bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Establishment and characterization of a telomerase immortalized human gingival epithelial cell line
Authors: Moffatt‐Jauregui C. E. , Robinson B. , de Moya A. V. , Brockman R. D. , Roman A. V. , Cash M. N. , Culp D. J. , Lamont R. J. 
Published: February 2013

Background and ObjectiveGingival keratinocytes are used in model systems to investigate the interaction between periodontal bacteria and the epithelium in the initial stages of the periodontal disease process. Primary gingival epithelial cells (GECs) have a finite lifespan in culture before they enter senescence and cease to replicate, while epithelial cells immortalized with viral proteins can exhibit chromosomal rearrangements. The aim of this study was to generate a telomerase immortalized human gingival epithelial cell line and compare its in vitro behaviour to that of human GECs.Material and MethodsHuman primary GECs were immortalized with a bmi1/hTERT combination to prevent cell cycle triggers of senescence and telomere shortening. The resultant cell‐line, telomerase immortalized gingival keratinocytes (TIGKs), were compared to GECs for cell morphology, karyotype, growth and cytokeratin expression, and further characterized for replicative lifespan, expression of toll‐like receptors and invasion by P. gingivalis.ResultsTIGKs showed morphologies, karyotype, proliferation rates and expression of characteristic cytokeratin proteins comparable to GECs. TIGKs underwent 36 passages without signs of senescence and expressed transcripts for toll‐like receptors 1–6, 8 and 9. A subpopulation of cells underwent stratification after extended time in culture. The cytokeratin profiles of TIGK monolayers were consistent with basal cells. When allowed to stratify, cytokeratin profiles of TIGKs were consistent with suprabasal cells of the junctional epithelium. Further, TIGKs were comparable to GECs in previously reported levels and kinetics of invasion by wild‐type P. gingivalis and an invasion defective ΔserB mutant.ConclusionResults confirm bmi1/hTERT immortalization of primary GECs generated a robust cell line with similar characteristics to the parental cell type. TIGKs represent a valuable model system for the study of oral bacteria interactions with host gingival cells.
Synergistetes cluster A in saliva is associated with periodontitis
Authors: Belibasakis G. N. , Öztürk V.‐Ö. , Emingil G. , Bostanci N. 
Published: February 2013

Background and ObjectivesSynergistetes is a novel bacterial phylum consisting of gram‐negative anaerobes. Increasing lines of evidence demonstrate that this phylum is associated with periodontal diseases. This study aimed to compare the presence and levels of Synergistetes clusters A and B, in saliva of patients with chronic periodontitis (CP), generalized aggressive periodontitis (G‐AgP) and non‐periodontitis subjects, and investigate their correlation with clinical parameters.Material and MethodsSaliva was collected from patients with CP (n = 20), G‐AgP (n = 21) and non‐periodontitis subjects (n = 18). Full mouth clinical periodontal measurements were recorded. The numbers of Synergistetes cluster A and cluster B or the associated species Jonquetella anthropi were quantified by fluorescent in situ hybridization and microscopy.ResultsSynergistetes cluster A bacteria were detected more frequently, and at higher numbers and proportions in the two periodontitis groups, than the non‐periodontitis control group. The prevalence was 27.7% in the control group, 85% in CP and 86% in G‐AgP. Compared to the control group, the numbers were significantly higher by 12.5‐fold in CP and 26.5‐fold in G‐AgP, whereas the difference between the two forms of periodontitis was not statistically significant. Within the total bacterial population, the proportion of this cluster was increased in CP and G‐AgP compared to the control group, with the difference between the two forms of periodontitis being also significant. There was a positive correlation between the levels of Synergistetes cluster A in saliva and all full mouth clinical periodontal parameters. Nevertheless, Synergistetes cluster B bacteria and J. anthropi species were detected infrequently and at low levels in all the three subject groups.ConclusionSynergistetes cluster A, but not cluster B, bacteria are found at higher prevalence, numbers and proportions in saliva from patients with periodontitis, than non‐periodontitis subjects. These findings support the association of this cluster with periodontitis.
Contour analysis of an implant–soft tissue interface
Authors: Chai W. L. , Moharamzadeh K. , van Noort R. , Emanuelsson L. , Palmquist A. , Brook I. M. 
Published: February 2013

Background and ObjectiveStudies of peri‐implant soft tissue on in vivo models are commonly based on histological sections prepared using undecalcified or ‘fracture’ techniques. These techniques require the cutting or removal of implant during the specimen preparation process. The aim of this study is to explore a new impression technique that does not require any cutting or removal of implant for contour analysis of soft tissue around four types of titanium (Ti) surface roughness using an in vitro three‐dimensional oral mucosal model (3D OMM).MethodsThe 3D OMM was constructed by co‐culturing a keratinocyte cell line TR146 and human oral fibroblasts on to an acellular dermis scaffold. On the fourth day, a Ti disk was placed into the model. Four types of Ti surface topographies, i.e. polished, machined, sandblasted and anodized were tested. After 10 d of culture, the specimens were processed based on undecalcified (ground sectioning), electropolishing and impression techniques for contour analysis of the implant–soft tissue interface.ResultsUnder light microscopic examination of the ground and electropolishing sections, it was found that the cell line‐based oral mucosa formed a peri‐implant‐like epithelium attachment on to all four types of Ti surfaces. In contour analysis, the most common contour observed between the cell line‐based oral mucosa and Ti surface was at an angle ranging between 45° and 90°.ConclusionThe in vitro cell line‐based 3D OMM formed a peri‐implant‐like epithelium at the implant–soft tissue interface. The contour of the implant–soft tissue interface for the four types of Ti surface was not significantly different.
Comparison of Two Different Methods for Urethral Lengthening in Female to Male (Metoidioplasty) Surgery
Authors: Djordjevic Miroslav L. , Bizic Marta R. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Metoidioplasty presents one of the variants of phalloplasty in female transsexuals. Urethral lengthening is the most difficult part in this surgery and poses many challenges.

Aim
We evaluated 207 patients who underwent metoidioplasty, aiming to compare two different surgical techniques of urethral lengthening, postoperative results, and complications.

Methods
The study encompassed a total of 207 patients, aged from 18 to 62 years, who underwent single stage metoidioplasty between September 2002 and July 2011. The procedure included lengthening and straightening of the clitoris, urethral reconstruction, and scrotoplasty with implantation of testicular prostheses. Buccal mucosa graft was used in all cases for dorsal urethral plate formation and joined with one of the two different flaps: I—longitudinal dorsal clitoral skin flap (49 patients) and II—labia minora flap (158 patients).

Main Outcome Measurement
Results were analyzed using Z-test to evaluate the statistical difference between the two approaches. Also, postoperative questionnaire was used, which included questions on functioning and esthetical appearance of participating subjects as well as overall satisfaction.

Results
The median follow-up was 39 months (ranged 12–116 months). The total length of reconstructed urethra was measured during surgery in both groups. It ranged from 9.1 to 12.3 cm (median 9.5) in group I and from 9.4 to 14.2 cm (median 10.8) in group II. Voiding while standing was significantly better in group II (93%) than in group I (87.82%) (P &lt; 0.05). Urethral fistula occurred in 16 patients in both groups (7.72%). There was statistically significant difference between the groups, with lower incidence in group II (5.69%) vs. group I (14.30%) (P &lt; 0.05). Overall satisfaction was noted in 193 patients.

Conclusion
Comparison of the two methods for urethral lengthening confirmed combined buccal mucosa graft and labia minora flap as a method of choice for urethroplasty in metoidioplasty, minimizing postoperative complications.
Erectile Dysfunction, Endothelium Dysfunction, and Microvascular Damage in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Rosato Edoardo , Barbano Biagio , Gigante Antonietta , Aversa Antonio , Cianci Rosario , Molinaro Ilenia , Quarta Silvia , Pisarri Simonetta , Afeltra Antonella , Salsano Felice 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) prevalence in men with systemic sclerosis (SSc) is high and can be considered a manifestation of endothelium damage.

Aim
This study aims to correlate ED with endothelial dysfunction and digital vascular damage in SSc patients.

Main Outcome Measures
The main outcome measures were erectile function, Doppler indices of cavernous arteries, flow-mediated dilation (FMD), capillaroscopic damage, skin perfusion, and digital pulsatility.

Methods
In 23 SSc patients, erectile function was investigated using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5). Doppler indices of cavernous arteries, peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and resistive index (RI) were measured at the penoscrotal junction before and after pharmacostimulation with 20 mg prostaglandin E1. FMD and nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) were used to evaluate endothelial dysfunction and capillaroscopic damage. Skin perfusion and digital sphygmic waves were measured by laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI) and digital photoplethysmography (PPG), respectively.

Results
IIEF-5 score was reduced in 83% of patients. PSV was reduced in 96%, while EDV was increased in 48% of patients. A positive correlation was observed between IIEF-5 score and FMD (r = 0.71, P &lt; 0.0001) and between the former and PSV (r = 0.76, P &lt; 0.0001). A negative correlation was observed between EDV and FMD (r = −0.509, P &lt; 0.01). FMD and Doppler indices were reduced with capillaroscopic damage progression. A positive correlation exists between LDPI perfusion and IIEF-5 score (r = 0.743, P &lt; 0.0001) and between the former and PSV (r = 0.714, P &lt; 0.0001), while a negative correlation is observed between LDPI perfusion and EDV (r = −0.677, P &lt; 0.0001). A positive correlation exists between PPG pulsatility and IIEF-5 score (r = 0.752, P &lt; 0.0001) and between the former and PSV (r = 0.747, P &lt; 0.0001), while negative correlation is observed between PPG pulsatility and EDV (r = −0.689, P &lt; 0.0001).

Conclusion
In SSc patients, ED correlates with endothelial dysfunction and digital microvascular damage.
Identifying refugia from climate change using coupled ecological and genetic data in a transitional Mediterranean‐temperate tree species
Authors: Temunović M. , Frascaria‐Lacoste N. , Franjić J. , Satovic Z. , Fernández‐Manjarrés J. F. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPopulations occurring in areas of overlap between the current and future distribution of a species are particularly important because they can represent “refugia from climate change”. We coupled ecological and range‐wide genetic variation data to detect such areas and to evaluate the impacts of habitat suitability changes on the genetic diversity of the transitional Mediterranean‐temperate tree Fraxinus angustifolia. We sampled and genotyped 38 natural populations comprising 1006 individuals from across Europe. We found the highest genetic diversity in western and northern Mediterranean populations, as well as a significant west to east decline in genetic diversity. Areas of potential refugia that correspond to approximately 70% of the suitable habitat may support the persistence of more than 90% of the total number of alleles in the future. Moreover, based on correlations between Bayesian genetic assignment and climate, climate change may favour the westward spread of the Black Sea gene pool in the long term. Overall, our results suggest that the northerly core areas of the current distribution contain the most important part of the genetic variation for this species and may serve as in situ macrorefugia from ongoing climate change. However, rear‐edge populations of the southern Mediterranean may be exposed to a potential loss of unique genetic diversity owing to habitat suitability changes unless populations can persist in microrefugia that have facilitated such persistence in the past.
Assessment and management of alcohol‐related admissions to UK intensive care units
Authors: McPeake Joanne , Bateson Meghan , O'Neill Anna , Kinsella John 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe critical care environment has felt the overwhelming impact of the growing problem of alcohol abuse. However, there is ambiguity concerning the assessment and management of this patient group.AimThe aim of this study was to explore current practice in the use of assessment and management tools for alcohol‐related admissions in UK intensive care units (ICU).MethodsTwo hundred and forty‐eight lead consultants across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales were sent an electronic survey using the SurveyMonkey® (
www.surveymonkey.com) website.ResultsA total of 103 (41·05%) lead consultants responded to the survey. Most units (67%) utilized the volume of alcohol consumed per week to assess patient alcohol use. Furthermore, 12 units (11%) used the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment tool, 5 units (5%) used the Glasgow Modified Alcohol Withdrawal Scale and 79 units (73%) used no tool for the management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.ConclusionThere appears to be a diverse approach to the assessment and management of alcohol‐related admissions in UK ICUs. Further research is required in this area to identify the most effective way to assess and manage alcohol‐related admissions within intensive care.Relevance to clinical practiceUnder recognition and poor assessment of alcohol use can have major implications for critically ill patients.
Nurses' perceptions of unpleasant symptoms and signs in ventilated and sedated patients
Authors: Randen Irene , Lerdal Anners , Bjørk Ida T 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTAims and objectivesTo describe intensive care nurses' perceptions and assessments of unpleasant symptoms and signs in mechanically ventilated and sedated adult intensive care patients.BackgroundMechanically ventilated patients are unable to express themselves verbally and depend upon nurses to control their symptoms by understanding their unpleasant experiences, such as pain, anxiety or delirium and interpret the relevant signs. Nurses must have enough knowledge to adjust their analgesics and sedatives appropriately and to avoid under‐ or oversedation.DesignA cross‐sectional survey design.MethodsA study with a self‐administrated questionnaire was undertaken in October 2007 to February 2008, with a convenience sample of 183 intensive care nurses in Norway.ResultsThe questionnaire was completed by 86 (47%) nurses. Most perceived that critical illness polyneuropathy/myopathy occurred frequently. Half the nurses underestimated pain, anxiety and delirium. Signs such as a response to contact, cough reflex, wakefulness and muscle tone were considered most important in assessing oversedation. Agitation, facial grimacing, tube intolerance and wakefulness were considered most important in assessing undersedation. The Comfort Scale and Adoption of the Intensive Care Environment corresponded best to the signs identified by the nurses.ConclusionThe nurses underestimated unpleasant symptoms other than critical illness polyneuropathy/myopathy. A further mapping of patients' experiences should be conducted, with an emphasis on the more ‘silent’ distressing symptoms. Further tools to facilitate the communication of consciousness levels and the intolerance of unpleasant symptoms must be developed and implemented.Relevance to clinical practiceA deeper understanding of unpleasant symptoms and signs focused in learning activities may help nurses to recognize patients' early problems and allow targeted interventions. A more active stimulus‐response assessment of ICU patients is required to detect oversedation, critical illness polyneuropathy/myopathy and hypoactive delirium. Assessment tools should reflect both the patient's tolerance of various unpleasant symptoms and the level of consciousness.
The xylan utilization system of the plant pathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv campestris controls epiphytic life and reveals common features with oligotrophic bacteria and animal gut symbionts
Authors: Déjean Guillaume , Blanvillain‐Baufumé Servane , Boulanger Alice , Darrasse Armelle , de Bernonville Thomas Dugé , Girard Anne‐Laure , Carrére Sébastien , Jamet Stevie , Zischek Claudine , Lautier Martine , Solé Magali , Büttner Daniela , Jacques Marie‐Agnès , Lauber Emmanuelle , Arlat Matthieu 
Published: February 2013

Summary

Xylan is a major structural component of plant cell wall and the second most abundant plant polysaccharide in nature.

Here, by combining genomic and functional analyses, we provide a comprehensive picture of xylan utilization by Xanthomonas campestris pv campestris (Xcc) and highlight its role in the adaptation of this epiphytic phytopathogen to the phyllosphere.

The xylanolytic activity of Xcc depends on xylan‐deconstruction enzymes but also on transporters, including two TonB‐dependent outer membrane transporters (TBDTs) which belong to operons necessary for efficient growth in the presence of xylo‐oligosaccharides and for optimal survival on plant leaves. Genes of this xylan utilization system are specifically induced by xylo‐oligosaccharides and repressed by a LacI‐family regulator named XylR.

Part of the xylanolytic machinery of Xcc, including TBDT genes, displays a high degree of conservation with the xylose‐regulon of the oligotrophic aquatic bacterium Caulobacter crescentus. Moreover, it shares common features, including the presence of TBDTs, with the xylan utilization systems of Bacteroides ovatus and Prevotella bryantii, two gut symbionts. These similarities and our results support an important role for TBDTs and xylan utilization systems for bacterial adaptation in the phyllosphere, oligotrophic environments and animal guts.
Morphological disparity and developmental patterning: contribution of phacopid trilobites
Authors: Crônier Catherine 
Published: February 2013

AbstractIn trilobites as in many others extinct organisms, our understanding of the mechanisms of evolution is based on morphological and ontogenetic features. Data from ontogenetic development are essential to provide an insight into the origins of evolutionary changes. In phacopid trilobites, detailed studies of ontogenetic series have been achieved using quantitative methods. A comparison of ontogenetic trajectories of closely related species has been conducted to understand how the both morphological disparity and developmental patterning of different ontogenetic stages were structured and to determine how the environmental or developmental constraints influenced morphological changes in trilobites. Study of such morphological disparity in developmental evolution requires knowledge of morphological features and timing and rate of development among closely related species. At a macroevolutionary scale, such quantitative studies should allow us (1) to determine the impact of individual ontogenies on morphological diversification and (2) to identify the evolutionary patterns in Phacopidae during 100 Ma of existence.
A quantitative evaluation of evolutionary patterns in opercle bone shape in Saurichthys (Actinopterygii: Saurichthyidae)
Authors: Wilson Laura A. B. , Furrer Heinz , Stockar Rudolf , Sánchez‐Villagra Marcelo R. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractDespite an impressive radiation of more than 30 species in the wake of the end‐Permian mass extinction, the taxonomic study of Saurichthys has suffered from a lack of universally diagnostic features and a lack of tested quantitative schemes that can be applied to analyse interspecific morphological differences. In this study, we provide an initial quantitative framework for morphological evolution in Saurichthys by focusing on a single bone, the opercle and exploring patterns of interspecific variability in shape using outline‐based geometric morphometrics and linear measurements. For the six species examined, comprising 155 specimens and representatives from the Early, Middle and Late Triassic, our results indicate that interspecific shape differences largely reflect an anterior–posterior dimension decrease (= craniocaudal direction) as the dorso‐ventral dimension remains similar. In contrast, intraspecific variability in shape is subtle and spread across the outline of the bone, such that counter‐acting dimension differences (increase/decrease) were found to occur along a single margin at oblique axes in several species. Our quantitative scheme, which is widely applicable to other groups, provides a useful description of the broad modes of opercle shape change that may help as a starting framework from which to develop character states for opercle morphology in future study.
Adolescent classroom education on knowledge and attitudes about deceased organ donation: A systematic review
Authors: Li Alvin Ho‐Ting , Rosenblum Amanda M. , Nevis Immaculate F. , Garg Amit X. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractIn many countries, adolescents can choose to register a deceased organ donation wish when they apply for a driver's license. They often receive education about deceased organ donation in order to make an informed choice. The objective of this review was to describe the effectiveness of school‐based educational programs on deceased organ donation among adolescents. We reviewed any study of adolescent students receiving a school‐based educational program on deceased organ donation. The outcomes were knowledge, attitudes, intent to register a preference toward deceased organ donation, and whether such education fostered family discussions about organ donation. Fifteen studies were summarized from nine countries, of which six were randomized controlled trials. Most educational programs consisted of one or two classroom sessions. The methods employed in five studies received a high‐quality rating. Educational programs increased knowledge in 10 studies, and attitudes in five studies, with variable effects on intent to affirmative registration. Seven studies reported success in promoting family discussions. Adolescent classroom education is a promising strategy to improve knowledge about deceased organ donation and appears to increase public support for donation. Subjecting these programs to additional evaluation will clarify their impact on affirmative donor registration and realized donations.