bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methylene blue‐photoinactivated plasma versus quarantine fresh frozen plasma in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: a multicentric, prospective cohort study
Authors: Del Río‐Garma Julio , Alvarez‐Larrán Alberto , Martínez Clara , Muncunill Josep , Castellà Dolors , De La Rubia Javier , Zamora Concepción , Corral Mercedes , Viejo Aurora , Peña Francisco , Rodríguez‐Vicente Pilar , Contreras Enric , Arbona Cristina , Ramírez Consuelo , Garcia‐Erce José A. , Alegre Adrián , Mateo José , Pereira Arturo 
Published: July 2008

SummaryPlasma exchange (PE) with plasma infusion is the treatment of choice for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) but doubts remain as to whether all kinds of plasma are equally effective. A multicentric cohort study was conducted to compare methylene blue‐photoinactivated plasma (MBPIP) with quarantine fresh frozen plasma (qFFP) in the treatment of TTP. One hundred and two episodes of idiopathic TTP were included; MBPIP was used in 63 and qFFP in 39. The treatment schedule consisted of daily PE and costicosteroids, and the main end‐point was remission status on day 8. Patients treated with MBPIP required more PEs (median: 11 vs. 5, P = 0·002) and a larger volume of plasma (median: 485 ml/kg vs. 216 ml/kg, P = 0·007) to achieve a remission, and presented more recrudescences while on PE therapy (29 of 63 vs. 8 of 39, P = 0·02) than those receiving qFFP. After adjustment for possible confounding factors, the use of MBPIP was associated with a lower likelihood of remission on day 8 [Odds ratio (OR): 0·17; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0·06–0·47] and a higher risk of recrudescence while on treatment (OR: 4·2; 95% CI: 1·6–10·8). In conclusion, MBPIP is less effective than qFFP in the treatment of TTP.
Migration velocity analysis for tilted transversely isotropic media
Authors: Behera Laxmidhar , Tsvankin Ilya 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTTilted transversely isotropic formations cause serious imaging distortions in active tectonic areas (e.g., fold‐and‐thrust belts) and in subsalt exploration. Here, we introduce a methodology for P‐wave prestack depth imaging in tilted transversely isotropic media that properly accounts for the tilt of the symmetry axis as well as for spatial velocity variations.For purposes of migration velocity analysis, the model is divided into blocks with constant values of the anisotropy parameters ε and δ and linearly varying symmetry‐direction velocity VP0 controlled by the vertical (kz) and lateral (kx) gradients. Since determination of tilt from P‐wave data is generally unstable, the symmetry axis is kept orthogonal to the reflectors in all trial velocity models. It is also assumed that the velocity VP0 is either known at the top of each block or remains continuous in the vertical direction. The velocity analysis algorithm estimates the velocity gradients kz and kx and the anisotropy parameters ε and δ in the layer‐stripping mode using a generalized version of the method introduced by Sarkar and Tsvankin for factorized transverse isotropy with a vertical symmetry axis.Synthetic tests for several models typical in exploration (a syncline, uptilted shale layers near a salt dome and a bending shale layer) confirm that if the symmetry‐axis direction is fixed and VP0 is known, the parameters kz, kx, ε and δ can be resolved from reflection data. It should be emphasized that estimation of ε in tilted transversely isotropic media requires using nonhyperbolic moveout for long offsets reaching at least twice the reflector depth. We also demonstrate that application of processing algorithms designed for a vertical symmetry axis to data from tilted transversely isotropic media may lead to significant misfocusing of reflectors and errors in parameter estimation, even when the tilt is moderate (30°). The ability of our velocity analysis algorithm to separate the anisotropy parameters from the velocity gradients can be also used in lithology discrimination and geologic interpretation of seismic data in complex areas.
Velocity variations in carbonate rocks due to dual porosity and wave‐induced fluid flow
Authors: Agersborg Remy , Johansen Tor Arne , Jakobsen Morten 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTStiffness variations in carbonates may be described as resulting from different concentrations of flat compliant pores or cracks, which can have a significant effect on the effective stiffness and acoustic properties (e.g., velocities and attenuations) of dry as well as saturated carbonates, although they carry extremely little porosity. As shown in this paper, the effects of dual porosity and wave‐induced fluid flow or pore pressure communication may also play a significant role. On the basis of a previously published T‐matrix approach to model the effective viscoelastic properties of cracked porous media, we illustrate the (frequency‐dependent) effects of wave‐induced fluid flow (mainly squirt flow) or pore pressure communication for a model structure consisting of a mixture of fluid‐saturated porous grains and fluid‐saturated cavities (vugs, etc.) that are embedded in a solid matrix associated with carbonates. We assume that the pores within the porous grains are decoupled from the pores in the solid matrix (and possibly saturated with different fluids) but that each pore system at the micro and/or mesoscale may or may not be connected. For each of four different connectivity models, we present numerical results for four different cases of microstructure (that emphasize the importance of cracks and flat compliant pores). Our numerical results indicate that the velocity and attenuation spectra of carbonates vary significantly, even when the crack density and all other volume concentrations are constant.
Between‐cultivar variability in breaking force of components of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)
Authors: Bryant R. H. , Nicol A. M. , Wilson F. E. , Sedcole J. R. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe variation in force required to break the leaves and pseudostems of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) was measured on twelve New Zealand commercial and pre‐release cultivars using a punch and die apparatus which enabled up to 100 simultaneous breaks per sample. Perennial ryegrass cultivars were sampled from 2‐year‐old pure swards in two studies carried out in spring and autumn. In the first study, the forces required to break old and young leaves, and pseudostems, of six cultivars ranging in heading date and ploidy were compared at a designated morphological stage during spring growth. Force was measured as Newtons (N) mg−1 dry matter (DM) and the difference between the force required to break leaves and pseudostems was significant (P < 0·01). The youngest emerged leaf required a greater force by 0·13 than the oldest green leaf (5·60 and 4·90 N mg−1 DM for young and old leaf respectively). The force required to break leaves (average of young and old leaves) of 5·25 N mg−1 DM was 0·12 greater than the force required to break pseudostems (4·59 N mg−1 DM). This difference was consistent across most cultivars. In the second study, the force required to break leaves of ten cultivars was tested daily over three autumn periods when all cultivars were sampled at a regrowth age of 2 weeks. The cultivar Nevis was used in each period whilst the other cultivars were used in one period. When averaged across periods, cultivars could be separated into three groups of high, medium and low forces required to break leaves. The difference between the means of the high and low groups was 0·33 with a range from 3·29 to 4·91 N mg−1 DM.
Assessing yield and yield stability of remnant populations of Cenchrus ciliaris L. in arid Tunisia: developing a blueprint for initiating native seed production
Authors: Visser M. , M’seddi K. , Chaïeb M. , Neffati M. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractNative seed needs to be sourced locally yet contain ample genetic variation. A blueprint is developed for assembling and assessing native plant material at one eco‐geographical site prior to seed multiplication for restoring degraded drylands of North Africa. To satisfy the ‘local yet ample’ criterion, the feasibility of selecting a limited number of high‐yielding genotypes within one starter collection of Cenchrus ciliaris L. in Presaharian Tunisia (100–200 mm annual rainfall) was tested and compared to outcomes with similar work on its ecological complement, Stipa lagascae R. & Sch. Results showed that a limited number of high‐yielding genotypes can easily produce quality native seed because of the high genetic diversity of the starter material. Results also showed that there was a high potential to increase the rain‐use efficiency of degraded drylands using this seed. Seven ground rules are suggested when building the starter collection: (i) carefully delimit the region for sourcing seed; (ii) work with individual plants; (iii) carefully choose the collection site; (iv) replicate plant material as much as is feasible; (v) match evaluation methods to resource constraints; (vi) wait for conditions of maximum resource availability before culling; and (vii) apply a two‐tiered selection strategy.
A diagnostic dilemma: endodontic lesion or odontogenic keratocyst? A case presentation
Authors: Pace R. , Cairo F. , Giuliani V. , Prato L. P. , Pagavino G. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAim  To present a clinical case of odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) simulating a lateral periodontal cyst.Summary  A 39‐year‐old female complaining of swelling and pain in the left mandibular premolar area was found to have a radiolucent lesion between teeth 34 and 35 (FDI). Both teeth had incomplete root fillings, and orthograde re‐treatment of both premolars was performed. At 2‐year follow‐up, radiographic examination showed an increase in the radiolucent defect with respect to the previous examination. A surgical treatment of tooth 34 was then performed, with histological examination of the lesion. Histological features were consistent with an OKC, and the lesion was successfully treated by complete enucleation and application of Carnoy’s solution. At 2‐year follow‐up, no clinical signs or symptoms were found and the radiolucent area had disappeared.Key learning points • Odontogenic keratocysts may mimic endodontic lesions.• Clinicians should carefully review their cases and consider surgical intervention with biopsy in cases that do not heal.
In‐depth hardness profiles of Stainless Steel and Ni‐Ti endodontic instrument cross‐sections by nano‐indentation
Authors: Zinelis S. , Akhtar R. , Tsakiridis P. , Watts D. C. , Silikas N. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAim To evaluate the in‐depth hardness profiles of Stainless Steel (SS) and nickel titanium (Ni‐Ti) endodontic instrument cross‐sections using a nano‐indentation technique.Methodology Three SS (Reamer, K and Hedström) and three Ni‐Ti (ProFile, NRT and Liberator) instruments were studied. After embedding and metallographic preparation the in‐depth hardness profiles of instrument cross‐sections were measured starting from the cutting surface towards the centre to a depth of 2000 nm using an MTS XP nanoindenter with a Berkovich diamond indenter. The results of hardness measurements of outer (near to cutting edge) and inner locations were statistically analyzed by two‐wayanovafollowed by SNK test (α = 0.05).Results For all instrument cross‐sections the maximum hardness was obtained at the outer surface followed by hardness attenuation towards the centre of the cross section. The statistical analysis of hardness classified the instruments, for both outer and innermost locations, to the following decreasing order: Reamer > K > Hedström > Profile > NRT shank (without thermal treatment) > NRT tip (with thermal treatment) > Liberator. The maximal hardness, at the outer surface of endodontic instruments, can be attributed to the residual stresses developed due to cutting and thermal effects during the manufacturing process. The increased outer layer hardness may have a beneficial effect on the cutting ability and wear resistance of endodontic instruments.Conclusions All endodontic instruments had a decrease in hardness towards their centre. This implies that the surface hardness of contemporary endodontic instruments is significantly enhanced by the consequences of manufacturing processes.
Phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase inhibitor LY 294002 blocks Streptococcus mutans‐induced interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 gene expression in odontoblast‐like cells
Authors: Dommisch H. , Steglich M. , Eberhard J. , Winter J. , Jepsen S. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAim  To investigate the involvement of the phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K) in interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) gene expression in odontoblast‐like cells when exposed to heat‐killed Streptococcus mutans.Methodology  Cultured human odontoblast‐like cells (Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium) were pre‐treated with a specific inhibitor for PI3K (LY 294002) and subsequently stimulated with heat‐killed S. mutans for 6 and 24 h. After stimulation, RNA was extracted from the cells and cDNA synthesis was performed. Gene expression of IL‐6 and IL‐8 was analysed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and normalized to the gene expression of beta‐actin. Cell survival was determined for stimulation experiments.Results  The gene expression of IL‐6 and IL‐8 was significantly increased in response to heat‐killed S. mutans (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively). After 6 h, the mRNA expression of IL‐6 and IL‐8 was significantly higher than after 24 h of stimulation (P = 0.019 and P < 0.001, respectively). Pre‐treatment with the inhibitor LY 294002 blocked the induced gene expression of IL‐6 and IL‐8 (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively). No differences in viable cell counts were found after stimulation with heat‐killed S. mutans and/or pre‐treatment with LY 294002 compared with the unstimulated control.Conclusion  Gene expression of IL‐6 and IL‐8 was induced by heat‐killed S. mutans via signalling pathways mediated by PI3K. These findings indicate that odontoblasts respond to cariogenic bacteria with increased gene expression of pro‐inflammatory mediators and hence participate in immune processes.
Differences in the confluence of mesial canals in mandibular molar teeth with three or four root canals
Authors: Furri M. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAim  To investigate the correlation between number of root canals and their confluence in mandibular molar teeth.Methodology  A total of 553 first and 383 second mandibular molars were root filled between the beginning of 1997 and the end of 2006. Access cavities were prepared and the pulp chamber floors were carefully inspected with an endodontic explorer under magnification of 4×. After negotiating the root canal system, the ‘straightest’ canal of each root was instrumented. A gutta‐percha cone was placed in the canal and a small file (08 or 10) was inserted to working length and then removed in all other canals. The gutta‐percha cone was removed and inspected for notches indicating the presence of confluences. If it was not possible to probe completely one or more canals, the canal confluences were classified as ‘not determined’ (ND) if there was no sign of confluence; if a notch was present canals were considered confluent. For each tooth, the number of root canals and the presence of confluences were recorded. To test whether there was a difference in frequency of confluences between teeth with three and four root canals the chi‐squared analysis with Yates’ continuity correction was performed.Results  The frequency of a confluence in mesial canals of first molars was 56% in teeth with three root canals and 34% in teeth with four canals. In second molars, it was 67 and 41%, respectively. Differences in the frequency of confluences in teeth with three and four root canals were statistically significant both in first and in second molars.Conclusions  A greater incidence of confluent canals occurred in teeth with three rather than with four root canals both in first and second mandibular molars.
Phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity of different heat‐processed forms of sweetpotato cv. ‘Beauregard’
Authors: Padda Malkeet S. , Picha David H. 
Published: July 2008

SummarySweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] cv. ‘Beauregard’ roots were cooked using three different heat‐processing techniques (baked in a conventional oven, baked in a microwave oven, and boiled). Total phenolic content, individual phenolic acids, and antioxidant capacity were determined using Folin‐Denis assay, HPLC (high‐performance liquid chromatography), and DPPH (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydazyl) assay, respectively. The skin tissue (raw or processed) contained the highest concentration of total phenolics. All heat‐processing methods resulted in a significant loss in total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of the skin tissue. However, compared with the other processing methods, conventional oven baking resulted in greater losses in antioxidant capacity of skin tissue. Total phenolic content ranged from a low of 1.58 mg chlorogenic acid equivalent g−1 dry tissue weight in boiled pith tissue to a high of 17.7 mg chlorogenic acid equivalent g−1 dry tissue weight in raw skin tissue. The antioxidant capacity was highest in raw skin tissue (22.9 mg Trolox equivalent g−1 dry tissue weight). Chlorogenic acid was the principal phenolic acid found in all sweetpotato tissues. Caffeic acid and three isomers of dicaffeoylquinic acid (diCQA) were also identified and quantified.
Effect of processing technique on energy density and viscosity of cooking banana: implication for weaning foods in Uganda
Authors: Bukusuba John , Muranga Florence Isabirye , Nampala Paul 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe type and quality of weaning food plays a vital role in the growth and development of children. The high rates of malnutrition reported in banana consuming areas of Uganda reveal the bulkiness and high viscosity of the predominant banana‐based weaning foods. The objective was to determine the impact of processing technique on energy density and viscosity of cooking banana. Part of the unprocessed dried slices was milled into fine flour and the rest extruded. Pre‐gelatinised banana flour was produced using a modified earlier method. Nutrient and energy composition of the flours were determined using standard methods. Data were subjected to one‐way anova/least significant difference test and t‐test using GenStat 5 Release 3.2. Pre‐gelatinisation and extrusion cooking significantly raised energy content of banana significant impact on its viscosity but with extrusion cooking achieving better results. Extrusion cooking and pre‐gelatinisation increase the energy content of cooking bananas and significantly reduces its bulkiness. Soybean and simsim addition will improve protein quality and quantity of banana‐based weaning products.
Effect of high pressure treatments combined with various levels of κ‐carrageenan on cold‐set binding in restructured pork
Authors: Hong Geun‐Pyo , Min Sang‐Gi , Ko Se‐Hee , Choi Mi‐Jung 
Published: July 2008

SummaryThis study investigated the effects of high pressure processing and κ‐carrageenan on cold‐set binding in restructured pork meat. High pressure (>200 MPa) combined with carrageenan level higher than 1.5% caused increased breaking force and tensile strength (P < 0.05). Increasing the pressure level caused a continuous κ‐carrageenan network in the junctions between meat particles, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy imaging. With regard to the water binding properties, all treatments showed moisture content ranging between 74% and 76%. Increases in pressure levels and holding times tended to improve the water‐holding capacity (WHC) of restructured pork; however, the κ‐carrageenan concentration showed no relation with WHC. Cooking loss decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with increases in both pressure level and κ‐carrageenan concentration. By increasing pressure levels, both the L*‐ and a*‐values increased, but the b*‐value showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) among the treatments, with the exception of 100 MPa for 30 min. The addition of κ‐carrageenan had no effect on colour (P > 0.05). Therefore, the results indicate that pressure above 200 MPa and addition of 1.5% carrageenan has potential use in cold‐set meat restructuring.
Women’s descriptions of postoperative pain and pain management after discharge from cardiac surgery
Authors: Leegaard Marit , Fagermoen May Solveig 
Published: July 2008

Aim and objectives.  To provide new insights into the postoperative pain experiences of women after coming home following cardiac surgery.Background.  Studies show that many patients experience postoperative wound discomfort after cardiac surgery and women experience more pain than men before discharge. Male experiences have shaped the accepted biomedical theories on how cardiac surgery influences the lives of women. This has led to more cardiac studies with only female respondents in the past 10 years, but few focus on pain and pain management after early discharge.Methods.  The study reported here is part of a larger qualitative descriptive study. A self‐developed pain diary measured pain intensity, types and amount of pain medication and its effectiveness at bedtime every day after returning home from hospital. The Brief Pain Inventory – Short Form provided a basis for comparison with the pain scores rated in the diaries from the final sample of nine women. Semi‐structured interviews gave illuminating statements.Results.  The women had pain in the chest almost every day the first two weeks at home and this was expected. The pain in their neck, shoulders and back was unexpected and this pain worried them more. The women wanted to take as little medication as possible. Regular intake of pain medication resulted in more even pain scores, but not necessarily lower pain scores.Conclusions.  The study adds new insights into how women experience postoperative pain upon returning home. Findings indicate that the women did not follow the recommended pain medication despite reporting worst pain as moderate or more during the whole period.Relevance to clinical practice.  Early discharge from hospitals gives patients more responsibility for taking care of themselves. Patients need more specific information about taking pain medication on a specified schedule to control pain.