bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resistin modulates glucose uptake and glucose transporter‐1 (GLUT‐1) expression in trophoblast cells
Authors: Di Simone Nicoletta , Di Nicuolo Fiorella , Marzioni Daniela , Castellucci Mario , Sanguinetti Maurizio , D’lppolito Silvia , Caruso Alessandro 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe adipocytokine resistin impairs glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Here, we examine the effect of resistin on glucose uptake in human trophoblast cells and we demonstrate that transplacental glucose transport is mediated by glucose transporter (GLUT)‐1. Furthermore, we evaluate the type of signal transduction induced by resistin in GLUT‐1 regulation. BeWo choriocarcinoma cells and primary cytotrophoblast cells were cultured with increasing resistin concentrations for 24 hrs. The main outcome measures include glucose transport assay using [3H]‐2‐deoxy glucose, GLUT‐1 protein expression by Western blot analysis and GLUT‐1 mRNA detection by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR. Quantitative determination of phospho(p)‐ERK1/2 in cell lysates was performed by an Enzyme Immunometric Assay and Western blot analysis. Our data demonstrate a direct effect of resistin on normal cytotrophoblastic and on BeWo cells: resistin modulates glucose uptake, GLUT‐1 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expression in placental cells. We suggest that ERK1/2 phosphorylation is involved in the GLUT‐1 regulation induced by resistin. In conclusion, resistin causes activation of both the ERK1 and 2 pathway in trophoblast cells. ERK1 and 2 activation stimulated GLUT‐1 synthesis and resulted in increase of placental glucose uptake. High resistin levels (50–100 ng/ml) seem able to affect glucose‐uptake, presumably by decreasing the cell surface glucose transporter.
Curcumin‐induced fibroblast apoptosis and in vitro wound contraction are regulated by antioxidants and heme oxygenase: implications for scar formation
Authors: Scharstuhl A. , Mutsaers H.A.M. , Pennings S.W.C. , Szarek W.A. , Russel F.G.M. , Wagener F.A.D.T.G. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractFibroblast apoptosis plays a crucial role in normal and pathological scar formation and therefore we studied whether the putative apoptosis‐inducing factor curcumin affects fibroblast apoptosis and may function as a novel therapeutic. We show that 25‐μM curcumin causes fibroblast apoptosis and that this could be inhibited by co‐administration of antioxidants N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine (NAC), biliverdin or bilirubin, suggesting that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved. This is supported by our observation that 25‐μM curcumin caused the generation of ROS, which could be completely blocked by addition of NAC or bilirubin. Since biliverdin and bilirubin are downstream products of heme degradation by heme oxygenase (HO), it has been suggested that HO‐activity protects against curcumin‐induced apoptosis. Interestingly, exposure to curcumin maximally induced HO‐1 protein and HO‐activity at 10–15 μM, whereas, at a concentration of >20‐μM curcumin HO‐1‐expression and HO‐activity was negligible. NAC‐mediated inhibition of 25‐μM curcumin‐induced apoptosis was demonstrated to act in part via restored HO‐1‐induction, since the rescuing effect of NAC could be reduced by inhibiting HO‐activity. Moreover pre‐induction of HO‐1 using 5‐μM curcumin protected fibroblasts against 25‐μM curcumin‐induced apoptosis. On a functional level, fibroblast‐mediated collagen gel contraction, an in vitro wound contraction model, was completely prevented by 25‐μM curcumin, while this could be reversed by co‐incubation with NAC, an effect that was also partially HO‐mediated. In conclusion, curcumin treatment in high doses (>25 μM) may provide a novel way to modulate pathological scar formation through the induction of fibroblast apoptosis, while antioxidants, HO‐activity and its effector molecules act as a possible fine‐tuning regulator.
Mitochondrial nutrients improve immune dysfunction in the type 2 diabetic Goto‐Kakizaki rats
Authors: Hao Jiejie , Shen Weili , Tian Chuan , Liu Zhongbo , Ren Jinmin , Luo Cheng , Long Jiangang , Sharman Edward , Liu Jiankang 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe development of type 2 diabetes is accompanied by decreased immune function and the mechanisms are unclear. We hypothesize that oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction may play an important role in the immune dysfunction in diabetes. In the present study, we investigated this hypothesis in diabetic Goto‐Kakizaki rats by treatment with a combination of four mitochondrial‐targeting nutrients, namely, R‐α‐lipoic acid, acetyl‐L‐carnitine, nicotinamide and biotin. We first studied the effects of the combination of these four nutrients on immune function by examining cell proliferation in immune organs (spleen and thymus) and immunomodulating factors in the plasma. We then examined, in the plasma and thymus, oxidative damage biomarkers, including lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, reactive oxygen species, calcium and antioxidant defence systems, mitochondrial potential and apoptosis‐inducing factors (caspase 3, p53 and p21). We found that immune dysfunction in these animals is associated with increased oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction and that the nutrient treatment effectively elevated immune function, decreased oxidative damage, enhanced mitochondrial function and inhibited the elevation of apoptosis factors. These effects are comparable to, or greater than, those of the anti‐diabetic drug pioglitazone. These data suggest that a rational combination of mitochondrial‐targeting nutrients may be effective in improving immune function in type 2 diabetes through enhancement of mitochondrial function, decreased oxidative damage, and delayed cell death in the immune organs and blood.
Imaging of primary human hepatocytes performed with micron‐sized iron oxide particles and clinical magnetic resonance tomography
Authors: Raschzok Nathanael , Morgul Mehmet H. , Pinkernelle Jens , Vondran Florian W. R. , Billecke Nils , Kammer Nora N. , Pless Gesine , Adonopoulou Michaela K. , Leist Christian , Stelter Lars , Teichgraber Ulf , Schwartlander Ruth , Sauer Igor M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractTransplantation of primary human hepatocytes is a promising approach in certain liver diseases. For the visualization of the hepa‐tocytes during and following cell application and the ability of a timely response to potential complications, a non‐invasive modality for imaging the transplanted cells has to be established. The aim of this study was to label primary human hepatocytes with micron‐sized iron oxide particles (MPIOs), enabling the detection of cells by clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Primary human hepatocytes isolated from 13 different donors were used for the labelling experiments. Following the dose‐finding studies, hepatocytes were incubated with 30 particles/cell for 4 hrs in an adhesion culture. Particle incorporation was investigated via light, fluorescence and electron microscopy, and labelled cells were fixed and analysed in an agarose suspension by a 3.0 Tesla MR scanner. The hepatocytes were enzymatically resuspended and analysed during a 5‐day reculture period for viability, total protein, enzyme leakage (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]) and metabolic activity (urea, albumin). A mean uptake of 18 particles/cell could be observed, and the primary human hepatocytes were clearly detectable by MR instrumentation. The particle load was not affected by resuspension and showed no alternations during the culture period. Compared to control groups, labelling and resuspension had no adverse effects on the viability, enzyme leakage and metabolic activity of the human hepatocytes. The feasibility of preparing MPIO‐labelled primary human hepatocytes detectable by clinical MR equipment was shown in vitro. MPIO‐labelled cells could serve for basic research and quality control in the clinical setting of human hepatocyte transplantation.
Frabin and other related Cdc42‐specific guanine nucleotide exchange factors couple the actin cytoskeleton with the plasma membrane
Authors: Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Takai Yoshimi 
Published: April 2008

Introduction
Molecular structures of frabin and other related GEFs
Tissue distribution, subcellular localization and splicing variants of frabin and other related GEFs
Cellular activities of frabin and other related GEFs
Roles of the domains of frabin in cellular activities
Mode of action of frabin in cell shape changes
Mode of activation of frabin and FRG
Involvement of FGD4/frabin and FGD1 in human diseases
Conclusions and perspectives
AbstractFrabin, together with, at least, FGD1, FGD2, FGD3 and FGD1‐related Cdc42‐GEF (FRG), is a member of a family of Cdc42‐specific gua‐nine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs). These proteins have multiple phosphoinositide‐binding domains, including two pleckstrin homology (PH) domains and an FYVE or FERM domain. It is likely that they couple the actin cytoskeleton with the plasma membrane. Frabin associates with a specific actin structure(s) and induces the direct activation of Cdc42 in the vicinity of this structure(s), resulting in actin reorganization. Furthermore, frabin associates with a specific membrane structure(s) and induces the indirect activation of Rac in the vicinity of this structure(s), resulting in the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. This reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton induces cell shape changes such as the formation of filopodia and lamellipodia.
An evaluation of the preclinical prosthodontic training at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Bergen, Norway
Authors: Ingebrigtsen Jana , Røynstrand Edvard , Berge Morten E. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe curriculum of the dental faculty at the University of Bergen was revised and a new curriculum was implemented in 2000. The first candidates graduated in 2003. In the new curriculum the theoretical teaching consists of an extended integrated lecture series in prosthodontics and biomaterials. The revised laboratory course includes an increased number of tooth preparations performed on phantom heads solely. Newer types of preparations based on bonding technique, such as ceramic crowns, veneers and inlays, have also been introduced. As a consequence of the reduced time allocated to the course, the amount of dental technical work has been considerably reduced. Demonstrations of practical procedures are video‐based. Several theoretical and practical tests are carried out during the course. The purpose of this study was to assess the outcome of the alterations made, by comparing former students’ opinions on different aspects of the two curricula. A questionnaire was mailed to the students graduated in 2003 with the new curriculum and graduates in 1997 and 2000 with the ‘old’ curriculum. The results indicate that the alterations tended to improve the students’ evaluations of some aspects of the course. In addition, the new curriculum appeared to be more relevant for the succeeding work in the clinic.
What becomes of dental research trainees once they leave the Dental Research Institute? An analysis over 53 years
Authors: Grossman E. S. , Cleaton‐Jones P. E. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe careers of 131 dental research trainees were followed (1954–2007) to establish whether and how they utilised their research training in keeping with clinical research workforce needs. The Dental Research Institute database was used to obtain trainee demographic, teaching and research outputs which were examined according to degree types: PhD (18); MSc (55); MDent (42) and dropout (16). Current careers show that 48% are in exclusive private practice and 15% in exclusive academia with further 15% practitioners having academic links via sessional teaching or research at a dental school. Most (63%) have remained in South Africa but emigration is high amongst the PhD and MSc groups. Forty‐one per cent of the cohort is of age ≤55 years and 16% <40 years old. The 131 trainees have published 2287 peer‐reviewed journal papers over their careers: quantity of research output is skewed towards degree type (PhD) and individuals (10% trainees produced 65% of all publications). Recent trainees have little research experience prior to their training and a lower subsequent research output than earlier trainees. PhDs have participated in research for the greatest length of time (29.1 years). Academic teaching is heavily reliant on older and PhD trainees. It is proposed that a threshold of four publications be used to indicate minimum research skills and a period of formal academic teaching taken into account when advocating criteria to assess clinical research workforce requirements.
Understanding the motivation: a qualitative study of dental students’ choice of professional career
Authors: Gallagher J. , Clarke W. , Wilson N. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground:  Given the changing nature of the dental workforce, and the need to retain the services of future members, it is important to understand why current dental students perceive that they were motivated to study dentistry. Qualitative research provides the opportunity to explore the underlying issues in addition to informing subsequent quantitative research. The objectives of this research were to investigate final‐year dental students’ motivation for studying dentistry and how they perceive this has been modified during their undergraduate degree programme.Methods:  Purposive sampling of a representative group of 35 final‐year dental students at King’s College London Dental Institute to participate in audio‐taped focus groups. Qualitative data were analysed using Framework Methodology.Results:  The findings suggest a strong emphasis on having a career, providing ‘professional status’, ‘financial benefits’, ‘job security, flexibility and independence’ and ‘good quality of life’. Students reported being attracted by features of the job, supported to a greater or lesser extent by personal experience, family and friends. It appears however that students’ initial motivation is being tempered by their experiences during their undergraduate degree programme, in particular, the ‘responsibilities of an intensive professional education’, their ‘mounting student debt’ and the perception of ‘feeling undervalued’. This perception related to dentistry in general and National Health Service dentistry in particular, being undervalued, by government, patients, the public and members of the dental profession.Conclusions:  Students’ vision of a ‘contained professional career’ within health care, providing status and financial benefits, appears to have influenced their choice of dentistry. Pressures relating to student life and policy changes are perceived as impacting on key components of professional life, particularly status in the social and economic order. The implications for educators, professional leaders and policy makers are explored.
The evaluation of an approach to reflective learning in the undergraduate dental curriculum
Authors: Bush H. , Bissell V. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractStudents in higher education are being encouraged to become active, independent and life‐long learners. The use of progress files has been endorsed to encourage this approach. A portfolio intended to fulfil the role of a progress file and to promote student‐centred learning and reflection was introduced as a central component of the revised undergraduate degree at the Glasgow Dental School in 2004. This article evaluates its role in promoting reflection. Students following the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme completed three written reflections per year using structured proformas, and discussed them with their mentor and mentoring group. Their views of the portfolio and of reflection were gathered using a five‐point Likert scale. In BDS1 2004–5, 84% completed a questionnaire, as did 89% in BDS1 2005–6 and 99% in BDS2 2005–6. Most students did not enjoy reflecting (a finding commonly reported elsewhere) or feel that reflection identified their learning needs. It appears that students disliked writing reflections, rather than reflecting per se. In contrast, they took a positive view of mentor group discussions and of having a mentor, both essential components of the portfolio model described. Comparisons of BDS1 2004–5 and BDS2 2005–6 data suggest that students are becoming more comfortable with reflection. The data provide some limited encouragement that students are beginning to acquire the skills which will enable them to reflect purposefully in their professional lives, although it will be some years before this assertion can be substantiated.
Peer‐group assessment of pre‐clinical operative skills in restorative dentistry and comparison with experienced assessors
Authors: Satterthwaite J. D. , Grey N. J. A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective:  In order to assess the feasibility of moving away from a tutor‐assessed summative assessment to a peer‐group marked assessment with more formative value, a study was undertaken to investigate if any differences existed between marks given by a peer group acting as examiner when compared with experienced assessors. The null hypothesis was that no differences in grades would exist between the examiners.Methods:  A total of 130 ivorine teeth set in dentoform models (mounted in phantom heads) were prepared by undergraduate preclinical students. The prepared teeth were randomly allocated for assessment to one of six student groups who met and graded each tooth preparation. Notes on common errors were supplied together with a list of multiple exemplar grades (of the full range of grades) and associated comments, together with a list of grade descriptors (for the five‐point scale A–E) and a sectioned silicone index. The same preparations were independently assessed by two experienced restorative academic examiners using the same guidance.Results:  The mean rank scores given by a Friedman test did not show any statistically significant difference (P = 0.531). Kappa scores for inter‐examiner agreement varied from 0.318 to 0.530.Conclusions:  The data from the present study do not show any significant differences in grades awarded by experienced examiners to those awarded by a peer group. Peer‐group assessment may be useful to encourage a greater understanding of concepts and principles underlying the development of operative skills.
Oral health‐related quality of life in children: Part III. Is there agreement between parents in rating their children’s oral health‐related quality of life? A systematic review
Authors: Barbosa TS , Gavião MBD 
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  Objective:  One issue that receives a great deal of attention is the comparison between measurement of children’s oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) reports with those of their parents. However, the extent to which parents understand the effects of ill‐health on their children’s lives remains unanswered. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify the literature on the nature, extent and the pattern of agreement/disagreement between parent and child reports about child OHRQoL and assess the association between them.Materials and methods:  The literature was searched using MEDLINE, ISI, Lilacs and Scielo, from January 1985 to March 2007. The selected studies used well‐validated instruments and provided children’s and parent’s perceptions of child OHRQoL.Results:  A total of 87 articles were retrieved and five were selected for the review, which showed that children and parents do not necessarily share similar views about child OHRQoL. Some parents may have limited knowledge about their children’s OHRQoL, particularly the impact on social and emotional well‐being.Conclusions:  Valid and reliable information can be obtained from parents and children using appropriate questionnaire techniques. Although the parents’ reports may be incomplete due to lack of knowledge about certain experiences, they still provide useful information.
Oral health‐related quality of life in children: Part I. How well do children know themselves? A systematic review
Authors: Barbosa TS , Gavião MBD 
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  Objective:  Paediatric oral disorders are likely to have a negative effect on the quality of life. Until recently, children’s oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) was measured using parents as informants. Instruments have now been developed, which have demonstrated that with appropriate questionnaire techniques, valid and reliable information can be obtained from children. The aim of this study was to make a systematic review of the existing literature about child perceptions of OHRQoL and their validation.Methods:  A computerized search was conducted using Medline, ISI, Lilacs and Scielo for children’s perception of OHRQoL. The inclusion criteria were: the articles should contain well‐validated instruments and provide child perceptions of OHRQoL.Results:  From 89 records found, 13 fulfilled the criteria. All studies included in the critical appraisal of the project suggested good construct validity of overall child perceptions of OHRQoL. However, children’s understanding of oral health and well‐being are also affected by variables (age, age‐related experiences, gender, race, education, culture, experiences related to oral conditions, opportunities for treatment, childhood period of changes, back‐translating questionnaire, children self‐perceived treatment need).Conclusions:  The structure of children’s self‐concept and health cognition is age‐dependent as a result of their continuous cognitive, emotional, social and language development. By using appropriate questionnaire techniques, valid and reliable information can be obtained from children concerning their OHRQoL.
The effectiveness of a novel optical probe in subgingival calculus detection
Authors: Kasaj A , Moschos I , Röhrig B , Willershausen B 
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  Objectives:  The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel optical calculus detection system under in vivo conditions.Methods:  One hundred and seventy‐six tooth surfaces from 44 adult teeth that were indicated for extraction were selected for the present study. The patients were randomly assigned to one of the two experimental groups. In group A (n = 96), clinical presence or absence of subgingival calculus deposits was determined using the light‐emitting diode‐based optical probe (OP). In group B (n = 80), the subgingival deposits were first recorded with the OP followed by root surface debridement until no subgingival deposits could be detected by the device. Teeth were then extracted and examined under a stereomicroscope by two trained dentists (DENT 1, DENT 2) and a dental student. Results were compared with the measurements of the OP and direct visual control.Results:  In group A, post‐extraction results revealed 89% and 90% agreement with the positive and negative OPs detection. In group B, 17% of the surfaces demonstrated even after subgingival debridement and control with the detecting device still calcified deposits in the microscopic evaluation. The highest inter‐examiner agreements were observed between DENT 1 and DENT 2.Conclusion:  It was shown that the optical detection system identifies subgingival calculus with a high efficacy and therefore, may be a support for the operator to determine the endpoint of root surface instrumentation.