bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inactivation of parvovirus B19 during STIM‐4 vapor heat treatment of three coagulation factor concentrates
Authors: Berting Andreas , Modrof Jens , Unger Ulrike , Gessner Matthias , Klotz Andreas , Poelsler Gerhard , Kreil Thomas R. 
Published: April 2008

BACKGROUND: To enhance the viral safety margins, nanofiltration has been widely integrated into the manufacturing process of plasma‐derived medicinal products. Removal of smaller agents such as parvovirus B19 (B19V) by filtration, however, is typically less efficient. Because recent investigations have demonstrated that B19V may be more heat sensitive than animal parvoviruses, the potential B19V inactivation by a proprietary vapor heating procedure (STIM‐4) as incorporated into the manufacturing processes of several nanofiltered coagulation factor concentrates was investigated.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: An infectivity assay based on quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (TaqMan, Applied Biosystems) detection of B19V mRNA after inoculation of a permissive cell line (UT7 Epo S1 cells) was used to investigate the virus inactivation capacity of the STIM‐4 vapor heat treatment as used during the manufacture of nanofiltered second‐generation Factor VIII inhibitor‐bypassing activity (FEIBA), F IX complex, and FVII products.RESULTS: In contrast to animal parvoviruses, both B19V genotypes investigated, that is, 1 and 2, were shown to be surprisingly effectively inactivated by the STIM‐4 vapor heat treatment process, with mean log reduction factors of 3.5 to 4.8, irrespective of the product intermediate tested.CONCLUSION: The newly demonstrated effective inactivation of B19V by vapor heating, in contrast to the earlier used animal parvoviruses, results in significant B19V safety margins for STIM‐4–treated coagulation factor concentrates.
The Optimized V‐V Interval Determined by Interventricular Conduction Times Versus Invasive Measurement by LVdP/dtMAX
Authors: VAN GELDER BERRY M. , MEIJER ALBERT , BRACKE FRANK A. 
Published: April 2008

Introduction:
We compared the calculated optimal V‐V interval derived from intracardiac electrograms (IEGM) with the optimized V‐V interval determined by invasive measurement of LVdP/dtMAX.
Methods and Results:
Thirty‐two patients with heart failure (six females, ages 68 ± 7.8 years) had a CRT device implanted. After implantation of the atrial, right and a left ventricular lead, the optimal V‐V interval was calculated using the QuickOpt™ formula (St. Jude Medical, Sylmar, CA, USA) applied to the respective IEGM recordings (V‐VIEGM), and also determined by invasive measurement of LVdP/dtMAX (V‐VdP/dt).The optimal V‐VIEGM and V‐VdP/dt intervals were 52.7 ± 18 ms and 24.0 ± 33 ms, respectively (P = 0.017), without correlation between the two. The baseline LVdP/dtMAX was 748 ± 191 mmHg/s. The mean value of LVdP/dtMAX at invasive optimization was 947 ± 198 mmHg/s, and at the calculated optimal V‐VIEGM interval 920 ± 191 mmHg/s (P < 0.0001). In spite of this significant difference, there was a good correlation between both methods (R = 0.991, P < 0.0001). However, a similarly good correlation existed between the maximum value of LVdP/dtMAX and LVdP/dtMAX at a fixed V‐V interval of 0 ms (R = 0.993, P < 0.0001), or LVdP/dtMAX at a randomly selected V‐V interval between 0 and +80 ms (R = 0.991, P < 0.0001).Conclusion: Optimizing the V‐V interval with the IEGM method does not yield better hemodynamic results than simultaneous BiV pacing. Although a good correlation between LVdP/dtMAX determined with V‐VIEGM and V‐VdP/dt can be constructed, there is no correlation with the optimal settings of V‐V interval in the individual patient.
Le renouveau de l'inspection du travail dans le monde latin
Authors: PIORE Michael J. , SCHRANK Andrew 
Published: April 2008

Résumé.Les auteurs examinent le rôle de l'inspection du travail dans un contexte de renouveau réglementaire. Ils distinguent le modèle latin – qui laisse aux inspecteurs la latitude d'ajuster leurs décisions à la situation de l'entreprise – de l'approche bien moins souple quiprévaut aux Etats‐Unis. Le premier concilie réglementation et flexibilité, mais comporte un risque d'arbitraire ou d'incohérences. Les inspecteurs pour‐raient être les troupes d'élite dans la bataille pour le travail décent si l'on prévient ces risques par la gestion de la culture d'entreprise, l'explicitation systématique des connaissances tacites quifondent leurs décisions et un approfondissement des recher‐ches sur les relations entre normes du travail et pratiques des entreprises.
Fixation du salaire minimum dans les pays en développement: carences et remèdes
Authors: SAGET Catherine 
Published: April 2008

Résumé.Il est notoire que, dans une forte minorité de pays en développement, le salaire minimum est soit excessivement bas, soit excessivement élevé. L'auteur propose plusieurs méthodes de mesure en vue de comparer le niveau de ce salaire d'un pays à l'autre. Elle cherche ensuite à savoir si ce salaire minimum est effectif, c'est‐à‐dire s'il joue vraiment son rôle de salaire plancher sur le marché du travail. Elle examine ensuite les facteurs institutionnels qui expliquent ces valeurs extrêmes et conclut en suggérant des solutions pour fixer le salaire minimum à un niveau plus approprié et plus significatif.
Le modèle social de l'Europe méridionale: changement et continuité
Authors: KARAMESSINI Maria 
Published: April 2008

Résumé.Ces dernières décennies, tous les aspects du modèle social de l'Europe méridionale ont connu de profonds changements. L'évolution de la législation relative aux relations professionnelles, à la fixation des salaires et à la protection de l'emploi a contribuéà accroître la flexibilité salariale et du travail, et à limiter la segmentation du marché du travail. L'évolution du système de protection sociale a viséà améliorer les qualifications de la main‐d'æuvre, à combler les lacunes de la protection sociale, à réduire les inégalités de la sécurité sociale et à contenir la hausse des dépenses sociales. Les changements institutionnels n'ont pas supprimé les principales caractéristiques du modèle, à savoir une segmentation du marché du travail et un familialisme marqués, mais la grève des naissances laisse entrevoir les limites du familialisme dans un proche avenir.
Toward managed flexibility: The revival of labour inspection in the Latin world
Authors: PIORE Michael J. , SCHRANK Andrew 
Published: April 2008

Abstract.Examining the role of labour inspection in the context of the revival of labour market regulation, the authors distinguish between the Latin model, where inspectors have authority to tailor enforcement to firms' exigencies, and the less flexible United States approach. The Latin model can reconcile regulation with economic flexibility and transform inspectors into the shock troops of a campaign for decent work. But its vulnerability to arbitrary behaviour on their part needs to be addressed through: management of organizational cultures; exposure and sys‐tematization of the tacit knowledge underpinning inspectors' judgements; and research into the relationship between labour standards and business practices.
Fixing minimum wage levels in developing countries: Common failures and remedies
Authors: SAGET Catherine 
Published: April 2008

Abstract.Some developing countries have set their minimum wages too high or too low to constitute a meaningful constraint on employers. The article compares minimum wages worldwide, proposes several ways of measuring them in developing countries and discusses whether they are effective thresholds in those countries. The second part of the article considers the institutional factors leading countries to set minimum wages at extreme levels. The author concludes that the minimum wage is used as a policy instrument to several ends – wage negotiation, deflation and social dialogue – which results in the absence of a wage floor, weak collective bargaining, or non‐compliance.
Continuity and change in the southern European social model
Authors: KARAMESSINI Maria 
Published: April 2008

Abstract.Over the past 20 years or so, the southern European model has undergone substantial change in every way. The changes in industrial relations, wage‐setting and employment protection legislation have tended to increase wage and labour flexibility and restrict labour market segmentation. Changes within the welfare state have sought to improve labour force skills, fill gaps in social protection, reduce inequalities in social security and contain social expenditure growth. Yet institutional change has not eliminated the main features of this model: pronounced labour market segmentation and familialism; however, extremely low fertility rates are indicative of the limits of familialism in the near future.
Progressive silencing of p14ARF in oesophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Huang Yinghui , Peters Christopher J. , Fitzgerald Rebecca C. , Gjerset Ruth A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe frequency of oesophageal adenocarcinoma is increasing in Western countries for unknown reasons, and correlates with a corresponding increase in the pre‐malignant condition, Barrett's Oesophagus, which raises the risk of adenocarcinoma by some 40‐ to 125‐fold. We have examined how disease progression correlates with changes in expression of the p14ARF (ARF) tumour suppressor, a key regulator of the p53 tumour suppressor pathway that is silenced in some 30% of cancers overall, but for which a role in oesophageal cancer is unclear. We have used quantitative PCR, RT‐PCR, methylation‐specific PCR and chromatin‐immunoprecipitation to examine the regulation and function of ARF in oesophageal adenocarcinoma tissue specimens and cell lines. We find highly significant reductions (P< 0.001) in ARF expression during disease progression from normal oesophageal epithelium to Barrett's Oesophagus to adenocarcinoma, with 57/76 (75%) adenocarcinomas displaying undetectable levels of ARF expression. Retention of ARF expression in adenocarcinoma is a highly significant indicator of increased survival (P< 0.001) and outperforms all clinical variables in a multivariate model. CpG methylation as well as histone H3 methylation of lysines 9 and 27 contribute independently to ARF gene silencing in adenocarcinoma cell lines and can be reversed by 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine. The results suggest that silencing of ARF is involved in the pathogenesis of oesophageal adenocarcinoma and show that either DNA or histone methylation can provide the primary mechanism for ARF gene silencing. Silencing of ARF could provide a useful marker for increased risk of progression and poor prognosis.
Endothelial cells from cord blood CD133+CD34+ progenitors share phenotypic, functional and gene expression profile similarities with lymphatics
Authors: Nguyen Van Anh , Fürhapter Christina , Obexer Petra , Stössel Hella , Romani Nikolaus , Sepp Norbert 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe existence of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) with high cell‐cycle rate in human umbilical cord blood has been recently shown and represents a challenging strategy for therapeutic neovascularization. To enhance knowledge for future cellular therapy, we compared the phenotypic, functional and gene expression differences between EPC‐derived cells generated from cord blood CD34+ cells, and lymphatic and macrovascular endothelial cells (EC) isolated from human foreskins and umbilical veins, respectively. Under appropriate culture conditions, EPC developed into fully matured EC with expression of similar endothelial markers as lymphatic and macrovascular EC, including CD31, CD36, von Willebrand factor FVIII, CD54 (ICAM‐1), CD105 (endoglin), CD144 (VE‐cadherin), Tie‐1, Tie‐2, VEGFR‐1/Flt‐1 and VEGFR‐2/Flk‐1. Few EPC‐derived cells became positive for LYVE‐1, indicating their origin from haematopoietic stem cells. However they lacked expression of other lymphatic cell‐specific markers such as podoplanin and Prox‐1. Functional tests demonstrated that the cobblestone EPC‐derived cells up‐regulated CD54 and CD62E expression in response to TNF‐α, incorporated DiI‐acetylated low‐density liproprotein and formed cord‐ and tubular‐like structures with capillary lumen in three‐dimensional collagen culture – all characteristic features of the vascular endothelium. Structures compatible with Weibel‐Palade bodies were also found by electron microscopy. Gene microarray profiling revealed that only a small percentage of genes investigated showed differential expression in EPC‐derived cells and lymphatic EC. Among them were adhesion molecules, extracellular matrix proteins and cytokines. Our data point to the close lineage relationship of both types of vascular cells and support the theory of a venous origin of the lymphatic system.
Development of a novel antimicrobial peptide, AG‐30, with angiogenic properties
Authors: Nishikawa Tomoyuki , Nakagami Hironori , Maeda Akito , Morishita Ryuichi , Miyazaki Nobuhiko , Ogawa Toshihiro , Tabata Yasuhiko , Kikuchi Yasushi , Hayashi Hiroki , Tatsu Yoshiro , Yumoto Noboru , Tamai Katsuto , Tomono Kazunori , Kaneda Yasufumi 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe utility of various synthetic peptides has been investigated in clinical trials of the treatment of cancers, infectious diseases and endocrine diseases. In the process of functional gene screening with in silico analysis for molecules with angiogenic properties, we generated a small peptide, angiogenic peptide (AG)‐30, that possesses both antimicrobial and pro‐inflammatory activities. AG‐30 has an α‐helix structure with a number of hydrophobic or net positively charged amino acids and a propensity to fold into amphipathic structures. Indeed, AG‐30 exhibited antimicrobial activity against various bacteria, induced vascular endothelial cell growth and tube formation in a dose‐dependent manner and increased neovascularization in a Matrigel plug assay. As a result, AG‐30 up‐regulated expression of angiogenesis‐related cytokines and growth factors for up to 72 hrs in human aortic endothelial cells. To further evaluate the angiogenic effect of AG‐30 in vivo, we developed a slow‐release AG‐30 system utilizing biodegradable gelatin microspheres. In the ischaemic mouse hind limb, slow‐release AG‐30 treatment results in an increase in angiogenic score, an increase in blood flow (as demonstrated by laser Doppler imaging) and an increase in capillary density (as demonstrated by immunostaining with anti‐CD31 antibody). These data suggest that the novel peptide, AG‐30, may have therapeutic potential for ischaemic diseases.
Electron tomography and immunonanogold electron microscopy for investigating intracellular trafficking and secretion in human eosinophils
Authors: Melo Rossana C. N. , Dvorak Ann M. , Weller Peter F. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractElectron tomography (ET) has increasingly been used to understand the complexity of membrane systems and protein‐trafficking events. By ET and immunonanogold electron microscopy, we recently defined a route for vesicular transport and release of granule‐stored products from within activated human eosinophils, cells specialized in the secretion of numerous cytokines and other proteins during inflammatory responses. Here, we highlight these techniques as important tools to unveil a distinct eosinophil vesicular system and secretory pathway.
Improving the quality of clinical teaching in a restorative clinic using student feedback
Authors: Youngson Callum , Fox Kathryn , Boyle Edward , Blundell Katherine , Baker Robert 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIntroduction:  A large proportion of the undergraduate curriculum is spent within Restorative Dentistry at the University of Liverpool. As well as supportive “phantom head” courses the undergraduates receive significant amounts of teaching within the clinics themselves. In 2004, to help inform the clinical tutors as to their areas of strengths and weaknesses, undergraduates were invited to complete an anonymous questionnaire on the quality of teaching they received from their clinical supervisors. This process has been repeated subsequently in 2005 and 2006.Method:  A 19 parameter questionnaire, employing a 5‐point Likert scale and space for open comments, was circulated to every clinical undergraduate student. Questionnaires were returned anonymously and all data collected by one researcher. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed and the staff provided with individual feedback within the context of the overall departmental profile. The pooled data from each of the years was then compared to determine if any changes had occurred. Statistical analysis used Kruskal Wallis tests to determine whether these were statistically significant.Results:  Although the range varied, median scores of 4 (agree) were gained for each question each year. Following statistical analysis 18 of the parameters showed a statistically significant improvement (P < 0.05) between 2004 and 2006 with only one remaining constant throughout.Conclusion:  It would appear that the use of a questionnaire based feedback system can result in a tangible and demonstrable improvement in the delivery of clinical teaching.
Gene expression profiling of Polycomb, Hox and Meis genes in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Grubach Lykke , Juhl‐Christensen Caroline , Rethmeier Anita , Olesen Lene Hyldahl , Aggerholm Anni , Hokland Peter , Østergaard Mette 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe Polycomb group (PcG) of genes is important for differentiation and cell‐cycle regulation and is aberrantly expressed in several cancers. To analyse the role of deregulated PcG genes in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), we determined by RQ‐PCR the expression of the PcG genes BMI‐1, MEL18, SCML2, YY1 and EZH2, and the downstream PcG targets HOXA4, HOXA9 and MEIS1 in diagnostic bone marrow samples from 126 AML patients. There was a general overexpression of the genes in AML patients compared to 20 healthy donors, except of HOXA4 and MEL18, which both displayed a wide range of expression levels within the AML subgroups. Among the AML patients with normal karyotype, a low HOXA4 level was associated with a shorter overall survival (P = 0.005). In addition, expression levels of MEL18 and EZH2 were significantly (P < 0.025) higher in patients with complex karyotype and lower in CBF‐mutated patients. The t(8;21) vs. inv(16) positive patients showed significantly different expression of SCML2, BMI‐1, YY1, HOXA9 and MEIS1 (P ≤ 0.01). Comparisons between the PcG and PcG‐regulated genes and a number of clinical and molecular data revealed correlations to genes involved in DNA methylation (DNMT1, DNMT3B), apoptosis (BAX, CASPASE 3) and multidrug‐resistance (MDR1, MRP ) (P < 0.01). In conclusion, our data suggest that the role of PcG and PcG‐regulated genes in leukaemogenesis varies between, as well as within karyotypic subgroups.
Alteration of skin mechanics by thin polymer films
Authors: Jachowicz Janusz , McMullen Roger , Prettypaul Donald 
Published: April 2008

Background/purpose: High molecular weight polymers such as proteins and polysaccharides have been commonly employed in cosmetic practice to induce skin tightness. The effect is perceived by users as an increase in skin tightness (firmness) accompanied by skin smoothing and elimination of wrinkles and lines. The aim of the study was to assess whether high molecular weight synthetic polymers, in the form of simple skin treatment formulations, could modify mechanical properties of natural skin as well as artificial skin models.Methods: In experiments involving natural skin, the formulations were employed to treat the inner forearm of five panelists, who ranged in age from mid‐20s to mid‐40s. Indentometric analysis also included rubber skin models, with various viscoelastic characteristics, modified by deposition of thin polymer films on the surface. Polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyquaternium‐55, polyimide‐1, VP/acrylates/lauryl methacrylate copolymer, and sodium alginate were investigated. The effects of the products were quantified by mechanical skin indentation performed at small deformations. Data analysis was performed using the Hertz theory of contact mechanics, which included the calculation of fundamental parameters such as the modulus of elasticity.Results: The indentometric analysis revealed an increase in the Young's modulae for both artificial and natural skin as a result of treatment with the polymers. The effect was dependent on the amount of deposited product, which was varied in the range from 0.053 to 1.06 mg/cm2 of polymer. The observed increases in Young's modulae were typically from about 0.7 to 1.4 × 104 N/m2 for untreated skin to 1.4–2.0 × 104 N/m2 for polymer‐modified skin, depending on the polymer structure (molecular weight) and the amount of deposition. By the analysis of artificial skin models, it was found that the magnitude of stiffening depends on the mechanical characteristics of the base material. Softer skin models displayed larger increases in Young's modulus after polymer treatment than stiffer skin models. Also, the analysis of skin models suggested that polymeric treatments can lower the viscoelasticity of skin as demonstrated by decreased values of hysteresis loss factors calculated from indentation force vs. penetration depth plots. The performance of the polymers was also shown to be dependent on ambient humidity with the most hygroscopic materials loosing their stiffening effect at high humidity.Conclusions: The data indicate that high molecular weight polymers can be useful as skin stiffening, firming, or tightening agents. This was demonstrated by indentometric, mechanical analysis of natural skin and artificial skin models, and by determining Young's modulae and viscoelastic parameters.
Gingival inflammation assessment by image analysis: measurement and validation
Authors: Smith RN , Lath DL , Rawlinson A , Karmo M , Brook AH 
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  Aim:  Gingival inflammation may be caused by injury or plaque‐related diseases and reduction in inflammation can be a useful indicator of gingival recovery. There has been little research on development of non‐index methods to measure gingival condition. The aims of the study were to investigate the reliability of the measurement of changes in gingival redness and swelling, using image analysis, and to compare this approach with an established method for assessing gingival overgrowth [J Clin Periodontol 28 (2001) 81].Method:  Twenty volunteers with gingival inflammation were recruited and digital images were taken. Duplicate measurements were made on the first visit by two examiners. At a subsequent visit following periodontal treatment, second images were taken. Gingival changes were determined by assessing redness and tooth surface area visible between the level of the inter‐proximal papillae and the gingival margin. Tooth area measurements were compared with the established gingival overgrowth method.Results:  The method showed excellent reliability for both intra‐ and inter‐examiner measurements of 0.968–0.998 and 0.769–0.947, respectively, according to the classification by Donner and Eliasziw of the Fleiss coefficient of reliability (repeat measures taken during the patients’ first attendance). High correlation was found for gingival encroachment when compared with the established gingival overgrowth method.Conclusion:  This technique proved a reliable method for investigating changes in gingival redness. High correlation was found for gingival encroachment when compared with an established method.