasts: one has finger‐like processes associated with wing‐like processes and secretes intrinsic fibers from the finger‐like processes to incorporate the principal fibers for tooth support. The second type has finger‐like processes not associated with wing‐like processes, this type secretes intrinsic fibers from the finger‐like processes to adjust the cementum thickness.
Prevalence and natural history of periodontal disease in prehistoric Scots (pre‐900 AD)
Authors: Kerr N. W.
Published: June 2010

The periodontal status of a Scottish prehistoric population was studied. No individual over the age of 10 yr had an entirely healthy periodontium. Gingivitis was the most widespread disease state in the adolescent and younger age groups. The progression towards periodontitis was at a constant rate and mirrored modern epidemiological studies. A small proportion of individuals proved to be either more susceptible or resistant to periodontal disease. There was no evidence of periodontal disease prevalence being higher than that of modern societies with access to dental treatment. Much can be learnt regarding the natural history of periodontal disease by the study of archaeological material.
Evidence for healing of interproximal intrabony defects after conventional and regenerative therapy: digital radiography and clinical measurements
Authors: Eickholz Peter , Hausmann Ernest
Published: June 2010

In 24 patients with advanced periodontitis 38 interproximal intrabony defects were treated by conventional surgery (C; n = 8) or guided tissue regeneration (GTR) using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (G; n= 17) or Polyglactin 910 barriers (V; n = 13). Presurgically (BL), 6 and 12 months postsurgically clinical parameters (GI, P1I, PPD, PAL‐V) and 36 standardized radiographs were obtained generating 72 pairs (36 BL/6 months; 36 BL/12 months). Using linear measurements on the radiographs and subtraction analysis, bony fill within the defects was assessed. Intrasurgically the extension of the intrabony defects was measured. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) attachment gain was found after 6 (C: 2.4±1.6 mm; G: 3.2 ± 1.6 mm; V: 3.4±1.5 mm) and 12 months in all groups (C: 2.4±1.7 mm; G: 3.1±1.7 mm; V: 4.0±1.7 mm). Thirty‐nine of 72 pairs of radiographs were unsuitable for subtraction analysis. Significant (p < 0.05) bony fill was observed at 6 (C: 0.3 ± 1.0 mm; G: 0.7 ± 1.2 mm; V: 0.9 ± 1.2 mm) and 12 months (C: 0.0±1.1mm; G: 1.4±1.5mm; V: 1.5 ± 1.7 mm) only after GTR surgery. GTR therapy yielded significantly more bony fill than conventional surgery 12 months postsurgically (p < 0.1). Bony fill (linear measurement) was influenced by age, smoking, baseline bone loss and PAL‐V gain (p < 0.0001). Significantly more radiographs taken with potentially unstable support of the filmholder were not suitable for subtraction analysis than those with stable support (p < 0.05). Bony gain (subtraction analysis) was positively modulated by bony fill (linear measurement) and use of biodegradable barriers (p = 0.002). There is a correlation between PAL‐V gain and bony fill (linear measurement). Smoking impairs attachment gain and bony fill. Potentially stable support of the filmholder provided radiographs suitable for subtraction analysis.
Evidence that cyclosporin A administration induces the formation of new cementum‐like islets inside the gingival connective tissue
Authors: Ayanoglou Charles M.
Published: June 2010

Two groups of 3 male Sprague‐Dawley rats were given orally 30 mg/kg/d of vehicle (control group) or cyclosporin‐A (experimental group) solution for 14 wk. The rats were anesthetized, tissues fixed by intracardiac perfusion of fixative solution and jaws dissected, demineralized, processed for Epon inclusion and cut by semi‐thin serial sections. Histological examination revealed the presence of several islets located paravascularly inside the gingival connective tissue in the proximity of the root surfaces. The structure of these new cementum‐like islets (NCLIs) was either compact and homogeneous or heterogeneous, but identical to that of the adjacent new cementum (NC) deposits. Histomorphometric evaluation indicated that the volume and the external surface of the NCLIs varied from 2354 to 679,497 μm3 and from 465 to 47,517 μm2, respectively. These observations (a) suggest that CsA stimulates possibly paravascular progenitor cells which secrete in situ a NC‐like material and (b) provides further evidence about the high potential of CsA to induce NC formation.
Clonal analysis by ribotyping of Fusobacterium nucleatum isolates obtained from healthy young adults with optimal plaque control
Authors: Suchett‐Kaye G. , Dëcoret D. , Barsotti O.
Published: June 2010

Fusobacterium nucleatum is a Gram‐negative anaerobic rod implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. However, this organism has also been frequently identified in high numbers in healthy adults. These observations suggest that the species may comprise different clonal types, some of which may participate in disease. The purpose of the present investigation was to use restriction endonuclease analysis (REA) and ribotyping to characterize F. nucleatum clonal types isolated from healthy young adults with optimal plaque control and investigate the stability of some of these clonal types. A group comprising 11 dental students and 11 dental outpatients with optimal plaque control was sampled. Clonal stability was investigated by sampling the dental student group at baseline and at 16 months. One hundred and thirty‐two clinical isolates of F. nucleatum were successfully recovered from 15/22 individuals. For the positive subjects, 29 different clonal types were identified by REA and ribotyping, each subject and site being colonized by 1‐4 clonal types. For the dental students, 9 and 15 different clonal types were identified at baseline and 16 months, respectively. None of the students harboured identical clonal types at both sampling times. Our results show that ribotyping is a useful technique for monitoring the distributions of F. nucleatum clonal types and indicate that healthy individuals with optimal plaque control can be colonized by more than one F. nucleatum clonal type and that these clonal types appear to be unstable.
PAF levels in saliva are regulated by inflammatory cells
Authors: Ribaldi E. , Guerra M. , Mezzasoma A. M. , Staffolani N. , Goracci G. , Gresele P. , Gresele P.
Published: June 2010

Platelet activating factor (PAF), a powerful inflammatory phospholipid mediator, has been detected in normal human saliva and found to be increased in periodontitis. The cellular source of PAF in saliva is controversial although several data suggest an origin related to the presence of inflammatory cells. PAF levels in biological fluids are regulated by PAF‐producing cells and by the PAFdegrading acetylhydrolase. Although in normal human saliva acetylhydrolase activity is very low, no information is available on the levels of this enzyme in inflammatory conditions of the mouth. The aim of our study was to assess the contribution of inflammatory cells to the levels of PAF in saliva in normal subjects and in patients with periodontitis. PAF was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in mixed uncentrifuged saliva and in cell‐free saliva from healthy subjects, before and after tooth brushing, and in patients with periodontitis. In healthy subjects PAF levels were significantly higher in whole saliva than in centifuged saliva (1.51 ±0.22 vs. 0.92±0.04 ng/ml, p<0.0039). A significant increase in the amount of PAF was detected in whole saliva, but not in centifuged saliva, 2 h after tooth brushing. In patients with periodontitis PAF levels were not different from those of healthy individuals when using centrifuged saliva but were significantly higher when using whole, uncentrifuged saliva. Exogenous radiolabelled PAF was degraded much more rapidly by the saliva of periodontitis patients than by that of normal subjects. In conclusion, our study shows that inflammatory cells regulate the levels of PAF in saliva contributing to its production and degradation. The differential degradation of PAF in normal and inflammatory saliva highlights the absolute need of a series of methodological precautions when performing studies on salivary PAF.
Human cementum tumor cells have different features from human osteoblastic cells in vitro
Authors: Arzate Higinlo , Alvarez‐Pérez Marco A. , Aguilar‐Mendoza Ma. Eugenia , Alvarer‐Fregoso Octavio , Arzate Dr Higinio
Published: June 2010

Cells obtained from human cementoblastoma and alveolar bone were isolated and cultured. Initial and late stages of mineralization were assessed by using atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray microanalysis. In cultures of cementoblastoma‐derived cells the initial stages of mineralization showed well‐defined spherical‐shaped structures, while the osteoblastic cells showed plaque‐like deposits. These morphological patterns of mineral deposition could serve as nucleation centers for hydroxyapatite crystals. Late stages of mineralization at 28 and 35 d maintained thosemorphological differences established in initial cultures. The material deposited by cemetoblastoma and osteoblastic cells, analyzed by EDX spectra, revealed similar Ca/P ratios for both cell types. These values were similar to those reported for hydroxyapatite in enamel and bone. Alkaline phosphatase specific activity (Alp), of osteoblastic cells at 3, 7 and 11 d, showed an increase of 27.9, 50.9 and 37.0% (p<0.001), respectively. However, at 15 and 19 d there was an increase of A1P activity of cementoblastoma cells by 39.4 and 34.5% over osteoblastic cells (p <0.001). Immunostaining of cementoblastorna and osteoblastic cells using a specific mAb against a cementum‐derived attachment protein revealed strong immunostaining of cementoblastoma cells which was localized to the cell membrane and fibril‐like structures (96.2±1.3). A few osteoblastic cells also stained weakly with the anti‐CAP mAb (6.4 ±0.6). Sections of decalcified paraffin embedded cementoblastoma specimens, when immunostained with anti‐CAP mAb, showed strong immunostaining of the cells surrounding the regular and irregularly‐shaped calcified masses of the tumor. Putative cementocytes also stained positively. Immunostaining with a polyclonal antibody against osteopontin strongly stained the osteoblastic cells (89.0±3.6). Cementoblastoma cells showed weaker staining (54.252.4). The results suggest that cementoblastoma cells could be a major source of specific cementum proteins. These cells could provide the opportunity to elucidate the regulation of the cementogenesis process.
Periotron 8000: calibration characteristics and reliability
Authors: Ciantar M. , Caruana D. J. , Ciantar M.
Published: June 2010

The Periotron is an instrument designed to quantify submicrolitre volumes of fluid sampled on a filter paper strip. To date 3 models have been manufactured: the Periotron 600 (1976), the Periotron 6000 (1983) and more recently the Periotron 8000 (1995). This paper investigated for the first time the calibration characteristics and reliability of the Periotron 8000. The fluids under investigation were: de‐ionised water, human serum, fetal bovine serum and an ultrafiltrate of fetal bovine serum. Quantitative analysis was studied by recording a series of Periotron readings over a volume range of 0‐1.0 μl for each fluid. The average of 5 Periotron values for each particular fluid was then plotted versus the respective fluid volume. Qualitative changes in fluid composition versus Periotron Scores were also analysed. Volume conversion for Periotron scores using both Periotron MLCONVRT software and a best fit equation selected from Tablecurve 2D software compared well. The results of this study revealed that: 1) differences in calibration fluid composition (e.g. protein content) are reflected in the Periotron scores; 2) positioning of filter paper strip between the jaws of the Periotron should be standardised, 3) calibration of the Periotron 8000 seems to be consistent over a 1‐wk interval.
Histological alterations following short‐term smokeless tobacco exposure in humans
Authors: Payne Jeffrey B. , Johnson Georgia K. , Reinhardt Richard A. , Schmid Marian
Published: June 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate the histological changes following short‐term smokeless tobacco application in humans. Sixteen smokeless tobacco‐using subjects participated in this trial. Each subject had used at least 3 cans of snuff per week for the previous 2 yr and had an existing lesion at the site of habitual snuff placement. The experimental design included subject placement of moist snuff (University of Kentucky reference tobacco brand 1S3) at a new site in the mandibular arch. At either 2 or 7 d, biopsies were taken from the new lesions and from a non‐placement site in the opposing arch. The volume density of inflammatory cells was determined by point counting. Keratin and epithelial thickness were evaluated by digitizing morphometry. Data were analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance. In 7‐d lesions, increased keratin thickness was observed at the new sites compared to the non‐placement sites (p =0.05). Increased volume density of fibroblasts (p =0.027) and decreased volume densities of macrophages (p = 0.0083) and mast cells (p = 0.05) were observed at 2 d in new versus nonplacement sites. Clinically, the new sites showed erythema, erythema plus ulceration, or white striations. This study demonstrated histological and clinical changes at new snuff placement sites in as few as 2‐7 d, underscoring the rapidity of tissue alterations following snuff use.
Biofilm formation by Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus gordonii
Authors: Cook G. S. , Costerton J. W. , Lamont R. J.
Published: June 2010

Confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) was used to visualize and quantify biofilm formation by the oral bacteria Streptococcus gordonii and Porphyromonas gingivalis. A saliva‐coated glass coverslip under continuous bacterial challenge and conditions of low shear force was used to investigate attachment to the salivary pellicle and also the effect of cell‐cell interactions on the extent of colonization and biofilm development. S. gordonii bound to the salivary pellicle and outcompeted P. gingivalis for attachment sites. Both P. gingivalis and S. gordonii failed to establish substantial biofilm formation independently. However, biofilm formation did occur subsequent to initial adherence of P. gingivalis to S. gordonii cells deposited on the salivary pellicle. The commensal species S. gordonii may, therefore, provide an attachment substrate for colonization and biofilm accretion by the potential pathogen, P. gingivalis.
The effect of transforming growth factor beta one (TGF‐β1) on wound healing, with or without barrier membranes, in a Class II furcation defect in sheep
Authors: Mohammed S. , Pack A. R. C. , Kardos T. B.
Published: June 2010

The purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of TGF‐β1 on wound healing in standardized Class II furcation defects of 48 mandibular second premolar teeth in 24 sheep. The experimental design included a control group (carrier only, 25% pluronic F‐127), and 2 experimental groups: group A (80 μg/ml TGF‐β1 + carrier) and group B (80 μg/ml TGF‐β1 + carrier covered with a barrier membrane). Sheep were killed either 2 wk or 6 wk after surgery. Mesiodistal sections of the decalcified specimens were quantified histologically using stereology. Percentage volumes of regenerated bone, fibrous connective tissue and cementum were calculated for each furcation defect. Mean values were analysed using multiple ANOVA; p values were calculated using paired and unpaired Student's t‐tests. After 2 wk there was more bone in group B than either of the other 2 groups, but this was not statistically significant. By 6 wk more bone was present in group A than in the control group (p<0.02) and also in group B when compared with both group A and the control group (p<0.02 and p<0.44), respectively. In the 4 wk between sampling significantly more bone had formed (group A <0.05 and group B p<0.003, respectively). A negative correlation existed between volumes of bone and fibrous connective tissue and no significant differences between the volumes of cementum were evident between any of the groups. This study demonstrated that TGF‐β1 encouraged bone regeneration in Class II furcation defects in sheep, an effect enhanced by the presence of a barrier membrane. This is the first report on the use of TGF‐β1 in conjunction with GTR in periodontal defects.
Detection of Prevotella intermedia in subgingival plaque of adult periodontitis patients by polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Riggio M. P. , Lennon A. , Roy K. M.
Published: June 2010

A PCR assay was developed that could specifically amplify DNA from the periodontal pathogen Prevotella intermedia. A pair of primers was selected from regions of the 16S rRNA gene of P. intermedia that were both divergent in sequence at their 3′ ends with respect to the corresponding regions of the 16S rRNA gene of P. nigrescens, its most closely related species, and used in the PCR assay. Positivity was indicated by amplification of an 855 bp product. Using purified genomic DNA from these 2 species, assay conditions were determined under which only P. intermedia DNA and not P. nigrescens DNA was amplifiable. Absolute specificity of the assay was confirmed by the fact that no amplification products were obtained when using DNA from several other important periodontal organisms. The optimized PCR assay was used to identify P. intermedia in subgingival plaque samples of patients with adult periodontitis. Confirmation of amplification of P. intermedia DNA was achieved by digestion of PCR products with the restriction endonuclease Rsal, which gives different restriction patterns for P. intermedia and P. nigrescens. Of the 97 samples analysed, 38 (39%) were positive for P. intermedia. The results obtained confirm P. intermedia as a possible aetiological agent of adult periodontitis. Additionally, PCR primers targeting the corresponding region of the 16S rRNA gene of P. nigrescens were shown to be specific for the organism when used in a PCR assay, although P. nigrescens was not detectable in any of the subgingival plaques analysed.
The effects of retinoic acid on alkaline phosphatase activity and tissue‐non‐specific alkaline phosphatase gene expression in human periodontal ligament cells and gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Miguel Symone M. San , Goseki‐Sone Masae , Sugiyama Eilchi , Watanabe Hisashi , Yanagishita Masaki , Ishikawa Isao
Published: June 2010

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in human periodontal ligament (HPDL) cells is classified as a tissue‐non‐specific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP) by its enzymatic and immunological properties. Since retinoic acid (RA) has been shown as a potent inducer of TNSALP expression in various osteoblastic and fibroblastic cells, we investigated the effects of RA on the level of ALP activity and expression of TNSALP mRNAs in HPDL cells. Cultured cells were treated with desired RA concentrations (0, 10−7, 10−6, 10−5 M) in medium containing 1% bovine serum albumin without serum. ALP activity was determined by the rate of hydrolysis of p‐nitrophenyl phosphate and was also assayed in the presence of specific inhibitors. In order to identify the TNSALP mRNA type expressed by HPDL, a set of oligonucleotide primers corresponding to 2 types of human TNSALP mRNA (i.e. bone‐type and liver‐type) were designed, and mRNA isolated from HPDL was amplified by means of reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). After treatment with RA (10−6 M) for 4 d, there was a significant increase in the ALP activity of HPDL cells. The use of inhibitors and thermal inactivation experiments showed that the increased ALP activity had properties of the TNSALP type. RT‐PCR analysis revealed that bone‐type mRNA was highly stimulated in HPDL cells by RA treatment, but the expression of liver‐type mRNA was not detected. These results indicated that the upregulation of ALP activity in HPDL cells by RA was due to the increased transcription of bone‐type mRNA of the TNSALP gene.
Regeneration of oxytalan fibres in different types of periodontal defects: a histological study in monkeys
Authors: Sculean A. , Donos N. , Reich E. , Karring T. , Brecx M.
Published: June 2010

The aim of the present study was to investigate in monkeys the regrowth of oxytalan fibres in different types of acute and chronic periodontal defects following regenerative periodontal treatment. One‐wall intrabony and mandibular furcation III‐defects were produced surgically in 3 monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). After a 6‐wk dental plaque accumulation period the defects were exposed using a full thickness flap procedure. The granulation tissue was removed and the root surfaces were scaled and planed. Additionally, fenestration‐type defects were produced at the vestibular surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular canines by surgically removing the vestibular bone plates and the root cementum. Subsequently, the defects were treated with guided tissue regeneration (GTR), enamel matrix proteins (EMP), combination of EMP and GTR or with coronally repositioned flaps. The postoperative care included tooth cleaning once a week during the experiment. After 5 months the animals were sacrificed and and the block sections were embedded in paraffin. Eight μm histological sections were cut and stained with the oxone‐aldehyde‐fuchsin‐Halmi method. The results revealed that in all specimens where a regenerated periodontal ligament could be observed newly formed oxytalan fibers were present. They had a mainly apico‐occlusal orientation and were localized closer to the cementum than to the alveolar bone. The regenerated oxytalan fibers had a similar morphological appearance than those observed in the original periodontal ligament regardless of the treatment modality by which regeneration was accomplished. Their presence was related to that of newly formed cementum suggesting a strong relationship between these 2 tissues. The neoformation of oxytalan fibres can thus be observed in some types of periodontal defects where the cementum and the periodontal ligament have been regenerated.
The generalized spectral kurtosis estimator
Authors: Nita G. M. , Gary D. E.
Published: June 2010

Due to its conceptual simplicity and its proven effectiveness in real-time detection and removal of radio frequency interference (RFI) from radio astronomy data, the spectral kurtosis (SK) estimator is likely to become a standard tool of a new generation of radio telescopes. However, the SK estimator in its original form must be developed from instantaneous power spectral density estimates, and hence cannot be employed as an RFI excision tool downstream of the data pipeline in existing instruments where any time averaging is performed. In this Letter, we develop a generalized estimator with wider applicability for both instantaneous and averaged spectral data, which extends its practical use to a much larger pool of radio instruments.
Parallel Importation of Copyright Products in Taiwan: A Struggle with International Trade Policy
Authors: Chiang Yuan‐Chen (Jessica)
Published: June 2010

Unlike Taiwan's Patent Law, which expressly permits parallel importation, and the Trademark Law, where parallel imports have been held permissible by Taiwan courts, Taiwan's Copyright Law, after amendment in 1993, basically forbids parallel imports (articles 87(4) and 87‐1). This enactment essentially creates a new distribution right for copyright owners. Since then, parallel imported copyright products have been treated as unlawful copies. Distributors of those parallel imports in Taiwan are therefore subject to both civil and criminal penalties. This article starts by covering the rules that govern parallel imports in Taiwan, their impacts on Taiwan's copyright market and assesses the role Taiwan's international trade policy played in view of its Copyright Law legislation. It also analyses the adverse effects of this ban on parallel imports on Taiwan's trade with other countries. As Taiwan joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2009, it is concluded that the ban on parallel imports may be challenged by other WTO members as an unlawful trade barrier. The existing ban under articles 87(4) and 87‐1 of Taiwan's Copyright Law does not properly address the parallel imports issues or serve the objectives of Taiwan's Copyright Law. Fair‐use application on a case‐by‐case basis should be a more adequate approach.
Fronto‐temporal swelling: case report of an unusual presentation of primary, extra‐pulmonary tuberculous infection
Authors: Ali Z. , Keshani D.
Published: June 2010

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by slow growing, acid fast, aerobic mycobacterium and has become the leading cause of death from a single infectious disease. Primary extra‐pulmonary TB lesions may arise as swellings in the head and neck, and can pose challenges of diagnosis and management to healthcare professionals. We present an unusual case of primary extra‐pulmonary TB manifesting as a fluctuant swelling of the fronto‐temporal region of the head and discuss value of special tests, such as fine needle aspiration cytology, microbiology and histopathology, with reference to previous case reports of TB in the head and neck.
Immediate semi‐static loading using compression healing abutments: case report
Authors: Cano J. , Campo J. , Colmenero C. , Bascones A.
Published: June 2010

Prosthodontic rehabilitation with maxillary implants can be delayed by the low density of available bone. We report the rehabilitation of maxillary edentulism with four implants, in which primary stability was enhanced by using a compression abutment prototype. Application of compression and tension to the peri‐implant bone improved resonance frequency values in all four implants at 7 days after the compression protocol.
Foreign body granuloma in the submental region due to fish bone: a case report
Authors: Ding X. , Zhu X.‐H. , Dong L. , Fang Y.‐M. , Zhang L.
Published: June 2010

The purpose of this article was to describe the clinical and microscopic features of a foreign‐body granuloma in submental region that resulted from a fish bone embedded in the floor of mouth. A 45‐year‐old female patient complained of a hard mass in submental region. Clinical examination showed a non‐compressible, firm, fixed lump, painless on palpation. Ultrasound examination showed an internally uneven, uncircumscribed, hypoechoic mass with a steaky hyperechoic spot of 1.1 cm length in the center. A microscopic examination showed newly‐formed granuloma, composed of lympocytes and epithelioid cells, and some microabscess with neurophiles. The final diagnosis was a foreign‐body granuloma with fish bone. Even though foreign‐body granulomas in submental region are rare lesions, surgeon should be familiar with their features and include them in the differential diagnosis of tissue masses.
CASE REPORT: Extralobar pulmonary sequestration presenting a paravertebral mass with extensive fibroadenomatous change in an adult
Authors: Choi Song Yi , An Jungsuk , Lee Jae Jun , Han Joungho , Shim Young Mog , Yi Chin A.
Published: June 2010

We report herein an unusual case of pulmonary extralobar sequestration (ELS) showing fibroadenomatous change. It was incidentally found in a 41‐year‐old woman presenting with a paravertebral mass on chest radiography during a routine health check‐up. Computed tomography reveled a 3.6 cm, well‐defined solid mass in the paravertebral region. The resected mass was predominantly solid and well‐covered by pleura with irregular cystic spaces. Microscopically, it showed a unique fibroadenomatous change, dilated bronchiolar structures and prominent fibrous stroma. In the periphery of the mass, a small portion of the lung with normal alveolar structure was noted. The lining epithelium showed reactivity for thyroid transcription factor‐1 by immunohistochemical staining.
Noxa mediates hepatic stellate cell apoptosis by proteasome inhibition
Authors: Sosa Seda Ivette M. , Mott Justin L. , Akazawa Yuko , Barreyro Fernando J. , Bronk Steven F. , Kaufmann Scott H. , Gores Gregory J.
Published: June 2010

Aim:  Induction of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) apoptosis is a viable therapeutic strategy to reduce liver fibrogenesis. Although BH3‐only proteins of the Bcl‐2 family trigger pro‐apoptotic pathways, the BH3‐only proteins mediating HSC apoptosis have not been well defined. Our aim, using proteasome inhibition as a model to induce HSC apoptosis, was to examine the BH3‐only proteins contributing to cell death of this key liver cell subtype.

Methods:  Apoptosis was induced by treating LX‐2 cells, an immortalized human hepatic stellate cell line, and primary rat stellate cells with the proteasome inhibitor MG‐132.

Results:  Treatment with proteasome inhibitors increased expression of Noxa both at the mRNA (16‐fold) and protein (22‐fold) levels indicating that both transcriptional and post‐translational mechanisms contributed to the increase in cellular Noxa levels. Knockdown of Noxa by siRNA significantly attenuated cell death, mechanistically implicating Noxa as a key apoptotic mediator of proteasome inhibitor‐induced cell death. Given the pivotal role for the anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 protein A1 in activated HSC survival, we determined if Noxa bound to this survival protein. Noxa was shown to physically bind the anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 protein A1 by co‐immunoprecipitation.

Conclusions:  Noxa contributes to proteasome inhibitor‐induced apoptosis of stellate cells likely by binding A1. Strategies to therapeutically increase Noxa expression may be useful for inducing HSC apoptosis.
Crucial role of impaired Kupffer cell phagocytosis on the decreased Sonazoid‐enhanced echogenicity in a liver of a nonalchoholic steatohepatitis rat model
Authors: Yoshikawa Shohei , Iijima Hiroko , Saito Masaki , Tanaka Hironori , Imanishi Hiroyasu , Yoshimoto Naoki , Yoshimoto Tomohiro , Futatsugi‐Yumikura Shizue , Nakanishi Kenji , Tsujimura Tohru , Nishigami Takashi , Kudo Atsushi , Arii Shigeki , Nishiguchi Shuhei
Published: June 2010

Aims: To evaluate the dynamics of Kupffer cell (KC) phagocytosis by performing bothin vivoandin vitrostudies using Sonazoid (GE Healthcare, Oslo) in a rat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) model.

Methods: Contrast enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) was performed on a rat NASH model induced by a methionine choline deficient diet (MCDD) and control rats, and Sonazoid was used to measure the signal intensity in the liver parenchyma. The uptake of Sonazoid by the KCs was observed by intravital microscopy. Their phagocytic capability was evaluatedin vitrousing isolated and cultured KCs. The uptake of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐labeled latex beads was observed and quantitatively analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results: In the MCDD group, liver parenchymal enhancement was reduced 20 min after the Sonazoid injection. Microscopic observation of the isolated and cultured KCs revealed that the number of phagocytosed Sonazoid microbubbles was significantly decreased. Confocal laser scanning microscopic (CLSM) observation showed a decrease in the uptake of the latex beads. A decreased phagocytic capacity in the MCDD group was suggested by the quantitative analysis using flow cytometry, as well as by intravital microscopy.

Conclusions: CEUS with Sonazoid is a powerful evaluation tool to diagnose NASH from an early stage of the disease.
Computational Heat Transfer Analysis and Design of Third-World Cookstoves
Authors: Wohlgemuth Alex , Mazumder Sandip , Andreatta Dale
Published: June 2010

In many developing countries, natural gas, wood, or biomass fired cookstoves find prolific usage. These cookstoves are constructed without paying much too attention to their thermal efficiency. In this study, a computational heat transfer analysis of a generic third-world cookstove is conducted with the goal to understand the effect of various operating conditions and geometric parameters on the overall heat transfer characteristics and thermal efficiency. A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model, including turbulence and heat transfer by all three modes, was first created. The model was first validated against experimental data, also collected as part of this study. Unknown parameters in the model were calibrated to better match experimental observations. It is generally believed that placing a skirt around the stove and cook-pot enhances thermal efficiency. The model was explored to study the effects several skirt-related parameters. These include the vertical position of the skirt, the width of the gap between the skirt and the cook-pot, and the thermal conductivity of the skirt (insulating vs. conducting material). It was found that the skirt must either be made out of an insulating material or insulated on the outer surface for it to provide maximum benefits. It was also found that it must be placed at an optimum distance away from the cook-pot for maximum thermal efficiency.
Study the Characteristics in the Growth Phase of Wood Crib Fires
Authors: Xu Qiang , Griffin G. J. , Miao XuHong , Xu ZhenYu , Jiang Y.
Published: June 2010

Tests were conducted with ISO 9705 room to investigate the combustion behavior of medium size wood cribs. Cribs were burnt at the center and corner inside ISO room and also under the hood of the ISO room. Effective heat of combustion and increase rate of heat release rate in growth phase is compared for cribs with different nominal heat release rate and in different positions. The relationship between scaled steady mass loss rate and porosity factor of wood crib is quite different from those in literatures. The average effect heat of combustion is 12.18 MJ kg−1, which is close to commonly accepted value 12 MJ kg−1 for wood sample burning with diffusion flame.
Thermal Conductivity of Water/Carbon Nanotube Composite Systems: Insights From Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Thomas J. A. , Iutzi R. M. , McGaughey A. J. H.
Published: June 2010

The effective thermal conductivity of water/carbon nanotube (CNT) composite systems is predicted using molecular dynamics simulation. Both empty and water-filled CNTs with diameters ranging from 0.83 nm to 1.26 nm are considered. Using a direct application of the Fourier law, we explore the transition to diffusive phonon transport with increasing CNT length and identify the correlation between CNT diameter and fully-diffusive thermal conductivity. Using Green-Kubo linear response theory, we explore how the thermal conductivity of water inside CNT varies with tube diameter. We predict the effective thermal conductivity of the composite systems and examine how the phonon modes in the CNT are affected by interactions with the water molecules.
Analysis on Evaporation of Extended Thin Film Meniscus in Capillary Microstructure
Authors: Du Xiaoze , Yang Lijun , Yang Yongping , Zhao Na , Xian Haizhen
Published: June 2010

The surface evaporation of the extended meniscus liquid film in the micro channel driven by the capillary force is of the key process in a lot of heat sink and thermal management equipments. The physio-mathematical model was established considering the variation of the apparent contact angle to describe the configuration of the total extended thin film region, including that of equilibrium, interline and intrinsic meniscus regions. In additions, the minimum energy principle was employed to determine the range of thin film interline region. The results indicate that the range of thin film interline region is quite small in the total extended film region, nevertheless the variation of its surface temperature is much obvious, implying that the resulted Maragoni effect can cause great “pump” force to drive the film flow, which may be the main contribution of the interline region to the total extended thin film evaporation. The variations of evaporating rate, and also the resulted mean velocity of liquid film in the thin film interline region under different wall temperature and apparent contact angle were revealed, which showed that there existed the local maximum value of evaporating rate in this region by the coupled influences of the decreased film thickness and variation of the interface temperature.