bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dual effect of the novel peptide antagonist K‐14585 on proteinase‐activated receptor‐2‐mediated signalling
Authors: Goh Fui Goon , Ng Pei Yuen , Nilsson Mary , Kanke Toru , Plevin Robin 
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose: Here we have examined the effects of the novel peptide antagonist N‐[1‐(2,6‐dichlorophenyl)methyl]‐3‐(1‐pyrrolidinylmethyl)‐1H‐indol‐5‐yl]aminocarbonyl}‐glycinyl‐L‐lysinyl‐L‐phenylalanyl‐N‐benzhydrylamide (K‐14585) on proteinase‐activated receptor (PAR)2‐mediated intracellular signalling events.Experimental approach: Using NCTC2544 cells expressing PAR2, we assessed the effects of K‐14585 on PAR2‐mediated [3H] inositol phosphate accumulation, MAP kinase activation, p65 NFκB phosphorylation and DNA binding and IL‐8 production.Key results: Pretreatment with K‐14585 (5 µM) inhibited [3H] inositol phosphate levels stimulated by PAR2‐activating peptide Ser‐Leu‐Ile‐Gly‐Lys‐Val (SLIGKV‐OH) in PAR2‐expressing NCTC2544 cells. K‐14585 pretreatment did not influence PAR2‐mediated extracellular regulated kinase activation but inhibited p38 MAP kinase phosphorylation. At a higher concentration (30 µM), K‐14585 alone stimulated p38 MAP kinase activation. These effects were replicated in EAhy926 cells, endogenously expressing PAR2, but not in parental or PAR4‐expressing NCTC2544 cells, suggesting these effects were PAR2‐dependent. SLIGKV‐mediated stimulation of p38 MAP kinase phosphorylation was substantially reduced by the Gq/11inhibitor YM‐254890, without affecting K‐14585‐mediated phosphorylation. Pretreatment with K‐14585 inhibited PAR2‐mediated p65 NFκB phosphorylation and NFκB‐DNA binding. K‐14585 (30 µM) alone stimulated comparable NFκB reporter activity to SLIGKV‐OH. K‐14585 inhibited SLIGKV‐stimulated IL‐8 production, but given alone increased IL‐8. While SLIGKV‐induced IL‐8 formation was reduced by both SB203580 and YM‐254890, the response to K‐14585 was sensitive to SB203580 but not YM‐254890.Conclusions and implications: These data reveal that K‐14585 has a duality of action functioning both as an antagonist and agonist due to either partial agonist actions or possible agonist‐directed signalling. The data also suggest two modes of p38 MAP kinase activation emanating from PAR2, one Gq/11‐dependent and the other Gq/11‐independent.
Factors influencing cord blood viability assessment before cryopreservation
Authors: Solomon Michael , Wofford Jonathan , Johnson Cory , Regan Donna , Creer Michael H. 
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND:Cord blood (CB) viability determines product quality and varies with time and temperature of exposure before cryopreservation. Global viability assessment may not reflect viability of white blood cell (WBC) subsets, CD34+ cell viability, or hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells function.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:We compared trypan blue (TB) and acridine orange/propidium iodide (AO/PI) staining with flow‐cytometric (7‐aminoactinomycin D [7‐AAD]) viability in total WBCs (Tot‐AAD), granulocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes, and CD34+ cells and total nucleated cell, CD34+, and colony‐forming cell (CFC) recovery as a function of time and temperature (4, 24, and 37°C) before cryopreservation.RESULTS:TB, AO/PI, and Tot‐AAD viability was concordant up to 72 hours (4°C) and 48 hours (24°C) postcollection; however, CD34+ viability was significantly higher due to loss of viable granulocytes. In contrast, at “physiologic” temperature (37°C), the decline in TB, AO/PI, and Tot‐AAD viability was significantly lower than the rate of viable CD34+ and CFC loss. At all times and temperatures, CFC recovery correlated best with CD34+ viability and recovery.CONCLUSIONS:CB cell populations exhibit differential time‐ and temperature‐dependent susceptibility to in vitro cell death; consequently, global viability measurements using TB, AO/PI, or 7‐AAD (Tot‐AAD) significantly underestimate (4‐24°C) or overestimate (24‐37°C) CD34+ viability and CFC recovery. Our results demonstrate the limitations of global viability assessment with TB, AO/PI, and total AAD; endorse the routine use of CD34+ cell viability measurements; emphasize the importance of temperature control during shipment; and have implications with regard to establishing acceptable “cutoff” values for viability measurements and CB collection through processing time.
Do periodontopathogens disappear after full‐mouth tooth extraction?
Authors: Van Assche Nele , Van Essche Mark , Pauwels Martine , Teughels Wim , Quirynen Marc 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAim: To monitor the intra‐oral microbiological changes after full‐mouth extraction using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).Material and Methods: Nine patients with severe, aggressive periodontitis, for whom a full‐mouth tooth extraction was the only remaining treatment option were recruited. Before and 6 months after extraction, microbial samples were obtained (tongue, saliva and subgingival plaque) and analysed by qPCR.Results: The elimination of subgingival niches, by extraction of all natural teeth, resulted in a 3‐log reduction of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia, and more modest reductions of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Prevotella intermedia. However, the detection frequencies of these periodontopathogens in saliva and on the tongue remained unchanged after full‐mouth tooth extraction.Conclusion: In contrast to what has been believed so far, full‐mouth tooth extraction does not result in eradication of all periodontopathogens but only in a significant reduction. The clinical consequences of this observation remain speculative.
The critical‐size supraalveolar peri‐implant defect model: reproducibility in histometric data acquisition of alveolar bone formation and osseointegration
Authors: Lee Jaebum , Tran Quoc , Seeba Gary , Wikesjö Ulf M. E. , Susin Cristiano 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjective: The objective of this report is to present the reproducibility of outcomes assessments in the Critical‐Size Supraalveolar Peri‐Implant Defect Model.Materials and Methods: Two examiners without specific experience in histological analysis and one experienced examiner performed the histometric evaluation. A comprehensive training program in data acquisition and histological analysis was established, the inexperienced examiners underwent approximately 12 h of training over multiple sessions. A custom‐designed image analysis software macro and a computer‐based image system were used to analyse digital images generated by a microscope camera system. Nine parameters for newly formed and resident bone were evaluated. Examiners performed histometric analysis using 36 histologic sections selected from critical‐size supraalveolar peri‐implant defects in 12 male Hound Labrador Mongrel dogs. Buccal and lingual measurements were performed in 72 sites. Intra‐ and inter‐examiner reproducibility were evaluated using the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and means ± SD of the differences. Systematic errors were evaluated using an F‐test for equality of means and variances.Results: Intra‐examiner reproducibility was high for all parameters evaluated, the lowest CCC observed being 0.87. Inter‐examiner reproducibility was also high, most CCCs exceeding 0.90. Minor systematic errors for intra‐ and inter‐examiner comparisons were occasionally observed. The results imply a high temporal stability because recordings were performed 3 months apart. Measurement errors were stable throughout the range of observations for all parameters.Conclusions: High examiner reproducibility and temporal stability can be achieved for histometric data acquisition using the Critical‐Size Supraalveolar Peri‐Implant Defect Model. Examiner reproducibility should be routinely assessed, reported, and accounted for to assure the quality of evidence generated by preclinical studies
The Dutch periodontal screening index validation and its application in The Netherlands
Authors: Van der Velden Ubele 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjective: To provide evidence that the Dutch periodontal screening index (DPSI) is a valuable tool for the screening of the periodontal status and to evaluate the application of the DPSI by general practitioners in the Netherlands.Material and methods: To assess the validity of the DPSI, an available data set was used consisting of 131 subjects with various degrees of periodontal breakdown in whom plaque, calculus, pocket depth, bleeding on probing and attachment loss was evaluated at all inter‐proximal sites. The application of the DPSI in general practice was studied in a random sample of 300 practising dentists in the Netherlands by means of a questionnaire.Results: Full‐mouth inter‐proximal measurements showed that 19.1% of the subjects had 6 mm attachment loss at 2 sites. The DPSI identified 100% of the subjects with this condition. The results of the survey questionnaire showed that about 75% of the general dental practitioners were applying the DPSI, although only 15.1% were performing this consistently when a regular check‐up was performed. The mean time required for the assessment of the DPSI was 3 min.Conclusion: The DPSI is valuable tool for the screening of the periodontal condition during general dental check‐ups.
Detection of periodontal bacterial DNA in serum and synovial fluid in refractory rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Martinez‐Martinez Rita E. , Abud‐Mendoza Carlos , Patiño‐Marin Nuria , Rizo‐Rodríguez Juan C. , Little James W. , Loyola‐Rodríguez Juan Pablo 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAim: To identify periodontal bacterial DNA (PBDNA) by PCR in subgingival dental plaque (SDP), serum and synovial fluid (SF) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with periodontal disease (PD) patients and to explore the possible PBDNA transport pathways from mouth to joints.Methods: This cross‐sectional prolective study involved 19 subjects with RA and PD. Informed consent, health and dental questionnaires were obtained. SDP, SF and serum samples were obtained, and leucocytes were isolated from blood. DNA was extracted and PCR assays to detect main PD species were carried out. Cultures on agar plates and broth, from each sample, were performed.Results: Hundred percentage of patients showed PBDNA in SDP and SF and 83.5% in serum. Prevotella intermedia (89.4% and 73.6%) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (57.8% and 42.1%) were the species most frequently detected in SDP and SF, respectively. In SDP, 4.05 different bacterial species were found followed by 1.19 in serum and 2.26 in SF. Culture onto agar plates and broth did not show any bacterial growth, leucocytes were not positive to PBDNA by PCR.Conclusion: This study suggests that PBDNA could have a role on the RA aetiology. The possible pathway of transport of PBDNA from mouth to joints could be via the free form of DNA.
Application of an expanded multiplex genotyping assay for the simultaneous detection of Hemoglobin Constant Spring and common deletional α‐thalassemia mutations
Authors: KIDD J. L. , AZIMI M. , LUBIN B. , VICHINSKY E. , HOPPE C. 
Published: November 2009

SummaryHemoglobin Constant Spring (HbCS) is the most common nondeletional α‐thalassemia variant causing HbH disease, making its detection crucial in populations at risk. Universal newborn screening for HbH is carried out in California. Identification of α‐thalassemia genotypes responsible for HbH and HbH‐CS requires rapid, accurate and cost‐effective genotyping methods suitable for population screening. We incorporated the HbCS mutation into our existing seven‐plex genotyping assay for common α‐thalassemia deletions. To assess the feasibility and diagnostic utility of this expanded multiplex gap‐PCR assay, we determined genotypic frequencies of HbCS in samples referred for α‐thalassemia testing between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2008. During the 3‐year study period, 1436 samples were genotyped for α‐thalassemia. HbH‐CS accounted for 23 (13%) of the 176 cases of HbH disease identified. In a subset of 145 newborns referred by the California NBS program with an elevated Hb Bart’s level at birth, HbH disease was confirmed in 134 (93%) and HbH‐CS identified in 13 (10%) of these. This expanded genotyping assay has proven to be a rapid, reliable and clinically useful diagnostic tool for the detection of HbH‐CS disease.
The effect of interfraction prostate motion on IMRT plans: a dose‐volume histogram analysis using a Gaussian error function model
Authors: Chow James C. L. , Jiang Runqing , Markel Daniel 
Published: November 2009

The Gaussian error function model, containing pairs of error and complementary error functions, was used to carry out cumulative dose‐volume histogram (cDVH) analysis on prostate intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plans with interfraction prostate motion. Cumulative DVHs for clinical target volumes (CTVs) shifted in the anterior‐posterior directions based on a 7‐beam IMRT plan were calculated and modeled using the Pinnacle3 treatment planning system and a Gaussian error function, respectively. As the parameters in the error function model (namely, a, b and c) were related to the shape of the cDVH curve, evaluation of cDVHs corresponding to the prostate motion based on the model parameters becomes possible, as demonstrated in this study. It was found that deviations of the cDVH for the CTV were significant, when the CTV‐planning target volume (PTV) margin was underestimated in the anterior‐posterior directions. This was especially evident in the posterior direction for a patient with relatively small prostate volume (39 cm3). Analysis of the cDVH for the CTV shifting in the anterior‐posterior directions using the error function model showed that parameters , which were related to the maximum relative volume of the cDVH, changed symmetrically when the prostate was shifted in the anterior and posterior directions. This change was more significant for the larger prostate. For parameters b related to the slope of the changed symmetrically from the isocenter, when the CTV was within the PTV. This was different from parameters c ( are related to the maximum dose of the cDVH), which did not vary significantly with the prostate motion in the anterior‐posterior directions and prostate volume. Using the patient data, this analysis validated the error function model, and further verified the clinical application of this mathematical model on treatment plan evaluations.PACS number: 87.10.‐e, 87.55.‐x, 87.55.dk and 87.56.N‐
Accuracy of automatic couch corrections with on‐line volumetric imaging*
Authors: Li Winnie , Moseley Douglas J. , Manfredi Tony , Jaffray David A. 
Published: November 2009

The purpose of this study was to characterize automatic remote couch adjustment and to assess the accuracy of automatic couch corrections following localization with cone‐beam CT (CBCT). Automatic couch movement was evaluated through passive reflector markers placed on a phantom, tracked with an optical tracking system (OTS). Repeated couch movements in the lateral, cranial/caudal, and vertical directions were monitored through the OTS to assess velocity and response time. In conjunction with CBCT, remote table movement for patient displacements following initial setup was available on four linear accelerators (Elekta Synergy). After the initial CBCT scan assessment, patients with isocenter displacements that exceeded clinical protocol tolerances were corrected using remote automatic couch movement. A verification CBCT scan was acquired after any remote movements. These verification CBCT datasets were assessed for the following time periods: one month post clinical installation, and six months later to monitor remote couch correction stability. Residual error analysis was evaluated using the verification scans. The mean ± standard deviations of couch movement based on phantom measurements with the OTS were in the L/R, A/P, and S/I couch directions, respectively. The fastest maximum velocity was observed in the inferior direction at 10.5 mm/s, and the slowest maximum velocity in the left direction at 3.6 mm/s. From 1134 verification CBCT registrations for 207 patients, the residual error for each translational direction from each month evaluated are reported. The μ was less than 0.3 mm in all directions, and σ was in the order of 1 mm. At a 3 mm threshold, 21 of the 1134 fractions (2%) exceeded tolerance, attributed to patient intrafraction movement. Remote automatic couch movement is reliable and effective for adjusting patient position with a precision of approximately 1 mm. Patient residual error observed in this study demonstrates that displacement is minimal after remote couch adjustment.PACS number: 87.55.Qr, 87.56.bd, 87.57.Q
Prostate positioning errors associated with two automatic registration based image guidance strategies
Authors: Ryan D. , Rivest C. , Riauka Terence A. , Murtha Albert D. , Fallone B. Gino 
Published: November 2009

Daily image guidance for helical tomotherapy prostate patients is based on the registration of pretreatment megavoltage CT (MVCT) images and the original planning CT. The goal of registration, whether manual or automatic, is the overlap of the prostate; otherwise prostate misplacement may compromise the efficacy of treatment or lead to increased toxicity. A previous study demonstrated that without the aid of implanted fiducials, manual registration results in inaccurate prostate positioning. The objective of this work is to quantify prostate misplacement that results from automatic bone matching (BM) and image matching (IM) registration algorithms. 204 MVCT images from eight high‐risk tomotherapy prostate patients were incorporated into this retrospective study. BM and IM registration algorithms – based on maximization of mutual information of bony anatomy only and the entire image, respectively – were used to independently register MVCT images to their respective planning images. A correlation coefficient based algorithm that uses known planning CT contour information was used for automatic prostate localization in each MVCT image. Daily prostate misplacement was determined by repositioning as calculated from the BM and the IM algorithms. Mean and maximum 3D prostate positioning errors were and 11.8 mm for bone matching, and and 11.5 mm for image matching. In terms of translational directions, IM would lead to prostate positioning error in any of the LR, AP or SI directions in 62% of treatment fractions. The corresponding value for BM is 51%. The values for positioning errors were 29% and 17% for IM and BM, respectively. This data suggests automatic daily image guidance for tomotherapy prostate patients should be based on bone matching instead of image matching.PACS number: 87.19.xj, 87.57.nj
Competitive Coevolutionary Learning of Fuzzy Systems for Job Exchange in Computational Grids
Authors: Fölling Alexander , Grimme Christian , Lepping Joachim , Papaspyrou Alexander , Schwiegelshohn Uwe 
Published: November 2009

In our work, we address the problem of workload distribution within a computational grid. In this scenario, users submit jobs to local high performance computing (HPC) systems which are, in turn, interconnected such that the exchange of jobs to other sites becomes possible. Providers are able to avoid local execution of jobs by offering them to other HPC sites. In our implementation, this distribution decision is made by a fuzzy system controller whose parameters can be adjusted to establish different exchange behaviors. In such a system, it is essential that HPC sites can only benefit if the workload is equitably (not necessarily equally) portioned among all participants. However, each site egoistically strives only for the minimization of its own jobs' response times regularly at the expense of other sites. This scenario is particularly suited for the application of a competitive coevolutionary algorithm: the fuzzy systems of the participating HPC sites are modeled as species that evolve in different populations while having to compete within the commonly shared ecosystem. Using real workload traces and grid setups, we show that opportunistic cooperation leads to significant improvements for each HPC site as well as for the overall system.
How Can Technology Facilitate Financial Inclusion in India? A Discussion Paper
Authors: Gangopadhayay Shubhashis 
Published: November 2009

More than 50 per cent of the adult population in our country is excluded from the financial sector. It is not just people in the rural areas; many of the lower income categories of the urban population are also excluded. This is largely because of the way the supply of such services is organised. For instance, the transaction costs of financial services to the poor are exceedingly large in comparison to their potential exposure. From the demand side too, there is financial illiteracy and the consequent fear of approaching formal institutions. The discussion paper focuses on developing complete solutions and not on restatements of the problem. The paper deliberates on the following types of questions: How can we reduce transaction costs of dealing with the poor? Can we develop institutions to act as intermediaries between existing institutions and the excluded? How to build a technology platform on which these issues can be tackled? What sort of legal environment is necessary to support an innovative use of technology? Our attempt has been to defi ne the regulatory framework that encourages greater and universal access to financial services based on a technology platform that allows solutions that are otherwise infeasible.
Usefulness of repeated D-dimer testing after stopping anticoagulation for a first episode of unprovoked venous thromboembolism: the PROLONG II prospective study
Authors: Cosmi Benilde , Legnani Cristina , Tosetto Alberto , Pengo Vittorio , Ghirarduzzi Angelo , Testa Sophie , Prisco Domenico , Poli Daniela , Tripodi Armando , Marongiu Francesco , Palareti Gualtiero ,   for the PROLONG Investigators (on behalf of Italian Federation of Anticoagulation Clinics)
Published: November 2009

Abstract
The PROLONG randomized trial showed that a normal D-dimer (D-d) 1 month after anticoagulation suspension for unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE) was associated with a low risk of late recurrences (4.4% patient years). However, it is unknown whether D-d changes subsequently. The aim of this prospective multicenter study was to assess D-d time course and its relation with late recurrences in patients with normal D-d 1 month after anticoagulation suspension for a first episode of unprovoked VTE. D-d was measured with a qualitative method (Clearview Simplify D-dimer; Inverness Medical Professional Diagnostics). Patients with a normal D-d 1 month after stopping anticoagulation repeated D-d testing every 2 months for 1 year. D-d was normal in 68% (243/355) of patients 1 month after anticoagulation suspension. Patients in whom D-d became abnormal at the third month and remained abnormal afterward had a higher risk of recurrence (7/31; 27% patient years; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 12-48) than patients in whom D-d remained normal at the third month and afterward (4/149; 2.9% patient years; 95% CI: 1-7; adjusted hazard ratio: 7.9; 95% CI: 2.1-30; P = .002). Repeated D-d testing after anticoagulation suspension for a first episode of unprovoked VTE could help tailor the duration of treatment. This trial is registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00266045.