bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The embryonic epicardium: an essential element of cardiac development
Authors: Carmona R. , Guadix J. A. , Cano E. , Ruiz‐Villalba A. , Portillo‐Sánchez V. , Pérez‐Pomares J. M. , Muñoz‐Chápuli R. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract

Introduction
Origin of the epicardium: ontogeny and phylogeny
Epicardial/myocardial cellular and molecular interactions
EPDC contribute to coronary vessels and cardiac connective tissue
Epicardium as the tip of the iceberg: coelomic‐derived cells can be essential for vascularization, growth and maturation of the visceral compartment
Concluding remarks

The epicardium has recently been identified as an active and essential element of cardiac development. Recent reports have unveiled a variety of functions performed by the embryonic epicardium, as well as the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating them. However, despite its developmental importance, a number of unsolved issues related to embryonic epicardial biology persist. In this review, we will summarize our current knowledge about (i) the ontogeny and evolution of the epicardium, including a discussion on the evolutionary origins of the proepicardium (the epicardial primordium), (ii) the nature of epicardial–myocardial interactions during development, known to be essential for myocardial growth and maturation, and (iii) the contribution of epicardially derived cells to the vascular and connective tissue of the heart. We will finish with a note on the relationships existing between the primordia of the viscera and their coelomic epithelial lining. We would like to suggest that at least a part of the properties of the embryonic epicardium are shared by many other coelomic cell types, such that the role of epicardium in cardiac development is a particular example of a more general mechanism for the contribution of coelomic and coelomic‐derived cells to the morphogenesis of organs such as the liver, kidneys, gonads or spleen.
Lack of adjunctive benefit of Er:YAG laser in non‐surgical periodontal treatment: a randomized split‐mouth clinical trial
Authors: Rotundo Roberto , Nieri Michele , Cairo Francesco , Franceschi Debora , Mervelt Jana , Bonaccini Daniele , Esposito Marco , Pini‐Prato Giovanpaolo 
Published: May 2010

Rotundo R, Nieri M, Cairo F, Franceschi D, Mervelt J, Bonaccini D, Esposito M, Pini‐Prato G. Lack of adjunctive benefit of Er:YAG laser in non‐surgical periodontal treatment: a randomized split‐mouth clinical trial. J Clin Periodontol 2010; 37: 526–533. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐051X.2010.01560.x.AbstractAim: This split‐mouth, randomized, clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of erbium‐doped:yttrium–aluminium–garnet (Er:YAG) laser application in non‐surgical periodontal treatment.Materials and Methods: A total of 27 patients underwent four modalities of non‐surgical therapy: supragingival debridement; scaling and root planing (SRP)+Er:YAG laser; Er:YAG laser; and SRP. Each strategy was randomly assigned and performed in one of the four quadrants. Clinical outcomes were evaluated at 3 and 6 months. Subjective benefits of patients have been evaluated by means of questionnaires.Results: Six months after therapy, Er:YAG laser showed no statistical difference in clinical attachment gain with respect to supragingival scaling [0.15 mm (95% CI −0.16; 0.46)], while SRP showed a greater attachment gain than the supragingival scaling [0.37 mm (95% CI 0.05; 0.68)]. No difference resulted between Er:YAG laser+SRP and SRP alone [0.05 mm (95% CI −0.25; 0.36)].Conclusions: The adjunctive use of Er:YAG laser to conventional SRP did not reveal a more effective result than SRP alone. Furthermore, the sites treated with Er:YAG laser showed similar results of the sites treated with supragingival scaling.
Mechanical non‐surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis: a single‐blinded randomized longitudinal clinical study. II. Microbiological results
Authors: Persson G. Rutger , Samuelsson Emelie , Lindahl Christel , Renvert Stefan 
Published: May 2010

Persson GR, Samuelsson E, Lindahl C, Renvert S. Mechanical non‐surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis: a single‐blinded randomized longitudinal clinical study. II. Microbiological results. J Clin Periodontol 2010; 37: 563–573. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐051X.2010.01561.xAbstractBackground: Peri‐implantitis is common in patients with dental implants. We performed a single‐blinded longitudinal randomized study to assess the effects of mechanical debridement on the peri‐implant microbiota in peri‐implantitis lesions.Materials and Methods: An expanded checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization assay encompassing 79 different microorganisms was used to study bacterial counts before and during 6 months following mechanical treatment of peri‐implantitis in 17 cases treated with curettes and 14 cases treated with an ultrasonic device. Statistics included non‐parametric tests and GLM multivariate analysis with p<0001 indicating significance and 80% power.Results: At selected implant test sites, the most prevalent bacteria were: Fusobacterium nucleatum sp., Staphylococci sp., Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Helicobacter pylori, and Tannerella forsythia. 30 min. after treatment with curettes, A. actinomycetemcomitans (serotype a), Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus anginosus, and Veillonella parvula were found at lower counts (p<0.001). No such differences were found for implants treated with the ultrasonic device. Inconsistent changes occurred following the first week. No microbiological differences between baseline and 6‐month samples were found for any species or between treatment study methods in peri‐implantitis.Conclusions: Both methods failed to eliminate or reduce bacterial counts in peri‐implantitis. No group differences were found in the ability to reduce the microbiota in peri‐implantitis.
Influence of frequent clinical probing during the healing phase on healthy peri‐implant soft tissue formed at different titanium implant surfaces: a histomorphometrical study in dogs
Authors: Schwarz Frank , Mihatovic Ilja , Ferrari Daniel , Wieland Marco , Becker Jürgen 
Published: May 2010

Schwarz F, Mihatovic I, Ferrari D, Wieland M, Becker J. Influence of frequent clinical probing during the healing phase on healthy peri‐implant soft tissue formed at different titanium implant surfaces: a histomorphometrical study in dogs. J Clin Periodontol 2010; 37: 551–562. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐051X.2009.01568.x.AbstractObjectives: To investigate (i) the impact of different titanium implant surfaces on soft tissue integration over 6 months, and (ii) the influence of frequent clinical probing during the healing phase on the established mucosal seal.Material and Methods: Standardized clinical probing was randomly performed (12 dogs, probing versus control) at different transmucosal surfaces [machined (M), sand‐blasted/acid‐etched (SLA), and chemically modified acid‐etched (modA), modSLA] at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks (i.e. 1 × , 2 × , 3 × , and 4 ×). Histomorphometrical analysis (e.g. mucosal margin (PM) – apical extension of the junctional epithelium (aJE), PM – coronal level of bone‐to‐implant contact (CBI) was performed at 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks.Results: While M and SLA groups revealed a split formation, epithelial cells and connective tissue were in close contact to modA and modSLA surfaces. Frequent clinical probing (i.e. 3 × and 4 ×) increased mean pocket depths, PM‐aJE, and aJE‐CBI values in all groups and markedly disrupted the epithelial and connective tissue attachment.Conclusions: It was concluded that irrespective of the surface characteristics, a frequent clinical probing at short intervals during the healing phase was associated with dimensional and structural changes of the mucosal seal.
Urinary albumin excretion is associated with pulmonary hypertension in sickle cell disease: potential role of soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1
Authors: Ataga Kenneth I. , Brittain Julia E. , Moore Dominic , Jones Susan K. , Hulkower Ben , Strayhorn Dell , Adam Soheir , Redding‐Lallinger Rupa , Nachman Patrick , Orringer Eugene P. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBackground: Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is reported to be associated with measures of renal function in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine the relationship between albuminuria and both clinical and laboratory variables in SCD.Design and methods: This cross‐sectional study was performed using a cohort of adult patients with SCD and control subjects without SCD. Spot urine for microalbumin/creatinine ratio, measures of hemolysis, inflammation and other laboratory studies were obtained. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure was determined by Doppler echocardiography, and the diagnosis of PHT was defined using age‐, sex‐ and body mass index‐adjusted reference ranges.Results: Seventy‐three patients with SCD and 21 healthy, race‐matched control subjects were evaluated. In patients with SCD, normoalbuminuria was observed in 34 patients (46.6%), microalbuminuria in 24 patients (32.9%) and macroalbuminuria in 15 patients (20.5%). There was a significant correlation between urine albumin excretion and age. In patients with HbSS and Sβ0thalassemia, the levels of sFLT‐1, soluble VCAM and NT pro‐BNP were significantly higher in those with macroalbuminuria, compared to patients with microalbuminuria and normoalbuminura, but no significant differences were observed in the levels of laboratory measures of hemolysis. Urine albumin excretion was associated with PHT and a history of stroke.Conclusions: Our study confirms the high prevalence of albuminuria in SCD. The association of urine albumin excretion with sFLT‐1 suggests that this vascular endothelial growth factor receptor family member may contribute to the development of albuminuria in SCD. By inducing endothelial activation and endothelial dysfunction, sFLT‐1 appears to be a link between glomerulopathy and PHT in SCD.
A Model for Inactivation of Microbes Suspended in the Atmosphere by Solar Ultraviolet Radiation
Authors: Ben‐David Avishai , Sagripanti Jose‐Luis 
Published: May 2010

AbstractSolar ultraviolet (UV) light within 280–320 nm (UVB) is the primary cause for virus inactivation in the atmosphere. Only the effect of the direct component has been previously evaluated. We developed a simple regression model to estimate the inactivation of a virus due to direct (unscattered), diffuse (scattered) and total (direct + diffuse) components of solar UV (daily integrated irradiances). The model predicts the maximum number of radiation‐days a virus will survive at a given altitude above the ground in rural and urban environments under clear skies. We explored the effect of several environmental variables: visibility, altitude and ground reflectivity. We found that the effect of diffuse radiation on virus inactivation was larger than the direct component. The diffuse irradiance increased with ground albedo (mainly due to reflection of the direct attenuated solar off the ground) and decreased with increased visibility (proportional to aerosol loading in the atmosphere). The diffuse component increased with altitude, but the ratio of diffuse to the total decreased with increased altitude, highlighting the importance of the diffuse component of UV near the ground. Our model may help public health studies in predicting and understanding the effect of environmental parameters on the survival of germs.
Spectrum‐specific Damage and Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Avoidance in the Two‐spotted Spider Mite
Authors: Sakai Yuta , Osakabe Masahiro 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe spatial distribution of the two‐spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch is biased toward the lower surfaces of leaves as compared with the upper leaf surfaces on their host plants. Because of the deleterious effects of solar ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, we hypothesized T. urticae remains on lower leaf surfaces as an adaptation to avoid solar UV radiation (UVR). We examined the effects of solar UVR components on females and tested whether spatial distribution was associated with solar UVR avoidance. Attenuation of solar UVR using UV opaque film increased fecundity and reduced the movement of females from the upper to the lower leaf surfaces. In contrast, diverting solar UVR to the lower leaf surface using a light reflection sheet caused the mites to move from the lower to the upper leaf surfaces; however, attenuated UV reflection did not, suggesting that they occupy the lower leaf surface to avoid solar UVR. In monochromatic UVR tests, no eggs hatched when placed under 280–300 nm radiation, whereas almost all eggs hatched at 320–360 nm. Adult females, however, did not avoid wavelengths of 280 and 300 nm, but avoided 320–340 nm. We conclude that T. urticae exploit UVA information to avoid ambient UVB radiation.
The Effect of Tryptophan on UV‐induced DNA Photodamage
Authors: Oladepo Sulayman A. , Loppnow Glen R. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractTrp–DNA adducts resulting from UV irradiation of pyrimidine bases and nucleotides in the presence of tryptophan (Trp) have been the subject of previous research. However, the relative yield of the adducts compared with the UV screening effect of Trp has not been previously considered. To determine whether Trp–DNA adduct formation or absorption “screening” by Trp is the predominant process when DNA solutions are irradiated with UV light in the presence of Trp, we irradiated Trp‐containing DNA oligonucleotide solutions with UVC light and incubated aliquots of those solutions with molecular beacons (MBs) to detect the damage. We observed a rapid decay of fluorescence of the MBs for pure DNA solutions, thereby indicating damage. However, in the presence of Trp, the fluorescence decay is prolonged, with time constants that increase exponentially with Trp concentration. The results are discussed in terms of a beneficial in vivo cellular protection rather than harmful adduct formation and suggest a net sacrificial absorption of UV light by Trp which actually protects the DNA from UV damage.
Relationships between migration rates and landscape resistance assessed using individual‐based simulations
Authors: LANDGUTH E. L. , CUSHMAN S. A. , MURPHY M.A. , LUIKART G. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractLinking landscape effects on gene flow to processes such as dispersal and mating is essential to provide a conceptual foundation for landscape genetics. It is particularly important to determine how classical population genetic models relate to recent individual‐based landscape genetic models when assessing individual movement and its influence on population genetic structure. We used classical Wright–Fisher models and spatially explicit, individual‐based, landscape genetic models to simulate gene flow via dispersal and mating in a series of landscapes representing two patches of habitat separated by a barrier. We developed a mathematical formula that predicts the relationship between barrier strength (i.e., permeability) and the migration rate (m) across the barrier, thereby linking spatially explicit landscape genetics to classical population genetics theory. We then assessed the reliability of the function by obtaining population genetics parameters (m, FST) using simulations for both spatially explicit and Wright–Fisher simulation models for a range of gene flow rates. Next, we show that relaxing some of the assumptions of the Wright–Fisher model can substantially change population substructure (i.e., FST). For example, isolation by distance among individuals on each side of a barrier maintains an FST of ∼0.20 regardless of migration rate across the barrier, whereas panmixia on each side of the barrier results in an FST that changes with m as predicted by classical population genetics theory. We suggest that individual‐based, spatially explicit modelling provides a general framework to investigate how interactions between movement and landscape resistance drive population genetic patterns and connectivity across complex landscapes.
Development of a species‐specific AFLP‐based SCAR marker for authentication of black muntjac (Muntiacus crinifrons)
Authors: LIANG WENMING , YU JIAN , LI JIN , WU HAILONG , WU XIAO‐BING 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBlack muntjac is a rare and endangered deer endemic to eastern China. Due to the economic and pharmaceutical value of the meat, antlers and skin, the species has chronically suffered from poaching though it is regarded as the state key protected animal. To provide an effective molecular method for authentication of tissue specimen (such as meat, skin etc.) of the species, we developed a Sequence Characterized Amplified Region (SCAR) derived from a species specific Amplification Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) marker. Initially, a 707‐bp species specific DNA fragment of the animal was detected by a pair of AFLP primers (Ep7/Mp8). Subsequently, a species‐specific primer pair (P‐F/P1‐R) was designed based on the specific AFLP fragment sequence, obtaining a 298‐bp SCAR for the species. Finally, the reliability of the SCAR primers was verified by two separate PCRs using the designed SCAR primers and a cyt b universal primer pair. As expected, all black muntjac samples presented two bands but the others failed to produce the SCAR by merely showing one band. Our results indicated that the SCAR primers developed in this study may provide a useful tool for forensic authentication of black muntjac samples though further testing with larger sample sizes is warranted.
Toxicity testing of the VEGF inhibitors bevacizumab, ranibizumab and pegaptanib in rats both with and without prior retinal ganglion cell damage
Authors: Thaler Sebastian , Fiedorowicz Michal , Choragiewicz Tomasz J. , Bolz Sylvia , Tura Ayseguel , Henke‐Fahle Sigrid , Yoeruek Efdal , Zrenner Eberhart , Bartz‐Schmidt Karl‐Ulrich , Ziemssen Focke , Schuettauf Frank 
Published: May 2010

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate the effects of intravitreally introduced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors in rat eyes with healthy retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and into others with N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA)‐induced RGC damage.Methods:  Bevacizumab, ranibizumab and pegaptanib were intravitreally injected each at two different concentrations. Respective vehicles of the three substances served as controls. In a different group, additionally a rat anti‐VEGF antibody was injected after NMDA treatment. Retrogradely labelled RGC were counted on retinal wholemounts 1 week or 2 months after intravitreal introduction of the VEGF inhibitors. Electron microscopy (EM) was performed on normal rat eyes 2 months after introduction of the VEGF inhibitors.Results:  RGC counts in healthy rat eyes were essentially unchanged from those of the control animals after the administration of both low and high concentrations of bevacizumab, ranibizumab or pegaptanib. Compared to the other two substances, however, high doses of pegaptanib and its respective vehicle significantly decreased RGC after 1 week and led to a marked increase of mitochondrial swelling in EM. In eyes with NMDA‐induced RGC damage, no changes of RGC numbers were detected after rat anti‐VEGF antibody or bevacizumab, ranibizumab and pegaptanib at both tested concentrations.Conclusions:  Even at higher doses, bevacizumab and ranibizumab showed no toxic effects on RGC in vivo in either untreated rats or in the NMDA‐induced RGC damage model. Also a rat anti‐VEGF antibody showed no adverse effects after NMDA. Anti‐VEGF therapy therefore appears safe even for eyes with additional excitotoxic RGC damage. Potential harm from the pegaptanib carrier solution at very high local concentrations cannot be excluded.
Obama's “Smart‐Power” Strategy, One Year On: The Case of the Middle East
Authors: Zweiri Mahjoob , Awwad Rula 
Published: May 2010

AbstractA year ago, President Obama was cheered into the White House. His election represented hope for many, not just in the United States, but around the world. Charged with such force and charisma, unprecedented in U.S. Presidential history, he promised the much needed change that America and the world are waiting for. Obama's election was more of a rebirth that represented hope, “Yes We Can,” to regain the credibility of the United States lost during the last decade.
The Use of EMDR in Treatment of Traumatized Iraqi Children
Authors: Wadaa Najla N. , Zaharim Norzarina Mohd , Alqashan Humoud F. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to determine the prevalence of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Iraqi children and the effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment in traumatized Iraqi children. The participants in the present study were Iraqi children, ages 7–12; mean age = 10.17 years. There were 29 boys and 31 girls who immigrated to Malaysia during the recent war in Iraq. Those children were assessed for PTSD. Following the assessment, 37 children were assigned to two groups: 12 to the experimental group and 25 to the control group. The 12 children in the experimental group were treated with EMDR and were compared with the 25 children in the control group. This was done in order to determine the effectiveness of EMDR in reducing PTSD symptoms among traumatized children. UCLA PTSD DSM‐IV (Revision 1) was used to determine the prevalence of PTSD among Iraqi children. The results suggested that EMDR was effective in reducing PTSD symptoms.
The Arab Opposition Molehill
Authors: Singh Ranjit 
Published: May 2010

AbstractArab Islamic oppositions have proven largely ineffectual in molding regime outcomes since the liberalizations of the 1980s and 1990s, although many continue to overestimate their potential for propelling reform. This article argues that a keen sense of the past is necessary when evaluating whether or not an opposition matters for political reform.Section Iintroduces noted scholar Juan Linz's notion of “semi‐opposition”—limited and “semi‐free” opposition groups that may sustain authoritarian regimes as much as repression. Using interviews and English and Arabic sources,Section IIdemonstrates historical correspondences between semi‐opposition and the Jordanian and Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood (MB) organizations concerning origins and support, ideology and approach to politics, regime tolerance and political environment, and political behavior.Section IIIdevelops Linz's hypothesis on the links between semi‐opposition and authoritarian persistence by examining how the MB marginalizes and raises the costs of dissent for other opposition groups and actors. The MB is briefly contrasted with the Algerian Front Islamique du Salut (FIS) opposition party of 1989–1992 inSection IV. Decidedly not a semi‐opposition, the FIS proved far more transformative than either the Jordanian or Egyptian MB, inducing centrifugal politics and the collapse of the Front de Libération Nationale (FLN) state that governed Algeria from 1962.
The War on Terror from the Perspective of Indonesia and Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alghanim Abdullah A. , Salhi Ribhi I. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThis article examines the perspective of two major Islamic nations—Saudi Arabia and Indonesia—toward the United States' War on terror and how this war shaped and influenced the behavior of the two Islamic governments toward domestic challenges and their partnership with the United States, as they have declared their support of the United States. Indeed the war against terror has developed several security concerns for both Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. However, each state has followed different methods to fight Islamic radical movements as well as a different framework of partnership with the United States on its war against terrorism.