bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a new chitosan hydrogel for wound dressing
Authors: Ribeiro Maximiano P. , Espiga Ana , Silva Daniela , Baptista Patrícia , Henriques Joaquim , Ferreira Catarina , Silva Jorge C. , Borges João P. , Pires Eduardo , Chaves Paula , Correia Ilídio J. 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTWound healing is a complex process involving an integrated response by many different cell types and growth factors in order to achieve rapid restoration of skin architecture and function. The present study evaluated the applicability of a chitosan hydrogel (CH) as a wound dressing. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was used to characterize CH morphology. Fibroblast cells isolated from rat skin were used to assess the cytotoxicity of the hydrogel. CH was able to promote cell adhesion and proliferation. Cell viability studies showed that the hydrogel and its degradation by‐products are noncytotoxic. The evaluation of the applicability of CH in the treatment of dermal burns in Wistar rats was performed by induction of full‐thickness transcutaneous dermal wounds. Wound healing was monitored through macroscopic and histological analysis. From macroscopic analysis, the wound beds of the animals treated with CH were considerably smaller than those of the controls. Histological analysis revealed lack of a reactive or a granulomatous inflammatory reaction in skin lesions with CH and the absence of pathological abnormalities in the organs obtained by necropsy, which supported the local and systemic histocompatibility of the biomaterial. The present results suggest that this biomaterial may aid the re‐establishment of skin architecture.
Treatment of nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers with a platelet‐derived growth factor gene‐activated matrix (GAM501): Results of a Phase 1/2 trial
Authors: Mulder Gerit , Tallis Arthur J. , Marshall V. Tracy , Mozingo David , Phillips Laurie , Pierce Glenn F. , Chandler Lois A. , Sosnowski Barbara K. 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTThe results from a Phase 1/2 study of a replication‐defective adenovirus encoding human platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐B formulated in a bovine collagen (Ad‐5PDGF‐B; 2.6% collagen; GAM501) gel for nonhealing neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers is reported. The primary objectives of the study were to evaluate the safety, maximum‐tolerated dose, and preliminary biological activity of GAM501. Fifteen patients enrolled into the study with chronic, nonhealing ulcers received either a single administration of GAM501 at one of three dose levels, or up to four administrations of GAM501 at 1‐week intervals. All patients received standard of care treatment including debridement and were required to wear an off‐loading shoe. GAM501 was found to be safe and well tolerated with no evidence of systemic or local toxicity at all doses so no maximum‐tolerated dose was reached. Serum antibody titers to platelet‐derived growth factor‐B homodimer and collagen were negative and adenoviral DNA was not detected in the blood. In the 12 patients that completed the study, ulcer closure was observed by Month 3 in 10 patients, seven of whom received a single application of GAM501. In conclusion, GAM501 did not appear to have any toxicity at doses that showed biological activity. GAM501 holds promise as a potentially effective treatment for nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Chitin‐coated Fabrics in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Kawai Tomoyuki , Yamada Takeki , Yasukawa Akio , Koyama Yoshihisa , Muneta Takeshi , Takakuda Kazuo 
Published: October 2009

AbstractExperimental anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction was carried out in a rabbit model, in which a chitin‐coated polyester graft was used as the scaffold, and a noncoated graft was used as a control graft. After 8 weeks implantation, a mechanical test of the knee and histometric measurement of the graft and surrounding tissues were carried out. A tensile test of the femur‐graft‐tibia specimen showed that the knee treated with the coated graft had a peak resistance force of 42.2 ± 12.7 N, which was significantly greater than the 19.2 ± 15.3 N of the knee treated with the control graft. The histometric measurement revealed that the area of bone tissue within the section of the coated graft in the femoral bone tunnel was 3.43 ±  1.73 mm2, which was significantly greater than the area of 0.29 ± 0.37 mm2 of the control graft. Similarly, the area of soft tissue within and around the midsubstance of the coated graft located in the articular cavity was significantly greater than that of the control graft. The chitin coating enhanced the formation of bone tissue in the femoral bone tunnel and soft tissue in the articular cavity, and increased the attachment strength of the graft to the bone. Thus, the efficacy of the chitin coating for the ACL reconstruction scaffolds was demonstrated.
The Effect of Lyophilization on Graft Acceptance in Experimental Xenotransplantation Using Porcine Cornea
Authors: Lee Jeong‐Kyu , Ryu Yang‐Hwan , Ahn Jae‐Il , Kim Mi‐Kyung , Lee Tae‐Soo , Kim Jae‐Chan 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe immunogenicity of lyophilized porcine cornea is unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the possibility of using lyophilized porcine cornea as a substrate for ocular surface reconstruction. A porcine cornea stromal button was freeze‐dried and vacuum‐packed. Lyophilized and fresh porcine corneas were examined histologically, and then implanted into intrastromal pockets in live rat corneas. Cytokine concentrations in plasma and protein extracts from the corneal buttons of rats were measured using the fluorokine multianalyte profiling assay, and histologic examination was performed. Immunoreactivity to the α‐gal epitope was not found in lyophilized porcine corneas, whereas it was found in several keratocytes in fresh porcine corneas. The median survival time of rat corneas receiving lyophilized porcine transplants was 28.0 days, significantly longer than the 14.0‐day survival of rat corneas that received fresh porcine transplants (P < 0.05). CD45RO+ and CD68+ cells were observed in rejected corneas, and interleukin‐2 and interferon‐γ were elevated in rat plasma and corneal tissue. The lyophilized porcine corneal stroma, which is devoid of α‐gal epitope, is less antigenic, and may be a useful biomaterial for ocular surface reconstruction and corneal collagen supplementation.
Osteogenic Induction of Adipose‐derived Stromal Cells: Not a Requirement for Bone Formation In Vivo
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Yao Jinfeng , Wu Ling , Jing Wei , Tang Wei , Lin Yunfeng , Tian Weidong , Liu Lei 
Published: October 2009

AbstractOsteogenic induction was regarded as an indispensable step for adipose‐derived stromal cells (ADSCs) to have osteogenic ability. Non‐induced ADSCs can also produce bone in vivo and heal skeletal defects. The present study aimed to compare the bone‐forming ability of osteogenically induced ADSCs and non‐induced ADSCs in vivo. Tissue‐engineered constructs were prepared from osteogenically induced or non‐induced ADSCs and porous hydroxyapatite/beta‐tricalcium phosphate scaffolds. A scaffold without cells and an empty defect group were used as control. All were implanted in rat critical calvarial defects. After implantation for 6 and 12 weeks, bone formation was analyzed using histomorphometry and microcomputed tomography; there were no significant differences in the formation of new bone between osteogenically induced ADSCs and non‐induced ADSCs (P > 0.05). In conclusion, osteogenic induction of ADSCs is not an indispensable step for bone formation in vivo. Non‐induced ADSCs can also be used as seeding cells to construct bone tissue.
The risk of transfusion‐transmitted infections in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Jayaraman Sudha , Chalabi Zaid , Perel Pablo , Guerriero Carla , Roberts Ian 
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND: Blood transfusions carry the risk of transmitting infections. This risk has been studied in detail in high‐income countries but not in sub‐Saharan Africa. This study estimates the risks of acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), or hepatitis C virus (HCV) from a single unit of blood in sub‐Saharan Africa.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A mathematical model was constructed to quantify transfusion risks across 45 sub‐Saharan African countries using three components: the risk of a contaminated unit entering the blood supply, the risk that the unit will be given to a susceptible patient, and the risk that receipt of the unit will lead to infection in the recipient. Variables included prevalence of infection in donors, extent of blood testing, test sensitivity, and susceptibility of recipients. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region and a systematic review of the literature were used to parameterize the model. Uncertainty in the risk estimates was quantified using probabilistic sensitivity analysis.RESULTS: The median overall risks of becoming infected with HIV, HBV, and HCV from a blood transfusion in sub‐Saharan Africa were 1, 4.3, and 2.5 infections per 1000 units, respectively. If annual transfusion requirements projected by the WHO were met, transfusions alone would be responsible for 28,595 HBV infections, 16,625 HCV infections, and 6650 HIV infections every year. Sensitivity analysis suggests that the true risks may be even higher.CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to systematically quantify the risks of transfusion‐transmitted infections across sub‐Saharan Africa. Although the results are limited by the quality and quantity of available data, these may be the most reliable estimates at this time.
When Does the Public's Issue Agenda Affect the Media's Issue Agenda (and Vice‐Versa)? Developing a Framework for Media‐Public Influence*
Authors: Uscinski Joseph E. 
Published: October 2009

Objective. The agenda‐setting literature has demonstrated the media's ability to set the issue agenda for the public. One byproduct of this work is that researchers have produced some evidence suggesting that the audience will, on occasion, set the issue agenda for the media. Given disparate sets of findings, researchers do not have a framework to better understand on which issues the media will set the agenda for the public and on which issues the public will set the agenda for the media. It is the goal of this article to provide empirical support for a framework suggesting that the events comprising issue areas predetermine the direction of influence between the media's and the public's issue agendas.Methods. I construct a historical data set comprised of 35,000 stories from the nightly network news and responses to Gallup's Most Important Problem question. I look for evidence of causal influence between news issue content and public issue concerns using Granger analysis and vector autoregression.Results. Issue areas comprised of spectacular events, such as defense, will be reported by the media and subsequently affect the salience the audience assigns to those issues. In issues not normally comprised of spectacular and singular events, such as energy and environment, public issue concerns appear to drive issue coverage in the news. Issues such as transportation and education, which comprise few spectacular events and little public concern, will receive sparse coverage in the media.Conclusion. The findings provide support for a framework based on events; the types of events that typically comprise issue areas will affect the likelihood of those issues coming on the news agenda. This then affects the direction of influence between the public and the media. The framework supported here allows for the integration of the media effects and media content literatures. This has implications for understanding how the news agenda is constructed and how the commercial media meets democratic ideals.
Exploring the Impact of School Discipline on Racial Disproportion in the Juvenile Justice System*
Authors: Nicholson‐Crotty Sean , Birchmeier Zachary , Valentine David 
Published: October 2009

It is widely recognized that African‐American youth are significantly overrepresented in many juvenile justice systems relative to their population percentages. Research has also determined that similar disproportion exists in school discipline and speculated about a “school‐to‐prison pipeline” for minority youth.Objective.This study explores empirically the degree to which disciplinary decisions made in schools can help to explain observed rates of disproportionate minority contact with juvenile courts.Methods.It does so in an assessment of education and justice system data from a sample of counties in Missouri.Results.The findings suggest that racial disproportion in out‐of‐school suspensions, which cannot be explained solely by differences in delinquent behavior, is strongly associated with similar levels of disproportion in juvenile court referrals. The association between disproportionate patterns of school discipline and court referrals persists after controlling for poverty, urbanization, and other relevant factors.Conclusions.The implication is that school‐based programs that offer alternatives to suspension and expulsion and promote disciplinary equity may help alleviate racial disproportion in the juvenile justice system.
Excess Control, Corporate Governance and Implied Cost of Equity: International Evidence
Authors: Guedhami Omrane , Mishra Dev 
Published: October 2009

AbstractWe investigate whether the separation between ownership and control rights can be costly to controlling shareholders and firms in terms of capital‐raising costs. Using estimates of the cost of equity capital implied by analyst earnings forecasts and growth rate for a sample of 1,207 firms from nine Asian and 13 Western European countries, we find strong, robust evidence that the cost of equity is increasing in excess control, while controlling for other firm‐level characteristics. This core finding persists after controlling for legal institutions variables.
Breast cancer cell growth inhibition by phenethyl isothiocyanate is associated with down‐regulation of oestrogen receptor‐α36
Authors: Kang Lianguo , Wang Zhao‐Yi 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe dietary isothiocyanates (ITCs) exhibit strong chemopreventive activities for a variety of neoplasms including breast cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying ITC function in breast cancer cells have not been well established. Here, we found that phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) acted more potently than the ‘pure’ anti‐oestrogen ICI 182,780 to inhibit the growth of oestrogen receptor (ER)+ breast cancer MCF7 and H3396 cells and ER– MDA‐MB‐231 and SK‐BR‐3 cells. PEITC reduced the steady state levels of ER‐α and its novel variant, ER‐α36 in a dose‐and time‐dependent manner and inhibited oestrogen‐induced activation of the mitogen activated protein kinase/ERK 1/2 signaling pathway. However, ICI 182,780 that is potent in destabilization of ER‐α protein, failed to down‐regulate ER‐α36. Our results thus demonstrated that PEITC functions as a more potent ER‐α‘disruptor’ than the well‐known ICI 182,780 to abrogate ER‐mediated mitogenic oestrogen signaling in breast cancer cells, which provides a molecular explanation for the strong growth inhibitory activity of ITCs in breast cancer cells, and a rational for further exploration of ITCs as chemopreventive agents for human mammary carcinogenesis.
Improvement and long‐term stability of neuromuscular adaptation in implant‐supported overdentures
Authors: Heckmann S.M. , Heußinger S. , Linke J.J. , Graef F. , Pröschel P. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractObjectives: In edentulous patients, implant‐supported overdentures can improve chewing efficiency and patient satisfaction, and even a positive impact on bone tissue preservation has been observed. The objective of this long‐term study was to investigate whether kinesiographic and electromyographic (EMG) parameters would also benefit from implant placement and whether the status achieved would remain consistent over time.Material and methods: The functional adaptability of the neuromuscular system in edentulous patients has been recorded in four different states of restoration: (1) insufficient old dentures, (2) new complete dentures, (3) implant‐supported overdentures, and (4) implant‐supported overdentures 10 years in use. In each state of restoration, the neuromuscular adaptation was assessed during masticatory activity on the basis of myodynamic parameters such as vertical opening, frontal extension and closing velocity. EMG parameters, i.e. Musculus masseter and Musculus temporalis activities were recorded simultaneously.Results: The results revealed a general increase in the myodynamic and EMG‐parameters. All of them clearly approached the values for normal dentate subjects and maintained this level over a period of 10 years. The significant changes between states 2 and 3 indicate that implant stabilization of dentures is accompanied by an immediate increase of the neuromuscular parameters.Conclusions: In elderly edentulous patients, the treatment with two interforaminal implants provides evidence of neuromuscular adaptation towards values of healthy dentate. Thus, the known benefits of implant placement such as tissue perseverance and improved function are complemented by improved neuromuscular adaptation.
Patch testing with benzoyl peroxide: reaction profile and interpretation of positive patch test reactions
Authors: Ockenfels Hans‐Michael , Uter Wolfgang , Lessmann Holger , Schnuch Axel , Geier Johannes 
Published: October 2009

Background:Patch testing with benzoyl peroxide 1% pet. frequently leads to (weak) positive reactions, often with uncertain clinical relevance.Objectives:To describe the pattern of patch tests reactions to benzoyl peroxide and to identify patients at risk of a positive reaction.Methods:Retrospective analysis of data from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK), 1992–2007.Results:Benzoyl peroxide 1% pet. was tested in 29 758 patients. Weak positive reactions (erythema, infiltration, possibly papules) occurred in 6.5%, and strong positive reactions (erythema, infiltration, vesicles) in 1.3%. According to logistic regression analysis, strong positive reactions to benzoyl peroxide were associated with leg or face dermatitis, work as dental technicians, young age and being female. Patients with atopic dermatitis had a significantly increased risk of weak positive reactions only.Conclusions:Our analysis confirms that benzoyl peroxide 1% pet. is a problematic patch test preparation. Hence, clinical relevance of reactions to benzoyl peroxide has to be assessed very carefully. Patients with atopic dermatitis are particularly prone to irritant reactions to benzoyl peroxide. True allergic reactions may occur in dental technicians and following the treatment of leg ulcers with highly concentrated benzoyl peroxide in past. In contrast, widely used acne treatments with benzoyl peroxide seems to sensitize only rarely.
Clinical relevance of positive patch test reactions to the 26 EU‐labelled fragrances
Authors: Van Oosten Eleonoor J. , Schuttelaar Marie‐Louise A. , Coenraads Pieter Jan 
Published: October 2009

Background: Fragrance mix I (FM I) and fragrance mix II (FM II) in the European baseline series are used as screening tools for fragrance contact allergy. In 2005 the European Union (EU) required labelling of 26 fragrances when present in cosmetic products. INCI nomenclature is obligatory for such labelling.Objectives: To describe frequencies of contact allergy to these 26 fragrance substances, and to evaluate clinical relevance of these positive reactions.Methods: Three hundred and twenty patients with eczema suspected of being contact allergy to fragrances or cosmetics were patch tested with the EU‐declared fragrance chemicals, FM I and FM II.Results: There were 76 positive reactions in 33 patients. Most reactions were to hexyl cinnamal and hydroxyisohexyl 3‐cyclohexene carboxaldehyde in 3.1%, followed by Evernia furfuracea (2.5%) and cinnamyl alcohol (2.5%). Twelve reactions to FM I and II were not confirmed by separate ingredients. Clinical relevance of positive reactions to fragrances was certain in 20/33 (61%).Conclusions: 10.3% of the patients had positive patch tests in the EU‐list. Hydroxyisohexyl 3‐cyclohexene carboxaldehyde, a component of FM II, was the most frequent allergen, followed by Evernia furfuracea. Since Evernia furfuracea is not part of FM I or FM II, relevant reactions can be missed when only the European baseline series is used.
The dose–response relationship between the patch test and ROAT and the potential use for regulatory purposes
Authors: Fischer Louise Arup , Voelund Aage , Andersen Klaus Ejner , Menné Torkil , Johansen Jeanne Duus 
Published: October 2009

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis is common and can be prevented. The relationship between thresholds for patch tests and the repeated open application test (ROAT) is unclear. It would be desirable if patch test and ROAT data from already sensitized individuals could be used in prevention.Objectives: The aim was to develop an equation that could predict the response to an allergen in a ROAT based on the dose–response curve derived by patch testing.Materials/methods: Results from two human experimental elicitation studies with non‐volatile allergens, nickel and the preservative methyldibromo glutaronitrile (MDBGN), were analysed by logistic dose–response statistics. The relation for volatile compounds was investigated using the results from experiments with the fragrance chemicals hydroxyisohexyl 3‐cyclohexene carboxaldehyde and isoeugenol.Results: For non‐volatile compounds, the outcome of a ROAT can be estimated from the patch test by: EDxx(ROAT) = 0.0296 EDxx(patch test). For volatile compounds, the equation predicts that the response in the ROAT is more severe than the patch test response, but it overestimates the response.Conclusions: This equation may be used for non‐volatile compounds other than nickel and MDBGN, after further validation. The relationship between the patch test and the ROAT can be used for prevention, to set safe levels of allergen exposure based on patch test data.
SHORT COMMUNICATION: History of Incidence of Autoimmune and Oncological Diseases in Identical Female Twins
Authors: Ulcova‐Gallova Z. , Brabcova H. , Kokes V. , Hradecky L. , Novotny Z. , Rokyta Z. 
Published: October 2009

Problem  The aim of study was to investigate identical female twins born in 1977 suffered from autoimmune diseases (twin A – Sjogren’s syndrome, and twin B – systemic lupus erythematosus).Method of study  It was refer retrospective analysis of both sisters suffered beside autoimmune alterations (Sjogren's syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus) also from gynecological diseases (twin A – praecancerosis of cervix uteri, twin B – carcinoma vaginae).Results  Relationships between disease activities and severities in the female twins were similar and the treatments were directed according to clinical symptoms and laboratory results. Dramatic change, unfortunately, occurred with twin B. The reason may be the association between SLE activity (lupus nephritis), hematological complication (leukopenia) and oncological vaginal recidivation.Conclusion  Association between autoimmune disease and gynecological cancer (or praecancerosis) is major risk than without immunology deviation. Twin A is periodically gynecologically observed.