bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristic changes of periodontal ligament‐derived cells during passage
Authors: Itaya T. , Kagami H. , Okada K. , Yamawaki A. , Narita Y. , Inoue M. , Sumita Y. , Ueda M. 
Published: June 2009

Background and Objective:  Although periodontal ligament‐derived cells are expected to be a useful source of cells for periodontal tissue engineering, the characteristic changes of primary cultured cells have not been well studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of periodontal ligament‐derived cells and their changes during passage.Material and Methods:  Human periodontal ligament tissue was obtained from extracted third molars. Cells were subcultured until passage 6 and the cell characteristics from early to late passages were evaluated using immunofluorescence microscopy, alkaline phosphatase activity analyses, reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. To examine the function of periodontal ligament‐derived cells further, cells were transplanted into the renal subcapsule of an immunocompromised rat.Results:  Immunofluorescence results showed relatively uniform expression of MSX‐2 and osteonectin from passage 1 until passage 6. The STRO‐1‐positive fraction was 33.5% at passage 0, which was reduced to 14.7% at passage 3. Cultured cells at passage 1 expressed mRNA for collagen type I, collagen type XII, Runx2, alkaline phosphatase, osteonectin, osteopontin, scleraxis, tenomodulin, Msx2, GDF5 and GDF7 genes, but not for bone sialoprotein. The level of mRNA expression from tenomodulin and collagen type XII genes decreased after passage 3. Alkaline phosphatase activity decreased in cells at later passages. Osteogenic induction of periodontal ligament‐derived cells resulted in a down‐regulation of the tenomodulin gene. Transplanted cells from both early and late passages produced dense collagen fiber bundles without calcified tissue.Conclusion:  Cultured periodontal ligament‐derived cells were a morphologically homogeneous population, although expression of STRO‐1 was limited in primary culture. Cultured cells showed de‐differentiation during passage for both osteogenesis‐ and tendo/ligamentogenesis‐related genes.
Immunolocalization of laminin and integrin in regenerating junctional epithelium of mice after gingivectomy
Authors: Masaoka T. , Hashimoto S. , Kinumatsu T. , Muramatsu T. , Jung H.‐S. , Yamada S. , Shimono M. 
Published: June 2009

Background and Objective:  The expression patterns of adhesive proteins and extracellular matrix proteins in regenerating gingival epithelium after gingivectomy are unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of laminin 1, laminin γ2 (a specific component of laminin 5), integrin β4 and integrin α3 in the regenerating gingival epithelium in order to understand the mechanism of wound healing during reconstitution of the sulcular environment.Material and Methods:  The palatal gingivae of the maxillary molars of Institute of Cancer Research mice were excised, and the regenerating tissues were examined 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 days later. Fresh, non‐fixed and non‐decalcified frozen sections were prepared and stained using immunofluorescence.Results:  At 1 day post‐surgery, intense expression of laminin γ2, integrin β4 and integrin α3 was distinct in the frontal margin of the regenerating oral epithelium. Laminin γ2 was diffusely detected on the root surface and in connective tissues beneath the regenerating oral epithelium at 3 and 5 days. At 7 days, laminin γ2 was intermittently recognizable in the internal basal lamina (IBL) close to tooth‐facing cells, while laminin γ2, integrin β4 and integrin α3 were observed in the IBL and in the external basal lamina (EBL) of the regenerating junctional epithelium at 14 days.Conclusion:  These results suggest that secretion of laminin 5 in the connective tissue may induce epithelial cell migration, and that binding of laminin 5 to integrin α6β4 and integrin α3β1 in the IBL may provoke cell adhesion and migration of cells facing the tooth on the enamel surface of the regenerating junctional epithelium.
Baby walkers: a perspective from Turkey
Authors: Dogan Derya Gumus , Bilici Meki , Yilmaz Ayse Esra , Catal Ferhat , Keles Nuran 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAim:  To determine in an urban population in Turkey, the frequency of baby walker (BW) use, beliefs and attitudes of mothers regarding BWs, frequency of BW‐related injuries and whether families receive counselling from their paediatricians about BWs or not.Methods:  Children aged 2 months to 5 years who attended the well‐child care clinics of Fatih University Hospital in Ankara comprised the sample. A semi‐structured questionnaire was verbally administered.Results:  Of 495 children, 75.4% was found to use BW. Female gender [odds ratio (OR) = 1.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) =1.19–2.78) and lower maternal education (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 1.18–0.74) were found to be associated with BW use. Frequencies of injuries associated with BWs were low (7.8%). Only 92 (18.6%) families received appropriate counselling by their paediatricians.Conclusion:  The results of our study show that BW use is common in urban Turkey. Families are not informed about the lack of benefits and potential hazards of BWs and base reasons of using and not using on unique cultural beliefs rather than informed, evidence‐based decisions. Paediatricians in Turkey and potentially other countries require information about the need for counselling families about the hazards associated with BW use.
DETERMINATION OF COOLNESS AND DAMPNESS SENSATIONS CREATED BY FABRICS BY FOREARM TEST AND FABRIC MEASUREMENTS
Authors: KAPLAN SIBEL , OKUR AYŞE 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT Clothing is continuously in an interaction with the body both thermally and mechanically. Different sensations constituting the comfort status of a person arise as a result of this interaction. Coolness sensation perceived during skin‐fabric contact is one of these sensations arising from the transient heat flow from skin to the fabric as skin is usually warmer than clothing. In this study, coolness to touch and dampness sensations created by knitted fabrics having different compositions and physical surface characteristics were investigated by forearm test conducted on seven males. Besides physical properties (weight, yarn count, thickness, density), surface roughness and friction properties of the inner surfaces of the fabrics touching the skin were also determined. Microscopic photographs were taken to have an idea about hairiness properties of the inner surfaces and optical porosity values were calculated by analysis of the microscopic images by using MATLAB software. It was found out that coolness and dampness sensations arise during skin–fabric contact are mostly related to the permeability and surface roughness characteristics of fabrics, and the effect of fabric material is more on dampness sensation than coolness sensation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSIn the recent years, consumers pay attention more to the mechanical, thermal and visual sensations stimulated by the dynamic body–clothing interactions besides the aesthetic properties of their clothing. They take into consideration feelings they have during first touch with the clothing into their purchase decisions. Coolness to touch sensation perceived during first contact with the fabric and dampness sensation – which is very important during wear conditions including sweating – are two of them and they are related to the thermophysiological aspect of clothing comfort. For producing garments giving desirable feelings, it is very important to determine fabric properties influencing these sensations. A subjective evaluation method – the forearm test – was used to find out the relationships between coolness and dampness sensations and fabric properties. Results of this study are thought to be beneficial data for fabric manufacturers aiming to produce clothing for specific end users.
Changing Status in India's Marginal Music Communities
Authors: Sherinian Zoe 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe renegotiation of the performance of an instrument or genre associated with pollution or a degraded social status has been a significant theme in recent ethnomusicological literature on marginalized Indian music communities. These communities include Dalits (outcastes), lower castes, devadasis (hereditary temple dancers), women, and rural poor. Through a review of this literature and film production, I describe four positions taken by these communities and the impact on performance that these changes have brought: (i) discontinuance and rejection, (ii) replacement, (iii) maintenance of performance, yet rejection of caste or community duties, and (iv) reclamation of the music and identity as creditable.
Religious Environmentalism in the West. II: Impediments to the Praxis of Christian Environmentalism in Australia
Authors: Douglas Steve 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis article follows my earlier survey of the phenomenon and literature of Christian environmentalism in the West (Douglas 2009). I concluded that the literature of religious environmentalism has only recently begun to address the process of converting ecotheology into praxis. In this article, I present some significant factors that impede the conversion of ecotheology and associated symbolic policy and rhetoric, into operational policies and praxis, drawing on a case study of mainstream Christian denominations in Australia.
N‐CAM Dysfunction and Unexpected Accumulation of PSA‐NCAM in Brain of Adult‐Onset Autosomal‐Dominant Leukodystrophy
Authors: Piccinini Marco , Buccinnà Barbara , De Marco Giovanni , Lupino Elisa , Ramondetti Cristina , Grifoni Silvia , Votta Barbara , Giordana Maria Teresa , Rinaudo Maria Teresa 
Published: June 2009

AbstractPreviously, myelin from cerebral white matter (CWM) of two subjects of a family with orthochromatic adult‐onset autosomal‐dominant leukodystrophy (ADLD) was disclosed to exhibit defective large isoform of myelin‐associated glycoprotein (L‐MAG) and patchy distribution only in the elder subject. L‐MAG and neural cell adhesion molecule (N‐CAM) (N‐CAM 180, 140, and 120) are structurally related and concur to myelin/axon interaction. In early developmental stages, in neurons and glia N‐CAM is converted into polysialylated (PSA)‐NCAM by two sialyltransferases sialyltransferase‐X (STX) and polysialyltransferase‐1 (PST). Notably, PSA‐NCAM disrupts N‐CAM adhesive properties and is nearly absent in the adult brain.Here, CWM extracts and myelin of the two subjects were searched for the expression pattern of the N‐CAM isoforms and PSA‐NCAM, and their CWM was evaluated for N‐CAM, STX and PST gene copy number and gene expression as mRNA. Biochemically, we disclosed that in CWM extracts and myelin from both subjects, PSA‐NCAM accumulates, N‐CAM 180 considerably increases, N‐CAM 140 is modestly modified and N‐CAM 120 remarkably decreases; duplication of genes encoding N‐CAM, STX and PST was not revealed, whereas PST mRNA was clearly increased. Immunohistochemically, in CWM of both subjects, we found an unusually diffuse accumulation of PSA‐NCAM without inflammation markers. PSA‐NCAM persistence, up‐regulated PST mRNA and previously uncovered defective L‐MAG may be early pathogenetic events in this ADLD form.
Randomized clinical trial of standard dietary treatment versus a low‐carbohydrate/high‐protein diet or the LighterLife Programme in the management of obesity*
Authors: ROLLAND Catherine , HESSION Michelle , MURRAY Susan , WISE Alan , BROOM Iain 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground:  With the current obesity epidemic, the search for effective weight loss approaches is required. In the present study, changes in weight, body composition and cardiovascular (CV) risk in response to a low‐fat, reduced‐energy diet (LFRE), a low‐carbohydrate/high‐protein diet (LCHP), or a commercially available very low‐calorie diet (LighterLife; LL) were assessed.Methods:  One hundred and twenty obese patients (body mass index ≥35 kg/m2) underwent a screening period of 3 months on the LFRE. Those who lost >5% of their body weight were maintained on this approach for an additional 3 months, whereas those who lost >10% at this time were maintained for 1 year. Patients failing to achieve these targets were randomly allocated to either the LCHP (n = 38) or LL (n = 34) for a period of 9 months.Results:  Significantly greater weight loss was seen for patients on the LL than the LCHP at 3 (mean (±SD) −11.6 ± 12.9 vs −2.8 ± 4.5 kg, respectively; P < 0.0001) and 9 months (−15.1 ± 21.1 vs −1.9 ± 5.0 kg, respectively; P < 0.0001) after screening. Significantly greater improvement in total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol, fasting glucose, and diastolic blood pressure was seen at 3 months in patients on the LL compared with the LCHP (P < 0.05). These differences were no longer significant at 9 months, with the exception of fasting glucose. The attrition rate was elevated in the LCHP group, but did not differ significantly from the LL group.Conclusion:  Greater weight loss and improved CV risk were achieved with the LL, which mostly reflects the patient support provided for each dietary treatment.
Universal mtDNA primers for species identification of degraded bony fish samples
Authors: JORDAN LEAH G. , STEELE CRAIG A. , THORGAARD GARY H. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWe developed primers for amplifying and sequencing highly degraded mtDNA from diverse fish species. The primers flank a variable 148‐bp fragment within the 12S region of mtDNA. We screened and sequenced 82 samples of bony fishes representing 17 families to confirm cross‐species amplification and identification. Salmonid species were analysed and demonstrate 13 species‐specific SNPs within this region. Based on alignments of additional deposited sequences, these primers are conserved in many other species, making them useful for species identification using degraded DNA samples such as archaeological specimens.
L'ELECTRORETINOGRAPHIE DANS LA RETINOPATHIE DIABETIQUE ET DANS LA RETINOPATHIE HYPERTENSIVE
Authors: François Jules , Derouck Alfred 
Published: June 2009

Conclusions et Résumé.1. L'E.R.G. donne, dans la rétinopathie diabétique, des valeurs sensiblement normales, même dans les cas graves avec nombreux exsudats et hémorragies de la rétine, aà l'exception des cas de rétinite proliférante, où la réponse est subnormale; la durée du potentiel b a tendance à augmenter.Dans la rétinopathie hypertensive par contre, du moins au stade III ou IV de Wagener et Keith, la réponse devient subnormale et la durée de l'onde b est plutôt réduite.2. L'interposition de filtres interférentiels blue et vert donne des traceés qui ne se distinguent en rien des tracés normaux.3. L'action des vasodilatateurs (priscol) sur l'amplitude du potentiel b est très variable aussi bien dans la rétinopathie diabétique que dans la rétinopathie hypertensive. Aussi ne pouvons nous, en clinique, attribuer aucune signification généralement dans les limites des variations spontanées que l'on peut observer chez sujets normaux.
In vitro evaluation of bevacizumab toxicity on a retinal ganglion cell line
Authors: Sharma Rajesh K. , Chalam Kakarla V. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract.Purpose:  The effects of bevacizumab on cell viability and proliferation in a commonly used retinal ganglion cell line, RGC‐5, were examined.Methods:  RGC‐5 cells were exposed to 0.1 mg/ml, 1 mg/ml and 2 mg/ml of commercially available bevacizumab in vitro. To examine the specificity of effects, cells were also cultured with increasing and comparable concentrations of proteins (increasing the concentration of proteins in the culture media by 0.1 mg/ml, 1 mg/ml and 2 mg/ml by using additional fetal bovine serum [FBS] and bovine serum albumin [BSA]). Cell proliferation was assessed using a WST‐1 kit, crystal violet staining and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation. Cytotoxic effects were assessed by quantifying cell numbers in proliferation‐deficient RGC‐5 following exposure to bevacizumab using the WST‐1 kit, microscopic examination of cells stained with propidium iodide (PI) cells and flow cytometry for differential staining with PI.Results:  Bevacizumab was not toxic to RGC‐5 cells in the tested concentrations. It had a stimulatory effect on cell proliferation. A stimulatory effect on proliferation was also noted when equivalent amounts of proteins from FBS or BSA were used, which suggests that bevacizumab may stimulate proliferation non‐specifically by increasing the protein contents of the cell growth environment.Conclusions:  Results suggest that intravitreal injection of bevacizumab could alter the internal milieu of the eye by increasing protein concentrations to elicit functional responses in retinotypic cells. This may be especially relevant for cells outwith the control of vascular endothelial growth factor.
Clinical features and follow‐up results of pulsating polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy treated with photodynamic therapy
Authors: Byeon Suk Ho , Lew Young Ju , Lee Sung Chul , Kwon Oh Woong 
Published: June 2009

Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: 660–668Abstract.Purpose:  To report on the clinical course of pulsating polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT).Methods:  A total of 63 eyes of 58 consecutive patients diagnosed with PCV, treated with PDT and followed up for at least 6 months were enrolled. Best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fluorescein angiography and high‐speed indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) using confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (HRA) were performed.Results:  Of the 63 PCV eyes, 14 eyes (22.2%) of 14 patients were classified as having pulsating PCV. The mean age of pulsating PCV patients was 60.6 ± 7.0 years (48–69 years), which was younger than non‐pulsating PCV patients (65.7 years, p = 0.035). The mean follow‐up period was 23.9 ± 10.7 months, and PDT was administered 1.6 ± 0.9 times to pulsating PCV patients. The mean logMAR BCVAs were 0.85 ± 0.47 at presentation and 0.71 ± 0.52 at final examination. Extensive haemorrhagic events were more common in pulsating than in non‐pulsating PCV patients (57.1% versus 26.5%, p = 0.032). However, the risk of haemorrhage within 3 months of PDT was similar for both pulsating PCV and the remaining patients (14.3% versus 20%, p = 0.723).Conclusion:  Pulsating PCV showed distinctive features including a relatively younger patient age at presentation, and a haemorrhagic tendency (especially extensive). However, the use of PDT did not directly increase the risk of haemorrhage in pulsating PCV patients.
Ultrasound assessment of short‐term ocular vascular effects of intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (Avastin®) in neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Bonnin Philippe , Pournaras Jean‐Antoine C. , Lazrak Zineb , Cohen Salomon Yves , Legargasson Jean‐François , Gaudric Alain , Levy Bernard I. , Massin Pascale 
Published: June 2009

Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: 641–645Abstract.Purpose:  Angiogenic inhibitors, alone or combined with other therapies, are believed to represent a promising treatment for neovascularization in age‐related macular degeneration (wet AMD). They can maintain or improve visual acuity (VA), at least for the first 2 years. However, evolution to retinal atrophy cannot be ruled out and it may be useful to assess the effects of antiangiogenic therapy on retinal and choroidal circulation.Methods:  We carried out a pilot study in 15 patients with wet AMD. Time‐averaged mean blood flow velocities (BFVs) in the central retinal, temporal posterior ciliary and ophthalmic arteries (CRA, TPCA and OA) were measured by ultrasound imaging before and 4 weeks after a single intravitreal injection of 1.25 mg bevacizumab in 0.05 ml. Patients underwent two ophthalmic examinations, before and 4 weeks after injection, including VA measurement and optical coherence tomography (OCT3) examination.Results:  In treated eyes, bevacizumab injection was followed by a significant improvement in VA (from 20/125 to 20/80; p = 0.0214), and a decrease in mean central macular thickness (from 392 ± 96 μm to 271 ± 50 μm; p = 0.0038). Mean BFV decreased by 10% in the CRA (p = 0.0226), 20% in the TPCA (p = 0.0026) and 20% in the OA (p = 0.0003). No effect was observed in fellow eyes.Conclusions:  Intravitreal bevacizumab acutely improved VA and reduced central macular thickness in wet AMD. Ultrasound imaging revealed that BFVs decreased in all retrobulbar arteries, suggesting that after local diffusion, bevacizumab exerts a short‐term regional effect. Bevacizumab might therefore induce hypoperfusion of the whole eye, which may correspond to a vascular side‐effect.
Psychometric properties of visual functioning index using Rasch analysis
Authors: Gothwal Vijaya K. , Wright Thomas , Lamoureux Ecosse L. , Pesudovs Konrad 
Published: June 2009

Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: 797–803Abstract.Purpose:  The visual functioning index (VFI) was one of the first questionnaires developed using classical test theory to assess outcomes of cataract surgery. However, it was not Rasch‐validated. The objective of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the VFI using Rasch analysis in patients with cataract.Methods:  The 11‐item VFI was self‐administered to 243 patients (mean age 73.9 years) drawn from a cataract surgery waiting list. We examined the response category thresholds, item fit statistics, differential item functioning and unidimensionality for the VFI and its three subscales.Results:  Category thresholds were ordered. The person separation and reliability were low, indicating the poor discriminatory ability of the VFI. No items misfit but there was suboptimal targeting of item difficulty to patient ability. On the whole the items in the VFI were too easy for the sample. Only one item showed moderate differential item functioning.Conclusion:  The VFI does not meet the stringent requirements of the Rasch model. However adding more items to suit the more able patients with cataract as well as those awaiting second‐eye cataract surgery could optimize the VFI.
How Do Scientists Respond to Anomalies? Different Strategies Used in Basic and Applied Science
Authors: Trickett Susan Bell , Trafton J. Gregory , Schunn Christian D. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWe conducted two in vivo studies to explore how scientists respond to anomalies. Based on prior research, we identify three candidate strategies: mental simulation, mental manipulation of an image, and comparison between images. In Study 1, we compared experts in basic and applied domains (physics and meteorology). We found that the basic scientists used mental simulation to resolve an anomaly, whereas applied science practitioners mentally manipulated the image. In Study 2, we compared novice and expert meteorologists. We found that unlike experts, novices used comparison to address anomalies. We discuss the nature of expertise in the two kinds of science, the relationship between the type of science and the task performed, and the relationship of the strategies investigated to scientific creativity.
Duplex PCR Assay Simultaneously Detecting and Differentiating
Bartonella quintana
,
B
.
henselae
, and
Coxiella burnetii
in Surgical Heart Valve Specimens
Authors: Tang Yi-Wei 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

A duplex PCR (dPCR) assay was developed to simultaneously detect and differentiate
Bartonella quintana
,
Bartonella henselae
, and
Coxiella burnetii
from surgical heart valve tissue specimens with an analytic sensitivity of 10 copies/reaction. Among 17 specimens collected from patients with a clinical diagnosis of culture-negative endocarditis, 2, 4, and 2 were positive for
B
.
quintana
,
B
.
henselae
, and
C
.
burnetii
, respectively, by the dPCR assay, which matched the results obtained by universal bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing.