bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
532‐nm and 1064‐nm Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser therapy for reduction of pigmentation in macular amyloidosis patches
Authors: Ostovari N , Mohtasham N , Oadras M Shahidi , Malekzad F 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBackground  Macular amyloidosis is a primary form of skin amyloidosis with deposition of small to moderate amyloid material in the upper dermis and mild pigmentary incontinence with resultant clinical hyperpigmentation.Objectives  To determine the efficiency of Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser (532 and 1064 nm) in reducing the pigmentations due to skin macular amyloidosis.Methods  A prospective, side by side, controlled, clinical trial study was designed. Twenty subjects with clinical diagnosis and pathology confirmation of macular amyloidosis were treated with Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser: 532 nm in a part of their plaques and with 1064 nm in another part of their plaques. Assessment of efficiency was done by colorimetric scores based on Mexameter measurement and also digital photographs before laser therapy and 8 weeks after treatment.Results  Mexameter‐based data analysis showed that the two lasers (Q‐switched 532 and 1064 Nd:YAG) are effective in reducing the degree of macular amyloidosis patches pigmentation, and 532 nm is meaningfully more effective than 1064 nm in this matter. Photograph‐based analysis showed that 90% of cases treated by 532 nm had good or very good response, and for the 1064 nm–treated patches, 60% of cases had the good or very good response.Conclusions  The results of study showed the net positive effect of Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser, either 532 nm or 1064 nm, in pigment reduction of macular amyloidosis patches, but the 532‐nm laser was more effective than 1064 laser.
Involvement of mitochondria in endoplasmic reticulum stress‐induced apoptotic cell death pathway triggered by the prion peptide PrP106–126
Authors: Ferreiro Elisabete , Costa Rui , Marques Sueli , Cardoso Sandra Morais , Oliveira Catarina R. , Pereira Cláudia M. F. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractPrion disorders are progressive neurodegenerative diseases characterized by extensive neuronal loss and by the accumulation of the pathogenic form of prion protein, designated PrPSc. Recently, we have shown that PrP106–126 induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, leading to mitochondrial cytochrome c release, caspase 3 activation and apoptotic death. In order to further clarify the role of mitochondria in ER stress‐mediated apoptotic pathway triggered by the PrP peptide, we investigated the effects of PrP106–126 on the Ntera2 human teratocarcinoma cell line that had been depleted of their mitochondrial DNA, termed NT2 ρ0 cells, characterized by the absence of functional mitochondria, as well as on the parental NT2 ρ+ cells. In this study, we show that PrP106–126 induces ER stress in both cell lines, given that ER Ca2+ content is low, glucose‐regulated protein 78 levels are increased and caspase 4 is activated. Furthermore, in parental NT2 ρ+ cells, PrP106–126‐activated caspase 9 and 3, induced poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase cleavage and increased the number of apoptotic cells. Dantrolene was shown to protect NT2 ρ+ from PrP106–126‐induced cell death, demonstrating the involvement of Ca2+ release through ER ryanodine receptors. However, in PrP106–126‐treated NT2 ρ0 cells, apoptosis was not able to proceed. These results demonstrate that functional mitochondria are required for cell death as a result of ER stress triggered by the PrP peptide, and further elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in the neuronal loss that occurs in prion disorders.
Identification of genes mediating thyroid hormone action in the developing mouse cerebellum
Authors: Takahashi Masaki , Negishi Takayuki , Tashiro Tomoko 
Published: October 2007

AbstractDespite the indispensable role thyroid hormone (TH) plays in brain development, only a small number of genes have been identified to be directly regulated by TH and its precise mechanism of action remains largely unknown, partly because most of the previous studies have been carried out at postnatal day 15 or later. In the present study, we screened for TH‐responsive genes in the developing mouse cerebellum at postnatal day 4 when morphological alterations because of TH status are not apparent. Among the new candidate genes selected by comparing gene expression profiles of experimentally hypothyroid, hypothyroid with postnatal thyroxine replacement, and control animals using oligoDNA microarrays, six genes were confirmed by real‐time PCR to be positively (orc1l, galr3, sort1, nlgn3, cdk5r2, and zfp367) regulated by TH. Among these, sort1, cdk5r2, and zfp367 were up‐regulated already at 1 h after a single injection of thyroxine to the hypothyroid or control animal, suggesting them to be possible primary targets of the hormone. Cell proliferation and apoptosis examined by BrdU incorporation and terminal deoxynucleotide transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling assay revealed that hypothyroidism by itself did not enhance apoptosis at this stage, but rather increased cell survival, possibly through regulation of these newly identified genes.
NMDA receptor NR2B subunit over‐expression increases cerebellar granule cell migratory activity
Authors: Tárnok Krisztián , Czöndör Katalin , Jelitai Márta , Czirók András , Schlett Katalin 
Published: October 2007

AbstractGlutamate acting on NMDA receptors (NMDARs) is known to influence cerebellar granule cell migration. Subunit composition of NMDARs in granule cells changes characteristically during development: NR2B subunit containing receptors are abundant during migration towards the internal granule cell layer but are gradually replaced by NR2A and/or NR2C subunits once the final position is reached. Cerebellar granule cell migration was investigated using mutant mouse lines either with a deletion of the NR2C gene (NR2C−/−mice) or expressing NR2B instead of the NR2C subunit (NR2C‐2B mice). BrdU‐labeling revealed that over‐expression of NR2B increased granule cell translocationin vivo, while the lack of NR2C subunit did not have any detectable effects on cell migration. Cellular composition of wild‐type and mutant dissociated cerebellar granule cell cultures isolated from 10‐day‐old cerebella were similar, but NR2C‐2B cultures had elevated level of NR2B subunits and intracellular Ca2+imaging revealed higher sensitivity towards the addition of NR2B‐selective antagonistin vitro. Time‐lapse videomicroscopic observations revealed that average migratory velocity and the proportion of translocating cell bodies were significantly higher in NR2C‐2B than in wild‐type cultures. Our results provide evidence that NR2B‐containing NMDARs can have specialized roles during granule cell migration and can increase migratory speed.
Dimemorfan protects rats against ischemic stroke through activation of sigma‐1 receptor‐mediated mechanisms by decreasing glutamate accumulation
Authors: Shen Yuh‐Chiang , Wang Yea‐Hwey , Chou Yueh‐Ching , Liou Kuo‐Tong , Yen Jiin‐Cherng , Wang Wen‐Yen , Liao Jyh‐Fei 
Published: October 2007

AbstractDimemorfan, an antitussive and a sigma‐1 (σ1) receptor agonist, has been reported to display neuroprotective properties. We set up an animal model of ischemic stroke injury by inducing cerebral ischemia (for 1 h) followed by reperfusion (for 24 h) (CI/R) in rats to examine the protective effects and action mechanisms of dimemorfan against stroke‐induced damage. Treatment with dimemorfan (1.0 μg/kg and 10 μg/kg, i.v.) either 15 min before ischemia or at the time of reperfusion, like the putative σ1 receptor agonist, PRE084 (10 μg/kg, i.v.), ameliorated the size of the infarct zone by 67–72% or 51–52%, respectively, which was reversed by pre‐treatment with the selective σ1 receptor antagonist, BD1047 (20 μg/kg, i.v.). Major pathological mechanisms leading to CI/R injury including excitotoxicity, oxidative/nitrosative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis are all downstream events initiated by excessive accumulation of extracellular glutamate. Dimemorfan treatment (10 μg/kg, i.v., at the time of reperfusion) inhibited the expressions of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 and interleukin‐1β, which occurred in parallel with decreases in neutrophil infiltration, activation of inflammation‐related signals (p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase, nuclear factor‐κB, and signal transducer and activator of transcription‐1), expression of neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthase, oxidative/nitrosative tissue damage (lipid peroxidation, protein nitrosylation, and 8‐hydroxy‐guanine formation), and apoptosis in the ipsilateral cortex after CI/R injury. Dimemorfan treatment at the time of reperfusion, although did not prevent an early rise of glutamate level, significantly prevented subsequent glutamate accumulation after reperfusion. This inhibitory effect was lasted for more than 4 h and was reversed by pre‐treatment with BD1047. These results suggest that dimemorfan activates the σ1 receptor to reduce glutamate accumulation and then suppresses initiation of inflammation‐related events and signals as well as induction of oxidative and nitrosative stresses, leading to reductions in tissue damage and cell death. In conclusion, our results demonstrate for the first time that dimemorfan exhibits protective effects against ischemic stroke in CI/R rats probably through modulation of σ1 receptor‐dependent signals to prevent subsequent glutamate accumulation and its downstream pathologic events.
The Trigeminal Vasculature Pathology in Patients With Neuralgia
Authors: Marinković Slobodan , Todorović Vera , Gibo Hirohiko , Budeč Mirela , Drndarević Neda , Pešić Dragoslava , Joković Miloš , Ćetković Mila 
Published: October 2007

Objective.—To examine the possible pathological changes of the trigeminal vasculature in patients with neuralgia.Background.—Such a study has never been performed before. The alterations of the trigeminal vessels could have important pathophysiological implications in the trigeminal neuralgia pathogenesis.Methods.—The biopsy specimens for the electronmicroscopic (EM) and immunohistochemical examination were taken during a partial rhizotomy in 6 patients with trigeminal neuralgia and in 2 persons with trigeminal neuropathy. In addition, the 32 normal trigeminal nerves were used as the control specimens.Results.—The vascular pathological alterations were noticed in 3 out of 6 neuralgia patients. The EM study revealed signs of apoptosis or degeneration, respectively, of some endothelial and smooth muscle cells in the wall of the trigeminal arterioles. The immune reactions against CD31, CD34, and α‐smooth muscle actin in these cells were weaker than in the control specimens, but stronger against factor VIII. In addition, the arteriolar basement membranes, which were thickened, showed an intense laminin, fibronectin, and collagen IV immunoreactivity. Similarly, some endothelial cells and pericytes of the intratrigeminal capillaries also showed signs of apoptosis or degeneration, respectively. Their basement membrane was very thick and showed an intense immune reaction against laminin, fibronectin, and collagen IV.Conclusion.—The observed pathological changes of the trigeminal vasculature could be the primary factor, while demyelination of the trigeminal nerve fibers could be the secondary process in some patients with neuralgia.
Immediate Maxillary Lateral Incisor Implants with Nonocclusal Loading Provisional Crowns
Authors: Peñarrocha Miguel , Lamas Joana , Peñarrocha Maria , Garcia Berta 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThis clinical report series describes a treatment modality involving immediately placed dental implants in maxillary lateral incisor sites using noncemented immediate provisional crowns retained with calcinable copings (prosthetic complement used in preparing the metal for the definitive prosthesis). Ten implants were placed in eight patients for the replacement of maxillary lateral incisors: two immediate and eight corresponding to cases of agenesis. All were subjected to immediate rehabilitation with provisional acrylic resin crowns in nonocclusal loading. One implant failed 3 weeks after placement due to acute local trauma. The other nine remained functional within the mouth, with normal clinical and radiological characteristics after a minimum of 12‐month follow‐up. Immediate placement of implant fixed provisional restorations retained by friction in maxillary lateral incisors offers an esthetic solution, eliminates the need for a removable provisional restoration, and avoids implant failures associated with excess cement or screw loosening. Moreover, in the case of extractions, immediate placement and provisionalization of implants in maxillary lateral incisors can effectively optimize the peri‐implant esthetic results by maintaining the existing hard and soft tissue architecture of the replaced tooth. As no cement or screws are required, and the provisional crowns are placed in nonocclusal loading, the risk of complications is minimized.
The adjunctive use of a controlled‐release chlorhexidine chip following treatment with a new ultrasonic device in supportive periodontal therapy: a prospective, controlled clinical study
Authors: Kasaj Adrian , Chiriachide Alexandra , Willershausen Brita 
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Objective:  The aim of this randomised, split‐mouth, controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of a controlled‐release chlorhexidine chip (CHX chip) as an adjunctive therapy to scaling and root planing (SRP) with a newly developed ultrasonic device in supportive periodontal therapy (SPT).Materials and methods:  Twenty patients with moderate‐to‐severe chronic periodontitis, displaying at least four sites with probing depth (PD) ≥5 mm and persistent bleeding on probing (BOP), were recruited for the study. The target sites were randomly treated with either a newly developed piezo‐driven ultrasonic device VectorTM‐ or ultrasonic system (VUS) + CHX chip or VUS alone without adjunctive antimicrobial treatment. The clinical parameters, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), BOP, PD and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline and after 1, 3 and 6 months.Results:  At baseline, there were no significant differences between test and control sites for any of the investigated parameters. The average reduction of PD and improvement in CAL was greater in the VUS + CHX chip sites than in sites treated with the VUS alone at 1, 3 and 6 months (P < 0.05). The mean reductions on PD and CAL were 0.7 and 0.6 mm for the control sites and 2.2 and 1.9 mm for the test sites, respectively. Also, the mean reduction in BOP scores were higher in the VUS + CHX chip sites compared to VUS alone at 1, 3 and 6 months (P < 0.05). PI scores were not significantly different between VUS + CHX chip sites and VUS alone sites at any visit.Conclusion:  These data suggest that CHX chip application following SRP with the tested ultrasonic device is beneficial in improving periodontal parameters in patients on SPT.
Inhibition of Streptococcus mutans adhesion to buccal epithelial cells by an aqueous extract of Thymus vulgaris
Authors: Hammad M , Sallal A‐K , Darmani H 
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Objectives:  The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an extract of Thymus vulgaris (thyme) on the growth of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and the adhesion of this bacterium to human buccal epithelial cells.Methods:  Different concentrations of an aqueous extract of thyme were prepared and the effects investigated on growth of S. mutans. Furthermore, the effect of these extracts on adhesion of S. mutans to buccal epithelial cells was also investigated and compared with the effects of chlorhexidine digluconate.Results:  The data revealed that exposure of S. mutans to thyme extract showed a time and concentration‐dependent decrease in bacterial viability. The greatest effect was observed when S. mutans had been exposed to 20% thyme extract for a period of 48 h which resulted in 96% inhibition of bacterial growth. Furthermore, the adhesion of S. mutans to buccal epithelial cells was also reduced when either buccal epithelial cells or S. mutans had been pre‐incubated with different concentrations of aqueous thyme extracts (83–98% and 75–89% inhibition respectively). There was also greater reduction in the adherence of bacterial cells to buccal epithelial cells after mouth rinsing with 20% aqueous thyme extract compared to rinsing with chlorhexidine digluconate (45% and 89% inhibition of bacterial adhesion respectively).Conclusion:  The diminished adherence of S. mutans to buccal epithelial cells after exposure to various concentrations of aqueous thyme extract as well as the antimicrobial properties of this plant may have clinical relevance.
Curcumin, both Histone Deacetylase and p300/CBP‐Specific Inhibitor, Represses the Activity of Nuclear Factor Kappa B and Notch 1 in Raji Cells
Authors: Chen Yan , Shu Wenxiu , Chen Weihua , Wu Qing , Liu Hongli , Cui Guohui 
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Curcumin, the active chemical of the Asian spice turmeric, exhibits anticancer activity in several human cancer cell lines. We previously have proved that curcumin was a new member of the histone deacetylases (HDAC) inhibitors, while constitutive nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) is believed to be a crucial event for enhanced proliferation and survival of malignant cells. Here, we investigate the effect of curcumin on the activation of NF‐κB signal molecule in Raji cells to explore its relationship with HDACs or p300/CREB binding protein (CBP). Curcumin presented striking proliferation inhibition potency on Raji cells in vitro, with the IC50 value for 24 hr being 25 µmol/l. Significant decreases in the amounts of p300, HDAC1 and HDAC3 were detected after treatment with curcumin. These suppressing effects were more pronounced when the administered dose increased. The protection degradation of HDAC1 and p300 by MG‐132 could be partially reversed by curcumin. Furthermore, curcumin could also prevent degradation of IκBα and inhibit nuclear translocation of the NF‐κB/p65 subunit, as well as expression of Notch 1, induced by tumour necrosis factor‐α. The results suggest that the depressive effect of curcumin on NF‐κB signal transduction pathway may be mediated via the various components of the HDACs and p300/Notch 1 signal molecules, and may represent a new remedy for acute leukaemia.
A new management approach for the remediation of polluted surface water outfalls to improve river water quality
Authors: Dunk M. J. , McMath S. M. , Arikans J. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractComprehensive strategies are required by water companies to effectively manage the remediation of polluted surface water outfalls (PSWOs). This paper describes the approach adopted by Thames Water since 1997. The elimination of diffuse pollution sources by identifying and rectifying domestic and commercial foul to surface water drainage misconnections has resulted in sustainable improvements to the local environment across the Thames region.
Identification and correction of water velocity measurement errors associated with ultrasonic Doppler flow monitoring
Authors: Blake J. R. , Packman J. C. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractUltrasonic Doppler flow monitoring (UDFM) is used to measure water flow in pipes and channels. However, a lack of scattering particles and signal noise can cause velocity errors, particularly for smaller discharges and surface water (‘clean’) flows. A postprocessing methodology is presented that identifies and corrects these errors, maximising the value of existing data. Test criteria are used to identify errors. The error correction procedure defines depth–velocity relationships from cleaned ‘training data’ representing the range of flow conditions (including backed up) and uses these relationships to replace erroneous velocities automatically. UDFM velocity errors have been successfully identified and corrected in example applications. Routine use allows early identification of changes in instrument or site behaviour. The methodology is practical, consistent and updateable. This is a significant advancement over previous methods for correcting velocity errors, improving the applicability of UDFM.
Four Faces of Moral Realism
Authors: Finlay Stephen 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThis article explains for a general philosophical audience the central issues and strategies in the contemporary moral realism debate. It critically surveys the contribution of some recent scholarship, representing expressivist and pragmatist nondescriptivism (Mark Timmons, Hilary Putnam), subjectivist and nonsubjectivist naturalism (Michael Smith, Paul Bloomfield, Philippa Foot), nonnaturalism (Russ Shafer‐Landau, T. M. Scanlon) and error theory (Richard Joyce). Four different faces of ‘moral realism’ are distinguished: semantic, ontological, metaphysical and normative. The debate is presented as taking shape under dialectical pressure from the demands of (i) capturing the moral appearances; and (ii) reconciling morality with our understanding of the mind and world.
Funerary Practices and Afterlife Expectations in Ancient Israel
Authors: Cook Stephen L. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractAncient Israel was thoroughly familiar with existence beyond death. Individual personalities survived the death of the body, most Israelites believed, albeit in a considerably weakened and vulnerable state. The ensnaring tentacles of Sheol constantly threatened the living‐dead, but the fortunate among them were able to use the power of kinship bonds to keep Sheol's threats at bay. The traditional ties of lineage and kin bonding, according to biblical Yahwism, were an actual way for the living‐dead to pull themselves back from death's devouring suction. Ancient Israel's funerary practices and afterlife expectations are greatly illumined by recent archaeological studies and by a new comparative model that draws on data gleaned from African ethnography.
TheCakrasamvara Tantra: Its History, Interpretation, and Practice in India and Tibet
Authors: Gray David B. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThis essay explores the history of theCakrasamvara Tantraand its related practice traditions. Beginning with the traditional Cakrasamvara origin myths, it introduces evidence concerning social context in which it was likely composed, and explores the debate concerning the degree to which it was influenced by Hindu Shaiva tantric traditions. It argues that the development of this tradition cannot be fully understood without taking into consideration the political ramifications of the tradition's mythology and iconography. The essay also overviews both the major practices associated with this tradition, and provides a short history of its transmission to Nepal and Tibet.