bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accumulation of fructans following oxygen deficiency stress in related plant species with different flooding tolerances
Authors: ALBRECHT GERD , BIEMELT SOPHIA , BAUMGARTNER SABINE 
Published: July 2009

SUMMARYIn the present work we compare responses to hypoxia of the carbohydrate content of related plant species, which grow naturally on sites prone to flooding (Senecio aquaticus Hill., Myosotis palustris (L.) Lehm. Rchb.) with plants from habitats with only a low risk of oxygen shortage (Senecio jacobaea L., Myosotis arvensis (L.) Hill.). Whilst the amounts of glucose, fructose and sucrose changed only slightly following hypoxia and peaked at a maximum approximately double that of the aerated control specimens, the fructan content increased fivefold to tenfold. In nearly all the plants studied, fructan became the main polysaccharide reserve. For example, the flooding‐tolerant Senecio aquaticus accumulated the highest amount, in particular fructans with a degree of polymerization up to 35 compared with 10 under control conditions. Nearly 70% of the soluble carbohydrates were fructans, compared with 30% under aerated conditions.In all species tested the starch fraction marginally increased or remained constant.Fructans were found to accumulate as a response to oxygen deficiency in both flooding‐tolerant and intolerant species but with higher absolute values and ratios between fructan and starch in the flooding‐tolerant species. At 24 h after the onset of hypoxic treatment, the sugar content rose, in spite of the diminished photosynthetic rates. The ability to accumulate fructans seems to vary in plants coping with oxygen shortage but could be interpreted as advantageous in comparison to starch synthesis in terms of (i) the location of the fructan metabolism in the vacuoles, with no negative feedback in the photosynthetic apparatus and (ii) the possibility of storage of sucrose in the form of fructose polymers without the intermediate stages and energy‐using processes which are indispensable for starch synthesis. These results might indicate that fructan metabolism could play a role in the tolerance of oxygen deficiency.
Social Cognitive and Emotion Processing Abilities of Children With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: A Comparison With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Greenbaum Rachel L. , Stevens Sara A. , Nash Kelly , Koren Gideon , Rovet Joanne 
Published: July 2009

Background:  Although children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) are at high risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), direct comparisons show distinct cognitive phenotypes in the 2 diagnoses. However, these groups have not been directly compared for social problems or social cognition, nor has social cognition been directly examined in FASDs.Objectives:  To compare FASDs and ADHD groups on social cognition tasks and determine whether deficient social cognition and emotion processing predict behavioral problems and social skills.Methods:  Studied were 33 children with FASDs, 30 with ADHD, and 34 normal controls (NC). All received tasks of social cognition and emotion processing. Parents and teachers rated children on measures of completed questionnaires assessing child’s behavioral problems and social skills using the Child Behavior Checklist, Teacher Report Form, and Social Skills Rating Scale. Children received 3 subtests from the Saltzman‐Benaiah and Lalonde (2007) Theory of Mind Task as a measure of social cognition and 4 subtests from the Minnesota Test of Affective Processing (Lai et al., 1991) to assess emotion processing.Results:  Parents and teachers reported more behavior problems and poorer social skills in children in FASD and ADHD than NC groups. FASDs demonstrated significantly weaker social cognition and facial emotion processing ability than ADHD and NC groups. Regression analyses identified social cognition as a significant predictor of behavior problems and emotion processing as a significant predictor of social skills.Conclusions:  Children with FASDs show a distinct behavioral profile from children with ADHD. Difficulties in social cognition and emotion processing in children with FASDs may contribute to their high incidence of social behavioral problems.
Effect of phosphate binders on oxidative stress and inflammation markers in hemodialysis patients
Authors: PERES Aline T. , DALBONI Maria A. , CANZIANI Maria E. , MANFREDI Silvia R. , CARVALHO Jose Tarcisio G. , BATISTA Marcelo C. , CUPPARI Lilian , CARVALHO Aluisio B. , MOYSES Rosa M. A. , GUIMARÃES Nadia , JORGETTI Vanda , ANDREOLI Maria C. , DRAIBE Sergio A. , CENDOROGLO Miguel 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIt has been suggested that phosphate binders may reduce the inflammatory state of hemodialysis (HD) patients. However, it is not clear whether it has any effect on oxidative stress. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sevelamer hydrochloride (SH) and calcium acetate (CA) on oxidative stress and inflammation markers in HD patients. Hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to therapy with SH (n=17) or CA (n=14) for 1 year. Before the initiation of therapy (baseline) and at 12 months, we measured in vitro reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by stimulated and unstimulated polymorphonuclear neutrophils and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin‐10, C‐reactive protein, and albumin. There was a significant reduction of spontaneous ROS production in both groups after 12 months of therapy. There was a significant decrease of Staphylococcus aureus stimulated ROS production in the SH group. There was a significant increase in albumin serum levels only in the SH group. In the SH group, there was also a decrease in the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α and C‐reactive protein. Our results suggest that compared with CA treatment, SH may lead to a reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation. Therefore, it is possible that phosphate binders exert pleiotropic effects on oxidative stress and inflammation, which could contribute toward decreasing endothelial injury in patients in HD.
Antihypertensive prescription in pediatric dialysis: A practitioner survey by the Midwest Pediatric Nephrology Consortium study
Authors: LIN Jen‐Jar , MITSNEFES Mark M. , SMOYER William E. , VALENTINI Rudolph P. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractPrevious studies have indirectly suggested the prescription of antihypertensive medications may contribute to blood pressure control in dialysis patients. Before exploring this largely unknown field, it is necessary to examine if there is diversity in antihypertensive prescription for dialysis patients. The questionnaire by the Midwest Pediatric Nephrology Consortium was mailed to members of American Society of Pediatric Nephrology holding faculty positions in North America and Puerto Rico. Eighty‐three (23.9%) of the mailed 357 surveys were analyzable. End‐organ damage (43.2% respondents), interdialytic blood pressure levels (35.1%), achievement of dry weight (29.7%), duration of action of medications (25.7%), and underlying diseases (24.3%) were considered as the most important factor(s) in determining antihypertensive medications. For both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients, dihydropyridine‐calcium channel blockers and angiotensin enzyme inhibitors were the most commonly prescribed medications. On scheduled hemodialysis days, 66.7% respondents withheld morning medications. Among them, two‐thirds did not withhold all medications; they preferred withholding direct vasodilators (63.2%) > dihydropyridine‐calcium channel blockers (50%) > β‐blockers (25%) > angiotensin enzyme inhibitors (21.9%). 60.7% respondents gave medications back postdialysis and 66.1% held medications only for morning dialysis. For nocturnal peritoneal dialysis patients, 85.9% and 91.1% respondents did not avoid certain medications in the evening and morning, respectively. For continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients, 10.8% respondents preferred giving medications in the morning while 74.3% had no preference. Antihypertensive prescription is quite diverse among pediatric nephrologists and its clinical significance requires further studies.
Effect of platelet‐rich plasma on bone healing of autogenous bone grafts in critical‐size defects
Authors: Nagata Maria J. H. , Melo Luiz. G. N. , Messora Michel R. , Bomfim Suely R. M. , Fucini Stephen E. , Garcia Valdir G. , Bosco Alvaro F. , Okamoto Tetuo 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAim: This study histologically analysed the effect of autogenous platelet‐rich plasma (PRP), prepared according to a new semiautomatic system, on healing of autogenous bone (AB) grafts placed in surgically created critical‐size defects (CSD) in rabbit calvaria.Material and Methods: Sixty rabbits were divided into three groups: C, AB and AB/PRP. A CSD was created in the calvarium of each animal. In Group C (control), the defect was filled by blood clot only. In Group AB (autogenous bone graft), the defect was filled with particulate autogenous bone. In Group AB/PRP (autogenous bone graft with platelet‐rich plasma), it was filled with particulate autogenous bone combined with PRP. All groups were divided into subgroups (n=10) and euthanized at 4 or 12 weeks post‐operatively. Histometric and histologic analyses were performed. Data were statistically analysed (anova, t‐test, p<0.05).Results: Group C presented significantly less bone formation compared with Group AB and AB/PRP in both periods of analysis (p<0.001). At 4 weeks, Group AB/PRP showed a statistically greater amount of bone formation than Group AB (64.44 ± 15.0%versus 46.88 ± 14.15%; p=0.0181). At 12 weeks, no statistically significant differences were observed between Groups AB and AB/PRP (75.0 ± 8.11%versus 77.90 ± 8.13%; p>0.05). It is notable that the amount of new bone formation in Group AB/PRP at 4 weeks was similar to that of Group AB at 12 weeks (p>0.05).Conclusion: Within its limitation, the present study has indicated that (i) AB and AB/PRP significantly improved bone formation and (ii) a beneficial effect of PRP was limited to an initial healing period of 4 weeks.
Xerostomia in Sjögren's syndrome and lupus erythematosus: a comparative histological and immunofluorescence study of minor salivary glands alterations
Authors: Fernandes Juliana Dumêt , Nico Marcello Menta S. , Aoki Valéria , Bologna Sheyla , Romiti Ricardo , Levy‐Neto Mauricio , Lourenço Sílvia Vanessa 
Published: July 2009

Background: Xerostomia is a symptom that can be triggered by chronic diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and lupus erythematosus (LE). Many authors regard most cases of salivary hypofunction in LE to secondary SS. Others believe that salivary changes in patients with LE might reflect a multisystem presentation of the disease. The present study compared histopathological and direct immunofluorescence (DIF) alterations in salivary glands of patients with xerostomia and diagnosis of LE or SS. Methods: Twenty‐eight salivary gland biopsies from patients with xerostomia and diagnosed with LE or SS were submitted to histopathological and DIF exams. Results: From the 28 patients, 16 had SS and 12 had LE. In SS, a moderate to intense sialadenitis was detected, with infiltration and destruction of excretory salivary ducts. In LE, mild/moderate sialadenitis with thickening and hyalinization of the ductal basement membrane was observed. DIF revealed that 50% of SS patients presented intercellular ductal IgA deposits, whereas 58% of LE patients showed deposits of IgG in the ductal basement membrane. Conclusions: Alterations in salivary glands of LE patients may be a specific manifestation of the disease (lupus sialadenitis), reflecting its multisystemic presentation, instead of an association of secondary SS and LE.Fernandes JD, Nico MMS, Aoki V, Bologna S, Romiti R, Levy‐Neto M and Lourenço SV. Xerostomia in Sjögren's syndrome and lupus erythematosus: a comparative histological and immunofluorescence study of minor salivary glands alterations.
Severe architectural disorder is a potential pitfall in the diagnosis of small melanocytic lesions
Authors: Torres‐Cabala Carlos A. , Plaza Jose A. , Diwan A. Hafeez , Prieto Victor G. 
Published: July 2009

Background: Little is known about the significance of severe architectural disorder in small melanocytic lesions with features of dysplastic nevi (DN). Methods: Using previously reported criteria, 355 consecutive DN were scored for architectural disorder and cytologic atypia. The DN were classified according to their size as small (equal or less than 3 mm) or large (greater than 3 mm). Results: Of these 136 (38.3%) DN were classified as small. Grades of architectural disorder and cytologic atypia were equally distributed in small and large DN. Forty lesions were diagnosed as dysplastic nevi with severe architectural disorder (DNSAD). Thirteen DNSAD were small; of these, 84.6% were junctional. DN showing only mild to moderate architectural disorder were found to be predominantly compound. DN with severe cytologic atypia were mainly large (8/10 cases) with no particular type (junctional or compound) predominance. Seven cases displayed both severe architectural disorder and severe cytologic atypia; only one of these cases (a junctional lesion) measured less than 3 mm. Conclusions: Small melanocytic lesions displaying severe architectural disorder are mainly junctional and tend to show only mild cytologic atypia. Caution is needed when interpreting the degree of architectural disorder in these small melanocytic lesions, in order to avoid overdiagnosis of melanoma.Torres‐Cabala CA, Plaza CA, Hafeez Diwan A, Prieto VG. Severe architectural disorder is a potential pitfall in the diagnosis of small melanocytic lesions.
The development of an ePortfolio for life‐long reflective learning and auditable professional certification
Authors: Kardos R. L. , Cook J. M. , Butson R. J. , Kardos T. B. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractRecent legislative changes, that affect all healthcare practitioners in New Zealand, have resulted in mandatory audits of practitioners who are now required to provide evidence of competence and continued professional development in the form of a professional portfolio. These changes were the motivation for our development of an electronic portfolio (ePortfolio) suitable for both undergraduate and life‐long learning. Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) students, studying to qualify as Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists, and BOH teaching staff (who held registrations in Dental Hygiene, Dental Therapy and Dentistry) trialled the use of a personal ePortfolio for advancing their academic and professional development. The ePortfolio enables BOH students to collect evidence of their achievements and personal reflections throughout their 3 years of undergraduate study, culminating in registration and the award of an Annual Practising Certificate (APC). The ePortfolio was designed to allow users to store information and then select appropriate material to be displayed or published, thus assisting health practitioners to present high‐quality evidence of their participation and achievements, and to meet the professional requirements for their APC.
Computer literacy and attitudes of dental students and staff at the University of the West Indies Dental School
Authors: Smith W. , Bedayse S. , Lalwah S. L. , Paryag A. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIntroduction:  The University of the West Indies (UWI) Dental School is planning to implement computer‐based information systems to manage student and patient data. In order to measure the acceptance of the proposed implementation and to determine the degree of training that would be required, a survey was undertaken of the computer literacy and attitude of all staff and students.Methodology:  Data were collected via 230 questionnaires from all staff and students.Results:  A 78% response rate was obtained. The computer literacy of the majority of respondents was ranked as ‘more than adequate’ compared to other European Dental Schools. Respondents < 50 years had significantly higher computer literacy scores than older age groups (P < 0.05). Similarly, respondents who owned an email address, a computer, or were members of online social networking sites had significantly higher computer literacy scores than those who did not (P < 0.05). Sex, nationality and whether the respondent was student/staff were not significant factors. Most respondents felt that computer literacy should be a part of every modern undergraduate curriculum; that computer assisted learning applications and web‐based learning activity could effectively supplement the traditional undergraduate curriculum and that a suitable information system would improve the efficiency in the school's management of students, teaching and clinics.Conclusion:  The implementation of a computer‐based information system is likely to have widespread acceptance among students and staff at the UWI Dental School. The computer literacy of the students and staff are on par with those of schools in the US and Europe.
A composite index for determining the impact of oral ulcer activity in Behcet’s disease and recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Mumcu G. , Sur H. , Inanc N. , Karacayli U. , Cimilli H. , Sisman N. , Ergun T. , Direskeneli H. 
Published: July 2009

Background:  Although number, frequency and healing time of oral ulcers and pain are generally used for clinical practice and studies in Behcet’s disease (BD) and recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), no standardized activity index is currently present to monitor clinical manifestations associated with oral ulcers. The aim of this study was to develop a standardized composite index (CI) to assess oral ulcer activity in BD and RAS.Methods:  In this cross‐sectional study, 121 patients with BD and 45 patients with RAS were included. Sixty‐five percentage of BD and 68.9% of RAS patients were in active stage during the previous 3 months. The developed CI included the presence of oral ulcers, ulcer‐related pain and functional status and was evaluated in patients with both active and inactive disease for content validity.Results:  Composite index score was observed to be higher in active patients with RAS (6.94 ± 2.19) compared with active BD patients (6.01 ± 2.04) (P = 0.04). The number of oral ulcers and healing time of oral ulcers were significantly higher in RAS compared with BD (P = 0.018, P = 0.001 respectively). CI score correlated with the number of oral ulcers in both BD and RAS (P = 0.000, P = 0.002 respectively). CI score was ‘0’ for inactive patients without oral ulcer in BD and RAS.Conclusions:  The presented CI as an oral ulcer activity index seems to be a reliable and suitable tool for evaluating the clinical impact and disease‐specific problems in BD and RAS.
Expression of IFN‐γ before and after treatment of oral lichen planus with 0.1% fluocinolone acetonide in orabase
Authors: Youngnak‐Piboonratanakit Pornpan , Dhanuthai Kittipong , Thongprasom Kobkan , Luckprom Pimporn , Sarideechaigul Wilairat , Luangjarmekorn Lakana , Azuma Miyuki 
Published: July 2009

Background:  Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a common chronic inflammatory mucosal disease in which T‐cell‐mediated immune responses are implicated in the pathogenesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 0.1% fluocinolone acetonide in orabase (FAO) on the in situ expression of IFN‐γ in patients with OLP.Methods:  Twenty OLP patients were enrolled in this study. Biopsy specimens and serum samples were obtained before and 1‐month after the treatment with 0.1% FAO. In situ expression and serum levels of IFN‐γ were determined using immunohistochemistry and ELISA, respectively.Results:  The number of IFN‐γ‐positive mononuclear cells in OLP lesions before the treatment was significantly higher as compared with that after the treatment. Similarly, the mean number of total mononuclear cells was clearly decreased after the treatment. However, the serum levels of IFN‐γ were not detectable.Conclusions:  Our results suggest that IFN‐γ expression in OLP tissue may involve in the immunopathogenesis and the treatment with 0.1% FAO had an immunomodulating effect on the decrease of IFN‐γ.
Brewing practices to maximise levels of catechins and other compounds with functional properties in Azorean green tea infusions: comparison with composition of canned green tea drinks
Authors: Petisca Catarina , Melo Armindo , Ferreira Isabel M. P. L. V. O. , Pinho Olívia 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe influence of infusion time, temperature and water characteristics on catechins, gallic acid, theophylline and caffeine levels of Azorean green tea infusions was evaluated in two samples of green tea presenting different compositions to optimise brewing practices and maximise levels of compounds with functional properties in infusions. Additionally, the compounds under study were quantified in commercial canned green tea drinks and levels compared with composition of home‐made infusions. An enhancement of epigallocatechin gallate, epigallocatechin and epicatechin gallate levels, the catechins with higher antioxidant activity, was observed as water pH decreased and infusion time increased. No correlations were found between the levels of gallic acid, theophylline and caffeine of tea infusions, and water pH. The industry of canned green tea drinks produces beverages with a composition of catechins and other bioactive compounds similar to that of home‐made acidified green tea with 10‐min infusion.
Towards Sustainable Agriculture: Current Debates
Authors: Robinson Guy M. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThis paper examines the concept of sustainable agriculture, drawing upon recent geographical literature to illuminate key debates. It recognises that there are various constraints upon the creation of a widely accepted practical definition of sustainable agriculture and that there are different viewpoints regarding the future realisation of sustainability. Here some of the principal ramifications of ecocentric aspects of sustainable agriculture in the Developed World are discussed. These include the advance of formally accredited organic farming and differences between ‘committed’ and ‘pragmatic’ organic farmers. Examples are given of the relationships between conventional agri‐food chains, organic farming and a ‘reconnection’ between farmers and consumers. Recent research is summarised with respect to work on ‘relocalisation’, production of ‘quality’ foods, ‘embeddedness’ and the emergence of new forms of sustainable consumption.