bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of the junctional epithelium in periodontal innate defense and homeostasis
Authors: Tsukamoto Y. , Usui M. , Yamamoto G. , Takagi Y. , Tachikawa T. , Yamamoto M. , Nakamura M. 
Published: May 2012

Tsukamoto Y, Usui M, Yamamoto G, Takagi Y, Tachikawa T, Yamamoto M, Nakamura M. Role of the junctional epithelium in periodontal innate defense and homeostasis. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 750–757. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/SBackground and Objective:  The junctional epithelium provides the front‐line defense against periodontal bacterial infection. The migration of neutrophils into the junctional epithelium might represent a protective reaction against bacterial infections. However, neutrophils penetrate into the junctional epithelium even under sterile conditions. In this study, we analyzed and compared the number of neutrophils and the cytokine expression related to neutrophil migration in the junctional epithelium in conventional and germ‐free mice.Material and Methods:  Germ‐free and conventional ICR mice were used at 12 wk of age. Frozen sections were used for the detection of Gr‐1, macrophage inflammatory protein‐2 (MIP‐2/CXCL2) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen‐positive cells in the two groups of mice. Laser capture microdissection and RT‐PCR analysis were used to evaluate the expression of keratinocyte‐derived chemokine (KC/CXCL1), MIP‐2, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) mRNAs in the two groups of mice.Results:  Morphometric examination indicated an increase in the area of the junctional epithelium upon bacterial infection. Immunohistochemical studies also detected an increased number of neutrophils in the junctional epithelium upon bacterial infection. Higher up‐regulation of KC and MIP‐2 were detected in the junctional epithelium of conventional mice than in germ‐free mice, whereas the expression of Il‐1β and Tnfα mRNAs was not affected.Conclusion:  Junctional epithelium cells constitutively expressed several types of chemokines and cytokines and the expression of chemokines was augmented by bacterial infection. Therefore, the constitutive expression of cytokines in junctional epithelium might be related to the morphological and functional homeostasis of the junctional epithelium in addition to the defense against the bacterial infection.
Transient receptor potential vanilloid‐1 regulates osteoprotegerin/RANKL homeostasis in human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Sooampon S. , Manokawinchoke J. , Pavasant P. 
Published: May 2012

Background and Objective:  Increasing evidence has shown the presence of transient receptor potential vanilloid‐1 (TRPV1) in a variety of nonneuronal tissues; however, the function of TRPV1 in these cells is not well understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression and function of TRPV1 in human periodontal ligament (HPDL) cells. As HPDL cells are known to play an important role in the bone‐remodeling process, we hypothesized that TRPV1 might be implicated in the regulation of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and RANKL expression.Material and Methods:  TRPV1 expression was examined by western blot analysis. The function of TRPV1 was studied using capsaicin, a well‐known TRPV1 agonist. RT‐PCR was performed to study the expression of OPG and RANKL mRNAs. The expression of OPG and RANKL proteins was analyzed by ELISA and western blotting, respectively. The mechanisms of capsaicin‐induced OPG expression in HPDL cells were studied using inhibitors.Results:  In this study we found that TRPV1 was present in HPDL cells. Treatment with capsaicin induced OPG expression in a dose‐dependent manner but did not affect the expression of RANKL. The increase of the OPG/RANKL ratio was also found in human osteoblasts, but not in MC3T3‐E1 cells, a mouse osteoblastic cell line, suggesting species specificity. Capsazepine, the competitive TRPV1 antagonist, significantly abolished the effect of capsaicin on OPG expression in HPDL cells. In addition, studies investigating the effects of a calcium chelator and a phospholipase C inhibitor indicated that calcium ions and phospholipase C were required for the induction. Interestingly, capsaicin was able to increase the OPG/RANKL ratio, even in the presence of prostaglandin E2, a potent inducer of RANKL.Conclusion:  Our study demonstrates that activation of TRPV1 leads to an increase of the OPG/RANKL ratio in HPDL cells. These findings suggest the novel function of TRPV1 in periodontal tissues, at least, as the regulator of the OPG/RANKL axis.
Does simultaneous bilingualism aggravate children’s specific language problems?
Authors: Korkman Marit , Stenroos Maria , Mickos Annika , Westman Martin , Ekholm Pia , Byring Roger 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAim:  There is little data on whether or not a bilingual upbringing may aggravate specific language problems in children. This study analysed whether there was an interaction of such problems and simultaneous bilingualism.Methods:  Participants were 5‐ to 7‐year‐old children with specific language problems (LANG group, N = 56) or who were typically developing (CONTR group, N = 60). Seventy‐three children were Swedish–Finnish bilingual and 43 were Swedish‐speaking monolingual. Assessments (in Swedish) included tests of expressive language, comprehension, repetition and verbal memory.Results:  Per definition, the LANG group had lower scores than the CONTR group on all language tests. The bilingual group had lower scores than the monolingual group only on a test of body part naming. Importantly, the interaction of group (LANG or CONTR) and bilingualism was not significant on any of the language scores.Conclusions:  Simultaneous bilingualism does not aggravate specific language problems but may result in a slower development of vocabulary both in children with and without specific language problems. Considering also advantages, a bilingual upbringing is an option also for children with specific language problems. In assessment, tests of vocabulary may be sensitive to bilingualism, instead tests assessing comprehension, syntax and nonword repetition may provide less biased methods.
The relationship between regulation and contracts in infrastructure industries: Regulation as ordered renegotiation
Authors: Stern Jon 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis paper discusses the relationship between regulation and contracts in infrastructure industries and the role of regulation, particularly the role of regulatory agencies in the review, revision, and renegotiation of contracts. The paper starts with a short survey of relevant economic and legal issues. Examples are presented of how and why infrastructure contracts, including concession contracts, have been combined with monitoring and enforcement by external regulatory agencies. The examples discussed include historical UK experience, recent French experience, and developing country experience. The paper concludes with a discussion of the role that regulatory entities can play to reinforce trust and sustain contracts by enabling simpler contracts, resolving contract misunderstandings, and providing processes for ordered renegotiations.
New Beverages of Lemon Juice with Elderberry and Grape Concentrates as a Source of Bioactive Compounds
Authors: González‐Molina Elena , Gironés‐Vilaplana Amadeo , Mena Pedro , Moreno Diego A. , García‐Viguera Cristina 
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  Considering the health potential of lemon and berry fruits, different functional beverages rich in antioxidant phytochemicals, which demonstrated beneficial effects, were developed. To fulfill this objective, lemon juice was combined with 2 different concentrates, elderberry and grape, in a proportion of 5% (w/v). Bioactive composition (flavonoids and vitamin C) and color stability, as well as the antioxidant capacity of mixtures, during a period of 56 d of storage, were studied. A protective role of anthocyanins on ascorbic acid preservation was noted for both lemon–berry blends, keeping vitamin C stable until the end of the storage. In addition, the new drink combining lemon and elderberry performed better than the grape–lemon mixture in terms of health‐promoting phytochemicals content, just as in vitro antioxidant capacity and color characteristics.Practical Application:  Beverages made from lemon juice and berries could contribute to develop new drinks with a prolonged preservation of bioactive compounds throughout storage, keeping an attractive color and a high antioxidant activity during long periods of time. The information obtained in the present work is in agreement to the rules of health and safety for juices established by the Directive of European Commission Dir2001/112/CE incorporated to the Spanish law through the RD1050/2003 regulation. Consequently, an improved performance of industrial products would be achieved.
The Combination of Quantitative PCR and Western Blot Detecting CP4‐EPSPS Component in Roundup Ready Soy Plant Tissues and Commercial Soy‐Related Foodstuffs
Authors: Xiao Xiao , Wu Honghong , Zhou Xinghu , Xu Sheng , He Jian , Shen Wenbiao , Zhou Guanghong , Huang Ming 
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  With the widespread use of Roundup Ready soy (event 40–3‐2) (RRS), the comprehensive detection of genetically modified component in foodstuffs is of significant interest, but few protein‐based approaches have been found useful in processed foods. In this report, the combination of quantitative PCR (qPCR) and western blot was used to detect cp4‐epsps gene and its protein product in different RRS plant tissues and commercial soy‐containing foodstuffs. The foods included those of plant origin produced by different processing procedures and also some products containing both meat and plant protein concentrates. The validity of the 2 methods was confirmed first. We also showed that the CP4‐EPSPS protein existed in different RRS plant tissues. In certain cases, the results from the western blot and the qPCR were not consistent. To be specific, at least 2 degraded fragments of CP4‐EPSPS protein (35.5 and 24.6 kDa) were observed. For dried bean curd crust and deep‐fried bean curd, a degraded protein fragment with the size of 24.6 kDa appeared, while cp4‐epsps gene could not be traced by qPCR. In contrast, we found a signal of cp4‐epsps DNA in 3 foodstuffs, including soy‐containing ham cutlet product, meat ball, and sausage by qPCR, while CP4‐EPSPS protein could not be detected by western blot in such samples. Our study therefore concluded that the combination of DNA‐ and protein‐based methods would compensate each other, thus resulting in a more comprehensive detection from nucleic acid and protein levels.Practical Application:  The combination of quantitative PCR (qPCR) and western blot was used to detect cp4‐epsps gene and its protein product in different Roundup Ready soy (event 40–3‐2) plant tissues and commercial soy‐containing foodstuffs. The foods included those of plant origin produced by different processing procedures and also some products containing a combination of both meat and plant protein concentrates. This study indicated that the combination of DNA‐ and protein‐based methods would supplement each other for genetically modified detection from nucleic acid and protein levels. Accordingly, qPCR and western blot could be used in CP4‐EPSPS detection in a wide variety of soy‐related foodstuffs.
Rapid Purification and Characterization of γ‐Glutamyl‐Transpeptidase from Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinus Edodes)
Authors: Li Jianrong , Huang Ju , Yin Jie , Wu Ning , Song Jun , Zhang Lei , Jiang Tianjia 
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  γ‐Glutamyl‐transpeptidase (GGT) is one of the important enzymes in the pathway of odor formation in shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes). Rapid purification and characterization of GGT from shiitake mushroom were studied in this work. The GGT was purified 179‐fold after 3 primary steps: precipitation by ammonium sulfate, isolation by Phenyl Sepharose 6 FF, and desalting by Sephadex G‐25. The enzyme, consisting of a small and a large subunit with Mr 28 KDa and 60 KDa, respectively, is composed of 17 kinds of amino acids with the ratio of basic and acidic residues 1 : 1.84, and its secondary structure was also determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The properties of GGT were studied with γ‐glutamyl‐p‐nitroanilide as the substrate. The results showed Km value of 2.601 μM, optimal temperature of 40 °C, and isoelectric point of 6.4. In addition, the activity of GGT was promoted by Na+, K+, and Ca2+ and inhibited by Cu2+, Ag+, Zn2+, and Fe3+.Practical Application:  In this work, the γ‐glutamyl‐transpeptidase (GGT) from shiitake mushroom was purified with a simple scheme. Through the characterization of GGT, the relationship between endogenous formaldehyde and odor formation is to be clarified and assist in finding means of formaldehyde control in shiitake mushroom.
Current status and limitations of the newly developed endocytoscope GIF‐Y0002 with reference to its diagnostic performance for common esophageal lesions
Authors: KUMAGAI Youichi , KAWADA Kenro , YAMAZAKI Shigeru , IIDA Michio , ODAJIMA Hajime , OCHIAI Takanori , KAWANO Tatsuyuki , TAKUBO Kaiyo 
Published: May 2012

Objectives:  To investigate both neoplastic and non‐neoplastic lesions of the esophagus and to clarify the features of the surface cell morphology using a newly developed endocytoscope, the GIF‐Y0002.Methods:  The surface cell morphology was examined with toluidine blue staining, and histological features of 53 patients with 54 lesions, including 39 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and 14 patients with 15 non‐neoplastic esophageal lesions, were compared. One endoscopist classified the lesions using type classification, and we consulted one pathologist to evaluate the endocytoscopy pictures with regard to neoplasia or non‐neoplasia.Results:  The overall sensitivity for ESCC of the findings by the endoscopist and pathologist based on GIF‐Y0002 observation were 100.0% and 94.9%, respectively; while the specificity was 80.0% and 46.7%. For the 3 cases of low‐grade intraepithelial neoplasia, 2 were diagnosed as Type 2 and one case as suspected neoplasia by the endoscopist while the pathologist considered 2 cases to be neoplastic. Among the 9 cases of esophagitis, the endoscopist diagnosed 2 cases as Type 2 or 3, which was suggestive of neoplasia, whereas the pathologist diagnosed 6 cases to be neoplastic.Conclusion:  The low percentage of specificity for the pathologist's diagnosis was considered to be attributed to the low magnification power of the GIF‐Y0002. A further increase in the magnifying power of this instrument will be necessary to broaden its clinical applications.
Clinical Impact of Solifenacin on Generic and Symptom‐Specific Quality of Life for Females with Overactive Bladder: Using the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score and Rand Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Health Survey
Authors: YANO Masashi , SUZUKI Hiroyoshi , KAMIYA Naoto , KATO Tomonori , NOMURA Kazushi , KURAMOCHI Hiroaki , OHTA Sho , MIKAMI Kazuo , NAKATSU Hiroomi , OKANO Tatsuya , ONISHI Tetsuro , ICHIKAWA Tomohiko 
Published: May 2012

Objectives: We evaluated the effectiveness of antimuscarinic treatment on disease‐specific and generic quality of life (QoL) in females with clinically diagnosed overactive bladder (OAB) by prospectively analyzing improvements in the overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) and the Rand Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36).Methods: We prospectively recruited newly diagnosed female patients with OAB. Pretreatment disease‐specific symptoms were documented, and generic QoL questionnaires were administered. All subjects received solifenacin 5 mg/day for >8 weeks. Symptoms and general health‐related QoL (HRQoL) were assessed using the OABSS and SF‐36, respectively. Other objective variables, such as maximum urinary flow rate and postvoid residual urine volume, were also evaluated.Results: Seventy‐eight subjects met all inclusion criteria and no exclusion criteria. After 8 weeks, the mean OABSS decreased by approximately 50% compared with baseline (from 9.1 ± 2.8 to 4.5 ± 3.6). All individual scores in OABSS improved after administration of solifenacin. Before treatment, the scores of the study subjects in all SF‐36 domains were significantly worse than the age‐ and gender‐adjusted Japanese national norms (P < 0.01), except the vitality (VT) scale. Intra‐group comparisons between age groups showed worse mental health (MH) scores in all age groups. In the OAB group, three mean SF‐36 scales (physical function [PF], VT, and MH) significantly improved after treatment.Conclusion: Treatment of OAB with solifenacin is associated with significant improvement in generic HRQoL and disease‐specific symptoms at 8 weeks after drug administration. Particularly for generic HRQoL as measured by the SF‐36, solifenacin treatment effectively improves three SF‐36 scores: PF, VT, and MH.
The relationship between metacognitive beliefs, auditory hallucinations, and hallucination‐related distress in clinical and non‐clinical voice‐hearers
Authors: Hill Katy , Varese Filippo , Jackson Mike , Linden David E.J. 
Published: May 2012

Objectives: To test the hypothesis that metacognitive beliefs are implicated in the development of distress associated with auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) rather than in their aetiology.Design: A cross sectional questionnaire design was used.Methods: Three groups of participants were recruited (n= 20 in each group); clinical voice‐hearers diagnosed with psychiatric disorders; non‐clinical voice‐hearers with no psychiatric history; and non‐clinical participants with no history of voices or psychiatric disorder. All participants were screened for psychiatric symptomatology and completed a self‐report measure of their metacognitive beliefs (MCQ‐30). In addition, the two groups of voice‐hearers were interviewed about dimensions of their voices (i.e., content, frequency, distress, and disruption).Results: The clinical group scored significantly higher than the two non‐clinical groups on two subscales of the MCQ‐30 (negative beliefs about worry concerning controllability and danger and negative beliefs about thoughts concerning need for control). There were no significant differences between the two non‐clinical groups on MCQ‐30 scores. Regression analyses revealed that the negative beliefs about need for control subscale of the MCQ‐30 was the only significant predictor of voice‐related distress, although this effect was no longer significant after controlling for the effect of group.Conclusions: These results are consistent with previous findings suggesting that metacognitive beliefs are not directly implicated in the aetiology of AVHs, but may be associated with psychological distress. Further research is however needed to determine whether metacognitive style may directly impact upon voice‐related distress.
The impact of immersion protection requirements on hair dryer electrocutions in the USA
Authors: Rodgers Gregory B , Garland Sarah 
Published: May 2012

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of the immersion protection requirements of a voluntary safety standard for portable handheld hair dryers in preventing electrocution deaths in the USA.MethodsThe present work was an interrupted time series study design. Data on annual hair dryer-related electrocution deaths resulting from water contact were developed for the 1980–2007 study period. A multivariate Poisson regression model for rate data was used to evaluate the impact of the immersion protection requirements during the post-intervention period. The analysis controlled for the estimated number of hair dryers in use and the estimated number of US homes equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters, safety devices that would address hair dryer electrocutions even in the absence of the immersion protection requirements of the voluntary standard. The implementation of the 1987 and 1991 immersion protection requirements of the voluntary standard for portable handheld hair dryers was the intervention studied. The main outcome measure was the estimated reduction in the hair dryer electrocution rate associated with the immersion protection requirements of the voluntary standard.ResultsAfter controlling for covariates, the immersion protection requirements were estimated to reduce the rate of hair dryer immersion electrocution deaths by 96.6% (95% CI, 90.8% to 98.8%). This suggests the prevention of about 280 immersion electrocution deaths involving hair dryers during the post-intervention period (1987–2007).ConclusionsThe immersion protection requirements of the voluntary safety standard for hair dryers have been highly effective in reducing hair dryer electrocutions.
Physical and psychosocial factors associated with wrist or hand pain among Australian hospital-based nurses
Authors: Surawera Inoka K , Hoe Victor C W , Kelsall Helen L , Urquhart Donna M , Sim Malcolm R 
Published: May 2012

ObjectiveTo assess the personal, physical and psychosocial factors associated with wrist or hand pain in Australian hospital-based nurses.MethodsWrist or hand pain, associated disability and sickness absence, demographic, occupational, physical, psychosocial and personal factors among nurses working for three hospitals in Melbourne, Australia, were assessed in a cross-sectional study. Factors associated with wrist or hand pain in the past month were assessed using logistic regression.ResultsThis analysis was based on 1111 participants. The prevalence of wrist or hand pain in the past month was 15.3%. Repeated movements of the wrist or finger >4 h (OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.80 to 3.84), high job strain (1.54, 1.04 to 2.28), job insecurity (1.55, 1.04 to 2.28), somatisation tendency (2.73, 1.75 to 4.26), pain catastrophising (1.56, 1.03 to 2.37), better mental (0.97, 0.95 to 0.99) and physical (0.96, 0.94-0.98) health and well-being were associated with wrist or hand pain in the past month, after adjusting for possible confounding factors. When all significant factors were examined in the same model, repeated movements of the wrist or finger >4 h (2.50, 1.71 to 3.67), somatisation (2.61, 1.65 to 4.13) and better physical health and well-being (0.96, 0.94 to 0.99) remained independently associated with wrist or hand pain in the past month.ConclusionsThis study highlights that wrist or hand pain is prevalent in hospital nurses. Workplace physical factors and personal factors were associated with wrist or hand pain. Further longitudinal investigation is needed to examine the predictive nature of these factors.
Effect of bovine lactoferrin on the minimum inhibitory concentrations of ampicillin and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole for clinical Shigella spp. strains1This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Lactoferrin and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.
Authors: Mosquito Susan , Zegarra Gianina , Villanueva Claudia , Ruiz Joaquin , Ochoa Theresa J. 
Published: May 2012

Here, we determined the effect of bovine lactoferrin (bLF) on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ampicillin and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole in Shigella . Using a microdilution method, the MIC was determined in the presence or absence of bovine lactoferrin (10 mg/mL) on 88 Shigella strains (56 Shigella flexneri , 15 Shigella boydii , 13 Shigella sonnei , and 4 Shigella dysenteriae ) previously isolated from peruvian children <2 years old. A fold change of 2 or more in MIC values was considered significant. For ampicillin, 67 (76%) strains were highly resistant; one-third of the strains (32%) showed a decrease in ampicillin MIC in the presence of LF. This was more typical of MIC values in less resistant strains. For 7 (8%) ampicillin-resistant strains, the decrease in the MIC resulted in the strains reaching the cutoff for susceptible in the presence of bLF. For trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, 93% of the isolates (n = 82) were highly resistant and only 4 isolates (5%) decreased their MIC in the presence of bLF. None of the trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole resistant strains became susceptible in the presence of LF. The decrease in the MIC in the presence of bLF seems to depend on the mechanisms of action of each antibiotic. In vivo studies are needed to further evaluate bLF as a coadjuvant to antibiotic treatment of resistant Shigella.