bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Smoking and tooth discolouration: findings from a national cross-sectional study
Authors: Alkhatib Mhd N , Holt Ruth D , Bedi Raman 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Background
Smoking is a risk factor of a number of oral diseases; the extent to which tobacco products influence dental aesthetics has not been widely investigated. The aim of this study was to determine satisfaction with own tooth colour of smokers and non-smokers and to investigate whether smokers have higher levels of self-assessed tooth discolouration compared to non-smokers

Methods
A cross sectional national study was conducted on sample of 6,000 UK adults. A total of 3,384 adults was interviewed. Smoking behaviour was recorded together with satisfaction with own tooth colour. Prevalence of perceived discolouration was measured by asking respondents to match their own tooth colour to one of a set of seven photographs of differing severities of discolouration.

Results
Twenty eight percent of smokers reported having moderate and severe levels of tooth discolouration compared to 15% in non-smokers. As well as more often perceiving discolouration smokers were also more likely to be dissatisfied with their own tooth colour compared to non-smokers.

Conclusion
The study provides further evidence of the negative impact of tobacco smoking on dental aesthetics in the general public. The evidence provided by the study may be of value in short interventions for smoking cessation in the dental setting.
Measuring and reporting quality of life outcomes in clinical trials in cystic fibrosis: a critical review
Authors: Abbott Janice , Hart Anna 
Published: March 2005

AbstractGood quality clinical trials are essential to inform the best cystic fibrosis (CF) management and care, by determining and comparing the effectiveness of new and existing therapies and drug delivery systems. The formal inclusion of quality of life (QoL) as an outcome measure in CF clinical trials is becoming more common. Both an appropriate QoL measure and sound methodology are required in order to draw valid inferences about treatments and QoL. A review was undertaken of randomised controlled trials in cystic fibrosis where QoL was measured. EMBASE, MEDLINE and ISI Web of Science were searched to locate all full papers in the English language reporting randomised controlled trials in cystic fibrosis, published between January 1991 and December 2004. All Cochrane reviews published before December 2004 were hand searched. Papers were included if the authors had reported that they had measured QoL or well being in the trial. 16 trials were identified. The interventions investigated were: antibiotics (4); home versus hospital administration of antibiotics (1); steroids (1); mucolytic therapies (6); exercise (3) and pancreatic enzymes (1). Not one trial evaluated in this review provided conclusive results concerning QoL. This review highlights many of the pitfalls of QoL measurement in CF clinical trials and provides constructive information concerning the design and reporting of trials measuring QoL.
Preferences for the selection of unique tRNA primers revealed from analysis of HIV-1 replication in peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Moore-Rigdon Kenda L , Kosloff Barry R , Kirkman Richard L , Morrow Casey D 
Published: March 2005

Abstract

Background
All human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) uses a host tRNALys,3 as the primer for reverse transcription. The tRNALys,3 is bound to a region on the HIV-1 genome, the primer-binding site (PBS), that is complementary to the 18 terminal nucleotides of tRNALys,3. How HIV-1 selects the tRNA from the intracellular milieu is unresolved.

Results
HIV-1 tRNA primer selection has been investigated using viruses in which the primer-binding site (PBS) and a sequence within U5 were altered so as to be complementary to tRNAMet, tRNAPro or tRNAIle. Analysis of the replication of these viruses in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) revealed preferences for the selection of certain tRNAs. HIV-1 with the PBS altered to be complementary to tRNAMet, with and without the additional mutation in U5 to be complementary to the anticodon of tRNAMet, stably maintains the PBS complementary to tRNAMet following extended in vitro culture in PBMC. In contrast, viruses with either the PBS or PBS and U5 mutated to be complementary to tRNAIle were unstable during in vitro replication in PBMC and reverted to utilize tRNALys,3. Viruses with the PBS altered to be complementary to tRNAPro replicated in PBMC but reverted to use tRNALys,3; viruses with mutations in both the U5 and PBS complementary to tRNAPro maintained this PBS, yet replicated poorly in PBMC.

Conclusion
The results of these studies demonstrate that HIV-1 has preferences for selection of certain tRNAs for high-level replication in PBMC.
Biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction, cardiovascular risk factors and atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Dessein Patrick H , Joffe Barry I , Singh Sham 
Published: March 2005

AbstractCardiovascular event rates are markedly increased in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and RA atherogenesis remains poorly understood. The relative contributions of traditional and nontraditional risk factors to cardiovascular disease in RA await elucidation. The present study comprises three components. First, we compared biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction (vascular cell adhesion molecule [VCAM]-1, intercellular adhesion molecule [ICAM]-1 and endothelial leucocyte adhesion molecule [ELAM]-1) in 74 RA patients and 80 healthy control individuals before and after controlling for traditional and nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), IL-1, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. Second, we investigated the potential role of an extensive range of patient characteristics in endothelial dysfunction in the 74 RA patients. Finally, we assessed associations between biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and ultrasonographically determined common carotid artery intima–media thickness and plaque in RA. The three biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction, as well as hs-CRP, IL-1, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, were higher in patients than in control individuals (P < 0.0001). Patients were also older, exercised less and had a greater waist circumference, blood pressure and triglyceride levels (P ≤ 0.04). Five patients had diabetes. Differences in endothelial function were no longer significant between patients and controls (P = 0.08) only after both traditional and nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors were controlled for. In the 74 RA patients, IL-6 predicted levels of all three biomarkers (P ≤ 0.03), and rheumatoid factor titres and low glomerular filtration rate (GFR) both predicted levels of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors (P ≤ 0.02). VCAM-1 was associated with common carotid artery intima–media thickness (P = 0.02) and plaque (P = 0.04) in RA. Patients had impaired endothelial function, less favourable traditional cardiovascular risk factor profiles, and higher circulating concentrations of hs-CRP and cytokines compared with healthy control individuals. Both traditional and nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors contributed to the differences in endothelial function between RA patients and healthy control individuals. IL-6, rheumatoid factor titres and low GFR were independently predictive of endothelial dysfunction in RA. Disease-modifying agents that effectively suppress both cytokine and rheumatoid factor production, and interventions aimed at preserving renal function may attenuate cardiovascular risk in RA.
An evolutionary and functional assessment of regulatory network motifs
Authors: Mazurie Aurélien , Bottani Samuel , Vergassola Massimo 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Background
Cellular functions are regulated by complex webs of interactions that might be schematically represented as networks. Two major examples are transcriptional regulatory networks, describing the interactions among transcription factors and their targets, and protein-protein interaction networks. Some patterns, dubbed motifs, have been found to be statistically over-represented when biological networks are compared to randomized versions thereof. Their function in vitro has been analyzed both experimentally and theoretically, but their functional role in vivo, that is, within the full network, and the resulting evolutionary pressures remain largely to be examined.

Results
We investigated an integrated network of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae comprising transcriptional and protein-protein interaction data. A comparative analysis was performed with respect to Candida glabrata, Kluyveromyces lactis, Debaryomyces hansenii and Yarrowia lipolytica, which belong to the same class of hemiascomycetes as S. cerevisiae but span a broad evolutionary range. Phylogenetic profiles of genes within different forms of the motifs show that they are not subject to any particular evolutionary pressure to preserve the corresponding interaction patterns. The functional role in vivo of the motifs was examined for those instances where enough biological information is available. In each case, the regulatory processes for the biological function under consideration were found to hinge on post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, rather than on the transcriptional regulation by network motifs.

Conclusion
The overabundance of the network motifs does not have any immediate functional or evolutionary counterpart. A likely reason is that motifs within the networks are not isolated, that is, they strongly aggregate and have important edge and/or node sharing with the rest of the network.
Estrogen Modulates Endothelial and Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression via an Estrogen Receptor β-Dependent Mechanism in Hypothalamic Slice Cultures
Authors: Gingerich Sarah , Krukoff Teresa L. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractAlthough it is evident that estrogen has important physiological effects in the brain, the signaling mechanisms mediating these effects remain unclear. We recently showed that estrogen mediates attenuated blood pressure responses to psychological stress in ovariectomized female rats through brain nitric oxide (NO). An area likely to mediate these effects is the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), because here NO exerts inhibitory effects on autonomic output to the periphery. Because little is known about how estrogen acts on the NO system in the PVN, our aim was to study the effects of estrogen on the NO system in the PVN of hypothalamic slices cultures. We show that 17β-estradiol (E2; 1 nm) increases endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) protein expression and decreases the numbers of neuronal NOS (nNOS)-positive neurons in the PVN after 8 and 24 h, respectively. Using the nonselective estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist, ICI 182,780 (10 nm), we determined that E2-induced changes in NOS expression in the PVN are ER dependent. Using the ERβ agonist, genistein (0.1 μm), we determined that activation of ERβ induces increased eNOS expression and a decreased number of nNOS-positive neurons. We used the selective ERα agonist, propyl-pyrazole-triol (10 nm), and antagonist, methyl-piperidino-pyrazole (1 μm), to exclude the possibility that ERα is involved in the E2-induced increase in eNOS and nNOS in the PVN. These results demonstrate that E2 induces changes in NOS expression in the PVN and that these effects are ERβ dependent.
Lithium Acetate-catalyzed Crossed Aldol Reaction between Aldehydes and Trimethylsilyl Enolates Generated from Other Aldehydes
Authors: Kawano Yoshikazu , Fujisawa Hidehiko , Mukaiyama Teruaki 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Crossed aldol reaction between aromatic aldehydes having an electron-withdrawing group and trimethylsilyl enolates generated from several aldehydes proceeded smoothly in dry or water-containing DMF in the presence of a catalytic amount of a Lewis base such as lithium acetate or lithium benzoate. Successive reduction of the produced aldehydes with sodium borohydride (NaBH4) afforded the corresponding 1,3-diols in good to high yields in one-pot.
Preparation of Visible Light-responsive TiO2 Thin Film Photocatalysts by an RF Magnetron Sputtering Deposition Method and Their Photocatalytic Reactivity
Authors: Kitano Masaaki , Takeuchi Masato , Matsuoka Masaya , Thomas John M , Anpo Masakazu 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Visible light-responsive TiO2 (Vis-TiO2) thin films were successfully developed by a radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering deposition method. These Vis-TiO2 thin films exhibited a declined composition of the O/Ti ratio from the surface (O/Ti = 2.00) to bottom (O/Ti = 1.93), enabling the absorption of visible light. Pt-loaded Vis-TiO2 was, thus, found to decompose water involving methanol or a 0.05 M silver nitrate solution under visible light irradiation.
Host to Guest Energy Transfer in a Self-assembled Supramolecular Nanocage Observed by Picosecond Fluorescence Quenching
Authors: Hosoi Haruko , Yamaguchi Shoichi , Tahara Tahei 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
The host–guest energy transfer process in a self-assembled system was investigated by picosecond time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. A self-assembled coordination nanocage (Pd6L4) was photoexcited and the appearance of the fluorescence from an encapsulated guest acridine dye molecule was observed. The time constant (1.3 ns) as well as the efficiency (9%) of the energy transfer from the nanocage to the guest molecule was determined.
Targeted therapy of human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma in vitro by antisense oligonucleotides directed against telomerase reverse transcriptase mRNA
Authors: Tao Zezhang , Chen Shiming , Wu Zhanyuan , Xiao Bokui , Liu Jianfeng , Hou Wei 
Published: March 2005

A number of different approaches have been developed to inhibit telomerase activity in human cancer cells. In this study, the effect of antisense oligonucleotides (ODNs) by targeting human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) mRNA in a laryngeal cancer cell line (Hep-2) was investigated. A 20mer antisense oligodeoxynucleotide targeting the most open part of hTERT mRNA (anti-hTERT) and a mismatched control sequence were synthesized. Cells were treated daily with oligonucleotides for up to 72 hours. hTERT mRNA expression was measured by the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay; telomerase activity by the telomerase PCR ELISA assay kit (TRAP; Boehringer Mannheim, GmbH, Mannheim, Germany). Cell viability after administration of ODNs was determined using the MTT assay. Morphological changes were examined by haematoxylin and eosin staining. The cell cycle was analyzed using flow cytometry. It was found that antisense treatment induced a decrease in hTERT mRNA expression, telomerase activity, cell growth rate, cell viability, and an increase in apoptosis. The results suggest that inhibition of telomerase activity in Hep-2 cells by short-term antisense treatment against the mRNA of hTERT results in apoptotic cell death. The treatment with anti-hTERT may be useful as a treatment modality for laryngeal squamous carcinoma.
A New Roof Grid to Cover a Large Area: The Vierendeel Solution
Authors: Escrig F. , Sánchez J. 
Published: March 2005

When we planned to solve a great roof with a tubular grid by means of rigid joints instead of pinned connections we thought that the main problem could be local tension concentrations and then proposed detailed analysis as well as model test to determine if the plastic concentration around the welded joints was dangerous. The model never was constructed but the considerations achieved by means of the analysis resulted in a new design that represents advances in the state of the art. In this paper we discuss the problems found in the construction, welding and stress distribution studied by different methods, mainly by Finite Element Method and full scale tests. Finally the constructed grid structure confirmed our suppositions and we arrived at the conclusion of the good behaviour of the selected mesh. In addition we show the complete process of works from the beginning to the final finished roof.
Major pelvic fractures
Authors: O’Sullivan R. E. M. , White T. O. , Keating J. F. 
Published: March 2005

The identification of high-risk factors in patients with fractures of the pelvis at the time of presentation would facilitate investigation and management. In a series of 174 consecutive patients with unstable fractures of the pelvic ring, clinical data were used to calculate the injury severity score (ISS), the triage-revised trauma score (T-RTS), and the Glasgow coma scale (GCS). The morphology of the fracture was classified according to the AO system and that of Burgess et al. The data were analysed using univariate and multivariate methods in order to determine which presenting features were identified with high risk.Univariate analysis showed an association between mortality and an ISS over 25, a T-RTS below eight, age over 65 years, systolic blood pressure under 100 mmHg, a GCS of less than 8, blood transfusion of more than ten units in the first 24 hours and colloid infusion of more than six litres in the first 24 hours. Multivariate analysis showed that age, T-RTS and ISS were independent determinants of mortality. A T-RTS of eight or less identified the cohort of patients at greatest risk (65%). The morphology of the fracture was not predictive of mortality. We recommend the use of the T-RTS in the acute situation in order to identify patients at high risk.
Tenascin‐X deficiency in autosomal recessive Ehlers–Danlos syndrome
Authors: Lindor Noralane M. , Bristow James 
Published: March 2005

AbstractWe present two unrelated individuals with complete deficiency of tenascin‐X, resulting in an autosomal recessive form of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS). Consistent with the original description of tenascin‐X deficiency, these individuals had marked skin hyperextensibility, easy bruising, and joint laxity. Unlike classical EDS they did not have atrophic scarring or poor wound healing. Significant medical problems occurring in these individuals included severe diverticular intestinal disease, mitral valve prolapse requiring valve replacement, and obstructive airway disease. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of the subchondral bone layer of the medial coronoid process of the canine ulna
Authors: Wolschrijn Claudia F. , Weijs Wim A. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe medial coronoid process (MCP) of the ulna takes part in the weight‐bearing function of the elbow in quadrupedal animals. In this study, the timing of development of a solid subchondral bone layer (SBL) of the MCP in the dog is investigated, as this might be important in the pathogenesis of the fractured medial coronoid process, a common disease in young dogs of larger breeds. The SBL is considered to make an important contribution to the strength of the MCP. In this study, the SBL is visualized at the humeral articular side (H‐side) and in the radial notch (RN) via three‐dimensional reconstructions of micro‐CT scans (34 μm voxel size) in nine young golden retrievers. After micro‐CT scanning, the area was investigated histologically. Gradually, the appearance of the SBL on the H‐side changes from a trabecular aspect to an even surface with gaps and finally to a completely even surface. The surface in the RN is still rough at 24 weeks after birth, although some consolidation has occurred. Initially, the enchondral ossification activity, as observed in the histological sections, is high, but later, when the intertrabecular spaces are filled in with calcified cartilage and bone, activity is less evident. Some vessels penetrated the SBL, but it is unclear if they account for all the gaps in the surface seen in micro‐CT. In addition, the formation of a cortical structure of the proximal ulnar shaft could be visualized. The bony cortex is already even at the mediocaudal side of the proximal ulna 4 weeks after birth, but remains trabecular at the dorsal side until 6 weeks later. We hypothesize that the observed differences in the formation of an even SBL or cortex can be explained by mechanical factors. A smooth cortical layer has an even thickness and will be stronger than a cortex with varying thickness. In the MCP, compressive forces exerted by the humerus may be responsible for the early smoothening on the H‐side. In the proximal ulna, the resistance to bending in the sagittal plane will depend mainly on the caudal surface of the ulna (and dorsal surface of the radius), surfaces furthest away from the neutral axis. At least the caudal ulna smoothened first, thus providing stiffness against bending at an early age. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of alveolar bone Sharpey's fibers during experimental tooth movement in the rat
Authors: Johnson Roger B. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThere is little information concerning the effects of tooth movement on the relative synthesis of bone matrix and Sharpey's fiber collagenous proteins. The purpose of this study was to investigate this situation using radioautographic techniques. The maxillary first molar tooth in rats was tipped toward the midline using an appliance and the animals were injected with 3H‐proline after 3 days and sacrificed 24 hr later. Maxillae were sectioned and silver grain proportional areas (grain density/5,000 μm2) evaluated over Sharpey's fibers and adjacent alveolar bone matrix using computerized densitometry and histomorphometric techniques. These data were compared to a group of untreated animals by Fisher's exact test. At depository surfaces of experimental tissues, the silver grain proportional area over bone matrix was significantly greater than over Sharpey's fibers (P < 0.05) and control bone matrix (P < 0.01). The silver grain proportional area over Sharpey's fibers was not different between the groups. At resorptive surfaces, the silver grain proportional area over both bone matrix and Sharpey's fibers was significantly greater in experimental tissues compared to controls (P < 0.01). Thus, movements of adjacent teeth affect both the quantity and ratios of collagenous protein incorporation into Sharpey's fibers and adjacent alveolar bone, which is dependent on the intensity and characteristics of the force. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1‐ and 2‐activated neurons in the rat periaqueductal gray matter after noxious stimulation
Authors: Gioia Magda , Moscheni Claudia , Gagliano Nicoletta 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe periaqueductal gray matter (PAG), the midbrain region made up of neuronal columns encircling the cerebral aqueduct, plays a key role in nociception. As the extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERKs) 1 and 2 are activated after noxious stimulation, we analyzed the distribution of ERK‐activated neurons in the PAG after visceral noxious stimulation. Ether‐ and urethane‐anesthetized rats received an intraperitoneal injection of acetic acid or were left untreated and were perfused after 2 hr. Serial sections immunoreacted with an antibody selective for the activated ERKs. Significant ERK activation occurred only in the ether‐anesthetized noxious stimulated rats. In these rats, we evaluated the number of ERK‐activated neurons and their density as the ratio of the number of immunolabeled neurons to the extension of the region where they were located. ERK‐activated neurons were more numerous in the lateral (LPAG) and ventrolateral (VLPAG) columns, but without significant differences. No ERK activation was seen in neurons of the most rostral PAG. The ERK‐activated neurons were significantly denser at the intermediate level of the PAG. At the caudal level, they were denser in the LPAG and VLPAG columns, and in the DPAG column at the intermediate and rostral level. These findings suggest that noxious stimulation activates ERKs in neurons involved in the different functional activities related to nociception, overlapping in the PAG columns, and strengthens the role of PAG in integration. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.