bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunomagnetic exclusion of E‐cadherin‐positive hepatoblasts in fetal mouse liver cell cultures impairs morphogenesis and gene expression of sinusoidal endothelial cells
Authors: Takabe Yurie , Yagi Shinomi , Koike Toru , Shiojiri Nobuyoshi 
Published: June 2012

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that various cell–cell interactions between hepatoblasts and nonparenchymal cells, including sinusoidal endothelial cells and stellate cells, are indispensable for the development of fetal murine hepatic architecture. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of hepatoblasts on the sinusoidal structural formation using a culture system of fetal mouse livers. Primitive sinusoidal structures extensively developed in fetal livers, and were composed of LYVE‐1‐ and PECAM‐1‐positive endothelial cells, desmin‐positive stellate cells and F4/80‐positive macrophages. When fetal liver cells at 12.5 days of gestation were cultured in vitro, hepatoblasts spread on glass slides and gave rise to hepatocytes on day 5. Desmin‐positive stellate cells also spread on the glass slides. PECAM‐1‐positive endothelial cells became slender and developed into anastomosing capillary networks. When fetal liver cells were cultured without hepatoblasts, which were excluded by an immunomagnetic method using anti‐E‐cadherin antibodies, endothelial cells had impaired growth and capillary formation. These results demonstrated that capillary formation of endothelial cells was induced by the presence of hepatoblasts. VEGF and the conditioned medium containing humoral factors produced by hepatoblasts/hepatocytes did not induce capillary formation of endothelial cells in cultures of nonparenchymal cells, although they significantly increased the number of endothelial cells on the glass slides. The presence of hepatoblasts also significantly stimulated expression of CD32b mRNA, which is a sinusoidal endothelial marker. Hepatoblasts may work as a positive stimulator of sinusoid morphogenesis and maturation in liver development, in which a signal other than VEGF may play a decisive role, together with VEGF.
Neuro‐ophthalmological disorders in cerebral palsy: ophthalmological, oculomotor, and visual aspects
Authors: FAZZI ELISA , SIGNORINI SABRINA G , LA PIANA ROBERTA , BERTONE CHIARA , MISEFARI WALTER , GALLI JESSICA , BALOTTIN UMBERTO , BIANCHI PAOLO EMILIO 
Published: June 2012

Aim  Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is a disorder caused by damage to the retrogeniculate visual pathways. Cerebral palsy (CP) and CVI share a common origin: 60 to 70% of children with CP also have CVI. We set out to describe visual dysfunction in children with CP. A further aim was to establish whether different types of CP are associated with different patterns of visual involvement.Methods  A total of 129 patients (54 females, 75 males; mean age 4y 6mo, SD 3y 5mo; range 3mo–15y) with CP (51 with diplegia, 61 with tetraplegia, and 17 with hemiplegia; 62 [48%] of participants were able to walk) and CVI enrolled at the Centre of Child Neuro‐ophthalmology (at the Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS ‘C. Mondino Institute of Neurology’, University of Pavia) underwent an assessment protocol including neurological examination, developmental and/or cognitive assessment, neuro‐ophthalmological evaluation including ophthalmological assessment, evaluation of visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, optokinetic nystagmus, visual field and stereopsis, and neuroradiological investigations.Results  Visual dysfunction in diplegia was characterized mainly by refractive errors (75% of patients), strabismus (90%), abnormal saccadic movements (86%), and reduced visual acuity (82%). The participants with hemiplegia showed strabismus (71%) and refractive errors (88%); oculomotor involvement was less frequent (59%). This group had the largest percentage of patients with altered visual field (64%). Children with tetraplegia showed a severe neuro‐ophthalmological profile, characterized by ocular abnormalities (98%), oculomotor dysfunction (100%), and reduced visual acuity (98%).Interpretation  Neuro‐ophthalmological disorders are one of the main symptoms in CP. Each clinical type of CP is associated with a distinct neuro‐ophthalmological profile. Early and careful neuro‐ophthalmological assessment of children with CP is essential for an accurate diagnosis and for personalized rehabilitation.
Ontogeny of the Upper Cambrian (Furongian) Olenid trilobite Protopeltura aciculate (Angelin, 1854) from Skåne and Västergötland, Sweden
Authors: MÅNSSON KRISTINA , CLARKSON EUAN N. K. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract:  The ontogeny of the trilobite Protopeltura aciculata (Angelin, 1854) is described on the basis of material from the upper Cambrian (Furongian) of Andrarum (Skåne) and Hjelmsäter (Västergötland), Sweden. P. aciculata is present in the Parabolina brevispina and Parabolina spinulosa zones. Protopeltura aciculata is represented by all stages of growth, from early protaspides to holaspides, although most of the specimens are disarticulated and precise degrees are unknown. The cranidia have therefore been allocated to five morphological groups. Cuticular sculpture of the cranidia changes throughout ontogeny. Large tubercles are present in earlier stages, disappear gradually in middle meraspid stages and are replaced with a very faint granulation. The transitory pygidium, relatively large and shield‐shaped with upwardly and backwardly directed marginal spines in early meraspides, later becomes very small, triangular‐shaped and lacking spines as a late meraspid and holaspid. The development of hypostomes and librigenae is also described. Protopeltura aciculata shows major intraspecific variations throughout development, especially regarding the pygidium where variation is much less constrained than in many other olenids. This high developmental plasticity may be a survival strategy for a trilobite living in a stressed environment. Protopeltura inhabited a dysoxic environment, possibly unusually prone to localised spreading of anoxic or toxic water. Some morphs may have been less vulnerable than others to such stresses, surviving by chance and thus enabling the species to continue.
Molecular requirements for inhibition of the chemokine receptor CCR8 – probe‐dependent allosteric interactions
Authors: Rummel PC , Arfelt KN , Baumann L , Jenkins TJ , Thiele S , Lüttichau HR , Johnsen A , Pease J , Ghosh S , Kolbeck R , Rosenkilde MM 
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Here we present a novel series of CCR8 antagonists based on a naphthalene‐sulfonamide structure. This structure differs from the predominant pharmacophore for most small‐molecule CC‐chemokine receptor antagonists, which in fact activate CCR8, suggesting that CCR8 inhibition requires alternative structural probes.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The compounds were tested as inverse agonists and as antagonists against CCL1‐induced activity in Gαi signalling and chemotaxis. Furthermore, they were assessed by heterologous competition binding against two radiolabelled receptor ligands: the endogenous agonist CCL1 and the virus‐encoded antagonist MC148.KEY RESULTS All compounds were highly potent inverse agonists with EC50 values from 1.7 to 23 nM. Their potencies as antagonists were more widely spread (EC50 values from 5.9 to 1572 nM). Some compounds were balanced antagonists/inverse agonists whereas others were predominantly inverse agonists with >100‐fold lower potency as antagonists. A correspondingly broad range of affinities, which followed the antagonist potencies, was disclosed by competition with [125I]‐CCL1 (Ki 3.4–842 nM), whereas the affinities measured against [125I]‐MC148 were less widely spread (Ki 0.37–27 nM), and matched the inverse agonist potencies.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Despite highly potent and direct effects as inverse agonists, competition‐binding experiments against radiolabelled agonist and tests for antagonism revealed a probe‐dependent allosteric effect of these compounds. Thus, minor chemical changes affected the ability to modify chemokine binding and action, and divided the compounds into two groups: predominantly inverse agonists and balanced antagonists/inverse agonists. These studies have important implications for the design of new inverse agonists with or without antagonist properties.
Pseudotyped adeno‐associated viral vector tropism and transduction efficiencies in murine wound healing
Authors: Keswani Sundeep G. , Balaji Swathi , Le Louis , Leung Alice , Lim Foong‐Yen , Habli Mounira , Jones Helen N. , Wilson James M. , Crombleholme Timothy M. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractCell specific gene transfer and sustained transgene expression are goals of cutaneous gene therapy for tissue repair and regeneration. Adeno‐associated virus serotype 2 (AAV2/2) mediated gene transfer to the skin results in stable transgene expression in the muscle fascicles of the panniculus carnosus in mice, with minimal gene transfer to the dermal or epidermal elements. We hypothesized that pseudotyped AAV vectors may have a unique and characteristic tropism and transduction efficiency profile for specific cells in the cutaneous wounds. We compared transduction efficiencies of cells in the epidermis, cells in the dermis, and the fascicles of the panniculus carnosus by AAV2/2 and three pseudotyped AAV vectors, AAV2/5, AAV2/7, and AAV2/8 in a murine excisional wound model. AAV2/5 and AAV2/8 result in significantly enhanced transduction of cells both in the epidermis and the dermis compared to AAV2/2. AAV2/5 transduces both the basilar and supra‐basilar keratinocytes. In contrast, AAV2/8 transduces mainly supra‐basilar keratinocytes. Both AAV2/7 and AAV2/8 result in more efficient gene transfer to the muscular panniculus carnosus compared to AAV2/2. The capsid of the different pseudotyped AAV vectors produces distinct tropism and efficiency profiles in the murine wound healing model. Both AAV2/5 and AAV2/8 administration result in significantly enhanced gene transfer. To further characterize cell specific transduction and tropism profiles of the AAV pseudotyped vectors, we performed in vitro experiments using human and mouse primary dermal fibroblasts. Our data demonstrate that pseudotyping strategy confers a differential transduction of dermal fibroblasts, with higher transduction of both human and murine cells by AAV2/5 and AAV2/8 at early and later time points. At later time points, AAV2/2 demonstrates increased transduction. Interestingly, AAV2/8 appears to be more efficacious in transducing human cells as compared to AAV2/5. The pseudotype‐specific pattern of transduction and tropism observed both in vivo and in vitro suggests that choice of AAV vectors should be based on the desired target cell and the timing of transgene expression in wound healing for gene transfer therapy in dermal wounds.
Epsilon Aminocaproic Acid for the Prevention of Delayed Postoperative Bleeding in Retired Racing Greyhounds Undergoing Gonadectomy
Authors: Marín Liliana M. , Iazbik M Cristina , Zaldivar‐Lopez Sara , Guillaumin Julien , McLoughlin Mary A. , Couto C Guillermo 
Published: June 2012

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) on the prevalence of postoperative bleeding in retired racing Greyhounds (RRG), and to assess its effects on selected thrombelastography (TEG) and fibrinolysis variables.Study DesignDouble‐blinded, prospective, randomized study.Methods100 RRG had elective ovariohysterectomy or orchiectomy and were administeredEACAor placebo for 3 days after surgery.TEGvariables were analyzed preoperatively and 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery.ResultsThirty percent (15/50) ofRRGin the placebo group had delayed postoperative bleeding starting 36–48 hours after surgery compared with 10% (5/50) in theEACAgroup (P= .012). On theTEGvariables, the slopes forRandKtime were significantly different between treatment groups (P<.05); theRandKtime decreased over time in the EACA group after surgery whereas they increased in the placebo group. The angle, maximal amplitude (MA), andGslopes were also significantly different between treatment groups (P= .001, .001, and .006, respectively). The angle,MA, andGincreased postoperatively over time in theEACAgroup and decreased in the placebo group. All these changes are supportive of hypercoagulability associated withEACAadministration.ConclusionPostoperative administration ofEACAsignificantly decreased the prevalence of postoperative bleeding inRRGundergoing surgery by increasing the clot strength.
Ectomesenchymal chondromyxoid tumor: histopathologic and immunohistochemical study of two cases without a chondroid component
Authors: Palma Guzmán José Mario , de Andrade Bruno Augusto Benevenuto , Rizo Victor Hugo Toral , Romañach Mário José , León Jorge Esquiche , de Almeida Oslei Paes 
Published: June 2012

Ectomesenchymal chondromyxoid tumor (ECT) is a rare benign neoplasm usually affecting the anterior dorsum of the tongue. Histopathologically, it is formed by spindle, round and/or polygonal cells embedded in a chondromyxoid matrix. Immunohistochemical positivity for vimentin, S‐100 protein, glial fibrillary acid protein and neuron‐specific enolase are helpful to confirm the diagnosis. There are 42 cases of ECT of the tongue reported in the English language literature, three of them showing no chondroid matrix. We describe two additional cases of ECT lacking the chondroid component, exhibiting areas of reticulated myxoid and cellular pattern. Considering the microscopical features, ECT can be classified in classic and ‘chondroid‐free’ variants, the latter including the reticulated myxoid and cellular patterns. It is important to consider that the cellular ECT usually exhibits predominance of an infiltrative atypical cellular component that may mimic a malignant tumor.Palma Guzmán JM, de Andrade BAB, Rizo VHT, Romañach MJ, León JE, de Almeida OP. Ectomesenchymal chondromyxoid tumor: histopathologic and immunohistochemical study of two cases without a chondroid component.
N‐acetylcysteine decreases alveolar bone loss on experimental periodontitis in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Toker H. , Ozdemir H. , Balcı H. , Ozer H. 
Published: June 2012

Toker H, Ozdemir H, Balcı H, Ozer H. N‐acetylcysteine decreases alveolar bone loss on experimental periodontitis in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 793–799. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/SBackground and Objective:  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the morphometric and histopathological changes associated with experimental periodontitis in diabetic rats in response to systemic administration of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), a sulfhydryl‐containing thiol antioxidant.Material and methods:  Sixty Wistar rats were divided into six experimental groups: nonligated (NL) group; ligature‐only (L) group; streptozotocin‐only (STZ) group; STZ and ligature (STZ + L) group; and systemic administration of NAC and ligature (70 and 100 mg/kg body weight per day, respectively) (NAC70 and NAC100 groups). Diabetes mellitus was induced by 60 mg/kg of streptozotocin. Silk ligatures were placed at the gingival margin of the lower first molars of the mandibular quadrant. The study duration was 30 d and the animals were killed at the end of this period. Changes in alveolar bone levels were clinically measured and tissues were histopathologically examined to assess the differences among the study groups.Results:  At the end of the 30‐d study period, alveolar bone loss was significantly higher in the STZ + L group compared with the other groups (p < 0.05). Also, alveolar bone loss in all the NAC groups was significantly lower than in the STZ + L and L groups (p < 0.05). The osteoblastic activity in the NAC100 group was significantly higher than in the other groups (p < 0.05).Conclusion:  Within the limits of this study, it can be suggested that NAC, when administered systemically, prevents alveolar bone loss in the diabetic rat model.
An online survey of knowledge of the weaning guidelines, advice from health visitors and other factors that influence weaning timing in UK mothers
Authors: Moore Amanda P. , Milligan Peter , Goff Louise M. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe UK weaning guidelines recommend the introduction of solid food at or around 6 months. The evidence suggests that knowledge of the guidelines is high, although only a small minority of parents wait until 6 months to wean. The aim of this study was to assess understanding of the UK weaning guidelines in a sample of UK parents and investigate the associations of this understanding with weaning timing, and in comparison to other influencing factors. This study conducted an online survey of UK parents. Eligible participants had weaned a child since the introduction of the current guidelines. Of 3607 participants, 86% accurately understood the guidelines. Eighty‐seven per cent of health visitors were reported to have advised weaning at or around 6 months. Knowledge of the guidelines was associated with later weaning (independently of demographic factors) (P < 0.001) but did not ensure compliance: 80% of mothers who weaned before 24 weeks and 65% who weaned before 17 weeks were aware of the guidelines. Younger mothers (P < 0.001), those receiving benefits (P < 0.001), those educated only to 16 (P < 0.001) and minority ethnic groups (P < 0.001) had lower levels of awareness. Poor understanding of the guidelines was the most reliable predictor of early weaning (P = 0.021) together with young maternal age (P = 0.014). Following the baby‐led weaning approach was the most reliable predictor of those weaning at 26 weeks, together with the Internet being the most influential source of advice. Understanding of the current weaning guidelines is high and is a key independent predictor of weaning age in this population.
EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND RELATIVE HUMIDITY ON GROWTH BEHAVIOR OF ESCHERICHIA COLI O157:H7 ON SPINACH USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY
Authors: WANG JUN , OH DEOG‐HWAN 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTIn this study, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to model the growth of Escherichia coli O157:H7 on spinach as a function of temperature (15–35C) and relative humidity (60–80%). The growth data were collected under different conditions, and were then fitted by the modified Gompertz model to estimate the maximum growth rate (GR), lag time (LT) and maximum population density (MPD) at each condition with high coefficients of determination (R2 > 0.98). Moreover, the secondary models were developed for the GR, LT and MPD values obtained from the primary model using RSM quadratic polynomial equation. Model validation was conducted based on the additional experimental data not used for the model development. The results showed that the overall predictions had slight deviation with the observations for its acceptable ranges of bias and accuracy factors as well as lower standard errors of predictions, indicating success at predicting the growth of E. coli O157:H7 on spinach.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe impact of environmental factors including temperature and relative humidity on the response of Escherichia coli O157:H7 on spinach were investigated using response surface methodology. The methodology was successfully applied to E. coli O157:H7 on spinach and the developed models based on the experimental data at simulated conditions exhibited a satisfactory performance. The model developed in this study could be applied during the vegetable distribution chain from farm to retail to predict the growth of E. coli O157:H7 and provide sufficient information for the development of microbiological risk assessment related to E. coli O157:H7 on spinach.
Functional endoscopic balloon dilation of sinus ostia for chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Ahmed J. , Pal S. , Hopkins C. , Jayaraj S. 
Published: June 2012

Citation: Ahmed J, Pal S, Hopkins C, Jayaraj S. Functional endoscopic balloon dilation of sinus ostia for chronic rhinosinusitis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011, Issue 7. Art. No.: CD008515. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008515.pub2AbstractBackground  Dilation of sinus ostia using a high‐pressure balloon has been introduced as a treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) refractory to medical treatment. The efficacy of this technology, however, has not been systematically reviewed.Objectives  To assess the effectiveness of balloon sinus ostial dilation as a treatment for patients suffering with CRS refractory to medical treatment.Search strategy  We searched the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Register; CENTRAL; PubMed; EMBASE; CINAHL; Web of Science; BIOSIS Previews; Cambridge Scientific Abstracts; ISRCTN and additional sources for published and unpublished trials. The date of the most recent search was 20 December 2010.Selection criteria  Randomised controlled trials in patients of any age with rhinosinusitis lasting longer than 12 weeks who have failed a prolonged course of medical treatment. Studies compared either balloon sinus ostial dilation or a hybrid procedure [balloon dilation in conjunction with functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)] versus conventional surgery (e.g. FESS) or a waiting list control.Data collection and analysis  Two authors independently selected studies for inclusion, extracted data and assessed risk of bias.Main results  One study (34 patients) met our inclusion criteria although it was not yet a peer reviewed publication. The study randomised patients with chronic frontal sinusitis who had failed a prolonged course of medical treatment into two groups: balloon dilatation of the frontal recess (plus conventional FESS of other involved sinuses) versus conventional FESS (Draf type 1/2a procedures on the frontal sinuses). At 12‐month follow‐up, there was no statistically significant difference in radiological resolution of frontal sinuses between the two groups. The percentages of directly observed patent frontal recesses at 12 months were 75% in the balloon dilation group versus 63% in the FESS‐only group. The authors state that this was statistically significant but details of the analysis were not presented. Indeed the study as a whole suffers from a bias in the way its outcome measures were reported.No major complications were reported. Three patients in the FESS‐only group required further revision frontal sinus surgery compared to one in the balloon dilation group, although synechiae were more common in the latter.Authors’ conclusions  At present, there is no convincing evidence supporting the use of endoscopic balloon sinus ostial dilation compared to conventional surgical modalities in the management of CRS refractory to medical treatment. With the escalating use of balloon sinuplasty, there is an urgent need for more randomised controlled trials to determine its efficacy over conventional surgical treatment modalities.