bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enamel matrix proteins; old molecules for new applications
Authors: Lyngstadaas SP , Wohlfahrt JC , Brookes SJ , Paine ML , Snead ML , Reseland JE 
Published: July 2009

Structured Abstract Authors –  Lyngstadaas SP, Wohlfahrt JC, Brookes SJ, Paine ML, Snead ML, Reseland JEEmdogain® (enamel matrix derivative, EMD) is well recognized in periodontology, where it is used as a local adjunct to periodontal surgery to stimulate regeneration of periodontal tissues lost to periodontal disease. The biological effect of EMD is through stimulation of local growth factor secretion and cytokine expression in the treated tissues, inducing a regenerative process that mimics odontogenesis. The major (>95%) component of EMD is Amelogenins (Amel). No other active components have so far been isolated from EMD, and several studies have shown that purified amelogenins can induce the same effect as the complete EMD. Amelogenins comprise a family of highly conserved extracellular matrix proteins derived from one gene. Amelogenin structure and function is evolutionary well conserved, suggesting a profound role in biomineralization and hard tissue formation. A special feature of amelogenins is that under physiological conditions the proteins self‐assembles into nanospheres that constitute an extracellular matrix. In the body, this matrix is slowly digested by specific extracellular proteolytic enzymes (matrix metalloproteinase) in a controlled process, releasing bioactive peptides to the surrounding tissues for weeks after application. Based on clinical and experimental observations in periodontology indicating that amelogenins can have a significant positive influence on wound healing, bone formation and root resorption, several new applications for amelogenins have been suggested. New experiments now confirm that amelogenins have potential for being used also in the fields of endodontics, bone regeneration, implantology, traumatology, and wound care.
Bone morphogenetic proteins for periodontal and alveolar indications; biological observations – clinical implications
Authors: Wikesjö UME , Qahash M , Huang Y‐H , Xiropaidis A , Polimeni G , Susin C 
Published: July 2009

Structured AbstractAuthors –  Wikesjö UME, Qahash M, Huang Y‐H, Xiropaidis A, Polimeni G, Susin CSurgical placement of endosseous oral implants is governed by the prosthetic design and by the morphology and quality of the alveolar bone. Nevertheless, often implant placement may be complexed, if at all possible, by alveolar ridge irregularities resulting from periodontal disease, and chronic and acute trauma. In consequence, implant positioning commonly necessitates bone augmentation procedures. One objective of our laboratory is to evaluate the biologic potential of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) and other candidate biologics, bone biomaterials, and devices for alveolar ridge augmentation and implant fixation using discriminating large animal models. This focused review illustrates the unique biologic potential, the clinical relevance and perspectives of recombinant human BMP‐2 (rhBMP‐2) using a variety of carrier technologies to induce local bone formation and implant osseointegration for inlay and onlay indications. Our studies demonstrate a clinically relevant potential of a purpose‐designed titanium porous oxide implant surface as stand‐alone technology to deliver rhBMP‐2 for alveolar augmentation. In perspective, merits and shortcomings of current treatment protocol including bone biomaterials and guided bone regeneration are addressed and explained. We demonstrate that rhBMP‐2 has unparalleled potential to augment alveolar bone, and support implant osseointegration and long‐term functional loading. Inclusion of rhBMP‐2 for alveolar augmentation and osseointegration will not only enhance predictability of existing clinical protocol but also radically change current treatment paradigms.
Predictors of plant phenology in a diverse high‐latitude alpine landscape: growth forms and topography
Authors: Iversen Marianne , Bråthen Kari Anne , Yoccoz Nigel G. , Ims Rolf A. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractQuestion: Different plant growth forms may have distinctly different functioning in ecosystems. Association of phenological patterns with growth form will therefore help elucidate the role of phenology in an ecosystem. We ask whether growth forms of common vascular plants differ in terms of vegetative and flowering phenology, and if such phenological differences are consistent across environmental gradients caused by landscape‐scale topography.Location: A high‐latitude alpine landscape in Finnmark County, Norway (70°N).Methods: We assessed vegetative and flowering phenology repeatedly in five growth forms represented by 11 common vascular plant species across an altitudinal gradient and among differing slope aspects.Results: Species phenology clustered well according to growth form, and growth form strongly explained variation in both flowering and vegetative phenology. Altitude and aspect were poor predictors of phenological variation. Vegetative phenology of the growth forms, ranked from slowest to fastest, was in the order evergreen shrubs <sedges‐deciduous shrubs <grasses <forbs, while a reverse ranking was found for flowering phenology.Conclusion: Growth form‐specific phenological patterns are associated with fundamentally different abilities for resource acquisition and resource conservation. The weak effect of landscape‐scale topographic factors indicates that variation within growth forms is mainly influenced by local environmental factors not accounted for in this study. On the basis of these results, we argue that growth forms should be considered as predictors of phenology together with the customary use of topography and normalized difference vegetation index, especially when assessing the role of phenology in an ecosystem.
Vaginal Dryness: A Comparison of Prevalence and Interventions in 11 Countries
Authors: Leiblum Sandra R. , Hayes Richard D. , Wanser Rita A. , Nelson Jennifer S. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
There is limited research comparing cross-cultural differences in women’s experiences of vaginal dryness.

Aim
To examine international differences in the prevalence of vaginal dryness, the degree to which it is experienced as problematic or bothersome, the use of lubricants to alleviate it, and women’s discussion of this problem with physicians.

Main Outcome Measures
Questionnaire measuring the level of vaginal dryness and degree to which it is perceived as bothersome.

Methods
The Global Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Practices was administered to 6,725 women from 11 countries: UK, Germany, Japan, Australia, Canada, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and Thailand.

Results
Prevalence of self-reported vaginal dryness varied from a minimum of 5.8% in Italy to a maximum of 19.7% in Brazil. The proportion of women with self-reported vaginal dryness who found it very bothersome varied as well (e.g., 5.6% UK, 26.4% Germany). Pain during intercourse ranged from a reported low of 3.6% in Australia to 18.6% in Brazil. Older women (50–65 years) as compared with younger women (18–34 years) reported significantly more vaginal dryness in the UK, Australia, Canada, Italy, Spain, Argentina, and Thailand (P values &lt;0.02). The majority of women under 50 attributed vaginal dryness to inadequate sexual arousal while women over 50 believed it was because of aging or menopause. Cross-culturally, women differed substantially in the likelihood of discussing their sexual life/concerns with a physician.

Conclusion
Women from different countries differ substantially in their experiences, concerns, and reports of vaginal dryness/sexual pain, as well as their familiarity with personal lubricants as a treatment. Researchers should assess the prevalence and degree of the bother of vaginal dryness in order to make international comparisons of the burden of this condition.
Influenza virus assays based on virus‐inducible reporter cell lines
Authors: Li Yunsheng , Larrimer Audrey , Curtiss Teresa , Kim Jaekyung , Jones Abby , Baird‐Tomlinson Heather , Pekosz Andrew , Olivo Paul D. 
Published: July 2009

Background  Virus‐inducible reporter genes have been used as the basis of virus detection and quantitation assays for a number of viruses. A strategy for influenza A virus‐induction of a reporter gene was recently described. In this report, we describe the extension of this strategy to influenza B virus, the generation of stable cell lines with influenza A and B virus‐inducible reporter genes, and the use of these cells in various clinically relevant viral assays. Each of the cell lines described herein constitutively express an RNA transcript that contains a reporter gene coding region flanked by viral 5′‐ and 3′‐untranslated regions (UTR) and therefore mimics an influenza virus genomic segment. Upon infection of the cells with influenza virus the virus‐inducible reporter gene segment (VIRGS) is replicated and transcribed by the viral polymerase complex resulting in reporter gene expression.Findings  Reporter gene induction occurs after infection with a number of laboratory strains and clinical isolates of influenza virus including several H5N1 strains. The induction is dose‐dependent and highly specific for influenza A or influenza B viruses.Conclusions  These cell lines provide the basis of simple, rapid, and objective assays that involve virus quantitation such as determination of viral titer, assessment of antiviral susceptibility, and determination of antibody neutralization titer. These cell lines could be very useful for influenza virus researchers and vaccine manufacturers.
Usefulness of the hyperechoic rim for assessing the therapeutic efficacy of radiofrequency ablation in hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Uehara Takahide , Hirooka Masashi , Kisaka Yoshiyasu , Abe Masanori , Hiasa Yoichi , Onji Morikazu 
Published: July 2009

Aim:  During radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a hyperechoic rim develops around the HCC nodules. The usefulness of the hyperechoic rim to guide treatment was assessed.Methods:  RFA was first performed in pig livers to determine the significance of the hyperechoic rim. Fifty‐five patients with 75 HCC nodules had received RFA for the treatment of HCC. For those patients, we evaluated whether conventional ultrasonography (US) could be used instead of contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) using virtual imaging. Finally, 31 patients with 45 HCC nodules received RFA, and the degree of ablation was assessed based on the hyperechoic rim. Repeated RFA was done when ablation appeared incomplete.Results:  In the pig livers, the hyperechoic rim was found to be related to the presence of dead cells. The preliminary study showed that US could be used instead of CECT and CEUS to evaluate the degree of ablation caused by RFA. Because hepatic vessels in the back side of the hyperechoic rim were not clear by the artifact, we used the distance from the surface of the liver to the hyperechoic rim for evaluation. By analyzing the extent of the hyperechoic rim, it was noted that incomplete ablation was achieved in 17 of 31 patients (21 of 45 HCC nodules). These patients were re‐treated with RFA within 5–15 min of the first RFA.Conclusion:  This study shows that the hyperechoic rim is related to the presence of dead and necrotic tissues. Thus, assessment of the hyperechoic rim's characteristics allows one to evaluate the efficacy of RFA.
Clinical application of an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay detecting hepatoma‐specific γ‐glutamyltransferase
Authors: Wang Nian‐Yue , Zhang Dai , Zhao Wei , Fang Guo‐Xiang , Shi Yu‐Ling , Duan Mu‐Hao 
Published: July 2009

Aim:  To develop a sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measuring hepatoma‐specific datura stramonium agglutinin–tightly bounding γ‐glutamyltransferase (DSA‐GGT) and evaluate its clinical application for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis.Methods:  Serum DSA‐GGT concentrations were measured with the sandwich ELISA system in 96 patients with HCC, 240 patients with chronic liver diseases and 119 healthy subjects. The diagnostic performance of DSA‐GGT for HCC was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The diagnostic accuracy of DSA‐GGT was compared with serum α‐fetoprotein (AFP).Results:  The area under the ROC curve of DSA‐GGT in discriminating patients with HCC from non‐HCC was 0.865 (95% confidence interval: 0.818–0.915, P < 0.001). Serum DSA‐GGT was positive in 67 out of 96 patients with HCC and 23 out of 240 patients with non‐HCC diseases. The sensitivity and specificity of DSA‐GGT and AFP for the diagnosis of HCC were 69.8% and 90.5%, and 72.9% and 89.1%, respectively. A higher sensitivity (93.8%) in the identification of HCC was observed by combining DSA‐GGT and AFP.Conclusion:  The sandwich ELISA system showed good reliability and reproducibility, and using the measurement, we found that serum DSA‐GGT was a valuable marker of HCC, as a usable complementary to AFP. The sensitivity for identifying HCC could be significantly improved by combining DSA‐GGT and AFP, and the combination could be used in large‐scale screening for HCC in susceptible individuals.
Plumbagin inhibits invasion and migration of liver cancer HepG2 cells by decreasing productions of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and urokinase‐ plasminogen activator
Authors: Shih Yuan‐Wei , Lee Yi‐Chieh , Wu Pei‐Fen , Lee Yuan‐Bing , Chiang Tai‐An 
Published: July 2009

Aim:  To investigate the inhibitory effects of plumbagin (5‐hydroxy‐2 methyl‐1,4‐naphthoquinone) on the invasion and migration and its correlation with matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) and urokinase‐plasminogen activator (u‐PA) in liver cancer HepG2 cells under non‐cytotoxic concentrations.Methods:  The cell viability was determined by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The adhesion, migration and invasion were measured by cell‐matrix adhesion assay and Boyden chamber assay. The MMP‐2 and u‐PA activities were estimated by gelatin and casein‐plasminogen zymography. The mRNA and protein levels of MMP‐2, u‐PA, urokinase‐plasminogen activator receptor (u‐PAR), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐2 (TIMP‐2), plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1), nuclear factor κ B (NF‐κB), c‐Fos and c‐Jun were evaluated by semi‐quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Also, the binding abilities of NF‐κB and activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) were analyzed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA).Results:  In this study, plumbagin had exhibited an inhibitory effect on the abilities of adhesion, migration and invasion. The results from zymography showed plumbagin treatment may decrease the activities of MMP‐2 and u‐PA. Further, the mRNA and protein levels of MMP‐2, u‐PA and u‐PAR were significantly reduced, while TIMP‐2 and PAI‐1 were elevated by plumbagin treatment. Next, plumbagin significantly decreased the nuclear levels of NF‐κB, c‐Fos and c‐Jun. Also, treating HepG2 cells with plumbagin leads to dose‐dependent inhibition on the binding abilities of NF‐κB and AP‐1.Conclusion:  We demonstrated the inhibitory effects of plumbagin on the invasion, migration and adhesion of HepG2 cells, while plumbagin treatment may decrease the expressions of MMP‐2 and u‐PA and enhance the expressions of TIMP‐2 and PAI‐1.
North American Paragonimiasis (Caused byParagonimus kellicotti) in the Context of Global Paragonimiasis
Authors: Procop Gary W. 
Published: July 2009

SUMMARYParagonimusspecies are highly evolved parasites with a complex life cycle that involves at least three different hosts, i.e., snails, crustaceans, and mammals. The adult forms ofParagonimusspecies reside and mate in the lungs of a variety of permissive mammalian hosts, including humans. Although human paragonimiasis is uncommonly encountered in North America, both autochthonous and imported disease may be encountered.Paragonimus kellicotti, the species endemic to North America, is a well-known pathogen in wild and domestic animals. Five patients with North American paragonimiasis have been reported in the recent medical literature. The biologic, clinical, radiologic, and laboratory features of paragonimiasis are reviewed, with emphasis on North American paragonimiasis whenever possible.
Resistance to Therapies for Infection byPlasmodium vivax
Authors: Baird J. Kevin 
Published: July 2009

SUMMARYThe gravity of the threat posed by vivax malaria to public health has been poorly appreciated. The widely held misperception ofPlasmodium vivaxas being relatively infrequent, benign, and easily treated explains its nearly complete neglect across the range of biological and clinical research. Recent evidence suggests a far higher and more-severe disease burden imposed by increasingly drug-resistant parasites. The two frontline therapies against vivax malaria, chloroquine and primaquine, may be failing. Despite 60 years of nearly continuous use of these drugs, their respective mechanisms of activity, resistance, and toxicity remain unknown. Although standardized means of assessing therapeutic efficacy against blood and liver stages have not been developed, this review examines the provisional in vivo, ex vivo, and animal model systems for doing so. The rationale, design, and interpretation of clinical trials of therapies for vivax malaria are discussed in the context of the nuance and ambiguity imposed by the hypnozoite. Fielding new drug therapies against real-world vivax malaria may require a reworking of the strategic framework of drug development, namely, the conception, testing, and evaluation of sets of drugs designed for the cure of both blood and liver asexual stages as well as the sexual blood stages within a single therapeutic regimen.
A PEER DATA SHARING SYSTEM COMBINING SCHEMA AND DATA LEVEL MAPPINGS
Authors: RAHMAN MD. ANISUR , MASUD MD. MEHEDI , KIRINGA ILUJU , EL SADDIK ABDULMOTALEB 
Published: July 2009

Peer data sharing systems use either schema-level or data-level mappings to resolve schema as well as data heterogeneity among data sources (peers). Schema-level mappings create structural relationships among different schemas. On the other hand, data-level mappings associate data values in two different sources. These two kinds of mappings are complementary to each other. However, existing peer database systems have been based solely on either one of these mappings. We believe that if both mappings are addressed simultaneously in a single framework, the resulting approach will enhance data sharing in a way such that we can overcome the limitations of the non-combined approaches. In this paper, we present a model of a peer database management system which allows a bi-level mapping that combines schema-level and data-level mappings into a single relational framework. We present the syntax and semantics of this new kind of mappings. Furthermore, we present an algorithm for query translation that uses the bi-level mappings. Our algorithm relies on tableau for expressing both queries and mappings.
Estimation of Tropical Cyclone Wind Hazard for Darwin: Comparison with Two Other Locations and the Australian Wind-Loading Code
Authors: Cook Garry D. , Nicholls Michael J. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe passage of three Australian Category 5 cyclones within 350 km of Darwin (Northern Territory), Australia, during the last decade indicates that that city should have a high wind hazard. In this paper, the wind hazard for Darwin was compared with that for Port Hedland (Western Australia) and Townsville (Queensland) using data from a coupled ocean–atmosphere simulation model and from historical and satellite-era records of tropical cyclones. According to the authoritative statement on wind hazard in Australia, Darwin’s wind hazard is the same as Townsville’s but both locations’ hazards are much less than that of Port Hedland. However, three different estimates in this study indicate that Darwin’s wind hazard at the long return periods relevant to engineering requirements is higher than for both Port Hedland and Townsville. The discrepancy with previous studies may result from the inadequate cyclone records in the low-latitude north of Australia, from accumulated errors from estimates of wind speeds from wind fields and wind–pressure relationships, and from inappropriate extrapolations of short-period records based on assumed probability distributions. It is concluded that the current wind-hazard zoning of northern Australia seriously underestimates the hazard near Darwin and that coupled ocean–atmosphere simulation models could contribute to its revision.
A Method to Detect Inhomogeneities in Historical Dewpoint Temperature Series
Authors: Brown Paula J. , DeGaetano Arthur T. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Hourly dewpoint temperature data for the 1951–2006 period at 10 stations in the contiguous United States were investigated to determine if inhomogeneities in their records could be detected. At least three instrument changes are known to have occurred during this time period. The relatively sparse network of stations with dewpoint temperature data in the United States necessitated a nonconventional method to create a reference series. Utilizing nighttime occurrences of fog, clear/calm conditions, and precipitation as meteorological situations during which dewpoint temperatures and minimum temperatures are similar, three potential reference series based on daily minimum temperature were developed to test for inhomogeneities. Four stations with independent network neighbors recording hourly dewpoint data provided a direct validation of the effect of inhomogeneities on dewpoint temperatures. It was determined that fog conditions and the combined results from all three meteorologically based tests performed best when detecting documented inhomogeneities. However, a larger number of undocumented inhomogeneities, a feature common in most traditional inhomogeneity tests, were also detected that may or may not be valid.
Simulation of Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) Using Thermodynamic Snow Models in Québec, Canada
Authors: Langlois A. , Kohn J. , Royer A. , Cliche P. , Brucker L. , Picard G. , Fily M. , Derksen C. , Willemet J. M. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Snow cover plays a key role in the climate system by influencing the transfer of energy and mass between the soil and the atmosphere. In particular, snow water equivalent (SWE) is of primary importance for climatological and hydrological processes and is a good indicator of climate variability and change. Efforts to quantify SWE over land from spaceborne passive microwave measurements have been conducted since the 1980s, but a more suitable method has yet to be developed for hemispheric-scale studies. Tools such as snow thermodynamic models allow for a better understanding of the snow cover and can potentially significantly improve existing snow products at the regional scale.
In this study, the use of three snow models [SNOWPACK, CROCUS, and Snow Thermal Model (SNTHERM)] driven by local and reanalysis meteorological data for the simulation of SWE is investigated temporally through three winter seasons and spatially over intensively sampled sites across northern Québec. Results show that the SWE simulations are in agreement with ground measurements through three complete winter seasons (2004/05, 2005/06, and 2007/08) in southern Québec, with higher error for 2007/08. The correlation coefficients between measured and predicted SWE values ranged between 0.72 and 0.99 for the three models and three seasons evaluated in southern Québec. In subarctic regions, predicted SWE driven with the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) data fall within the range of measured regional variability. NARR data allow snow models to be used regionally, and this paper represents a first step for the regionalization of thermodynamic multilayered snow models driven by reanalysis data for improved global SWE evolution retrievals.