bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interleukin‐7 promotes the survival of human CD4+ effector/memory T cells by up‐regulating Bcl‐2 proteins and activating the JAK/STAT signalling pathway
Authors: Chetoui Nizar , Boisvert Marc , Gendron Steve , Aoudjit Fawzi 
Published: May 2010

SummaryInterleukin‐7 (IL‐7) is a crucial cytokine involved in T‐cell survival and development but its signalling in human T cells, particularly in effector/memory T cells, is poorly documented. In this study, we found that IL‐7 protects human CD4+ effector/memory T cells from apoptosis induced upon the absence of stimulation and cytokines. We show that IL‐7 up‐regulates not only Bcl‐2 but also Bcl‐xL and Mcl‐1 as well. Interleukin‐7‐induced activation of the janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signalling pathway is sufficient for cell survival and up‐regulation of Bcl‐2 proteins. In contrast to previous studies with naive T cells, we found that IL‐7 is a weak activator of the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/AKT (also referred as protein kinase B) pathway and IL‐7‐mediated cell survival occurs independently from the PI3K/AKT pathway as well as from activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase pathway. Considering the contribution of both IL‐7 and CD4+ effector/memory T cells to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and colitis, our study suggests that IL‐7 can contribute to these diseases by promoting cell survival. A further understanding of the mechanisms of IL‐7 signalling in effector/memory T cells associated with autoimmune inflammatory diseases may lead to potential new therapeutic avenues.
Long‐term sealing ability of resin‐based root canal fillings
Authors: Santos J. N. , Tjäderhane L. , Ferraz C. C. , Zaia A. A. , Alves M. C. , De Goes M. F. , Carrilho M. R. 
Published: May 2010

Santos J, Tjäderhane L, Ferraz C, Zaia A, Alves M, De Goes M, Carrilho M. Long‐term sealing ability of resin‐based root canal fillings. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 455–460, 2010.AbstractAim  To evaluate the ability of two resin‐based filling materials to provide immediate and long‐term sealing of the root canal.Methodology  A total of eighty‐two human roots were instrumented and filled with AH Plus/gutta‐percha or Epiphany/Resilon. Root filled teeth were sealed coronally either with Coltosol or Clearfil SE Bond/Filtek Z250 or were left unsealed. The quality of root canal sealing was assessed by a fluid filtration method performed at immediate and 180‐day time intervals. Mean fluid filtration rates were analyzed by three‐way repeated measures anova and Tukey post hoc test.Results  Specimens filled with Epiphany/Resilon exhibited higher leakage than specimens filled with AH Plus/gutta‐percha (P < 0.05), regardless of the coronal sealing condition and period of evaluation. No difference was detected between coronal restorative materials (P > 0.05), whilst leakage in teeth without any coronal restoration was significantly higher (P < 0.05). After storage, a significant decrease in leakage (P < 0.05) was observed in all experimental groups.Conclusions  AH Plus/gutta‐percha provided superior root canal sealing at both immediate and 180‐day time periods. The presence of a coronal seal reduced leakage significantly. Storage of root filled specimens did not disturb the sealing ability of the tested materials.
Effect of alendronate on alveolar bone resorption and angiogenesis in rats with experimental periapical lesions
Authors: Xiong H. , Wei L. , Hu Y. , Zhang C. , Peng B. 
Published: May 2010

Xiong H, Wei L, Hu Y, Zhang C, Peng B. Effect of alendronate on alveolar bone resorption and angiogenesis in rats with experimental periapical lesions. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 485–491, 2010.AbstractAim  To investigate the effects of systemically administered alendronate, one of the most potent bisphosphonates (BPs), on alveolar bone resorption and angiogenesis in rats subjected to experimental periapical lesions over two time periods.Methodology  Forty adult Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats were divided equally into control and experimental groups, and the pulp chambers of mandibular first molars of all rats were exposed to the oral environment to induce periapical lesions. The experimental group received daily subcutaneous injections of alendronate at a dose of 0.25 mg kg−1, whereas the control group received only the saline vehicle. These injections were initiated 1 week before the periapical lesion induction and then continued daily throughout the entire experimental period. After 2 or 4 weeks following pulp exposure, the rats were killed, and the mandibles were examined histologically for periapical bone loss area, number of microvascular vessels (NMV) and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity.Results  Overall, periapical bone loss area and the number of TRAP‐positive cells (osteoclasts) were significantly decreased at 2 and 4 weeks, respectively, after daily subcutaneous injection of alendronate compared with the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant decrease change in NMV (P > 0.05).Conclusions  Administration of alendronate to rats might inhibit alveolar bone resorption associated with periapical disease, which might not lead to impairment of angiogenesis. However, because of the differences between rats and humans, one has to consider the possible consequences of this treatment in the clinic.
Differential expression of neuropeptide Y Y1 receptors during pulpal inflammation
Authors: Rethnam S. , Raju B. , Fristad I. , Berggreen E. , Heyeraas K. J. 
Published: May 2010

Rethnam S, Raju B, Fristad I, Berggreen E, Heyeraas KJ.Differential expression of neuropeptide Y Y1 receptors during pulpal inflammation.International Endodontic Journal,43, 492–498, 2010.AbstractAim To study the pattern of neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y1 receptor (Y1R) localization in the normal dental pulp and during different stages of pulpal inflammation. The hypothesis was that the expression of Y1R varies during different stages of pulpitis.Methodology Pulp exposure injury was made on first molar teeth of Sprague–Dawley rats. Animals were killed 3, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 46 days after pulp exposure. Jaws were removed, decalcified and processed for immunohistochemistry for identification and localization of Y1R. Double labelling was performed using antibodies for laminin, CD43 and CD4 with Y1R. RT‐PCR was performed to verify gene expression of Y1R in dental pulp and trigeminal ganglion.Results RT‐PCR revealed the presence of NPY‐Y1R in the dental pulp, trigeminal ganglion and gingiva. With immunohistochemistry, in control rats, Y1R was mainly located in capillaries and small vessels in the dental pulp as well as in the odontoblastic layer. No YIR was noted on immune cells in normal pulp. In pulpitis, immune cells such as CD43+ granulocytes and CD4+ lymphocytes expressed Y1R. As pulpitis progressed, there was a significant decrease in number of blood vessels expressing Y1R in the odontoblast layer when compared to control rat pulp.Conclusions This study gives evidence that Y1R is a modulator of pulpal inflammation.
Radiographic quality of root fillings performed by undergraduate students
Authors: Khabbaz M. G. , Protogerou E. , Douka E. 
Published: May 2010

Khabbaz MG, Protogerou E, Douka E. Radiographic quality of root fillings performed by undergraduate students. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 499–508, 2010.AbstractAim  To evaluate the radiographic technical quality of root fillings and the incidence of iatrogenic errors in treatment provided by undergraduate students.Methodology  Endodontic records and periapical radiographs of 759 root filled teeth were selected following exclusion of 25 (3.3%). A final total of 734 cases were used to assess the technical quality of root fillings in 1109 root canals performed by 4th and 5th undergraduate students. Two variables were examined: the length and the density of the fillings, categorized as acceptable and non‐acceptable. The presence of ledges, root perforation, foramen perforation and fractured instruments were also investigated. Chi‐square tests were used for statistical analysis.Results  Acceptable root fillings were found in 55% of canals. More `acceptable' root fillings occurred in maxillary compared to mandibular teeth (58 and 51% respectively) (P < 0.05) and in anterior compared with premolar (71 and 61%) and molar root canals (39% respectively) (P < 0.05). Insignificantly more (5.4%) acceptable root fillings were provided by 5th year students. Most of the underfillings and iatrogenic errors were detected in molars for both academic years (53 and 65% respectively). Ledges were noted in 55% of cases treated by both academic years and significantly more foramen perforations were detected in the 5th compared with the 4th year students (P < 0.05).Conclusions  There is a need to improve the technical quality of root fillings performed by the undergraduate students, especially in molar teeth.
Efficacy of different irrigants in the removal of calcium hydroxide from root canals
Authors: Rödig T. , Vogel S. , Zapf A. , Hülsmann M. 
Published: May 2010

Rödig T, Vogel S, Zapf A, Hülsmann M. Efficacy of different irrigants in the removal of calcium hydroxide from root canals. International Endodontic Journal. 43, 519–527, 2010.AbstractAim  To compare the efficacy of different solutions (1% sodium hypochlorite, 10% citric acid and 20% EDTA) in the removal of calcium hydroxide from root canals.Methodology  One hundred single‐rooted maxillary incisors were prepared to size 50 and split longitudinally. Two standardized grooves were cut into the apical and coronal part of the root canal dentine and filled with calcium hydroxide. The reassembled teeth were irrigated with a syringe and a size 30 needle using the following irrigants: (i) 20% EDTA, (ii) 10% citric acid, (iii) 1% NaOCl, (iv) 10% citric acid + 1% NaOCl, (v) 20% EDTA + 1% NaOCl and (vi) water (control). Volume of irrigant was 20 mL in each group, and irrigation time was 5 min. Evaluation of cleanliness of the blinded specimens was performed by two calibrated observers under a microscope with 30× magnification using a four‐grade scoring system as described by van der Sluis et al. (2007). Statistical evaluation was performed using a SAS‐macro for non‐parametric multifactorial analysis (P < 0.05).Results  The best results were found for irrigation with EDTA and citric acid, whereas NaOCl and water showed the least effect. The combinations of irrigants did not result in improvement in terms of cleanliness.Conclusions  None of the irrigants nor their respective combinations were able to completely remove the calcium hydroxide. Chelating agents such as citric acid and EDTA showed the best results. The combination of chelators and NaOCl did not result in significant improvement of calcium hydroxide removal.
In vitro antibacterial action of Tetraclean, MTAD and five experimental irrigation solutions
Authors: Pappen F. G. , Shen Y. , Qian W. , Leonardo M. R. , Giardino L. , Haapasalo M. 
Published: May 2010

Pappen FG, Shen Y, Qian W, Leonardo MR, Giardino L, Haapasalo M.
In vitro antibacterial action of Tetraclean, MTAD and five experimental irrigation solutions. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 528–535, 2010.AbstractAim  To investigate the antibacterial effect of Tetraclean, MTAD and five experimental irrigants using both direct exposure test with planktonic cultures and mixed‐species in vitro biofilm model.Methodology  Tetraclean, MTAD and five experimental solutions that were modifications of existing formulae including MTAD + 0.01% cetrimide (CTR), MTAD + 0.1% CTR, MTAC‐1 (Tween 80 replaced by 0.01% CTR in MTAD), MTAC‐2 (Tween 80 replaced by 0.1% CTR) and MTAD‐D (MTAD without the Tween 80 and no CTR added) were used as disinfectants in the experiments. In the direct exposure test, a suspension of Enterococcus faecalis was mixed with each of the solutions. After 0.5, 1, 3 and 10 min, an inactivator was added and the number of surviving bacteria was calculated. A mixed‐species biofilm from subgingival plaque bacteria was grown in brain heart infusion broth in anaerobic conditions on synthetic hydroxyapatite discs. Two‐week‐old biofilms were exposed to the solutions for 0.5, 1 and 3 min. The samples were observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy after bacterial viability staining. The scans were quantitatively analysed, and the volume of killed cells of all cells was calculated for each medicament.Results  Tetraclean and MTAC‐2 (0.1% CTR) killed planktonic E. faecalis in <30 s. Complete killing of bacteria required 1 min by MTAC‐1, 3 min by MTAD + 0.1% CTR and 10 min by MTAD, MTAD‐D and MTAD + 0.01% CTR. In the biofilm test, there were significant differences in microbial killing between the different solutions and times of exposure (P < 0.005). MTAC‐2 showed the best performance, killing 71% of the biofilm bacteria in 3 min, followed by MTAC‐1 and Tetraclean. MTAD and the three MTAD modifications demonstrated the lowest antibacterial activity.Conclusion  Tetraclean was more effective than MTAD against E. faecalis in planktonic culture and in mixed‐species in vitro biofilm. CTR improved the antimicrobial properties of the solutions, whereas Tween 80 seemed to have a neutral or negative impact on their antimicrobial effectiveness.
Repeated vicariance of Eurasian songbird lineages since the Late Miocene
Authors: Voelker Gary 
Published: May 2010

AbstractAim  The evolution of avian speciation patterns across much of Eurasia is under‐explored. Excepting phylogeographic patterns of single species, or speciation involving the Himalayas, there has been no attempt to understand the evolution of avian distributional patterns across the rest of the continent. Within many genera there is a pattern of (presumed) sister species occurring in adjacent areas (western, eastern or southern Eurasia), yet this pattern cannot be explained by existing biogeographic barriers. My aim was to examine the possible role of climate‐driven vicariance events in generating avian distributions.Location  Eurasia.Methods  I constructed a molecular phylogeny of Phoenicurus redstarts, and assembled phylogenetic data from published studies of seven other Eurasian bird genera. On each phylogeny, I assessed the distributional patterns of species and clades relative to refugial areas in western, eastern and southern Eurasia. I also estimated the timing of lineage divergences via a molecular clock, to determine whether distributional patterns can be explained by well‐defined periods of climate change in Eurasia that are recorded from dated sediments in the Chinese Loess Plateau.Results  Species relationships in a well‐supported phylogeny of Phoenicurus show a pattern of distributions consistent with repeated speciation in major refugial areas, where one lineage is isolated in a single area of Eurasia relative to its sister lineage. This same pattern is evident in Eurasian Turdus thrushes, and six additional avian genera distributed across Eurasia. Molecular clock dating indicates that divergences within each genus are the result of multiple rounds of speciation in refugia through time, during major climate‐driven episodes of vicariance.Main conclusions  Analyses revealed substantial evidence supporting a repeated, non‐random pattern of speciation within and across eight songbird lineages since the Late Miocene. The pattern of speciation supports a model of isolation in refugia during major episodes of vicariance, specifically periods of either intensified desertification of Central Asia or Eurasian glacial cycles. The densely sampled clades used here preclude inter‐continental dispersal as an alternative explanation for distributions. The signature of climate‐driven vicariance across epochs is, given the absence of extant biogeographic barriers, a suitable hypothesis to explain major lineage divergences in widely distributed Eurasian songbird lineages.
Using malpractice claims to identify risk factors for neurological impairment among infants following non‐reassuring fetal heart rate patterns during labour
Authors: Kesselheim Aaron S. , November Martin T. , Lifford Karen L. , McElrath Thomas F. , Puopolo Ann L. , Orav E. John , Studdert David M. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractRationale, Aims and Objectives  We sought to use a novel case‐selection methodology to identify antenatal or intrapartum risk factors associated with neonatal neurological impairment following non‐reassuring fetal heart rate patterns during labour.Method  We used a retrospective case–control design with bivariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression. Cases were births in which electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) showed non‐reassuring patterns and the infant had neurological disability. Controls were births in which EFM was non‐reassuring but the infant was born healthy. We identified 36 cases from among malpractice claims filed with a liability insurer in Massachusetts between 1985 and 2001 and randomly selected 70 controls, matching them to cases by hospital, birth date and gestational age.Results  More cases had maternal antenatal vaginal bleeding (P = 0.004), a prolonged latent phase or protracted dilation during the first stage of labour (P = 0.03), and protracted descent or prolonged second stage (P = 0.01). More cases also had minimal variability on EFM on admission (P = 0.02) and during the second stage (P = 0.02). Multivariate analysis highlighted three significant predictors of neurological injury following complicated labour: antenatal vaginal bleeding (OR = 27.1), prolonged latent phase or protracted dilation in the first stage (OR = 4.0) and EFM showing minimal variability in the first stage (OR = 4.3).Conclusion  These promising initial findings suggest that future research into outcomes from complicated labour with non‐reassuring heart rate patterns should focus on maternal history of vaginal bleeding, slow labour and minimal variability on EFM.
Identifying and prioritizing uncertainties: patient and clinician engagement in the identification of research questions
Authors: Elwyn Glyn , Crowe Sally , Fenton Mark , Firkins Lester , Versnel Jenny , Walker Samantha , Cook Ivor , Holgate Stephen , Higgins Bernard , Gelder Colin 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBackground  To arrive at an agreed, prioritized ranking of treatment uncertainties in asthma that need further research, by developing a collaboration of patients, carers and clinicians, facilitated by the James Lind Alliance Working Partnership between Asthma UK and the British Thoracic Society.Methods  A four‐step procedure: (1) establish a collaborative Working Partnership; (2) identify and collect treatment uncertainties by using a patient survey and analysing existing systematic reviews, clinical guidelines and query‐answering services; (3) categorize uncertainties; and (4) convene a workshop using a nominal group process to establish a ranked prioritization of treatment uncertainties in asthma.Findings  Agreement and rankings were reached for 10 treatment uncertainties. The highest was given to the uncertainty surrounding the adverse effects of inhaled and oral steroids. The top three priorities dealt with clinical management issues, where uncertainties still exist, namely concerns about the side effects of inhaled and oral steroids, how to manage asthma when other illnesses exist or how to rely on personal decisions in an ever‐changing illness (self‐management).Interpretation  The key outcome is the generation of a prioritized list of treatment uncertainties in asthma, agreed by a collaboration of patients and health professionals, to inform the commissioning of new research. Such a large number of patient‐identified treatment uncertainties had not previously been identified in the literature, an indication perhaps that asthma self‐management is a neglected research area. Whether the results have an influence of research funding decisions is not yet known.
Scintillation SE detector for variable pressure scanning electron microscopes
Authors: JIRÁK J. , NEDĚLA V. , ČERNOCH P. , ČUDEK P. , RUNŠTUK J. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryWe present results obtained with a new scintillation detector of secondary electrons for the variable pressure scanning electron microscope. A detector design is based on the positioning of a single crystal scintillator within a scintillator chamber separated from the specimen chamber by two apertures. This solution enables us to decrease the pressure to several Pa in the scintillator chamber while the pressure in the specimen chamber reaches values of about 1000 Pa (7.5 Torr). Due to decreased pressure, we can apply a potential of the order of several kV to the scintillator, which is necessary for the detection of secondary electrons. Simultaneously, the two apertures at appropriate potentials of the order of several hundreds of volts create an electrostatic lens that allows electrons to pass from the specimen chamber to the scintillator chamber. Results indicate a promising utilization of this detector for a wide range of specimen observations.
Rapid FlAsH labelling in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: WURM C. A. , SUPPANZ I. E. , STOLDT S. , JAKOBS S. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryLive cell imaging of protein distributions is an essential tool in modern cell biology. It relies on the functional labelling of a host protein with a fluorophore, which may either be a genetically fused fluorescent protein or an organic dye binding to the host protein. The biarsenical‐tetracysteine system or ‘FlAsH‐labelling’, is based on the high affinity interaction between a biarsenical probe and a small protein tag. This approach has been successfully used for live cell imaging in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, the established labelling protocols require a lengthy overnight incubation of the cells with the dye under tightly controlled growth conditions, which severely limits the use of this approach. In this study, we characterize an efficient method for introducing FlAsH‐EDT2 into live budding yeast cells using standard electroporation. The labelling time is reduced from more than 12 h to less than 1 h without compromising the labelling efficiency or cell viability. This approach may be used for cells in different growth phases or grown under different conditions. It may be further extended to other small high affinity probes, thus opening up new possibilities for labelling in budding yeast.
Evaluating sharpness functions for automated scanning electron microscopy
Authors: RUDNAYA M.E. , MATTHEIJ R.M.M. , MAUBACH J.M.L. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryFast and reliable autofocus techniques are an important topic for automated scanning electron microscopy. In this paper, different autofocus techniques are discussed and applied to a variety of experimental through‐focus series of scanning electron microscopy images with different geometries. The procedure of quality evaluation is described, and for a variety of scanning electron microscope samples it is demonstrated that techniques based on image derivatives and Fourier transforms are in general better than statistical, intensity and histogram‐based techniques. Further, it is shown that varying of an extra parameter can dramatically increase quality of an autofocus technique.