bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of mandibular denture base deformation with different impression techniques for implant overdentures
Authors: Elsyad Moustafa Abdou , El‐Waseef Fatma Ahmad , Al‐Mahdy Yasmeen Fathy , Fouad Mohammed Mohammed 
Published: January 2012

AbstractPurposeThis study aimed to evaluate mandibular denture base deformation along with three impression techniques used for implant‐retained overdenture.Materials and methodsTen edentulous patients (five men and five women) received two implants in the canine region of the mandible and three duplicate mandibular overdentures which were constructed with mucostatic, selective pressure, and definitive pressure impression techniques. Ball abutments and respective gold matrices were used to connect the overdentures to the implants. Six linear strain gauges were bonded to the lingual polished surface of each duplicate overdenture at midline and implant areas to measure strain during maximal clenching and gum chewing.ResultsThe strains recorded at midline were compressive while strains at implant areas were tensile. Clenching recorded significant higher strain when compared with gum chewing for all techniques. The mucostatic technique recorded the highest strain and the definite pressure technique recorded the lowest. There was no significant difference between the strain recorded with mucostatic technique and that registered with selective pressure technique. The highest strain was recorded at the level of ball abutment's top with the mucostatic technique during clenching.Conclusion and recommendationDefinite pressure impression technique for implant‐retained mandibular overdenture is associated with minimal denture deformation during function when compared with mucostatic and selective pressure techniques. Reinforcement of the denture base over the implants may be recommended to increase resistance of fracture when mucostatic or selective pressure impression technique is used.
Osseointegration of two different phosphate ion‐containing titanium oxide surfaces in rabbit cancellous bone
Authors: Park Jin‐Woo 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectiveThis study assessed the osseointegration of grit‐blasted titanium (Ti) implants with a hydrophilic phosphate ion‐incorporated oxide surface in rabbit cancellous bone, and compared its bone healing with commercially available phosphate‐incorporated clinical implants obtained by micro‐arc oxidation (TiUnite, TU implant).Material and methodsThe hydrophilic phosphate‐incorporated Ti surface (P implant) was produced by hydrothermal treatment on grit‐blasted moderately rough‐surfaced clinical implant. The TU surface was used as a control. The surface characteristics were evaluated by field emission‐scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, optical profilometry, and inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP‐AES). Thirty‐two threaded implants with lengths of 10 and 3.3 mm diameter (16 P implants and 16 TU implants) were placed in the femoral condyles of 16 New Zealand White rabbits. Histomorphometric analysis, removal torque tests, and surface analysis of the torque‐tested implants were performed 4 weeks after implantation.ResultsThe P and TU implants displayed micro‐rough surface features with similar Ra values at the micron‐scale. ICP‐AES analysis revealed that both the P and TU implants released phosphate ions into the solution. The torque‐tested P and TU implants exhibited a considerable quantity of bone attached to the surface. The P implants exhibited significantly higher bone‐implant contact percentages, both in terms of the all threads region and the total lateral length of implants compared with the TU implants (P < 0.01), but no statistical difference was found for the removal torque values.ConclusionThese results suggest that the phosphate‐incorporated Ti oxide surface obtained by hydrothermal treatment achieves rapid osseointegration in cancellous bone by increasing the degree of bone‐implant contact.
Long‐term changes in plant diversity of grasslands under agricultural and conservation management
Authors: de Snoo Geert R. , Naus Nick , Verhulst Jort , van Ruijven Jasper , Schaffers André P. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractQuestionIn many industrialized countries biodiversity is declining. Although changes in species composition and species richness have been documented for many individual systems, little long‐term research has been done on a regional scale. We compared the temporal patterns of plant diversity over the last 30 yr in agricultural grasslands and nature reserves.LocationGrasslands scattered over the entire province of South‐Holland, the Netherlands.MethodsUsing data from 403 permanent plots over a period of 30 yr, we analysed temporal trends in species richness, floristic value and indicated nutrient richness and compared these trends between agricultural grasslands and grasslands in nature reserves.ResultsExpressed as 30‐yr averages, species richness and floristic value were much higher in nature reserve grasslands than in agricultural grasslands (an increase of 87% and 78%, respectively), while indicated nutrient richness (determined using indicator values for soil fertility of the species present) was 31% lower. During this 30‐yr period, species richness and floristic value significantly increased in nature reserve grasslands (0.186 species·yr−1). For agricultural grasslands, however, no significant changes could be detected. Restricting the analysis to those plots that were already studied before 1990 did reveal significant declines in the agricultural grasslands, indicating a past decrease in species richness that has probably levelled off after 1990.ConclusionsThese findings imply that the floristic ‘gap’ between agricultural grasslands and grasslands in nature reserves is widening every year. This may have consequences for conservation efforts in both nature reserves and agricultural grasslands. The challenge is to enhance the interaction between nature reserves and agricultural grasslands.
Regional seed mixtures for the re‐creation of species‐rich meadows in theWhiteCarpathianMountains: results of a 10‐yr experiment
Authors: Mitchley Jonathan , Jongepierová Ivana , Fajmon Karel 
Published: January 2012

AbstractQuestionsHow does sowing a regional seed mix compare with a commercial grass mix and natural regeneration for re‐creating species‐rich hay meadow vegetation? What is the trajectory of vegetation change of these treatments over 10 yr compared with ancient meadow vegetation on a nearby nature reserve? What factors indicate successful restoration on ex‐arable land?LocationWhiteCarpathian (BíléKarpaty)Mountains,CzechRepublic.MethodsIn 1999 an experiment was set up to investigate methods of re‐establishing species‐rich meadow vegetation on ex‐arable land. Large plots sown with a regional seed mixture (RSM) were compared with three other ‘lower cost’ treatments – sowing narrow 2.5‐m wide strips of theRSMinto a matrix of commercial grasses (RCG), sowing strips ofRSMinto a matrix of natural regeneration (RNR) and natural regeneration alone (NR). Results are presented for years 2000, 2004 and 2009.ResultsRegional grass species established and persisted in cover and species number, regional herb species established and persisted in number but declined in cover. Perennial weeds increased in years 2000–2004 but had declined by 2009. The vegetation showed a gradual convergence in the direction of the ancient meadow vegetation and the vegetation was species‐rich but a long way from the ancient meadow composition.ConclusionsThe experiment demonstrated lasting benefits of regional seed mixtures, including rapid establishment of meadow species with no perennial weed stage, producing vegetation suitable for haymaking. However, sowing regional seed mixtures is the most expensive method and colonization of these plots by unsown target species was slow. Satisfactory results were achieved by the cheaper method of sowing strips of regional seed mixture in a matrix of natural regeneration or natural regeneration alone, and colonization by unsown target species was the more successful here, although some of this was due to colonization (cross‐contamination) from adjacent plots. The poorest results were in the commercial grass treatments due to strong competition from sown commercial grasses. Overall, to achieve biodiversity goals in grassland restoration it is essential to use seeds of regional provenance.
Isolation and analysis of natural compounds from silkworm pupae and effect of its extracts on alcohol detoxification
Authors: KWON Mu‐Gil , KIM Deuk‐Su , LEE Jung‐Hwan , PARK Sang‐Won , CHOO Young‐Kug , HAN Yeon‐Su , KIM Joo‐Sung , HWANG Kyung‐A , KO Kinarm , KO Kisung 
Published: January 2012

AbstractSilkworm pupae have much potential and many applications as a natural medicine to promote human health. However, their chemical components have not been fully characterized or understood. HPLC analysis was conducted to determine the content ratio (%) of individual amino acids in total protein of the pupae. It showed that glutamic acid (18.3%), histidine (14.6%) and alanine (10.2%) are the most common amino acids in silkworm pupae. Fatty acid composition of silkworm pupae oil was revealed by high‐pressure liquid chromatography and gas chromatography – mass spectroscopy analyses. They contain a high ratio of essential fatty acids, [α‐linolenic acid (ω‐3 fatty acid]+ linoleic acid) (49.0%), and also contain non‐essential fatty acids, oleic acid (19.9%), palmitoleic acid (2.5%), palmitic acid (19.7%), stearic acid (8.6%), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (0.3%). In addition, they also contain antioxidants, quercetin diglucoside and nutritionally important riboflavin (vitamin B2). This study suggests that silkworm pupae are a nutritionally valuable food product and are applicable as cosmetic components with essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins. The animal experiment showed that alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity was significantly higher in the liver of mice orally administered with 0.5 mg/mL of silkworm extract and alcohol than with commercial Dawn808™ and alcohol, indicating that silkworm pupae extracts have alcohol detoxification activity.
Effects of Heating Rate and pH on Fracture and Water‐Holding Properties of Globular Protein Gels as Explained by Micro‐Phase Separation
Authors: Leksrisompong Phanin N. , Lanier Tyre C. , Foegeding E. Allen 
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  The effect of heating rate and pH on fracture properties and held water (HW) of globular protein gels was investigated. The study was divided into 2 experiments. In the 1st experiment, whey protein isolate (WPI) and egg white protein (EWP) gels were formed at pH 4.5 and 7.0 using heating rates ranging from 0.1 to 35 °C/min and holding times at 80 °C up to 240 min. The 2nd experiment used one heating condition (80 °C for 60 min) and probed in detail the pH range of 4.5 to 7.0 for EWP gels. Fracture properties of gels were measured by torsional deformation and HW was measured as the amount of fluid retained after a mild centrifugation. Single or micro‐phase separated conditions were determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The effect of heating rate on fracture properties and HW of globular protein gels can be explained by phase stability of the protein dispersion and total thermal input. Minimal difference in fracture properties and HW of EWP gels at pH 4.5 compared with pH 7.0 were observed while WPI gels were stronger and had higher HW at pH 7.0 as compared to 4.5. This was due to a mild degree of micro‐phase separation of EWP gels across the pH range whereas WPI gels only showed an extreme micro‐phase separation in a narrow pH range. In summary, gel formation and physical properties of globular protein gels can be explained by micro‐phase separation.Practical Application:  The effect of heating conditions on hardness and water‐holding properties of protein gels is explained by the relative percentage of micro‐phase separated proteins. Heating rates that are too rapid require additional holding time at the end‐point temperature to allow for full network development. Increase in degree of micro‐phase separation decreases the ability for protein gels to hold water.
Usefulness of Technetium‐99 m‐2‐methoxy‐isobutyl‐isonitrile liver scintigraphy for evaluating disease activity of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Masuda Kosei , Ono Masafumi , Fukumoto Mitsutaka , Hirose Akira , Munekage Kensuke , Ochi Tsunehiro , Okamoto Nobuto , Akagi Naoki , Ogawa Yasuhiro , Saibara Toshiji 
Published: January 2012

Aim:  Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive form of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Therefore, it is important to evaluate disease activity and distinguish NASH from simple steatosis in NAFLD. Technetium‐99 m‐2‐methoxy‐isobutyl‐isonitrile (99mTc‐MIBI) is a lipophilic cation designed for myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in the diagnosis of ischemic heart diseases, and its retention reflects mitochondrial function. It was reported that hepatic mitochondrial abnormalities would be an important predictive factor for NASH disease progression. The aim of this study was to examine the clinical usefulness of 99mTc‐MIBI liver scintigraphy for evaluating disease activity of NAFLD and distinguishing NASH from simple steatosis in patients with NAFLD.Methods:  Twenty‐six patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD were enrolled. Clinicolaboratory tests and 99mTc‐MIBI liver scintigraphy were performed. To evaluate hepatic uptake, regions of interest were set at the liver and heart, and the uptake ratio of the liver to heart (liver/heart ratio) was calculated.Results:  All patients with NAFLD were classified into three groups according to the NAFLD activity score: non‐NASH (simple steatosis) (n = 4), borderline NASH (n = 11), and NASH (n = 11). Liver/heart ratios were significantly lower in NASH than in simple steatosis (P < 0.05). Moreover, liver/heart ratios were significantly correlated with NAFLD activity scores among the patients (r = −0.413, P < 0.05).Conclusions:  The present study indicates that 99mTc‐MIBI liver scintigraphy would be a useful non‐invasive functional imaging method with which to evaluate disease activity of NAFLD and distinguish NASH from simple steatosis.
Association between transforming growth factor‐β1 polymorphisms and hepatocellular cancer risk: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Xiang Tian‐Xin , Cheng Na , Li Xi‐Nv , Wu Xiao‐Ping 
Published: January 2012

Aim:  The association between transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) gene polymorphisms and hepatocellular cancer (HCC) risk has been widely reported, but results were somewhat controversial. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship between TGF‐β1 polymorphisms and HCC risk, we conducted a meta‐analysis of all available studies relating the C‐509T and/or T869C polymorphisms of the TGF‐β1 gene to the risk of developing HCC.Methods:  Two investigators independently searched the MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) and CBM (Chinese Biomedical Literature database) for the period up to August 2011.Result:  A total of nine case‐control articles were identified. Five studies with 1825 cases and 2869 controls for C‐509T polymorphism, and six studies with 536 cases and 1496 controls for T869C polymorphism were included. In the overall analysis, no significant association between the polymorphisms and risk of HCC was observed. Stratified analysis showed that significant association between C‐509T polymorphism and HCC was present only in controls with liver disease (T vs. C: odds ratio [OR] = 0.769, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.661–0.895; TT vs. CC: OR = 0.570, 95% CI = 0.412–0.788; TT/TC vs. CC: OR = 0.668, 95% CI = 0.523–0.854; TT vs. TC/CC: OR = 0.717, 95% CI = 0.550–0.934), but not in healthy controls. With respect to T869C polymorphism, only a decreased risk was found in recessive models in controls with liver disease.Conclusions:  This meta‐analysis supports that the TGF‐β1 C‐509T polymorphism may act in a protecting role in HCC susceptibility in populations with related liver disease.
Cytologic features and diagnostic accuracy of analysis of effusions for detection of ovarian carcinoma in dogs
Authors: Bertazzolo Walter , Bonfanti Ugo , Mazzotti Silvia , Gelain Maria Elena 
Published: January 2012

BackgroundPresence of an abdominal effusion is a typical presenting sign associated with ovarian carcinoma (OC) in dogs.ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to describe the cytologic features of effusions associated with OC and to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of such features for the diagnosis of OC in dogs.MethodsCytologic evaluations of 7 OC‐associated peritoneal effusions in dogs were used to define cytomorphologic features of this neoplasm. Then, in a blinded study to evaluate the accuracy of these features in identifying OC, 2 independent board‐certified clinical pathologists reviewed 82 pleural, pericardial, and abdominal effusions resulting from OC (n = 7), other neoplasms (n = 40), and non‐neoplastic disorders (n = 35). The clinical pathologists were instructed to identify all samples containing papillary structures typically seen in OC and then apply the cytomorphologic criteria determined in the first part of the study to diagnose OC.ResultsEffusions associated with OC contained blood and had moderate to high cellularity, with neoplastic cells arranged in a prominent papillary pattern in which intercellular spaces were not clearly evident. Individual cells were approximately 30 μm in diameter, with mild anisocytosis and anisokaryosis, moderate amounts of pale blue cytoplasm, and round to oval paracentral nuclei with fine chromatin and poorly distinct small nucleoli. Using these cytologic features to identify OC in the 82 effusions, sensitivity was 86% and 100% and specificity was 57% and 97% for the 2 clinical pathologists. Overall accuracies in distinguishing OC from other effusions were 98.8% and 93.9%.ConclusionBased on this preliminary study, effusion cytology from intact female dogs affected by OC appears to be useful in suggesting a diagnosis of neoplasia. The presence of cells with a prominent and uniform papillary pattern in peritoneal and pleural effusions in dogs with appropriate signalment and clinical signs should prompt a search for primary ovarian neoplasia.
The quality of veterinary in‐clinic and reference laboratory biochemical testing
Authors: Rishniw Mark , Pion Paul D. , Maher Tammy 
Published: January 2012

BackgroundAlthough evaluation of biochemical analytes in blood is common in veterinary practice, studies assessing the global quality of veterinary in‐clinic and reference laboratory testing have not been reported.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the quality of biochemical testing in veterinary laboratories using results obtained from analyses of 3 levels of assayed quality control materials over 5 days.MethodsQuality was assessed by comparison of calculated total error with quality requirements, determination of sigma metrics, use of a quality goal index to determine factors contributing to poor performance, and agreement between in‐clinic and reference laboratory mean results. The suitability of in‐clinic and reference laboratory instruments for statistical quality control was determined using adaptations from the computerized program, EZRules3.ResultsReference laboratories were able to achieve desirable quality requirements more frequently than in‐clinic laboratories. Across all 3 materials, > 50% of in‐clinic analyzers achieved a sigma metric ≥ 6.0 for measurement of 2 analytes, whereas > 50% of reference laboratory analyzers achieved a sigma metric ≥ 6.0 for measurement of 6 analytes. Expanded uncertainty of measurement and ± total allowable error resulted in the highest mean percentages of analytes demonstrating agreement between in‐clinic and reference laboratories. Owing to marked variation in bias and coefficient of variation between analyzers of the same and different types, the percentages of analytes suitable for statistical quality control varied widely.ConclusionThese findings reflect the current state‐of‐the‐art with regard to in‐clinic and reference laboratory analyzer performance and provide a baseline for future evaluations of the quality of veterinary laboratory testing.
Diagnostic accuracy of brush cytology in canine chronic intranasal disease
Authors: Caniatti Mario , Cunha Nazaré Pinto da , Avallone Giancarlo , Romussi Stefano , Mortellaro Carlo Maria , Tranquillo Vito , Ghisleni Gabriele 
Published: January 2012

BackgroundMost cases of canine chronic intranasal disease cannot be differentiated based on clinical examination alone, and biopsy is often required for a definitive diagnosis. Nonsurgical cytologic and histologic biopsy techniques represent desirable diagnostic approaches.ObjectiveThe aim of this retrospective study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of brush cytology in differentiating non‐neoplastic and neoplastic diseases in dogs with chronic intranasal disease.MethodsCytologic samples of lesions in dogs with chronic intranasal disease were obtained by brushing over a 12‐year period. All dogs had complete physical examinations as well as radiographic, rhinoscopic, and cytologic evaluation. Histologic diagnosis, follow‐up clinical information, or both were used as the gold standard, and dogs free of disease or with no progression of disease at 1 year were considered negative for neoplasia. Indicators of performance of brush cytology in detecting neoplasia were calculated and included sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratio.ResultsSamples of nasal brushings from 138 dogs were evaluated. Of 62 cases of neoplastic disease, true‐positive and false‐negative diagnoses were made using cytologic evaluation in 44 (71.0%) and 18 (29.0%) cases, respectively. False‐negative diagnoses of neoplasia were not attributed to low cellularity, but to the presence of inflammatory cells that masked neoplastic cells. Brush cytology had a sensitivity of 0.71, specificity of 0.99, positive likelihood ratio of 53.94, negative likelihood ratio of 0.29, and diagnostic odds ratio of 188.33.ConclusionsBrush cytology has good diagnostic accuracy for chronic intranasal lesions in dogs.
The role of aquaporin 4 in the brain
Authors: Iacovetta Christine , Rudloff Elke , Kirby Rebecca 
Published: January 2012

Abstract:Emerging evidence suggests that aquaporin (AQP) 4 water channels play an important role in water homeostasis in the brain. These water channels are most abundant in the cell membrane of astrocytes, but are also present within ependymal cell membranes and in osmosensory areas of the hypothalamus. Water transport through AQP4 depends on concentration gradients across the membrane, but the rate of transport is determined by the capacity of astrocytes to up‐ and down‐regulate AQP4 numbers, their location within the membrane, and the overall permeability of the channel. Other functions of brain AQP4 involve potassium uptake and release by astrocytes, migration of glial cells, glial scarring, and astrocyte‐to‐astrocyte cell communication. AQP water channels are involved in formation and control of edema in the brain and in multiple disease processes in the brain, such as seizures and tumors. There is abundant scientific literature on AQP4 describing its structure, function, location, and role in water homeostasis and edema in the brain. Investigation of AQP expression in the canine and feline brain should be pursued so that clinically relevant comparisons between findings in mice, rats, and people and animal patients can be made.