bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ten‐year follow‐up of unrelated volunteer granulocyte donors who have received multiple cycles of granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor and dexamethasone
Authors: Quillen Karen , Byrne Phyllis , Yau Yu Ying , Leitman Susan F. 
Published: November 2008

BACKGROUND: The combination of granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) and dexamethasone is an effective granulocyte mobilization regimen. The short‐term side effects of G‐CSF are well studied, but the potential long‐term effects of repeated G‐CSF stimulation in unrelated volunteer granulocyte donors have not been reported.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Donors who had received G‐CSF three or more times for granulocytapheresis between 1994 and 2002 were identified and attempts were made to contact them if they were no longer active donors. They were matched with control platelet (PLT) donors for sex, age, and approximate number of cytapheresis donations. A health history was obtained and complete blood counts (CBCs) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) determined where feasible.RESULTS: Ninety‐two granulocyte donors were identified, and 83 of them were contacted. They contributed to 1120 granulocyte concentrates, or a mean of 13.5 granulocytapheresis procedures per donor (and a mean of 87.5 plateletpheresis procedures per donor). There was no difference in CBCs between the granulocyte donors and the control PLT donors. There was no difference in CRP between the two groups, and no difference in pre‐ and post–G‐CSF CRP in a subset of 22 granulocyte donors. Predefined health events included malignancies, coronary artery disease, and thrombosis. At a median 10‐year follow‐up, there were seven such events in the granulocyte donors and five in the PLT donors.CONCLUSION: Although the number of granulocyte donors studied is small and continued surveillance of healthy individuals after G‐CSF is prudent, our data suggest that G‐CSF/dexamethasone stimulation appears to be safe.
Clinical significance of regulatory T cells in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Hamdi Wedad , Ogawara Hatsue , Handa Hiroshi , Tsukamoto Norifumi , Nojima Yoshihisa , Murakami Hirokazu 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjective:  Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a central role in maintaining immune tolerance. Their expansion in malignant diseases leads to the suppression of host anti‐tumour responses. In this study, we evaluated the clinical significance of Tregs in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).Patients and Methods:  We analysed the number of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ Tregs using three‐colour flow cytometry in the peripheral blood of 26 patients with MDS classified according to the World Health Organization classification method into four cases of refractory anaemia and refractory anaemia with ringed sideroblasts (RA/RARS), 15 cases of refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia (RCMD), three cases of refractory anaemia with excess blast‐1 (RAEB‐1) and four cases of refractory anaemia with excess blast‐2 (RAEB‐2). Eighteen healthy volunteers were included as the control group.Results:  The mean absolute numbers of Tregs in the RA/RARS group (0.06 × 109/L; 95% CI, 0.02–0.10 × 109/L) and RAEB group (0.06 × 109/L; 95% CI, 0.02–0.10 × 109/L) were significantly higher than that of the control group (0.03 × 109/L; 95% CI, 0.02–0.03 × 109/L) (P < 0.05). However, in the RCMD group, there was no significant difference in the mean absolute number of Tregs (0.03 × 109/L; 95% CI, 0.02–0.04 × 109/L) compared with the control group. Regarding the mean level of the CD8/Foxp3 ratio, there were significant decreases in the RA/RARS group (2.8; 95% CI, 0.7–4.9; P < 0.01), RCMD group (3.4; 95% CI, 2.0–4.4; P < 0.001) and RAEB group (2.1; 95% CI, 1.7–2.5; P < 0.001) compared with the control group (6.1; 95% CI, 5.1–7.0).Conclusions:  The expansion of natural CD4+ Tregs may contribute to the suppression of CD8 through the Th1‐mediated immune response in MDS. The low CD8/Foxp3 ratio is a characteristic feature in MDS. To determine whether the expansion of CD4+ Tregs contributes to the progression of MDS subtypes into more aggressive subtypes, more MDS cases and further follow‐up are required.
Effect of cannabis usage on the oral environment: a review
Authors: Versteeg PA , Slot DE , Van Der Velden U , Van Der Weijden GA 
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  Aim:  To evaluate oral environmental changes in cannabis users.Material and Methods:  The MEDLINE and Cochrane Central register of controlled trails (CENTRAL) were searched up to April 2007 to identify appropriate studies.Results:  Independent screening of 982 titles and abstracts (MEDLINE‐Pubmed) and (Cochrane) papers resulted in seven eligible publications.Conclusion:  Based on the limited data, it seems justified to conclude that with increasing prevalence of cannabis use, oral health care providers should be aware of cannabis‐associated oral side effects, such as xerostemia, leukoedema and an increased prevalence and density of Candida albicans.
Clinical evaluation of brushing time and plaque removal potential of two manual toothbrushes
Authors: Terézhalmy GT , Biesbrock AR , Walters PA , Grender JM , Bartizek RD 
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  Aim:  To compare plaque removal efficacy of Oral‐B CrossAction (CA) used for 1 min with an American Dental Association (ADA) manual toothbrush used for 2 or 5 min in an examiner‐blind, three‐treatment, six‐period crossover study.Materials and methods:  After refraining from all oral hygiene procedures for 23–25 h, subjects were randomly assigned to one of nine possible six‐period (visit) treatment sequences. Plaque was assessed at baseline (Rustogi Modified Navy Plaque Index). Post‐brushing scores were recorded after brushing with a marketed dentifrice and the assigned toothbrush for the specified duration. The same procedure was followed at each of six subsequent visits. Clinical measurements were carried out by the same examiner.Results:  Forty subjects completed the study. All three treatments effectively removed plaque from the whole mouth, along the gingival margin and from approximal surfaces. Whole mouth and gingival margin plaque removal scores with CA for 1 min did not differ significantly from scores with the ADA toothbrush used for 2 min. The ADA brush used for 5 min showed significantly greater whole mouth (P < 0.001) and gingival margin (P < 0.001) plaque reduction than the two other treatments. Approximal plaque removal scores did not differ between the three treatments. Conclusions: Efficient plaque removal can be achieved after 1 min of brushing with CA. The amount of plaque removed did not differ significantly from that achieved with the ADA brush after 2 min of brushing. Greater whole mouth and gingival margin plaque removal scores were seen with the ADA brush after 5 min.
Oral self‐care habits of dental and healthcare providers
Authors: Zadik Y , Galor S , Lachmi R , Proter N 
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  Objective:  To evaluate the self‐care level of dental and healthcare providers regarding prevention of oral diseasesMethods:  Healthcare providers (dental assistants and surgeons, laboratory personnel, biologists, medics, paramedics, corpsmen, nurses, pharmacists, physicians, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers, speech therapists, X‐ray technicians) and non‐health care providing adults (the general population) were asked to respond to a questionnaire regarding their routine measures for maintaining oral healthResults:  Three hundred and twenty‐six healthcare providers and 95 non‐healthcare providers participated in the study. Regarding toothbrushing, flossing, undergoing periodic dental examinations and professional scaling/polishing, dental practitioners have better, but not perfect, maintenance habits than other healthcare providers. Non‐dental healthcare providers have better dental habits than the general population, and nurses and medical practitioners have better dental habits than medics, paramedics, corpsmen and para‐medical professionals. Among non‐dental healthcare providers, nurses have a relatively high frequency of toothbrushing and flossing but a low frequency of periodic examinations and scaling/polishing. Generally, females reported significantly higher frequencies of toothbrushing and flossing than males did. The toothpaste selection of the participants was primarily influenced by dentists’ recommendations, the flavour of the toothpaste, and its anti‐malodour effect were the most dominant factors.Conclusion:  The compliance of health professionals, especially dental practitioners, with appropriate oral health measures is relatively high. However, the dental team cannot always assume that the dental patient, who also happens to be a healthcare provider, has meticulous oral habits. The dental hygienist and surgeon have to educate and motivate their patients, especially healthcare providers because of the influence of the latter on their own patients.
The efficacy of dental floss in addition to a toothbrush on plaque and parameters of gingival inflammation: a systematic review
Authors: Berchier CE , Slot DE , Haps S , Van der Weijden GA 
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  Objectives:  The aim of this study was to assess systematically the adjunctive effect of both flossing and toothbrushing versus toothbrushing alone on plaque and gingivitis.Materials:  The MEDLINE and Cochrane Central register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were searched through December 2007 to identify appropriate studies. The variables of plaque and gingivitis were selected as outcomes.Results:  Independent screening of titles and abstracts of 1166 MEDLINE–Pubmed and 187 Cochrane papers resulted in 11 publications that met the eligibility criteria. Mean values and SD were collected by data extraction. Descriptive comparisons are presented for brushing alone or brushing and flossing. A greater part of the studies did not show a benefit for floss on plaque and clinical parameters of gingivitis. A meta‐analysis was performed for the plaque index and gingival index.Conclusions:  The dental professional should determine, on an individual patient basis, whether high‐quality flossing is an achievable goal. In light of the results of this comprehensive literature search and critical analysis, it is concluded that a routine instruction to use floss is not supported by scientific evidence.
Efficacy of triazoles and strobilurins in controlling black spot disease of roses caused by Diplocarpon rosae
Authors: Gachomo E.W. , Dehne H.‐W. , Steiner U. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBlack spot disease is an important disease of roses with worldwide occurrence. It is caused by Diplocarpon rosae, an ascomycetous fungus and its control relies on fungicides. The effects of strobilurins and triazoles on D. rosae development within the host and on disease symptoms have not been well studied. Strobilurins completely inhibited germination of conidia when applied protectively 1 week before inoculation or on the same day with the inoculum. They were, however, not effective in eradicating the disease when applied after the fungus was established in the host. Triazoles reduced the germination rate of the conidia when applied protectively and they inhibited disease symptom development when applied after the fungus was established in the host but before symptom expression. Application of triazoles after symptom development suppressed further development of the disease, but in the case of treatment with myclobutanil yellowing and defoliation still occurred. Post‐infection application of triazoles led to the apparent breakdown of subcuticular mycelia, intercellular mycelia, and hyphae in the epidermal cells, while the effects of strobilurins were limited to the subcuticular mycelia. Triazoles were more effective than strobilurins because they are more systemic.
Vegetation Mapping of the Mond Protected Area of Bushehr Province (South‐west Iran)
Authors: Mehrabian Ahmadreza , Naqinezhad Alireza , Mahiny Abdolrassoul Salman , Mostafavi Hossein , Liaghati Homan , Kouchekzadeh Mohsen 
Published: November 2008

Abstract Arid regions of the world occupy up to 35% of the earth's surface, the basis of various definitions of climatic conditions, vegetation types or potential for food production. Due to their high ecological value, monitoring of arid regions is necessary and modern vegetation studies can help in the conservation and management of these areas. The use of remote sensing for mapping of desert vegetation is difficult due to mixing of the spectral reflectance of bright desert soils with the weak spectral response of sparse vegetation. We studied the vegetation types in the semiarid to arid region of Mond Protected Area, south‐west Iran, based on unsupervised classification of the Spot XS bands and then produced updated maps. Sixteen map units covering 12 vegetation types were recognized in the area based on both field works and satellite mapping. Halocnemum strobilaceum and Suaeda fruticosa vegetation types were the dominant types and Ephedra foliata, Salicornia europaea‐Suaeda heterophylla vegetation types were the smallest. Vegetation coverage decreased sharply with the increase in salinity towards the coastal areas of the Persian Gulf. The highest vegetation coverage belonged to the riparian vegetation along the Mond River, which represents the northern boundary of the protected area. The location of vegetation types was studied on the separate soil and habitat diversity maps of the study area, which helped in final refinements of the vegetation map produced.
Effects of Irradiance and Temperature on the Photosynthesis and Vegetative Propagation of Caulerpa serrulata
Authors: Li Demao , Wang Guangce , Chen Limei , Lü Fang , Shen Zonggen 
Published: November 2008

Abstract The photosynthetic oxygen evolution of Caulerpa serrulata was determined with oxygen electrodes. The effects of light and temperature on the growth and regeneration of fragmented C. serrulata thalli were analyzed. The regenerating rate and establishment of different sizes and portions of C. serrulata were studied. The results showed that the light saturation point of C. serrulata was 200 μmol photons/m2 per s and the optimum growth temperature was 25–30 °C. Under these conditions, the maximum photosynthetic oxygen evolution rate was 15.1 ± 0.29 mg O2/mg Chl a/h, the growth rate and elongation rate reached the highest values, 4.67 ± 0.09 mg FW/d and 0.78 ± 0.01 mm/d, respectively. The fragmented C. serrulata thalli was regenerated at 20–35 °C and survived at 15 °C and 200 μmol photons/m2 per s. A different survival rate was detected according to fragment size. All of these results indicated that C. serrulata was a candidate to become an invasive species if introduced into a new place. Therefore, we should pay more attention to C. serrulata for its potential threat to marine ecosystem when it is sold for aquarium use.
Accumulation and Dynamic Trends of Triterpenoid Saponin in Vegetative Organs of Achyranthus bidentata
Authors: Li Jinting , Hu Zhenghai 
Published: November 2008

Abstract The relationship between structural features of various vegetative organs and triterpenoid saponin accumulation in Achyranthus bidentata Blume was investigated using anatomy, histochemistry and phytochemistry. The results showed that the primary and secondary structures of roots, and the structures of stems and leaves of A. bidentata, were similar to those of ordinary dicotyledonous plants. The enlargement of its roots, however, was primarily associated with growth and differentiation of tertiary structures. There were collateral medullary vascular bundles in addition to the normal vascular bundles in the stem. The tertiary structure was not only main parts in the roots of A. bidentata, but also important storage region of triterpenoid saponin in its growth and development. The stem may be the essential transport organ of triterpenoid saponin, while palisade parenchyma may be the primary synthesis location. In November, the total quantity of triterpenoid saponin and overall biomass in the roots reach a maximum level. This was the best time, therefore, to harvest the roots and corresponded to the traditional harvest period. Despite the withered appearance of leaves, stems also contained substantial amounts of triterpenoid saponin, and it was recommended that the stems of A. bidentata should be used.
Anthropogenic scarring of western gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus)
Authors: Bradford Amanda L. , Weller David W. , Ivashchenko Yulia V. , Burdin Alexander M. , Brownell, Jr Robert L. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWestern gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) are critically endangered and anthropogenic threats, such as entanglement in fishing gear and collisions with vessels, may be acting to limit recovery of the population. Thus, examining the magnitude of such anthropogenic interactions using a scar‐based approach is warranted. A multi‐year (1995–2005) photo‐identification study of western gray whales on their feeding ground off northeastern Sakhalin Island, Russia, has resulted in a large data set of digital and film images of 150 individuals. These images were reviewed and scored for anthropogenic scarring by recording the presence of visible scars resulting from fishing gear entanglement and vessel collisions in 21 defined body regions. In total, 20.0% (n= 30) of whales identified during the study period had detectable anthropogenic scarring, with 18.7% (n= 28) determined to have been previously entangled in fishing gear at least once and 2.0% (n= 3) to have survived at least one vessel collision. These estimates are likely to be conservative given the nature of the photo‐identification data set, but indicate that male and female western gray whales are subject to anthropogenic interactions. Future studies designed to systematically estimate the frequency and rates of anthropogenic events are needed and would have direct conservation and management implications.
Inhibition of melanoma brain metastasis by targeting melanotransferrin at the cell surface
Authors: Rolland Yannève , Demeule Michel , Fenart Laurence , Béliveau Richard 
Published: November 2008

SummaryBrain metastases are a common feature of malignant melanoma and are associated with poor prognosis. Melanotransferrin (MTf), one of several antigens associated with the surface of melanoma cells, has been demonstrated to promote cell invasion. In this study, we investigated the role of membrane‐bound MTf in several of the steps leading to the development of melanoma brain metastasis. Our results indicated that MTf‐positive cells were detected in the brains of nude mice injected intravenously with human melanoma SK‐Mel 28 cells. Moreover, administration of a single dose of a monoclonal antibody (L235) directed against human MTf significantly reduced the development of human melanoma brain metastases in nude mice. The ability of melanoma cells to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in vitro is correlated with their MTf expression levels at the cell surface. Overall, our results indicated that membrane‐bound MTf is a key element in melanoma cell transmigration across the BBB and subsequent brain metastasis. Thus, these data suggest MTf as an attractive target and demonstrate the therapeutic potential of an anti‐MTf mAb for preventing metastatic melanoma.
Cerebrospinal fluid findings in cattle with central nervous system disorders: a retrospective study of 102 cases (1990–2008)
Authors: Stokol Tracy , Divers Thomas J. , Arrigan Jessica W. , McDonough Sean P. 
Published: November 2008

Background:Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is routinely used to aid in the diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) disease in animals. There is little comprehensive information available on the diagnostic utility of CSF analysis in cattle.Objectives:The purpose of this retrospective study was to review the characteristic CSF findings of specific CNS diseases in cattle.Methods:Medical records of cattle in which CSF analysis had been performed between 1990 and 2008 were reviewed. Cattle were included in the study if they had a confirmed diagnosis of CNS disease (based on clinical signs, laboratory testing, and/or histopathologic results). Cattle were categorized as having infectious or noninfectious causes of CNS disease and subgrouped based on specific disease diagnosis. CSF results were summarized and compared using nonparametric statistical tests.Results:Data from 102 cattle, mostly female Holsteins, were included in the study. Bacterial infections, particularly listeriosis and neonatal meningitis, were the most common cause of CNS disease. Neonatal meningitis was characterized by a marked, predominantly neutrophilic, pleocytosis. Mild mononuclear pleocytosis was typical of listeriosis, but was also seen with abscesses, viral infections, salt poisoning, and trauma. Variable CSF results were seen in cattle with otitis‐related meningitis and thromboembolic meningoencephalitis. CSF results were usually normal with toxic, metabolic, degenerative, and neoplastic disorders.Conclusions:CSF analysis is a useful adjunctive test for the diagnosis of CNS diseases in cattle. When interpreted together with signalment and clinical signs, CSF results can assist clinicians in the antemortem diagnosis of specific bovine CNS disorders.
Antithrombotic effects of targeting αIIbβ3 signaling in platelets
Authors: Ablooglu Ararat J. , Kang Jian , Petrich Brian G. , Ginsberg Mark H. , Shattil Sanford J. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
αIIbβ3 interaction with fibrinogen promotes Src-dependent platelet spreading in vitro. To determine the consequences of this outside-in signaling pathway in vivo, a “β3(Δ760-762)” knockin mouse was generated that lacked the 3 C-terminal β3 residues (arginine-glycine-threonine [RGT]) necessary for αIIbβ3 interaction with c-Src, but retained β3 residues necessary for talin-dependent fibrinogen binding. β3(Δ760-762) mice were compared with wild-type β3+/+ littermates, β3+/− heterozygotes, and knockin mice where β3 RGT was replaced by β1 C-terminal cysteine-glycine-lysine (EGK) to potentially enable signaling by Src kinases other than c-Src. Whereas β3+/+, β3+/− and β3/β1(EGK) platelets spread and underwent tyrosine phosphorylation normally on fibrinogen, β3(Δ760-762) platelets spread poorly and exhibited reduced tyrosine phosphorylation of c-Src substrates, including β3 (Tyr747). Unlike control mice, β3(Δ760-762) mice were protected from carotid artery thrombosis after vessel injury with FeCl3. Some β3(Δ760-762) mice exhibited prolonged tail bleeding times; however, none demonstrated spontaneous bleeding, excess bleeding after surgery, fecal blood loss, or anemia. Fibrinogen binding to β3(Δ760-762) platelets was normal in response to saturating concentrations of protease-activated receptor 4 or glycoprotein VI agonists, but responses to adenosine diphosphate were impaired. Thus, deletion of β3 RGT disrupts c-Src–mediated αIIbβ3 signaling and confers protection from arterial thrombosis. Consequently, targeting αIIbβ3 signaling may represent a feasible antithrombotic strategy.