bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of Notch signaling molecules in ameloblastomas
Authors: Kumamoto Hiroyuki , Ohki Kousuke 
Published: August 2010

Background:  To evaluate the roles of Notch signaling in the oncogenesis and cytodifferentiation of odontogenic tumors, expression of Notch receptors and ligands was analyzed in ameloblastomas as well as in tooth germs.Methods:  Tissue specimens of nine tooth germs and 32 ameloblastomas were examined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and by in situ hybridization to determine the expression of Notch1, Notch2, Notch3, Delta1, and Jagged1.Results:  mRNA expression of Notch1, Notch2, Notch3, Delta1, and Jagged1 was detected in all samples of normal and neoplastic odontogenic tissues. In tooth germs, Notch receptors were expressed in odontogenic epithelium (except for inner enamel epithelium), and expression of Notch ligands was lower in inner enamel epithelium than in other epithelial components. Odontogenic mesenchymal components were weakly reactive with these Notch signaling molecules. Ameloblastomas showed expression of Notch receptors and ligands in central polyhedral neoplastic cells. Notch2, Delta1, and Jagged1 were expressed in some neoplastic cells neighboring the basement membrane. Expression of Notch receptors and ligands was not found in keratinizing cells or granular cells in ameloblastoma variants. Stromal cells were weakly reactive with these Notch signaling molecules.Conclusion:  Expression of Notch receptors and ligands in tooth germs and ameloblastomas suggests that Notch signaling might control cell differentiation and proliferation of normal and neoplastic odontogenic epithelium.
Yeast of the oral cavity is the reservoir of Heliobacter pylori
Authors: Salmanian Ali‐Hatef , Siavoshi Farideh , Akbari Fereshteh , Afshari Afsoon , Malekzadeh Reza 
Published: August 2010

Background:  Frequent occurrence of Helicobacter pylori in the human gastrointestinal tract and its persistence due to unsuccessful antimicrobial therapy might be related to a stage in the life cycle of H. pylori in which the bacterium establishes itself as an intracellular symbiont in yeast. In this study, occurrence of non‐culturable H. pylori in the oral yeast was assessed by targeting vacuolating cytotoxin A (vacA s1s2) and ureAB genes in the total DNAs of yeasts.Methods:  DNAs were extracted from 13 oral yeasts in which bacterium‐like bodies, suspected to be H. pylori, were observed microscopically. Primers were recruited to amplify vacA s1s2 and ureAB genes. DNAs from H. pylori and E. coli were used as controls. The amplicons from one yeast and H. pylori were sequenced. Yeasts were identified as Candida albicans.Results:  Fragments of vacA s1s2 and ureAB genes were amplified from 13 yeasts. The size of PCR products was 286 bp for vacA s1s2 gene and 406 bp for ureAB gene. Similar bands were obtained from the control H. pylori, and the results for E. coli were negative. The data from sequencing of PCR products showed about 98% homology between the genes amplified from yeast and those from H. pylori.Conclusions:  The results of this study showed the intracellular occurrence of H. pylori in yeast. This endosymbiotic relationship might explain the persistence of H. pylori in the oral cavity, the consequence of which could be reinoculation of the stomach by the bacterium and spread of infection among human populations.
Apoptosis‐associated markers and clinical outcome in human oral squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Kato Koroku , Kawashiri Shuichi , Yoshizawa Kunio , Kitahara Hiroko , Yamamoto Etsuhide 
Published: August 2010

Background:  Apoptosis is a genetically regulated cell death involved in the deletion of cells in normal or malignant tissues. Proteins of the Bcl‐2 family play a key role in the control of apoptosis and carry out both pro‐apoptotic and anti‐apoptotic functions. The present study evaluated the prognostic value of Bcl‐2 and Bax expression at the invasive front of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), taking clinicopathological findings into account.Methods:  Fifty‐six specimens of OSCC were randomly selected, and Bcl‐2 and Bax expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded pre‐treated specimens at the invasive front of OSCC. Clinicopathological data were gathered and patient survival was analysed.Results:  No significant relationship was found between Bcl‐2 or Bax expression and clinical variables. Patients with Bcl‐2 expression had a worse prognosis than those without Bcl‐2 expression, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Patients with Bax expression had a significantly better prognosis than those without Bax expression (P < 0.05). In univariate analyses, T category, mode of cancer invasion and Bax expression showed significant correlations. Multivariate analysis revealed that the mode of cancer invasion and Bax expression were significant and independent variables. Bax expression was found to be the strongest independent prognostic parameter. Patients with negative Bcl‐2 expression and positive Bax expression had a significantly better prognosis (P < 0.005).Conclusion:  We suggest that Bax expression at the invasive front of OSCC is a significant predictor of prognosis and that it is therefore important to investigate the expression of Bcl‐2 and Bax in this disease.
Molecular markers in the surgical margin of oral carcinomas
Authors: Bilde Anders , Von Buchwald Christian , Dabelsteen Erik , Therkildsen Marianne Hamilton , Dabelsteen Sally 
Published: August 2010

Background:  Local or regional lymph node recurrence is the most common pattern of treatment failure in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The local recurrence rate is 30% even when the surgical resection margin is diagnosed as tumour free. Accumulation of genetic changes in histologically normal epithelium in the surgical resection margin may explain the local recurrence rate. The purpose of this study is to investigate the presence of senescence markers, which may represent early malignant changes in the margin that in routine pathological evaluations are classified as histologically normal.Methods:  Formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded surgical specimens from 16 consecutive patients with oral SCC and a clear surgical margin were obtained. The margin was analysed by immunohistochemistry for p53, p16, Chk2, Laminin‐5 and glycosylated oncofetal fibronectin.Results:  Two patterns of p53 expression were found in the histologically normal epithelium in the surgical resection margin. One was characterized by no protein expression in the majority of cells, except for small clusters of basal and parabasal cells with nuclear staining. The other was characterized by p53 expression in the nuclei of most basal cells. The expression of p16 was confined to small groups of cells in the basal cell layer whereas Chk2 was only seen in one case. Upregulation of the stromal proteins, Laminin‐5 or glycosylated oncofetal fibronection, was only seen at regions of invasion.Conclusion:  Small groups of cells expressing p53 and p16 were found in the surgical resection margin that appeared to be histologically normal and may represent early malignant changes.
Oral manifestations of HIV infection in adult patients from the province of Sancti Spiritus, Cuba
Authors: Carpio Emilio , López Vania , Fardales Vicente , Benítez Iralys 
Published: August 2010

Background:  Studies on the prevalence of HIV‐related oral lesions (HIV‐OL) have shown great variations among different countries. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of HIV‐OL in adults infected with HIV in the province of Sancti Spiritus, Cuba, and to determine the factors associated with the presence of HIV‐OL.Methods:  A cross‐sectional observational study was performed between November 2006 and August 2007 at the Hospital General Universitario ‘Camilo Cienfuegos’, Sancti Spiritus. One hundred and fifty‐four HIV‐infected patients were included. Patients were examined and interviewed by a periodontal specialist. Diagnosis of HIV‐OL was based on clinical criteria. Demographical, clinical and laboratory data were obtained. Independent association of each factor with HIV‐OL was assessed by logistic regression modelling.Results:  The prevalence of HIV‐OL was 40.9%. The commonest manifestation was oral hairy leucoplakia (n = 19; 12.3%); oral candidiasis (n = 17; 11%); herpes simplex virus infection (n = 11; 7.4%); and aphthous ulcer (n = 9; 5.8%). Principal factors associated with the presence of HIV‐OL were CD4+ lymphocytes <500 cells/mm3 (OR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.019–4.195) and smoking (OR: 2.03 CI: 1.037–3.982).Conclusion:  This study described the prevalence of HIV‐OL in 154 HIV‐infected patients which represent about 80% of those known to be infected in the province of Sancti Spiritus. The prevalence of HIV‐OL was lower than those reported from developing countries. Oral hairy leucoplakia and oral candidiasis were the most prevalent HIV‐OL. Smoking and CD4+ cells count <500 cells/mm3 were the two factors independently associated with the presence of HIV‐OL.
Current empirical research in neonatal bioethics
Authors: Swinton Cameron H , Lantos John D 
Published: August 2010

AbstractEthical dilemmas in neonatology can be analysed using both the theoretical tools of analytic philosophy and the empirical tools of clinical epidemiology and health services research. Both yield important insights into ways to think about the ethical issues that arise in clinical neonatology. In this paper, we review recent empirical research in neonatal bioethics. Studies published in the last 5 years shed light on issues that arise in prenatal consultation, prognostication, outcomes, quality‐of‐life and cost‐effectiveness in neonatal intensive care. These studies show ways in which doctors vary in their decisions from country to country, hospital to hospital and for babies and children with different conditions but similar prognoses. Empirical research in bioethics can answer questions about what doctors and parents think and do. It does not answer questions about what they ought to do.Conclusion:  Good ethics starts with good facts, even if good facts are not sufficient to get us to good ethics.
MYOCARDIAL CHANGES IN RATS WITH LITHIUM‐INDUCED URAEMIA
Authors: BAANDRUP ULRIK , BAGGER JENS PEDER , CHRISTENSEN STEN 
Published: August 2010

The possible effects of lithium on myocardial morphology were studied at the light‐microscopic level in three different rat models: (i) rats with chronic renal failure due to lithium administration for 8–16 weeks after birth, (ii) normal, adult rats treated with lithium for 16 weeks, and (iii) new‐born rats exposed to lithium in their prenatal life. Morphological changes were found in 57% of the male rats with lithium‐induced uraemia after lithium administration for 16 weeks postnatally. The changes comprised myocytic degeneration and necrosis associated with infiltration of lymphocytes, histiocytes and plasma cells. This morphological picture is different from the myocardial changes associated with chronic renal failure. Male rats with chronic uraemia after withdrawal of lithium 8 weeks postnatally showed no myocardial changes after 16 weeks. Also, male rats with normal renal function had no myocardial changes after 16 weeks on lithium, but these rats had a significantly lower plasma level of lithium than the lithium‐uraemic rats (0.8 vs. 1.4 mmol/1).It is suggested that myocarditis was a consequence of persistent high plasma levels of lithium maintained in the lithium‐uraemic rats and that cardiotoxic effects of lithium may be potentiated by concomitant renal failure.
Conclusion: Theoretical Convergencies and Empirical Evidence in the Study of Immigrant Transnationalism
Authors: Portes Alejandro 
Published: August 2010

Conclusions to books or journal issues commonly seek to summarize the preceding articles or chapters and offer some general guidelines about the relevant subject matter. This is a demanding but feasible task when the preceding material consists of empirical studies that lend themselves to an effort of synthesis. When the contents of the book or journal are, as in this case, themselves summaries of the literature and general reflections on the character of the field, the synthetic enterprises become far more demanding. It is difficult to agree with the conclusions and prescriptions of some authors without disagreeing with those of others. It is also unfair to take advantage of having the last word to comment critically on the arguments or recommendations advanced in the preceding articles. The editors of this issue have ably summarized in their introduction the principal arguments presented in each article. It would be an unnecessary duplication to do so here. Instead, I propose to do the opposite of what is generally expected in a conclusion. That is, instead of presenting theoretical reflections on empirical materials, I intend to supplement the abundant theoretical arguments contained in this issue with a summary presentation of actual results. The latter come from the recently completed surveys of the Comparative Immigrant Entrepreneurship Project (CIEP). Before doing so, however, it would be useful to summarize some of the empirical and conceptual points on which the until-recently contentious literature on transnationalism has reached a measure of consensus. They represent indicators of progress, insofar as the weight of evidence and subsequent reflection on it have gradually led scholars from very different perspectives to agree on the tenability of certain arguments and the weakness of others.
Quantification of Cyclobutane Pyrimidine Dimers Induced by UVB Radiation in Conidia of the Fungi Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus nidulans, Metarhizium acridum and Metarhizium robertsii
Authors: Nascimento Érika , Da Silva Sergio H. , Dos Reis Marques Everaldo , Roberts Donald W. , Braga Gilberto U. L. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractConidia are responsible for reproduction, dispersal, environmental persistence and host infection of many fungal species. One of the main environmental factors that can kill and/or damage conidia is solar UV radiation. Cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) are the major DNA photoproducts induced by UVB. We examined the conidial germination kinetics and the occurrence of CPD in DNA of conidia exposed to different doses of UVB radiation. Conidia of Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus nidulans and Metarhizium acridum were exposed to UVB doses of 0.9, 1.8, 3.6 and 5.4 kJ m−2. CPD were quantified using T4 endonuclease V and alkaline agarose gel electrophoresis. Most of the doses were sublethal for all three species. Exposures to UVB delayed conidial germination and the delays were directly related both to UVB doses and CPD frequencies. The frequencies of dimers also were linear and directly proportional to the UVB doses, but the CPD yields differed among species. We also evaluated the impact of conidial pigmentation on germination and CPD induction on Metarhizium robertsii. The frequency of dimers in an albino mutant was approximately 10 times higher than of its green wild‐type parent strain after exposure to a sublethal dose (1.8 kJ m−2) of UVB radiation.
The Effect of Actinoquinol with Hyaluronic Acid in Eye Drops on the Optical Properties and Oxidative Damage of the Rabbit Cornea Irradiated with UVB Rays
Authors: Čejka Čestmír , Luyckx Jacques , Ardan Taras , Pláteník Jan , Širc Jakub , Michálek Jiří , Čejková Jitka 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIrradiation of the cornea with UVB rays leads to its oxidative damage, swelling and increased light absorption. We investigated changes in the corneal optics (evaluated by changes of corneal hydration and light absorption) and microscopical disturbances of corneas irradiated with UVB rays as influenced by eye drops containing actinoquinol with hyaluronic acid. Rabbit corneas were irradiated with a daily dose of 0.5 or 1.01 J cm−2 of UVB rays (312 nm) for 4 days. During irradiation, the eye drops were applied on the right eye and buffered saline (or hyaluronic acid) on the left eye. On day 5 the rabbits were sacrificed and the corneas examined spectrophotometrically for light absorption. The corneal thickness (hydration) was measured using a pachymeter. Corneas of some other rabbits were examined immunohistochemically. After buffered saline treatment UVB rays evoked changes in the corneal optics and induced oxidative damage of the corneas. After actinoquinol‐hyaluronic acid application, these changes were diminished. Hyaluronic acid alone was less effective. In conclusion, actinoquinol‐hyaluronic acid eye drops decreased changes in corneal optics and suppressed oxidative damage in the UVB‐irradiated cornea. However, the effective corneal protection by these eye drops was limited to the lower UVB dose.
Protective effects of HGF‐MSP chimer (metron factor‐1) on liver ischemia‐reperfusion injury in rat model
Authors: XUE Feng , ZHANG Jian Jun , XU Long Mei , ZHANG Cheng , XIA Qiang 
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE:  It has been reported that metron factor‐1 (MF‐1), an engineered chimerical factor containing selected functional domains of hepatocyte growth factor and macrophage‐stimulating protein (HGF–MSP), could prevent apoptosis and have an anti‐inflammatory effect. In this study, we investigate the protective effect of MF‐1 on liver ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury.METHODS:  Overall 30 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: the I/R model group (n = 12), the MF‐1 treatment group (n = 12), and the sham‐operated group (n = 6). Liver I/R injury was induced by clamping the blood supply to the left and median lobes of liver by an atraumatic clamp for 90 min, then removing the clamp and allowing reperfusion. Blood samples were obtained on days 1, 2, 3 and 7 to assess liver biochemistry and the histology of liver tissue. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide (NO), endothelial nitric oxide synthase and inducible nitric oxide synthase were measured. In addition, the anti‐oxidative effect of MF‐1 on hepatocytes was assessed in vitro.RESULTS:  MF‐1 treatment improved the rat survival rate significantly (P < 0.05). Liver biochemistry and histological changes were significantly ameliorated. MDA increased and SOD and NO decreased in the liver tissue. In vitro, MF‐1 protected the human hepatic cell line HL‐7702 from damage of oxidative stress.CONCLUSION:  MF‐1 could protect the liver from I/R injury, which might involve the reduction of oxygen free radicals and the increase of NO synthesis in an injured liver.
Terminal Precambrian Palaeogeographic Framework of China1
Authors: Xiufu Qiao , Lifang Ma , Huimin Zhang 
Published: August 2010

Abstract The original locations and relationships of four plates within the mainland of China from 800 to 600 Ma during the terminal Precambrian were reconstructed based on the palaeomagnetic and geological data. The Tarim, Yangtze and Cathaysian plates were once linked (in 800‐700 Ma) and located in the same low‐latitude zone of the northern hemisphere. But later, in 700‐600 Ma, the Tarim plate was separated from the Yangtze‐Cathaysian plate. The Sino‐Korean plate was always far away from the Yangtze plate, both being separated by oceanic crust, and lay in the high‐latitude zone of the northern hemisphere.The above‐mentioned palaeogeographic framework directly led to complete differences in respect to distribution of low‐ latitude glaciation, sedimentary facies, palaeoclimate, palaeobiogeography and stratigraphic sections between the North and South China domains during the terminal Precambrian.
Quartz‐Ferberite Oxygen Isotope Geothermometer and Its Geological Applications
Authors: Tiping Ding , Yushan Liu , Defang Wan , Zhijian Liu , Jincheng Li , Guilan Zhang 
Published: August 2010

Abstract Experiments for oxygen isotope exchange between ferberite and water were carried out and the following equation on oxygen isotope fractionation between ferberite and water against temperature was obtained: 10001nα FeWO4 −H2O = 1.04 × 106T −2 − 2.5Combining this equation with the equation of Clayton et al. (1972) on oxygen isotope fractionation between quartz and water, an equation on oxygen isotope fractionation between quartz and ferberite was obtained: 10001nαSiO2 − FeWO4 = 2.34 × 106T−2 − 0.4The Bigeleison‐Mayer function method was used to calculate the oxygen isotope fractionation between quartz and ferberite. The theoretical curve obtained agrees with the experimental calibration results quite well in the temperature range of study.The above calibrated equation has been used in 5 world famous tungsten deposits to determine their temperatures of formation. The results show that the temperature range for an idividual deposit determined by this geothermometer agrees with those obtained from fluid inclusion determination and other isotope geothermometers.
Discovery of Cosmic Dust in Gold Deposits in Northwestern Sichuan and Its Significance
Authors: Minghua Zheng , Yufeng Zhou , Renping Fu 
Published: August 2010

Abstract In recent years, a considerable amount of microscopic spherules have been found in concentrates recovered from some stratabound gold deposits occurring in Middle‐Upper Triassic turbidite series in northwestern Sichuan. Study indicates that these spherules are cosmic dust. It is the first time that cosmic dust of extraterrestrial origin has been found in hydrothermal gold deposits in China.The spherules are steel‐grey in colour and show metallic luster. Their grain size is commonly less than 100 μm. According to their composition, they belong to chromium ‐ rich iron cosmic dust. The spherules have complex and diverse microscopic structures and textures, i.e. they show a very distinct Widmanstāten structure.The variation of cosmic dust content in gold deposits exhibits a positive correlation with the mineralization intensities and hydrothermal alteration. Such a relation indicates that the ore substances may transport not only mechanically but also may chemically in hydrothermal solutions.
Comparison of Combined Nose-Throat Swabs with Nasopharyngeal Aspirates for Detection of Pandemic Influenza A/H1N1 2009 Virus by Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase PCR
Authors: Ortiz de la Tabla Victoria , Masiá Mar , Antequera Pedro , Martin Coral , Gazquez Gregoria , Buñuel Fernando , Gutiérrez Félix 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT

Data assessing the diagnostic accuracies of use of different respiratory samples for the detection of the novel influenza A/H1N1 2009 virus by molecular methods are lacking. The objective of this study was to compare the sensitivity of combined nose and throat swabs (CNTS) with that of nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA). This was a prospective study of adults and children with suspected influenza. Real-time reverse transcriptase PCR testing was used for the virological diagnosis. Of the 2,473 patients included, 264 with paired CNTS and NPA were randomly selected. Novel influenza A/H1N1 virus was identified in at least one sample for 115 (43.6%) patients, the majority of them young adults. In 109 patients (94.8%) the virus was identified in the CNTS, and in 98 (85.2%) it was identified in the NPA (
P
= 0.02). In 93 patients (80.1%), the virus was identified in both specimens. Spearman's rho correlation coefficient between the two methods was 0.82 (
P
< 0.001). There were no significant differences in accuracy between the specimens when patients were stratified according to demographic or clinical characteristics except in the case of women, in whom the sensitivity of CNTS was higher (
P
= 0.01). The combination of CNTS and NPA had a significantly higher sensitivity in identifying the virus than did each method alone (
P
= 0.02 for the comparison of the combination of both sampling methods with CNTS, and
P
< 0.001 for the comparison with NPA). We conclude that in patients with the novel influenza A/H1N1 virus, the diagnostic yield of CNTS is higher than that of NPA. The combination of both sampling methods increases the likelihood of diagnosing the virus.