bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of three imaging techniques for the detection of vertical root fractures in the absence and presence of gutta‐percha root fillings
Authors: Khedmat S. , Rouhi N. , Drage N. , Shokouhinejad N. , Nekoofar M. H. 
Published: April 2012

Khedmat S, Rouhi N, Drage N, Shokouhinejad N, Nekoofar MH. Evaluation of three imaging techniques for the detection of vertical root fractures in the absence and presence of gutta‐percha root fillings. International Endodontic Journal., 45, 1009–1009, 2012.AbstractAim  To compare the accuracy of digital radiography (DR), multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in detecting vertical root fractures (VRF) in the absence and presence of gutta‐percha root filling.Methodology  The root canals of 100 extracted human single‐rooted teeth were prepared and randomly divided into four groups: two experimental groups with artificially fractured root and two intact groups as controls. In one experimental and one control group, a size 40, 0.04 taper gutta‐percha cone was inserted in the root canals. Then DR, MDCT and CBCT were performed and the images evaluated. Statistical analyses of sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of each imaging technique in the presence and absence of gutta‐percha were calculated and compared.Results  In the absence of gutta‐percha, the specificity of DR, MDCT and CBCT was similar. CBCT was the most accurate and sensitive imaging technique (P < 0 .05). In the presence of gutta‐percha, the accuracy of MDCT was higher than the other imaging techniques (P < 0.05). The sensitivity of CBCT and MDCT was significantly higher than that of DR (P < 0.05), whereas CBCT was the least specific technique.Conclusions  Under the conditions of this ex vivo study, CBCT was the most sensitive imaging technique in detecting vertical root fracture. The presence of gutta‐percha reduced the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of CBCT but not MDCT. The sensitivity of DR was reduced in the presence of gutta‐percha. The use of MDCT as an alternative technique may be recommended when VRF are suspected in root filled teeth. However, as the radiation dose of MDCT is higher than CBCT, the technique could be considered at variance with the principles of ALARA.
Endogenous galectin‐3 controls experimental malaria in a species‐specific manner
Authors: TOSCANO M. A. , TONGREN J. E. , De SOUZA J. B. , LIU F.‐T. , RILEY E. M. , RABINOVICH G. A. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryGalectins are evolutionarily conserved glycan‐binding proteins with pleiotropic roles in innate and adaptive immune responses. Galectin‐3 has been implicated in several immunological processes as well as in pathogen recognition through specific binding to glycosylated receptors on the surface of host cells or microorganisms. In spite of considerable evidence supporting a role for galectin‐3 in host–pathogen interactions, the relevance of this lectin in the regulation of the host defence mechanisms in vivo is poorly understood. In this study, we analysed the impact of galectin‐3 deficiency during infection with three distinct species of rodent malaria parasites, Plasmodium yoelii 17XNL, Plasmodium berghei ANKA and Plasmodium chabaudi AS. We found that galectin‐3 deficiency showed a marginal effect on the course of parasitaemia during P. chabaudi infection, but did not alter the course of parasitaemia during P. berghei infection. However, lack of galectin‐3 significantly reduced P. yoelii parasitaemia. This reduced parasitaemia in Lgals3−/− mice was consistent with higher titres of anti‐P. yoelii MSP119 IgG2b isotype antibodies when compared with their wild‐type counterparts. Our results reflect the complexity and singularity of host–pathogen interactions, indicating a species‐specific role of endogenous galectin‐3 in the control of parasite infections and the modulation of antibody responses.
Effects of chronic treatment with metformin on dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 activity, glucagon‐like peptide 1 and ghrelin in obese patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Thondam S. K. , Cross A. , Cuthbertson D. J. , Wilding J. P. , Daousi C. 
Published: April 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, e205–e210 (2012)AbstractAims  Studies investigating the acute effects of metformin have demonstrated actions on the incretin system and appetite regulatory hormones. There are limited data to support that these effects are sustained in the long term. We therefore studied the effects of chronic treatment with metformin on endogenous glucagon‐like peptide 1, dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 activity and active ghrelin (an orexigenic hormone) in obese patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods  Eight subjects [six male, age 58.7 ± 2.6 years, BMI 41.1 ± 2.9 kg/m2, HbA1c 69 ± 6 mmol/mol (8.5 ± 0.5%), mean ± sem] with drug‐naïve Type 2 diabetes were studied for 6 h following a standard mixed meal, before and after at least 3 months of metformin monotherapy (mean dose 1.75 g daily).Results  The area under the curve (AUC0–6 h) for active glucagon‐like peptide 1 was significantly higher on metformin (pre‐metformin 1750.8 ± 640 pmol l−1 min−1 vs. post‐metformin 2718.8 ± 1182.3 pmol l−1 min−1; P = 0.01). The areas under the curves for dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 activity and ghrelin were not significantly different pre‐ and post‐treatment with metformin.Conclusion  Three months or more of metformin monotherapy in obese patients with Type 2 diabetes was associated with increased postprandial active glucagon‐like peptide 1 levels. The effects of metformin on the enteroinsular axis may represent yet another important mechanism underlying its glucose‐lowering effects.
Diabetes before and after lung transplantation in patients with cystic fibrosis and other lung diseases
Authors: Belle‐van Meerkerk G. , van de Graaf E. A. , Kwakkel‐van Erp J. M. , van Kessel D. A. , Lammers J.‐W. J. , Biesma D. H. , de Valk H. W. 
Published: April 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, e159–e162 (2012)AbstractAims  The aims of the study are to investigate the prevalence of diabetes in patients with cystic fibrosis compared with patients without cystic fibrosis, and its impact on the outcome after lung transplantation.Methods  Data were reviewed from 77 lung transplantation recipients in our centre between 2001 and 2010; 43 patients had cystic fibrosis and 34 patients had other lung diseases (no cystic fibrosis). To define diabetes, we used the American Diabetes Association definition.Results  Before lung transplantation, diabetes was diagnosed in 63% of patients with cystic fibrosis and 6% of patients without cystic fibrosis (P < 0.001). In both groups, approximately 60% of the patients at risk developed new‐onset diabetes after transplantation. The mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis was higher in patients with diabetes diagnosed before lung transplantation compared with those without (44 vs. 6%, P = 0.04). Diabetes remained an independent factor in multivariate analyses.Conclusions  Diabetes diagnosed before lung transplantation has a negative effect on survival after lung transplantation in patients with cystic fibrosis. Pre‐existing diabetes is common in patients with cystic fibrosis, in contrast to patients without cystic fibrosis. Development of new‐onset diabetes after transplantation is similar in both groups.
Assessing diabetes support in adolescents: factor structure of the modified Diabetes Social Support Questionnaire (DSSQ–Friends)
Authors: Malik J. A. , Koot H. M. 
Published: April 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, e232–e240 (2012)AbstractAims  To determine the underlying factor structure of friends’ enacted support behaviours for adolescents with Type 1 diabetes, confirm it in a second sample, delineate distinctive aspects of friends’ support and test the reliability of resulting scale.Methods  The study included a total of 434 adolescents (54.8% girls), mean age 14.7 years, mean duration of diabetes 6.1 years.Results  Results from the exploratory factor analysis, including data from a random half of the participants revealed a five‐factor solution explaining approximately 48.4% of the item variance. The five factors emerged Guidance and Encouragement (13 items; α = 0.91), Help in Critical Situations (7 items; α = 0.92), Nourishment (11 items; α = 0.88), Empathy (6 items; α = 0.83) and Help in Exercise (5 items; α = 0.76). Confirmatory factor analysis on the remainder of the sample showed good indices of model fit. Comparison of the factor structure across gender and age also presented an excellent fit. In a second‐order factor analysis all five factors loaded on one overall factor, Diabetes Social Support–Friends. Construct validity of the resulting scales was supported by predicted associations of Modified Diabetes Specific Support Questionnaire‐Friends scale scores with HbA1c, treatment adherence and responsibility, and well‐being.Conclusion  The 42‐item Modified Diabetes Specific Support Questionnaire–Friends emerged as a reliable and valid scale for Dutch adolescents with Type 1 diabetes and measures five factors of diabetes‐specific support from close friends.
Regulation of the Activity and Expression of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor by Ethanol in Mouse Hepatic Stellate Cells
Authors: Zhang Hong Feng , Lin Xing Hua , Yang Hong , Zhou Li Chun , Guo Yang Lin , Barnett Joey V. , Guo Zhong Mao 
Published: April 2012

BackgroundDuring the course of alcohol‐induced liver damage, hepatic stellate cells are transformed into proliferative, fibrogenic, and contractile myofibroblasts. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor that controls the expression of genes involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics, inflammation, cell proliferation, and death.MethodsImmortal mouse hepatic stellate cells (MHSCs) were isolated from transgenic mice that expressed a thermolabile SV40 tumor antigen. Quantitative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays, Western blot analysis, promoter activity assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses were performed for studying the effect of ethanol (EtOH) on AhR expression and transcriptional activity.ResultsTreatment of MHSCs with 50 to 200 mM EtOH for 6 hours induced AhR nuclear translocation, enhanced the promoter activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1, increased the amount of AhR bound to the promoter of CYP1A1 and 1B1, and up‐regulated the mRNA expression of these AhR target genes in a dose‐dependent manner. In contrast, EtOH exposure down‐regulated AhR mRNA and protein expression. Similarly, benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) at 10 nM reduced AhR and increased CYP1A1 and 1B1 mRNAs. Pretreatment of MHSCs with 50 mM EtOH for 7 days diminished the capacity of MHSCs to express CYP1A1 and 1B1 induced by a 200 mM EtOH challenge, or by 10 nM BaP. However, the up‐regulatory effect of EtOH on solute carrier family 16, member 6 (SLC16a6) was unaffected by EtOH pretreatment. Similar to EtOH, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at concentrations of 50 to 100 mM down‐regulated AhR and up‐regulated CYP1A1 mRNA expression in a dose‐dependent manner.ConclusionsThese data, for the first time, demonstrate that EtOH activates MHSC AhR and down‐regulates its expression. Chronic EtOH pretreatment lowers the availability of AhR, and specifically diminishes the inducibility of CYP genes. The effect on AhR appears to not be an EtOH‐specific response, as DMSO alone (and possibly other organic solvents) was also able to activate AhR.
Ethanol Metabolism and Osmolarity Modify Behavioral Responses to Ethanol in C. elegans
Authors: Alaimo Joseph T. , Davis Scott J. , Song Sam S. , Burnette Christopher R. , Grotewiel Mike , Shelton Keith L. , Pierce‐Shimomura Jonathan T. , Davies Andrew G. , Bettinger Jill C. 
Published: April 2012

BackgroundEthanol (EtOH) is metabolized by a 2‐step process in which alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) oxidizes EtOH to acetaldehyde, which is further oxidized to acetate by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). Although variation in EtOH metabolism in humans strongly influences the propensity to chronically abuse alcohol, few data exist on the behavioral effects of altered EtOH metabolism. Here, we used the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to directly examine how changes in EtOH metabolism alter behavioral responses to alcohol during an acute exposure. Additionally, we investigated EtOH solution osmolarity as a potential explanation for contrasting published data on C. elegans EtOH sensitivity.MethodsWe developed a gas chromatography assay and validated a spectrophotometric method to measure internal EtOH in EtOH‐exposed worms. Further, we tested the effects of mutations in ADH and ALDH genes on EtOH tissue accumulation and behavioral sensitivity to the drug. Finally, we tested the effects of EtOH solution osmolarity on behavioral responses and tissue EtOH accumulation.ResultsOnly a small amount of exogenously applied EtOH accumulated in the tissues of C. elegans and consequently their tissue concentrations were similar to those that intoxicate humans. Independent inactivation of an ADH‐encoding gene (sodh‐1) or an ALDH‐encoding gene (alh‐6 or alh‐13) increased the EtOH concentration in worms and caused hypersensitivity to the acute sedative effects of EtOH on locomotion. We also found that the sensitivity to the depressive effects of EtOH on locomotion is strongly influenced by the osmolarity of the exogenous EtOH solution.ConclusionsOur results indicate that EtOH metabolism via ADH and ALDH has a statistically discernable but surprisingly minor influence on EtOH sedation and internal EtOH accumulation in worms. In contrast, the osmolarity of the medium in which EtOH is delivered to the animals has a more substantial effect on the observed sensitivity to EtOH.
Development of an Oral Operant Nicotine/Ethanol Co‐Use Model in Alcohol‐Preferring (P) Rats
Authors: Hauser Sheketha R. , Katner Simon N. , Deehan Gerald A. , Ding Zheng‐Ming , Toalston Jamie E. , Scott Briana J. , Bell Richard L. , McBride William J. , Rodd Zachary A. 
Published: April 2012

BackgroundAlcohol abuse is frequently associated with nicotine (Nic) use. The current experiments were conducted to establish an oral operant ethanol + Nic (EtOH + Nic) co‐use model and to characterize some aspects of EtOH + Nic co‐use.MethodsRats were allowed to choose between EtOH alone or EtOH + Nic solutions. Additionally, alcohol‐preferring (P) rats were allowed to concurrently self‐administer 3 distinct EtOH solutions (10, 20, and 30%) with varying amounts of Nic (0.07, 0.14, or 0.21 mg/ml) under operant conditions. P rats were also allowed to concurrently self‐administer 2 distinct amounts of Nic (0.07 and 0.14 mg/ml) added to saccharin (Sacc; 0.025%) solutions.ResultsDuring acquisition, P rats responded for the EtOH + Nic solutions at the same level as for EtOH alone, and responding for EtOH + Nic solutions was present throughout all drinking conditions. P rats also readily maintained stable self‐administration behaviors for Nic + Sacc solutions. The results demonstrated that P rats readily acquired and maintained stable self‐administration behaviors for EtOH + 0.07 and EtOH + 0.14 mg/ml Nic solutions. Self‐administration of EtOH + 0.21 mg/ml Nic was established in only 50% of the subjects. P rats readily expressed seeking behaviors for the EtOH + Nic solutions and reacquired EtOH + Nic self‐administration during relapse testing. In addition, tail blood samples indicated that EtOH + Nic co‐use resulted in pharmacologically relevant levels of both EtOH and Nic in the blood.ConclusionsOverall, the results indicate that P rats readily consume EtOH + Nic solutions concurrently in the presence of EtOH alone, express drug‐seeking behaviors, and will concurrently consume physiologically relevant levels of both drugs. These results support the idea that this oral operant EtOH + Nic co‐use model would be suitable for studying the development of co‐abuse and the consequences of long‐term chronic co‐abuse.
Exposures related to hand eczema: a study of healthcare workers
Authors: Ibler Kristina S. , Jemec Gregor B. E. , Agner Tove 
Published: April 2012

Background. Hand eczema is common in healthcare workers, owing to intensive exposure to wet work and skin irritants. Targeted interventions and vocational guidance based on documented exposures and risk factors are needed.Objectives. The aims of the study were to investigate the relationship between exposures (domestic and at work) and prevalence and severity of hand eczema.Methods. Self‐administered questionnaires were sent to 3181 healthcare workers in Denmark.Results. Two thousand two hundred and sixty‐nine (71%) workers responded to the questionnaire. Frequent hand washing was significantly related to the presence of hand eczema. Having children < 4 years old in the household was also related to the presence of hand eczema. A lower prevalence of hand eczema was found among those using moisturizers at work, and a higher prevalence was found among those using moisturizers at home.Conclusions. Although healthcare workers are recommended to use disinfectants when the hands are not visibly dirty, hand washing is still significantly related to hand eczema. Frequent hand washing may be a question of behavioural habits, and a focus for future guidance should be on changing hand washing habits. Attention should also be paid to healthcare workers with small children at home. The preventive effect of moisturizers used during working hours should be tested in future follow‐up studies.
Wool‐derived keratin stimulates human keratinocyte migration and types IV and VII collagen expression
Authors: Tang Ling , Sierra Jose Ollague , Kelly Rob , Kirsner Robert S. , Li Jie 
Published: April 2012

AbstractKeratinocyte migration is essential for wound repair. Keratin‐based products have recently shown stimulatory effects on wound repair. This study was to test the cellular response to wool‐derived oxidized keratin in wound healing to further understand the biological mechanisms underlying observed clinical benefits of keratin‐based products as wound treatments. In vitro scratch migration assays examined the effects of oxidized keratin on the migration of human skin keratinocytes. Western blotting analysis determined the effects on the marker protein expression of type IV and type VII collagens and keratin 17. We found wool‐derived oxidized keratin promoted keratinocyte migration and induced protein expression of type IV and type VII collagens, but not keratin 17. The data suggest that the beneficial effects of keratin‐based treatment in wounds may be related to its positive effects on re‐epithelialization via stimulating keratinocyte migration and production of basement membrane proteins of types IV and VII collagens.
Ectopic production of hair keratin constitutes Rushton’s hyaline bodies in association with hematogenous deposits
Authors: Sakamoto Kei , Khanom Rumana , Hamagaki Miwako , Yamaguchi Akira 
Published: April 2012

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 637–641A Rushton’s hyaline body (HB) is a concretion occasionally found in odontogenic cysts. Unspecified substances produced by the lining epithelium or derived from blood components have been suggested as possible causes of HB formation, but the origin of HBs is still elusive. This study aimed to clarify the origin of HBs. Ten specimens with HBs were obtained from 400 odontogenic cysts. HBs were stained by orcein and Congo red. Immunohistochemical examination revealed that HBs were positive for hair keratin and keratin 17. Hair keratin was concentrated in HBs, and cells with hair keratin expression were hardly seen, while cells with keratin 17 expression were observed near HBs. HBs were also positive for hemoglobin alpha chain. The presence of hair keratin in HBs was confirmed by Western blot analysis. The present study suggests that HBs are formed as a consequence of two independent events: unusual alteration of epithelial differentiation so as to provide hair keratin, and hemorrhage so as to provide erythrocytic substances. Although the ectopic production of hair keratin appears more essential, our results reconcile the long‐standing debate between two theories, the keratin theory versus the hematogenous theory, concluding that both substances are required for the genesis of HBs, and also suggesting that they might be novel non‐pathological amyloidogenic proteins.
The impact of bacterial and viral co‐infection in severe influenza
Authors: Blyth Christopher C. , Webb Steve A. R. , Kok Jen , Dwyer Dominic E. , van Hal Sebastiaan J. , Foo Hong , Ginn Andrew N. , Kesson Alison M. , Seppelt Ian , Iredell Jonathan R. ,   on behalf of the ANZIC Influenza Investigators and COSI Microbiological Investigators
Published: April 2012

Please cite this paper as: Blyth et al. (2013) The impact of bacterial and viral co‐infection in severe influenza. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 7(2) 168–176.Background  Many questions remain concerning the burden, risk factors and impact of bacterial and viral co‐infection in patients with pandemic influenza admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).Objectives  To examine the burden, risk factors and impact of bacterial and viral co‐infection in Australian patients with severe influenza.Patients/Methods  A cohort study conducted in 14 ICUs was performed. Patients with proven influenza A during the 2009 influenza season were eligible for inclusion. Demographics, risk factors, clinical data, microbiological data, complications and outcomes were collected. Polymerase chain reaction for additional bacterial and viral respiratory pathogens was performed on stored respiratory samples.Results  Co‐infection was identified in 23·3–26·9% of patients with severe influenza A infection: viral co‐infection, 3·2–3·4% and bacterial co‐infection, 20·5–24·7%. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent bacterial co‐infection followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Patients with co‐infection were younger [mean difference in age = 8·46 years (95% CI: 0·18–16·74 years)], less likely to have significant co‐morbidities (32·0% versus 66·2%, P = 0·004) and less frequently obese [mean difference in body mass index = 6·86 (95% CI: 1·77–11·96)] compared to those without co‐infection.Conclusions  Bacterial or viral co‐infection complicated one in four patients admitted to ICU with severe influenza A infection. Despite the co‐infected patients being younger and with fewer co‐morbidities, no significant difference in outcomes was observed. It is likely that co‐infection contributed to a need for ICU admission in those without other risk factors for severe influenza disease. Empiric antibiotics with staphylococcal activity should be strongly considered in all patients with severe influenza A infection.