bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibiofilm activity, pH and solubility of endodontic sealers
Authors: Faria‐Júnior N. B. , Tanomaru‐Filho M. , Berbert F. L. C. V. , Guerreiro‐Tanomaru J. M. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimTo evaluate antibiofilm activity against Enterococcus faecalis, pH and solubility of AH Plus, Sealer 26, Epiphany SE, Sealapex, Activ GP, MTA Fillapex (MTA‐F) and an experimental MTA‐based Sealer (MTA‐S).MethodologySealer samples were manipulated and stored for 2 or 7 days. Prepared sealers were evaluated by a modified direct contact test (DCT) for 5 h, 10 h or 15 h with biofilm previously induced on bovine dentine for 14 days. In the control group, the biofilm was not exposed to the sealers. The number of colony‐forming units (CFU mL−1) in the remaining biofilm was determined. Sealer solubility was assessed by the percentage of mass loss after 15 h of immersion in distilled water. Sealer pH was measured at 5 h, 10 h and 15 h. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn or anova and Tamhane's T2 tests, at 5% significance.ResultsAt 2 days post‐manipulation, the DCT showed that Sealapex and MTA‐F were associated with a reduction in the number of bacteria in all 3 contact periods evaluated, compared with the control group (P < 0.05). At 7 days, Sealapex had the greatest antibiofilm action at 10 h and 15 h. Sealapex had the highest pH values 2 and 7 days post‐manipulation. Regarding the solubility, at 2 days the highest values were observed for MTA‐F, MTA‐S, Sealapex and Activ GP (P < 0.05). At 7 days, MTA‐S and MTA‐F had greater solubility than the other materials (P < 0.05). AH Plus had the lowest solubility for both post‐manipulation periods (P < 0.05).ConclusionSealapex and MTA‐F were associated with a reduction in the number of bacteria in biofilms and had greater solubility. The high solubility and pH may be related to the antibacterial activity of these materials.
Synthetic Pyrethroid effect on blood plasma biomarker enzymes and histological changes in Catla catla
Authors: Muthuviveganandavel Veerappan , Hwang Inho , Anita Vanattayen , Malarani Pattabiraman S. , Selvam Chandrasekar , Hemalatha Moorthy , Pandurangan Muthuraman 
Published: February 2013

SummaryAlpha‐cypermethrin is an isoform of cypermethrin; it is an active pyrethroid used extensively to control a wide range of pests in agriculture and animal breeding. In this study four groups of six fish were examined. The first group served as a control in fresh water alone, with no pyrethroid. The second, third and fourth groups were exposed to alpha‐cypermethrin for 4, 8 and 96 h respectively. At the end of the each exposure period, the fish were sacrificed, and the required muscle tissues were collected for histological examination. The blood was drawn with heparinized needles and processed for serum enzymatic studies. Serum enzymes such as aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), amylase, acid phosphatase (ACP) and gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) were measured at 4, 8 and 96 h. AST enzyme activity was significantly increased at 4 h, whereas ALT and amylase enzyme activities were significantly reduced at all the time points. ACP enzyme activity was significantly reduced at 4 and 8 h, whereas GGT enzyme activity was significantly increased at all the time points. Hepatocyte cytoplasmic vacuolisation and degeneration, rupture of blood vessels, and necrosis was found at all time points. Congestion of blood vessels, bulging, distortion of filaments, erosion and disintegration of blood corpuscles and hyperplasia of epithelium were found in treated gills at 4, 8 and 96 h. Breakdown of muscle fibres, vacuolation and accumulation of lipids and melanin in white muscle were observed in treated fish muscle at 4, 8 and 96 h.
Possible association between TGF‐β1 polymorphism and oral cancer
Authors: Carneiro N. K. , Oda J. M. M. , Losi Guembarovski R. , Ramos G. , Oliveira B. V. , Cavalli I. J. , de S. F. Ribeiro E. M. , Gonçalves M. S. B. , Watanabe M. A. E. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryOral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a worldwide health problem because it is a great cause of cancer morbidity and mortality. The transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) is involved in the regulation of numerous immunomodulatory processes. Thus, the aim of this case–control study was to investigate the possible association between the TGF‐β1T869C polymorphism and oral cancer. The genomic DNA extracted from peripheral blood of 62 male smoker patients diagnosed with OSCC and 62 smokers without cancer was analysed. The C allele was significantly more prevalent in the oral cancer group than in the controls, and individuals carrying this allele had an estimated 2.73‐fold greater relative risk of developing cancer compared with C allele noncarriers (OR = 2.73, 95% CI = 1.19–6.28). Although T allele was not statistically significant among the controls, considering the genotypic analysis, the TT homozygous genotype showed a protector effect in relation to oral cavity cancer (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.16–0.84). Some clinicopathological features were also analysed for genotype distribution, and no significant differences were observed: tumour size (P > 0.70), nodal status (P > 0.10) and tumour stage (P > 0.70). This is the first report of a study assessing the importance of T869C TGF‐β polymorphism in oral cancer. It is known that the TGF‐β T869C variation results in a Leu10Pro substitution in the signal peptide sequence. Our results suggested that the C allele could increase TGF‐β secretion which suppresses antitumour immune responses and may affect the OSCC risk.
Association of Interleukin 1 beta (IL‐1B) gene polymorphism with early pregnancy loss risk in the North Indian population
Authors: Nair R. R. , Khanna A. , Singh K. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryC+3953T IL‐1 B single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping was carried out in 140 unrelated early pregnancy loss (EPL) patients and in 198 fertile healthy control women and in chorionic villous samples by PCR‐RFLP. In Indian population, this is the first report on association of IL‐1 B SNP C+3953T polymorphism and EPL.
RNA interference‐mediated depletion of N‐ethylmaleimide Sensitive Fusion Protein and Synaptosomal Associated Protein of 25 kDa results in the inhibition of blood feeding of the Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum
Authors: Browning R. , Karim S. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe signalling pathways in tick salivary glands that control ‘sialo‐secretome’ secretion at the tick−host interface remain elusive; however, this complex process is essential for successful feeding and manipulation of the host haemostatic response. Exocytosis of the sialo‐secretome in the salivary glands requires a core of soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive fusion (NSF) attachment proteins (SNAPs) and receptor proteins (SNAREs). SNAREs have been identified as the key components in regulating the sialo‐secretome in the salivary gland cells. In this study, we utilized RNA interference to investigate the functional role of two Amblyomma maculatum SNARE complex proteins, AmNSF and AmSNAP‐25, in the tick salivary glands during extended blood feeding on the vertebrate host. Knock‐down of AmNSF and AmSNAP‐25 resulted in death, impaired feeding on the host, lack of engorgement and inhibited oviposition in ticks. Depletion also led to important morphological changes in the collapse of the Golgi apparatus in the salivary gland cells. Our results imply a functional significance of AmNSF and AMSNAP‐25 in prolonged tick feeding, and survival on the host. Further characterization of the factors that regulate exocytosis may lead to novel approaches to prevent tick‐borne diseases.
The Intraday Pattern of Information Asymmetry, Spread, and Depth: Evidence from the NYSE
Authors: Tannous George , Wang Juan , Wilson Craig 
Published: February 2013

AbstractStudies suggest that investment flows, liquidity imbalances, and institutional trading may create intraday trading patterns and opportunities for investors to time their trades to reduce transaction costs. Motivated by these studies, we divide each trading day into 13 half‐hour trading intervals and measure information asymmetry from price changes, trade sizes, and trade directions. We find that information asymmetry starts high in the morning, drops continuously until it reaches a midday low during Interval 7, rises to a midday high during Interval 10, and drops continuously after. In contrast, neither the spread nor the depth exhibit similar midday extreme values. Essentially, we identify a 90‐min window in the afternoon when net valuable information arrives to the market in high frequency while liquidity is stable, and that may be an opportunity for some investors to time their trades. In addition, we show that market makers employ dynamic strategies that change the spread, the depth, or both to manage information asymmetry. This is particularly evident during the last three trading intervals, where the significant drop in information asymmetry is countered primarily by a significant increase in the depth while the spread is almost constant.
Liabilities of Globalization: Sovereign Debt, International Investors and Interstate Conflict with Other People's Money
Authors: Helfstein Scott 
Published: February 2013

AbstractForeign ownership of government debt has increased steadily over the past 30 years with the globalization of financial markets. The increased availability of foreign borrowing may make it easier for countries to pursue bellicose policies by altering the cost–benefit calculations associated with international conflict, giving rise to an underappreciated link between globalization and military action. This has not been addressed because globalization is most often approached through the income statement, such as trade flows, or the asset side of the balance sheet, such as foreign direct investment. A series of empirical tests using time‐series cross‐section analysis of militarized disputes, finds a strong relationship between foreign debt ownership and conflict.
Five‐year economic evaluation of non‐melanoma skin cancer surgery at the Costa del Sol Hospital (2006–2010)
Authors: Aguilar‐Bernier M , González‐Carrascosa M , Padilla‐España L , Rivas‐Ruiz F , Jiménez‐Puente A , de Troya‐Martín M 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe cost associated with treatment of non‐melanoma skin cancer is expected to rise considerably over the coming decades. This important public health problem is therefore expected to have an enormous economic impact for the various public health services.ObjectivesTo estimate the cost of the surgical‐care process of non‐melanoma skin cancer at the Costa del Sol Hospital and seek areas to improve its efficiency, using the activity‐based costing (ABC) method and the tools designed for decision analysis.Secondary objectiveTo compare the costs for hospitalized patients obtained using the ABC method with the data published by the Spanish Ministry of Health, using the diagnosis‐related groups (DRG) classification system.Material and methodsRetrospective analysis of the cost of non‐melanoma skin cancer surgery at the Costa del Sol Hospital.ResultsThe total estimated cost from 2006 to 2010 was 3 398 540€. Most of the episodes (47.3%) corresponded to minor outpatient surgery. The costs of the episodes varied greatly according to the type of admission: 423€ (minor outpatient surgery), 1267€ (major outpatient surgery), and 1832€ (inpatient surgery). The average cost of an inpatient episode varied significantly depending on the calculation system used (ABC: 2328€ vs. DRG: 5674€).ConclusionsThe ABC cost analysis system favours standardization of the care process for these tumours and the detection of areas to improve efficiency. This would enable more reliable economic studies than those obtained using traditional methods, such as the DRG.
Metformin in dermatology: an overview
Authors: Badr D. , Kurban M. , Abbas O. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractFor several decades, metformin has been used as an oral hypoglycaemic agent, where it is the first line of treatment in overweight and obese type 2 diabetic patients. This is because it decreases the hepatic glucose output and acts as an insulin sensitizer by increasing the glucose utilization by muscles and adipocytes. As a result of the improvement in glycaemic control, serum insulin concentrations decline slightly, thus improving hyperinsulinaemia and its signs. In addition, it has been shown that metformin has platelet anti‐aggregating and antioxidant effects. These pharmacological properties have allowed metformin to be effective in non‐diabetic situations including cutaneous conditions. This is an evidence‐based review on the use of metformin in the treatment of skin disorders such as hirsutism, acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, acanthosis nigricans, psoriasis, skin cancer, among others. In addition, cutaneous side‐effects such as leukocytoclastic vasculitis, bullous pemphigoid, psoriasiform drug eruption, lichen planus and acute alopecia have been associated with metformin use and are discussed in the article.
The precision of the hominid timescale estimated by relaxed clock methods
Authors: Schrago C. G. , Voloch C. M. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe chronological scenario of the evolution of hominoid primates has been thoroughly investigated since the advent of the molecular clock hypothesis. With the availability of genomic sequences for all hominid genera and other anthropoids, we may have reached the point at which the information from sequence data alone will not provide further evidence for the inference of the hominid evolution timescale. To verify this conjecture, we have compiled a genomic data set for all of the anthropoid genera. Our estimate places the Homo/Pan divergence at approximately 7.4 Ma, the Gorilla lineage divergence at approximately 9.7 Ma, the basal Hominidae divergence at 18.1 Ma and the basal Hominoidea divergence at 20.6 Ma. By inferring the theoretical limit distribution of posterior densities under a Bayesian framework, we show that it is unlikely that lengthier alignments or the availability of new genomic sequences will provide additional information to reduce the uncertainty associated with the divergence time estimates of the four hominid genera. A reduction of this uncertainty will be achieved only by the inclusion of more informative calibration priors.
Evidence for genetic differentiation in timing of maturation among nine‐spined stickleback populations
Authors: Ghani N. I. A. , Herczeg G. , Leinonen T. , Merilä J. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractTiming of maturation is an important life‐history trait that is likely to be subjected to strong natural selection. Although population differences in timing of maturation have been frequently reported in studies of wild animal populations, little is known about the genetic basis of this differentiation. Here, we investigated population and sex differences in timing of maturation within and between two nine‐spined stickleback (Pungitius pungitius) populations in a laboratory breeding experiment. We found that fish from the high‐predation marine population matured earlier than fish from the low‐predation pond population and males matured earlier than females. Timing of maturation in both reciprocal hybrid crosses between the two populations was similar to that in the marine population, suggesting that early timing of maturation is a dominant trait, whereas delayed timing of maturation in the pond is a recessive trait. Thus, the observed population divergence is suggestive of strong natural selection against early maturation in the piscine‐predator‐free pond population.
Parallel episodes of phyletic dwarfism in callitrichid and cheirogaleid primates
Authors: Montgomery S. H. , Mundy N. I. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe Callitrichidae are the smallest anthropoids, whereas the Cheirogaleidae include the smallest of all primates. Using species‐level analyses, we show that these are derived conditions; both neonatal and adult body mass decreased in a gradual, phyletic manner in parallel across callitrichids, and across cheirogaleids. We identify lineages with particularly rapid decreases and highlight the pygmy marmoset, Callithrix pygmaea, as a phenotypic outlier. The life‐history traits associated with body‐mass reduction in each clade suggest that the convergent evolution of small body size was achieved by changes in different ontogenetic stages. Body‐size reduction in callitrichids appears to be almost exclusively due to alterations in prenatal growth rate, whereas body‐size reduction in cheirogaleids may have been largely due to reduced duration of growth phases. Finally, we use these results to discuss some of the debates surrounding the evolution of Homo floresiensis and suggest potential parallels between the evolution of H. floresiensis and callitrichids.
One Family, One Judge, No Continuances
Authors: Summers Alicia , Shdaimah Corey 
Published: February 2013

AbstractContinuances are a source of delay in juvenile dependency cases that may increase the length of time a child is in care. The current study builds upon an emerging body of research examining the effectiveness of the one family, one judge model in improving case efficiency. The study first examines the expectation that continuances delay case processing, then examines whether the implementation of a one family, one judge model of judicial oversight reduces continuances. Results reveal that continuances delay case events up to the adjudication hearing, but do not delay time to permanency. Although implementation of the one family, one judge model did not reduce continuances, there was a relationship between the number of judicial officers per case and number of continuances. When there is only one judicial officer per case, the majority of cases have no or only one continuance. Every two judicial officers added to the case result in one additional continuance. These findings indicate that judicial continuity can be an effective way to improve case efficiency.
Histological evidence for muscle insertion in extant amniote femora: implications for muscle reconstruction in fossils
Authors: Petermann Holger , Sander Martin 
Published: February 2013

AbstractSince the 19th century, identification of muscle attachment sites on bones has been important for muscle reconstructions, especially in fossil tetrapods, and therefore has been the subject of numerous biological and paleontological studies. At the microscopic level, in histological thin sections, the only features that can be used reliably for identifying tendon–bone or muscle–tendon‐bone interactions are Sharpey's fibers. Muscles, however, do not only attach to the bone indirectly with tendons, but also directly. Previous studies failed to provide new indicators for muscle attachment, or to address the question of whether muscles with direct attachment can be identified histologically. However, histological identification of direct muscle attachments is important because these attachments do not leave visible marks (e.g. scars and rugosities) on the bone surface. We dissected the right hind limb and mapped the muscle attachment sites on the femur of one rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), one Alligator mississippiensis, and one turkey (Meleagris cuniculus). We then extracted the femur and prepared four histological thin sections for the rabbit and the turkey and five histological thin sections for the alligator. Sharpey's fibers, vascular canal orientation, and a frayed periosteal margin can be indicators for indirect but also direct muscle attachment. Sharpey's fibers can be oriented to the cutting plane of the thin section at high angles, and two Sharpey's fibers orientations can occur in one area, possibly indicating a secondary force axis. However, only about 60% of mapped muscle attachment sites could be detected in thin sections, and frequently histological features suggestive of muscle attachment occurred outside mapped sites. While these insights should improve our ability to successfully identify and reconstruct muscles in extinct species, they also show the limitations of this approach.
Effect of essential oils, hydrating agents, and ethanol on hair removal efficiency of thioglycolates
Authors: Moghimi Hamid R , Jamali Bardia , Farahmand Sara , Shafaghi Bijan 
Published: February 2013

SummaryBackgroundThe required time for hair removal by chemical depilatories has always been a concern and depends on different parameters including permeation into the hair shaft.ObjectivesIn an attempt to improve this process, it was decided here to investigate the possibility of decreasing depilation time of thioglycolates, widely used depilatories, using penetration enhancers.MethodsUrea, sodium dodecyl sulfate, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), ethanol (75 and 96%), NaCl, and peppermint and orange oils were used as penetration enhancers, and their effect on depilatory time of thioglycolates, represented as tear resistance time (TRT) of hair shaft under a constant tensile stress, was studied. The effects of temperature and hydration on TRT were also investigated.ResultsResults showed that ethanol (75%), DMSO, and peppermint oil (ethanolic solution) were able to significantly reduce TRT up to two times from about 6 to 3.5 min. Other enhancers were not able to change TRT. Results also revealed that increase in temperature from 20 to 37 °C reduces TRT by about 4 times. Hydration in boiling water also reduced TRT significantly about 1.5 times.ConclusionsPresent results show that it is possible to reduce depilation time by penetration enhancers. Such improvement can increase users' compliance and might provide other advantages like decreased skin irritation.
Visual attention to and perception of undamaged and damaged versions of natural and colored female hair
Authors: Fink Bernhard , Neuser Frauke , Deloux Gwenelle , Röder Susanne , Matts Paul J 
Published: February 2013

SummaryFemale hair color is thought to influence physical attractiveness, and although there is some evidence for this assertion, research has yet not addressed the question if and how physical damaging affects the perception of female hair color. Here we investigate whether people are sensitive (in terms of visual attention and age, health and attractiveness perception) to subtle differences in hair images of natural and colored hair before and after physical damaging. We tracked the eye‐gaze of 50 men and 50 women aged 31–50 years whilst they viewed randomized pairs of images of 20 natural and 20 colored hair tresses, each pair displaying the same tress before and after controlled cuticle damage. The hair images were then rated for perceived health, attractiveness, and age. Undamaged versions of natural and colored hair were perceived as significantly younger, healthier, and more attractive than corresponding damaged versions. Visual attention to images of undamaged colored hair was significantly higher compared with their damaged counterparts, while in natural hair, the opposite pattern was found. We argue that the divergence in visual attention to undamaged colored female hair and damaged natural female hair and associated ratings is due to differences in social perception and discuss the source of apparent visual difference between undamaged and damaged hair.