bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of self‐ligating brackets on the surfaces of stainless steel wires following clinical use: AFM investigation
Authors: CHOI S. , JOO H.‐J. , CHEONG Y. , PARK Y.‐G. , PARK H.‐K. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryIn orthodontic treatment, the frictional force between the archwire and bracket reduces the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment. The frictional force is affected not only by the geometry of the self‐ligating brackets but also by physical changes between the bracket slots and archwire surfaces during sliding movement. This study examined quantitatively the effect of self‐ligating treatments on the surfaces of stainless steel (SS) archwires during tooth movement in vivo by atomic force microscopy. Orthodontic 0.019″ × 0.025″ SS archwires after clinical use with the first bicuspid‐extraction treatment were employed using the Damon 3MX® SS self‐ligating brackets, Clippy‐C® ceramic self‐ligating brackets, and Kosaka® SS brackets. Intact SS archwires were used as the control group. All SS archwires after clinical use showed severe scratches and significantly higher roughness caused by frictional interactions between the brackets and archwires (p < 0.0001 vs. control). The descending order of surface roughness was the SS archwires treated, with ceramic self‐ligating brackets, with conventional SS brackets, and with SS self‐ligating brackets (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that an orthodontic treatment with SS self‐ligating brackets may require smaller orthodontic forces than that with ceramic self‐ligating brackets or conventional SS brackets.
Transcription regulation of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae PHO5 gene by the Ino2p and Ino4p basic helix–loop–helix proteins
Authors: He Ying , Swaminathan Aishwarya , Lopes John M. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryThe Saccharomyces cerevisiae PHO5 gene product accounts for a majority of the acid phosphatase activity. Its expression is induced by the basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) protein, Pho4p, in response to phosphate depletion. Pho4p binds predominantly to two UAS elements (UASp1 at −356 and UASp2 at −247) in the PHO5 promoter. Previous studies from our lab have shown cross‐regulation of different biological processes by bHLH proteins. This study tested the ability of all yeast bHLH proteins to regulate PHO5 expression and identified inositol‐mediated regulation via the Ino2p/Ino4p bHLH proteins. Ino2p/Ino4p are known regulators of phospholipid biosynthetic genes. Genetic epistasis experiments showed that regulation by inositol required a third UAS site (UASp3 at −194). ChIP assays showed that Ino2p:Ino4p bind the PHO5 promoter and that this binding is dependent on Pho4p binding. These results demonstrate that phospholipid biosynthesis is co‐ordinated with phosphate utilization via the bHLH proteins.
Scalp seborrheic dermatitis: prevalence and associated factors in male adolescents
Authors: de Avelar Breunig Juliano , de Almeida Jr Hiram Larangeira , Duquia Rodrigo Pereira , Souza Paulo Ricardo Martins , Staub Henrique Luiz 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground The prevalence of seborrheic dermatitis (SD) in the general population is variable in the literature. Factors associated with SD are not well understood.Objective To verify the prevalence of scalp SD in a selected survey of male adolescents on mandatory military service and to find possible associated factors (skin color, socioeconomic level, triceps skin fold, acne, and tobacco consumption).Methods This cross‐sectional study included 18‐year‐old male adolescents on compulsory military service in a southern Brazilian city. Scalp SD was considered as erythema and scaling in any part of the scalp. Skin color, socioeconomic level, triceps skin fold, acne, and tabagism comprised the independent variables studied in our population.Results A total of 2201 adolescents entered the study. The global prevalence of scalp SD was 11%. White skin [adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) 1.42; 95% CI 1.06–1.92;P = 0.02] and triceps skin fold >19.5 mm (adjusted PR 1.56; 95% CI 1.12–2.18;P = 0.009) were significantly associated with scalp SD. The other variables were not associated with the outcome.Conclusions Prevalence of scalp SD in our survey of male adolescents was 11%. The occurrence of scalp SD was associated with white skin and a higher body fat content.
Clinical and histopathological study of Simulium (blackfly) dermatitis from North‐Eastern India – a report
Authors: Borah Subhalaxmi , Goswami Sewali , Agarwal Manisha , Rahman Imtiaz , Deka Manab , Chattopadhyay Pronobesh , Singh Lokendra 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground  Simulium dermatitis is a common problem in humans and animals in areas where Simulium species occur. It is characterized by chronic eruptions of pruritic papules, vesicles, and erythematous wheals resulting from a hypersensitivity reaction to biting of simuliids or blackflies. It can result in severe skin complications where the man‐biting species of Simulium are available.Materials and methods  We report two clinical cases of Simulium dermatitis from the North‐Eastern region of India. Histopathological study was carried out in one of the cases and the other one was successfully treated with medication.Results  Clinical features like intense itching, which accompanies the eruption, resulting in excoriations, scarring, and permanent hyperpigmentation were reported. Histopathological study revealed the characteristic features of Simulium bite reaction, such as vesicles filled with serous fluid, dermal edema, and perivascular infiltrates rich in eosinophils and lymphocytes.Conclusion  The clinical manifestations and severity of Simulium dermatitis are serious matters of concern in hypersensitive persons.
Psoriasis, a model of dermatologic psychosomatic disease: psychiatric implications and treatments
Authors: Rieder Evan , Tausk Francisco 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPsoriasis is a common dermatologic disorder with psychiatric comorbidity that often goes undetected and untreated. Psoriasis has higher associations with psychiatric illness than do other dermatologic conditions. We conducted a comprehensive qualitative review of all published medical literature on psoriasis and psychiatric comorbidities since 2005. We found that psoriasis patients suffer psychiatric and psychosocial morbidity that is not commensurate with the extent of cutaneous lesions. Biologic therapies and nonpharmacologic psychosocial interventions show promise in treating comorbid psychiatric illness. The main limitations of this review are the low quality of published studies and the infrequent use of basic science endpoints in reporting treatment outcomes. The literature examining the psychiatric comorbidity of psoriasis is expanding but remains of variable quality. Stronger studies will be necessary to more accurately estimate comorbidities and help identify and comprehensively treat suffering patients.
The effect of l‐thyroxine treatment on chronic idiopathic urticaria and autoimmune thyroiditis
Authors: Magen Eli , Mishal Joseph 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAutoimmune thyroiditis (AT) is more prevalent in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria CIU) than in the general population. Previous small studies without any controlled comparison reported that CIU remits in patients with CIU and AT treated with l‐thyroxine. To determine whether l‐thyroxine treatment can improve the clinical course of CIU in patients with the co‐occurrence of AT and CIU. A total of 749 patients with CIU were retrospectively studied. Clinical and laboratory evaluation and classification of chronic urticaria were performed according to the EAACI/GA(2)LEN/EDF/WAO guidelines. After l‐thyroxine treatment for 53 ± 19 days, euthyroidism was restored in all subjects. Urticaria activity score (UAS) was evaluated at baseline and after three and six months. The control group consisted of matched 44 euthyroid subjects with CIU. A total of 44 (5.9%) patients were diagnosed to have hypothyroidism related to AT. Autologous serum skin test (ASST) was found to be positive in 17 (38.6%) of them. There was no statistically significant difference in baseline UAS, between the ASST+ (3.94 ± 1.52) and the ASST− (3.63 ± 1.42; P = 0.27) hypothyroid subjects and the euthyroid CIU controls (3.73 ± 1.74). During the l‐thyroxine treatment, a significant reduction of UAS was observed in both hypothyroid ASST+ and ASST− subjects. However, the mean UAS after three and six months of l‐thyroxine treatment remained not significantly different from that in control euthyroid subjects with CIU. l‐Thyroxine treatment has no effect on the course of CIU in patients with CIU and AT.
Human blood basophils do not act as antigen‐presenting cells for the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1
Authors: Kitzmüller C. , Nagl B. , Deifl S. , Walterskirchen C. , Jahn‐Schmid B. , Zlabinger G. J. , Bohle B. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground:Several studies in mice have recently shown that basophils can act as antigen‐presenting cells (APC) inducing Th2‐mediated immune responses against parasites or protease allergens. The aim of this study was to investigate whether human basophils function as APC for the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1.Methods:Fluorescently labeled Bet v 1 was used to assess surface binding and internalization of allergen by basophils and different types of APC from birch pollen‐allergic and nonallergic individuals. Sorted basophils were analyzed in terms of up‐regulation of MHC class II and co‐stimulatory molecules in the absence and presence of IL‐3 and IFN‐γ by flow cytometry. Expression of proteins crucial for antigen presentation, namely cathepsin S and invariant chain, was determined. Basophils were used as APC in co‐culture experiments with Bet v 1‐specific T‐cell clones (TCCs).Results:Basophils from birch pollen‐allergic donors very efficiently bound Bet v 1 through IgE/FcεRI complexes on their surface. In contrast to professional APC, basophils did not internalize allergen and expressed marginal levels of cathepsin S and invariant chain. HLA‐DP, HLA‐DQ, CD80/CD86, and CD40 were absent from purified basophils even when stimulated with IL‐3 plus IFN‐γ. IL‐3/IFN‐γ marginally up‐regulated HLA‐DR. Bet v 1‐pulsed basophils failed to induce proliferative and cytokine responses in Bet v 1‐specific, HLA‐DR‐restricted TCCs.Conclusion:Human basophils neither internalize, process nor present Bet v 1. Because Bet v 1 is a highly relevant allergen, we conclude that basophils play no role as APC in IgE‐mediated allergy in humans.
Percutaneous tracheostomy, a systematic review
Authors: CABRINI L. , MONTI G. , LANDONI G. , BIONDI‐ZOCCAI G. , BOROLI F. , MAMO D. , PLUMARI V. P. , COLOMBO S. , ZANGRILLO A. 
Published: December 2011

BackgroundPercutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is a common procedure in intensive care units and the identification of the best technique is very important. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized studies comparing different PDT techniques in critically ill adult patients to investigate if one technique is superior to the others with regard to major and minor intraprocedural complications.MethodsBioMedCentral and other database of clinical trials were searched for pertinent studies. Inclusion criterion was random allocation to at least two PDT techniques. Exclusion criteria were duplicate publications, nonadult studies, and absence of outcome data.Study DesignPopulation, clinical setting, and complications were extracted.ResultsData from 1130 patients in 13 randomized trials were analyzed. Multiple dilators, single‐step dilatation, guide wire dilating forceps, rotational dilation, retrograde tracheostomy, and balloon dilation techniques were always performed in the intensive care unit. The different techniques and devices appeared largely equivalent, with the exception of retrograde tracheostomy, which was associated with more severe complications and more frequent need of conversion to other techniques when compared with guide wire dilating forceps and single‐step dilatation techniques. Single‐step dilatation technique was associated with fewer failures than rotational dilation, and fewer mild complications in comparison with balloon dilation and guide wire dilating forceps (all P < 0.05).ConclusionsAmong the six analyzed techniques, single‐step dilatation technique appeared the most reliable in terms of safety and success rate. However, the number of available randomized trials was insufficient to confidently assess the best PDT technique.
GhAGP31, a cotton non‐classical arabinogalactan protein, is involved in response to cold stress during early seedling development
Authors: Gong S.‐Y. , Huang G.‐Q. , Sun X. , Li P. , Zhao L.‐L. , Zhang D.‐J. , Li X.‐B. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractArabinogalactan proteins (AGPs), a superfamily of highly glycosylated hydroxyproline‐rich glycoproteins, are widely implicated in plant growth and development. A gene (including its cDNA), designated GhAGP31, encoding a non‐classical AGP protein was isolated from cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). The deduced GhAGP31 protein contains the conserved features of non‐classical AGPs: a putative signal peptide, N‐terminal histidine‐rich stretch, middle repetitive proline‐rich domain and a cysteine‐containing ‘PAC’ domain. GFP fluorescence assay demonstrated that GhAGP31 protein was localised on cell walls. GhAGP31 transcripts were mainly detected in roots, hypocotyls and ovules, but little or almost none were detected in other tissues. In particular, expression of GhAGP31 was developmentally regulated in roots. Further study demonstrated that GhAGP31 expression in cotton roots was remarkably up‐regulated by cold stress. Expression of the GUS gene driven by the GhAGP31 promoter was also dramatically enhanced in roots of transgenic Arabidopsis seedlings under cold treatment. Additionally, overexpression of GhAGP31 in yeast and Arabidopsis significantly improved the freezing tolerance of yeast cells and cold tolerance of Arabidopsis seedlings. These data imply that GhAGP31 protein may be involved in the response to cold stress during early root development of cotton.
Genetic structure of the shrub Daphne laureola across the Baetic Ranges, a Mediterranean glacial refugium and biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Castilla A. R. , Alonso C. , Herrera C. M. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractDistribution margins constitute areas particularly prone to random and/or adaptive intraspecific differentiation in plants. This trend may be particularly marked in species discontinuously distributed across mountain ranges, where sharp geographic isolation gradients and habitat boundaries will enhance genetic isolation among populations. In this study, we analysed the level of neutral genetic differentiation among populations of the long‐lived shrub Daphne laureola (Thymelaeaceae) across the Baetic Ranges, a glacial refugium and biodiversity hotspot in the western Mediterranean Basin. Within this area, core and marginal populations of D. laureola were compared with regard to their spatial isolation, size, genetic diversity and differentiation. A spatially explicit analysis conducted on the vast majority of the species’ known populations in the study area (N = 111) showed that marginal populations (western and eastern) present larger spatial isolation than core populations, but are not smaller. We compared genetic diversity and differentiation between core and marginal populations using a subsample of 15 populations and 225 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Core and marginal populations did not differ in genetic diversity, probably because of the occurrence of large populations on the local margins. Western populations were strongly differentiated from the other populations. In addition, spatial and genetic differentiation among populations was larger on the western margin. Eastern populations constituted a genetically homogeneous group closely related to core populations, despite their greater spatial isolation. Results suggest that studies on phenotypic differentiation between core and marginal populations of D. laureola, and presumably other species having discontinuous distributions across the Baetic ranges, should take into account geographical differences in levels of genetic differentiation between the different distribution borders.
Nutrient additions in pristine Patagonian Sphagnum bog vegetation: can phosphorus addition alleviate (the effects of) increased nitrogen loads
Authors: Fritz C. , van Dijk G. , Smolders A. J. P. , Pancotto V. A. , Elzenga T. J. T. M. , Roelofs J. G. M. , Grootjans A. P. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractSphagnum‐bog ecosystems have a limited capability to retain carbon and nutrients when subjected to increased nitrogen (N) deposition. Although it has been proposed that phosphorus (P) can dilute negative effects of nitrogen by increasing biomass production of Sphagnum mosses, it is still unclear whether P‐addition can alleviate physiological N‐stress in Sphagnum plants. A 3‐year fertilisation experiment was conducted in lawns of a pristine Sphagnum magellanicum bog in Patagonia, where competing vascular plants were practically absent. Background wet deposition of nitrogen was low (∼0.1–0.2 g·N·m−2·year−1). Nitrogen (4 g·N·m−2·year−1) and phosphorus (1 g·P·m−2·year−1) were applied, separately and in combination, six times during the growing season. P‐addition substantially increased biomass production of Sphagnum. Nitrogen and phosphorus changed the morphology of Sphagnum mosses by enhancing height increment, but lowering moss stem density. In contrast to expectations, phosphorus failed to alleviate physiological stress imposed by excess nitrogen (e.g. amino acid accumulation, N‐saturation and decline in photosynthetic rates). We conclude that despite improving growth conditions by P‐addition, Sphagnum‐bog ecosystems remain highly susceptible to nitrogen additions. Increased susceptibility to desiccation by nutrients may even worsen the negative effects of excess nitrogen especially in windy climates like in Patagonia.
Silicification of the adaxial epidermis of leaves of a panicoid grass in relation to leaf position and section and environmental conditions
Authors: Fernández Honaine M. , Osterrieth M. L. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractMany studies relate silica content in plants with internal or external factors; however, few works analyse the effect of these factors on the silicification of different cell types. In this study, we examined the effect of leaf section and leaf position, and environmental conditions on the percentages of silicified epidermal cells of a native Pampean panicoid grass, Bothriochloa laguroides D. C. Pilger. Two different environmental situations were selected for the collection of plants: a natural wetland and a quartzite quarry, located in the southeast Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Clarification and staining methodologies were applied so as to study the distribution of silicified cells in different sections of leaves of the plants collected. Two and three‐factor anovas were applied to the data. Between 13% and 19% of total cells of the adaxial epidermis of leaf blades were silicified. Typical silica short cells were the largest contributor to total silicified cells (53–98%), while the second largest contributor was bulliform cells (0–30%). Percentages of total silicified cells were higher in superior than in inferior leaves, while values from leaf sections varied. When collection sites were compared, plants growing in Los Padres pond, where the silica content in soils is higher, had the higher percentage of silicified cells. Among all types of cell, bulliform cells showed differences in the proportion of silicified cells between leaf position and section and collection site. These results show that silica availability in soils is an important factor that conditions silica accumulation and overlaps with the transpiration effect.
Molecular cloning and gene transcription analyses of barwin‐type PR‐4 genes from Phellinus sulphurascens‐infected Douglas‐fir seedlings
Authors: Islam M. A. , Sturrock R. N. , Ekramoddoullah A. K. M. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryTo better understand the molecular basis of interactions between the laminated root rot pathogen Phellinus sulphurascens Pilát and its principal host, Douglas‐fir [DF; Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco.], we constructed a cDNA library from roots of P. sulphurascens‐infected DF seedlings. From a total of 3600 random cDNA clones, we identified 56 clones that matched with barley wound induced (barwin)‐type pathogenesis‐related 4 (PR4) genes that have been reported in planta. At least three PR4 genes comprising 426‐ to 444‐bp full‐length open reading frames, Pm PR4a1, Pm PR4a2, and Pm PR4b1, were identified from DF seedlings. Deduced amino acid sequences for the proteins encoded by these genes confirmed that two of them are acidic (Mr, 12.8–13.0 kDa; pI, 4.12–4.53) and one is a basic (Mr, 13.0 kDa; pI, 8.53) PR4 protein. Quantitative reverse transcriptase‐PCR analyses of these transcripts showed significantly higher transcription in P. sulphurascens‐infected vs. control DF tissues. Upregulation of the transcripts in roots of a P. sulphurascens‐resistant DF family was significant. Our results suggest that DF PR4 genes play an important role in the defence mechanism of DF against P. sulphurascens infection and thus could be useful in DF breeding.
Re‐resection for metachronous primary hepatocellular carcinoma: is it justified?
Authors: Chok Kenneth Siu Ho , Chan See Ching , Poon Ronnie Tung Ping , Fan Sheung Tat , Lo Chung Mau 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground:  In management of intrahepatic recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), controversy exists over the efficacy of re‐resection for patients with preserved liver function. This study aimed to determine the long‐term outcomes of re‐resection in these patients.Methods:  Prospectively collected data of 47 patients having re‐resection (Group R) with curative intent for metachronous primary HCC between December 1989 and December 2007 were compared with those of 863 patients having primary resection (Group P) in the same period. There was no overlap of patient. All patients had gross tumour‐free resection margin.Results:  The two groups had comparable demographics. Group R had a median age of 58 years (range, 48–67 years), and had almost all patients belonging to Child‐Pugh class A (46/47). Median blood loss was 0.66 L (range, 0.3–1.28 L) for Group P and 0.37 L (range, 0.13–0.92 L) for Group R. Both groups had median blood transfusion rate at 0. Median operative time was 365 min (range, 240–490 min) for Group P and 270 min (range, 193–360 min) for Group R. Group R had significantly fewer tumour nodules and the only one operative death. Median follow‐up was 41 months for Group P and 37 months for Group R (P= 0.133). The two groups displayed no significant differences in disease‐free survival and overall survival. Univariate analysis showed that re‐resection was not a significant risk factor in overall survival.Conclusion:  Re‐resection for metachronous primary HCC for patients with preserved liver function can achieve favourable survival outcome.