bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ameloblastomas: a regional Latin‐American multicentric study
Authors: Ledesma‐Montes C , Mosqueda‐Taylor A , Carlos‐Bregni R , De León E Romero , Palma‐Guzmán JM , Páez‐Valencia C , Meneses‐García A 
Published: January 2007

Aim:  To classify 163 ameloblastoma cases according to the new WHO Classification of Odontogenic Tumours (2005) and analyse their clinical and microscopic features.Methods:  We studied the clinico‐pathological features of 163 ameloblastoma cases from nine regional Latin‐American institutions from Mexico and Guatemala.Results:  Ameloblastomas comprised 22.7% of all odontogenic tumours. The mean age was 41.4 years for solid ameloblastoma (SA) and 26.3 years for unicystic ameloblastoma (UA) (P < 0.001) and both sexes were almost equally affected. The mandible was mainly affected for both UA and SA. The mean size was 6.2 cm for SA and 6.3 cm for UA cases. The recurrence rate was 21.7% for SA and 12.6% for UA. UA was twice as more frequent than the solid variant.Conclusions:  In this study we found that UA was frequently misdiagnosed as SA; however, there are enough clinical and microscopic features that allow for an accurate differentiation between both types of ameloblastoma that should be recognized for surgical and prognostic purposes. In this study, SA was not found in patients younger than 20 years, UA had a constant myxoid stroma while mature connective tissue was more frequently associated with the solid type.
Expression of protease‐activated receptor‐1 and ‐2 in orofacial granulomatosis
Authors: Ketabchi S , Massi D , Ficarra G , Rubino I , Franchi A , Paglierani M , Simoni A , Capodiferro S , Favia G , Maiorano E , Tarantini F , Cirino G , Santucci M 
Published: January 2007

Objective: Orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) is a rare condition characterized by non‐caseating granulomas in the orofacial region. Protease‐Activated Receptors (PARs) play a role in inflammatory diseases in diverse human tissues. The aim of the study was to investigate the expression of PAR‐1, PAR‐2, MMP‐2, MMP‐9, COX‐1, and COX‐2 in tissues taken from OFG patients.Methods: PAR‐1, PAR‐2, MMP‐2, MMP‐9, COX‐1, and COX‐2 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in biopsies taken from oral Crohn's disease (five cases), Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) (six cases), cheilitis granulomatosa (five cases) and normal oral mucosa (five cases).Results: PAR‐1 was observed in mononuclear inflammatory cells in edematous/lichenoid lesions, whereas a strong PAR‐2 immunostaining was detected in epithelioid histiocytes and giant cells in granulomatous lesions, irrespective of the clinical features (CrohnvsMRS). MMPs and COX‐2 were expressed in the inflammatory component of edematous/lichenoid lesions and markedly overexpressed in granulomatous lesions. COX‐1 was weakly and variably expressed in both edematous/lichenoid and granulomatous lesions.Conclusion: Thus, PAR‐1 and PAR‐2 expressions were related to the intensity and type of inflammatory response but not to the type of clinical lesion. Simultaneous overexpression of PARs, MMPs and COXs suggests synergism among these proinflammatory receptors and enzymes.
Inhibitory Effects of Artemisinin on Voltage‐Gated Ion Channels in Intact Nodose Ganglion Neurones of Adult Rats
Authors: Qiao Guofen , Li Shuo , Yang Baofeng , Li Baiyan 
Published: January 2007

Abstract:   Recent data show that artemisinin has anti‐arrhythmic and local anaesthetic effects. To better understand the mechanisms, the effects of artemisinin on action potential discharge and voltage‐gated ion channels properties were studied on nodose ganglion neurones of adult rats with known sensory afferent fibre type using whole cell patch and vagus nodose slice preparation. The present data show that both depolarization and repolarization of action potentials were markedly inhibited by artemisinin in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner in either A‐type or C‐type nodose ganglion neurones without change in conduction velocity. Both tetrodotoxin‐sensitive (TTX‐S) Na+ and tetrodotoxin‐resistant (TTX‐R) Na+ currents were significantly reduced by micro‐perfusion of artemisinin; the steady‐state half‐activation and half‐inactivation for both TTX‐S and TTX‐R Na+ currents were shifted towards the right without changing slope factors. Median inhibition concentration (IC50) are 68.1 µM and 236.2 µM for TTX‐S and TTX‐R Na+ currents, respectively. Total outward K+ currents from C‐type nodose ganglion neurones were blocked by artemisinin 30–300 µM concentration‐dependently, IC50 being 104.7 µM. This effect was mimicked by tetraethylammonium 15 mM. Peak currents of N‐type Ca2+ channels were also reduced significantly (IC50=344.6 µM) in the presence of artemisinin, which was less effective than that induced by 1 µM ω‐conotoxin (CTX) GIVA. Our data demonstrate that depolarization and repolarization of action potentials recorded from either A‐ or C‐type nodose ganglion neurones were inhibited by artemisinin in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner, and that this inhibitory effect of artemisinin is probably due to the non‐selective inhibition of all major ion channels functionally expressed in nodose ganglion neurones.
Carnitine Deficiency Provokes Cisplatin‐Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Al‐Majed Abdulhakeem A. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract:  This study investigates whether or not carnitine deficiency is a risk factor and could contribute to cisplatin‐induced liver toxicity. A total of 60 adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups. The first three groups were injected intraperitoneally with normal saline, propionyl‐l‐carnitine (500 mg/kg), and d‐carnitine (500 mg/kg), respectively, for 10 successive days. The fourth, fifth and sixth groups were injected intraperitoneally with the same doses of normal saline, propionyl‐l‐carnitine and d‐carnitine, respectively, for 5 successive days before and after a single dose of cisplatin (7 mg/kg). Administration of the standard nephrotoxic dose of cisplatin did not produce any changes in serum alanine transaminase and γ‐glutamyl transferase and no morphological changes in liver tissues. However, it did produce a significant increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and total nitrate/nitrite and a significant decrease in reduced glutathione content in liver tissues. On the other hand, combined treatment with cisplatin and d‐carnitine induced a dramatic increase in serum alanine transaminase and γ‐glutamyl transferase, as well as progressive reduction in total carnitine and ATP content in liver tissue. Moreover, histopathological examination of liver tissues confirmed the biochemical data, where cisplatin and d‐carnitine combination showed signs of liver injury manifested as focal necro‐inflammatory changes and portal inflammation. Interestingly, in carnitine supplemented rats using propionyl‐l‐carnitine, cisplatin did not produce any biochemical and histopathological changes in liver tissues. In conclusion, data from this study suggest for the first time that (1) carnitine deficiency is a risk factor and could precipitate cisplatin‐induced hepatotoxicity, (2) oxidative stress is not the main cause of cisplatin‐related hepatotoxicity and (3) propionyl‐l‐carnitine prevents the development of cisplatin‐induced liver injury.
RELATIONS BETWEEN RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES, SALIVA‐INDUCED STRUCTURE BREAKDOWN AND SENSORY TEXTURE ATTRIBUTES OF CUSTARDS
Authors: JANSSEN ANKE M. , TERPSTRA MARJOLEIN E.J. , DE WIJK RENÉ A. , PRINZ JON F. 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACT The relevance of initial rheological properties and mechanical and enzymatic structure breakdown in determining selected sensory texture attributes of custards was studied. The so‐called structure breakdown cell was used to characterize saliva‐induced breakdown, i.e., by monitoring digestion of starch by amylase from saliva. Based on rheological parameters, some attributes could be predicted well, while others more poorly or were not predicted. Predictable attributes were primarily determined by bulk properties; poorly and nonpredictable attributes originated from properties of the outer low‐viscosity surface layers or were not related to rheological properties. Both mechanical and enzymatic breakdown were important for creaminess, thickness and melting. Enzymatic breakdown was the dominant mechanism involved in the perception of fattiness, roughness and stickiness but not heterogeneity. Creaminess was the only attribute that was also determined by initial rheological properties and mechanical and enzymatic breakdown. Custards displaying high creaminess ratings had high initial stiffness, the structure broke down at low stress and enzymatic breakdown was slow. Microstructural organization of starch plays a dominating role in defining rheological and breakdown behavior of custards and in this way determines creaminess to a high extent.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSBreakdown during eating is a complex process. In the work presented, breakdown of a semisolid food system is unravelled and linked to its microstructure and sensory perception. It is demonstrated that it is possible to reasonably predict sensory mouthfeel properties, especially the important attribute, creaminess, based on data from instrumental techniques. The knowledge obtained could be applied to high throughput screening of newly developed food products without the need of involving sensory panels. This will enable the food industry to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the design and control of sensory attributes throughout the food product development process.
INFLUENCE OF XANTHAN GUM AND TAPIOCA STARCH ON THE RETROGRADATION AND GELATION OF FINGER MILLET (ELEUSINE CORACANA L. GAERTNER) STARCH PASTES
Authors: OJIJO NELSON K.O. , SHIMONI EYAL 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACT Dynamic storage modulus, G′, was used to monitor the primary retrogradation tendency of model paste systems involving finger millet starch (FMS)–tapioca and FMS–xanthan gum mixtures during cooling and curing for 48 h at 25C. Xanthan gum enhanced retrogradation during cooling and did not reduce retrogradation in cured pastes relative to control finger millet pastes. FMS–tapioca mixtures exhibited reduced retrogradation during cooling and curing. Mechanical spectra of FMS–tapioca pastes indicated extensive paste network development in hot pastes and proper gels in cooled and cured pastes. Zero shear viscosity values of FMS–tapioca mixtures at some ratios indicated enhanced viscosity over and above the sum effect of the individual component starches at the same concentration. Reduced retrogradation and network development in FMS–tapioca mixtures was attributed to some kind of a “functional energy.” These results demonstrate the applicability of starch mixtures to improve functionality and confer physical stability in food products.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSFinger millet is a potential source of commercial native starch. Finger millet starch exhibits functional synergism with tapioca. Mixtures of the two starches can be simple and cost‐effective means for thickening food systems such as meat products, soups, and gravies, and abating retrogradation effects in gruels.
EFFECT OF MOISTURE AND WATER ACTIVITY ON TEXTURAL PROPERTIES OF RAW AND ROASTED COFFEE BEANS
Authors: PITTIA PAOLA , NICOLI MARIA CRISTINA , SACCHETTI GIAMPIERO 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACT The effect of moisture and water activity (Aw) on the textural properties of raw and roasted (light, medium and dark) coffee beans was investigated. Water–coffee interactions were described by the sorption isotherm and the mechanical properties of the samples equilibrated in the 0–0.95 Aw range were studied by uniaxial compression were studied. Roasted beans presented a lower strength and toughness than raw ones and, independently from roasting, resulting textural properties were highly dependent on Aw. At increasing hydration degree, an increase in strength and toughness was observed until a critical Aw value, different for raw (0.75) and roasted (ca. 0.86) beans related to a water, was reached. This was plasticization effect. Above these critical Aw values, a progressive softening of the bean matrix occurs. In roasted coffee beans, this plasticization determined the loss of the characteristic brittleness. The critical Aw value, above which plasticization occurred, was determined by modeling the compressive modulus using the Fermi's distribution function.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSCoffee beans are a highly hygroscopic matrix and could readily take up moisture when exposed to the environment during storage. The characteristic brittleness and fragility induced by roasting is the primary attribute of roasted coffee beans. It is of great interest for process purposes to limit the textural changes of beans during their shelf‐life, mainly in relation to the grinding step carried out on roasted coffee beans before the extraction of coffee brew. The investigation of the effect of water content and state on textural properties of both raw and roasted coffee beans could have implications regarding the work to be applied during the grinding process.
Stroke and Thrombolysis in Developing Countries
Authors: Pandian Jeyaraj Durai , Padma Vasantha , Vijaya Pamidimukkala , Sylaja P. N. , Murthy Jagaralpudi M. K. 
Published: January 2007

Background Over the past few decades, the burden of stroke in developing countries has grown to epidemic proportions. Two-thirds of global stroke occurs in low- and middle-income countries. We have found that little information is obtainable concerning the availability of thrombolysis therapy in developing countries. Summary of review The epidemiology of stroke is well investigated in the developed world; however, in the developing world stroke is less well documented. Most of the available stroke data from these countries are hospital-based. Stroke thrombolysis is currently used in few developing countries like Brazil, Argentina, Senegal, Iran, Pakistan, China, Thailand, and India. The two main barriers for implementation of thrombolysis therapy in developing countries are the high cost of tissue plasminogen activator and lack of proper infrastructure. Most of the centers with the infrastructure to deliver thrombolysis for stroke are predominantly private sector, and only available in urban areas. Conclusion Until a more cost-effective thrombolytic agent and the proper infrastructure for widespread use of thrombolysis therapy are available, developing nations should focus on primary and secondary stroke prevention strategies and the establishment of stroke units wherever possible. Such multi-faceted approaches will be more cost-effective for developing countries than the use of thrombolysis.
Relationship between stimulation train characteristics and dynamic human skeletal muscle performance
Authors: Maladen R. , Perumal R. , Wexler A. S. , Binder‐Macleod S. A. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractAim:  The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of activation frequency on dynamic human muscle performance for a range of train durations and number of pulses during free limb movement.Methods:  The quadriceps femoris muscles of 10 subjects were activated with stimulation trains with different activation frequency, train durations and number of pulses. The peak excursion produced in response to each train was the dependent measure of muscle performance.Results:  The excursion–frequency (for a 300‐ms train duration) and excursion–train duration (for trains with frequencies of 10, 30 or 59 Hz) relationships could each be fit with a two‐parameter exponential equation (R2 values > 0.97). Because the number of pulses in a stimulation train is a function of both train duration and frequency, the excursion produced as a function of the number of pulses was characterized by a three‐parameter exponential equation that represented this combined relationship. The relationship between the measured and predicted excursions in response to a wide range of stimulation trains had a R2 = 0.96. In addition, one‐way repeated measures analyses of variance (anovas) showed that the frequency at which the maximum excursion was produced increased with an increase in the number of pulses in the trains tested.Conclusion:  These results show the importance of train duration and the number of pulses contained within a train on the relationship between activation frequency and human skeletal muscle performance.
Passive mechanical properties and structure of the aorta: segmental analysis
Authors: Sokolis D. P. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractAim:  This study assessed segmental changes in the mechanical properties of the aorta at low, physiologic and high stresses, in relation with wall composition and morphometry.Methods:  The aorta of 10 healthy pigs was divided into six thoracic and three abdominal segments. Aortic specimens were mechanically tested to failure, i.e. rupture, using a uniaxial tension device. Elastic modulus–stress curves were obtained for low (part I), physiologic (part II) and high (part III) stresses, and submitted to regression analysis; failure parameters were calculated. Histological evaluation was performed using an image‐processing system, with quantification of morphometric parameters and composition of the entire vessel and its layers, i.e. media and adventitia.Results:  Significant differences were found in the regression parameters of parts I, II and III, and in failure parameters, suggesting that the proximal segments were stiffer at low stresses, whereas the distal were less extensible, stronger and stiffer at physiologic and high stresses. Image analysis demonstrated significant differences in morphometry and composition among the different layers and segments of the aorta, with higher elastin content proximally and collagen content distally. Good correlations were found between the regression parameters of parts I and II and elastin content, and between the failure and regression parameters of parts II and III and collagen content.Conclusion:  Segmental changes exist in the structure and mechanical properties of the aorta, depending on the level of aortic pressure. This information is necessary for understanding aortic function at general non‐physiologic stress states.
Upregulation of the brain renin–angiotensin system in rats with chronic renal failure
Authors: Nishimura M. , Takahashi H. , Yoshimura M. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractAim:  We investigated how the brain renin–angiotensin system is involved in regulation of the sympathetic activity and arterial pressure in rats with chronic renal failure.Methods:  Systolic arterial pressure, heart rate and diurnal urinary noradrenaline excretion were measured for 12 weeks in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with or without subtotal nephrectomy. Expression of mRNAs related to the brain renin–angiotensin system was measured using polymerase chain reaction. Effects of a 6‐day intracerebroventricular infusion of a type 1 angiotensin II receptor antagonist (candesartan) or bilateral dorsal rhizotomy on these variables were also investigated.Results:  Systolic arterial pressure and urinary excretion of noradrenaline were consistently higher in subtotally nephrectomized SHR than in sham‐operated SHR (262 ± 5 vs. 220 ± 3 mmHg, P < 0.001; 2.71 ± 0.22 vs. 1.69 ±0.19 ng g−1 body weight day−1, P < 0.001). Expression of renin, angiotensin‐converting enzyme and type 1 angiotensin II receptor mRNAs in the hypothalamus and lower brainstem was greater in subtotally nephrectomized SHR than in sham‐operated SHR. Continuous intracerebroventricular infusion of candesartan attenuated hypertension and the increase in urinary noradrenaline excretion in subtotally nephrectomized SHR. Dorsal rhizotomy decreased arterial pressure, urinary excretion of noradrenaline and expression of renin–angiotensin system‐related mRNAs in brains of subtotally nephrectomized SHR.Conclusion:  The brain renin–angiotensin system in subtotally nephrectomized SHR appears to be activated via afferent nerves from the remnant kidney, resulting in sympathetic overactivity and hypertension in this chronic renal failure model.
In Defense of the Hopkins Lead Abatement Studies
Authors: Ross Lainie Friedman 
Published: January 2007

In August 2001, the Maryland Court of Appeals harshly criticized the Kennedy Krieger Institute of Johns Hopkins University for knowingly exposing poor children to lead-based paint. The court’s decision made national news, and is worth examining because it raises several very important issues for research ethics.The research conducted by the Institute was an attempt to understand how successful different lead abatement programs were in reducing continued lead exposure to children. Previously, Julian Chisolm and Mark Farfel, of John Hopkins University, had disclosed the dangers of traditional dust-generating deleading practices. In the current study, Dr. Farfel and colleagues sought to document the longevity of various lead-based paint abatement strategies.
I Need a Placebo like I Need a Hole in the Head
Authors: Weijer Charles 
Published: January 2007

In this issue of the Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics Peter Clark provides a comprehensive and sound ethical analysis of clinical trials examining the treatment of advanced Parkinson's disease with fetal tissue transplantation. These studies raise profound questions about how clinical trials of surgical interventions ought to be conducted. At stake is not only the ethical basis of such trials, but differing views as to the proper role of science in medicine and its limitations.Experience with the broader debate on the ethical permissibility of placebo controls has taught us that the choice of control treatment is an aspect of trial design in which ethical and scientific issues overlap. Accordingly, I will highlight, and perhaps expand upon, three issues raised by Clark: What scientific questions ought clinical trials of surgical interventions ask? How should the ethical analysis of risk for such trials be conceived? And, are surgical patients a vulnerable population?
The Physician as Gatekeeper to the Use of Genetic Information in the Criminal Justice System
Authors: Seiden Samuel C. , Morin Karine ,   for the Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs, American Medical Association
Published: January 2007

The discovery of the molecular structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and the science of molecular biology have profoundly changed medicine’s diagnostic capability and promise to transform the therapeutic realm. When some genetic disorders are diagnosed, physicians can intervene for prevention or treatment. While the basic structure of DNA is the same for all human beings, no two individuals, other than identical twins (or cloned individuals), have the same DNA sequence. This discovery has had important repercussions in the criminal justice system, where DNA can serve as an identification tool.At the crossroads of these different uses of DNA, there are great concerns about potential misuses of genetic information. Preventing disease, curing illness, and convicting criminals are all seen as worthwhile uses of the technology, but concerns of potential misuse in medicine or in the criminal justice system are not unfounded. A 1998 American Medical Association (AMA) study showed that 68 percent of patients had fears that their genetic test results would be used against them by their employers or insurers. Others, pointing to racial profiling, have suggested that we may now face genetic profiling.
The Dalai Lamas and State Power1
Authors: Maher Derek F. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThis article explores the evolving political standing of members of the Dalai Lama incarnation lineage. I survey the history of Tibet since the time of Tsong kha pa, the original inspiration for the dGe lugs School, showing how each Dalai Lama established his own position with an ever evolving set of external circumstances framed by rival schools, patrons, Mongolian khans, Chinese emperors, the nobility, the powerful monasteries, and their own regents. I conclude that there is no single model that captures the nature of the relationship between the Dalai Lamas and state power.