bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety Risk Management in Construction Worksites
Authors: Yee Wah Chin 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT: This study in safety risk management of construction worksites in Singapore stems primarily from recent concerns following several fatal accidents. A greater need for safety is apparent, as the reports from the Ministry of Manpower have shown that construction injuries remain disproportionately high compared to the total number of industrial accidents. The main objectives of this study are to ascertain the safety hazards faced by construction workers and the measures to deal with these hazards.A questionnaire survey was sent to 150 randomly selected contractors in early November 1999. A 36 percent response rate was obtained. Interviews were conducted with various professionals in the insurance and construction industries to solicit information from the perspective of the practitioners, so that a better understanding of both industries could be achieved. Results indicated that the contractors agreed that practicing good risk management is important. The results of this study are useful to employers in the construction industry who are responsible for providing a safe work environment for workers, as well as to practitioners in the insurance industry involved in construction projects.
Flavonoid‐mediated presenilin‐1 phosphorylation reduces Alzheimer's disease β‐amyloid production
Authors: Rezai‐Zadeh Kavon , Douglas Shytle R. , Bai Yun , Tian Jun , Hou Huayan , Mori Takashi , Zeng Jin , Obregon Demian , Town Terrence , Tan Jun 
Published: April 2008

AbstractGlycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK‐3) dysregulation is implicated in the two Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathological hallmarks: β‐amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. GSK‐3 inhibitors may abrogate AD pathology by inhibiting amyloidogenic γ‐secretase cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP). Here, we report that the citrus bioflavonoid luteolin reduces amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptide generation in both human ‘Swedish’ mutant APP transgene‐bearing neuron‐like cells and primary neurons. We also find that luteolin induces changes consistent with GSK‐3 inhibition that (i) decrease amyloidogenic γ‐secretase APP processing, and (ii) promote presenilin‐1 (PS1) carboxyl‐terminal fragment (CTF) phosphorylation. Importantly, we find GSK‐3α activity is essential for both PS1 CTF phosphorylation and PS1‐APP interaction. As validation of these findings in vivo, we find that luteolin, when applied to the Tg2576 mouse model of AD, decreases soluble Aβ levels, reduces GSK‐3 activity, and disrupts PS1‐APP association. In addition, we find that Tg2576 mice treated with diosmin, a glycoside of a flavonoid structurally similar to luteolin, display significantly reduced Aβ pathology. We suggest that GSK‐3 inhibition is a viable therapeutic approach for AD by impacting PS1 phosphorylation‐dependent regulation of amyloidogenesis.
Psychological stress and health in undergraduate dental students: fifth year outcomes compared with first year baseline results from five European dental schools
Authors: Gorter R. , Freeman R. , Hammen S. , Murtomaa H. , Blinkhorn A. , Humphris G. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPsychological stress in undergraduate dental students: fifth year outcomes compared with first year baseline results from five European dental schools.Objective:  To compare the levels of a series of health‐related indicators from a cohort of fifth year dental students from five European schools with their first year scores, and to investigate the relationship between these follow‐up measures.Methods:  Burnout was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), consisting of three scales: Emotional Exhaustion (EE, α = 0.90), Depersonalisation (α = 0.80) and Personal Accomplishment (α = 0.72). Physical health was measured by the Physical Symptoms Questionnaire (α = 0.82), psychological distress was measured using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ, α = 0.89) and student stress was captured using seven subscales of the Dental Environment Stress questionnaire (DES, α = 0.92). A total of 132 fifth year students responded from five dental schools (Manchester, Belfast, Cork, Helsinki and Amsterdam), a 51% response.Results:  Fifth year students showed relatively high mean MBI scores when compared with first year results, especially on EE; 39% could be labelled ‘high scorers’; 44% of the students met the criteria for ‘cases’ on the GHQ. Highest mean scores on the DES were obtained on the subscales: Study Obligations, Patient‐Related Aspects and Study Pressure respectively. Between schools interesting differences were detected on all variables. As hypothesised, a clear direct effect of stress on both burnout and physical symptoms was shown. An indirect effect of stress on mental health via burnout was shown.Conclusions:  Dental students showed a negative development through the years from first to fifth year with regard to EE and psychological distress. Both burnout constructs related to physical and mental health. It is recommended that dental faculty focus on the importance of prevention and intervention of stress amongst undergraduates.
A survey of local anaesthesia education in European dental schools
Authors: Brand H. S. , Kuin D. , Baart J. A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective:  A survey of European dental schools was conducted in 2006 to determine the curricular structure, techniques and materials used in local anaesthesia teaching to dental students.Materials and methods:  A questionnaire was designed to collect information about local anaesthesia education. The questionnaires were sent to the Dean of each dental school in Europe and Israel; 49 returned the completed survey, resulting in a response rate of 18.4%.Results:  Results from this survey show that dental schools are managing local anaesthesia education in different ways. At most schools, theoretical teaching begins during the first half of the third year (41%), half a year before the practical instruction (43%). In 37% of the dental schools, students use non‐human objects to practice before they inject an anaesthetic in humans. The first injection in humans, usually a fellow student (61%), is mostly supervised by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (65%). The number of injections under supervision usually depends on the individual capabilities of the student (41%). Ten per cent of the schools need permission of a medical ethics committee for the practical instruction on fellow students. All dental curricula include teaching of mandibular block anaesthesia. The majority also include instruction of infiltration anaesthesia of the upper (98%) and lower (92%) jaws in addition to infra‐orbital block anaesthesia (57%). Although 82% of the schools are satisfied with the current curriculum with regard to local anaesthesia, 43% are planning changes, frequently the introduction of preclinical training models.Conclusion:  Local anaesthesia teaching programmes show considerable variation across the surveyed European dental schools.
Stem cell transplantation in poor‐risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia: assessment of post‐transplant minimal residual disease using four‐ and six‐color flow cytometry and allele‐specific RQ‐PCR
Authors: Itälä Maija , Huhtinen Anna‐Riina , Juvonen Vesa , Kairisto Veli , Pelliniemi Tarja‐Terttu , Penttilä Tarja‐Leena , Rauhala Auvo , Tienhaara Anri , Remes Kari 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA total of 178 bone marrow samples were taken for minimal residual disease (MRD) analysis after 34 stem cell transplantations for poor‐risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and 86 of them were analyzed in parallel by flow cytometry and allele‐specific oligonucleotide‐PCR (ASO‐PCR). ASO primer was successfully designed for all patients whose frozen diagnosis samples were available. Flow cytometry and ASO‐PCR were concordant, i.e. both either positive or both negative, in 78% of the analyses. Flow cytometry did not detect MRD in any of the samples that were PCR‐negative cases. In contrast, ASO‐PCR detected MRD in samples that were negative for MRD by flow cytometry in 22% of the analyses. In one patient, the immunophenotype but not the IgVH gene sequence had changed during a course of the disease, and MRD could not be followed by flow cytometry. In the remaining cases, the discrepancy was due to a higher sensitivity of ASO‐PCR. Autologous stem cell transplantation resulted in clinical complete response in 87% (20/23) of the patients. By flow cytometry, 35% (8/23) of autotransplanted patients became MRD‐negative, but only 12.5% (2/16) PCR‐negative (sensitivity of ASO‐PCR <0.001 and <0.01, respectively). All allotransplanted patients achieved or maintained hematological CR, and five out of nine patients (56%) became PCR‐negative (sensitivity of PCR between <0.001 and <0.003), two of them having non‐myeloablative conditioning. None of the patients who became PCR‐negative after allogeneic transplantation have relapsed.
Post‐treatment effects of subantimicrobial dose doxycycline on clinical parameters and gingival crevicular fluid transforming growth factor‐β1 in severe, generalized chronic periodontitis
Authors: Gürkan A , Emingil G , Çınarcık S , Berdeli A 
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  Objective:  Present study aimed to evaluate the effect of 3‐month adjunctive subantimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD) on clinical parameters and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) transforming growth factor‐beta1 (TGF‐β1) levels in chronic periodontitis patients over 12 months.Methods:  Thirty‐five patients with severe, generalized periodontitis participated in the present randomized, placebo‐controlled study. Patients received scaling and root planing (SRP) plus 3 months adjunctive SDD or placebo. Clinical measurements and GCF sampling were performed at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Eleven periodontally healthy subjects served as controls for GCF TGF‐β1 analysis.Results:  Clinical parameters of both SDD and placebo groups significantly improved during the study (P < 0.0125). SDD group exhibited significantly higher PD reduction at deep sites (baseline PD ≥7 mm) compared with placebo group at 6 months (P < 0.05). In SDD group significantly higher percentage of deep pockets resolved (PD reduction ≥3 mm from baseline) when compared with placebo group at 6 and 9 months (73.4% versus 49.7%; 79.9% versus 50.6%, respectively, P < 0.05). PD reduction ≥4 mm for deep pockets from baseline was also greater in SDD group than placebo at 6 months (53.4% versus 36.3%, P < 0.05). GCF TGF‐β1 levels of SDD group was significantly higher than baseline (P < 0.0125) and placebo group (P < 0.017) at 3 months.Conclusions:  These results ensure further data for beneficial effects of adjunctive SDD therapy in the management of severe chronic periodontitis.
Oral health‐related quality of life in children: Part II. Effects of clinical oral health status. A systematic review
Authors: Barbosa TS , Gavião MBD 
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  Objective:  Children are affected by numerous oral and orofacial disorders, which have the potential to compromise functioning, well‐being and the quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this paper was to review the literature about children’s clinical oral health status and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and to assess the respective association.Materials and methods:  The authors searched Medline, ISI, Lilacs and Scielo for articles from 1985 to 2007. The inclusion criteria were randomized, cross‐sectional, longitudinal or retrospective studies that used well‐validated oral health‐related QoL instruments, children self‐applied questionnaires and quantitative measurements of clinical oral health status.Results:  Of the 402 articles that were critically assessed, 12 studies were included in the critical appraisal of the project.Conclusions:  There is a relationship between clinical oral health status and HRQoL in children. In the studies that suggested weak relationships between children’s oral conditions and HRQoL, the explanations were low disease levels in the sample, the conditions under investigation may have caused immeasurably low levels of impact or the impacts were mediated by inter‐ and intravariables according to culture and education. Moreover, relationships between biological or clinical variables and HRQoL outcomes are not direct, but mediated by a variety or personal, social and environmental variables, as well as by the child development, which have influence on the comprehension about the relationship among health, illness and QoL. So, longitudinal studies are necessary to determine validity, responsiveness and minimal clinically important difference.
Phenotypic Assessment of Endothelial Microparticles in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Men with Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Esposito Katherine , Ciotola Miryam , Giugliano Francesco , Sardelli Luigi , Giugliano Francesco , Maiorino Maria Ida , Beneduce Flora , De Sio Marco , Giugliano Dario 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Introduction
Endothelial microparticles (EMPs) may play a role as biomarkers of vascular injury. EMPs are higher in men with diabetes diabetic men with erectile dysfunction (ED) than in nondiabetic potent men.

Aim
The aim of this study was to quantize different phenotypic circulating EMP levels among diabetic and nondiabetic patients with ED, and to determine whether EMPs are released as a result of activation or apoptosis.

Methods
We studied 30 type 2 diabetic and 24 nondiabetic subjects with symptomatic ED from at least 6 months, and 20 nondiabetic men without ED matched for age and weight with diabetic and nondiabetic subjects. Erectile function was assessed by completing the International Index of Erectile Function (IEEF)-5, which consists of Items 5, 15, 4, 2, and 7 from the full-scale IIEF-15. A score of 21 or less indicates the presence of ED.

Main Outcome Measures
EMP levels in plasma were quantified by flow cytometry. Markers for apoptosis (platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1/CD31 antigen) and activation (E-selectin/CD62E antigen) were compared. Endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was evaluated in the right brachial artery with a high-resolution ultrasound machine following reactive hyperemia.

Results
Diabetic patients were found to have the highest levels of EMP31+; diabetic and nondiabetic men with ED were found to have significantly higher levels of EMP62+ than nondiabetic men without ED. The EMP62/EMP31 ratio, an index of endothelial activation (high ratio) or apoptosis (low ratio), was lowest in diabetic men with ED (0.20). In the whole group of 54 men with ED (diabetic and nondiabetic), there was an inverse correlation between FMD and the number of circulating EMPs (P &lt;0.05).

Conclusions
The presence of diabetes in subjects with ED is associated with a different pattern of endothelial cell injury. The phenotypic assessment of EMPs in diabetic patients with ED is consistent with increased apoptotic activity.
Genital Responsiveness in Healthy Women With and Without Sexual Arousal Disorder
Authors: Laan Ellen , Van Driel Esther M. , Van Lunsen Rik H.W. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIntroductionMost pharmacological treatments that are currently being developed for women with sexual arousal disorder are aimed at remedying a vasculogenic deficit.AimThis study investigated whether pre- and postmenopausal women with sexual arousal disorder are less genitally responsive to visual sexual stimuli than pre- and postmenopausal women without sexual problems.MethodTwenty-nine medically healthy women with sexual arousal disorder (15 premenopausal and 14 postmenopausal), diagnosed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) criteria, and 30 age-matched women without sexual problems (16 premenopausal and 14 postmenopausal) were shown sexual stimuli depicting cunnilingus and intercourse.Main Outcome MeasureGenital arousal was assessed as vaginal pulse amplitude (VPA) using vaginal photoplethysmography.ResultsResults showed no significant differences between the two groups in mean and maximum VPA, nor in latency of VPA response.ConclusionWomen with sexual arousal disorder diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria were not less genitally responsive to visual sexual stimuli than women without such problems. These findings are in line with previous studies. The sexual problems these women report are clearly not related to their potential to become genitally aroused. We argue that the DSM-IV criteria for sexual arousal disorder are in need of revision. In medically healthy women, impaired genital responsiveness is not a valid diagnostic criterion.
Lethal yellowing‐type diseases of palms associated with phytoplasmas newly identified in Florida, USA
Authors: Harrison N.A. , Helmick E.E. , Elliott M.L. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was used to detect phytoplasmas in stem tissues from declining silver date (Phoenix sylvestris), Canary Island date (Phoenix canariensis), edible date (Phoenix dactylifera), Queen (Syagrus romanozoffiana) and Mexican fan (Washingtonia robusta) palms, all displaying symptoms similar to lethal yellowing (LY) disease, in a tri‐county region of west central Florida. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis or sequencing of PCR‐amplified rDNA products (1.6 kb) identified three distinct group 16SrIV phytoplasma strains among 38 infected palms. Most palms (86.8%) contained Texas Phoenix decline (TPD) phytoplasma, a subgroup 16SrIV‐D strain, while two P. canariensis harboured palm LY phytoplasma, a subgroup 16SrIV‐A strain. A novel phytoplasma, initially detected in W. robusta and tentatively classified as a subgroup 16SrIV‐F strain, also occurred with LY phytoplasma as mixed infections in two P. dactylifera palms. Collectively, these findings extend the known geographic range of TPD in the USA to include Florida and the listing of TPD‐susceptible palm species to include P. dactylifera, P. sylvestris and S. romanozoffiana. Moreover, discovery of a novel subgroup 16SrIV‐F strain in W. robusta adds to the list of phytoplasma host palm species and complexity of phytoplasma‐vector‐palm pathosystems newly identified in the west central region of the state. The emergence of new lethal disease of palms beyond southern subtropical region of the state is unprecedented but follows similar developments in other regions where LY is known to occur.
The importance of temperature and moisture to the egg‐laying behaviour of a pest slug, Deroceras reticulatum
Authors: Willis J.C. , Bohan D.A. , Powers S.J. , Choi Y.H. , Park J. , Gussin E. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractOviposition behaviour is important when modelling the population dynamics of many invertebrates. The numbers of eggs laid are frequently used to describe fecundity, but this measure may differ significantly from realised fecundity. Oviposition has been shown to be important when describing the dynamics of slug populations, which are important agricultural pests. The numbers of eggs laid by Deroceras reticulatum and their viability were measured across a range of 16 temperature (4, 10, 15 and 23°C) by moisture (33%, 42%, 53% and 58% by dry soil weight) experimental combinations. A fitted quadratic response surface model was used to estimate how D. reticulatum adjusted its egg laying to the surrounding temperature and moisture conditions, with most eggs being laid at a combination of 53% soil moisture and 18°C. The number and proportion of viable eggs also covaried with temperature and moisture, suggesting that D. reticulatum may alter their investment in reproduction to maximise their fitness. We have shown that the number of viable eggs differs from the total number of eggs laid by D. reticulatum. Changes in egg viability with temperature and moisture may also be seen in other species and should be considered when modelling populations of egg‐laying invertebrates.
REVISION OF CHINESE SPECIES OF HEMIPTARSENUS WESTWOOD (HYMENOPTERA: EULOPHIDAE) *
Authors: Chac‐dong ZHU , LaSalle John , Da‐wei HUANG 
Published: April 2008

Abstract  This paper deals with Chinese species of Hemiptarsenus Westwood, 1833. Totally five species are found in China. Among them, H. unguicellus (Zetterstedt), H. ornatus (Nees) and H. varicornis (Gi‐rault) were previously recorded, H. zilahisebessi Erdös is newly recorded in China and H. strigiscuta sp. n. is described as new. A tentative key to known species is given, and other three external species, H. fulvicollis Westwood, H. wailesellae Nowicky and H. waterhousii Westwood, are included in the key for comparison.The type specimen is deposited in the Zoological Museum, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.
EXPRESSION OF THE DETOXIFYING GENE B1 IN ES‐CHERICHIA COLI AND SYNECHOCOCCUS1
Authors: Yan‐chun YAN , Chuan‐lin QIAO , Hong‐yu SHANG 
Published: April 2008

Abstract  We inserted the mosquito esterase B1 gene into the expression vector pRL‐439, which possesses the strong promoter PpsbA. The recombinant plasmid pRL‐Bl was used to transform E. coli HBlOl, and the positive clones were screened on LB medium plate containing 100 mg/mL ampicillin. The results of dot blotting and Southern hybridization demonstrated that these positive clones were transformed bacteria. Western blotting indicated that esterase B1 gene had been successfully expressed under the control of the PpsbA promoter in E. coli.A shuttle verruction‐B1 (pDGBl) was constructed by inserting B1‐cDNA from pRL‐Bl into polycloning site of plasmid pDc8. PDGBl was transferred into Synechoccus sp. PCC7942 through triparental conjugal transfer. Transformed single Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942 clone was obtained by neomycin screening, and large‐scale culture in liquid medium was carried out. Results of Southern blotting proved that pWB1 was transferred into Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942.
STRUCTURE AND CHANGES OF THE SALIVARY GLAND OF FEMALE DERMACENTOR SILVARUM OLENEV (ACARI: IXODIDAE)
Authors: Jian LI , Zhen‐hua SHI , Jing‐ze LIU 
Published: April 2008

Abstract The salivary gland (SG) of female Dermacentor silvarum consists of salivary ducts and lots of acini.From the basis capituli to the end of the gland, the ducts can be divided into three parts, namely, central duct, major branch ducts and the lobular ducts, and the acini is spherical‐like structures attached to various ducts. The central duct parallels with trachea. The surface of the acini is wrinkly and many small tracheae distributed on the acini. In unfed female, the length of SG is short (547.33 μm) and extends on the first day after feeding, and reaches its maximum value (1109.40 μm) on the 3rd day after feeding, while copulation has justly completed. From the 3rd day after feeding to the first three days after engorgement, no apparent change in length of the gland is observed. On the 4th day after engorgement, it shortens sharply (500.00 μm). The diameter of the acini of unfed female is also short (45.24 μm), it increases gradually during feeding and reaches its maximum (74.10 μm) on the 5th day after feeding. After engorgement, the acini becomes atrophic slowly and degenerated sharply on the 4th day.
TRANSGENIC PLANTS EXPRESSING BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS DELTA‐ENDOTOXINS
Authors: Li Hua‐rong , Oppert Brenda , Zhu Kun Yan , Higgins Randall A. , Huang Fang‐neng , Buschman Lawrent L. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractCommercial varieties of transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) plants have been developed in many countries to control target pests. Initially, the expression of native Bt genes in plants was low due to mRNA instability, improper splicing, and post‐translation modifications. Subsequently, modifications of the native Bt genes greatly enhanced expression levels. This is a review of the developments that made modern high‐expression transgenic Bt plants possible, with an emphasis on the reasons for the low‐level expression of native Bt genes in plant systems, and the techniques that have been used to improve plant expression of Bt toxin genes.