bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cigarette smoke extract modulates human β‐defensin‐2 and interleukin‐8 expression in human gingival epithelial cells
Authors: Mahanonda R. , Sa‐Ard‐Iam N. , Eksomtramate M. , Rerkyen P. , Phairat B. , Schaecher K. E. , Fukuda M. M. , Pichyangkul S. 
Published: March 2009

Background and Objective:  Human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs) are continually exposed to oral bacteria and to other harmful agents. Their responses to stimuli are critical in maintaining periodontal homeostasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the modulating effect of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on the innate immune responses of HGECs.Material and Methods:  Toll‐like receptor (TLR) expression of HGECs was determined by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The effect of CSE or nicotine on the expression of the antimicrobial peptide human β‐defensin‐2 (hBD‐2) and the pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)‐8 in stimulated HGEC cultures was evaluated by RT‐PCR and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results:  The HGECs expressed mRNA of TLRs 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, and minimally of TLR4, but not of TLRs 7 or 8. Stimulation of HGECs with highly purified TLR2, 3 or 5 ligands led to expression of hBD‐2 and of IL‐8. Enhancement of hBD‐2 and IL‐8 was observed in HGECs after combined stimulation with Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (TLR2 ligand) and tumour necrosis factor‐α, compared with stimulation using either agent alone. After CSE exposure, hBD‐2 expression was markedly reduced in stimulated HGEC cultures, whereas IL‐8 expression was markedly increased. These effects were also observed, but were markedly attenuated, upon nicotine treatment.Conclusion:  Human gingival epithelial cells play a critical role in orchestrating the innate immune responses of periodontal tissue via TLR signalling. Our results represent the first demonstration that CSE can modulate HGEC function by suppressing hBD‐2 and enhancing IL‐8 production, and this may be, in part, a possible mechanism which promotes periodontal disease.
In vitro and in vivo cytokeratin patterns of expression in bioengineered human periodontal mucosa
Authors: Garzón I. , Sánchez‐Quevedo M. C. , Moreu G. , González‐Jaranay M. , González‐Andrades M. , Montalvo A. , Campos A. , Alaminos M. 
Published: March 2009

Background and Objective:  Development of human oral mucosa substitutes by tissue engineering may provide new therapeutic tools for the management of periodontal diseases. In this study we evaluated a fibrin–agarose human oral mucosa substitute both in vitro and in vivo.Material and Methods:  In vitro bioengineered oral mucosa substitutes were developed from irrelevant biopsy samples of human oral gingiva. In vivo evaluation of the constructed tissues was performed by implantation into athymic nude mice. The expression of several epithelial markers was assessed by microarray analysis and immunohistochemistry.Results:  Bioengineered oral mucosa samples kept in vitro developed a multilayered epithelium that expressed several cytokeratins, including some markers of simple epithelia (cytokeratins 7, 8 and 18), along with markers of stratified epithelia (cytokeratins 5 and 13) and of cell proliferation (proliferating cell nuclear antigen). Bioengineered tissues grafted in vivo onto nude mice exhibited very good biointegration with the host, showing a cytokeratin expression pattern that was very similar to that of normal native oral mucosa controls. Histological analysis of the artificial tissues demonstrated that oral mucosa substitutes evaluated in vivo were structurally mature, showing some typical structures of human native oral mucosa such as rete ridges and chorial papillae, along with numerous blood vessels at the fibrin–agarose stromal substitute. These structures were absent in samples evaluated in vitro.Conclusion:  The results indicate that this model of human oral mucosa, constructed using fibrin–agarose scaffolds, shows similarities to native oral mucosa controls and imply that bioengineered oral mucosa substitutes could eventually be used clinically.
Land use legacies in post‐agricultural forests in the Doupovské Mountains, Czech Republic
Authors: Kopecký Martin , Vojta Jaroslav 
Published: March 2009

AbstractQuestions:Do differences in previous land use cause long‐lasting changes in soil chemistry? Is vegetation composition affected by the previous land use after 50 years of secondary succession? Is the effect of previous land use caused by pre‐existing differences in environmental conditions or mediated through changes in soil chemistry? How important is the effect of previous land use in relation to other factors?Location:Doupovské Mountains, Czech Republic.Methods:A stratified random sampling design was used to collect 91 vegetation relevés with accompanying soil samples. The effects of previous land use (arable field, meadow, pasture) on soil pH, organic carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), C:N ratio and available phosphorus were tested by an analysis of covariance. A canonical correspondence analysis and variation partitioning procedure were used to reveal relationships among previous land use, environmental factors and species composition.Results:Organic C, total N and C:N ratio were significantly influenced by previous land use, while available phosphorus and soil pH were not. Previous land use explained a significant part of the variation in species composition and its effects only partly overlapped with the effects of soil chemistry and terrain attributes. However, the species composition of post‐agricultural forests was mostly determined by environmental factors not modified by previous land use.Conclusions:Forest communities that originate on abandoned agricultural land are primarily determined by natural environmental conditions. Nevertheless, the type of previous land use also modifies the species assemblages of these forests and needs to be considered as an important determinant of their composition.
Effects of raised water levels on wet grassland plant communities
Authors: Toogood Sarah E. , Joyce Chris B. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractQuestions: What are the effects of raised water levels on wet grassland plant communities and dynamics? To what extent do time since raised water levels, vegetation management and water regime influence community composition?Location: Pevensey Levels, southeast England, UK.Methods: Plant communities and hydrology were monitored during 2001‐03 within 23 wet grassland meadows and pastures where water levels had been raised for nature conservation at different times over 21 years. Community variations were examined using species abundance and ecological traits.Results: Water regime, measured as duration of flooding, groundwater level and soil moisture was significantly related to plant community variation. Communities were divided into grasslands where inundation was shallow (≤8 cm) and relatively short (≤3 months) and sites where deeper flooding was prolonged (≥5 months), supporting a variety of wetland vegetation. With increasing wetness, sites were characterised by more bare ground and wetland plants such as sedges, helophytes and hydrophytes, and species with a stress‐tolerating competitive strategy. All sites showed considerable annual dynamics, especially those with substantially raised water levels. There were no significant relationships between time since water levels were raised and plant community composition. Grassland management exerted a limited influence upon vegetation compared to water regime.Conclusions: Grassland plant communities are responsive to raised water levels and have potential for a rapid transition to wetland vegetation, irrespective of grazing or cutting management. Creation or restoration of wet grasslands by (re)wetting is feasible but challenging due to the high dynamism of wetland plant communities and the need for substantially raised water levels and prolonged flooding to produce significant community changes.
Self‐management education programs for age‐related macular degeneration: A systematic review
Authors: Lee Lily , Packer Tanya L , Tang Seok Hun , Girdler Sonya 
Published: March 2009

Objective:  To review the effectiveness of education programs to improve emotional status, daily living and self‐efficacy in adults older than 60 years with age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Method:  Electronic searches of three databases and manual searches of references lists located randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐experimental studies. Health education programs aimed at increasing knowledge of AMD, skills training or behavioural change were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were undertaken by two reviewers. A narrative analysis was possible. Results:  Three protocols were reported in four studies (n = 532) with three follow‐up studies – all contained elements of self‐management programs. Effect sizes for the three outcomes ranged from small to very large (0.14–1.21).Conclusions:  Self‐management programs appear effective for older adults with AMD. Small sample size, use of non‐traditional statistics and methodological quality meant only a narrative analysis was possible. Future studies with more robust methodology including intent‐to‐treat analysis are still required.
Multiple views reveal the complexity of dementia diagnosis
Authors: Robinson Andrew L , Emden Carolyn G , Elder Jean A , Lea Emma J , Vickers James C , Turner Paul A 
Published: March 2009

Objective: To reveal views about dementia diagnosis derived from a larger study of information needs of carers of people with dementia in Tasmania, Australia. Methods: Over 100 participants, including family carers, health professionals and dementia service personnel, met as discrete focus groups. Data pertinent to dementia diagnosis were segregated and subjected to across‐group comparative analysis. Results: The term dementia held connotations of stigma and futility, despite stated benefits of having a diagnosis. General practitioners were regarded as pivotal but having inadequate diagnostic and treatment options. While most health professionals advocated a longitudinal diagnostic process, this created considerable stress for family carers who sought a speedy process. Without a diagnosis, some dementia‐specific services were undeliverable. Conclusion: Dementia diagnosis is steeped in deep‐rooted difficulties and stressful implications, compounded by carers’ differing needs and interests. Better understanding between care providers of their conflicting and consistent views could contribute to better dementia care.
The reliability and validity of the Care Planning Assessment Tool
Authors: Fleming Richard 
Published: March 2009

Objective: The development of a simple, comprehensive, valid and reliable tool to assist aged care services staff develops and monitors care plans. Method: An assessment with proven utility in a psychogeriatric setting was modified to improve its relevance to aged care services. Reliability was assessed from the scores obtained from two independent raters assessing 48 randomly selected residents in a large aged care facility. Validity was assessed by comparison with well‐validated measures of cognition and function. Results: The Care Planning Assessment Tool has very high interrater reliability and good internal consistency. The validity of the subscales compared with well‐validated assessments was very high. Conclusion: The psychometric properties of the Care Planning Assessment Tool are sufficiently good to allow it to be used with confidence in the care planning process. This is supported by a similar evaluation carried out on the Japanese version.
Malnutrition prevalence and nutrition issues in residential aged care facilities
Authors: Gaskill Deanne , Black Lucinda J , Isenring Elisabeth A , Hassall Stacey , Sanders Fran , Bauer Judith D 
Published: March 2009

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of malnutrition and investigate nutritional issues in a sample of older people living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). Method: This study forms the descriptive component of a pretest post‐test designed study conducted in eight RACFs. The Subject Global Assessment tool was used to determine the prevalence of malnutrition in 350 residents. Results: Nearly 70% of residents were women and 79.4% of all residents were classified as high care. Half the residents were well nourished (50.5%) with 43.1% moderately malnourished and 6.4% severely malnourished. Prevalence of malnutrition was significantly higher for residents receiving higher level care (odds ratio (OR) = 2.9 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.7–5.2; P < 0.001)) and older than 90 years (OR = 3.0 (95% CI: 1.8–5.1; P < 0.001)). Of the residents considered to be malnourished, very few (17.8%) had been seen by a dietitian in the past 6 months or were receiving commercial supplements (29.2%).Conclusions: There is a need for systematic, coordinated and multidisciplinary approaches to nutritional care for older people in residential care.
Viruses in soils: morphological diversity and abundance in the rhizosphere
Authors: Swanson M.M. , Fraser G. , Daniell T.J. , Torrance L. , Gregory P.J. , Taliansky M. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractSoil viruses are potentially of great importance as they may influence the ecology and evolution of soil biological communities through both an ability to transfer genes from host to host and as a potential cause of microbial mortality. Despite this importance, the area of soil virology is understudied. Here, we report the isolation and preliminary characterisation of viruses from soils in the Dundee area of Scotland. Different virus morphotypes including tailed, polyhedral (spherical), rod shaped, filamentous and bacilliform particles were detected in the soil samples. An apparent predominance of small spherical and filamentous bacteriophages was observed, whereas tailed bacteriophages were significantly less abundant. In this report, we also present observations and characterisation of viruses from different soil functional domains surrounding wheat roots: rhizosheath, rhizosphere and bulk soil. In spite of the differences in abundance of bacterial communities in these domains, no significant variations in viral population structure in terms of morphology and abundance were found. Typically, there were approximately 1.1–1.2 × 109 virions g−1 dry weight, implicating remarkable differences in virus‐to‐bacteria ratios in domains close to roots, rhizosphere and rhizosheath (approximately 0.27) and in bulk soil (approximately 4.68).
Preliminary experiences of the triple tibial osteotomy procedure: tibial morphology and complications
Authors: Renwick A. I. C. , McKee W. M. , Emmerson T. D. , House A. K. 
Published: March 2009

Objective:To document the effect of variable tibial morphology on the planning and execution of the triple tibial osteotomy (TTO) procedure in dogs and complications encountered while becoming familiar with the technique.Methods:The records of 21 consecutive cases that had a TTO performed were reviewed. Preoperative tibial morphology was assessed. Modifications in the described technique and complications were documented. Postoperative outcome was evaluated using a client‐based questionnaire.Results:The size of the tibial wedge ostectomy was modified because of variable tibial morphology in four dogs (19 per cent) to avoid over or under correction of the tibial plateau angle (TPA). Intraoperatively, fracture through the caudal tibial cortex occurred in nine cases (41 per cent) and through the distal tibial crest cortex in four cases (18 per cent). Major complications occurred in five (23 per cent) of cases with four (18 per cent) requiring further surgery. The client questionnaire results demonstrated significant improvements in all parameters and no significant difference from the preinjury status.ClinicalSignificance:TPA measurement is recommended when planning a TTO to avoid over or under correction of the TPA. Despite frequent minor complications, it appears that the TTO is an effective procedure for management of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in the dog.
Preliminary study evaluating tests used to diagnose canine cranial cruciate ligament failure
Authors: Carobbi B. , Ness M. G. 
Published: March 2009

Objective: To estimate specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of tests and signs used for the diagnosis of cranial cruciate ligament failure in dogs.Methods: One stifle in each of 42 dogs was examined: 25 “affected” and 17 “control” dogs. All dogs were subjected to the following tests when conscious: cranial drawer, tibial compression, patellar tendon palpation and palpation of the medial aspect of the joint. Under general anaesthesia, cranial drawer and tibial compression tests were repeated and a lateral stifle radiograph was taken to evaluate changes of the infrapatellar fat pad. The results were analysed using a 2×2 table method. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were estimated.Results: The sensitivity of the cranial drawer and tibial compression tests was surprisingly low when performed on conscious patients but significantly better when performed under anaesthesia. Similarly, palpation of the medial aspect of the stifle joint cannot be considered a reliable indicator of cranial cruciate ligament injury. Patellar palpation and radiographic assessment showed excellent sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value.Clinical Significance: In the diagnosis of cranial cruciate ligament, it is essential that the clinician is aware of each test’s features and limitations to reduce the risk of misdiagnosis.
Nitric oxide‐mediated dispersal in single‐ and multi‐species biofilms of clinically and industrially relevant microorganisms
Authors: Barraud Nicolas , Storey Michael V. , Moore Zoe P. , Webb Jeremy S. , Rice Scott A. , Kjelleberg Staffan 
Published: March 2009

SummaryStrategies to induce biofilm dispersal are of interest due to their potential to prevent biofilm formation and biofilm‐related infections. Nitric oxide (NO), an important messenger molecule in biological systems, was previously identified as a signal for dispersal in biofilms of the model organism Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In the present study, the use of NO as an anti‐biofilm agent more broadly was assessed. Various NO donors, at concentrations estimated to generate NO levels in the picomolar and low nanomolar range, were tested on single‐species biofilms of relevant microorganisms and on multi‐species biofilms from water distribution and treatment systems. Nitric oxide‐induced dispersal was observed in all biofilms assessed, and the average reduction of total biofilm surface was 63%. Moreover, biofilms exposed to low doses of NO were more susceptible to antimicrobial treatments than untreated biofilms. For example, the efficacy of conventional chlorine treatments at removing multi‐species biofilms from water systems was increased by 20‐fold in biofilms treated with NO compared with untreated biofilms. These data suggest that combined treatments with NO may allow for novel and improved strategies to control biofilms and have widespread applications in many environmental, industrial and clinical settings.
Bronchiectasis: an update
Authors: Pappalettera Maria , Aliberti Stefano , Castellotti Paola , Ruvolo Leonardo , Giunta Valeria , Blasi Francesco 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground and aims:  Bronchiectasis is defined as an abnormal and irreversible dilatation of the bronchi, often associated with chronic productive cough, airway obstruction, and recurrent infections.Methods:  MEDLINE data from 1978 to November 2008 was analysed. Search was limited to randomized control trials, clinical trials, meta‐analysis, reviews published in English, using the keyword bronchiectasis.Results:  The prevalence of bronchiectasis is unknown. However, prevalence seems to increase with age from 4.2 per 100 000 persons aged 18–34 years to 271.8 per 100 000 among those aged 75 years or older. Therapy is aimed to limit the cycle of infection and inflammation and to reduce the number of exacerbations, in order to improve quality of life.Conclusions:  Bronchiectasis still remain a significant health problem. Further research is required to improve the management of this herterogeneous condition.Please cite this paper as: Pappalettera M, Aliberti S, Castellotti P, Ruvolo L, Giunta V and Blasi F. Bronchiectasis: an update. The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2009; 3: 126–134.
Induced Pluripotent Reprogramming from Promiscuous Human Stemness‐Related Factors
Authors: Nelson Timothy J. , Martinez‐Fernandez Almudena , Yamada Satsuki , Mael Amber A. , Terzic Andre , Ikeda Yasuhiro 
Published: March 2009

AbstractEctopic expression of pluripotency gene sets provokes nuclear reprogramming in permissive somatic tissue environments, generating nduced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The evolutionary conserved function of sternness orthologs was tested here through interspecies transduction. A spectrum of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐based lentiviral vectors was designed, and point mutations in the HIV‐1 capsid region were identified for efficient infectivity and expanded transspecies tropism. Human pluripotent gene sequences, OCT3/4, SOX2, KLF4, and c‐MYC, packaged into engineered lentiviral expression vectors achieved consistent expression in nonhuman fibroblasts. Despite variation in primary amino acid sequence between species, introduction of human pluripotent genes produced cell lines with embryonic stem cell‐like morphology. Transduced fibroblasts differentiated in vitro into all three germ layers according to gastrulation gene expression profiles, and formed in vivo teratoma with multilineage potential. Reprogrammed progeny incorporated into nonhuman morula to produce blastomeres capable of developing into chimeric embryos with competent organogenesis. This model system establishes a prototypic approach to examine consequences of human sternness factors‐induced reprogramming in the context of normal embryonic development by exploiting nonhuman early‐stage embryos. Thus, ectopic xenotransduction across species unmasks the promiscuous nature of sternness induction, suggesting evolutionary selection of core processes for somatic tissue reprogramming.
Tissue‐Level Modeling of Xenobiotic Metabolism in Liver: An Emerging Tool for Enabling Clinical Translational Research
Authors: Lerapetritou Marianthi G. , Georgopoulos Panos G. , Roth Charles M. , Androulakis Loannis P. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis review summarizes some of the recent developments and identifies critical challenges associated within vitroandin silicorepresentations of the liver and assesses the translational potential of these models in the quest of rationalizing the process of evaluating drug efficacy and toxicity. It discusses a wide range of research efforts that have produced, during recent years, quantitative descriptions and conceptual as well as computational models of hepatic processes such as biotransport and biotransformation, intra‐ and intercelular signal transduction, detoxification, etc. The abovementioned research efforts cover multiple scales of biological organization, from molecule–molecule interactions to reaction network and cellular and histological dynamics, and have resulted in a rapidly evolving knowledge base for a “systems biology of the liver.” Virtual organ/organism formulations represent integrative implementations of particular elements of this knowledge base, usually oriented toward the study of specific biological endpoints, and provide frameworks for translating the systems biology concepts into computational tools for quantitative prediction of responses to stressors and hypothesis generation for experimental design.