bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro cytotoxicity of a composite resin and compomer
Authors: Quinlan C. A. , Zisterer D. M. , Tipton K. F. , O'Sullivan M. I. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAim This work was designed to investigate the potential cytotoxicity of two of the newer dental restorative materials, Spectrum® composite resin and Dyract® AP compomer.Methodology Cultured human endothelial cells (ECV‐304) were exposed to each of the restorative materials through a 70‐µm dentine barrier to simulate the in vivo clinical situation. Cell viability was measured by the MTT (3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and lactate dehydrogenase release assay. The effects of different extents of light‐curing were also examined by microscopic examination of stained human promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL‐60). Caspase‐3 activation was determined as a measure of apoptotic cell death.Results Assessment of cellular viability indicated that both materials cause cell death, with Spectrum® being the more toxic. The cytotoxicity was considerably increased in the absence of the dentine barrier. Direct exposure to Spectrum® for 12 h resulted in the death of 69% of the cells after full light‐curing (78% of total death was by apoptosis) and 96% after partial light‐curing (73% of total death was by necrosis). Assessment of caspase activation, in the absence of the dentine barrier, showed that longer curing‐times resulted in an increase in the proportion of the cells dying through apoptosis, rather than necrosis, for both materials tested.Conclusions These results indicate the restorative materials to be potentially toxic, particularly if the degree of light‐cure is inadequate.
Prevalence of yeasts in saliva and root canals of teeth associated with apical periodontitis
Authors: Egan M. W. , Spratt D. A. , Ng Y.‐L. , Lam J. M. , Moles D. R. , Gulabivala K. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Egan MW, Spratt DA, Ng Y‐L, Lam JM, Moles DR, Gulabivala K. Prevalence of yeasts in saliva and root canals of teeth associated with apical periodontitis. International Endodontic Journal, 35, 321–329, 2002.Aims To determine: (i) the relative prevalence and diversity of yeasts in salivary and root canal samples from the same patients; and (ii) the clinical factors associated with their presence in saliva and root canals.Methodology Sixty root canal samples from teeth associated apical periodontitis and the corresponding whole unstimulated saliva samples were obtained from 55 patients. The medical history including antibiotic therapy and clinical/radiographic data on the teeth were recorded. The samples were serially diluted and cultured on yeast & fungi‐selective sabouraud dextrose agar. Isolates were characterized and speciated by the germ tube formation test, hyphal morphology and a commercial biochemical test kit (Rapid ID32C® system).Results Twenty‐three yeast isolates were recovered from 19 saliva samples and eight isolates from six root canal samples. Candida albicans (17/23 & 3/8) and Rodotorula mucilaginosa (2/23 & 4/8) were the most prevalent isolates from saliva and root canal samples. It was significantly (13.8 times) more probable that yeasts would be recovered from root canals when they were also present in the saliva (P = 0.021). The effect of coronal restoration leakage (P = 0.08) and previous root canal treatment (P = 0.123) were equivocal. The history of antibiotic therapy had no association with the presence of yeasts in saliva (OR = 1.1).Conclusions Yeasts occurred relatively infrequently (10%) in root canals. Their presence in root canals was significantly associated with their presence in saliva. The role of yeasts in the initiation and perpetuation of periapical disease remains to be determined.
Papilla base incision: a new approach to recession‐free healing of the interdental papilla after endodontic surgery
Authors: Velvart P. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAim The purpose of the present study was to describe and evaluate a new incision technique: the papilla base incision.Methodology Twenty healthy patients referred for surgical treatment of persisting apical periodontitis, who were free of periodontal disease and had intact interdental papillae were included in the study. The preoperative papilla height was recorded by measuring the distance between the contact point and the most coronal point of the papilla. The papilla base flap, consisting of the papilla base incision and two releasing incisions, was used to expose the bone. The papilla base incision consisted of a shallow first incision at the base of the papilla and a second incision directed to the crestal bone, creating a split thickness flap in the area of the papilla base. Further apically a full thickness flap was raised. Following standard root‐end resection and filling, flap closure was achieved with microsurgical sutures. The papilla base incision was sutured with 2–3 interrupted sutures, which were removed 3–5 days after the surgery. The experimental sites were evaluated at the conclusion of the surgery, at suture removal and after 1 month, and compared to the preoperative findings. The healing pattern, complications and postoperative recession were recorded. The experimental sites were observed with a × 3 magnification and graded as to whether a visible scar resulting from the incision could be detected. Twenty experimental sites were analysed.Results Complete closure of the wound was achieved in all cases after surgery. Except for four patients with delayed healing at suture removal, all other patients displayed rapid healing. No noticeable space was created beneath the contact point area. The change in distance between the reference point and the most coronal point of the papilla comparing the preoperative and the one‐month postoperative situation was 0.05 ± 0.39 mm. The probing depth remained within normal limits. One month postoperatively, observation of the incision demonstrated: four sites with a visible incision line (grade 1), in seven sites the incision defect could be partially detected (grade 2) and nine incisions could not be detected (grade 3).Conclusions In patients with healthy marginal periodontal conditions the papilla base incision allows rapid and predictable recession‐free healing following marginal surgical exposure of the soft tissues. One month postoperatively the majority of the incisions were completely or partially invisible. Long‐term healing will be studied.
Interactive effect of semen and cervical mucus quality on postcoital test outcome: analysis from an andrological point of view
Authors: Francavilla F. , Romano R. , LA Verghetta G. , Bontempo G. , Santucci R. , Necozione S. , Francavilla S. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThis study analysed the relationship between semen quality and the postcoital test (PCT) outcome in 616 couples, especially focusing on the interactive effect of semen and cervical mucus quality. When PCTs performed in the presence of unfavourable mucus were excluded, a significant correlation was found between semen parameters and PCT outcome. In oligo/asthenozoospermia, 46.7% of PCT outcomes were negative, while the remaining were positive. Notably, in the presence of an optimal mucus score, 39% of PCT outcomes were good (≥7 forward motile spermatozoa/high power field). In normozoospermia, 16% of PCT were negative. A suboptimal cervical mucus quality significantly affected the PCT outcome in the presence of oligo/asthenozoospermia, but not in normozoospermia.In couples with repeated PCT, a better mucus score was associated with a significant improvement of the PCT outcome. When the outcome of two PCTs performed in the same couples with an unmodified mucus score was compared, a good consistency of the results was observed. In conclusion, the PCT can provide information in additional to that obtained from conventional semen analysis, as the interactive effect of semen/cervical mucus cannot be accurately inferred from the separate evaluation of the two members of a couple.
Delayed toxicity of cyclophosphamide on the bladder of DBA / 2 and C57BL / 6 female mouse
Authors: ANTON ELSA 
Published: March 2003

Summary The present study describes the delayed development of a severe bladder pathology in a susceptible strain of mice (DBA/2) but not in a resistant strain (C57BL/6) when both were treated with a single 300 mg/kg dose of cyclophosphamide (CY). Inbred DBA/2 and C57BL/6 female mice were injected with CY, and the effect of the drug on the bladder was assessed during 100 days by light microscopy using different staining procedures, and after 30 days by conventional electron microscopy. Early CY toxicity caused a typical haemorrhagic cystitis in both strains that was completely repaired in about 7–10 days. After 30 days of CY injection ulcerous and non‐ulcerous forms of chronic cystitis appeared in 86% of DBA/2 mice but only in 4% of C57BL/6 mice. Delayed cystitis was characterized by infiltration and transepithelial passage into the lumen of inflammatory cells and by frequent exfoliation of the urothelium. Mast cells appeared in the connective and muscular layers of the bladder at a much higher number in DBA/2 mice than in C57BL/6 mice or untreated controls. Electron microscopy disclosed the absence of the typical discoidal vesicles normally present in the cytoplasm of surface cells. Instead, numerous abnormal vesicles containing one or several dark granules were observed in the cytoplasm of cells from all the epithelial layers. Delayed cystitis still persisted in DBA/2 mice 100 days after treatment. These results indicate that delayed toxicity of CY in female DBA/2 mice causes a bladder pathology that is not observed in C57BL/6 mice. This pathology resembles interstitial cystitis in humans and could perhaps be used as an animal model for studies on the disease.
Use of gamma‐irradiation and sulphur dioxide to improve storability of two Syrian grape cultivars (Vitis vinifera)
Authors: Al‐Bachir  
Published: March 2003

The feasibility of using gamma‐irradiation and sulphur dioxide to control post‐harvest diseases and to extend the shelf‐life of table grapes in cold storage (1–2 °C) was studied using two cultivars of grapes local to Syria (Baladi and Helwani). The experiment took 2 years. In the first year the clusters of both cultivars were subjected to one of the following treatments, irradiation with 1.0 kGy of gamma‐rays, sulphur dioxide (3 g of Na2S2O5 per 5‐kg cluster) or a combination of both 1.0 kGy of gamma‐irradiation and sulphur dioxide. In the second year clusters of Baladi cv. were treated with 1.5 kGy of gamma‐radiation, sulphur dioxide, and a combination of 1.5 kGy of gamma‐radiation and sulphur dioxide, whereas clusters of Helwani cv. were treated with 0.5 kGy of gamma‐radiation, sulphur dioxide, and a combination of 0.5 kGy of gamma‐irradiation and sulphur dioxide. Treated and untreated clusters were kept in cold storage. With the exception of Helwani cv. produced in the first year and treated with sulphur dioxide, the results indicated that separate application of sulphur dioxide and gamma‐radiation reduced the rotting induced by Botrytis cinerea. Gamma‐irradiation in combination with sulphur dioxide was the best method of preserving the two varieties of table grapes.
Monitoring thermally induced conformational changes in bovine muscle myosin solutions by competitive indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (Ci‐ELISA)
Authors: Lee Ju‐Woon , Park Jong‐Heum , Kim Cheon‐Jei , Shin Heuyn‐Kil 
Published: March 2003

Competitive indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (Ci‐ELISA), using antibodies against myosin whole molecules (MWMS) and the myosin subfragments, heavy meromyosin S‐1 and light meromyosin (LMM), has been used to monitor the conformational change of bovine myosin on heating. The immune affinity of all antibodies for myosin heated at designated temperatures (37–100 °C) suggested structural changes to myosin in two stages; in the initial stage, 40–55 °C, the immune affinity increased; in the second stage, 55 °C and above, the immune affinity decreased sharply. The immune affinity of anti‐MWM immunoglobulin G (IgG) increased relative to the control (37 °C) in the initial stage, with maxima at 45 and 55 °C. Anti‐S‐1 IgG bound to myosin heated at 40–60 °C better than to the control (P < 0.05), and anti‐LMM IgG demonstrated an increase in immune affinity from 37 °C to 50 °C. There was no significant change in immune affinity above 80 °C. Conformational change in myosin was pH dependent; conformational changes began at lower temperatures with reduced pH. S‐1 was affected more by pH than either MWMs or LMM.
The effect of pre‐treatment on the strength and dehulling properties of pigeonpea grain
Authors: Phirke Prabhakar S. , Bhole Nivrutti G. 
Published: March 2003

Summary The effect of different pre‐treatments, i.e. grain scarification, chemical treatment and hot milling, on the strength and dehulling properties of pigeonpea grain was studied by measurement of the forces required for removal of the seed coat from cotyledons and of cotyledons from each other. The dehulling index, dehulling time, product recovery and amount of intact pearled grain were determined after dehulling the pre‐treated grain. The results revealed that a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in seed coat adhesion could be obtained by urea treated scarified grain when hot milled. This, in turn, increased the dehulling index for both the cultivars studied, with subsequent reduction in dehulling time, resulting in a high product recovery of about 81%, and an increased quantity of intact pearled grain of about 39%.
Physical characterization of thermally induced networks of lupin protein isolates prepared by isoelectric precipitation and dialysis
Authors: Kiosseoglou Antonios , Doxastakis Georgios , Alevisopoulos Stefan , Kasapis Stefan 
Published: March 2003

Summary Protein isolates of Lupinus albus were obtained from full fat and defatted lupin flour using isoelectric precipitation or dialysis. Calorimetric tests demonstrated that the main protein fractions of the isolates denature well below 100 °C. Mechanical spectra of isolate dispersions obtained at 80 °C indicated the formation of a ‘pseudogel’ whose cohesion increased during cooling to 10 °C. Subsequent heating to 90 °C encouraged extensive formation of disulphide bonds as it produced gels that were insoluble in sodium dodecyl sulphate and urea solutions. Dialysis produced isolates of lower gelling concentrations, which also formed networks of a stronger relative elastic character. The presence of NaCl at concentrations up to 0.5 m had a reinforcing effect on networks. Protein over‐aggregation caused the opposite effect at higher salt levels. Finally, a comparison with results in the literature on soybean protein gelation suggested similar denaturation temperatures and a common pattern of structure formation for the two legume proteins.
Apparent chemical composition of nine commercial or semi‐commercial whey protein concentrates, isolates and fractions
Authors: Holt Carl , McPhail Deborah , Nevison Ian , Nylander Tommy , Otte Jeanette , Ipsen Richard H. , Bauer Rogert , Ōgendal, Lars , Olieman Kees , de Kruif Kees G. , Léonil Joëlle , Mollé Daniel , Henry Gwénaële , Maubois Jean Louis , Pérez M. Dolores , Puyol Pilar , Calvo Miguel , Bury Stella M. , Kontopidis George , McNae Iain , Sawyer Lindsay , Ragona Laura , Zetta Lucia , Molinari Henriette , Klarenbeek Bert , Jonkman Margrethe J. , Moulin Jacques , Chatterton Dereck 
Published: March 2003

Summary Analytical results are given for whey powders prepared on a commercial or semi‐commercial scale by three companies. Altogether, five preparations enriched in β‐lactoglobulin, four whey protein isolates and a fraction enriched in α‐lactalbumin were analyzed for protein composition, including %β‐lactoglobulin, α‐lactalbumin, bovine serum albumin, casein (glyco) macropeptide and the main triglycerides. Protein composition was determined by high pressure gel permeation and reversed phase liquid chromatography and by capillary zone electrophoresis. The extent of modification of the native β‐lactoglobulin structure was also measured through the degree of lactosylation and the fraction of accessible free sulphydryl groups. One significant finding was that the calculated recovery of protein following quantitation of the chromatogram or electropherogram was seldom above 90% and occasionally below 60% of that loaded onto the column or capillary, raising doubts as to the reliability of the analytical results. Extrapolation by linear regression to 100% recovery allowed estimates to be made of the true β‐lactoglobulin composition of the samples. The nine samples could be placed into three distinct groups with estimated true β‐lactoglobulin weight % of 70.9 ± 1.1, 62.0 ± 3.4 and 39.5 ± 4.9. Physico‐chemical properties of the group of samples are reported elsewhere (Holt et al., 1999).
Is the rate of sulfur‐disulfide exchange between the native β‐Lactoglobulin and PDS related to protein conformational stability?
Authors: Owusu Apenten Richard K. , Galani Despina 
Published: March 2003

Summary The sulfhydryl (SH) group of β‐lactoglobulin (β‐Lg) affects many of its functional properties. Native β‐Lg was treated with pyridine disulfide (PDS) at pH 2.6–8.5 (25 °C). SH‐disulfide exchange was monitored by spectrophotometry. The kinetics of β‐Lg sulphydryl‐disulphide exchange was compared with the same reaction for reduced glutathione (GSH). From such results we estimate, ΔGex, the free energy change for exposing the SH‐group of β‐Lg to solvent. The numerical value for ΔGex is equal to the free energy change for β‐Lg dissociation at pH 7. At neutral pH, the rate of sulphydryl‐ disulphide exchange appears to be controlled by the dimer‐monomer dissociation equilibrium. At other solvent pHs, β‐Lg sulphydryl reactivity towards a small disulphide compound like PDS may not involve the dissociation of native β‐Lg.
Molecular and catalytic properties of phytate‐degrading enzymes (phytases)
Authors: Konietzny Ursula , Greiner Ralf 
Published: March 2003

SummaryPhytate‐degrading enzymes catalyse the step‐wise release of phosphate from phytate, the principle storage form of phosphorus in plant seeds and pollen. They are widespread in nature, occurring in plants and micro‐organisms, as well as in some animal tissues. Phytate‐degrading enzymes have been studied intensively in recent years because of the great interest in such enzymes for reducing phytate content in animal feed and food for human consumption. Phytate‐degrading enzymes are also of interest for producing defined breakdown products of phytate for kinetic and physiological studies. Certain myo‐inositol phosphates have been proposed to have novel metabolic effects and therefore, the physiological role of different myo‐inositol phosphates is presently undergoing extensive research. Generally, phytase behaves like a monomeric enzyme with molecular masses between 40 and 70 kDa. Up to now, two main types of phytate‐degrading enzymes have been identified; acid phytate‐degrading enzymes with an pH optimum around pH 5 and alkaline phytate‐degrading enzymes with an pH optimum around pH 8. Most of the so far described phytate‐degrading enzymes belong to the acidic type, and their optimal pH ranges from 4.5 to 6.0. This review summarises the molecular features as well as catalytic properties of phytate‐degrading enzymes and also discusses enzymatic phytate degradation.
Comparison of electrosurgical and formocresol pulpotomy procedures in children
Authors: Dean J. A. , Mack R. B. , Fulkerson B. T. , Sanders B. J. 
Published: March 2003

Summary. Objectives. Although previous studies have examined the electrosurgical pulpotomy technique for primary teeth, no well‐controlled, clinical human trials have been published. The purpose of this study was to prospectively compare electrosurgical pulpotomies vs. formocresol pulpotomies in human vital primary molar teeth.Design. Fifty children were randomly divided into two groups, 25 receiving an electrosurgical pulpotomy and 25 receiving a formocresol pulpotomy.Results. After at least 5 months postoperative observation time, the clinical and radiographic success rates for the electrosurgical groups were 96 and 84%, respectively; and for the formocresol group, 100 and 92%, respectively.Conclusion. There were no statistically significant differences between the success rates for the two groups at the P < 0·05 level as tested by Fisher’s exact test. This study failed to demonstrate a difference in the success rate between the electrosurgical and formocresol pulpotomy techniques.
Nursing and the Research Assessment Exercise: past, present and future
Authors: Traynor Michael , Rafferty Anne Marie 
Published: March 2003

Nursing and the Research Assessment Exercise: past, present and future In this paper we examine approaches to undertaking nursing research and building research capacity in higher education institutions in the United Kingdom (UK). First we review some of the main responses in the literature to the last two Research Assessment Exercises (RAE), then we report findings from a small study of nursing departments which entered the last RAE and finally we speculate on the likely future of nursing research in the light of recent education and health policy. We suggest that many of the difficulties experienced are an effect of contradictory health and education policies and rival ways of assessing research performance. Nursing education is caught in the ‘pincer movement’ of stringency in both sectors. In addition, the challenges of the RAE and the necessity to earn income from contracting with National Health Service (NHS) education and training consortia for teaching represent an outworking of two rival views of the role of higher education, broadly an elitist view and one that sees higher education as a supplier of the workforce needs of industry. In addition to this, the NHS R&D (research and development) strategy provides an alternative arena for collaboration, funding and reputation to that constructed by the RAE.