bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Experimentally Induced Synovitis on Amikacin Concentrations after Intravenous Regional Limb Perfusion
Authors: Beccar‐Varela Axel M. , Epstein Kira L. , White Catherine L. 
Published: September 2011

ObjectivesTo determine the effects of experimentally induced synovitis of the radiocarpal joint on the intra‐articular pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of amikacin after intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP).Study DesignRandomized crossover experimental design.AnimalsAdult horses (n = 8).MethodsHorses were randomly assigned into 2 trials: synovitis and no‐synovitis. Radiocarpal joint synovitis was induced with lipopolysaccharide 6 hours before IVRLP. IVRLP (5‐mg/kg amikacin qs 60 mL) was performed with a pneumatic tourniquet under general anesthesia. Synovial fluid was obtained before and 0.5, 1, 3, 5, 12, 24, 48 hours after IVRLP. Amikacin concentrations at each time point and pharmacokinetic values were compared between synovitis and no‐synovitis trials with Student's t‐test.ResultsAmikacin synovial fluid concentrations indicated suspected tourniquet failure on 3 occasions (2 synovitis, 1 no‐synovitis) on 3 different horses. Data from both trials in these 3 horses were excluded from further analysis. Observed time to maximal concentration (Tmax; mean ± SD = 54 ± 13.42 min) was reached earlier in synovitis joints (5/5, 30 min) than in no‐synovitis joints (1/5, 30 min and 4/5, 1 h; P = .0476) (P = .0161). Mean observed maximal concentration (Cmax) was higher in synovitis joints (144.48 ± 43.17 μg/mL) than in no‐synovitis joints (60.02 ± 28.81 μg/mL; P = .0301). The recommended Cmax: minimum inhibitory concentration ratio of 8 was achieved in 3/5 of the successfully perfused joints with induced synovitis, but this ratio was not achieved in any of the clinically normal joints.ConclusionSynovitis of the radiocarpal joint resulted in an earlier observed Tmax and higher observed Cmax of intra‐articular amikacin after IVRLP compared with normal joints.
Fabrication of Monodispersed 5‐nm BaTiO3 Nanocrystals with Narrow Size Distribution via One‐Step Solvothermal Route
Authors: Zhang Hui , Wang Xiaohui , Tian Zhibin , Zhong Caifu , Zhang Yichi , Sun Changku , Li Longtu 
Published: September 2011

A convenient one‐step solvothermal route has been developed to synthesize monodispersed barium titanate with narrow size distributions. The key point of this method is the controlling of hydrolysis of Ti(OC4H9)4 with Diethylene glycol. The as‐prepared BaTiO3 nanoparticles were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high‐resolution TEM, BET‐specific surface area measurement and Raman spectrum. The monodispersed BaTiO3 nanoparticles obtained by this method have an average size of 5 nm with a narrow size distribution and a lattice tetragonality of 1.0069 ± 0.0010, which is promising for the ferroelectric science and its industry application.
Er2O3 Doping Effect on Electrical Properties of ZnO–V2O5–MnO2–Nb2O5 Varistor Ceramics
Authors: Nahm Choon‐W. 
Published: September 2011

The microstructure and electrical properties of Er2O3‐doped ZnO–V2O5–MnO2–Nb2O5 varistor ceramics were investigated with different contents of Er2O3. Increasing content of Er2O3 increased the sintered density (5.51–5.61 g/cm3 for Er2O3‐doped samples) and reduced the average grain size (5.2–5.7 μm). With increasing content of Er2O3, the breakdown field increased from 4800 to 5444 V/cm up to 0.05 mol%, whereas a further increase decreased it. The maximum nonlinear coefficient was 63, which was from the addition of 0.05 mol% Er2O3. The donor concentration increased from 4.21 × 1017 to 1.04 × 1018cm−3 with increasing content of Er2O3 and the barrier height exhibited a maximum value (1.21 eV) at 0.05 mol% Er2O3.
Fabrication of Nanosized Tungsten Carbide Ceramics by Reactive Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Sun Shi‐Kuan , Kan Yan‐Mei , Zhang Guo‐Jun 
Published: September 2011

Binderless tungsten carbide ceramics were produced by reactive spark plasma sintering, using tungsten nitride and carbon black as starting materials. The phase and microstructure evolution during the sintering process was investigated. It was found that the tungsten nitride decomposed into nano tungsten with a particle size of about 25 nm firstly, and then reacted with carbon black to form carbides. Due to the high activity of the in situ formed carbides, samples could be densified at a temperature as low as 1350°C. The bulk carbides possessed an average grain size of 270 nm and Vickers’ hardness of 25.4 GPa.
A systematic review of the literature about competence and poor insight
Authors: Ruissen A. M. , Widdershoven G. A. M. , Meynen G. , Abma T. A. , van Balkom A. J. L. M. 
Published: September 2011

Ruissen AM, Widdershoven GAM, Meynen G, Abma TA, van Balkom AJLM. A systematic review of the literature about competence and poor insight.Objective: Formally, incompetence implies that a patient cannot meet the legal requirements for informed consent. Our aim was to review the scientific literature on the relationship between competence and insight in patients with psychiatric disorders, how competence and insight are connected in these patients and whether there are differences in competence and insight among patients with different disorders.Method: A search in PubMed/Medline was performed. Articles were assessed on relevance criteria by two independent reviewers. Study design, population, variables, and outcomes were extracted.Results: Seven articles were included on studies of psychiatric inpatients and outpatients and of psychotic and non‐psychotic patients. All studies used the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool (MacCAT). All studies but one found a strong correlation between poor insight and incompetence. Psychotic patients with poor insight are very likely to be incompetent, and psychotic patients with adequate insight are generally competent. One well‐executed study showed that in non‐psychotic disorders, however, another relationship emerges; competence and insight do not completely overlap in these patients.Conclusion: Most incompetent psychotic patients have poor insight, but non‐psychotic patients with adequate insight were incompetent in a substantial number of cases. In sum: non‐psychotic patients with adequate insight can be incompetent.
Effects of platelet‐rich and ‐poor plasma on the reparative response of gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Cáceres Mónica , Martínez Constanza , Martínez Jorge , Smith Patricio C. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjectivesAlthough platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) has been proposed as a therapeutic tool to enhance wound repair, the cellular and molecular mechanisms stimulated by this agent are still not completely understood. The present study was designed to characterize the effects of PRP and platelet‐poor plasma (PPP) supernatants on cell responses involved in gingival tissue repair.MethodsWe studied the response of human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) to PRP and PPP fractions on: matrix contraction, cell migration, myofibroblastic differentiation, production of matrix components and proteolytic enzymes. PRP and PPP were obtained from donors using a commercial kit. Matrix contraction was evaluated by means of collagen lattices in the presence of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and actin polymerization inhibitors. The production of matrix molecules and proteinases was assessed through Western‐blot. RhoA activity was evaluated through a pull‐down assay. Actin distribution and focal adhesions were assessed through immunofluorescence. Transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) was quantified through ELISA.ResultsBoth PRP and PPP stimulated human gingival fibroblasts‐populated collagen gel contraction and Ilomastat and cytochalasin D inhibited this response. PRP and PPP also stimulated MT1‐MMP and TIMP‐2 production, RhoA activation and actin cytoskeleton remodeling, cell migration/invasion and myofibroblastic differentiation. TGF‐β1 was found at significantly higher concentrations in PRP than in PPP.ConclusionsBoth PRP and PPP promote wound tissue remodeling and contraction through the stimulation of actin remodeling, the activity of MMPs, promotion of cell migration, and myofibroblastic differentiation. The similar biological responses induced by PRP and PPP suggest that both platelet‐derived fractions may exert a positive effect on gingival repair.
TLR2 and TLR4 gene promoter methylation status during chronic periodontitis
Authors: De Oliveira Naila Francis Paulo , Andia Denise Carleto , Planello Aline Cristiane , Pasetto Silvana , Marques Marcelo Rocha , Nociti Jr Francisco Humberto , Line Sérgio Roberto Peres , De Souza Ana Paula 
Published: September 2011

De Oliveira NFP, Andia DC, Planello AC, Pasetto S, Marques MR, Nociti FH, Line SRP, De Souza, AP. TLR2 and TLR4 gene promoter methylation status during chronic periodontitis. J Clin Periodontol 2011; 38: 975–983. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐051X.2011.01765.xAbstract
Aim: The objective of this study was to analyse the status of DNA methylation in the promoter region of the toll‐like receptor (TLR)2 and TLR4 genes in gingival tissue samples from healthy subjects, smokers and non‐smokers affected by chronic periodontitis.
Material and Methods: Genomic DNA and total RNA were purified from gingival tissue using the TRIZOL reagent protocol. Genomic DNA was then digested by methylation‐sensitive restriction enzymes, amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), electrophoresed on a 10% polyacrylamide gel and stained using SYBR Gold. Real‐time PCR was also performed to verify the transcript levels.
Results: The CpG dinucleotides analysed were observed to be unmethylated in the majority of DNA samples of the three groups and statistical differences were not found among groups (p>0.05). However, a trend towards methylation was observed in the TLR2 HhaI site in the samples of the periodontitis non‐smoker groups. In fact, the analysis of all CpG sites together shows which complete methylation is observed in the shortest level in the samples of periodontitis non‐smoker group. The analysis of transcript levels demonstrated no difference among groups (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The results demonstrated major unmethylation of the TLR4 gene promoter in all groups. However, the results for the TLR2 gene promoter are inconclusive; this gene was found as a mosaic of methylated and unmethylated DNA in the majority of samples of the three groups and we also observed a trend towards the DNA methylation of CpG sites recognized by the HhaI enzyme.
Oral squamous cell carcinoma grading systems – analysis of the best survival predictor
Authors: Lindenblatt Rhayany de Castro Ribeiro , Martinez Gisele Lago , Silva Licínio Esmeraldo , Faria Paulo Silvestre , Camisasca Danielle Resende , Lourenço Simone de Queiroz Chaves 
Published: September 2011

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 34–39Background:  The TNM system has been used for decades in an attempt to predict clinical behavior and appropriate therapy for oral squamous cell carcinomas. Histopathologic classifications can be useful as an additional predictive tool. The purpose of this study was to apply four grading systems (Multiparameter Grading System, Malignancy Grading of the Deep Invasive Margins, World Health Organization grading system, and Histologic Risk Assessment) to oral squamous cell carncinomas and evaluate each system based on clinicopathologic parameters and patient survival.Methods:  The files of 53 patients diagnosed with primary oral squamous cell carcinoma at the Brazilian National Cancer Institute were evaluated. All hematoxylin and eosin‐stained slides were reviewed to confirm the original diagnosis and to determine histopathologic grading. Clinicopathologic information was obtained from medical records and tumor registries. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test or the chi‐square test, the Kaplan–Meier method, and the log‐rank test.Results:  The Multiparameter Grading System was statistically associated with pathologic staging (P = 0.02) and lymph node involvement (P = 0.0009). Differences in overall 5‐year survival were significant for Histologic Risk Assessment (P = 0.015), pathologic staging (P = 0.001), lymph node status (P < 0.0001), and recurrence (P = 0.0001). Differences in cancer‐specific 5‐year survival were significant for Histologic Risk Assessment (P = 0.029), pathologic staging (P = 0.002), lymph node involvement (P < 0.0001), and recurrence (P < 0.0001). Poorly differentiated tumors were associated with the worst disease‐free survival (P = 0.031) and recurrence (P = 0.043).Conclusion:  Of the grading systems evaluated, Histologic Risk Assessment demonstrated the best results for survival prediction in oral squamous cell carcinoma.
A preliminary study on the FAM5C expression in generalized chronic periodontitis
Authors: Ribeiro FV , Santos VR , Bastos MF , de Miranda TS , Vieira AR , de Figueiredo LC , Duarte PM 
Published: September 2011

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 147–152Objective:  The Family with sequence similarity 5 member C (FAM5C) has been suggested to contribute in aggressive periodontitis. However, there is no data regarding its role in chronic periodontitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the FAM5C expression in chronic periodontitis and to study association of FAM5C with key immunoinflammatory markers.Material and Methods:  Gingival biopsies were harvested from periodontally healthy subjects (n = 10) and chronic periodontitis subjects (n = 15). The levels of mRNA of FAM5C, interleukin (IL)‐17, IL‐6, IL‐23, IL‐10, IL‐4, interferon‐γ, toll‐like receptor (TLR)‐2, TLR‐4, osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, transforming growth factor‐β, transcription factor forkhead box p3, and transcription factor orphan nuclear receptor C2 were evaluated by real‐time polymerase chain reaction.Results:  FAM5C mRNA levels were not different between periodontally healthy and diseased tissues (P > 0.05). Gene expressions of IL‐17, TNF‐α, OPG, RANKL, TLR‐2, and TLR‐4 were higher in periodontitis, when compared to periodontally healthy sites (P < 0.05), while no differences between groups were observed for the other genes evaluated (P > 0.05). There were no correlations between the gene expression of FAM5C and the other immunoinflammatory markers (P > 0.05).Conclusion:  Within the limits of this study, it seems that FAM5C expression does not contribute to chronic periodontitis.
Exercise‐associated hyponatraemia on the Kokoda Trail
Authors: Rothwell Sean P , Rosengren David J , Rojek Amanda M , Williams Julian M , Lukin William G , Greenslade Jaimi 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjective: The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of exercise‐associated hyponatraemia in hikers/trekkers along the Kokoda Trail.Methods: This was a cross‐sectional study of 191 trekkers on the Kokoda Trail, Papua New Guinea. Blood was taken and analysed immediately using point‐of‐care technology 2 days walk from each end of the Trail.Results: The main outcome measure was hyponatraemia defined as serum sodium level less than 135 mmol/L. Three participants (1.6%, 95% CI 0.5–4.5%) were found to have mild hyponatraemia. The hyponatraemic group had a median estimated fluid intake on the day of testing that was almost double that of the normal sodium group (6 L vs 3.3 L).Conclusion: Exercise‐associated hyponatraemia occurs in trekkers on the Kokoda Trail. Strategies for prevention of exercise‐associated hyponatraemia should be delivered to trekkers via the trekking companies, chiefly focussing on only drinking in response to thirst.
Low frequency of Toll‐like receptors 2 and 4 gene polymorphisms in Mexican patients and their association with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Maldonado‐Bernal C. , Trejo‐de la O A. , Sánchez‐Contreras M. E. , Wacher‐Rodarte N. , Torres J. , Cruz M. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryType 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterized by a chronic low‐grade inflammatory state. SNP in Toll‐like receptor (TLR) genes has been associated with impaired inflammatory response. We genotyped the TLR4/D299G, TLR4/T399I and TLR2/R753Q polymorphisms. Low frequency was found with no association with T2D, nevertheless the TLR2 SNP was associated with lower levels in HDL‐cholesterol values.
Generalized Quantifiers and Number Sense
Authors: Clark Robin 
Published: September 2011

AbstractGeneralized quantifiers are functions from pairs of properties to truth‐values; these functions can be used to interpret natural language quantifiers. The space of such functions is vast and a great deal of research has sought to find natural constraints on the functions that interpret determiners and create quantifiers. These constraints have demonstrated that quantifiers rest on number and number sense. In the first part of the paper, we turn to developing this argument. In the remainder, we report on work in neurobiology that test the empirical claims of the theory. In particular, we look at fMRI experiments and behavioral experiments with various patient populations that support the intimate connection between natural language quantification and number sense.
Emotions and the Criminal Law
Authors: Mihai Mihaela 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis article focuses on the most recent debates in a certain area of the ‘law and emotion’ field, namely the literature on the role of affect in the criminal law. Following the dominance of cognitivism in the philosophy of emotions, authors moved away from seeing emotions as contaminations on reason and examined how affective reactions could be accommodated within penal proceedings. The review is structured into two main components. I look first at contributions about the multi‐dimensional presence of emotions within ordinary criminal proceedings. Second, I examine work done on the use of criminal trials under the emotionally stressful circumstances of post‐conflict societies. In the conclusion I sketch a theoretical proposal for moving the discussion forward.
Relevant uses of surface proteins – display on self‐organized biological structures
Authors: Jahns Anika C. , Rehm Bernd H. A. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryProteins are often found attached to surfaces of self‐assembling biological units such as whole microbial cells or subcellular structures, e.g. intracellular inclusions. In the last two decades surface proteins were identified that could serve as anchors for the display of foreign protein functions. Extensive protein engineering based on structure–function data enabled efficient display of technically and/or medically relevant protein functions. Small size, diversity of the anchor protein as well as support structure, genetic manipulability and controlled cultivation of phages, bacterial cells and yeasts contributed to the establishment of designed and specifically functionalized tools for applications as sensors, catalysis, biomedicine, vaccine development and library‐based screening technologies. Traditionally, phage display is employed for library screening but applications in biomedicine and vaccine development are also perceived. For some diagnostic purposes phages are even too small in size so other carrier materials where needed and gave way for cell and yeast display. Only recently, intracellular inclusions such as magnetosomes, polyhydroxyalkanoate granules and lipid bodies were conceived as stable subcellular structures enabling the display of foreign protein functions and showing potential as specific and tailor‐made devices for medical and biotechnological applications.
Biofilm formation in Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Domenech Mirian , García Ernesto , Moscoso Miriam 
Published: September 2011

SummaryBiofilm‐grown bacteria are refractory to antimicrobial agents and show an increased capacity to evade the host immune system. In recent years, studies have begun on biofilm formation by Streptococcus pneumoniae, an important human pathogen, using a variety of in vitro model systems. The bacterial cells in these biofilms are held together by an extracellular matrix composed of DNA, proteins and, possibly, polysaccharide(s). Although neither the precise nature of these proteins nor the composition of the putative polysaccharide(s) is clear, it is known that choline‐binding proteins are required for successful biofilm formation. Further, many genes appear to be involved, although the role of each appears to vary when biofilms are produced in batch or continuous culture. Prophylactic and therapeutic measures need to be developed to fight S. pneumoniae biofilm formation. However, much care needs to be taken when choosing strains for such studies because different S. pneumoniae isolates can show remarkable genomic differences. Multispecies and in vivo biofilm models must also be developed to provide a more complete understanding of biofilm formation and maintenance.
Differential expression and adherence of Porphyromonas gingivalis FimA genotypes
Authors: Zheng C. , Wu J. , Xie H. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryPorphyromonas gingivalis is a primary pathogen involved in the initiation and progression of adult chronic periodontitis. Its colonization on oral surfaces is a necessary first step leading to infection. FimA, a subunit protein of major (long) fimbriae, is a well‐known virulence factor. Based on its nucleotide sequence, FimA is classified into several genotypes. We compared here the transcriptional levels of the fimA gene in several P. gingivalis strains using real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis, fimbrial display on the P. gingivalis surface using transmission electronic microscopy, and the adherence competencies of P. gingivalis strains carrying different types of FimAs towards saliva and Streptococcus gordonii surfaces using mutagenesis analysis. We demonstrated differential expression of each fimA gene in these P. gingivalis strains. A correlation of the transcription level of fimA and binding activity of P. gingivalis was revealed. We show that P. gingivalis strains with genotype I and II of FimA are efficient in interaction with saliva or S. gordonii. This work highlights the important role of FimA type I and II in P. gingivalis attachment to oral surfaces.
Outer Membrane Vesicles Induce Immune Responses to Virulence Proteins and Protect against Colonization by Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Roy Koushik , Hamilton David J. , Munson George P. , Fleckenstein James M. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT

Enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) strains are a heterogeneous group of pathogens that produce heat-labile (LT) and/or heat-stable (ST) enterotoxins. Collectively, these pathogens are responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths annually in developing countries, particularly in children under the age of 5 years. The heterogeneity of previously investigated molecular targets and the lack of complete sustained protection afforded by antitoxin immunity have impeded progress to date toward a broadly protective vaccine. Many pathogens, including ETEC, have the capacity to form outer membrane vesicles (OMV), which often contain one or more virulence proteins. Prompted by recent studies that identified several immunogenic virulence proteins in outer membrane vesicles of ETEC, we sought to examine the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of these structures in a murine model of infection. Here we demonstrate that immunization with OMV impairs ETEC colonization of the small intestine and stimulates antibodies that recognize the heat-labile toxin and two additional putative virulence proteins, the EtpA adhesin and CexE. Similar to earlier studies with EtpA, vaccination with LT alone also inhibited intestinal colonization. Together, these findings suggest that OMV could be exploited to deliver protective antigens relevant to development of ETEC vaccines.