bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maxillary sinus grafting with Bio‐Oss® or Straumann® Bone Ceramic: histomorphometric results from a randomized controlled multicenter clinical trial
Authors: Cordaro Luca , Bosshardt Dieter D. , Palattella Piermario , Rao Walter , Serino Giuseppe , Chiapasco Matteo 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIntroduction: This investigation was designed to compare the histomorphometric results from sinus floor augmentation with anorganic bovine bone (ABB) and a new biphasic calcium phosphate, Straumann® Bone Ceramic (BCP).Materials and methods: Forty‐eight maxillary sinuses were treated in 37 patients. Residual bone width was ≥6 mm and height was ≥3 mm and <8 mm. Lateral sinus augmentation was used, with grafting using either ABB (control group; 23 sinuses) or BCP (test group; 25 sinuses); sites were randomly assigned to the control or test groups. After 180–240 days of healing, implant sites were created and biopsies taken for histological and histomorphometric analyses. The parameters assessed were (1) area fraction of new bone, soft tissue, and graft substitute material in the grafted region; (2) area fraction of bone and soft tissue components in the residual alveolar ridge compartment; and (3) the percentage of surface contact between the graft substitute material and new bone.Results: Measurable biopsies were available from 56% of the test and 81.8% of the control sites. Histology showed close contact between new bone and graft particles for both groups, with no significant differences in the amount of mineralized bone (21.6±10.0% for BCP vs. 19.8±7.9% for ABB; P=0.53) in the biopsy treatment compartment of test and control site. The bone‐to‐graft contact was found to be significantly greater for ABB (48.2±12.9% vs. 34.0±14.0% for BCP). Significantly less remaining percentage of graft substitute material was found in the BCP group (26.6±5.2% vs. 37.7±8.5% for ABB; P=0.001), with more soft tissue components (46.4±7.7% vs. 40.4±7.3% for ABB; P=0.07). However, the amount of soft tissue components for both groups was found not to be greater than in the residual alveolar ridge.Discussion: Both ABB and BCP produced similar amounts of newly formed bone, with similar histologic appearance, indicating that both materials are suitable for sinus augmentation for the placement of dental implants. The potential clinical relevance of more soft tissue components and different resorption characteristics of BCP requires further investigation.
Significant cytotoxic activity in vitro of the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib in acute myeloblastic leukaemia
Authors: Lindhagen Elin , Eriksson Anna , Wickström Malin , Danielsson Katarina , Grundmark Birgitta , Henriksson Roger , Nygren Peter , Åleskog Anna , Larsson Rolf , Höglund Martin 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjectives:  Gefitinib inhibits epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling, but may also act by non‐EGFR dependent mechanisms. We have investigated the activity of gefitinib in haematological tumour cells, in particular acute myeloblastic leukaemia (AML).Methods:  Cytotoxic activity of gefitinib, alone or in combination with standard anti‐leukaemic drugs, was assessed by the short‐term fluorometric microculture cytotoxicity assay in tumour cells from 117 patients representing five haematological and five non‐haematological malignancies. In AML, the EGFR status was analysed by immunochemistry. Gefitinib‐induced apoptosis was investigated in a subset of AML samples, as well as in the leukaemia cell line MV‐4‐11, using a multiparametric high content screening assay. To confirm activation of caspase‐3 in cells treated with gefitinib, a blocking test was carried out in which MV4‐11 cells were pretreated with the specific caspase inhibitor DEVD‐FMK.Results:  Gefitinib showed highest cytotoxic activity in AML (n = 19) with many samples being sensitive at concentrations achievable in clinical practice (<10 μM), and no difference between previously untreated and relapsed patients. No correlation between the activity of gefitinib and standard antileukaemic drugs (cytarabine, doxorubicin, etoposide) was observed. Combining gefitinib with these drugs resulted in mainly additive or synergistic (etoposide) effects, with no evidence of sequence dependency. The AML cells did not express the EGFR. Gefitinib induced apoptosis, which was at least partly mediated by activation of the caspase‐3 pathway.Conclusion:  In vitro, gefitinib has significant cytotoxic activity in AML by inducing apoptosis through non‐EGFR dependent pathways.
A systematic review of phase II trials of thalidomide/dexamethasone combination therapy in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Von Lilienfeld‐Toal Marie , Hahn‐Ast Corinna , Furkert Kerstin , Hoffmann Florian , Naumann Ralph , Bargou Ralf , Cook Gordon , Glasmacher Axel 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThalidomide monotherapy in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM) has a response rate of 30%. The combination of thalidomide with dexamethasone (Thal/Dex) is expected to improve responses, but it is unknown if the combination increases the rate of adverse events. Here, we conducted a systematic review of studies evaluating Thal/Dex in relapsed/refractory MM. Twelve studies were included, comprising 451 patients. The response rate (CR and PR) was 46% (95% CI 42–51%). Therapy‐related toxicity was comparable to thalidomide monotherapy and included somnolence (26%, 95% CI 22–31%), constipation (37%, 95% CI 32–42%) and peripheral neuropathy (27%, 95% CI 23–32%). Only venous thromboembolism appeared to occur more often with Thal/Dex (5%, 95% CI 3–8%). Thus, using Thal/Dex results in an improved response rate in relapsed/refractory MM, with a toxicity rate comparable to thalidomide monotherapy.
REVIEW ARTICLE: Cytokine Gene Polymorphisms in Recurrent Spontaneous Abortions: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Choi Yoon Kyong , Kwak‐Kim Joanne 
Published: July 2008

Problem  Cytokine gene polymorphism studies in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) are reviewed to provide comprehensive understanding and a direction for the future investigation.Method of study  A search of PubMed was made to identify the published data between 2001 and 2007 regarding RSA and cytokine gene polymorphisms.Results  Either allele and/or genotype frequencies of the following polymorphisms were reported to be significantly different between women with RSA and controls: IFN‐γ +874A→T, TA (P = 0.01), AA (P = 0.04); IL‐6, −634C→G CG/GG (P = 0.026); IL‐10, −592C→A CC (P = 0.016); IL‐1B −511C (P = 0.035), −31T (P = 0.029); IL‐1RA, IL1RN*2 (P = 0.002), and IL1RN*3 (P = 0.002). None of these studies was repeatedly reported by others to be significantly different. Among these, four cytokine polymorphisms (IFN‐γ, +874A→T; IL‐1B −511C; IL‐1RA, IL1RN*2, IL1RN*3) were refuted by others and rest of them were studied once.Conclusion  Multiple cytokine polymorphisms were reported to be associated with RSA. However, a majority of studies were not confirmed by other investigators or refuted by others. Inconsistent study results might be related to: (i) the production of these cytokines is partly under genetic controls and other factors affect cytokine levels; (ii) ethnic background, environmental factors, and selection criteria for study populations are different and (iii) the possibilities exist that multiple cytokine gene polymorphisms or other genes in linkage disequilibrium may play a role in RSA.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: The Role of Invariant NKT Cells in Pre‐Eclampsia
Authors: Miko Eva , Szereday Laszlo , Barakonyi Aliz , Jarkovich Andrea , Varga Peter , Szekeres‐Bartho Julia 
Published: July 2008

Problem  Recent data suggest a dominant role of the innate, rather than the adaptive immune system in pregnancy‐related immunoregulation. Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells represent a link between the innate and the acquired immune systems; however, little is known about how they function in pre‐eclampsia. The aim of our study was to investigate the possible role of iNKT cells in the pathogenesis of pre‐eclampsia.Method of study  Human peripheral blood samples were obtained from pre‐eclamptic, healthy pregnant‐ and non‐pregnant women. Freshly separated peripheral blood mononuclear cells were immediately labeled with anti‐perforin‐, anti‐CD69‐, anti‐CD95‐, anti‐NKG2A‐, anti‐NKG2D‐, anti‐IFN‐γ and anti iNKT antibodies and analyzed by flow cytometry.Results  Pre‐eclamptic patients demonstrated increased CD69, perforin and IFN‐γ expression, which could be explained by dysregulation of NK cell receptor expression. These Th1 polarized cells were less susceptible to apoptosis than iNKT cells from healthy pregnant women.Conclusion  Our data suggest that activated iNKT cells of pre‐eclamptic women have an increased cytotoxic potential, which may be because of altered expression of NK cell inhibitory and activating receptors.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: High Expression of l‐Selectin Ligand in Secretory Endometrium is Associated with Better Endometrial Receptivity and Facilitates Embryo Implantation in Human Being
Authors: Wang Bo , Sheng Jian‐Zhong , He Rong‐Huan , Qian Yu‐Li , Jin Fan , Huang He‐Feng 
Published: July 2008

Problem  l‐selectin ligand has displayed mediating adhesion at the maternal–fetal interface. Therefore, we investigated the impact of l‐selectin ligand on establishing pregnancy in women undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF‐ET).Method of study  Endometrium between cycle days LH +6 to +9 was obtained from 56 Chinese women referred for IVF and tested for l‐selectin ligand by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The standard gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist long protocol was used for ovarian stimulation.Results  l‐selectin ligand was localized in the endometrial gland and luminal epithelial cells. Western blot analysis of endometrium identified four bands and levels of component 1, 2 and 4 were significantly higher in the pregnancy group than in the non‐pregnancy group (P < 0.05). Clinical pregnancy and implantation rates were higher in patients with high level l‐selectin ligand compared with those with low level (53.6%versus 25.0%, and 27.1%versus 12.1%, respectively, P < 0.05).Conclusion  The presence of higher level l‐selectin ligand was associated with a better pregnancy outcome.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: LPS‐Induced Murine Abortions Require C5 but not C3, and are Prevented by Upregulating Expression of the CD200 Tolerance Signaling Molecule
Authors: Yu Gary , Sun Yang , Foerster Katharina , Manuel Justin , Molina Hector , Levy Gary A. , Gorczynski Reginald M. , Clark David A. 
Published: July 2008

Problem  Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) acts via tlr4 to promote Th1 cytokine secretion and abortions. LPS is an essential co‐factor in spontaneous abortion in the CBA × DBA/2 model and in stress‐triggered abortions. In the CBA × DBA/2 model, C3a, C5a, and fgl2 prothrombinase participate in triggering inflammation that terminates embryo viability. As fgl2 prothrombinase (via thrombin) can generate C5a, it was predicted that LPS‐driven abortions (which require fgl2) would be independent of C3. CD200Fc can prevent abortions in the CBA × DBA/2 model, but an action through Fc could not be excluded.Method of study  C3−/− and C5−/− knock‐out mice on a B6 background were syngeneically mated and Salmonella enteritidis LPS was administered i.p. on day 6.5 or pregnancy along with 2 mg progesterone in sesame oil s.c. The total number of implants and the number of resorbing embryos were counted on day 13.5 of pregnancy. CD200‐rtTA double transgenic homozygous males (B6 background) mated with B6+/+ females were similarly treated. To up‐regulate CD200 expression in embryonic trophoblasts, doxycycline was added to the drinking water from the time of mating.Results  The LPS boosted the abortion rate from 15.5% (control) to 42.0% in C3−/− mice (χ2 = 9.28, P < 0.005). In C5−/− mice, there was no increase in abortion rate with LPS compared to progesterone‐treated controls (22.8%versus 26.3%, P = NS). LPS‐treated transgenic mice given LPS + progesterone had a 42.5% abortion rate, but when the mice were given doxycycline to induce expression of CD200 by the embryo, the abortion rate was only 8.3% (χ2 = 14.40, P < 0.005, Fisher’s exact test P = 0.00007).Conclusion  C5, but not C3, appears necessary for LPS‐driven abortions. Up‐regulation of CD200 can prevent LPS‐driven abortions, possibly by altering dendritic cells to promote Treg cell development or by a direct suppressive action on macrophages and mast cells that also express CD200 receptors.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Developmental Delay and Other Anomalies in the Offspring from Hens Immunized Against Soluble and Foreign Chick Embryo Antigens
Authors: Rodríguez‐Burgos Antonio , Juárez Luis 
Published: July 2008

Problem  The authors review embryofetal pathologies in humans caused by antibodies to maternal autoantigens and paternal alloantigens. They consider the variable percentages of miscarriages, developmental delays, intrauterine growth retardation, perinatal deaths and birth defects of unknown etiology, because a part of these percentages may be caused by analog human isoantibodies to the studied ones in the chick embryos.Method of study  A total of 81 chick embryos whose dams had been immunized against soluble foreign transitory antigens and soluble paternal alloantigens from chick embryos have been macroscopically analyzed. The development was interrupted at random to know anomalies then existing; but 29/81 eggs (35.8%) were incubated until hatching. Each class of anomaly was analyzed by statistical methods; 66 control embryos were studied using the same methods.Results  Transmission of the induced isoantibodies to the embryos caused: monstrosity 8.6%; death by functional abnormality 3.7%; digested embryos 7.4%; malformation 1.2%; developmental delay 30.8%; developmental delay together with intraovo growth retardation 11.1; intraovo growth retardation 15.1%; normal 25.9%. Of the mentioned 29 eggs, 19 embryos died before being born, six died in under 1 week, but only four poults survived more than 1 week. Three chicks exhibited congenital abnormalities: transitory ataxia and dysphagia, and one of them also scoliosis, while a fourth remained healthy.Conclusion  If pathogenic activity by these isoantibodies can be shown to occur naturally in humans, as has been postulated, it could account for some miscarriage, developmental delay, fetal and perinatal death and birth defects of currently unknown etiology.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Lipopolysaccharide Increased the Expression Levels of IL‐18, ICE and IL‐18 R in Murine Leydig Cells
Authors: AbuElhija Mahmoud , Lunenfeld Eitan , Eldar‐Geva Talia , Huleihel Mahmoud 
Published: July 2008

Problem  This study examined the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the capacity of Leydig cells to produce and express interleukin‐18 (IL‐18), IL‐18 receptor (IL‐18R) and the IL‐1β‐converting enzyme (ICE) (IL‐18 family), under in vitro conditions.Method of study  Primary Leydig cells (LCs) were isolated from murine testis by the Percoll technique, and cultured both in the presence and absence of LPS (0.1, 1, 5 μg/mL) for 3 and 24 hr. LCs were examined for their capacity to produce and express IL‐18 family molecules by using immunohistochemical staining (IHC), enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis.Results  Leydig cells were shown to constitutively express IL‐18, as examined by IHC, ELISA, Western blot and real‐time PCR analysis. Addition of LPS to LC cultures was shown to significantly increase the basal levels of IL‐18, in a dose‐ and time course‐dependent manner, as examined by ELISA, Western blot and real‐time PCR analysis. In addition, LPS increased LC cultures to express ICE and IL‐18 R, as examined by real‐time PCR analysis.Conclusion  Our results demonstrate that LPS increased the capacity of murine LCs to produce the IL‐18 family molecules. IL‐18, in the testis, might be involved in the regulation of physiological and infection/inflammatory processes, and thus, could be a component of the autocrine/paracrine factor net that controls steroidogenesis and male fertility; further studies are needed to confirm this possibility.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Bcl‐2 and Bax Expressions in Pre‐Term, Term and Post‐Term Placentas
Authors: Daher Silvia , Guimarães Alberto J , Mattar Rosiane , Ishigai Márcia MS , Barreiro Erica G , Bevilacqua Estela 
Published: July 2008

Problem  Placental apoptosis‐associated protein imbalance might contribute to the pathogenesis of pre‐ and post‐term birth. Therefore, we evaluated the expression and distribution of pro‐apoptotic (Bax) and anti‐apoptotic (Bcl‐2) molecules in term, pre‐term and post‐term placentas.Method of study  Placental samples were collected from women with term (n = 25), pre‐term (n = 7) and post‐term (n = 10) deliveries. The expression of Bcl‐2 and Bax was assessed by immunochemistry on paraffin‐embedded placental specimens.Results  The pattern of immunostaining for Bcl‐2 and Bax was the same in all samples, but not the intensity. The Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio was higher in both pre‐term and post‐term placental samples compared with term placentas as a result of intense reactivity for the pro‐apoptotic factor, Bax in pre‐term and post‐term placentas and, for Bcl‐2 decrease in pre‐term placentas.Conclusion  These findings suggest that different unbalance mechanisms in placental apoptotic‐associated protein expressions may be involved in the physiopathology of pre‐term and post‐term births.
The many faces of the genetics contribution to temporomandibular joint disorder
Authors: Oakley M , Vieira AR 
Published: July 2008

Structured AbstractAuthors –  Oakley M, Vieira ARObjectives –  Review the literature on candidate genes for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).Setting and Sample Population –  Literature review.Materials and Methods –  Two basic approaches were used to obtain literature in any language regarding genes and TMD. First, Medline, Embase, and Science Citation Index databases were searched using the keywords ‘temporomandibular joint disorder’ and ‘temporomandibular joint dysfunction’ for studies published from 1966 to 2007. Then, the references list of the studies obtained in the database was also considered.Results –  Candidate genes for TMD include genes for individual variations in pain perception, gender and ethnicity, proinflammatory cytokines, female hormones, breakdown of extracellular matrix, and syndromic forms of TMD.Conclusion –  Most of the studies on genetic variation contributing to TMD are approaching the disease mainly from an immune‐inflammatory perspective. Recent investigations of the genetic variables which may predict identifiable levels of pain perception may uncover new approaches to our traditional treatment modalities for the chronic pain patient.
INACTIVATION OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS EXPOSED TO DENSE‐PHASE CARBON DIOXIDE IN A BATCH SYSTEM
Authors: HUANG HUACHUN , ZHANG YAN , LIAO HONGMEI , HU XIAOSONG , WU JIHONG , LIAO XIAOJUN , CHEN FANG 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT The inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus exposed to dense‐phase carbon dioxide (DPCD) was investigated, and the kinetics of come‐up time (CUT) in pressurization was monitored with come‐down time (CDT) and temperature fluctuation in depressurization. CUT was about 2.5, 3.5, 4.0 and 4.0 min; CDT was 3.4, 3.7, 4.5 and 4.5 min; lowest temperature of samples in depressurization was 4, −1, −15 and −22C, corresponding to 10, 20, 30 and 40 MPa at 37C. The inactivation behavior of S. aureus was closely related to the variables of process pressure, holding‐pressure time (HPT), process temperature and process cycling. The log reduction of S. aureus at 40 MPa for 30‐min HPT was significantly greater (P < 0.05), but the inactivation effect at 10, 20 and 30 MPa was similar. The log reduction of S. aureus at 30 and 40 MPa for 60‐min HPT was similar and significantly greater (P < 0.05), while the inactivation effect at 10 and 20 MPa was similar. The inactivation of S. aureus against HPT conformed to a fast–slow biphase kinetics; the two stages were well fitted to a first‐order model with higher regression coefficients R2 = 1.000 and 0.9238; their respective D values (decimal reduction time) were 16.52 and 70.42 min. As the process temperature increased, the log reduction of S. aureus increased significantly (P < 0.05); the inactivation kinetics of S. aureus versus process temperature was characterized with a fast inactivation rate from 32 to 45C and a slow inactivation rate from 45 to 55C. As compared to one‐process cycling for a total of 60‐min HPT, four‐process cycling resulted in a significant reduction of S. aureus, and its maximal reduction was near to 5 log cycles, indicating that more process cycling caused more inactivation of S. aureus under identical pressure and temperature with equal HPT. However, the maximal reduction was 0.09 and 0.12 log cycles for two‐ and four‐process cyclings with 0‐min HPT, indicating that pressurization and depressurization had a lesser effect on the inactivation of S. aureus, while HPT was significant in DPCD to inactivate S. aureus.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSDense‐phase carbon dioxide (DPCD) is a novel technology to achieve cold pasteurization and/or sterilization of liquid and solid materials, and is likely to replace or partially substitute currently and widely applied thermal processes. This study showed that DPCD effectively inactivated Staphylococcus aureus inoculated in 7.5% sodium chloride broth, and the inactivation behavior of S. aureus was closely related to the pressure, holding‐pressure time, temperature and process cycling. Based on this observation, the technology of DPCD can be applied in the pasteurization of foods such as milk and various fruit juices, especially thermal‐sensitive materials.
EFFECT OF EMULSIFIERS AND FUNGAL α‐AMYLASE ON RHEOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF WHEAT DOUGH AND QUALITY OF FLAT BREAD
Authors: KOOCHEKI ARASH , MORTAZAVI SEYED ALI , MAHALATI MEHDI NASSIRI , KARIMI MEHDI 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT Teftoon, a flat bread made of whole wheat flour, is prepared by hand sheeting of dough, followed by baking. Different emulsifiers, like lecithin, E471 (distilled monoglyceride) and E472 (diacetylated tartaric acid esters of mono‐ and digelycerid of fatty acids), were added to the flour at various levels ranging between 0.25 and 1.0% w/w, and it was observed that they improved the dough characteristics. Improvement in bread quality parameters, such as force to tear and sensory acceptability, were monitored. Fungalα‐amylase was also incorporated into the flour at 5–20 g/100 kg flour basis alone and in combination with the emulsifier. The force required to tear the fresh bread was decreased with emulsifier and enzyme addition; however, E472 addition at 0.75% w/w of whole wheat flour gave the softest bread. The tear force of stored bread significantly increased with storage; however, bread containing E472 showed a less increase in tear force up to a period of 3 days. The sensory acceptability was found to be higher than that of the control bread for emulsifiers, and lower for enzyme at a concentration higher than 10 g/kg flour.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSFlat bread is normally consumed fresh, but the staling phenomenon starts immediately after baking this kind of bread. Today, large‐scale production and increased consumer demands for high‐quality bread with long shelf life have created the need for functional food additives such as emulsifiers and α‐amylase enzyme. Incorporation of emulsifiers and enzyme decreased the hardness of Taftoon bread. Emulsifiers and α‐amylase enzyme enhanced the flat bread dough quality. The sensory acceptability also improved with the addition of emulsifiers. Optimizing the amount of emulsifiers and enzyme required for reduction of bread hardness is vital because the quality and price of the final product depend on this parameter.