bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of genes associated with immunity in the endometrium of cattle with disparate postpartum uterine disease and fertility
Authors: Herath Shan , Lilly Sonia T , Santos Natalia R , Gilbert Robert O , Goetze Leopold , Bryant Clare E , White John O , Cronin James , Sheldon I Martin 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
Contamination of the uterine lumen with bacteria is ubiquitous in cattle after parturition. Some animals develop endometritis and have reduced fertility but others have no uterine disease and readily conceive. The present study tested the hypothesis that postpartum cattle that develop persistent endometritis and infertility are unable to limit the inflammatory response to uterine bacterial infection.

Methods
Endometrial biopsies were collected several times during the postpartum period from animals that were subsequently infertile with persistent endometritis (n = 4) or had no clinical disease and conceived to first insemination (n = 4). Quantitative PCR was used to determine the expression of candidate genes in the endometrial biopsies, including the Toll-like receptor (TLR 1 to 10) family of innate immune receptors, inflammatory mediators and their cognate receptors. Selected proteins were examined by immunohistochemistry.

Results
The expression of genes encoding pro-inflammatory mediators such as interleukins (IL1A, IL1B and IL6), and nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) were higher during the first week post partum than subsequently. During the first week post partum, there was higher gene expression in infertile than fertile animals of TLR4, the receptor for bacterial lipopolysaccharide, and the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL1A and IL1B, and their receptor IL1R2. The expression of genes encoding other Toll-like receptors, transforming growth factor beta receptor 1 (TGFBR1) or prostaglandin E2 receptors (PTGER2 and PTGER4) did not differ significantly between the animal groups. Gene expression did not differ significantly between infertile and fertile animals after the first week postpartum. However, there were higher ratios of IL1A or IL1B mRNA to the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL10, during the first week post partum in the infertile than fertile animals, and the protein products of these genes were mainly localised to the epithelium of the endometrium.

Conclusion
Cattle may maintain fertility by limiting the inflammatory response to postpartum bacterial infection in the endometrium during the first week after parturition.
LeishCyc: a biochemical pathways database for Leishmania major
Authors: Doyle Maria A , MacRae James I , De Souza David P , Saunders Eleanor C , McConville Malcolm J , Likić Vladimir A 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background

Leishmania spp. are sandfly transmitted protozoan parasites that cause a spectrum of diseases in more than 12 million people worldwide. Much research is now focusing on how these parasites adapt to the distinct nutrient environments they encounter in the digestive tract of the sandfly vector and the phagolysosome compartment of mammalian macrophages. While data mining and annotation of the genomes of three Leishmania species has provided an initial inventory of predicted metabolic components and associated pathways, resources for integrating this information into metabolic networks and incorporating data from transcript, protein, and metabolite profiling studies is currently lacking. The development of a reliable, expertly curated, and widely available model of Leishmania metabolic networks is required to facilitate systems analysis, as well as discovery and prioritization of new drug targets for this important human pathogen.

Description
The LeishCyc database was initially built from the genome sequence of Leishmania major (v5.2), based on the annotation published by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. LeishCyc was manually curated to remove errors, correct automated predictions, and add information from the literature. The ongoing curation is based on public sources, literature searches, and our own experimental and bioinformatics studies. In a number of instances we have improved on the original genome annotation, and, in some ambiguous cases, collected relevant information from the literature in order to help clarify gene or protein annotation in the future. All genes in LeishCyc are linked to the corresponding entry in GeneDB (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute).

Conclusion
The LeishCyc database describes Leishmania major genes, gene products, metabolites, their relationships and biochemical organization into metabolic pathways. LeishCyc provides a systematic approach to organizing the evolving information about Leishmania biochemical networks and is a tool for analysis, interpretation, and visualization of Leishmania Omics data (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) in the context of metabolic pathways. LeishCyc is the first such database for the Trypanosomatidae family, which includes a number of other important human parasites. Flexible query/visualization capabilities are provided by the Pathway Tools software and its Web interface. The LeishCyc database is made freely available over the Internet http://www.leishcyc.org.
Spontaneous regression of Merkel cell carcinoma in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a case report
Authors: Turk Tamara , Orlic Zeljka Crncevic , Smoljan Ivana , Nacinovic Antica , Bekafigo Irena Seili , Radic Jelena , Zamolo Gordana 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Introduction
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive primary cutaneous neuroendocrine malignant tumor. The tumor has a high rate of local recurrence after surgical removal. Spontaneous regression appears to be relatively common in this rare type of tumor.

Case presentation
We describe the clinical course, cytological and histological findings of a Merkel cell carcinoma in a 70-year-old Caucasian woman, simultaneously diagnosed with chronic lymphatic leukemia. The tumor showed clinical regression after fine needle aspiration. At primary presentation, the tumor had no apparent leukocyte infiltration, but was completely cleared by T-cell mediated immunity within 3 weeks after fine needle aspiration.

Conclusion
Fine needle aspiration may have acted as a mechanical trigger involved in the activation of cell-mediated immunity, leading to the clinical and histological regression of the tumor. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of spontaneous regression of Merkel cell carcinoma in a patient with a co-malignancy, that is to say, chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Longitudinal changes in recalled perceived life threat after a natural disaster
Authors: Heir Trond , Piatigorsky Auran , Weisæth Lars 
Published: May 2009

BackgroundPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis often depends on a retrospective, self-report of exposure to a life-threatening event.AimsTo examine the stability of recalled perceived life threat in a community sample exposed to a distinct stressful event.MethodFive hundred and thirty-two Norwegian citizens who experienced the 2004 South-East Asia tsunami completed a self-report questionnaire 6 and 24 months post-disaster. The questionnaire measured perceived life-threat intensity, exposure, immediate stress response, psychopathology, personality dimensions, self-efficacy and social support.ResultsRecalled threat intensity increased from 6 to 24 months (P<0.001). Recall amplification was associated with lack of PTSD symptom improvement (P< 0.05), but not with degree of exposure, immediate stress response, mood or stress symptoms, personality, self-efficacy or social support.ConclusionsRecall amplification of perceived life threat from a single stressful event occurs in the general population, it may hinder PTSD symptom improvement and it questions the diagnostic validity of PTSD.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 Reactivates G1 Checkpoint in SK-N-MC Cells via Regulation of p21, Inhibitor of Differentiation Genes (Id1-3), and Epithelium-Mesenchyme Transition-Like Events
Authors: Higgins S. , Wong S. H. X. , Richner M. , Rowe C. L. , Newgreen D. F. , Werther G. A. , Russo V. C. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractWe have recently demonstrated that fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 promotes neuroblastoma cell differentiation and overrides their mitogenic response to IGF-I. However, the mechanisms involved are unknown. SK-N-MC cells were cultured with FGF-2 (50 ng/ml) and/or IGF-I (100 ng/ml) up to 48 h. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis indicated that FGF-2 promotes G1/G0 cell cycle phase arrest. Gene expression by RT2-PCR and cellular localization showed up-regulation of p21. We then investigated whether FGF-2-induced differentiation of SK-N-MC cells (by GAP43 and NeuroD-6 expression) involves epithelium-mesenchyme transition interconversion. Real-time PCR (RT2-PCR) showed modulation of genes involved in maintenance of the epithelial phenotype and cell-matrix interactions (E-cadherin, Snail-1, MMPs). Zymography confirmed FGF-2 up-regulated MMP2 and induced MMP9, known to contribute to neuronal differentiation and neurite extension. Id1-3 expression was determined by RT2-PCR. FGF-2 induced Id2, while down-regulating Id1 and Id3. FGF-2 induced nuclear accumulation of ID2 protein, while ID1 and ID3 remained cytoplasmic. RNA interference demonstrated that Id3 regulates differentiation and cell cycle (increased Neuro-D6 and p21 mRNA), while d Id2 modulates epithelium-mesenchyme transition-like events (increased E-cadherin mRNA). In conclusion, we have shown for the first time that FGF-2 induces differentiation of neuroblastoma cells via activation of a complex gene expression program enabling modulation of cell cycle, transcription factors, and suppression of the cancer phenotype. The use of RNA interference indicated that Id-3 is a key regulator of these events, thus pointing to a novel therapeutic target for this devastating childhood cancer.
A Thyroid Hormone Analog with Reduced Dependence on the Monocarboxylate Transporter 8 for Tissue Transport
Authors: Di Cosmo Caterina , Liao Xiao-Hui , Dumitrescu Alexandra M. , Weiss Roy E. , Refetoff Samuel 
Published: June 2009

AbstractMutations of the thyroid hormone (TH) cell membrane transporter MCT8, on chromosome-X, produce severe mental and neurological impairment in men. We generated a Mct8-deficient mouse (Mct8KO) manifesting the human thyroid phenotype. Although these mice have no neurological manifestations, they have decreased brain T3 content and high deiodinase 2 (D2) activity, reflecting TH deprivation. In contrast and as in serum, liver T3 content is high, resulting in increased deiodinase 1 (D1), suggesting that in this tissue TH entry is Mct8 independent. We tested the effect of 3,5-diiodothyropropionic acid (DITPA), a TH receptor agonist, for its dependence on Mct8 in Mct8KO and wild-type (Wt) mice tissues. After depletion of endogenous TH, mice were given three different doses of DITPA. Effects were compared with treatment with two doses of l-T4. As expected, physiological doses of l-T4 normalized serum TSH, brain D2, and liver D1 in Wt mice but not the Mct8KO mice. The higher dose of T4 suppressed TSH in the Wt mice, normalized TSH and brain D2 in Mct8KO mice, but produced a thyrotoxic effect on liver D1 in both genotypes. In contrast DITPA produced similar effects on TSH, D2, and D1 in both Wt and Mct8KO mice. The higher dose fully normalized all measurements and other parameters of TH action. Thus, DITPA is relatively MCT8 independent for entry into the brain and corrects the TH deficit in Mct8KO mice without causing thyrotoxic effect in liver. The potential clinical utility of this analog to patients with MCT8 mutations requires further studies.
Differences in the Surface Charging at the (100) and (110) Surfaces of Li2B4O7
Authors: Wooten David , Ketsman Ihor , Xiao Jie , Losovyj Ya. B. , Petrosky James C. , McClory J. , Burak Ya. , Adamiv V. , Dowben Peter A 
Published: June 2009

AbstractFrom angle resolved photoemission, the (100) surface termination of Li2B4O7 is significantly more polar than the (110) surface termination although the accepted dipole orientation of this pyroelectric crystal is along (001). Consistent with the surface termination, the surface charging at the surface of (100) is significantly greater than observed at (110) and plays a role in the surface photovoltage effects. Because of the different interfaces formed, device properties likely depend upon crystal faces of lithium borate.
First-principles study of defects and carrier compensation in semiconductor radiation detector materials
Authors: Du Mao-Hua , Takenaka Hiroyuki , Singh David Joseph 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWe discuss defect engineering strategies in radiation detector materials. The goal is to increase resistivity by defect-induced Fermi level pinning without causing defect-induced reductions in the carrier drifting length. We show calculated properties of various intrinsic defects and impurities in CdTe. We suggest that the defect complex of a hydrogen atom and an isovalent impurity on an anion site may be an excellent candidate in many semiconductors for Fermi level pinning without carrier trapping.
Scanning Kelvin Probe Microscopy of CdTe Solar Cells Measured Under Different Bias Conditions
Authors: Moutinho Helio , Dhere Ramesh , Jiang Chun-Sheng , Al-Jassim Mowafak 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWe have investigated different methods for preparing CdTe/CdS cross sections for electrical measurements, including the following: cleaving; using GaAs substrates; and sandwiching the structure between the substrate and a glass slide, and polishing with diamond discs and alumina suspension. The latter method proved to be the most reliable, with a success rate of over 90%.We investigated cross sections of CdTe/CdS samples with scanning Kelvin probe microscopy (SKPM) using two different methods: applying the alternate bias with a frequency equal to 18.5 kHz, or equal to the frequency of the second cantilever resonance peak. The results showed that using the second resonance frequency produced a smoother signal, allowing the calculation of the electric field inside the device using just the raw SKPM data.We were able to measure the distribution of the electrical potential inside working devices. Then, by taking the first derivative of the potential, we calculated the electric field and determined the location of the p-n junction.
IR Reflectivity Studies of Mechanically Alloyed PbTe Nanocrystals
Authors: Hasapis Thomas Ch. , Papageorgiou Chrysi , Hatzikraniotis Euripides , Kyratsi Theodora , Paraskevopoulos Konstantinos M 
Published: June 2009

AbstractNano-crystalline lead telluride powder was synthesized by mechanical alloying using a high-energy planetary ball mill. The broadening of the X-ray diffraction peaks vs ball milling time, indicates small crystalline size of the order of 30nm. IR spectroscopy results are discussed and compared to the material prepared from melt.
Strain Relaxation of Self-nanostructured Solution Derived La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 Films
Authors: Abellan Patricia , Felip Sandiumenge , Moreno Cesar , Casanove Marie-Jose , Puig Teresa , Obradors Xavier 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe morphological and microstructural evolution associated with an exsolution driven self-nanostructuration
process of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 films, is investigated using scanning force microscopy, reciprocal space mapping and transmission electron microscopy. The focus is placed on the misfit strain relaxation mechanism. Surfaces with atomically flat terraces are already developed after 1hour at 1000 °C while first fingerprints of phase exsolution do not appear until 9-10 hours. X-ray diffraction reciprocal-space mapping reveals that 24 nm thick films remain strained during the whole microstructural evolution, while 12 hour annealed films undergo almost total plastic relaxation of the misfit strain at a thickness of 60 nm. Overall, these results point to a kinetic limitation of dislocation mechanisms. It is argued that chemical relaxation provides a significant contribution to misfit strain relief.
Psychosocial Impact of Dental Esthetics on Quality of Life in Adolescents
Authors: de Paula, Júnior Delcides F. , Santos Nádia C. M. , da Silva Érica T. , Nunes Mariade Fátima , Leles Cláudio R. 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Objective: To test the hypothesis that several dimensions of the self-perceived psychosocial impacts of dental esthetics are not associated with grades of malocclusion, oral health–related quality-of-life measures, and body self-image in adolescents.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included a convenience sample of 301 adolescents (mean age 16.1 ± 1.8 years, 58.1% female subjects). Demographic data were collected and dental conditions were assessed. The Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) was used for assessment of malocclusion and determination of orthodontic treatment needs. The short form of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ), and the Body Satisfaction Scale (BSS) were used to measure adolescents' self-perceived variables.
Results: All variables (DAI, OHIP-14, and BSS) were correlated with PIDAQ (P &lt; .001). Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed significant associations (P &lt; .001) of independent variables with the total score of PIDAQ (R2 = 0.29) and dental self-confidence (R2 = 0.30), social impact (R2 = 0.14), psychological impact (R2 = 0.23), and esthetic concern (R2 = 0.13).
Conclusion: The hypothesis is rejected. A broad range of adolescents' self-perceived impact of dental esthetics is influenced by severity of malocclusion, oral health–related quality of life, and body satisfaction.
Influence of First Premolar Extraction on Mandibular Third Molar Angulation
Authors: Jain Suruchi , Valiathan Ashima 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Objective: To compare the angular changes in the developing mandibular third molars in both first premolar extraction and nonextraction cases and to determine whether premolar extraction results in a more mesial movement of the mandibular buccal segment and causes favorable rotational changes in the mandibular third molar tilt, which can enhance later eruption of the third molars.
Materials and Methods: Pretreatment (T1) and posttreatment (T2) panoramic radiographs were taken of 25 subjects who had been treated by the extraction of all the first premolars and 25 subjects who had been treated with nonextraction. The horizontal reference plane was used to measure and compare the changes in the angles of the developing mandibular third molars.
Results: The mean uprighting of the mandibular third molars seen in the extraction group was 8.2 ± 5.4 degrees on the left side and 6.3 ± 6.5 degrees on the right side following treatment (T2 − T1). For the nonextraction group the mean difference was 1.3 ± 4.3 degrees on the left side and 1.7 ± 5.4 degrees on the right side. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups (P = .012 on the right side and P &lt; .001 on the left side).
Conclusions: Premolar extractions had a positive influence on the developing third molar angulations. Nonextraction therapy did not have any adverse effects.
Stepwise Advancement Herbst Appliance versus Mandibular Sagittal Split Osteotomy
Authors: Chaiyongsirisern A. , Rabie A. Bakr , Wong Ricky W. K. 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Objective: To compare the treatment effects and long-term stability of the stepwise Herbst appliance and mandibular sagittal split osteotomy in skeletal Class II adult patients.
Materials and Methods: Subjects comprised 16 patients in the Herbst group and another 16 patients in the surgery (mandibular sagittal split osteotomy) group. Lateral head films were taken before treatment (T0), after removal of the Herbst appliance/surgery (T1), after the fixed appliance treatment (T2), and 3 years after treatment (T3). All films were analyzed by standard cephalometrics and SO-analysis (analysis of changes in sagittal occlusion).
Results: All Herbst and surgery patients were treated successfully to Class I occlusal relationships with normal overjet and overbite. Both groups showed a significant change in mandibular base advancement (SNB, SNPg, Pg/OLp), which resulted in a decrease in the ANB angle, the Wits appraisal, and facial convexity. However, the surgery group showed larger changes in the parameters mentioned above. In terms of long-term stability, both groups achieved stable results, and no significant difference occurred over time.
Conclusion: Stepwise advancement Herbst appliance therapy can be used to treat borderline skeletal Class II adult patients with long-term stability.
MMP-2, MMP-9, and iNOS Expression in Human Dental Pulp Subjected to Orthodontic Traction
Authors: Leone Angelo , Mauro Annamaria , Spatola Giovanni Francesco , Provenzano Salvatore , Caradonna Carola , Gerbino Aldo , Buscemi Maria 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Objective: To test the hypothesis that some metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9) and inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS) enzymes in dental pulp samples do not vary when subjected to orthodontic treatment.
Materials and Methods: Human dental pulps were taken from male and female patients (N=10; age 10–14 years). A straight wire technique was used with nickel-titanium or steel archwires. The increase of pressure applied on teeth was gradual. Five patients were subjected to premolar extractions after 14 months of treatment and one after 24 months. Samples were Bouin-fixed, paraffin-embedded, and afterwards processed for immunohistochemistry using anti-MMP-2, anti-MMP-9, and anti-iNOS antibodies.
Results: A reduction of MMP-2, MMP-9, and iNOS expression occurred in treated samples. This became more evident with increased treatment time.
Conclusion: The hypothesis is rejected. The reduction of expression of those proteins revealed a time-dependent relationship.
Microbiologic Changes in Subgingival Plaque After Removal of Fixed Orthodontic Appliances
Authors: Choi Dong-Soon , Cha Bong-Kuen , Jost-Brinkmann Paul-Georg , Lee Si-Young , Chang Beom-Seok , Jang Insan , Song Jae-Seok 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Objective: To evaluate changes that occur in the subgingival microbiota after removal of fixed orthodontic appliances using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Materials and Methods: Thirty orthodontic patients (11 males and 19 females; aged 20 ± 7.3 yr) were included in this study. Subgingival plaque samplings were gathered from the disto-buccal gingival crevice of the left upper central incisors and the left lower central incisors, and from the mesio-buccal gingival crevice of the left upper first molars and the left lower first molars, at two different times: 2 weeks before appliance removal (T1), and 3 months after appliance removal (T2). DNA was extracted from the samples and the 16S rRNA-based PCR detection method was used to determine the prevalence of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Tannerella forsythia, Campylobacter rectus, Eikenella corrodens, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens, and Treponema denticola, which are considered as putative periodontopathogens.
Results: The frequency of positive sites at T1 and T2 was 65% and 43.3% for C. rectus, and 53.3% and 30.8% for E. corrodens, respectively. For the other bacteria, the frequency tended to be reduced between times.
Conclusion: Periodontopathogens during orthodontic treatment were significantly reduced within 3 months of appliance removal. However, how long it takes to return to the preorthodontic composition of the subgingival microbiota and whether it happens at all remain to be seen.