bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic polymorphisms in the MMP‐1 and MMP‐3 gene may contribute to chronic periodontitis in a Brazilian population
Authors: Astolfi Claudia Maria , Shinohara André Luís , Da Silva Rodrigo Augusto , Santos Maria Cristina Leme Godoy , Line Sergio Roberto Peres , De Souza Ana Paula 
Published: August 2006

AbstractObjectives:Matrix metalloproteinase‐1 and ‐3 (MMP‐1, MMP‐3) represent proteinases that degrade macromolecules of the extracellular matrix. These enzymes play a fundamental role during destruction of periodontal tissues. Genetic polymorphisms were characterized in the promoter region of the MMP‐1 and MMP‐3 genes. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between these genetic variations with chronic periodontitis in a Brazilian population.Material and Methods:Non‐smoking subjects (n=114) exhibiting sites 5 mm clinical attachment loss were recruited for study. Control subjects (n=109) should not exhibit clinical signals of periodontitis. MMP‐1 (−1607 1G/2G, −519 A/G) and MMP‐3 (−1612 5A/6A) gene promoter polymorphisms were genotyped using PCR‐RFLP methods.Results:Analysis of polymorphisms showed no differences in distribution of the −1607 1G/2G and −519 A/G variants in the MMP‐1 gene between the healthy and periodontitis group (p>0.05). However, the distribution of genotype frequencies of the −1612 5A/6A polymorphism in the MMP‐3 gene showed that the 5A/5A genotype was significantly more frequent in the periodontitis group (p=0.008). The same was not observed in the 5A/6A genotype once only one 5A allele is carried. We also observed a trend to increase the frequency of the MMP‐1/MMP‐3 haplotype (2G/5A) in the periodontitis group (p=0.08).Conclusion:On the basis of the results, no significant association is found for the MMP‐1 polymorphisms with susceptibility of periodontitis, while the MMP‐3 gene polymorphism may contribute to periodontal tissue destruction during periodontitis in Brazilian subjects.
The efficacy of topical hyaluronic acid in the management of recurrent aphthous ulceration
Authors: Nolan A. , Baillie C. , Badminton J. , Rudralingham M. , Seymour R. A. 
Published: August 2006

Background:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a topical hyaluronic acid (HA) preparation (0.2%) in the management of recurrent aphthous ulceration (RAU).Methods:  One hundred and twenty patients with RAU participated in a randomized, placebo controlled, double‐blind trial to evaluate the efficacy of the topical HA and preparation. Outcome measures include soreness relief on immediate application (recorded over 60 min). Thereafter, patients completed a log diary recording soreness from the ulcers, occurrence of new ulcers and ulcer duration.Results:  Both topical HA and placebo resulted in a significant reduction in ulcer soreness following immediate application (P = 0.0004). Throughout the rest of the investigation period, there was no significant differences (P > 0.05) between the treatments for reducing soreness. Patients treated with topical HA recorded few ulcers on day 5 of the investigation than those treated with placebo (P < 0.001). Likewise, the occurrence of new ulcers was lower in the HA treated group on day 4 when compared with placebo (P = 0.047).Conclusion:  Topical HA (0.2%) may be of benefit in the management of RAU. Immediate reduction of symptoms appears to be a barrier effect.
Causative or precipitating aspects of burning mouth syndrome: a case–control study
Authors: Sardella Andrea , Lodi Giovanni , Demarosi Federica , Uglietti Daniela , Carrassi Antonio 
Published: August 2006

Background:  On causative or precipitating causes of burning mouth syndrome (BMS), there is a lack of consensus. In this prospective case–control study, we compared clinical features and laboratory aspects to evaluate the association of the proposed causative/precipitating factors of BMS.Methods:  A total of 61 BMS patients and 54 control subjects underwent several evaluations: rest and stimulated salivary flow rates measurements, laboratory tests, isolation of Candida species, assessment of parafunctional activities, detection of anxiety and depression by means of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated to compare the variables.Results:  No statistically significant differences were found with regard to the tested variables except for anxiety and depression.Conclusions:  The results of this study seem not to support a role for the usually reported causative or precipitating factors of BMS and efforts should be addressed towards different aetiologies including possible neuropathic mechanisms of BMS.
Establishment and characterization of a spindle cell squamous carcinoma cell line
Authors: Kudo Yasusei , Ogawa Ikuko , Kitagawa Masae , Kitajima Shojiro , Samadarani Siriwardena B. S. M. , Aobara Noriko , Matsuda Chika , Miyauchi Mutsumi , Takata Takashi 
Published: August 2006

Background:  Spindle cell squamous carcinoma (SCSC) is a rare and peculiar biphasic malignant neoplasm that occurs mainly in the upper aerodigestive tract. It consists of sarcomatoid proliferation of pleomorphic spindle‐shaped cells and squamous cell carcinoma.Methods:  Here, we established a SCSC cell line from a tumour arisen in gingiva. We characterized the feature of a SCSC cell line by immunohistochemistry. To know the biological feature, we examined the cell growth, invasiveness and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition markers of a SCSC cell line in comparison with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines.Results:  By immunohistochemical analyses, the primary tumour expressed cytokeratin and vimentin, indicating carcinosarcoma‐like characters. This tumour also showed overexpression of p53 protein. Cultured SCSC cells resulted in bypass of crisis and maintenance over passage 100. The established SCSC cell line was spindle‐shaped and showed identical immunohistochemical characters to those of primary tumour cells. Similar to the primary tumour, the cell line showed p53 overexpression and had p53 mutation at codon 132: AAG (lys)→AAT (asp). The SCSC cell line grew slower than two other OSCC cell lines (MSCC‐1 and HSC‐2), whereas SCSC cells had remarkable invasiveness in comparison with these cell lines. Moreover, SCSC cells expressed wnt‐5a and vimentin mRNA at high levels, but did not express E‐cadherin mRNA. This expression pattern of the markers was similar to that of mesenchymal cells, not of epithelial cells.Conclusion:  In the present study, we newly established a SCSC cell line with strong invasiveness. This is the first report on the establishment of SCSC cell line. The SCSC cell line can be a useful cell model for the study to know the cytodifferentiation and nature of SCSC.
Range and demographics of odontogenic cysts diagnosed in a UK population over a 30‐year period
Authors: Jones A. V. , Craig G. T. , Franklin C. D. 
Published: August 2006

Background:  The aim of this study was to determine the range of all histologically diagnosed odontogenic cysts along with age range, sex distribution and site of presentation over a 30‐year period.Methods:  All entries for odontogenic cysts occurring during 1975–2004 inclusive were retrieved and analysed for demographic data.Results:  A total of 55 446 specimens were received, of these 7121 (12.8%) specimens were diagnosed as odontogenic cysts. Radicular cyst was the most common diagnosis (52.3%), followed by dentigerous cyst (18.1) and odontogenic keratocysts (11.6%).Conclusions:  Our study provides demographic data on a large series of odontogenic cysts in a European population. This is one of the largest series reported to date. Cysts such as the paradental cyst have a predilection for certain ages, sexes and sites. Odontogenic keratocysts and glandular odontogenic cysts have a marked propensity to recur as well as behave aggressively. It is essential that such lesions are detected as early as possible to minimize any necessary surgery.
A New Independently Derived Social Spider with Explosive Colony Proliferation and a Female Size Dimorphism1
Authors: Avilés Leticia , Maddison Wayne P. , Agnarsson Ingi 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTPermanent cooperative sociality is rare in spiders. Here we describe sociality in a cobweb (Theridiidae) genus with no other known social species. In five areas of eastern Ecuador, we found nests of Theridion nigroannulatum containing from a single to several thousand adults living together in a communal web. Spiders cooperated in prey capture and shared their food. Subadult to young adult sex ratios were highly female biased, suggesting a strongly subdivided population structure as in other permanent‐social spiders. Unusual aspects of T. nigroannulatum's biology include the existence of adult females of two discrete sizes, an extreme boom and bust pattern of colony growth, and the presence, within larger colonies, of populations of a predatory spider (Faiditus spp., Argyrodinae) that may play the role of a colony‐level parasite. The existence of females of two sizes may be the result of alternative female reproductive strategies, intracolony competition for resources, or an incipient caste system in this species. A redescription and phylogenetic analysis corroborate the placement of this species in Theridion, indicating that sociality has evolved independently in at least three theridiid genera.
ON THE LAPLACE EQUATION WITH NON-LINEAR DYNAMICAL BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
Authors: VITILLARO ENZO 
Published: August 2006

The main part of the paper deals with local existence and global existence versus blow-up for solutions of the Laplace equation in bounded domains with a non-linear dynamical boundary condition. More precisely, we study the problem consisting in: (1) the Laplace equation in $(0, \infty) \times \Omega$; (2) a homogeneous Dirichlet condition $(0, \infty) \times \Gamma_0$; (3) the dynamical boundary condition $ \frac {\partial u}{\partial \nu} = - |u_t|^{m-2} u_t + |u|^{p - 2} u$ on $(0, \infty) \times \Gamma_1$; (4) the initial condition $u(0, x) = u_0 (x)$ on $\partial \Omega$. Here $\Omega$ is a regular and bounded domain in $\mathbb{R}^n$, with $n \ge 1$, and $\Gamma_0$ and $\Gamma_1$ endow a measurable partition of $\partial \Omega$. Moreover, $m>1$, $2 \le p < r$, where $r = 2 (n - 1) / (n - 2)$ when $n \ge 3$, $r = \infty$ when $n = 1,2$, and $u_0 \in H^{1/2} (\partial \Omega)$, $u_0 = 0$ on $\Gamma_0$.The final part of the paper deals with a refinement of a global non-existence result by Levine, Park and Serrin, which is applied to the previous problem.
Studies on Gas-Solid Heat Transfer in Cyclone Heat
Exchanger
Authors: Jain A. , Mohanty B. , Pitchumani B. , Rajan K. S. 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
Cyclones can be used for heating solid particles where the direct contact with the gas is permitted. Since cyclones have potential applications as heat exchangers in fertilizer, polymer powder, pharmaceutical and other industries, study of cyclone as heat exchanger is deemed important. Experiments on air-solid heat transfer were carried out in a cyclone heat exchanger of 100mm inside diameter, using sand. The effects of solid feed rate (0.5-7.5g∕s), cyclone inlet air velocity (9-22m∕s), and four average particle sizes (163-460μm) on the heat transfer rate, exit solid temperature, and heat transfer coefficient have been studied. An empirical correlation has been proposed for the prediction of heat transfer coefficients based on the present experimental data. The proposed correlation predicts the heat transfer coefficients with an error of +10%to−15% for the present data and within an error of +25%to−15% for the data of other investigators.
Drag
and Heat Transfer Reduction Phenomena of Drag-Reducing Surfactant Solutions in Straight and Helical
Pipes
Authors: Aly Wael I.
A. , Inaba Hideo , Haruki Naoto , Horibe Akihiko 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
Flow drag and heat transfer reduction phenomena of non-ionic aqueous surfactant solutions flowing in helical and straight pipes have been experimentally investigated at surfactant solution concentration range of 250-5000ppm and temperature range of 5-20°C. The helically coiled pipes have curvature ratios range of 0.018–0.045. Experimental findings indicate that the friction factors and the heat transfer coefficients of the surfactant solution in helical pipes are significantly higher than in a straight pipe and lower than Newtonian fluid flow like water through the same coils in the turbulent drag reduction region. Drag reduction and heat transfer reduction increase with an increase in surfactant solution concentration and temperature in the measured concentration and temperature ranges. On the other hand, they decrease with increasing of the curvature ratio. A set of empirical expressions for predicting the friction factor and the average Nusselt number for the surfactant solution’s flow through helical and straight pipes have been regressed based on the obtained data in the present experiments.
Comparison
of Various Methods for Simultaneous Retrieval of Surface Emissivities and Gas Properties in Gray
Participating Media
Authors: Deiveegan M. , Balaji C. , Venkateshan S.
P. 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
An inverse radiation analysis for simultaneous estimation of the radiative properties and the surface emissivities for a participating medium in between infinitely long parallel planes, from the knowledge of the measured temperatures and heat fluxes at the boundaries, is presented. The differential discrete ordinate method is employed to solve the radiative transfer equation. The present analysis considers three types of simple scattering phase functions. The inverse problem is solved through minimization of a performance function, which is expressed by the sum of squares of residuals between calculated and observed temperatures and heat fluxes at the boundaries. To check the performance and accuracy in retrieval, a comparison is presented between four retrieval methods, viz. Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm, genetic algorithm, artificial neural network, and the Bayesian algorithm. The results of the present analyses indicate that good precision in retrieval could be achieved by using only temperatures and heat fluxes at the boundaries. The study shows that the radiative properties of medium and surface emissivities can be retrieved even with noisy data using Bayesian retrieval algorithm and artificial neural network. Also, the results demonstrate that genetic algorithms are not efficient but are quite robust. Additionally, it is observed that an increase in the error in measurements significantly deteriorates the retrieval using the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm.
Heat Transfer and Bubble Movement of Two-Side and One-Side Heating
Subcooled Flow Boiling in Vertical Narrow Channels
Authors: Pan Liang-Ming , Jen Tien-Chien , He Chuan , Xin Ming-dao , Chen Qing-hua 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
This paper investigates the bubble behavior of different heating methods of narrow rectangular channels. Comparisons were made on the onset of nucleate boiling (ONB) point and bubble behavior with various flow patterns. Results reveal that the wall superheat of two-side heating is lower than that in one-side heating at the same heat flux. This difference becomes obvious at a higher heat flux. Under the same subcooling condition, the required heat flux to start nucleate boiling for the one-side heating channel is higher than that for the two-side one. With similar bubbles behaviors, the cross-sectional subcooling tends to be higher for the two-side heating method.
A Theoretical Investigation Into the Optimal Longitudinal Profile of
a Horizontal Pin Fin of Least Material Under the Influence of Pure Forced and
Pure Natural Convection With a Diameter-Variable Convective Heat Transfer
Coefficient
Authors: Kobus C. J. , Cavanaugh R. B. 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
The increased importance of heat sinks in electronic cooling applications has resulted in a revived interest in extended surfaces, or fins. Also, space and cost constraints provide impetus for optimizing thermal performance for a given, or least, amount of material. The current research focuses on a pin fin design of least material, where the diameter of the pin fin varies axially to maintain the axial heat flux constant; thus all fin material is utilized equally. Although such fins have been studied in the past, the convective heat transfer coefficient was assumed to be constant, which is not entirely true since it is known to be a function of diameter for cylindrical bodies. The current research shows that an optimal fin based on a variable convective heat transfer coefficient yields a true optimal profile, and utilizes material better; that is, it uses a lower volume of material to achieve the same heat dissipation rate. This improvement in material utilization is show to be anywhere from approximately 3% to 14%.
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Measuring Antibodies to Pneumococcal Polysaccharides for the PNEUMOVAX 23 Vaccine: Assay Operating Characteristics and Correlation to the WHO International Assay
Authors: Marchese Rocio D. , Jain Neil T. , Antonello Joseph , Mallette Laura , Butterfield-Gerson Kristin L. , Raab Jennifer , Burke Pamela , Schulman Cheryl , Adgate Hilary , Sikkema Daniel J. , Chirmule Narendra 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT
The Merck pneumococcal (Pn) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for measuring antibodies to 12 serotypes (serotypes 1, 3, 4, 6B, 7F, 8, 9V, 12F, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F) were validated in 1999. Merck Laboratories developed the Pn assays using 10 μg/ml C polysaccharide, 100 μg/ml Pn polysaccharide (PnPs) 25, and 100 μg/ml PnPs 72 for preadsorption of samples, standards, and controls in order to improve the specificity to the Pn serotypes in the vaccine. The Pn assays utilize postimmunization sera obtained from subjects immunized with PNEUMOVAX 23 as standards for measuring immunoglobulin G concentrations in sera obtained from vaccine clinical trials with adults and infants. This material was calibrated to the Pn reference standard serum, 89SF, subjected to the Merck Pn ELISA adsorbants. Comparisons were made between the Merck Pn assay and the international Pn assay, showing moderate agreement between the two assay formats. This work describes the test procedures and operating characteristics of the Merck Pn assays and the results of experiments performed to compare the Merck Pn ELISAs to the international Pn ELISAs.
Human Neutralizing Fab Molecules against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Generated by Phage Display
Authors: Kang Xiaoping , Yang Bao-an , Hu Yuyang , Zhao Hui , Xiong Wei , Yang Yinhui , Si Bingyin , Zhu Qingyu 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT
Human recombinant Fab fragments specific for the spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) were screened from a human Fab library, which was generated from RNAs from peripheral lymphocytes of convalescent SARS patients. Among 50 randomly picked clones, 12 Fabs specially reacted with S protein by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The microneutralizing test showed that one clone, designated M1A, had neutralizing activity on Vero E6 cells against SARS-CoV. DNA sequence analysis indicated that the light- and heavy-chain genes of M1A Fab belong to the κ2a and 4f families, respectively. A neutralizing test on purified M1A demonstrated that 0.5 mg/ml of M1A completely inhibited SARS-CoV activity, with an absence of cytopathic effect for 7 days. Real-time fluorescence reverse transcription-PCR also proved the neutralizing capacity of M1A. These data showed that the number of virus copies was significantly reduced in the M1A-treated group, suggesting an important role for M1A in passive immunoprophylaxis against the SARS virus.
Quantitative Analysis of Levels of Serum Immunoglobulin G against Botulinum Neurotoxin Type D and Association with Protection in Natural Outbreaks of Cattle Botulism
Authors: Steinman A. , Chaffer M. , Elad D. , Shpigel N. Y. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT

The recent outbreaks of cattle botulism in vaccinated Israeli dairy cattle prompted us to determine vaccine efficacy and reasons for vaccine failure. Analysis of clinical signs, feeding practice, vaccination history, and epidemic curves enabled us to define a study population in two outbreaks, where high doses of
Clostridium botulinum
neurotoxin type D (BoNT/D) were evenly consumed by the affected animal groups. Attack rates among unvaccinated 6- to 24-month-old heifers were 96% (55/57) and 85% (53/62). The attack rates in vaccinated parity 1, 2, and ≥3 cows were 40.4% (21/52), 14.3% (4/28), and 5.6% (3/54), respectively. Vaccine efficacies for these cow groups were 52.5%, 83.2%, and 93.4%, respectively. In younger, unvaccinated 2- to 6-month-old calves, presumably protected by maternal antibodies, the attack rate was 24% (17/71). These differences correlated with significant differences in levels of specific anti-BoNT/D antibody in serum by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ELISA performance for predicting protection was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic analysis and was found to be highly significant, with an area under the curve of 0.941 (standard error, 0.034; 95% confidence interval, 0.875 to 1.008;
P
< 0.000). No animals with serum ELISA unit levels above 0.33 were affected in these exposed groups. At this cutoff level, the specificity of the ELISA was 100%, sensitivity was 67%, and accuracy was 92%. We concluded that botulinum toxoids can confer adequate protection against natural exposure to lethal doses of BoNT/D; however, the vaccination protocols should be optimized. Our in-house ELISA system will enable us to optimize vaccination protocols in the animal population.
Identification and Characterization of Immunogenic Proteins of
Mycoplasma genitalium
Authors: Svenstrup Helle Friis , Jensen Jørgen Skov , Gevaert Kris , Birkelund Svend , Christiansen Gunna 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT

Mycoplasma genitalium
causes nonchlamydial nongonococcal urethritis.
M. genitalium
was detected by PCR in 17 urethral swabs obtained from 99 men with and without urethritis (J. S. Jensen, R. Orsum, B. Dohn, S. Uldum, A. M. Worm, and K. Lind, Genitourin. Med. 69:265-269, 1993), and later, four
M. genitalium
strains were isolated (J. S. Jensen, H. T. Hansen, and K. Lind, J. Clin. Microbiol. 34:286-291, 1996). The objective of this study was to characterize immunogenic proteins of
M. genitalium
by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting by using a hyperimmune rabbit serum against
M. genitalium
G37, determine their identity by mass spectrometry, and develop an
M. genitalium
-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) free from cross-reactivity with
M. pneumoniae
antibodies. Using recombinant fragments of the C-terminal part of MgPa (rMgPa), we developed a specific ELISA for detection of
M. genitalium
antibodies. This antigen did not bind
M. pneumoniae
antibodies. Using serum samples from the 99 men with and without urethritis, we found that 26 had immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to
M. genitalium
. There was a strong statistically significant correlation between PCR and IgG antibodies to
M. genitalium
(odds ratio [OR], 5.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3 to 21.5;
P
= 0.002). Furthermore, men with recurrent urethritis were more likely to have antibodies to
M. genitalium
than were those without recurrent urethritis (OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.1 to 14.5;
P
= 0.0383) and they had significantly higher antibody titers. By use of the rMgPa ELISA, this study further substantiates the importance of
M. genitalium
as a cause of male urethritis.