bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Staphylococcus Aureus Transmission Through Oronasal Fistula in Children with Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Bahar Tuna E. , Topçuoglu Nursen , Ilhan Banu , Gençay Koray , Kulekçi Güven 
Published: September 2008

Objective: To determine the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in a nasal flora and oral environment, the correlation between frequency of transmission of S. aureus and oronasal fistula size, and the pattern of methicillin resistance on S. aureus strains in children with cleft lip and palate (CLP). Design: Thirty-two CLP children with and without oronasal fistulas, ranging in age from 5 to 13 years were examined for oronasal fistula presence and size. Stimulated saliva samples and nasal swab samples were taken and investigated for S. aureus presence. S. aureus presence and counts were correlated with fistula presence and size. Results: Saliva samples showed statistical differences between the groups with and without oronasal fistulas with an area ranging from 0.80 to 28.26 mm2. The S. aureus counts were significantly higher ( r  =  .535, p  =  .002) in saliva samples from children with larger oronasal fistula. The S. aureus count was not significantly different ( r  =  –.013, p  =  .942) in nasal samples compared with oronasal fistula size. Methicillin resistance with disk-diffusion method was recorded as sensitive (≥13 mm) in all S. aureus strains. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate a positive correlation between fistula size and S. aureus transmission to one oral environment through oronasal fistulae, and a positive correlation between frequency of S. aureus transmission and fistula size. All S. aureus strains were sensitive to methicillin. These results may have implications for preventive treatment of CLP children.
Preferential Associations between Oral Clefts and Other Major Congenital Anomalies
Authors: Rittler Monica , López-Camelo Jorge S. , Castilla Eduardo E. , Bermejo Eva , Cocchi Guido , Correa Adolfo , Csaky-Szunyogh Melinda , Danderfer Ron , De Vigan Catherine , De Walle Hermien , da Graça Dutra Maria , Hirahara Fumiki , Martínez-Frías María Luisa , Merlob Paul , Mutchinick Osvaldo , Ritvanen Annukka , Robert-Gnansia Elisabeth , Scarano Gioacchino , Siffel Csaba , Stoll Claude , Mastroiacovo Pierpaolo 
Published: September 2008

Objectives: To identify preferential associations between oral clefts (CL  =  cleft lip only, CLP  =  cleft lip with cleft palate, CP  =  cleft palate) and nonoral cleft anomalies, to interpret them on clinical grounds, and, based on the patterns of associated defects, to establish whether CL and CLP are different conditions. Design And Settings: Included were 1416 cleft cases (CL  =  131, CLP  =  565, CP  =  720), among 8304 live- and stillborn infants with multiple congenital anomalies, from 6,559,028 births reported to the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research by 15 registries between 1994 and 2004. Rates of associated anomalies were established, and multinomial logistic regressions applied to identify significant associations. Results: Positive associations with clefts were observed for only a few defects, among which anencephaly, encephaloceles, club feet, and ear anomalies were the most outstanding. Anomalies negatively associated with clefts included congenital heart defects, VATER complex (vertebral defects, imperforate anus, tracheoesophageal fistula, and radial and renal dysplasia), and spina bifida. Conclusion: The strong association between all types of clefts and anencephaly seems to be attributable to cases with disruptions; the association between CP and club feet seems to be attributable to conditions with fetal akinesia. Some negative associations may depend on methodologic factors, while others, such as clefts with VATER components or clefts with spina bifida, may depend on biological factors. The different patterns of defects associated with CL and CLP, indicating different underlying mechanisms, suggest that CL and CLP reflect more than just variable degrees of severity, and that distinct pathways might be involved.
Factors Influencing Early Childhood Caries of Cleft Lip and/or Palate Children Aged 18 to 36 Months in Southern Thailand
Authors: Mutarai Teerapong , Ritthagol Wipapun , Hunsrisakhun Jaranya 
Published: September 2008

Objective: To clarify whether oral health care behavior or oral cleft status influences early childhood caries in southern Thailand cleft children. Design: A comparative cross-sectional study. Patients, Participants: A total of 138 southern Thai children aged 18 to 36 months comprised two groups of 69 participants, one with cleft lip and/or palate and controls with no cleft. Methods: All children were examined for early childhood caries by using the severity (DMFT/tooth) index. A structured interview was conducted among caregivers, and then multiple regression analysis was applied. Results: Children with oral clefts had a larger number of early childhood caries (ECC) and poorer feeding habits than those without. From a structured questionnaire, the caregivers of children with clefts exercised poorer oral health behavior than those of the controls, but the cleft status was not an important factor for caries prevalence when oral health behaviors were controlled. Multivariate analysis showed that sweetened bottled milk consumption, night-time feeding habit, and frequent sugary food consumption were the variables significantly associated with dental caries. Conclusions: Children with oral clefts in southern Thailand had greater caries experience when compared with noncleft subjects. However, cleft status was not significant for ECC, and night-time feeding habit was the most important factor for higher ECC in children with clefts.
Oral and Nasal Malodor in Patients with and without Cleft Lip and Palate Who Had Undergone Orthodontic Therapy
Authors: Doruk Cenk , Öztürk Fırat , Özdemir Hakan , Nalçaci Ruhi 
Published: September 2008

Objective: To compare oral and nasal malodor in patients with and without cleft lip and palate (CLP) who had undergone orthodontic therapy. Setting: University of Cumhuriyet, Sivas, Turkey. Patients: The study included 33 patients. Group 1 was composed of 11 patients with CLP. Measurements were taken while they were undergoing treatment with orthodontic fixed appliances. Group 2 included 11 individuals without CLP; measurements were taken during fixed orthodontic therapy. Group 3 consisted of 11 individuals without CLP who did not receive orthodontic therapy. Intervention: Oral malodor, nasal malodor, Gingival Index, Plaque Index, and probing depths were evaluated in each group. Results: Plaque Index, Gingival Index, and probing depths showed no significant differences between groups 1 and 2. In contrast, oral malodor was significantly different between the two groups (p < .05). Groups 2 and 3 showed differences in gingival and plaque indices but not in probing depths and oral malodor. All healthy nostrils in Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 were significantly different from affected nostrils in the CLP patients. There was significant malodor in affected nostrils when compared with nonaffected nostrils in group 1 (p < .05). Conclusion: Oral malodor was increased in patients with CLP. Nasal malodor level was also higher in affected nostrils of the CLP patients compared to nostrils of healthy subjects.
Seasonal Variation and Regional Distribution of Cleft Lip and Palate in Zambia
Authors: Elliott Rachael Fels , Jovic Goran , Beveridge Massey 
Published: September 2008

Objective: To assess variations in seasonality and regional distribution of orofacial clefts in babies born in Zambia. Design: A retrospective chart review was done using records of all cleft procedures performed by the only plastic surgeon in Zambia (G.J.). Delivery data from the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) were also examined to estimate the birth prevalence of orofacial clefts (55,108 live births between 2001 and 2005). Patients: All cleft patients operated in Zambia from 2000 to 2006 (413 patients). Results: A low birth prevalence of clefts (1/4239 live births) was found using UTH delivery data. Surgical data showed no difference for the frequency of one gender over another overall (M:F ratio is 1.04; p  =  .70). More bilateral clefts occurred in cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients than in cleft lip (CL) patients (p < .01), and more unilateral left-sided clefts occurred in CL than in CLP patients (p  =  .03). The data reflected seasonal variation in month of birth of cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL±P) patients (p < .01), with a peak in April and May and more births in March through August (57.2%) than in September through February (42.8%). There was regional variation in cleft births among the nine Zambian provinces (p < .01). Conclusions: This study shows seasonal variation in clefts that may be explained, at least in part, by environmental factors affecting the development of CL±P. Access to treatment is likely the major determinant of regional disparity in clefts. These results provide a basis for further epidemiological studies of orofacial clefts in Zambia.
TGFA/TAQ I Polymorphism in Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and Palate Patients from Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
Authors: Ehlers Bertoja Ângela , Sampaio Alho Clarice , De França Everaldo , Menegotto Beatriz , Miriam Robinson Wanyce 
Published: September 2008

Objective: To test the TGFA/Taq I polymorphism in the development of nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate. Design And Setting: The research was based on a case-control study, including nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate patients (140 individuals) and a control sample of unaffected individuals (142) to ascertain the absence or presence of genic mutation at the TGFA locus. Interventions: The DNA of carriers of nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate was obtained by buccal swab, and the DNA of the control group was extracted from peripheral blood leucocytes. TGFA/Taq I polymorphism was determined genetically by polymerase chain reaction using specific primers and fragment digestion with Taq I restriction enzyme. Results: No significant association was detected when patients and controls were compared with the genotype for TGFA/Taq I polymorphism. Conclusion: Mutations in TGFA gene have no association with nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate in the sample from Rio Grande do Sul. Therefore, based on this study, it is not possible to determine the role played by TGFA in the expression of cleft lip and palate.
Transformation by Retroviral Vectors of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Cells Induces Mitochondria-Dependent cAMP-Sensitive Reactive Oxygen Species Production
Authors: Piccoli Claudia , Scrima Rosella , Ripoli Maria , Di Ianni Mauro , Del Papa Beatrice , D'Aprile Annamaria , Quarato Giovanni , Martelli Maria Paola , Servillo Giuseppe , Ligas Claudio , Boffoli Domenico , Tabilio Antonio , Capitanio Nazzareno 
Published: September 2008

AbstractRetroviral vectors are used in human gene therapy trials to stably introduce therapeutic genes in the genome of patients' cells. Their applicability, however, is frustrated by the limited viability of transformed cells and/or by risks linked to selection of oncogene-mutated clones. The reasons for these drawbacks are not yet completely understood. In this study, we show that LXSN-NeoR gene/interleukin-7-engineered mesenchymal stromal cells exhibited a marked enhancement of reactive oxygen species production compared with untransfected cells. This effect resulted to be independent on the product of the gene carried by the retroviral vehicle as it was reproducible in cells transfected with the empty vector alone. Stable transfection of mesenchymal stromal cells with the different retroviral vectors pBabe-puro and PINCO-puro and the lentiviral vector pSico PGK-puro caused similar redox imbalance, unveiling a phenomenon of more general impact. The enhanced production of reactive oxygen species over the basal level was attributable to mitochondrial dysfunction and brought back to altered activity of the NADH-CoQ oxidoreductase (complex I) of the respiratory chain. The oxidative stress in transfected mesenchymal stem cells was completely reversed by treatment with a cAMP analog, thus pointing to alteration in the protein kinase A-dependent signaling pathway of the host cell. Transfection of mesenchymal stromal cells with a PINCO-parental vector harboring the green fluorescent protein gene as selection marker in place of the puromycin-resistance gene resulted in no alteration of the redox phenotype. These novel findings provide insights and caveats to the applicability of cell- or gene-based therapies and indicate possible intervention to improve them.Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Evidence That an Early Pregnancy Causes a Persistent Decrease in the Number of Functional Mammary Epithelial Stem Cells—Implications for Pregnancy-Induced Protection Against Breast Cancer
Authors: Siwko Stefan K. , Dong Jie , Lewis Michael T. , Liu Hao , Hilsenbeck Susan G. , Li Yi 
Published: September 2008

AbstractA completed pregnancy at a young age reduces a woman's lifetime risk of breast cancer by up to 50%. A similar protective effect of an early pregnancy has been observed in rodent models using chemical carcinogens. However, the mechanisms responsible for this protective effect remain unclear. Stem cells have been proposed to be the cells of origin for breast cancer. We hypothesized that an early pregnancy reduces adult levels of either mammary stem cells or mammary multipotent progenitor cells. Unsorted mammary cells from adult mice that had undergone an early parity had the same mammosphere formation efficiency as cells from age-matched virgin mice. However, when we transplanted adult mammary cells in limiting dilutions into cleared fat pads of syngeneic mice, we found a significant reduction in the outgrowth potential of the cells from early parous mice compared with age-matched virgin mice. The extent of fat pad filling in successful outgrowths did not change, suggesting that although mammary stem cells in parous mice retained their functional competence, the number of mammary stem cells was reduced. Our results provide the first direct evidence that an early pregnancy has an effect on mammary stem cells.Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
A Developmentally Regulated Heparan Sulfate Epitope Defines a Subpopulation with Increased Blood Potential During Mesodermal Differentiation
Authors: Baldwin Rebecca J. , ten Dam Gerdy B. , van Kuppevelt Toin H. , Lacaud Georges , Gallagher John T. , Kouskoff Valerie , Merry Catherine L.R. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Heparan sulfate (HS) is a mandatory coreceptor for many growth factors and morphogens involved in embryonic development; its bioactivity is dictated by complex sulfation motifs embedded within the polymer chain. Using a panel of HS-specific antibodies we have identified a unique HS epitope recognized by antibody HS4C3 that is selectively expressed during differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells along the mesodermal lineage to the hemangioblast stage. The appearance of this high-affinity HS4C3-binding (HS4C3high) epitope is transient; the epitope is specifically expressed within the emerging Brachyury+ (Bry+) population and marks those cells that will become fetal liver kinase 1 (Flk1)+. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) separation and colony forming assays revealed that HS4C3high/Flk1+ cells have a dramatically increased potential to form both blast and endothelial colonies, both of which depend upon the HS-binding growth factor vascular endothelial growth factor. Critically, expression of this HS epitope is tightly regulated, disappearing from the cell surface as the resultant hematopoietic lineages mature, in a similar manner to protein markers Bry and Flk1. In vivo studies showed a remarkable correlation with in vitro findings, with expression of HS4C3-binding epitopes restricted to newly formed mesodermal tissues during gastrulation. We believe this is the first time a defined HS epitope has been implicated in a specific developmental pathway and that this provides, in addition, a novel enrichment technique for the isolation of hemangioblasts from mixed differentiated ES cell cultures.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Hedgehog Signaling Regulates Brain Tumor-Initiating Cell Proliferation and Portends Shorter Survival for Patients with PTEN-Coexpressing Glioblastomas
Authors: Xu Qijin , Yuan Xiangpeng , Liu Gentao , Black Keith L. , Yu John S. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe identification of brain tumor stem-like cells (BTSCs) has implicated a role of biological self-renewal mechanisms in clinical brain tumor initiation and propagation. The molecular mechanisms underlying the tumor-forming capacity of BTSCs, however, remain unknown. Here, we have generated molecular signatures of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) using gene expression profiles of BTSCs and have identified both Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling-dependent and -independent BTSCs and their respective glioblastoma surgical specimens. BTSC proliferation could be abrogated in a pathway-dependent fashion in vitro and in an intracranial tumor model in athymic mice. Both SHH-dependent and -independent brain tumor growth required phosphoinositide 3-kinase-mammalian target of rapamycin signaling. In human GBMs, the levels of SHH and PTCH1 expression were significantly higher in PTEN-expressing tumors than in PTEN-deficient tumors. In addition, we show that hyperactive SHH-GLI signaling in PTEN-coexpressing human GBM is associated with reduced survival time. Thus, distinct proliferation signaling dependence may underpin glioblastoma propagation by BTSCs. Modeling these BTSC proliferation mechanisms may provide a rationale for individualized glioblastoma treatment.Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
OCT4 Spliced Variants Are Differentially Expressed in Human Pluripotent and Nonpluripotent Cells
Authors: Atlasi Yaser , Mowla Seyed J. , Ziaee Seyed A.M. , Gokhale Paul J. , Andrews Peter W. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
OCT4 is a master regulator of self-renewal in embryonic stem cells and can potentially encode two spliced variants, designated OCT4A and OCT4B. We have examined the expression pattern of these OCT4 isoforms in various human pluripotent and nonpluripotent cells. Our data revealed that whereas OCT4A expression is restricted to embryonic stem (ES) and embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells, OCT4B can be detected in various nonpluripotent cell types. Furthermore, we detected a novel OCT4 spliced variant, designated OCT4B1, that is expressed primarily in human ES and EC cells and is downregulated following their differentiation. We also found a significantly higher level of OCT4B1 expression in stage-specific embryonic antigen-3 (SSEA3)(+) compared with SSEA3(−) subpopulations of cultured ES cells. Taken together, our data demonstrated a distinctive expression pattern for OCT4 spliced variants in different cell types and highlight the necessity of defining the type of OCT4 when addressing the expression of this gene in different human cells.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Temporal trends of mercury, cesium, potassium, selenium, and thallium in arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) from Lake Hazen, Nunavut, Canada: Effects of trophic position, size, and age
Authors: Gantner Nikolaus , Power Michael , Babaluk John A. , Reist James D. , Köck Günter , Lockhart Lyle W. , Solomon Keith R. , Muir Derek CG. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus L.), the top predator in High Arctic lakes, often is used as a bioindicator of Hg contamination in Arctic aquatic ecosystems. The present study investigated effects of trophic position, size, and age of Arctic char in Lake Hazen, the largest lake in the Canadian High Arctic (81°50′N, 70°25′W), on Hg bioaccumulation. In addition, several essential (Se, K) and nonessential elements (Tl, Cs) in char muscle tissue were examined to compare their behavior to that of Hg. Trophic position of Arctic char was identified by stable isotope (δ15N) signature. Temporal trends of Hg from seven sampling campaigns over a 16-year period (1990–2006) were investigated for the overall data and for one trophic class. Concentrations of Hg were not correlated with age but were positively related to fork length and trophic position. Large char with greater δ15N signatures (&gt;12‰) had larger Hg concentrations (0.09–1.63 μg/g wet wt) than small char with smaller δ15N signatures (&lt;12‰, 0.03–0.32 μg/g wet wt), indicating that Hg concentrations increased with trophic position. Nonessential Cs and Tl showed relationships to age, length, and trophic position similar to those of Hg, indicating their potential to bioaccumulate and biomagnify. Essential Se and K did not show these relationships. Concentrations of Hg were adjusted using δ15N, leading to less within-year variability and a more consistent temporal trend. The δ15N-adjusted trend showed no decline of Hg in Arctic char from Lake Hazen (1990–2006) in the overall data set and in the small morphotype. Trends for the same period before the adjustment were not significant for the overall data set, but a slight decrease was apparent in the small morphotype. The results confirm the need to consider trophic position and fish size when monitoring temporal trends of Hg, particularly for species with different morphotypes.
Polyneuropathy of Finnish horses characterised by inflammatory demyelination and intracisternal Schwann cell inclusions
Authors: HAHN C. N. , MATIASEK K. , SYRJA P. , JOKINEN T. S. , MACINTYRE N. , TULAMO R. M. 
Published: September 2008

Summary Reasons for performing study: A neurological disorder characterised by pelvic limb metatarsophalangeal joint extensor paresis has been observed in numerous horses in Scandinavia for the last decade. Very little has been formally reported and there have been no detailed assessments of the neurological signs or neuropathological lesions. Objectives: To describe the epidemiological and pathological features of an outbreak of ‘Scandinavian knuckling syndrome’ in a riding stable in southern Finland. Methods: Clinical neurological examination of 4 cases and neuropathological assessment of tissues of one case were performed. Results: Eleven out of 17 horses fed on ryegrass from a common source showed progressive clinical signs of metatarsophalangeal extensor paresis necessitating euthanasia of 7 horses. Nervous system lesions in one horse consisted of a novel demyelinating, mildly inflammatory peripheral neuropathy, with BiP/GRP positive rough endoplasmatic reticulum Schwann cell inclusions. Conclusions: The clinical signs and lesions documented differ from any previously described equine polyneuropathy and suggest a primary Schwann cell lesion. Potential relevance: The classification of this disease as a novel demyelinating polyneuropathy may assist focused epidemiological investigations.