bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ulcerated palatal canalicular adenoma: a case series and review of the literature
Authors: Handley T.P.B. , Markose G. , Hunter K.D. , Currie W.J.R. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractCanalicular adenoma is a benign minor salivary gland neoplasm, which most commonly occurs in or near the upper lip. We present three cases of palatal canalicular adenoma that presented with mucosal ulceration, highlighting diagnosis, treatment and follow up, with a review of the current literature.
Caregiver Acceptability and Preferences for Early Childhood Caries Preventive Treatments for Hispanic Children
Authors: Adams Sally H. , Hyde Susan , Gansky Stuart A. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to determine caregiver treatment acceptability and preferences for five preventive dental treatments for early childhood caries in young Hispanic children. Methods: We interviewed 211 parents/caregivers of Hispanic children attending Head Start programs regarding their acceptability of, and preferences for, five standard preventive dental treatments for young children. Treatments assessed were toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste, fluoride varnish, and xylitol in food for children, and xylitol gum and chlorhexidine rinse for mothers. The interview assessment included presentation of illustrated cards with verbal description of treatment, photograph/video clip, and treatment samples. Parents rated the acceptability of each treatment (1‐5 scale) and treatment preferences within each of 10 possible pairs. Individual treatment preferences were summed to create overall preference scores (range 0‐4). Results: All treatments were rated as highly acceptable, however, there were differences (range 4.6‐4.9; Friedman chi‐square = 23.4, P < 0.001). Chlorhexidine, toothbrushing, and varnish were most acceptable, not different from each other, but more acceptable than xylitol in food (P < 0.05). Summed treatment preferences revealed greater variability (means ranged 1.4‐2.6; Friedman chi‐square = 128.2, P < 0.001). Fluoride varnish (2.6) and toothbrushing (2.5) were most highly preferred, and differences between preferences for xylitol in food (1.4), xylitol gum (1.5), and chlorhexidine (2.1) were all significant (P < 0.001). Preferences for chlorhexidine were also significantly greater than those for the xylitol products (P < 0.001). Conclusions: All five treatments were highly acceptable, however, when choosing among treatments overall, fluoride varnish and toothbrushing were favored over other treatments.
SYNCHRONISATION BETWEEN SOUTH AFRICA AND THE U.S.: A STRUCTURAL DYNAMIC FACTOR ANALYSIS
Authors: Kabundi Alain 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis paper studies the synchronisation of the South African and the US cycles and transmission channels through which supply and demand shocks from the US affect economic activity in South Africa in a structural dynamic factor model framework. We find, using the full‐sample period, US supply shocks are transmitted to South Africa through business confidence and imports of goods and services; while US demand shocks are transmitted via interest rates, stock prices, exports of goods and services, and real effective exchange rates. Second, there is a decrease in integration over time translated by a drop in synchronisation of cycles. The impact of an increase in comovement of GDP is outweighed by the structural reforms initiated by the government after the end of apartheid. Finally, the idiosyncratic component still plays an important role in the South African economy.
Bacteriostatic and Bactericidal Activities of Tigecycline against
Coxiella burnetii
and Comparison with Those of Six Other Antibiotics
Authors: Spyridaki Ioanna , Psaroulaki Anna , Vranakis Iosif , Tselentis Yannis , Gikas Achilleas 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

The present article is a study of the in vitro susceptibility of eight Greek
Coxiella burnetii
isolates, derived from patients with acute Q fever, and two reference strains of
Coxiella burnetii
to tigecycline. The bacteriostatic activity of tigecycline was compared with those of six other antibiotics using a shell vial assay. The MICs of the examined antibiotics were as follows: tigecycline ranged from 0.25 to 0.5 μg/ml; doxycycline, trovafloxacin, and ofloxacin ranged from 1 to 2 μg/ml; linezolid and clarithromycin ranged from 2 to 4 μg/ml; and ciprofloxacin ranged from 4 to 8 μg/ml. Tigecycline was effective in inhibiting the infection of Vero cells by
C. burnetii
. No bactericidal activity was observed against
C. burnetii
at 4 μg/ml.
TheFasciola hepaticaTegumental Antigen Suppresses Dendritic Cell Maturation and Function
Authors: Hamilton Clare M. , Dowling David J. , Loscher Christine E. , Morphew Russell M. , Brophy Peter M. , O'Neill Sandra M. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTParasitic worms and molecules derived from them have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and are shown to have therapeutic effects on inflammatory diseases. The helminthFasciola hepaticahas been reported to suppress antigen-specific Th1 responses in concurrent bacterial infections, thus demonstrating its anti-inflammatory ability in vivo. Here,F. hepaticategumental antigen (Teg) was shown to significantly suppress serum levels of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and interleukin-12p70 (IL-12p70) in a model of septic shock. Since dendritic cells (DCs) are a good source of IL-12p70 and critical in driving adaptive immunity, we investigated the effects ofF. hepaticaTeg on the activation and function of murine DCs. While Teg alone did not induce cytokine production or cell surface marker expression on DCs, it significantly suppressed cytokine production (IL-12p70, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and nitrite) and cell surface marker expression (CD80, CD86, and CD40) in DCs matured with a range of Toll-like receptor (TLR) and non-TLR ligands. Teg works independently of the TLR4 pathway, since it still functioned in DCs generated from TLR4 mutant and knockout mice. It impaired DC function by inhibiting their phagocytic capacity and their ability to prime T cells. It does not appear to target the common components (extracellular signal-regulated kinase, Jun N-terminal protein kinase, or p38) of the TLR pathways; however, it suppressed the active p65 subunit of the transcription factor NF-κB in mature DCs, which could explain the impairment of proinflammatory cytokine production. Overall, our results demonstrate the potent anti-inflammatory properties ofF. hepaticaTeg and its therapeutic potential as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Overcoming paralogy and incomplete lineage sorting to detect a phylogeographic signal: a GapC study of Armeria pungens
Authors: Piñeiro Rosalía , Costa Andrea , Aguilar Javier Fuertes , Feliner Gonzalo Nieto 
Published: March 2009

Low-copy nuclear genes have been suggested as a promising source of independent phylogeographic markers in plants. However, the available studies at the intraspecific level have revealed that extracting information from them is frequently hampered by paralogy and lack of coalescence of alleles. It is thus relevant to test their utility with plants for which solid data from other markers are available. The aims of this study are to retrieve phylogeographic useful information in a low-copy nuclear gene by examining the congruence of the genetic variation with the geography, as well as with previous nuclear ribosomal, plastid, and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Seven combinations of primers have been assayed to characterize the structure of GapC (cytosolic glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase) in Armeria pungens (Link) Hoffmanns. & Link, a linearly distributed Atlantic–Mediterranean disjunct sand-dune species. A matrix of 101 direct sequences from 71 individuals was analysed with statistical parsimony. To check the reliability of direct sequencing, 216 cloned sequences were also generated. Tests of recombination have also been attempted. By comparing nucleotide and amino acid sequences, three different paralogs (1, 2, 3) were identified of which paralog 2 was sampled for phylogeographic inference. Within this paralog, 13 alleles belonging in three different sequence types (I, II, III) were detected. These types are shown to correspond with lineages from the same locus whose splitting predates the origin of A. pungens, although type III could be a recent paralog. Allelic variation within types I and II followed a clear geographic trend supporting the two main genetic lineages detected in A. pungens with previous markers. This study suggests that information on the population history of a species can be retrieved, even if some uncertainty remains on the source of variation of low-copy nuclear gene sequences, either alleles from the same locus or paralogs.
Sea Level Variations in the Tropical Pacific Ocean and the Madden–Julian Oscillation
Authors: Zhang Xu , Lu Youyu , Thompson Keith R. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Satellite observations of sea level and surface wind from the tropical Pacific Ocean, and their relationship to the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), are analyzed using a combination of statistical techniques and a simple, physically based model. Wavenumber–frequency analysis reveals that sea level variations at the equator contain prominent eastward-propagating signals as the intraseasonal Kelvin waves. The component of sea level variation that is coherent with the MJO (ηMJO) is concentrated in a narrow strip along the equator between 150°E and 110°W. To explain the physical forcing of ηMJO, the component of zonal wind stress that is coherent with the MJO is also calculated. It is shown that is strongest in the western Pacific, but the MJO accounts for a higher percentage of the wind variance in the central equatorial Pacific. A simple linear model of the Kelvin waves, based on a first-order wave equation forced by and with a linear damping term included, successfully reproduces ηMJO. It is also shown that zonal wind variations to the east of the date line act to increase the apparent propagation speeds of the Kelvin waves.
Application of the Composite Method to the Spatial Forecast Verification Methods Intercomparison Dataset
Authors: Nachamkin Jason E. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
The composite method is applied to verify a series of idealized and real precipitation forecasts as part of the Spatial Forecast Verification Methods Intercomparison Project. The test cases range from simple geometric shapes to high-resolution (∼4 km) numerical model precipitation output. The performance of the composite method is described as it is applied to each set of forecasts. In general, the method performed well because it was able to relay information concerning spatial displacement and areal coverage errors. Summary scores derived from the composite means and the individual events displayed relevant information in a condensed form. The composite method also showed an ability to discern performance attributes from high-resolution precipitation forecasts from several competing model configurations, though the results were somewhat limited by the lack of data. Overall, the composite method proved to be most sensitive in revealing systematic displacement errors, while it was less sensitive to systematic model biases.
A genetic screen in zebrafish defines a hierarchical network of pathways required for hematopoietic stem cell emergence
Authors: Burns Caroline E. , Galloway Jenna L. , Smith Alexandra C. H. , Keefe Matthew D. , Cashman Timothy J. , Paik Elizabeth J. , Mayhall Elizabeth A. , Amsterdam Adam H. , Zon Leonard I. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractDefining the genetic pathways essential for hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) development remains a fundamental goal impacting stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. To genetically dissect HSC emergence in the aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) region, we screened a collection of insertional zebrafish mutant lines for expression of the HSC marker, c-myb. Nine essential genes were identified, which were subsequently binned into categories representing their proximity to HSC induction. Using overexpression and loss-of-function studies in zebrafish, we ordered these signaling pathways with respect to each other and to the Vegf, Notch, and Runx programs. Overexpression of vegf and notch is sufficient to induce HSCs in the tbx16 mutant, despite a lack of axial vascular organization. Although embryos deficient for artery specification, such as the phospholipase C gamma-1 (plcγ1) mutant, fail to specify HSCs, overexpression of notch or runx1 can rescue their hematopoietic defect. The most proximal HSC mutants, such as hdac1, were found to have no defect in vessel or artery formation. Further analysis demonstrated that hdac1 acts downstream of Notch signaling but upstream or in parallel to runx1 to promote AGM hematopoiesis. Together, our results establish a hierarchy of signaling programs required and sufficient for HSC emergence in the AGM.
Genic non-coding microsatellites in the rice genome: characterization, marker design and use in assessing genetic and evolutionary relationships among domesticated groups
Authors: Parida Swarup Kumar , Dalal Vivek , Singh Ashok Kumar , Singh Nagendra Kumar , Mohapatra Trilochan 
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Background
Completely sequenced plant genomes provide scope for designing a large number of microsatellite markers, which are useful in various aspects of crop breeding and genetic analysis. With the objective of developing genic but non-coding microsatellite (GNMS) markers for the rice (Oryza sativa L.) genome, we characterized the frequency and relative distribution of microsatellite repeat-motifs in 18,935 predicted protein coding genes including 14,308 putative promoter sequences.

Results
We identified 19,555 perfect GNMS repeats with densities ranging from 306.7/Mb in chromosome 1 to 450/Mb in chromosome 12 with an average of 357.5 GNMS per Mb. The average microsatellite density was maximum in the 5' untranslated regions (UTRs) followed by those in introns, promoters, 3'UTRs and minimum in the coding sequences (CDS). Primers were designed for 17,966 (92%) GNMS repeats, including 4,288 (94%) hypervariable class I types, which were bin-mapped on the rice genome. The GNMS markers were most polymorphic in the intronic region (73.3%) followed by markers in the promoter region (53.3%) and least in the CDS (26.6%). The robust polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification efficiency and high polymorphic potential of GNMS markers over genic coding and random genomic microsatellite markers suggest their immediate use in efficient genotyping applications in rice. A set of these markers could assess genetic diversity and establish phylogenetic relationships among domesticated rice cultivar groups. We also demonstrated the usefulness of orthologous and paralogous conserved non-coding microsatellite (CNMS) markers, identified in the putative rice promoter sequences, for comparative physical mapping and understanding of evolutionary and gene regulatory complexities among rice and other members of the grass family. The divergence between long-grained aromatics and subspecies japonica was estimated to be more recent (0.004 Mya) compared to short-grained aromatics from japonica (0.006 Mya) and long-grained aromatics from subspecies indica (0.014 Mya).

Conclusion
Our analyses showed that GNMS markers with their high polymorphic potential would be preferred candidate functional markers in various marker-based applications in rice genetics, genomics and breeding. The CNMS markers provided encouraging implications for their use in comparative genome mapping and understanding of evolutionary complexities in rice and other members of grass family.
New structural analogues of curcumin exhibit potent growth suppressive activity in human colorectal carcinoma cells
Authors: Cen Ling , Hutzen Brian , Ball Sarah , DeAngelis Stephanie , Chen Chun-Liang , Fuchs James R , Li Chenglong , Li Pui-Kai , Lin Jiayuh 
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Background
Colorectal carcinoma is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the Western World. Novel therapeutic approaches are needed for colorectal carcinoma. Curcumin, the active component and yellow pigment of turmeric, has been reported to have several anti-cancer activities including anti-proliferation, anti-invasion, and anti-angiogenesis. Clinical trials have suggested that curcumin may serve as a potential preventive or therapeutic agent for colorectal cancer.

Methods
We compared the inhibitory effects of curcumin and novel structural analogues, GO-Y030, FLLL-11, and FLLL-12, in three independent human colorectal cancer cell lines, SW480, HT-29, and HCT116. MTT cell viability assay was used to examine the cell viability/proliferation and western blots were used to determine the level of PARP cleavages. Half-Maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were calculated using Sigma Plot 9.0 software.

Results
Curcumin inhibited cell viability in all three of the human colorectal cancer cell lines studied with IC50 values ranging between 10.26 μM and 13.31 μM. GO-Y030, FLLL-11, and FLLL-12 were more potent than curcumin in the inhibition of cell viability in these three human colorectal cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging between 0.51 μM and 4.48 μM. In addition, FLLL-11 and FLLL-12 exhibit low toxicity to WI-38 normal human lung fibroblasts with an IC-50 value greater than 1,000 μM. GO-Y030, FLLL-11, and FLLL-12 are also more potent than curcumin in the induction of apoptosis, as evidenced by cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase-3 in all three human colorectal cancer cell lines studied.

Conclusion
The results indicate that the three curcumin analogues studied exhibit more potent inhibitory activity than curcumin in human colorectal cancer cells. Thus, they may have translational potential as chemopreventive or therapeutic agents for colorectal carcinoma.
A systematic review of the literature on the effectiveness of exercise therapy for groin pain in athletes
Authors: Machotka Zuzana , Kumar Saravana , Perraton Luke G 
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Background
Athletes competing in sports that require running, changes in direction, repetitive kicking and physical contact are at a relatively higher risk of experiencing episodes of athletic groin pain. To date, there has been no systematic review that aims to inform clinicians about the best available evidence on features of exercise interventions for groin pain in athletes. The primary aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the available evidence on the effectiveness of exercise therapy for groin pain in athletes. The secondary aim of this review was to identify the key features of exercise interventions used in the management of groin pain in an athletic population.

Methods
MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, SPORTSDiscus, Embase, AMED, Ovid, PEDro, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and Google Scholar databases were electronically searched. Data relating to research design, sample population, type of sport and exercise intervention was extracted. The methodological evaluation of included studies was conducted by using a modified quantitative critical appraisal tool.

Results
The search strategy identified 468 studies, 12 of which were potentially relevant. Ultimately five studies were included in this review. Overall the quality of primary research literature was moderate, with only one randomised controlled trial identified. All included studies provided evidence that an exercise intervention may lead to favourable outcomes in terms of return to sport. Four of the five studies reviewed included a strengthening component and most utilised functional, standing positions similar to those required by their sport. No study appropriately reported the intensity of their exercise interventions. Duration of intervention ranged from 3.8 weeks to 16 weeks. All five studies reported the use of one or more co-intervention.

Conclusion
Best available evidence to date, with its limitations, continues to support common clinical practice of exercise therapy as a key component of rehabilitation for groin pain in athletes. Overall, the available evidence suggests that exercise, particularly strengthening exercise of the hip and abdominal musculature could be an effective intervention for athletes with groin pain. Literature provides foundational evidence that this may need to be in the form of progressive exercises (static to functional) and performed through range. There is currently no clear evidence regarding the most effective intensity and frequency of exercise, because of a lack of reporting in the primary literature.
Anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic effects of piperine in human interleukin 1β-stimulated fibroblast-like synoviocytes and in rat arthritis models
Authors: Bang Jun Soo , Oh Da Hee , Choi Hyun Mi , Sur Bong-Jun , Lim Sung-Jig , Kim Jung Yeon , Yang Hyung-In , Yoo Myung Chul , Hahm Dae-Hyun , Kim Kyoung Soo 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Introduction
The objective of this study was to determine the anti-inflammatory, nociceptive, and antiarthritic effects of piperine, the active phenolic component in black pepper extract.

Methods
The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of piperine was tested on interleukin 1β (IL1β)-stimulated fibroblast-like synoviocytes derived form patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The levels of IL6, matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs), cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were investigated by ELISA and RT-PCR analysis. The analgesic and antiarthritic activities of piperine were investigated on rat models of carrageenan-induced acute paw pain and arthritis. The former were evaluated with a paw pressure test, and the latter by measuring the squeaking score, paw volume, and weight distribution ratio. Piperine was administrated orally to rats at 20 and 100 mg/kg/day for 8 days.

Results
Piperine inhibited the expression of IL6 and MMP13 and reduced the production of PGE2 in a dose dependant manner at concentrations of 10 to 100 μg/ml. In particular, the production of PGE2 was significantly inhibited even at 10 μg/ml of piperine. Piperine inhibited the migration of activator protein 1 (AP-1), but not nuclear factor (NF)κB, into the nucleus in IL1β-treated synoviocytes. In rats, piperine significantly reduced nociceptive and arthritic symptoms at days 8 and 4, respectively. Histological staining showed that piperine significantly reduced the inflammatory area in the ankle joints.

Conclusions
These results suggest that piperine has anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antiarthritic effects in an arthritis animal model. Thus, piperine should be further studied with regard to use either as a pharmaceutical or as a dietary supplement for the treatment of arthritis.