bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Vertical Dimension of Occlusion: Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Options
Authors: Discacciati José Augusto César , de Souza Eduardo Lemos , Costa Sérgio Carvalho , de Magalhães Barros Vinícius , Vasconcellos Walison Arthuso
Published: March 2013

During the planning of oral rehabilitation, the vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) is one of the first parameters to be measured since its improper restoration can lead to the failure of any prosthetic rehabilitation. A decreased VDO can lead to the appearance of lesions, such as angular cheilitis, facial disharmony, and temporomandibular disorders; meanwhile, an increased VDO may lead to the onset of joint and muscle pain, tension in functional speech, difficulty in swallowing, impaired chewing, tooth sensitivity due to traumatogenic forces, pathologic bone resorption, abnormal wearing of teeth, the appearance of an elongated face, and a facial expression of fatigue. Most scientific articles deal with methods and techniques for re-establishing VDO in edentulous patients or those who have lost their tooth reference due to prosthetic preparations. However, patients with increased VDO are also found in everyday practice. One treatment option for these patients is occlusal adjustment by selective tooth wear; it is still possible to perform orthodontic intrusion and/or orthognathic surgery in severe cases. The aim of this study was to discuss signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, and to report a clinical case of a patient with increased VDO.

How to cite this article

Discacciati JAC, de Souza EL, Vasconcellos WA, Costa SC, Barros VM. Increased Vertical Dimension of Occlusion: Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Options. J Contemp Dent Pract 2013;14(1): 123-128.
Primary Gingival Tuberculosis Diagnosis: A Difficult Endeavor
Authors: Gelli Vamsi , Mutalik Sunil S , Mutalik Vimi Sunil , Manyam Ravikant
Published: March 2013

Aim

To highlight the importance of considering tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis even in the absence of confirmation from several investigations and diagnostic aides.

Background

Tuberculosis is a common infectious granulomatous disease caused by various strains of mycobacteria. An oral lesion when seen in association with tuberculosis is very rare and in most cases is noticed secondary to pulmonary forms.

Case report

We report a case of primary gingival tuberculosis in 20-year-old female patient who presented with treatment resistant gingivitis. Patient had no evidence of disease elsewhere in the body and several diagnostic tests also failed to reveal the presence of the causative organism. Resolution of gingivitis was noted following a therapeutic trial of antitubercular drugs.

Conclusion

Therefore the importance of including tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory disorder of the gingiva is very essential in order to avoid one of the most lethal forms of infections often overlooked.

Clinical significance

It is essential to consider tuberculosis as one of the differential diagnosis in India even when several diagnostic tests are negative for tuberculosis.

How to cite this article

Gelli V, Mutalik SS, Mutalik VS, Manyam R. Primary Gingival Tuberculosis Diagnosis: A Difficult Endeavor. J Contemp Dent Pract 2013;14(1):137-139.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta/Lobstein Syndrome associated with Dentinogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Lingaraju Naresh , Nagarathna PJ , Vijayalakshmi R , Sheshadri P
Published: March 2013

Osteogenesis imperfecta is a collagen related disorder characterized by increased bone fragility and low bone mass. The important oral finding in osteogenesis imperfect is the presence of dentinogenesis imperfecta. This article presents a case of osteogenesis imperfecta (type IV B) with dentinogenesis imperfecta where a 7-year-old girl had opalacent primary teeth associated with severe bone deformity, scoliosis, barrel shaped rib cage, and short stature. The clinical, radiographic ad histologic features are reviewed along with management aspects.

How to cite this article

Lingaraju N, Nagarathna PJ, Vijayalakshmi R, Sheshadri P. Osteogenesis Imperfecta/ Lobstein Syndrome associated with Dentinogenesis Imperfecta. J Contemp Dent Pract 2013;14(1):140-142.
Radiation in Dental Practice: Awareness, Protection and Recommendations
Authors: Praveen BN , Shubhasini AR , Bhanushree R , Sumsum PS , Sushma CN
Published: March 2013

Radiation is the transmission of energy through space and matter. There are several forms of radiation, including ionizing and nonionizing. X-rays are the ionizing radiation used extensively in medical and dental practice. Even though they provide useful information and aid in diagnosis, they also have the potential to cause harmful effects.

In dentistry, it is mainly used for diagnostic purposes and in a dental set-up usually the practicing dentist exposes, processes and interprets the radiograph. Even though such exposure is less, it is critical to reduce the exposure to the dental personnel and patients in order to prevent the harmful effects of radiation. Several radiation protection measures have been advocated to ameliorate these effects.

A survey conducted in the Bengaluru among practicing dentists revealed that radiation protection awareness was very low and the necessary measures taken to reduce the exposure were not adequate. The aim of the article is to review important parameters that must be taken into consideration in the clinical set-up to reduce radiation exposure to patients and dental personnel.

How to cite this article

Praveen BN, Shubhasini AR, Bhanushree R, Sumsum PS, Sushma CN. Radiation in Dental Practice: Awareness, Protection and Recommendations. J Contemp Dent Pract 2013;14(1):143-148.
Mechanized Instrumentation of Root Canals Oscillating Systems
Authors: de Toledo Leonardo Renato , Puente Carlos Garcia , Jaime Alejandro , Jent Carol
Published: March 2013

Cleaning and shaping are important steps in the root canal treatment. Despite the technological advances in endodontics, K and Hedströen files are still widely used. In an attempt to be more effective in preparing the root canals, faster and more cutting efficient kinematic, alloys and design alternatives utilizing mechanically oscillating or rotary files are proposed. Even with all these technological innovating alternatives, the preparation of root canals remains a challenge.

How to cite this article

de Leonardo RT, Puente CG, Jaime A, Jent C. Mechanized Instrumentation of Root Canals Oscillating Systems. J Contemp Dent Pract 2013;14(1):149-152.
CBCT in Orthodontics: The Wave of Future
Authors: Nanjannawar Lalita G , Agrawal Jiwanasha Manish , Agrawal Manish Suresh , Parushetti Anita D
Published: March 2013

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has probably been one of the most revolutionary innovations in the field of dentistry in the past decade and it provides a novel platform for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Current imaging techniques are essentially two-dimensional (2D) representations of threedimensional (3D) objects and suffer from several limitations. Hence, fulfillment of ideal imaging goals has been limited. Twodimensional radiographs are insufficient, especially in complex cases like impacted teeth, supernumerary teeth and orthognathic surgeries. CBCT images provide far more detailed information than conventional 2D radiographs and are user friendly. Soft tissues, skull, airway and the dentition can be observed and measured on CBCT images in a 1:1 ratio.

Clinical significance

CBCT provides an excellent tool for accurate diagnosis, more predictable treatment planning, more efficient patient management and education, improved treatment outcome and patient satisfaction. This article focuses on various applications of cone beam CT technology in orthodontics.

How to cite this article

Agrawal JM, Agrawal MS, Nanjannawar LG, Parushetti AD. CBCT in Orthodontics: The Wave of Future. J Contemp Dent Pract 2013;14(1):153-157.
Microstructure, Physical Stability, and Rheological Properties of Salad Dressing Emulsions Supplemented with Various Pulse Flours
Authors: Ma Zhen , Boye Joyce I.
Published: March 2013

Significant opportunities exist for using pulses in the development of health promoting foods as consumers increasingly look for functional foods with disease prevention qualities. Pulse ingredients could be considered for use in the development of novel, value-added products such as salad dressing. In this study, the rheological properties, color, physical stability, and microstructure of model salad dressing emulsions supplemented with various types of pulse flours (red lentil, green lentil, desi chickpea, kabuli chickpea and yellow pea) were evaluated. Supplementation with pulse flours significantly increased (P < 0.05) the consistency coefficient (m) and decreased (P < 0.05) the flow behavior index (n) of the control dressing in accordance with the power law modelduring steady state flow tests. The pulse-supplemented dressings also showed increased recoverable strain (i.e., increased Q(t)% values) compared with the control. The observed rheological results were supported by scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations, where a more compact and uniform network was observed for supplemented dressings in comparison with the control sample. Addition of pulse flour increased the physical stability of the salad dressing emulsions and also modified color by increasing yellowness and redness hues depending on the type of flour used. This study, thus, demonstrated that pulse flours hold promise as ingredients that could be used in salad dressing formulations.
Rheological Measurements
Authors: Yu Wei
Published: March 2013

The basic concepts and methods of rheological measurements are introduced in this article. The rheometry for shear rheology and extensional rheology is briefly described, and some recent developments such as the online measurement of velocity profile and new methods to measure the extensional behavior have also been included. The element shear experiments (ie, step strain, step shear rate, step stress, and oscillatory shear), the series, and superimposed combination of these element shear operations are discussed thoroughly. Examples are given for each test mode for various types of materials, which illustrates the power of rheology to study the structures of materials and its evolution under external stimuli. The combination of rheology with other characterization method is also discussed, especially on the importance and application of velocity measurement in shear rheometry.
Coextrusion of Multilayer Structures, Interfacial Phenomena
Authors: Lamnawar Khalid , Zhang Huagui , Maazouz Abderrahim
Published: March 2013

The focus of this overview is to give a state‐of‐the‐art knowledge on coextrusion and rheology at the interface of multilayer polymers. In this article, we summarize important experimental and fundamental aspects given in the literature in regard to structure–processing–properties relationships. In addition, the modeling of the interfacial phenomena and the role of the interphase on the flow stability in coextrusion are also discussed.
Electronic Circular and Linear Dichroism
Authors: Rodger Alison
Published: March 2013

Circular dichroism (CD) is the difference in absorption of light left and right circularly polarized, and linear dichroism (LD) is the difference in absorption of light linearly polarized parallel and perpendicular to an orientation axis. These polarized light spectroscopy techniques can be used to determine structural information about polymeric systems. CD spectra give information about the asymmetric character of the molecules in a solution, whereas LD gives data on relative orientations of subunits of oriented polymeric system. This article outlines what the techniques are, from where the signals originate and illustrates spectra that can be obtained and how they can be analyzed.
Solid‐State Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy
Authors: Harada Takunori , Moriyama Hiroshi
Published: March 2013

Chirality is a fundamental concept in nature because the biological world is homochiral, with proteins being made up of
l
‐amino acids and nucleic acids of
d
‐deoxyribose. Hence, chirality is important for the understanding of the origin of life as well as for manufacturing bioactive compounds in the food, agricultural, medicinal, and chemical industries. Chirality in the solid and condensed phases provides particularly valuable information because molecular interactions are much stronger in the solid state as compared with the solution phase, achieving chirality transfer, amplification, and discrimination. However, solid‐state chiroptical measurements cannot be generally achieved with conventional circular dichroism (CD) or circular birefringence (CB) spectrophotometers because of strong macroscopic anisotropies, that is, linear birefringence and linear dichroism. These artifact signals are often much stronger than the CD or CB signals. Only a CD spectrophotometer integrated into the Stokes–Mueller matrix analysis for a solid sample devised in 2001 is applicable for accurate chirality measurements for samples with macroscopic anisotropies. This novel CD spectrophotometer was named the universal chiroptical spectrophotometer (UCS) system because of its ability to measure all polarization phenomena, which is indispensable for obtaining the true CD and true CB signal in the solid state. Therefore, the presented UCS system opens a new door for solid‐state chiral investigations of optically anisotropic samples, for example, single crystal, microcrystalline powdered sample, gel, and film. This article presents a short and elementary discussion of solid‐state CD spectroscopy in polymer science and its use in the interpretation and design of experiments in polarization spectroscopy.
Xanthan
Authors: Baird John K.
Published: March 2013

Polysaccharides such as dextran, gellan gum, xanthan gum, and welan gum are widely used in food, industrial, and pharmaceutical applications. From these polysaccharides, xanthan is of particular interest due to its stability, compatibility, and versatile rheological properties. This article overviews the structure, properties, production, and main applications of xanthan.
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm in Infancy in Aneurysms–Osteoarthritis Syndrome Due to a Novel SMAD3 Mutation: Further Delineation of the Phenotype
Authors: Wischmeijer Anita , Van Laer Lut , Tortora Giada , Bolar Nikhita Ajit , Van Camp Guy , Fransen Erik , Peeters Nils , di Bartolomeo Roberto , Pacini Davide , Gargiulo Gaetano , Turci Simone , Bonvicini Marco , Mariucci Elisabetta , Lovato Luigi , Brusori Stefano , Ritelli Marco , Colombi Marina , Garavelli Livia , Seri Marco , Loeys Bart L.
Published: March 2013

Recently, mutations in the SMAD3 gene were found to cause a new autosomal dominant aneurysm condition similar to Loeys–Dietz syndrome (LDS), mostly with osteoarthritis, called aneurysms–osteoarthritis syndrome (AOS). Our 3‐year‐old propositus underwent correction of an inguinal hernia at 3 months and substitution of the ascending aorta for pathologic dilation at 12 months of age. Family history reveals aortic dilation in his mother at 30 years, death due to aortic dissection of an 18‐year‐old maternal aunt, surgical replacement of the ascending aorta because of aneurysm in a maternal uncle at 19 years, postpartum death of the maternal grandmother at 24 years and surgical intervention because of thoracic aortic aneurysm in a brother of the propositus' grandmother at 54 years. The affected individuals present with several other signs of connective tissue disease, but the two adult patients evaluated revealed no radiologic evidence of osteoarthritis. Molecular testing of the TGFBR1 and TGFBR2 genes, involved in LDS, resulted negative, but analysis of SMAD3 disclosed the novel heterozygous loss‐of‐function mutation c.1170_1179del (p.Ser391AlafsX7) in exon 9 in all affected family members, confirming the diagnosis of AOS. SMAD3 mutations should be considered in patients of all ages with LDS‐like phenotypes and negative TGFBR1/2 molecular tests, especially in the presence of aortic root or ascending aortic aneurysms, even though signs of early onset osteoarthritis are absent. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Role of Social Networking Sites in Medical Genetics Research
Authors: Reaves Allison Cook , Bianchi Diana W.
Published: March 2013

Social networking sites (SNS) have potential value in the field of medical genetics as a means of research subject recruitment and source of data. This article examines the current role of SNS in medical genetics research and potential applications for these sites in future studies. Facebook is the primary SNS considered, given the prevalence of its use in the United States and role in a small but growing number of studies. To date, utilization of SNS in medical genetics research has been primarily limited to three studies that recruited subjects from populations of Facebook users [McGuire et al. (2009); Am J Bioeth 9: 3–10; Janvier et al. (2012); Pediatrics 130: 293–298; Leighton et al. (2012); Public Health Genomics 15: 11–21]. These studies and a number of other medical and public health studies that have used Facebook as a context for recruiting research subjects are discussed. Approaches for Facebook‐based subject recruitment are identified, including paid Facebook advertising, snowball sampling, targeted searching and posting. The use of these methods in medical genetics research has the potential to facilitate cost‐effective research on both large, heterogeneous populations and small, hard‐to‐access sub‐populations. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Population differences in the relationship between height, weight, and adiposity: An application of burton's model
Authors: Hruschka Daniel J. , Rush Elaine C. , Brewis Alexandra A.
Published: March 2013

The study of human variation in adiposity and lean mass is important for understanding core processes in human evolution, and is increasingly a public health concern as the “obesity epidemic” expands globally. The dominant measure of population differences in adiposity is Body Mass Index (BMI), which suffers from systematic biases across populations due to variation in the relationship between true body fat, height and weight. Here we develop simplified corrections for such anthropometric‐based measures of adiposity that can take into account this population variation. These corrections derive from a recent model proposed by Burton that assumes humans accrue mass in two ways—growth in height that adds bone and muscle, and growth in body fat and the ancillary fat‐free mass (FFM) needed to support this additional body fat. We analyze two ethnically diverse datasets with dual X‐ray absorptiometry‐measured (DXA) fat mass, assessing the fit of Burton's model and deriving novel corrections based on estimated musculoskeletal slenderness. The resulting model provides excellent fit to fat mass within populations (average R2 = 0.92 for women and R2 = 0.83 for men). World populations differ dramatically in musculoskeletal slenderness (up to a difference of 4.4 kg/m2), as do men and women (differences of 3.3–4.5 kg/m2), leading to clear population corrections. These findings point to a conceptually straightforward tool for estimating true differences in adiposity across populations, and suggest an alternative to BMI that provides a more accurate and theoretically based estimate of body fat than that traditionally derived from height and weight measures. Am J Phys Anthropol 151:68–76, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Flavonols enhanced production of anti‐inflammatory substance(s) by Bifidobacterium adolescentis: Prebiotic actions of galangin, quercetin, and fisetin
Authors: Kawabata Kyuichi , Sugiyama Yuta , Sakano Taiken , Ohigashi Hajime
Published: March 2013

The gut microbiota is capable of the bioconversion of flavonoids whereas influences of probiotic anaerobes on the bioactivities of flavonoids and vice versa are still unclear. Here, we investigated functional interactions with respect to the anti‐inflammatory activity between flavonols and probiotic bacteria. Ten enteric (6 probiotic and 4 indigenous) bacteria were incubated with flavonols (galangin, kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin, and fisetin) under anaerobic conditions, and the supernatants were assessed for their effects on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccaride‐stimulated RAW264 cells. Although the conditioned medium from the flavonol mono‐culture and almost all of the tested co‐cultures failed to inhibit NO production, the medium from the Bifidobacterium adolescentis/flavonols (galangin, quercetin, and fisetin) co‐culture highly suppressed NO production. This activity increased during the 1–6 H incubation in a time‐dependent manner and was not observed in the co‐culture using heat‐inactivated B. adolescentis. Interestingly, when the B. adolescentis cell number was increased, the supernatant from the mono‐culture of the bacteria showed NO suppression, suggesting that B. adolescentis may produce NO suppressant(s), and flavonols may have a promoting effect. These findings indicate that flavonols have a prebiotic‐like effect on the anti‐inflammatory activity of B. adolescentis. © 2013 BioFactors, 39(4):422–429, 2013
Yerba mate tea and mate saponins prevented azoxymethane‐induced inflammation of rat colon through suppression of NF‐κB p65ser311 signaling via IκB‐α and GSK‐3β reduced phosphorylation
Authors: Puangpraphant Sirima , Dia Vermont P. , de Mejia Elvira Gonzalez , Garcia Guadalupe , Berhow Mark A. , Wallig Matthew A.
Published: March 2013

Yerba mate tea (YMT) has a chemopreventive role in a variety of inflammatory diseases. The objective was to determine the capability of YMT and mate saponins to prevent azoxymethane (AOM)‐induced colonic inflammation in rats. YMT (2% dry leaves, w/v, as a source of drinking fluid) (n = 15) and mate saponins (0.01% in the diet, at a concentration present in one cup of YMT) (n = 15) were given ad libitum to rats 2 weeks prior to AOM‐injection until the end of the study; while control rats (n = 15) received a basal diet and drinking water. After 8‐weeks of study, total colonic mucosa was scraped (n = 3 rats/group) and the remaining colons (n =12 rats/group) were cut into three equal sections and aberrant crypt foci (ACF) were analyzed. YMT reduced ACF formation from 113 (control group) to 89 (P < 0.05). YMT and mate saponins reduced the expression of proinflammatory molecules COX‐2 and iNOS with concomitant reduction in p‐p65 (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis of the formalin‐fixed middle colons showed that YMT and mate saponins reduced the expression of p‐p65ser311 by 45.7% and 43.1%, respectively, in comparison to the control (P < 0.05). In addition, the expression of molecules upstream of NF‐κB such as p‐IκB‐α and p‐GSK‐3βY216 was downregulated by YMT 24.7% and 24.4%, respectively (P < 0.05). Results suggest the mechanism involved in the chemopreventive effect of YMT and mate saponin consumption in AOM induced‐colonic inflammation in rats is through inhibition of NF‐κB. © 2013 BioFactors, 39(4):430–440, 2013
Nrf2‐regulated phase‐II detoxification enzymes and phase‐III transporters are induced by thyroid hormone in rat liver
Authors: Cornejo Pamela , Vargas Romina , Videla Luis A.
Published: March 2013

Thyroid hormone (T3)‐induced calorigenesis triggers the hepatic production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and redox‐sensitive nuclear transcription factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that in vivo T3 administration upregulates the expression of phase II and III detoxification proteins that is controlled by Nrf2. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were given a single intraperitoneal dose of 0.1 mg T3/kg or T3 vehicle (controls). After treatment, rectal temperature of the animals, liver Nrf2 DNA binding (EMSA), protein levels of epoxide hydrolase 1 (Eh1), NADPH‐quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), glutathione‐S‐transferases Ya (GST Ya) and Yp (GST Yp), and multidrug resistance‐associated proteins 2 (MRP‐2) and 4 (MRP‐4) (Western blot), and MRP‐3 (RT‐PCR) were determined at different times. T3 significantly rose the rectal temperature of the animals in the time period studied, concomitantly with increases (P < 0.05) of liver Nrf2 DNA binding at 1 and 2 h after treatment, which was normalized at 4–12 h. Within 1–2 h after T3 treatment, liver phase II enzymes Eh1, NQO1, GST Ya, and GST Yp were enhanced (P < 0.05) as did phase III transporters MRP‐2 and MRP‐3, whereas MRP‐4 remained unchanged. In conclusion, enhancement of liver Nrf2 DNA binding elicited by in vivo T3 administration is associated with upregulation of the expression of detoxification and drug transport proteins. These changes, in addition to antioxidant protein induction previously observed, may represent cytoprotective mechanisms underlying T3 preconditioning against liver injury mediated by ROS and chemical toxicity. © 2013 BioFactors 39(5):514–521, 2013
Mediterranean diet and health
Authors: Sofi Francesco , Macchi Claudio , Abbate Rosanna , Gensini Gian Franco , Casini Alessandro
Published: March 2013

Over the last decades, a considerable body of evidence supported the hypothesis that diet and dietary factors play a relevant role in the occurrence of diseases. To date, all the major scientific associations as well as the World Health Organization and the nonscientific organizations place an ever‐increasing emphasis on the role of diet in preventing noncommunicable diseases. Many studies have evaluated the associations between food groups, foods, or nutrients and chronic diseases, and a consensus about the role of nutritional factors in the etiology of common diseases, such as cardiovascular and neoplastic diseases, has gradually emerged. Indeed, data from analytical and experimental studies indicated a relation between increased consumption of some food categories such as fruits and vegetables, fiber and whole grains, fish, and moderate consumption of alcohol and reduced risk of major chronic degenerative diseases, whereas increased total caloric intake, body weight, meat, and fats are associated with greater risk. However, the appropriate dietary strategy to prevent chronic degenerative diseases remains a challenging and a highly relevant issue. Recently, Mediterranean diet has been extensively reported to be associated with a favorable health outcome and a better quality of life. In the present review, we encompass the updated evidence of the beneficial effects of Mediterranean diet in the occurrence of major chronic degenerative diseases. © 2013 BioFactors, 39(4):335–342, 2013
Nitric oxide and energy metabolism in mammals
Authors: Dai Zhaolai , Wu Zhenlong , Yang Ying , Wang Junjun , Satterfield M. Carey , Meininger Cynthia J. , Bazer Fuller W. , Wu Guoyao
Published: March 2013

Nitric oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule synthesized from L‐arginine by NO synthase in animals. Increasing evidence shows that NO regulates the mammalian metabolism of energy substrates and that these effects of NO critically depend on its concentrations at the reaction site and the period of exposure. High concentrations of NO (in the micromolar range) irreversibly inhibit complexes I, II, III, IV, and V in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, whereas physiological levels of NO (in the nanomolar range) reversibly reduce cytochomrome oxidase. Thus, NO reduces oxygen consumption by isolated mitochondria to various extents. In intact cells, through cGMP and AMP‐activated protein kinase signaling, physiological levels of NO acutely stimulate uptake and oxidation of glucose and fatty acids by skeletal muscle, heart, liver, and adipose tissue, while inhibiting the synthesis of glucose, glycogen and fat in the insulin‐sensitive tissues, and enhancing lipolysis in white adipocytes. Chronic effects of physiological levels of NO in vivo include stimulation of angiogenesis, blood flow, mitochondrial biogenesis, and brown adipocyte development. Modulation of NO‐mediated pathways through dietary supplementation with L‐arginine or its precursor L‐citrulline may provide an effective, practical strategy to prevent and treat metabolic syndrome, including obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia in mammals, including humans. © 2013 BioFactors, 39(4):383–391, 2013
Secreted proteases of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense: Possible targets for sleeping sickness control?
Authors: Bossard Géraldine , Cuny Gérard , Geiger Anne
Published: March 2013

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is caused by trypanosomes of the species Trypanosoma brucei and belongs to the neglected tropical diseases. Presently, WHO has listed 36 countries as being endemic for sleeping sickness. No vaccine is available, and disease treatment is difficult and has life‐threatening side effects. Therefore, there is a crucial need to search for new therapeutic targets against the parasite. Trypanosome excreted‐secreted proteins could be promising targets, as the total secretome was shown to inhibit, in vitro, host dendritic cell maturation and their ability to induce lymphocytic allogenic responses. The secretome was found surprisingly rich in various proteins and unexpectedly rich in diverse peptidases, covering more than ten peptidase families or subfamilies. Given their abundance, one may speculate that they would play a genuine role not only in classical “housekeeping” tasks but also in pathogenesis. The paper reviews the deleterious role of proteases from trypanosomes, owing to their capacity to degrade host circulating or structural proteins, as well as proteic hormones, causing severe damage and preventing host immune response. In addition, proteases account for a number of drug targets, such drugs being used to treat severe diseases such AIDS. This review underlines the importance of secreted proteins and especially of secreted proteases as potential targets in HAT‐fighting strategies. It points out the need to conduct further investigations on the specific role of each of these various proteases in order to identify those playing a central role in sleeping sickness and would be suitable for drug targeting. © 2013 BioFactors, 39(4):407–414, 2013
Structure– and dose–absorption relationships of coffee polyphenols
Authors: Erk Thomas , Hauser Johanna , Williamson Gary , Renouf Mathieu , Steiling Heike , Dionisi Fabiola , Richling Elke
Published: March 2013

Chlorogenic acids (CGAs) from coffee have biological effects related to human health. Thus, specific data on their bioavailability in the upper gastrointestinal tract are of high interest, since some molecules are absorbed here and so are not metabolized by colonic microflora. Up to now, no data on structure–absorption relationships for CGAs have been published, despite this being the most consumed group of polyphenols in the western diet. To address this gap, we performed ex vivo absorption experiments with pig jejunal mucosa using the Ussing chamber model (a model simulating the mucosa and its luminal/apical side). The main coffee polyphenols, caffeoylquinic acid (CQA), feruloylquinic acid (FQA), caffeic acid (CA), dicaffeoylquinic acid (diCQA), and D‐(−)‐quinic acid (QA), were incubated in individual experiments equivalent to gut lumen physiologically achievable concentrations (0.2–3.5 mM). Identification and quantification were performed with HPLC‐diode array detection and HPLC‐MS/MS. Additionally, the presence of ABC‐efflux transporters was determined by Western blot analysis. The percentages of initially applied CGAs that were absorbed through the jejunal pig mucosa were, in increasing order: diCQA, trace; CQA, ≈1%; CA, ≈1.5%; FQA, ≈2%; and QA, ≈4%. No differences were observed within the CGA subgroups. Dose–absorption experiments with 5‐CQA suggested a passive diffusion (nonsaturable absorption and a linear dose–flux relationship) and its secretion was affected by NaN3, indicating an active efflux. The ABC‐efflux transporters MDR 1 and MRP 2 were identified in pig jejunal mucosa for the first time. We conclude that active efflux plays a significant role in CGA bioavailability and, further, that the mechanism of CGA absorption in the jejunum is governed by their physicochemical properties. © 2013 BioFactors, 40(1):103–112, 2014
TIM3 expression by leukemic and non‐leukemic myeloblasts
Authors: Roth Christine G. , Garner Kelly , Eyck Stephen Ten , Boyiadzis Michael , Kane Lawrence P. , Craig Fiona E.
Published: March 2013

Background:

T‐cell immunoglobulin mucin‐3 (TIM3) has recently been described as an acute myeloid leukemia (AML) stem cell antigen expressed on leukemic myeloblasts, but not on normal hematopoietic stem cells. TIM3 is also expressed by monocytes, natural killer cells, and several T cell subsets; however, normal myeloblasts have not been well‐characterized or compared to AML. A specific flow cytometric marker capable of separating leukemic myeloblasts from non‐neoplastic myeloblasts would be diagnostically useful, especially in the post‐chemotherapy setting.

Methods:

TIM3 myeloblast expression was assessed in 69 bone marrow and/or peripheral blood specimens, including 27 AML and 42 non‐neoplastic cases (20 with a recent history of chemotherapy). TIM3 median fluorescence intensity (MFI) was evaluated within myeloblast, monocyte, T cell, and natural killer cell populations.

Results:

The median percentage of myeloblasts positive for TIM3 was lower in non‐neoplastic specimens without a history of recent chemotherapy (50.3%) as compared to AML (71.4%), but not significantly different as compared to non‐leukemic myeloblasts in the post‐chemotherapy setting (72.4%). Mean myeloblast TIM3 MFI was higher in AML myeloblasts and non‐leukemic myeloblasts in the post‐chemotherapy setting as compared to non‐neoplastic myeloblasts in cases lacking a history of chemotherapy. Mean monocyte, natural killer cell, and T‐cell TIM3 MFI remained relatively constant in varied clinical settings.

Conclusions:

We confirm that leukemic myeloblasts overexpress TIM3 as compared to non‐neoplastic controls; however, high levels of expression may also be seen among non‐leukemic myeloblasts in the post‐chemotherapy setting. This overlap limits the diagnostic utility of TIM3 as a specific marker of neoplasia. © 2013 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Imaging flow cytometry for morphologic and phenotypic characterization of rare circulating endothelial cells
Authors: Samsel Leigh , Dagur Pradeep K. , Raghavachari Nalini , Seamon Catherine , Kato Gregory J. , McCoy J. Philip
Published: March 2013

Endothelial cells in the peripheral circulation are rare events that require technically rigorous approaches for detection by flow cytometry. Visualization of these cells has been even more demanding, as this has historically required extensive enrichment and processing prior to attempting imaging. As a result, few, if any, examples exist on images of peripheral blood circulating endothelial cells (CECs) that include verification of the cell lineage both phenotypically and genomically. In this study, we have devised a method whereby CECs can be directly visualized after lysis of red blood cells and staining, without pre‐enrichment or additional processing. Peripheral blood is stained with CD45, CD146, CD3, Hoechst, and DAPI to permit identification of CD146 positive, nonleukocyte, nucleated, and live cells that fit the description of CECs. These cells are imaged using the Amnis ImageStreamX, an imaging flow cytometer. Genomic verification of the endothelial nature of these cells is accomplished by using an aliquot of the same stained samples for sorting CECs using similar gating strategies. This proof of principle of direct imaging of CECs by imaging flow cytometry will permit studies to be conducted heretofore not possible, as the ImageStreamX has the capability of detecting additional fluorochromes other than those used to identify the CECs. Such potential investigations include antigen colocalization or capping, autophagy and apoptosis, morphologic changes in response to therapy, and others. Thus, this method will enable a broad range of novel studies to be conducted using CECs as surrogates of the endothelium. Published 2013 Wiley‐Periodicals, Inc.†
Diagnostic application and clinical significance of FCM progress scoring system based on immunophenotyping in CD34+ blasts in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Xu Feng , Guo Juan , Wu Ling‐Yun , He Qi , Zhang Zheng , Chang Chun‐Kang , Li Xiao
Published: March 2013

Background

Abnormal proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, which reflect the malignant nature of clonal cells in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), can be detected by flow cytometry (FCM) and potentially applied to assist diagnosis and evaluate prognosis in MDS.

Methods

In this study, a series of immunophenotypes such as CD34, CD19, CD38, CD117, and CD7, which are related to proliferation and differentiation of HSCs, were determined by FCM in the patients with nonclonal cytopenias diseases and MDS. Based on the expression pattern of these immunophenotypes, a FCM progress scoring (FPS) system was constructed and evaluated.

Results

The FPS system showed good sensitivity and specificity (63.6% and 100.0%) in distinguishing MDS from nonclonal cytopenias diseases. Validation analysis of FPS system indicated comparable sensitivity and specificity (73.7% and 97.1%) and high agreement rate (82.6%) of FCM diagnosis with morphological diagnosis. The high‐grade MDS had higher FPS score compared to low‐grade MDS (P < 0.001). Noticeably, hypocellular MDS had lower FPS score (P < 0.001), most of which could not be diagnosed by FPS system. Besides, FPS score showed obvious positive correlation with WHO classification, IPSS score, percentage of marrow blasts, and cytogenetic prognosis scoring. Elevated FPS score predicted higher disease progression and shorter survival in MDS.

Conclusion

The FPS system based on immunophenotyping in CD34+ blasts is a useful and simple tool for diagnosis and prognosis evaluation in MDS. © 2013 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Genesis of Cenozoic low‐Ca alkaline basalts in the Nanjing basaltic field, eastern China: The case for mantle xenolith‐magma interaction
Authors: Zeng Gang , Chen Li‐Hui , Hu Sen‐Lin , Xu Xi‐Sheng , Yang Liang‐Feng
Published: March 2013

Although peridotite xenoliths are common in alkaline basalts, it is still unclear whether the chemical compositions of their host rocks have been affected by these mantle fragments and, if so, what processes are involved in this alteration of the host basalts. Here, we document a kind of xenolith‐rich alkaline basalts from the Nanjing basaltic field, eastern China. These basalts contain lower concentrations of CaO (4.1–7.8 wt %) and Sc (3.3–17.8 ppm) and have lower Ca/Al (0.3–0.6) and higher Na/Ti ratios (2.8–11.2) than other Cenozoic basalts in this area. These xenolith‐rich basalts show good correlations between elemental ratios (e.g., Lu/Hf and Ca/Al) and εHf values, which are indicative of mixing of two distinct components during the genesis of the magmas that formed these basalts: a high‐εHf end‐member (with low Lu/Hf and Ca/Al ratios) and the primitive melt‐related low‐εHf end‐member. In addition, peridotite xenoliths hosted in these basalts have distinct core‐mantle textures, with the margins having higher modal olivine abundances (70%) than the xenolith cores (52%). Within the xenolith margins, some orthopyroxenes are enclosed in the olivines, and all clinopyroxenes are sponge textured. These sponge‐textured clinopyroxenes have higher CaO and Sc concentrations, higher Ca/Al ratios, and lower Na/Ti ratios than clinopyroxenes within the cores of the xenoliths, suggesting that the xenoliths underwent low‐pressure melting within the host magma. This indicates that xenolith‐rich magmas within the study area were contaminated during ascent by melts derived from mantle xenoliths within the magmas, transforming the magmas into the low‐Ca alkaline basalts.
The oxygen isotope composition of earth's oldest rocks and evidence of a terrestrial magma ocean
Authors: Rumble D. , Bowring S. , Iizuka T. , Komiya T. , Lepland A. , Rosing M. T. , Ueno Y.
Published: March 2013

Analysis of Hadean and Archean rocks for16O‐17O‐18O isotopes demonstrates that the Terrestrial Mass Fractionation Line of oxygen isotopes has had the same slope and intercept for at least the past 4.0 and probably for as long as 4.2 Ga. The homogenization of oxygen isotopes required to produce such long‐lived consistency was most easily established by mixing in a terrestrial magma ocean. The measured identical oxygen isotope mass fractionation lines for Earth and Moon suggest that oxygen isotope reservoirs of both bodies were homogenized at the same time during a giant moon‐forming impact. But other sources of heat for global melting cannot be excluded such as bolide impacts during early accretion of proto‐Earth, the decay of short‐lived radioactive isotopes, or the energy released during segregation of core from mantle.
Extratropical forcing of ENSO
Authors: Boschat Ghyslaine , Terray Pascal , Masson Sébastien
Published: March 2013

We present evidence that sea surface temperatures in the North Pacific, South Atlantic, and South Indian Oceans during late boreal winter offer another important source of predictability for El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). This new SST predictor may provide accurate prediction of the amplitude of ENSO events before their onset, for both El Niño and La Niña events which occurred during recent decades.
Carboxylation of multiwalled carbon nanotube enhanced its biocompatibility with L02 cells through decreased activation of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway
Authors: Liu Zhenbao , Dong Xia , Song Liping , Zhang Hailing , Liu Lanxia , Zhu Dunwan , Song Cunxian , Leng Xigang
Published: March 2013

Modification of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with carboxyl group is one of the widely used strategies to increase their water dispersibility. Various molecules can be further coupled to the surface of carboxylated CNTs for the desired applications. However, the effect of carboxylation of CNTs on their cytotoxicity is far from being completely understood. In this study, the impact of carboxylated multiwalled CNT (MWCNT‐COOH) on human normal liver cell line L02 was studied and compared with pristine multiwalled CNT (p‐MWCNT). The data accumulated in this study revealed that modification with carboxyl group reduced the toxicity of MWCNT on L02 cells, probably due to the decreased activation of mitochondria mediated apoptotic pathway. Both p‐MWCNT and MWCNT‐COOH, when reaching to certain concentration, induced significant decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential, enhanced release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to cytoplasm as well as activation of caspase‐9, and ‐3. However, the changes induced by MWCNT‐COOH were significantly milder than that by p‐MWCNT. Our observation suggests that carboxylated MWCNTs might be safer for in vivo application as compared with p‐MWCNT. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 665–673, 2014.
Haemostatic role of intermediate filaments in adhered platelets: Importance of the membranous system stability
Authors: Cerecedo Doris , Martínez‐Vieyra Ivette , Mondragón Ricardo , Mondragón Mónica , González Sirenia , Galván Iván J.
Published: March 2013

The role of platelets in coagulation and the haemostatic process was initially suggested two centuries ago, and under appropriate physiological stimuli, these undergo abrupt morphological changes, attaching and spreading on damaged endothelium, preventing bleeding. During the adhesion process, platelet cytoskeleton reorganizes generating compartments in which actin filaments, microtubules, and associated proteins are arranged in characteristic patterns mediating crucial events, such as centralization of their organelles, secretion of granule contents, aggregation with one another to form a haemostatic plug, and retraction of these aggregates. However, the role of Intermediate filaments during the platelet adhesion process has not been explored. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 2050–2060, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Emerging mechanisms of glutathione‐dependent chemistry in biology and disease
Authors: Janssen‐Heininger Yvonne M. W. , Nolin James D. , Hoffman Sidra M. , van der Velden Jos L. , Tully Jane E. , Lahue Karolyn G. , Abdalla Sarah T. , Chapman David G. , Reynaert Niki L. , van der Vliet Albert , Anathy Vikas
Published: March 2013

Glutathione has traditionally been considered as an antioxidant that protects cells against oxidative stress. Hence, the loss of reduced glutathione and formation of glutathione disulfide is considered a classical parameter of oxidative stress that is increased in diseases. Recent studies have emerged that demonstrate that glutathione plays a more direct role in biological and pathophysiological processes through covalent modification to reactive cysteines within proteins, a process known as S‐glutathionylation. The formation of an S‐glutathionylated moiety within the protein can lead to structural and functional modifications. Activation, inactivation, loss of function, and gain of function have all been attributed to S‐glutathionylation. In pathophysiological settings, S‐glutathionylation is tightly regulated. This perspective offers a concise overview of the emerging field of protein thiol redox modifications. We will also cover newly developed methodology to detect S‐glutathionylation in situ, which will enable further discovery into the role of S‐glutathionylation in biology and disease. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1962–1968, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of tissue‐preferential expression patterns of rice miRNAs
Authors: Mittal Deepti , Mukherjee Sunil K. , Vasudevan Madavan , Mishra Neeti Sanan
Published: March 2013

It is imperative to understand the mechanisms of growth and development in higher plants for improving plant adaptation during different developmental stages. Plant microRNAs (miRs) play crucial regulatory roles in various developmental processes. As many as 15 miR families having multiple members are known to regulate plant development, yet the spatio‐temporal expression patterns of individual members are not fully characterized. It is likely that different members of miR families can make specific contributions to the spatio‐temporal control of targets. To understand the functional complexity of miRs and the amount of degeneracy existing in miR‐mediated regulation of differentiated but developing tissues, we have identified the Osa‐miR‐sequences that are expressed in specific tissues. We adopted the approach of comparative miR profiling using next‐generation sequencing technology followed by experimental validation. It was observed that 59 Osa‐miR‐sequences show tissue‐preferential expression in local basmati rice variety; while 126 miRs belonging to 81 families are differentially regulated in these tissues. The 21 nt miRs were predominant in all tissues, but the 24 nt miRs were the most abundantly expressed. This indicates that target cleavage and chromatin state regulation are involved in organ development. This study also identified the expression patterns of individual members of Osa‐miR families that were common and divergent between the indica and japonica rice varieties. The expression patterns of the predicted targets were also analyzed. The possible implications of the miR distribution patterns with respect to the regulation of their respective targets are discussed. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 2071–2081, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of New Substituted Pyrazoles and Their Derived 1,2,4‐Triazoles and Sugar Derivatives
Authors: Flefel Eman M. , Tantawy Waled A. , El‐Sayed Wael A. , Sayed Hayam H. , Fathy Nahed M.
Published: March 2013

New substituted pyrazole, thiazole, and 1,2,4‐triazole derivatives were synthesized. The sugar hydrazones, their acetylated derivatives as well as their derived acyclic C‐nucleoside analogs, and the thioglycosides of the 1,2,4‐traizole derivatives were also prepared. The antitumor activity of some of the synthesized compounds were studied, and a number of the tested compounds showed significant activities.