bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developmental‐ and tissue‐specific expression of an inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1 homologue from Aedes triseriatus mosquitoes
Authors: Blitvich B. J. , Blair C. D. , Kempf B. J. , Hughes M. T. , Black W. C. , Mackie R. S. , Meredith C. T. , Beaty B. J. , Rayms‐Keller A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe have identified a homologue of the Drosophila inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1 in Aedes triseriatus mosquitoes (designated AtIAP1). The AtIAP1 gene maps to a single locus on chromosome 2. The translation product is a 403 amino acid protein that contains two baculovirus IAP repeat (BIR) domains and a RING finger motif. AtIAP1 mRNA was detectable by RT‐PCR amplification in all the mosquito developmental stages (embryos, first–fourth instar larvae, early and late pupae, adults) and adult tissues (midguts, ovaries) examined. In contrast, immunoblots with AtIAP1‐specific antibodies revealed that the protein was detectable only in certain developmental stages (first instar larvae, early pupae, adults) and tissues (ovaries). AtIAP1‐specific serum also recognized proteins in Ae. aegypti, Ae. albopictus and Culex tritaeniorhynchus. Immunoblot analysis revealed that similar amounts of IAP1 were expressed in LaCrosse virus infected and uninfected Ae. albopictus cell cultures.
Molecular cloning and characterization of the cathepsin B‐like proteinase from the cotton boll worm, Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Zhao X.‐F. , Wang J.‐X. , Xu X.‐L. , Schmid R. , Wieczorek H. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAn enzyme purified from the ovaries of Helicoverpa armigera, as an active form with molecular mass of 30 kDa on SDS‐PAGE, was identified as a cysteine proteinase because it could be inhibited by E‐64, a specific inhibitor of cysteine proteinase, and required reducing conditions for activity. This enzyme was further identified as a cathepsin B‐like cysteine proteinase by partial amino acid sequencing. A cDNA encoding this proteinase was cloned from H. armigera, using degenerate primers and RACE techniques. Results of Northern blots indicated that the mRNA encoding the proteinase was transcribed in the ovaries, the fat bodies of female and male adults, pupae and in the larvae. No mRNA was detected from the larval epidermis or from the midgut. Hence, transcription of the cathepsin B‐like cysteine proteinase from H. armigera was tissue‐specific, but not gender‐ or developmental stage‐specific. However, proteolytic activities were only detected from ovaries, and adult female and male fat bodies. No activity was observed from pupal and larval fat bodies, from the larval epidermis or from the midgut. Only one form of mRNA of ≈ 1100 bases was detected, and in situ hybridization showed that the transcripts were distributed in the adult female fat bodies, follicular cells and the oocytes. Since the proteinase expressed in ovaries was able to degrade vitellin in vitro, it may be involved in the degradation of vitellin during embryonic development.
A comparison of MTA, Super‐EBA, composite and amalgam as root‐end filling materials using a bacterial microleakage model
Authors: Adamo H. L. , Buruiana R. , Schertzer L. , Boylan R. J. 
Published: March 2003

Aim The aim of this study was to compare traditional and newly developed root‐end filling materials for resistance to bacterial microleakage.Methodology Sixty extracted single‐rooted teeth were randomly divided into five groups for root‐end filling with mineral trioxide aggregate, Super‐EBA, TPH composite resin with ProBond dentine bonding agent, Dispersalloy amalgam with and without ProBond, and positive and negative control groups. Root canals were instrumented using the step‐back technique and simulated root‐end resections performed. Root‐end filling materials were placed in 3 mm ultrasonic retropreparations. Nail varnish was applied to all external root surfaces to the level of the resected root ends to prevent lateral microleakage. Samples were sterilized in an ethylene oxide sterilizer for 12 h. Using a newlydesigned model system, the apical 3–4 mm of the roots were immersed in BHI culture medium with phenol red indicator within culture chambers. The coronal access of each specimen was inoculated every 48 h with a suspension of Streptococcus salivarius. Culture media were observed every 24 h for colour change indicating bacterial contamination. Media demonstrating colour change were plated for S. salivarius. Samples were observed for 12 weeks.Results At 4 weeks 10% of specimens from each experimental group had evidence of leakage. At 8 weeks 20% of specimens filled with amalgam without dentine bonding agent, Super‐EBA and MTA had evidence of leakage. At 12 weeks minor differences between materials were noted.Conclusions Under the conditions of the study, despite some variations, there were no statistically significant differences in rate of microleakage among the five groups tested at either 4, 8 or 12 weeks.
Assessment of apical and coronal root canal seals using contemporary endodontic obturation and restorative materials and techniques
Authors: Davalou S. , Gutmann J. L. , Nunn M. H. 
Published: March 2003

Aim The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sealing ability of two contemporary endodontic obturation and restorative techniques and materials.Methodology Seventy‐nine extracted human single‐rooted teeth were distributed randomly in two experimental groups of 36 and 37 specimens (groups 1 and 2, respectively), one group of three positive controls and one of three negative controls. The teeth were radiographed preoperatively, accessed, and instrumented. After smear layer removal, the teeth in group 1 were obturated using the System B and Obtura and were restored coronally with Core Paste using Tenure as a bonding agent. The teeth in group 2 were obturated using the Microseal technique and were restored coronally with amalgam using Panavia 21 as a bonding agent. All teeth in groups 1 and 2 were coated with three layers of nail varnish on all of their surfaces apart from the apical 4.0 mm and the coronalarea above the cemento‐enamel junction. The positive control teeth were obturated, restored coronally and completely coated with varnish, whereas the negative control teeth were not obturated, restored coronally, nor coated with varnish. The teeth were radiographed postoperatively and retained in saline solution for 10 days. For the next 10 days they were submerged in India ink. Subsequently all teeth were demineralized, dehydrated and rendered transparent. Dye penetration was measured using a stereomicroscope.Results All materials and techniques provided minimal to zero dye penetration, apart from one specimen in the Core Paste group that showed 4.0 mm of dye penetration. The Wilcoxon rank sum test and t‐test showed no statistically significant differences and all materials and techniques tested presented with a high degree of acceptability.Conclusions It was concluded that these contemporary techniques and materials provide equally good results, but long‐term studies are needed for outright inferences to be drawn relative to their clinical performance.
Comparative radiopacity of tetracalcium phosphate and other root‐end filling materials
Authors: Laghios C. D. , Benson B. W. , Gutmann J. L. , Cutler C. W. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAimThis study compared the radiopacity of tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) and 11 root‐end filling materials relative to human dentine.MethodologySpecimens of 2 mm thickness and a graduated aluminium stepwedge were placed on dental X‐ray films and exposed to an X‐ray beam. The optical densities of the specimens and aluminium steps were measured. The optical densities of the specimens were correlated to the equivalent thickness of aluminium with a regression analysis equation. The equation was used to calculate the equivalent aluminium thickness of each of the specimens.ResultsNine of the materials were found to be of acceptable radiopacity (at least 2 mm Al more radiopaque than dentine). TCCP and two of the glass‐ionomer compounds were found to have insufficient radiopacity to be radiographically distinguishable from human dentine.ConclusionsAll the materials were found to be distinguishable radiographically from dentine, except for Vitrebond, TTCP and Ketac‐Fil. Amalgam was the most radiopaque material and Ketac‐Fil was the least radiopaque material tested.
Canal shapes produced sequentially during instrumentation with Quantec SC rotary nickel–titanium instruments: a study in simulated canals
Authors: Griffiths I. T. , Chassot A. L. , Nascimento M. F. , Bryant S. T. , Dummer P. M. H. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to determine the shaping ability of Quantec SC nickel–titanium rotary instruments in simulated root canals.MethodologyForty simulated canals consisting of four different shapes in terms of angle and position of curvature were prepared with Quantec SC instruments. Sequential still images were taken of the canals using a video camera attached to a computer with image analysis software. Images were taken preoperatively, and then after instrument 7 (Size 25, 0.05 taper), instrument 8 (size 25, 0.06 taper), and instrument 10 (size 45, 0.02 taper) were taken to length. Each sequential postoperative image was superimposed individually over the preoperative image in order to highlight the amount and position of material removed during preparation.ResultsOverall, the mean preparation time to size 10 was 3.6 min with 12 mm canals taking on average less time than 8 mm canals. There was a highly significant difference between the canal types (P < 0.0001). No instruments fractured within the canal or deformed, although one instrument separated from the latch grip. All canals remained patent. Following preparation to size 10, 19 canals (48%) retained their length, eight (20%) lost length, and 13 (32%) gained length; the magnitude of the change in length was always 0.5 mm or below. Following preparation to size 7 instruments all canals showed aberrant shapes. Excess removal of material along the outer aspect of the curve between the beginning of the curve and the end‐point (outer widening) was found in 26 canals (65%) after instrument 7. At the same stage of preparation six canals (15%) had zips, three (8%) had ledges and five (13%) had perforations. Following preparation to size 10, 27 (68%) canals were perforated.ConclusionsUnder the conditions of the study, Quantec SC instruments consistently produced aberrations when canals were enlarged to size 7 (size 25, 0.05 taper) or above. Care should be exercised when using these instruments in real teeth.
Control of microorganisms in vitro by calcium hydroxide pastes
Authors: Estrela C. , Bammann L. L. , Pimenta F. C. , Pécora J. D. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to determine the influence of vehicles on the antimicrobial efficiency of calcium hydroxide.MethodologyA total of 588 size 50 sterile absorbent paper points, were immersed in various microbial suspensions for 3 min. The points were then placed on Petri dishes and covered with intracanal dressings containing calcium hydroxide: Ca(OH)2 + saline; Ca(OH)2+ camphorated paramonochlorophenol; Ca(OH)2 + 1% chlorhexidine solution; Ca(OH)2 + 3% sodium lauryl sulphate; Ca(OH)2 + Otosporin®. After 1 min, 48 and 72 h and 7 days, 147 absorbent paper cones were removed from contact with the intracanal dressings and individually transported and immersed in 5 mL of Letheen Broth, followed by incubation at 37 °C for 48 h. Microbial growth was evaluated by turbidity of the culture medium. A 0.1‐mL inoculum obtained from the Letheen Broth was transferred to 5 mL of BHI, and incubated at 37 °C for 48 h. Bacterial growth was again evaluated by turbidity of the culture medium. Positive BHI tubes were selected and inocula were spread on the surface of BHI agar and incubated at 37 °C for 48 h. Gram staining of the BHI growth and from colonies growing on BHI agar was carried out.ResultsAn antimicrobial effect occurred after 48 h on the cultures of S. mutans, E. faecalis, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis, C. albicans and a mixed culture, irrespective of the intracanal dressing.ConclusionsUnder the conditions of this study, the various vehicles associated with calcium hydroxide pastes did not influence the time required for microbial inactivation.
Bacteria on the apical root surfaces of untreated teeth with periradicular lesions: a scanning electron microscopy study
Authors: Siqueira J. F. , Lopes H. P. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAim The purpose of this study was to examine the presence of bacteria on the apical root surfaces of untreated teeth associated with chronic periradicular lesions.Methodology  Twenty‐seven extracted teeth with extensive carious lesions, radiolucent lesions of varying sizes and attached periradicular lesions after extraction, were selected for study. Following fixation, lesions were removed and the apical 5‐mm portion of each root was sectioned. Root tips were dehydrated, sputter‐coated with gold, and then examined for the occurrence of bacteria on the apical root surfaces using a scanning electron microscope.Results Bacterial cells were usually observed close to the apical foramen, but restricted to the root canal. Morphologically, these bacteria consisted of cocci and rods. A dense bacterial aggregate composed mainly of rods was observed within the root canal and surrounding the apical foramen of one specimen. Beyond the apical foramen, other bacterial morphological types were recognized, including coaggregations of cocci and filaments, characterizing a fully developed ‘corn cob’.Conclusions Extraradicular bacteria were observed in one tooth out of 27 (4% of the cases).
Isolation of yeasts and enteric bacteria in root‐filled teeth with chronic apical periodontitis
Authors: Peciuliene V. , Reynaud A. H. , Balciuniene I. , Haapasalo M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study was to determine the occurrence and role of yeasts, enteric gram‐negative rods and Enterococcus species in root‐filled teeth with chronic apical periodontitis, and the antimicrobial effect of iodine potassium iodide (IKI) irrigation.MethodologyForty symptom‐free root‐filled teeth with chronic apical periodontitis were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups. In group A the canals were filled with calcium hydroxide for 10–14 days after cleaning and shaping; in group B the canals were irrigated with IKI for 5 min after cleaning and shaping followed by a permanent root filling. Microbiological samples were taken from the canals before and after the chemomechanical preparation and after iodine irrigation (group B).ResultsMicrobes were isolated from 33 of 40 teeth in the initial sampling. Yeasts were isolated from six teeth, three of them together with E. faecalis. Enteric rods (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis) were present in three teeth and E. faecalis was isolated from 21 of the 33 culture positive teeth, 11 in pure culture. Growth was detected in 10 teeth of the second samples. Six of the 10 cases were E. faecalis, with five being a pure culture. All third samples (after IKI) except one were negative. The number of microbial cells per sample did not correlate with lesion size. Two flare‐ups were recorded, both in teeth with a mixed infection.ConclusionThe high prevalence of enteric bacteria and yeasts in root‐filled teeth with chronic apical periodontitis was established. IKI improved the antimicrobial effect of the treatment.
Curved molar root canal preparations using Hero 642 rotary nickel–titanium instruments
Authors: Bertrand M‐F. , Lupi‐Pégurier L. , Médioni E. , Muller M. , Bolla M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAimThe Bramante method was used to study how the natural curvature of root canals was modified when using the Hero 642 nickel–titanium rotary system.MethodologyTwenty‐four canals were selected in freshly extracted human mandibular molars. Every root canal had an angle of curvature greater than 20°. Roots were embedded in clear casting resin using a plaster mould. Cross‐sectional cuts were made in the apical, middle and coronal thirds of each root. A first group (control) of 12 curved root canals was prepared using stainless steel hand instruments and the step‐back technique. A second group of 12 curved root canals was instrumented using the Hero sequence according to the manufacturer's instructions. For each sectioning level, the amount of dentine removed, the change of shape factor and the canal centre displacement were calculated with the aid of a digital image analysis system. The results were subjected to the Mann–Whitney U‐test.ResultsNo significant difference occurred in the amount of dentine removed, change of shape factor or canal centre displacement in the coronal and middle thirds of the curved canals. In the apical third, transportation was significantly higher (P = 0.0171) with stainless steel hand instruments than with the Hero system.ConclusionsThe original canal shape was maintained better in the apical third of curved canals when using the Hero system in a crown‐down technique when compared to a hand preparation technique with stainless steel instruments.
Evaluation of the acrosome reaction and viability in buffalo spermatozoa using two staining methods: the effects of heparin and calcium ionophore A23187
Authors: Kitiyanant Y. , Chaisalee B. , Pavasuthipaisit K. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryIn this study, we investigated the effect of heparin and calcium ionophore A23187 on in vitro induction of buffalo sperm acrosome reaction (AR). Two methods for detection of the AR and viability were employed. Fluorescein isothiocyanate‐conjugated Arachis hypogea agglutinin (FITC‐PNA) was used as a vital stain in combination with ethidium homodimer‐1 (EthD‐1) to determine the acrosome status of viable spermatozoa. In another experiment, trypan blue replaced EthD‐1 to differentiate live and dead spermatozoa having undergone AR. The results from the two methods were significantly correlated (r > 0.9). Four different staining patterns were found in both methods. The FITC‐PNA intensely labels the acrosome region of acrosome‐intact spermatozoa. EthD‐1 and trypan blue stained red and blue at the post‐acrosomal region of dead spermatozoa, respectively. Spermatozoa incubated with heparin showed a significant increase ( p < 0.05) in the percentage of live acrosome‐reacted sperm after 30 min incubation period. This trend continued and was significantly different over the entire incubation period when compared with the control group at the same interval. In the ionophore‐treated group, the proportion of changes in live acrosome‐intact and live acrosome‐reacted spermatozoa was statistically significantly different ( p < 0.001) when compared with those treated with heparin at the same interval. The AR occurred sooner and to a greater extent when incubated with the ionophore but at 5 h of incubation the percentage of false acrosomal reaction was significantly higher than those in the control and heparin‐treated groups. The results in this study indicated that the in vitro induction of AR by heparin and calcium ionophore evaluated by both methods could be used to assess sperm fertilizing capacity for in vitro fertilization of this species.
Sperm morphology analysis using strict criteria as a prognostic factor in intrauterine insemination
Authors: Lee Robert Kuo‐Kuang , Hou Jen‐Wan , Ho Hsin‐Yi , Hwu Yuh‐Ming , Lin Ming‐Huei , Tsai Yi‐Chun , Su Jin‐Tsung 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe objective of this study was to investigate the predictive value of Kruger's criteria for sperm morphology on intrauterine insemination (IUI) outcome. A total of 209 infertile patients underwent 244 IUI treatment cycles. These include 75 couples (80 cycles) with teratozoospermia and 134 couples (164 cycles) with unexplained infertility. The pregnancy rates per IUI cycle were 3.8 (1/26), 18.5 (10/54) and 29.9% (49/164) in patients with sperm morphology with <4, 4–9 and >9% normal forms, respectively, according to Kruger's criteria. A statistical difference in outcome was seen between couples with <4 and >9% normal forms (p = 0.005). Although the difference in pregnancy rates between those with 4–9 and <4% normal forms was not statistically significant, the pregnancy rate for those with 4–9% normal forms was acceptable and still higher than in those with <4% normal forms. Therefore, we suggest that IUI is a reasonable first‐line therapy for patients with sperm morphology >4% normal forms, while couples with <4% normal forms should be advised to use in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection instead of IUI.
Titration of non‐replicating adenovirus as a vector for transducing active TGF‐β1 gene expression causing inflammation and fibrogenesis in the lungs of C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Warshamana G. Sakuntala , Pociask Derek A. , Fisher Krishna J. , Liu Jing‐Yao , Sime Patricia J. , Brody Arnold R. 
Published: March 2003

Summary.Investigators have shown that interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) can be induced in rats by overexpressing transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF‐β1) through a replication‐deficient recombinant adenovirus vector instilled into the lungs (Sime et al. 1997). We have shown that this vector induces IPF in fibrogenic‐resistant tumour necrosis factor alpha‐receptor knockout (TNF‐αRKO) mice (Liu et al. 2001). The object of our studies is to understand how peptide growth factors, such as TGF‐β1, mediate interstitial lung disease (ILD). To do so, we must be able to manipulate the dose of the factor and sort out its effects on multiple other mediators in the lung parenchyma. As a step in this complex process, in the studies reported here, we have determined the concentrations of the recombinant adenovirus vector carrying the gene for porcine active TGF‐β1 (AVTGFβ1) that have little apparent effect, cause clear induction of disease, or severe disease. The disease largely resolves by 28 days in all cases, thus providing a valuable model to understand the mechanisms of the IPF that is mediated, at least in part, by TGF‐β1. The findings here show that 106 plaque‐forming units (pfu) of AVTGFβ1, provide essentially a ‘no‐effect’ dose, but even this amount of TGF‐β1 causes a significant increase in whole‐lung collagen by day 28 after treatment. In contrast, 108 and 109 pfu cause severe IPF in 4 days, whereas 107 and 5 × 107 are intermediate for all parameters studied, i.e. TGF‐β protein, inflammatory cells, cell proliferation, pro‐α 1(I) collagen gene expression and whole‐lung collagen accumulation, and expression of growth factors such as TGF‐β1, TNF‐α and PDGF‐A and ‐B. Interestingly enough, TGF‐β1, as a potent blocker of epithelial cell proliferation, appears to suppress airway epithelial cell growth that would be expected during the inflammatory phase of IPF. Thus, this model system helps us to understand some quantitative aspects of TGF‐β1 biological activity and allows us to manipulate this potent factor as a mediator of interstitial fibrogenesis.
ORAL HEALTH ADVICE: REPORTED EXPERIENCE OF MOTHERS OF CHILDREN AGED 5 YEARS AND UNDER REFERRED FOR EXTRACTION OF TEETH UNDER GENERAL ANAESTHESIA
Authors: Hunter  , Hood  , Hunter  , Kingdon  
Published: March 2003

Aims. To examine the reported receipt of oral health education among mothers of children who required the extraction of teeth under general anaesthesia. Design. Cross‐sectional study using questionnaires completed at interview. Sample. 150 mothers of children aged 5 or younger who had been referred for extraction of teeth under general anaesthesia. Setting. Dental School, University of Wales College of Medicine. Results. 27% of mothers recalled receiving advice from their dentist about dental care during their pregnancy. With regard to their child’s oral health, 48% had received dietary advice and 31% oral hygiene advice from the same source. All children lived in areas with suboptimal water fluoride levels; 27% of mothers had been advised by their dentist to give their child fluoride supplements. Few of the mothers recalled receiving advice about oral health from their health visitor.