bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Light‐ and electronmicroscopic study of infiltration of resin into initial caries lesions—a new methodological approach
Authors: ARNOLD W.H. , GAENGLER P. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryIt was the purpose of this pilot study to investigate resin infiltration into various types of initial subsurface caries lesions using a combined microscopic technique with polarized light microscopy and fluorescence microscopy and subsequent scanning microscopy with EDX‐element analysis. Six extracted premolars with initial caries lesions were used. Five were infiltrated with resin after imbibition of the subsurface carious pore volume of enamel with sodium fluorescein solution. After light curing the unbound dye was removed by washing out in water. Serial sections were cut through the lesions and investigated with polarized light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and simultaneously with both microscopic techniques. The same sections were then studied with scanning electron microscopy and EDX‐element analysis to prove the infiltration of the resin into the lesions. The results showed, that the combination technique adds further morphologic information to infiltration behaviour of the resin. The individual volume of early acute lesions versus chronic lesions involving dentin, and the fluorescein bound by resin was well documented in serial sections. The EDX calcium and phosphorus signals correlate negatively with the lesion extension, and the carbon signal correlates positively, thus labelling the resin infiltration. It could be demonstrated that resin infiltration is dependent from the pore volume of the lesion. It can be concluded that the combined polarized light microscopy with fluorescence microscopy is an advantageous tool for studying infiltration of resin into hard tissues.
Collagen bundle morphometry in skin and scar tissue: a novel distance mapping method provides superior measurements compared to Fourier analysis
Authors: VERHAEGEN PAULINE D.H.M. , VAN MARLE JAN , KUEHNE ANDREAS , SCHOUTEN HENNIE J. , GAFFNEY EAMONN A. , MAINI PHILIP K. , MIDDELKOOP ESTHER , VAN ZUIJLEN PAUL P.M. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryHistopathological evaluations of fibrotic processes require the characterization of collagen morphology in terms of geometrical features such as bundle orientation thickness and spacing. However, there are currently no reliable and valid techniques of measuring bundle thickness and spacing. Hence, two objective methods quantifying the collagen bundle thickness and spacing were tested for their reliability and validity: Fourier first‐order maximum analysis and Distance Mapping, with the latter constituting a newly developed morphometric technique. Histological slides were constructed and imaged from 50 scar and 50 healthy human skin biopsies and subsequently analyzed by two observers to determine the interobserver reliability via the intraclass correlation coefficient. An intraclass correlation coefficient larger than 0.7 is considered as representing good reliability. The interobserver reliability for the Fourier first‐order maximum and for the Distance Mapping algorithms, respectively, showed an intraclass correlation coefficient above 0.72 and 0.89. Additionally, we performed an assessment of validity in the form of responsiveness, in particular, demonstrating medium to excellent results via a calculation of the effect size, highlighting that both methods are sensitive enough to measure a treatment effect in clinical practice. In summary, two reliable and valid measurement methods were demonstrated for collagen bundle morphometry for the first time. Due to its superior reliability and more useful measures (bundle thickness and bundle spacing), Distance Mapping emerges as the preferred and more practical method. Nevertheless, in the future, both methods can be used for reliable and valid collagen morphometry of skin and scars, whereas further applications evaluating the quantitative microscopy of other fibrotic processes are anticipated.
Transient Attenuated Foxp3 Expression on CD4+ T cells Treated with 7D4 mAb Contributes to the Control of Parasite Burden in DBA / 2 Mice Infected with Lethal Plasmodium chabaudi chabaudi AS
Authors: Feng H. , Zhu X. T. , Qi Z. M. , Wang Q. H. , Wang G. G. , Pan Y. Y. , Li Y. , Zheng L. , Jiang Y. J. , Shang H. , Cui L. , Cao Y. M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractCD4+ CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells expressing Foxp3+ play a critical role in maintaining immune homoeostasis and controlling excessive immune responses. However, controversy about the immunoregulatory role of Treg cells exists in malaria studies. Given the role of maintenance of Foxp3 expression in Treg cells’ activities, we investigated whether anti‐CD25 mAb (7D4 clone) treatment affects Foxp3 expression in CD4+ T cells in DBA/2 mice infected with Plasmodium chabaudi chabaudi AS (P. c. chabaudi AS). We found that DBA/2 mice succumbed to P. c. chabaudi AS infection, which was accompanied by increased expression of Foxp3 in CD4+ T cells at the peak parasitemia. In contrast, Foxp3 expression was impaired in CD25‐depleted mice with 7D4 mAb treatment, leading to delayed parasitemia and extended survival of infected mice. Production of IFN‐γ, TNF‐α and IL‐6, as well as NO was significantly enhanced in CD25‐depleted mice. The majority of CD4+ CTLA‐4+ cells expressed high levels of Foxp3 (Foxp3hi cells) in control mice with P. c. chabaudi AS infection. However, the number of CD4+ Foxp3hiCTLA‐4+ cells was reduced in CD25‐depleted mice. Together, these data suggest that CD4+ Foxp3hiCTLA‐4+ cells may be involved in regulating the intensity of pro‐inflammatory responses via CTLA‐4.
Evidence of Saharan dust in upper Pleistocene reworked palaeosols of North‐west Sardinia, Italy: palaeoenvironmental implications
Authors: ANDREUCCI STEFANO , BATEMAN MARK D. , ZUCCA CLAUDIO , KAPUR SELIM , AKŞIT İHSAN , DUNAJKO ADAM , PASCUCCI VINCENZO 
Published: September 2011

AbstractA multi‐disciplinary approach was followed to investigate two thick palaeosol strata that alternate with wind‐blown dominated deposits developed along the Alghero coast (North‐west Sardinia, Italy). Optically stimulated luminescence ages reveal that both palaeosols were developed during cooler drier periods: the first one at around 70 ka Marine Isotope Stage 4 and the latter around 50 ka (Marine Isotope Stage 3). In contrast, the pedological features indicate that the palaeosols underwent heavy weathering processes under warm humid to sub‐humid conditions, characteristic of the Sardinian climate during the last interglacial stage (Marine Isotope Stage 5e). To reconcile this apparent data discrepancy, a range of sedimentological and pedological analyses were conducted. These analyses reveal that the palaeosols possess a complex history, with accumulation and weathering occurring during Marine Isotope Stage 5e, and erosion, colluviation and final deposition taking place during the following cold stages. Thus, even if these reddish palaeosols were last formed during the glacial period, the sediments building up these strata probably record the climate of the last interglacial stage (Marine Isotope Stage 5e). Trace element and X‐ray diffraction analyses, together with scanning electron microscope images, reveal the presence of Saharan dust in the parent material of the palaeosols. However, no evidence of any far‐travelled African dust has been observed in the Marine Isotope Stage 4–3 aeolian deposits. It is possible to conclude that in the West Mediterranean islands, Saharan dust input, even if of modest magnitude, is preserved preferentially in soils accumulated and weathered during interglacial stages.
An Immunohistochemical Study of Ovarian Follicle Histogenesis in the Early Post‐hatch Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)
Authors: Madekurozwa M.‐C. 
Published: September 2011

With 6 figuresSummaryThe early post‐hatch development of immunoreactivity to vimentin, desmin, smooth muscle actin (SMA) and laminin, in relation to follicle histogenesis, was described in this study. Ovigerous cords in day old quails contained pre‐granulosa cells and oocytes. Pre‐granulosa cells at the cortico‐medullary junction were vimentin immunopositive. A laminin immunopositive basement membrane and desmin immunopositive mesenchymal cells lined the ovigerous cords. Ovigerous cords in 3‐day‐old quails contained developing primordial follicles, the vimentin immunopositive pre‐granulosa cells of which were partially encircled by a basement membrane and desmin immunopositive mesenchymal cells. In 5‐ to 7‐day‐old quails, ovigerous cords formed an outer cortical region, while primordial follicles formed the inner cortical region. Early pre‐vitellogenic follicles were present in 9‐ to 13‐day‐old quails. Underlying the granulosa cells of these follicles was a laminin immunopositive basement membrane and a layer of desmin immunopositive thecal cells. Early and late pre‐vitellogenic follicles dominated the ovary in 15‐ to 17‐day‐old quails. The thecal layer in these follicles was desmin immunopositive, but SMA immunonegative. The results of the study have shown that the process of primordial follicle development in the Japanese quail is similar to that reported in mammals. The study suggests that in the quail pre‐granulosa cells originate predominantly from the medulla. The study has shown that, in the Japanese quail, thecal cells are derived from desmin immunopositive mesenchymal cells lining the ovigerous cords.
Host genomics and HCV treatment response
Authors: Clark Paul J , Thompson Alexander J 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIn 2009, an association between the interleukin‐28B (IL28B) polymorphism and treatment outcome for genotype 1 (G1) hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, as well as spontaneous clearance of HCV, was reported. Since the initial publications, over 100 articles have appeared in the peer‐reviewed literature, with many more manuscripts in press and abstracts presented at scientific meetings. Despite the proliferation of data concerning the IL28B polymorphism and HCV infection, there remain many critical unanswered questions about clinical implications and the underlying biological mechanisms. In this review, we discuss the basic principles of genome‐wide association study methodologies that are important for interpreting the results of genetic association studies. We then review the current literature concerning the association between IL28B variants and interferon (IFN) treatment response in patients with chronic HCV infection, as well as spontaneous HCV clearance. We consider the relevance of the IL28B polymorphism to non‐G1 HCV, as well as the special treatment populations of HIV/HCV co‐infection and recurrent HCV post‐liver transplantation. We review current knowledge of the biological mechanisms underlying this genetic association, including the link to liver IFN‐stimulated gene expression, and identify continuing gaps in our knowledge and key research priorities. Finally, pegylated‐IFN and ribavirin is no longer the standard of care for the treatment of G1 HCV, and we conclude by considering the relevance of IL28B polymorphisms in the era of direct‐acting antivirals.
18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography to evaluate recurrent gastric cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Lian‐Ming , Hu Jia‐Ni , Hua Jia , Gu Hai‐Yan , Zhu Jiong , Xu Jian‐Rong 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  We aimed to explore the role of the diagnostic accuracy of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F‐FDG PET) in detecting recurrent gastric cancer through a systematic review and meta‐analysis.Methods:  The MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cancerlit, and Cochrane Library database, from January 2001 to July 2011, were searched for studies evaluating the diagnostic performance of 18F‐FDG PET in detecting recurrent gastric cancer. We determined the sensitivities and specificities across studies, calculated positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR−), and constructed summary receiver operating characteristic curves. We also compared the performance of 18F‐FDG PET with computed tomography (CT) by analyzing studies that had also used these diagnostic methods on the same patients.Results:  Across nine studies (526 patients), the overall sensitivity of 18F‐FDG PET was 0.78 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68–0.86), and the overall specificity was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.76–0.87). Overall, LR+ was 3.52 (95% CI: 2.68–4.63) and LR− was 0.32 (95% CI: 0.22–0.46). In studies in which both 18F‐FDG PET and other diagnostic tests were performed, the sensitivity and specificity of 18F‐FDG PET were 0.72 (95% CI: 0.62–0.80) and 0.84 (95% CI: 0.77–0.90), respectively; of contrast CT, they were 0.74 (95% CI: 0.64–0.83) and 0.85 (95% CI: 0.78–0.90), respectively; and of combined PET and CT, they were 0.75 (95% CI: 0.67–0.82) and 0.85 (95% CI 0.79–0.90), respectively. Study sensitivity was not correlated with the prevalence of recurrent gastric cancer.Conclusion:  18F‐FDG PET has good diagnostic performance in the overall evaluation of recurrent gastric cancer, but still has some limited performance compared with contrast CT. 18F‐FDG PET combined with CT might improve the diagnostic performance in detecting recurrent gastric cancer.
Null genotype of glutathione S‐transferase Tl contributes to colorectal cancer risk in the Asian population: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhong Shan , Yang Jia‐He , Liu Kai , Jiao Bing‐Hua , Chang Zhijie 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Previous studies investigating the association between the glutathione S‐transferase Tl (GSTT1) null genotype and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in the Asian population have reported controversial results. Thus, a meta‐analysis was performed to clarify the effect of the GSTT1 null genotype on CRC risk in the Asian population.Methods:  A comprehensive study was conducted, and 12 case‐control studies were finally included, involving a total of 4517 CRC cases and 6607 controls. Subgroup analyses were performed by the sample size.Results:  A meta‐analysis of all 12 studies showed that the GSTT1 null genotype was significantly associated with an increased CRC risk in the Asian population (odds ratio [OR] = 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02–1.19, the P‐value of the OR [POR] = 0.02, the value of the heterogeneity analysis [I2] = 42%). A more obvious association was observed after the heterogeneity was eliminated by excluding one study (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.06–1.25, POR = 0.001, I2 = 0%). This association was further identified by both subgroup analyses and a sensitivity analysis.Conclusions:  This meta‐analysis suggests that the GSTT1 null genotype contributes to an increased colorectal cancer risk in the Asian population.
Management of ascites in cirrhosis
Authors: Wong Florence 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAscites is a common complication of liver cirrhosis associated with a poor prognosis. The treatment of ascites requires dietary sodium restriction and the judicious use of distal and loop diuretics, sequential at an earlier stage of ascites, and a combination at a later stage of ascites. The diagnosis of refractory ascites requires the demonstration of diuretic non‐responsiveness, despite dietary sodium restriction, or the presence of diuretic‐related complications. Patients with refractory ascites require second‐line treatments of repeat large‐volume paracentesis (LVP) or the insertion of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), and assessment for liver transplantation. Careful patient selection is paramount for TIPS to be successful as a treatment for ascites. Patients not suitable for TIPS insertion should receive LVP. The use of albumin as a volume expander is recommended for LVP of >5–6 L to prevent the development of circulatory dysfunction, although the clinical significance of post‐paracentesis circulatory dysfunction is still debated. Significant mortality is still being observed in cirrhotic patients with ascites and relatively preserved liver and renal function, as indicated by a lower Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. It is proposed that patients with lower MELD scores and ascites should receive additional points in calculating their priority for liver transplantation. Potential new treatment options for ascites include the use of various vasoconstrictors, vasopressin V2 receptor antagonists, or the insertion of a peritoneo‐vesical shunt, all of which could possibly improve the management of ascites.
Evaluation of oxidative stress in children with congenital heart defects
Authors: Pirinccioglu Ayfer Gözü , Alyan Ömer , Kizil Göksel , Kangin Murat , Beyazit Nurcan 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground:  A significant cause of death and chronic illness in childhood is caused by cardiovascular diseases, including congenital heart disease (CHD). This study aims to investigate the oxidative stress status and to establish its association with CHD in children.Methods:  The study involves measurements of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PCO), total anti‐oxidant capacity, high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), fibrinogen and cytokine (interleukin [IL‐6] and tumor necrosis factor‐α) levels in 43 children with CHD and 30 healthy age‐matched children.Results:  MDA, PCO, hs‐CRP, fibrinogen, IL‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α were significantly elevated while total anti‐oxidant capacity was significantly declined in patients compared with the controls. MDA was positively correlated with PCO, hs‐CRP, Qp/Qs and systolic pulmonary artery pressure. PCO was positively correlated with hs‐CRP, fibrinogen, IL‐6 and systolic pulmonary artery pressure.Conclusion:  Oxidative stress and its association with other markers in children with CHD was established. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that PCO has been used as a biomarker in CHD and it may be employed as a new diagnostic biomarker in CHD and in the assessment of its severity.
Outcomes of very‐low‐birthweight infants at 3 years of age born in 2003–2004 in Japan
Authors: Kono Yumi , Mishina Jun , Yonemoto Naohiro , Kusuda Satoshi , Fujimura Masanori 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground:  The aim of this study was to describe and compare neurodevelopmental outcomes with birthweight (BW) groups at 250‐g intervals of very‐low‐birthweight (VLBW) infants at 3 years of age in a multicenter cohort in Japan.Methods:  A total of 3104 VLBW infants born in 2003 and 2004 registered in a NICU‐network database were followed in the study. Neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) was defined as any of the following impairments: cerebral palsy, unilateral or bilateral blindness, severe hearing impairment, or developmental delay; a developmental quotient (DQ) <70 measured using the Kyoto Scale of Psychological Development test or judged by physicians in infants without the test.Results:  A total of 257 infants died and follow‐up data were obtained from 1826 infants. Of the 1826 infants, 155 (8.5%) had cerebral palsy, 25 (1.4%) had visual impairment, and 12 (0.7%) had hearing impairment. Of the 1197 infants in whom DQ was measured, 184 (15.4%) had DQ < 70. The proportion of NDI in the evaluated infants was 19.2% (n= 350), ranging from 11.9% (BW 1251–1500 g) to 42.0% (BW ≤ 500 g). Odds ratios (95%CI) of NDI or death against the group BW 1251–1500 g were 20.62 (13.29–31.97) in BW ≤ 500 g, 7.25 (5.45–9.64) in BW 501–750 g, 2.85 (2.12–3.82) in BW 751–1000 g and 1.18 (0.85–1.64) in BW 1001–1250 g.Conclusion:  The increasing proportion of NDI or death, an indicator of adverse outcome, was associated with decrement in the BW of the groups. Although we have to consider a bias due to loss of follow‐up data, the incidence of NDI was similar to previous overseas cohort studies despite the higher survival proportion in our study.
Papillary squamotransitional cell carcinoma of the vagina
Authors: Niederle Bernhard , Rauthe Stephan , Engel Jörg B. , Krockenberger Matthias , Dietl Johannes , Honig Arnd 
Published: September 2011

AbstractA case of a papillary squamotransitional cell carcinoma (PSTCC) of the vagina with a follow‐up of 3 years is presented here. The characteristics of this case support a squamous rather than urothelial origin of this rare entity. Unlike its counterparts in the cervix uteri, the clinical behavior of vaginal PSTCC is more favorable than squamous cell carcinoma. Histological and clinical features are compared to those of previously described cases of vaginal and cervical PSTCC.
Elevation of plasma soluble CD26 levels during pregnancy
Authors: Zhao Shuming , Song Min , Fan Yahan , Chang Qing , Yi Weijing , Li Peng , Hu Chuanmin 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim:  CD26 is a type II transmembrane protein with dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) activity expressed on a variety of cell types. Recent studies have indicated that CD26 or enzymatic activity levels were previously associated with immune‐mediated disorders. As immunoregulation is very important for a successful pregnancy, we hypothesize that CD26 may play an important role during pregnancy, and herein, we sought to determine the association between circulating levels of soluble CD26 (sCD26) and pregnancy outcome.Material and Methods:  In this study, a stable hybridoma cell line 1F1 was produced by fusion of murine splenocytes and myeloma cells. An indirect competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ic‐ELISA) was developed for the detection of the maternal plasma sCD26. We measured the plasma levels of sCD26 in 80 normal pregnant women and 45 non‐pregnant women.Results:  Our results indicated that the plasma level of sCD26 was significantly higher in the pregnant group (P < 0.001) than that in the non‐pregnant group.Conclusion:  These findings hinted that CD26 may play a role in successful pregnancy and it is not an absolute surrogate marker for the Th1‐type immunity as the dominant Th2‐type immunity during pregnancy.
Future perspectives in robotic surgery
Authors: Wedmid Alexei , Llukani Elton , Lee David I. 
Published: September 2011

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Robotic surgery in its current form has established itself as a viable treatment option for several indications and the gold standard for a few indications. This has occurred because of the improved technology built into the robotics system. This paper looks at the brief history of robotics in surgery. Then we review in more detail some of the future possible additions to the technological armamentarium that might significantly improve the ways that surgeons perform robotic surgery.
Robotics of the current day have advanced significantly from early computer‐aided design/manufacturing systems to modern master‐slave robotic systems that replicate the surgeon's exact movements onto robotic instruments in the patient.
Globally >300 000 robotic procedures were completed in 2010, including ≈98 000 robot‐assisted radical prostatectomies.
Broadening applications of robotics for urological procedures are being investigated in both adult and paediatric urology.
The use of the current robotic system continues to be further refined. Increasing experience has optimized port placement reducing arm collisions to allow for more expedient surgery. Improved three‐dimensional camera magnification provides improved intraoperative identification of structures.
Robotics has probably improved the learning curve of laparoscopic surgery while still maintaining its patient recovery advantages and outcomes.
The future of robotic surgery will take this current platform forward by improving haptic (touch) feedback, improving vision beyond even the magnified eye, improving robot accessibility with a reduction of entry ports and miniaturizing the slave robot.
Here, we focus on the possible advancements that may change the future landscape of robotic surgery.