bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cavernous transformation of the portal vein associated to multiorgan developmental abnormalities
Authors: Sorrentino D. , Labombarda A. , Debiase F. , Trevisi A. , Giagu P. 
Published: February 2004

Abstract:Initial diagnosis of cavernous transformation of the portal vein (portal cavernoma) is rarely made in adults. Its main clinical manifestation is upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to variceal bleeding. More rarely, diagnosis is made from obstructive jaundice. In children, this condition is frequently associated to prehepatic portal hypertension and congenital anomalies, the most frequent of which are atrial septal defects or malformations of the biliary tract or of the inferior vena cava.We describe here a case of a 23‐year‐old female presenting with massive hematemesis due to the presence of esophageal and small intestinal varices. She had a cavernous transformation of the portal vein with prehepatic portal hypertension associated with heretofore unreported malformations such as right pulmonary hypoplasia, cardiac dextroposition, and right renal ectopia. A unifying hypothesis (e.g. an intrauterine vascular insult) to explain the pathogenesis of these defects seems unlikely. Appropriate tests failed to identify specific functional abnormalities in these organs. Although she bled more than once, the combination of sclerotherapy and β‐blockers has been, thus far, able to control the major clinical consequences of this disease.
CSRP2, TIMP‐1, and SM22α promoter fragments direct hepatic stellate cell‐specific transgene expression in vitro, but not in vivo
Authors: Herrmann Jens , Arias Monica , Van de Leur Eddy , Gressner Axel M. , Weiskirchen Ralf 
Published: February 2004

Abstract:Background/Aims: The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and their transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts (MFB) is the key step for development of liver fibrosis. Over the past several years, significant progress has been made in the understanding of the critical pathways involved incells undergoing activation. Cellular activation in the course of transdifferentiation involves, among other biochemical modifications, functionally relevant changes in the control of gene expression. These include the up‐regulation of transcription factors, different extracellular matrix proteins, cell adhesion molecules, smooth muscle specific genes, and proteins involved in matrix remodelling, or cytoskeletal organization. The corresponding regulatory elements of these genes have afforded us the opportunity to express transgenes with antifibrotic potential in a cell type‐ and/or transdifferentiation‐dependent manner.Methods: In the present study, we have tested several promoters for their ability to mediate cell‐specific expression, including those for CSRP2, SM22α, and TIMP‐1 (CSRP2, gene encoding the LIM domain protein CRP2; SM22α, smooth muscle‐specific gene encoding a 22‐kDa protein; TIMP‐1, gene encoding the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐1), which in liver are specifically expressed in HSC or become strongly activated during the acute remodelling into MFB. We constructed adenoviral reporter vectors in which relevant portions of the promoters were fused to the green fluorescent protein.Results and Conclusion: Our experiments demonstrate that each of these promoters is sufficient to achieve strong or partially selective expression in vitro but none is able to direct a specific or inducible expression of transgenes in HSC/MFB in vivo.
Systemic and splanchnic haemodynamic effects of sildenafil in an in vivo animal model of cirrhosis support for a risk in cirrhotic patients
Authors: Colle Isabelle , De Vriese An S. , Van Vlierberghe Hans , Lameire Norbert H. , DeVos Martine 
Published: February 2004

Abstract:Objectives: Sildenafil is a selective inhibitor of the cGMP‐specific phosphodiesterase type V (PDE‐V) in the corpus cavernosum. PDE‐V is also present in the mesenteric artery. Cirrhosis is complicated by a splanchnic vasodilation attributed to a local overproduction of nitric oxide (NO). As sildenafil potentiates the effects of NO, it may further decrease mesenteric vascular tone and increase portal venous blood flow. The aim is to evaluate the effects of sildenafil on the systemic and splanchnic haemodynamics in an experimental model of cirrhosis.Methods: Secondary biliary cirrhosis was induced in male Wistar rats by common bile duct ligation (CBDL, n=8); control rats were sham‐operated (sham, n=7). The mean arterial pressure (MAP), portal venous pressure (PVP) and arterial mesenteric blood flow (MBF) were measured after intramesenteric (0.01–10 mg/kg) and after intravenous (i.v.) (0.01–10 mg/kg) administration of sildenafil.Results: Baseline PVP was significantly higher in CBDL than in sham rats, whereas baseline MAP tended to be lower and MBF tended to be higher in CBDL compared with sham rats. Both intramesenteric and i.v. injection of sildenafil significantly decreased MAP and increased MBF and PVP in a dose‐dependent way. The decrease in MAP was significantly less important in CBDL than in sham rats. The increase in MBF was importantly lower in CBDL than in sham rats. PVP tended to increase more significantly in sham rats than in CBDL.Conclusion: Sildenafil increases MBF and PVP and induces systemic hypotension. The effects are less pronounced in cirrhosis, suggesting vascular hyporesponsiveness to sildenafil. Although the rise in PVP in cirrhotic animals is smaller than in controls, it may present a risk for haemorrhagic complications. Further studies are necessary before prescribing sildenafil to patients with cirrhosis.
Evolution of hepatitis B virus precore/basal core promoter gene in HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B patients receiving lamivudine therapy
Authors: Lin Chih‐Lin , Liao Li‐Ying , Wang Chaur‐Shine , Chen Pei‐Jer , Lai Ming‐Yang , Chen Ding‐Shinn , Kao Jia‐Horng 
Published: February 2004

Abstract:Aim: Lamivudine is effective in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive chronic hepatitis B, but the relapse rate after cessation of treatment is high. The evolution of viral genome may contribute to the viral replication under antiviral pressure of lamivudine. We therefore determined the evolution of hepatitis B virus (HBV) precore/basal core promoter and polymerase genes in HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B patient during lamivudine therapy.Method: Thirteen patients with HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis who had received short‐term lamivudine therapy (mean, 30 weeks) during 1999–2001 were enrolled. The precore/basal core promoter region and polymerase gene were amplified and directly sequenced before, during and post lamivudine treatment.Result: HBeAg loss or seroconversion occurred in 11, but eight relapsed after stopping therapy and five had reversion of HBeAg. Before treatment, basal core promoter mutation was found in 1. In the first 3 months of therapy, a rapid decline of serum HBV DNA level accompanied with basal core promoter mutation appeared in 11 of 13 patients (vs. before therapy; P=0.003). However, this mutant was replaced by wild‐type virus in four of eight patients who relapsed after treatment. There was no significant change of precore sequences before and during therapy.Conclusions: Lamivudine therapy may result in the rapid development of basal core promoter mutation of HBV, but this mutation may revert to wild type gradually after cessation of therapy.
Coordinated Capacitated Lot‐Sizing Problem with Dynamic Demand: A Lagrangian Heuristic
Authors: Robinson E. Powell , Lawrence F. Barry 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACTCoordinated replenishment problems are common in manufacturing and distribution when a family of items shares a common production line, supplier, or a mode of transportation. In these situations the coordination of shared, and often limited, resources across items is economically attractive. This paper describes a mixed‐integer programming formulation and Lagrangian relaxation solution procedure for the single‐family coordinated capacitated lot‐sizing problem with dynamic demand. The problem extends both the multi‐item capacitated dynamic demand lot‐sizing problem and the uncapacitated coordinated dynamic demand lot‐sizing problem. We provide the results of computational experiments investigating the mathematical properties of the formulation and the performance of the Lagrangian procedures. The results indicate the superiority of the dual‐based heuristic over linear programming‐based approaches to the problem. The quality of the Lagrangian heuristic solution improved in most instances with increases in problem size. Heuristic solutions averaged 2.52% above optimal. The procedures were applied to an industry test problem yielding a 22.5% reduction in total costs.
The Impact of Process Variation on Customer Dissatisfaction: Evidence from the U.S. Domestic Airline Industry
Authors: Tsikriktsis Nikos , Heineke Janelle 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates how process variation reduction affects customer dissatisfaction in the context of the U.S. domestic airline industry. We use quarterly data on all major carriers, available since the introduction of required reporting of service indicators to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Specifically, we investigate how both average performance and variation performance (consistency) of certain processes affect customer dissatisfaction. Our empirical results show that the relationship between process variation and customer dissatisfaction is contingent upon a company's average performance with regard to each process. Consistency is at least as important as average performance for high performers, while it has limited impact for low performers.
The Ordered Cutting Stock Problem
Authors: Ragsdale Cliff T. , Zobel Christopher W. 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACTThe one‐dimensional cutting stock problem (CSP) is a classic combinatorial optimization problem in which a number of parts of various lengths must be cut from an inventory of standard‐size material. The classic CSP ensures that the total demand for a given part size is met but ignores the fact that parts produced by a given cutting pattern may be destined for different jobs. As a result, applying the classic CSP in a dynamic production environment may result in many jobs being open (or partially complete) at any point in time—requiring significant material handling or sorting operations. This paper identifies and discusses a new type of one‐dimensional CSP, called the ordered CSP, which explicitly restricts to one the number of jobs in a production process that can be open, or in process, at any given point in time. Given the growing emphasis on mass customization in the manufacturing industry, this restriction can help lead to a reduction in both in‐process inventory levels and material handling activities. A formal mathematical formulation is provided for the new CSP model, and its applicability is discussed with respect to a production problem in the custom door and window manufacturing industry. A genetic algorithm (GA) solution approach is then presented, which incorporates a customized heuristic for reducing scrap levels. Several different production scenarios are considered, and computational results are provided that illustrate the ability of the GA‐based approach to significantly decrease the amount of scrap generated in the production process.
The Practice of Community Family Therapy
Authors: Rojano Ramón 
Published: February 2004

Special Section: Family Centered Community Building Section Editors' Note: We are pleased to bring to Family Process the work of a pioneering family therapist who is doing important and sophisticated work with families and communities. Ramon Rojano's Community Family Therapy breaks new ground by seeing families in poor communities not only as resilient but also as change agents, not only as clients but as citizens.—William J. Doherty and Jason S. Carroll. This paper presents a summary of the basic theories and methods of Community Family Therapy (CFT), a relatively new therapeutic approach developed in response to the need for effective intervention in treating low‐income, urban families. CFT operates outside of the traditional therapeutic box, successfully combining family therapy techniques with developmental and motivational theories, community mental health, social work, economic development, and community mobilization strategies. CFT utilizes a dualistic approach in which both client and therapist become involved with the same three levels of engagement. Specifically, the client strives for: (a) personal and family change and growth—level 1, (b) accessing community resources—level 2, and (c) leadership development and civic action—level 3. Also, CFT calls upon therapists to strive for: (a) personal growth and maturation—level 1, (b) collaboration with community resources for professional support—level 2, and (c) operation as a “citizen therapist,” through civic action and volunteer services—level 3.
In situ detection of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) in gingival epithelium in human periodontal disease
Authors: Smith Patricio C. , Muñoz Valeria C. , Collados Lucía , Oyarzún Alejandro D. 
Published: February 2004

Background and objective:  As the periodontal lesion develops, the junctional epithelium migrates apically in conjunction with the dissolution of the most coronal Sharpey's fibers. Because matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) has been identified in migrating epithelial cells and invading tumors, we propose that this enzyme is produced by gingival keratinocytes in advanced periodontal lesions.Methods:  To test this idea, biopsies of inflamed gingival tissues were obtained from patients with advanced periodontitis. Healthy gingival tissue samples were utilized as controls. The presence and activity of MMP‐9 was evaluated by combining indirect immunofluorescence of gingival tissue samples and gelatin zymography of gingival epithelium separated from connective tissue.Results and conclusions:  The staining pattern showed the presence of MMP‐9 in junctional and pocket gingival epithelial cells, polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and as a scattered deposit along connective tissues of periodontitis‐affected gingival tissues. Gelatin zymography permitted the identification of pro‐MMP‐9 in surcular/pocket epithelium derived from inflamed gingival tissues. Lower levels of MMP‐9 were detected in epithelium not exposed to inflammation. These observations suggest a role for MMP‐9 in gingival epithelial response to periodontal infection.
Real‐time PCR quantification of cytomegalovirus in aggressive periodontitis lesions using TaqMan technology
Authors: Kubar Ayhan , Saygun Iþýl , Yapar Mehmet , Özdemir Atilla , Slots Jørgen 
Published: February 2004

Background:  Herpesviruses are implicated in the pathogenesis of human periodontitis. However, the quantity of herpesviruses in periodontal sites remains unknown.Objective:  The aim of this study was to compare levels of subgingival human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in aggressive periodontitis patients and in periodontally healthy subjects.Methods:  A total of 16 consecutive subjects with aggressive periodontitis and 15 healthy control subjects were included in the study. Subgingival specimens were collected by a periodontal curette. TaqMan real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was used to quantify HCMV.Results:  HCMV was detected in 68.8% of aggressive periodontitis lesions but not in any of the periodontally healthy study sites. HCMV viral load in positive subgingival specimens ranged from 5 × 102 to 7.4 × 103 copies/ml.Conclusions:  The TaqMan real‐time PCR technology seems to provide a rapid and sensitive method for quantifying HCMV in periodontal pockets. The present findings confirm the frequent presence of HCMV in aggressive periodontitis lesions. Determining HCMV levels in different types of periodontitis may help elucidate the periodontopathic role of the virus and advance our understanding of the disease pathogenesis.
Decreased expressions of thrombospondin 2 in cyclosporin A‐induced gingival overgrowth
Authors: Koh Jeong Tae , Kim Ok Joon , Park Young Seob , Kim Sun Hun , Kim Won Jae , Chung Hyun Ju , Lee Shee Eun , Jeong Byung Chul , Jung Ji Yeon , Kim Kyung Keun 
Published: February 2004

Objectives:  Cyclosporin A (CsA) is known to elicit fibrous gingival overgrowth with changes of blood vessel profiles. In this study, we examined the expression of several angiogenic and angiostatic genes during the development of CsA‐induced gingival overgrowth.Methods:  For the development of gingival overgrowth, Sprague‐Dawley rats received subcutaneous injections of CsA in daily doses of 5, 10, 15 mg/kg body weight for 6 weeks, and another group received 10 mg/kg of CsA for 3, 6, and 12 weeks. Human gingival tissues were obtained from three CsA‐treated patients following the gingivectomy procedure and from three healthy patients following the crown‐lengthening procedure as a control. Gingival fibroblasts were isolated from the healthy gingival tissues of the rat or the human, and cultured with 250–1000 ng/ml of CsA.Results:  Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) analyses showed that expressions of some angiogenic genes such as angiopoietin 1, basic fibroblast growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor, and angiostatic genes such as angiopoietin 2, brain‐specific angiogenesis inhibitor 1 and 2, and thrombospondin 1 were not changed significantly in both gingival tissues and cultured fibroblast cells under the CsA treatments. However, expression of thrombospondin 2 (TSP2) decreased dose‐ and time‐dependently in rat and human gingival tissues. Western blot analyses showed that the expression of TSP2 protein was dose‐dependently reduced by the CsA treatments in human cultured gingival fibroblasts.Conclusions:  These results indicate that the decrease in angiostatic TSP2 expression may be attributed to the CsA‐induced gingival vascularization rather than to the increased expression of angiogenic genes. It suggests that TSP2 is involved in the development of CsA‐induced gingival overgrowth with the gingival vascularization.
Observations on experimental marginal periodontitis in rats
Authors: Kuhr A. , Popa‐Wagner A. , Schmoll H. , Schwahn C. , Kocher T. 
Published: February 2004

Objective:  The purpose of this study was to assess periodontal destruction following experimentally induced marginal periodontitis in rats by ligatures over a 60‐day observation period. The extent to which the physiological movement of teeth influenced the effect of the ligatures was also examined. In addition, two methods for measuring bone loss in the defleshed jaw were compared.Methods:  Thirty‐five male Sprague‐Dawley rats (SD) were divided into five groups. Marginal periodontitis was induced by ligatures on the second maxillary molars. Rats were killed after 15, 30, and 60 days. Rats in the control group were killed on day 1 and day 60. Bone loss was determined with two different methods on the buccal and palatinal surfaces of the defleshed jaw. In the first method, the distance of the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) from the alveolar bone crest (ABC) was measured at different sites; in the second method, the area of the exposed root surface of the molars was measured.Results:  Comparison of the control groups from day 1 and day 60 using both measuring methods showed significant differences in bone loss. In the area where the ligature was located, test rats exhibited significantly greater bone loss than control rats. Comparison of control rats from day 1 with test rats from day 15 showed that the increase in bone loss between the groups within the area of the ligature was significantly greater than outside it. The age‐dependent bone loss increases over the entire observation period of 60 days. The ligature‐induced bone loss increased most from day 1 to day 15; on days 30 and 60, slighter increases in bone loss were observed.Conclusions:  The application of this model can only be recommended for short (≤15 days) observation periods. The distance method should be preferred to the area method.
Effect of an estrogen‐deficient state and its therapy on bone loss resulting from an experimental periodontitis in rats
Authors: Duarte Poliana Mendes , Gonçalves Patricia Furtado , Sallum Antonio Wilson , Sallum Enilson Antonio , Casati Marcio Zaffalon , Humberto Nociti Francisco 
Published: February 2004

Objective:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of an estrogen‐deficient state and its therapies (estrogen and calcitonin administration) upon bone loss resulting from an experimental periodontitis.Methods:  Fifty‐eight Wistar rats were divided into four groups: group 1 (n = 15): sham operated; group 2 (n = 15): ovariectomized; group 3 (n = 14): ovariectomized plus calcitonin administration; group 4 (n = 14): ovariectomized plus estrogen administration. Twenty‐one days after ovariectomy or sham surgeries, the ligature was randomly placed. Sixty days later, the animals were killed and the specimens routinely processed. In addition, serum levels of alkaline phosphatase and calcium were assessed.Results:  Intergroup analysis revealed that an estrogen‐deficient state significantly increased bone loss resulting from periodontitis and that such an effect could not be prevented either by estrogen or calcitonin administration (0.34 ± 0.13, 0.65 ± 0.06, 0.63 ± 0.19, 0.67 ± 0.28 for groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively). Furthermore, an estrogen‐deficient state presented a direct effect on the alveolar bone regardless of plaque accumulation and this effect may be significantly reduced by estrogen administration (p < 0.05). Serum analysis demonstrated a higher bone turnover for the animals with estrogen deficiency, and estrogen therapy restored bone metabolism.Conclusion:  Estrogen administration may prevent the direct effect of an estrogen‐deficient state on alveolar bone; however, neither estrogen nor calcitonin administration could prevent this effect when associated with a response to a plaque‐related inflammatory process.
Effects of a new ultrasonic scaler on fibroblast attachment to root surfaces: a scanning electron microscopy analysis
Authors: Kishida Mamoru , Sato Shuichi , Ito Koichi 
Published: February 2004

Objective:  A study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of scaling and root planing using a new ultrasonic scaler (VectorTM).Methods:  Eighty extracted teeth affected by periodontal disease were sorted into four groups of 20, each of which was subjected to one the following procedures: use of the VectorTM, VectorTM with polish, Enac® and a Gracey scaler. The time spent on cleaning was measured. Half of the sample teeth were examined at random for surface roughness, and the surface texture was evaluated by means of the Remaining Calculus Index (RCI) and the Roughness and Loss of Tooth Substance Index (RLTSI). The remaining samples were incubated in dishes with a suspension of fibroblasts. After measuring the number of attached cells, the attachment of fibroblasts was observed by scanning electron microscopy.Results:  The RLTSI values in the VectorTM and VectorTM with polish groups were significantly lower than those in the Enac® and Gracey groups, whereas the number of attached cells in the VectorTM with polish group was larger than in the Enac® group. Cell attachment in the VectorTM and VectorTM with polish groups proved to be better than in the Enac® and Gracey groups.Conclusion:  Since use of the VectorTM with polish was able to provide scaling and root planing with minimal damage and tight attachment of fibroblasts, it is suggested that this may be a useful instrument for scaling and root planing.