bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Beta‐arrestin 2 negatively regulates sepsis‐induced inflammation
Authors: Fan Hongkuan , Bitto Alessandra , Zingarelli Basilia , Luttrell Louis M. , Borg Keith , Halushka Perry V. , Cook James A. 
Published: May 2010

Summaryβ‐arrestins 1 and 2 are ubiquitously expressed proteins that alter signalling by G‐protein‐coupled receptors. β‐arrestin 2 plays an important role as a signalling adaptor and scaffold in regulating cellular inflammatory responses. We hypothesized that β‐arrestin 2 is a critical modulator of inflammatory response in experimental sepsis. β‐arrestin 2(−/−) and wild‐type (WT) mice were subjected to caecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The survival rate was significantly decreased (P < 0·05) in β‐arrestin 2(−/−) mice (13% survival) compared with WT mice (53% survival). A second group of mice were killed 18 hr after CLP for blood, peritoneal lavage and tissue sample collection. CLP‐induced plasma interleukin (IL)‐6 was significantly increased 25 ± 12 fold and caecal myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was increased 2·4 ± 0·3 fold in β‐arrestin 2(−/−) compared with WT mice. β‐arrestin 2(−/−) mice exhibited more severe lung damage and higher bacterial loads compared with WT mice post CLP challenge as measured by histopathology and colony‐forming unit count. In subsequent experiments, splenocytes, peritoneal macrophages and bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs) were isolated and cultured from β‐arrestin 2(−/−) and WT mice and stimulated in vitro with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐10 production induced by LPS was significantly augmented (2·2 ± 0·2 fold, 1·8 ± 0·1 fold, and 2·2 ± 0·4 fold, respectively; P < 0·05) in splenocytes from β‐arrestin 2(−/−) mice compared with WT mice. The splenocyte response was different from that of peritoneal macrophages or BMDMs, which exhibited no difference in TNF‐α and IL‐6 production upon LPS stimulation between WT and β‐arrestin 2(−/−) mice. Our data demonstrate that β‐arrestin 2 functions to negatively regulate the inflammatory response in polymicrobial sepsis.
Three‐dimensional analysis of the root morphology of mandibular first molars with distolingual roots
Authors: Huang R.‐Y. , Cheng W.‐C. , Chen C.‐J. , Lin C.‐D. , Lai T.‐M. , Shen E.‐C. , Chiang C.‐Y. , Chiu H.‐C. , Fu E. 
Published: May 2010

Huang R‐Y, Cheng W‐C, Chen C‐J, Lin C‐D, Lai T‐M, Shen E‐C, Chiang C‐Y, Chiu H‐C, Fu E. Three‐dimensional analysis of the root morphology of mandibular first molars with distolingual roots. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 478–484, 2010.AbstractAim  To determine the prevalence of distolingual roots in mandibular first molar teeth in Taiwanese Han Chinese, and its impact on root morphology.Methodology  The presence of distolingual roots in 375 subjects (521 molars) were assessed from 624 patients attending the dental clinics of medical centres around Taiwan island from August 2004 to April 2007 using computed tomography. The following observations were made: (i) numbers of roots and canals, (ii) mesial and distal root types and (iii) levels of furca in the molars presence or absence of distolingual root.Results  The mean age of the subject was 45; 43% were women. Among all the examined molars, 56%, 27% and 18% were two‐, three‐ and four‐rooted, respectively. Two per cent, 72% and 26% of molars had two, three and four canals, respectively. All of the four‐rooted molars had four canals, but all of the molars with four canals varied in the number of roots. All molars with distolingual roots had two mesial canals. Bilateral consistency in terms of distolingual root, root canal number, root number and root type was observed in subjects with bilateral molars. In molars with distolingual roots, a higher prevalence of two mesial roots and a shorter mesial root trunk were observed than in teeth without distolingual roots.Conclusions  A distolingual root was found in 22% of molars and in 24% of the subjects examined. Most subjects with a distolingual root had them bilaterally. The presence of a distolingual root was associated with variation in the root morphology, including the furcation level, the root type and the number of roots and canals.
A differential scanning calorimetry study of the setting reaction of MTA
Authors: Chedella S. C. V. , Berzins D. W. 
Published: May 2010

Chedella SCV, Berzins DW. A differential scanning calorimetry study of the setting reaction of MTA. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 509–518, 2010.AbstractAim  To evaluate the setting of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) at various time intervals using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).Methodology  Hydrated MTA and Portland cement were examined with DSC at the following intervals: immediate (0 h), 2 h, 4 h, 12 h, 24 h, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 1 year. DSC analysis consisted of a temperature scan from 37 to 640 °C, resulting in thermograms with reaction product decomposition endotherms. The thermogram peak attributed to calcium hydroxide product formation was identified and quantified to serve as an indicator of reaction product formation over time. Unmixed powders of both cements and individual components of MTA were also studied using DSC. The results were analysed with repeated measures anova between time intervals and a t‐test between cements.Results  A low temperature endotherm attributed to various calcium silicate hydrates showed continual maturation of MTA up to 1 year. The rate of calcium hydroxide formation was greatest between 4 and 24 h after mixing with maximum amounts present at 7 days. Specimens aged greater than 1 month showed a decrease in calcium hydroxide content, presumably because of carbonation reactions. Portland cement had similar thermogram peaks, although the amount of calcium hydroxide formed was generally smaller compared to MTA. The endothermic peaks from the various powders and components were helpful in corroborating the peaks formed in the hydrated cements.Conclusions  Hydration reactions and structure maturation in MTA continue well beyond clinically observed setting times.
Non‐surgical management of a large periapical lesion using a simple aspiration technique: a case report
Authors: Fernandes M. , De Ataide I. 
Published: May 2010

Fernandes M, De Ataide I. Non‐surgical management of a large periapical lesion using a simple aspiration technique: a case report. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 536–542, 2010.AbstractAim  To report the non‐surgical management of a large periapical lesion.Summary  Surgical treatment of large periapical lesions is often subject to various complications. Hence, a non‐surgical approach should be considered for the management of these lesions. The traditional aspiration technique involves creation of buccal and palatal wounds that can cause considerable discomfort for the patient. This case report describes a simple aspiration technique achieved through the root canal space, which might hasten osseous regeneration, whilst eliminating the need for periapical surgery.Key learning points
Non‐surgical techniques can aid in healing of periapical lesions.
Non‐surgical approaches should be considered before resorting to surgery.
3D visualization of subcellular structures of Schizosaccharomyces pombe by hard X‐ray tomography
Authors: YANG Y. , LI W. , LIU G. , ZHANG X. , CHEN J. , WU W. , GUAN Y. , XIONG Y. , TIAN* Y. , WU* Z. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryCellular structures of the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, were examined by using hard X‐ray tomography. Since cells are nearly transparent to hard X‐rays, Zernike phase contrast and heavy metal staining were introduced to improve image contrast. Through using such methods, images taken at 8 keV displayed sufficient contrast for observing cellular structures. The cell wall, the intracellular organelles and the entire structural organization of the whole cells were visualized in three‐dimensional at a resolution better than 100 nm. Comparison between phase contrast and absorption contrast was also made, indicating the obvious advantage of phase contrast for cellular imaging at this energy. Our results demonstrate that hard X‐ray tomography with Zernike phase contrast is suitable for cellular imaging. Its unique abilities make it have potential to become a useful tool for revealing structural information from cells, especially thick eukaryotic cells.
Development of a new bimodal imaging methodology: a combination of fluorescence microscopy and high‐resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry
Authors: LAU K.H. , CHRISTLIEB M. , SCHRÖDER M. , SHELDON H. , HARRIS A.L. , GROVENOR C.R.M. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryIn this paper, we present a new experimental methodology to combine mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) with fluorescence microscopy to provide subcellular information on the location of small molecules in cultured cells. We demonstrate this by comparing the distribution of 5‐bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine in the same cells given by both NanoSIMS analysis and by fluorescence immunohistochemistry. Fiducial markers in the substrates ensured that the images formed by SIMS mapping of bromine ions could be co‐registered exactly with images from fluorescence microscopy. The NanoSIMS was shown to faithfully reproduce the information from fluorescence microscopy, but at a much higher spatial resolution. We then show preliminary SIMS images on the distribution of ATN‐224, a therapeutic copper chelator for which there is no fluorescent marker, co‐registered with conventional Lysotracker and Hoechst stains on the same cells.
Changes in Expression of the Genes for the Leptin Receptor and the Growth Hormone‐Releasing Peptide/Ghrelin Receptor in the Hypothalamic Arcuate Nucleus with Long‐Term Manipulation of Adiposity by Dietary Means
Authors: Kurose Y. , Iqbal J. , Rao A. , Murata Y. , Hasegawa Y. , Terashima Y. , Kojima M. , Kangawa K. , Clarke I. J. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractChanges in leptin and ghrelin levels occur with alterations in adiposity, but signalling may be affected by levels of the relevant receptors. We measured expression of the leptin receptor (Ob‐Rb) and the ghrelin/growth hormone releasing peptide receptor (GHS‐R) in the arcuate nucleus of sheep held at either high or low levels of adiposity. Plasma growth hormone (GH) levels were lower in Fat animals and higher in Lean animals. Plasma insulin and leptin levels were higher in Fat animals and lower in Lean animals. Frozen hypothalamic sections of arcuate nucleus were extracted and mRNA levels measured for mRNA for Ob‐Rb and GHS‐R. Gene expression for both Ob‐Rb and GHS‐R was higher in Lean animals than in Fat animals, with no difference in expression between Fat and Normal animals. A second group of animals (n = 4 per group) was used for double‐labelling immunohistochemistry to determine whether the increase in Ob‐Rb gene expression was translated into Ob‐Rb protein and to ascertain whether this effect is localised to the cells of the arcuate nucleus that produce either neuropeptide Y (NPY) and/or pro‐opiomelanocortin‐derived peptides. Lean animals displayed a 255% increase in immunoreactive NPY cells (P < 0.005), a 167% increase in cells with Ob‐Rb (P < 0.037) protein and a 344% increase in cells that were staining for both NPY and Ob‐Rb (P < 0.02). There was no difference between the Normal and Lean animals in the number of cells that were detected with an adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) antibody or the number of ACTH‐immunoreactive cells that also stained for Ob‐Rb. Finally, we measured plasma ghrelin levels in Normal, Fat and Lean ewes (n = 4/group); levels were higher (P < 0.05) in Fat animals than in Lean animals. We conclude that lowering body weight leads to increased expression of Ob‐Rb, ghrelin/GHS‐R expression and proportion of NPY cells that express Ob‐Rb in the arcuate nucleus. This may be an adaptive mechanism to increase responsivity to both leptin and ghrelin.
Clinical and immunological heterogeneity of canine subepidermal blistering dermatoses with anti‐laminin‐332 (laminin‐5) auto‐antibodies
Authors: Olivry Thierry , Bizikova Petra , Dunston Stanley M. , Bond Ross , Halliwell Richard , Loeffler Anette , Pucheu‐Haston Cherie M. , Chen Mei , Peter Marinkovich M. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractLaminin‐332 (laminin‐5) is a basement membrane heterotrimeric protein composed of alpha‐3, beta‐3 and gamma‐2 laminin chains. Laminin‐332 polypeptides are targeted by auto‐antibodies in human patients with mucous membrane (cicatricial) pemphigoid or, more rarely, subepidermal vesicular diseases that resemble epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) or bullous pemphigoid (BP). The objectives of this report were to characterize the clinical, histopathological and immunological characteristics of nine dogs with auto‐antibodies targeting laminin‐332. Immunological investigations consisted of direct immunofluorescence (IF), indirect IF with intact and salt‐split canine gingival, and salt‐split normal or laminin‐332‐deficient human skin, immunoblotting with purified human laminin‐332 and immunoblotting with recombinant NC1 domain of human collagen VII. All dogs exhibited varying degrees of skin blistering and ulceration associated with microscopic subepidermal vesiculation with or without inflammatory cells. Indirect IF established that circulating IgG auto‐antibodies bound the dermal side of salt‐split canine lip and human skin. In five dogs, IgG variably recognized the basement membrane of laminin‐332‐deficient human skin (three dogs negative, two dogs positive). In all nine dogs, IgG auto‐antibodies detected purified human laminin‐332 by immunoblotting. In two dogs, additional targeting of collagen VII‐NC1 was present. These observations establish laminin‐332 as a novel basement membrane antigen in dogs with autoimmune blistering diseases with variable clinical phenotypes. The names ‘acquired junctional epidermolysis bullosa’, ‘anti‐laminin‐332 mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP)’ and ‘mixed auto‐immune subepidermal blistering dermatosis’ are proposed for dogs with clinical signs reminiscent of EBA, MMP or BP respectively.
Limited phenotypic plasticity in range‐edge populations: a comparison of co‐occurring populations of two Agrimonia species with different geographical distributions
Authors: Mägi Maris , Semchenko Marina , Kalamees Reïn , Zobel Kristjan 
Published: May 2010

AbstractIncreased importance of genetic drift and selection for stress resistance have been predicted to lead to a reduction in the degree of phenotypic plasticity in populations at margins of a species’ geographical range, relative to those in the centre. We examined the effect of population positioning within the species range on degree of active morphological plasticity to vegetation shade. Importantly, we discriminated between active, size‐independent morphological adjustments in response to shade and passive changes in morphology caused by the dependence of morphological traits on plant size, as only the former are considered to be adaptive. Two closely related and ecologically similar Agrimonia species were examined in the same geographical location, where one species reaches the edge of its distribution (Agrimonia pilosa) and the other does not (A. eupatoria). Plasticity to light availability is likely to be advantageous for both species as they occupy habitats with variable light conditions. However, we hypothesised that high levels of environmental stress should lead to reduced active plasticity in marginal compared with more central populations. Agrimonia eupatoria exhibited active adjustments in leaf morphology in response to tree shade, and in elongation of stems and inflorescences in response to herbaceous shade. In contrast, A. pilosa exhibited very limited active plasticity. High active plasticity allowed A. eupatoria to retain constant shoot growth in a wide range of light conditions, while the lack of active plasticity in A. pilosa resulted in a strong dependence of shoot growth on light availability. We propose that high levels of environmental stress in marginal areas of a species’ range may lead to a significant reduction in the degree of active plasticity. Our results clearly indicate that discrimination between active and passive plasticity is crucial for reaching valid conclusions about differences in adaptive plasticity between marginal and non‐marginal populations.
Interaction between Cucumber mosaic virus and Turnip crinkle virus in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Yang Hui , Wang Shaodong , Xi Dehui , Yuan Shu , Wang Jianhui , Xu Moyun , Lin Honghui 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe interaction between Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and Turnip crinkle virus (TCV) in Arabidopsis thaliana is reported. Although TCV coat protein accumulates to a similar level in singly or doubly infected plants, CMV coat protein is significantly decreased in doubly infected plants, which develop symptoms similar to those of TCV infection alone. TCV thus strongly interfers with infection by CMV. A significant reduction in CMV 2b gene expression also occurs in co‐infected plants. A defence signalling initiator, salicylic acid (SA), further inhibits CMV accumulation during CMV–TCV co‐infection. This interference is correlated with both enhanced virus gene silencing and defence signalling.
Poroma with sebaceous differentiation: Report of three cases
Authors: Kurashige Yuta , Yamamoto Toshiyuki , Okubo Yukari , Tsuboi Ryoji 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTWe herein report three cases of poroma, which showed sebaceous differentiation. The patients were two men and one woman, and the involved sites were the thigh, head and back. In all three cases, histopathological examination revealed anastomosing nests consisting of poroid cells proliferating into the dermis. Tubular structures lined by eosinophilic cuticular cells were scattered in the tumour nests. Furthermore, aggregations of mature sebocytes with vacuolated cytoplasm were also observed forming clusters, or intermingled with the poroma cells. Focal calcification was found within the nests in two cases. Sebaceous component were recognized in the presented three cases among the 62 cases (4.8%) examined in our department within the past 10 years. We also include a review of the 31 reported cases of poroma with sebaceous differentiation. None of them occurred in acral regions, where typical eccrine poromas predominate. The majority of cases were benign. This review indicates that some poromas may show sebaceous differentiation and be of apocrine lineage.
Riding a bicycle: Do we need more than a helmet?
Authors: Abu‐Kishk Ibrahim , Vaiman Michael , Rosenfeld‐Yehoshua Noa , Kozer Eran , Lotan Gad , Eshel Gideon 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBackground:  To assess pediatric bicycle‐related traumatization in view of types of injuries, incidence and modes of prevention.Methods:  Retrospective study of pediatric cases admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit of a university‐affiliated level II trauma hospital in Israel over 12 consecutive years.Results:  Forty‐six patients (three girls, 43 boys) with bicycle‐related injuries formed 1% of the total pediatric intensive care unit admissions during the study period. The number of patients with bicycle‐related injuries increased significantly during recent years (1996–2001 vs 2002–07: P= 0.003). Most of the cases presented abdominal injuries (54.4%) followed by head (32.6%) and chest (13%) injuries. The median age of patients with abdominal trauma was significantly lower in comparison to patients with other types of injuries (P= 0.002). Abdominal cases required longer hospitalization compared with other patients (P= 0.003). Falling from a bicycle was the main mechanism of injury in abdominal cases (88%) (P= 0.003). Motor vehicle impacts were the main mechanism of injury in patients with head (60%) and chest (66.6%) trauma.Conclusion:  The incidence of severe bicycle‐related injuries requiring intensive care hospitalization is increasing and abdominal trauma forms the main portion of those injuries. We suggest introducing a trunk‐protective measure for young bicyclists. Exact information on the mechanism of the injury is important for evaluating the injured patient more accurately.
Numerical and experimental investigation of mixed‐mode fracture parameters on silicon nitride using the Brazilian disc test
Authors: LEVESQUE G. , ARAKERE N. K. , MECHOLSKY J. J. , GOPALAKRISHNAN K. 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTEngineering applications of ceramics can often involve mixed‐mode conditions involving both tensile and shear loading. Mixed‐mode fracture toughness parameters are evaluated for applicability to ceramics using the Brazilian disc test on silicon nitride. Semi‐elliptical centrally located surface flaws are induced on the disc specimens using Vickers indentation and compression loaded to fracture with varying levels of mode mixity. The disc specimens are modelled via 3D finite element analysis and all three modes of stress intensity factors computed along the crack front, at failure load. We present a numerical and experimental investigation of four widely used mixed‐mode fracture criteria and conclude that the critical strain energy release rate criterion is simple to implement and effective for silicon nitride under mixed‐mode conditions.
The effect of prostate‐specific antigen screening during the last decade: development of clinicopathological variables independently of the biopsy core number
Authors: Ploussard Guillaume , Azancot Vidal , Nicolaiew Nathalie , Xylinas Evanguelos , Salomon Laurent , Allory Yves , Vordos Dimitri , Hoznek Andras , Abbou Claude‐Clément , De La Taille Alexandre 
Published: May 2010

Study Type – Prognosis (case series) Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVETo study the development of stage migration in prostate cancer after controlling for the number of biopsy cores.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 1826 patients had a first set of 21‐core biopsies taken between 2001 and 2008. Among the 801 patients with prostate cancer, 443 had a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RP). Patients were divided into three subsets according to the date of biopsy, i.e. period 1 (2001–2003), period 2 (2004–2005), and period 3 (2006–2008). Study end points were the development over time of: (i) clinico‐biological characteristics; (ii) biopsy variables; (iii) pathological RP features; and (iv) the biochemical recurrence‐free (RFS) rate after surgery.RESULTSThe mean age decreased significantly over time (P= 0.004). The proportion of men with a prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level of 4–10 ng/mL increased significantly over time at the expense of the proportion of men with a PSA level of ≥10 ng/mL (P= 0.004). A biopsy Gleason score of ≥7 was reported in 53.9% of period 1, compared to 39.6% in period 3 (P= 0.001). RP specimens had a significantly lower proportion of extraprostatic disease (P= 0.013), of high Gleason scores (P= 0.049), and positive margins (P= 0.011) over time. The RFS curves did not vary over time (P= 897).CONCLUSIONCurrent candidates for prostate biopsy are younger and have lower PSA levels than those who had biopsies taken at the beginning of the decade. Cancers are less aggressive in terms of Gleason score, extent of the disease on biopsy cores and rate of extraprostatic disease on RP specimens than those diagnosed at the beginning of the decade.
ERROR VARIANCE ESTIMATION FOR THE SINGLE‐INDEX MODEL
Authors: Kulasekera K. B. , Lin Wei 
Published: May 2010

SummarySingle‐index models provide one way of reducing the dimension in regression analysis. The statistical literature has focused mainly on estimating the index coefficients, the mean function, and their asymptotic properties. For accurate statistical inference it is equally important to estimate the error variance of these models. We examine two estimators of the error variance in a single‐index model and compare them with a few competing estimators with respect to their corresponding asymptotic properties. Using a simulation study, we evaluate the finite‐sample performance of our estimators against their competitors.