bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CD34+ Testicular Stromal Cells Support Long-Term Expansion of Embryonic and Adult Stem and Progenitor Cells
Authors: Kim Jiyeon , Seandel Marco , Falciatori Ilaria , Wen Duancheng , Rafii Shahin 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Stem cells reside in specialized microenvironments created by supporting stromal cells that orchestrate self-renewal and lineage-specific differentiation. However, the precise identity of the cellular and molecular pathways that support self-renewal of stem cells is not known. For example, long-term culture of prototypical stem cells, such as adult spermatogonial stem and progenitor cells (SPCs), in vitro has been impeded by the lack of an optimal stromal cell line that initiates and sustains proliferation of these cells. Indeed, current methods, including the use of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), have not been efficient and have generally led to inconsistent results. Here, we report the establishment of a novel CD34-positive cell line, referred to as JK1, derived from mouse testicular stromal cells that not only facilitated long-term SPC culture but also allowed faithful generation of SPCs and multipotent stem cells. SPCs generated on JK1 maintained key features of germ line stem cells, including expression of PLZF, DAZL, and GCNA. Furthermore, these feeders also promoted the long-term cultivation of other types of primitive cells including multipotent adult spermatogonial-derived stem cells, pluripotent murine embryonic stem cells, and embryonic germ cells derived from primordial germ cells. Stem cells could be passaged serially and still maintained expression of characteristic markers such as OCT4 and NANOG in vitro, as well as the ability to generate all three germ layers in vivo. These results indicate that the JK1 cell line is capable of promoting long-term culture of primitive cells. As such, this cell line allows for identification of stromal-derived factors that support long-term proliferation of various types of stem cells and constitutes a convenient alternative to other types of feeder layers.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Strong Antibacterial Effect of Miswak Against Oral Microorganisms Associated With Periodontitis and Caries
Authors: Sofrata Abier H. , Claesson Rolf L.K. , Lingström Peter K. , Gustafsson Anders K. 
Published: August 2008

Background: The chewing stick (miswak) is used for oral hygiene in many parts of the world. In addition to the mechanical removal of plaque, an antibacterial effect has been postulated; however, tests of miswak extract from Salvadora persica (Arak) disclosed only low to moderate antibacterial effects. This may be attributable to the extraction process. Our aim was to test in vitro the antibacterial effect of miswak pieces, without extraction, on bacteria implicated in the etiology of periodontitis and caries.Methods: Miswak pieces were standardized by size and weight (0.07 and 0.14 g) and tested against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (previously Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans), Porphyromonas gingivalis, and, as a reference, Haemophilus influenzae. The miswak pieces were tested in two ways: embedded in the agar plate or suspended above the agar plate.Results: The inhibitory effect was most pronounced on P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans, and H. influenzae, less on S. mutans, and least on L. acidophilus. Suspended miswak had comparable or stronger effects than miswak embedded in agar. The 0.14‐g suspended miswak exhibited significantly greater inhibition on A. actinomycetemcomitans and H. influenzae than the 0.14‐g miswak embedded in agar (P <0.01 and P <0.001, respectively).Conclusions: Miswak embedded in agar or suspended above the agar plate had strong antibacterial effects against all bacteria tested. The antibacterial effect of suspended miswak pieces suggests the presence of volatile active antibacterial compounds.
Subantimicrobial‐Dose Doxycycline Modulates Gingival Crevicular Fluid Biomarkers of Periodontitis in Postmenopausal Osteopenic Women
Authors: Golub Lorne M. , Lee Hsi Ming , Stoner Julie A. , Sorsa Timo , Reinhardt Richard A. , Wolff Mark S. , Ryan Maria E. , Nummikoski Pirkka V. , Payne Jeffrey B. 
Published: August 2008

Background: We recently demonstrated that a 2‐year subantimicrobial‐dose doxycycline (SDD) regimen (double‐masked, placebo‐controlled clinical trial) in postmenopausal (PM) women exhibiting mild systemic bone loss (osteopenia) and local bone loss (periodontitis) reduced the progression of periodontal attachment loss (intent‐to‐treat analysis) and the severity of gingival inflammation and alveolar bone loss (subgroups) without producing antibiotic side effects. We now describe SDD effects on biomarkers of collagen degradation and bone resorption in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of the same vulnerable subjects.Methods: GCF was collected from SDD‐ and placebo‐treated PM subjects (n = 64 each) at the baseline and 1‐ and 2‐year appointments; the volume was determined; and the samples were analyzed for collagenase activity (using a synthetic peptide as substrate), relative levels of three genetically distinct collagenases (Western blot), a type‐1 collagen breakdown product/bone resorption marker (a carboxyterminal telopeptide cross‐link fragment of type I collagen [ICTP]; radioimmunoassay), and interleukin‐1β (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay). Statistical analyses were performed using generalized estimating equations; primary analyses were intent‐to‐treat.Results: Collagenase activity was significantly reduced by SDD treatment relative to placebo based on intent‐to‐treat (P = 0.01). ICTP showed a similar pattern of change during SDD treatment, and GCF collagenase activity and ICTP were positively correlated at all time periods (P <0.001). Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8 accounted for ∼80% of total collagenase in GCF, with much less MMP‐1 and −13, and SDD reduced the odds of elevated MMP‐8 by 60% compared to placebo (P = 0.006).Conclusion: These observations support the therapeutic potential of long‐term SDD therapy to reduce periodontal collagen breakdown and alveolar bone resorption in PM women; effects on serum biomarkers of systemic bone loss in these subjects are being analyzed.
Shear Bond Strength of Brackets Bonded to Enamel with a Self-Etching Primer
Authors: Pithon Matheus Melo , de Oliveira Ruellas Antonio Carlos , Sant'Anna Eduardo Franzotti , de Oliveira Márlio Vinícius , Alves Bernardes Luiz Antônio 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Objective: To evaluate bonding efficacy of activated Transbond Plus Self-Etching Primer (TPSEP) used at different time points with Transbond XT to bond metallic orthodontic brackets to bovine incisors.
Materials and Methods: The inferior incisors of 210 bovines were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 30). TPSEPs were mixed, activated, and kept activated for 30 (group 30), 21 (group 21), 15 (group 15), 7 (group 7), 3 (group 3), or 1 (group 1) days before bonding, and in one group (group 0) TPSEP was used immediately after mixed. At day zero, incisors in each group were bonded in exactly the same way. After applying TPSEP, brackets were bonded with Transbond XT, according to the manufacturer's instructions. After 24 hours, shear bond strength (SBS) tests were performed for all samples at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min, and the Adhesive Remnant Index was scored.
Results: There were no significant differences between the SBS of groups 0, 1, 3, 7, and 15 (P &gt; .05) However, those groups had higher SBS (P &lt; .05) compared with groups 21 and 30. No significant difference (P &gt; .05) was observed between groups 21 and 30. Despite the decrease in SBS for groups 21 and 30, bond strength values were still satisfactory.
Conclusion: After activation, the TPSEP mix can be stored for a period of 15 days without losing its adhesive properties.
Linear Accuracy of Cone Beam CT Derived 3D Images
Authors: Brown April A. , Scarfe William C. , Scheetz James P. , Silveira Anibal M. , Farman Allan G. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Objective: To compare the in vitro reliability and accuracy of linear measurements between cephalometric landmarks on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) 3D volumetric images with varying basis projection images to direct measurements on human skulls.
Materials and Methods: Sixteen linear dimensions between 24 anatomic sites marked on 19 human skulls were directly measured. The skulls were imaged with CBCT (i-CAT, Imaging Sciences International, Hatfield, Pa) at three settings: (a) 153 projections, (b) 306 projections, and (c) 612 projections. The mean absolute error and modality mean (± SD) of linear measurements between landmarks on volumetric renderings were compared to the anatomic truth using repeated measures general linear model (P ≤ .05).
Results: No difference in mean absolute error between the scan settings was found for almost all measurements. The average skull absolute error between marked reference points was less than the distances between unmarked reference sites. CBCT resulted in lower measurements for nine dimensions (mean difference range: 3.1 mm ± 0.12 mm to 0.56 mm ± 0.07 mm) and a greater measurement for one dimension (mean difference 3.3 mm ± 0.12 mm). No differences were detected between CBCT scan sequences.
Conclusions: CBCT measurements were consistent between scan sequences and for direct measurements between marked reference points. Reducing the number of projections for 3D reconstruction did not lead to reduced dimensional accuracy and potentially provides reduced patient radiation exposure. Because the fiducial landmarks on the skulls were not radio-opaque, the inaccuracies found in measurement could be due to the methods applied rather than to innate inaccuracies in the CBCT scan reconstructions or 3D software employed.
Soft-Tissue Facial Characteristics of Attractive Italian Women as Compared to Normal Women
Authors: Sforza Chiarella , Laino Alberto , D'Alessio Raoul , Grandi Gaia , Binelli Miriam , Ferrario Virgilio Ferruccio 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Objective: To compare the facial characteristics of two different groups of attractive women with those of reference women.
Materials and Methods: The three-dimensional coordinates of 50 facial landmarks were collected in 71 healthy reference women (18–30 years old) and in 24 coetaneous “attractive” women selected during two different beauty competitions; soft tissue facial angles, distances, areas, and volumes were computed and compared using analysis of variance.
Results: When compared with reference women, both groups of attractive women shared several similar facial characteristics: relatively large forehead (P &lt; .001), reduced mandible (P = .008), and rounded face (reduced surface-to-volume ratio, P = .002). They had a more acute soft tissue profile, an increased upper facial width (P &lt; .001) and middle facial depth, larger mouth, and more voluminous lips (P = .005) than reference women.
Conclusions: Both groups of attractive women had several facial characteristics suggesting babyness. Nonetheless, each group of women was characterized by a different development of these features. Esthetic reference values can be a useful tool for clinicians, but should always consider the characteristics of individual faces.
Comparisons of morphometric measurements and serum insulin-like growth factor concentration in healthy cats and cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Yang Vicky K. , Freeman Lisa M. , Rush John E. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Objective—To compare morphometric measurements and serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) concentration in cats with and without hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and assess the hypothesis that cats with HCM have larger body size and skeletal features and higher serum IGF-1 concentrations than healthy cats.
Animals—25 cats with HCM and 22 healthy control cats.
Procedures—Physical examination and echocardiography were performed to classify cats into the HCM and control groups. Data collected from each cat included diet history, body weight, body condition score, lengths of the humerus and 4th and 12th thoracic vertebrae, heart size, head length and width, and abdominal circumferences. Comparisons of these variables were made between groups.
Results—Body condition score in HCM-affected and control cats did not differ significantly. However, median head width; lengths of the head, 4th and 12th thoracic vertebrae, and humerus; and body weight in the HCM-affected group were significantly greater than values in the control group. Median serum concentration of IGF-1 was not significantly different between groups.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—These data suggested that among the study cats, those with HCM were skeletally larger, but not more obese, than healthy cats. Whether this was attributable to differences in early growth or other causes requires additional investigation.
Actinomycin D as rescue therapy in dogs with relapsed or resistant lymphoma: 49 cases (1999–2006)
Authors: Bannink Erin O. , Sauerbrey Michele L. , Mullins Marie N. , Hauptman Joe G. , Obradovich Joyce E. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Objective—To evaluate response rate and disease-free interval in dogs with relapsed or resistant lymphoma treated with actinomycin D, determine hematologic toxicoses, and identify prognostic factors associated with response to treatment.
Design—Retrospective case series.
Animals—49 dogs with relapsed or resistant lymphoma.
Procedures—Medical records were reviewed for information regarding signalment, physical examination findings, results of diagnostic testing, substage, previous chemotherapy, previous treatment with prednisone, actinomycin D dosage, number of doses administered, response, disease-free interval, and results of CBCs performed after treatment.
Results—Actinomycin D was administered at a median dosage of 0.68 mg/m2 (range, 0.46 to 0.72 mg/m2), IV, every 3 weeks for 5 treatments or until disease progression. Twenty-six (53%) dogs received prednisone concurrently. Twenty (41%) dogs had a complete remission, and median disease-free interval in these dogs was 129 days. Thrombocytopenia was the most common hematologic toxicosis (n = 22 [45%]). Concurrent prednisone administration, a shorter duration of first remission, and an increased number of previous chemotherapy agents were significantly associated with a lower likelihood of responding to actinomycin D treatment. Concurrent prednisone administration and an increased number of previous chemotherapy agents were significantly associated with a shorter disease-free interval.
Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that administration of actinomycin D as a single agent was effective for rescue chemotherapy of dogs with relapsed or resistant lymphoma and that treatment was well tolerated, although mild thrombocytopenia developed commonly.
Phosphorus immobilization in Lake Głęboczek following treatment with polyaluminum chloride
Authors: Łopata Michał , Gawrońska Helena 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
In 2001-2003, a survey was conducted of the effectiveness of restoration in the heavily eutrophic polymictic Lake Głęboczek, located in Tuchola. The application of the phosphorus inactivation method with polyaluminum chloride PAX 18 resulted in the complete removal of phosphates, and in a considerable (up to 50-60%) reduction of total phosphorus in the lake water. The sorptive capacity of the bottom sediments was enhanced after the restoration, particularly in the top layer (0-5 cm). An increase of the aluminum content and of mineral forms of phosphorus was observed, mainly the aluminum-bound fraction (at its greatest, by over 330%). The amount of mobile phosphorus in the sediments decreased by 40%. The evidence of the durable immobilization of phosphorus in the aquatic ecosystem was the limited phosphorus release from the bottom sediments. This was confirmed by a significant decrease of total phosphorus in the interstitial waters (from 4-6 mg dm-3 to 2-3 mg dm-3), and by a practically complete removal of phosphates from the near-bottom waters.
The Diagnostic Value of Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies, Adenosine Deaminase Activity and Other Potential Biomarkers for Predicting and Monitoring Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Mehanović-Nikolić Jasminka , Laloš-Miljuš Jasenka , Stajčić-Nalesnik Milada , Lakić Ljiljana , Bobić Željka , Bogdanić Jelena , Vajić Nataša 
Published: August 2008

The Diagnostic Value of Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies, Adenosine Deaminase Activity and Other Potential Biomarkers for Predicting and Monitoring Rheumatoid Arthritis
The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP2) in RA and non-RA patients and to evaluate the combination of these auto-antibodies with some other markers such as RF and CRP. We examined the enzymatic activity of ADA in RA patients without therapy and RA patients treated with methotrexate. Therefore, the aim of this study was also to assess the possibility of introducing these biochemical parameters in the diagnosis and monitoring of the RA patients in this region. Serum antibodies directed to cyclic citrullinated peptide were analyzed using an anti-CCP2 antibody ELISA. Serum ADA activity was measured by a spectrophotometer using adenosine as substrate (Giusti method). Rheumatoid factor (IgG-RF) was analyzed using a latex agglutination test. Serum CRP was measured by an immunoturbidimetric assay. The measurement of anti-CCP2 by itself, is useful for the diagnosis of RA for its high sensitivity and specificity, however, a combined use of anti-CCP2 with RF is much more useful. Serum ADA activity can be used as a biochemical marker of inflammation in RA. Measuring CRP in the RA patients has no diagnostic value.
A probabilistic concept of load assessment of self-ignition engines
Authors: Girtler Jerzy 
Published: August 2008

A probabilistic concept of load assessment of self-ignition engines
A proposal of probabilistic interpretation of loading process of self-ignition combustion engines, was presented. Probabilistic description of loading the engines was proposed with taking into account known parameters (indices) of their operation. It was demonstrated that instantaneous load of such engines can be considered a random variable. Attention was paid to the fact that the load can be taken as a multi-dimensional random variable. Engine load changes during its operation were considered as the loading process and presented in the form of a multi-dimensional stochastic process whose states are loads considered to be random variables. It was demonstrated that the loading process can be taken as the stochastic one of asymptotically independent incements, stationary and ergodic. Justification of the above mentioned features of the loading process is contained in the presented hypotheses. It was also demonstrated that in testing the load process of self-ignition engines stochastic relation between thermal and mechanical loading should be taken into account.
Uptake of phenol from aqueous solution by burned water hyacinth
Authors: Uddin Mohammed , Islam Mohammed , Islam Mohammed , Abedin Mohammed 
Published: August 2008

Uptake of phenol from aqueous solution by burned water hyacinth
The potential of burned water hyacinth (BWH) for phenol adsorption from aqueous solution was studied. Batch kinetic and isotherm studies were carried out under varying experimental conditions of contact time, phenol concentration, adsorbent dosage and pH. The pH at the point of zero charge (pHPZC) of the adsorbent was determined by the titration method and the value of 8.8 ± 0.2 was obtained. The FTIR of the adsorbent was carried out in order to find the potential adsorption sites for the interaction with phenol molecules. The Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption models were used for the mathematical description of adsorption equilibrium and it was found that the experimental data fitted very well to the Langmuir model. Maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorbent was found to be 30.49 mg/g. Batch adsorption models, based on the assumption of the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models, were applied to examine the kinetics of the adsorption. The results showed that kinetic data closely followed the pseudo-second-order model.
Morphological and Commercial Characters of Brussels Sprout Androgenic R2/R3 Generations and Experimental F1 Hybrids
Authors: Kamiński Piotr 
Published: August 2008

Morphological and Commercial Characters of Brussels Sprout Androgenic R2/R3 Generations and Experimental F1 Hybrids
In the years of 2005-2007 twelve Brussels sprout androgenic lines of R2 and R3 generations derived from four commercial cultivars: Ajax F1, Diablo F1, Icarus F1, Philemon F1 were evaluated according to marketable yield, plant height, intraline uniformity and other morphological traits important for the breeding. In 2007 twelve single F1 hybrids obtained by the use of androgenic lines were also evaluated in comparison to their parental components. Evaluation showed extended diversity of morphological (plant height, shape of the head, uniformity) and agroeconomical characters among the tested lines. Nine lines showed good intraline uniformity and stability in R2 generation. After selection all tested lines of R3 generation were uniform. Experimental F1 hybrids showed intraline homogeneity, high yield similar to Diablo and Philemon F1 control cultivars and morphological characters typical for good quality commercial Brussels sprout. Some level of inbreeding depression among androgenic lines was observed in comparison to their donor cultivars, while experimental F1 hybrids showed significant effect of heterosis.
A Sensitivity Analysis on the Consequences Assessment in Cases of Toxic Substance Released by Pipelines
Authors: Valentina Gagliardi , Lucia Citro 
Published: August 2008

A Sensitivity Analysis on the Consequences Assessment in Cases of Toxic Substance Released by Pipelines
This paper presents preliminary results of a study aimed at evaluating the impact on man and environment of major accident hazards related to transmission pipelines carrying toxic substances. In particular, it describes the assessment of the consequences of potential toxic release from pipelines, expressed in terms of hazard area, that is the zone in which the concentration of a toxic substance exceed a critical threshold level and induce harmful effects on people and the environment. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis has been undertaken, emphasizing the role of threshold values on the results obtained.
Elements of Port its Increasing Safety and Efficiency of Ship Manoeuvring Operations in Short Sea Shipping
Authors: Abramowicz-Gerigk Teresa 
Published: August 2008

Elements of Port its Increasing Safety and Efficiency of Ship Manoeuvring Operations in Short Sea ShippingThe paper presents the existed solutions and proposition of the new elements of IT (Information Technology) applications in ports. The new decision support systems for the ship master, harbourmaster and port chief dispatcher related to ship entry into the harbour and berthing inside the docs are introduced. The systems based on the online hydro-meteorological and traffic information are proposed for the safe and efficient ferry operations.