bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study of the effects of chewing patterns on occlusal wear
Authors: Kim S. K. , Kim K. N. , Chang I. T. , Heo S. J.
Published: August 2010

The chewing cycle is a functional movement, closely related to occlusion, the neuromuscular system and the central nervous system. Although actual chewing paths are complicated and vary from individual to individual, there are two typical patterns. One is more vertical in nature and is similar to a chopping movement. The other is a more lateral type that is similar to a grinding movement. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of chewing patterns on occlusal wear. Fifteen subjects exhibiting a chopping–chewing pattern and 15 subjects exhibiting a grinding–chewing pattern were selected using a jaw tracking device. The occlusal wear values, obtained by both ordinal and Woda’s arbitrary scales, and frequencies of non‐working facets were calculated for each group. The occlusal wear values in all teeth and in each segment, obtained by the use of the ordinal scale did not vary significantly between the chopping and the grinding type group. However, the occlusal wear values of the grinding type group in all teeth and in posterior teeth segments, obtained by the use of Woda’s arbitrary scale, were significantly greater than those of the chopping type group. Frequencies of non‐working facets in posterior teeth showed no significant differences between the groups.
Symptoms and signs of temporomandibular disorders and oral parafunctions among Saudi children
Authors: Farsi N. M. A.
Published: August 2010

summary  This study aimed to record the prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and oral parafunctions among Saudi children. A questionnaire and a clinical examination of signs and symptoms of TMD were performed on 1940 stratified randomly selected schoolchildren. The sample was divided into three groups, 505 with primary, 737 with mixed and 734 with permanent dentition. The prevalence of TMD signs was found to be 20·7% and the most common sign of TMD was joint sounds (11·8%). The second most common sign was restricted mouth opening (5·3%). Muscle and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain as well as deviation upon jaw opening appeared infrequently. TMJ sounds were significantly increasing with age (P < 0·05). TMD symptoms as reported by the parents were evident in 24·2% of the returned questionnaires (1113). The most common symptoms were headache (13·6%) and pain on chewing (11·1%). The incidence of headache was found to be significantly increasing from primary to permanent dentition (P < 0·01). No sex difference in the prevalence of any symptom was reported. Nail biting was the most common oral parafunction (27·7%) while bruxism was the least common (8·4%). All parafunctions except bruxism were significantly related to age. Cheek biting and thumb sucking were reported more in females than in males. The importance of a screening examination for symptoms and signs of TMD should not be overlooked in the clinical assessment of the pediatric patient.
Corrosion susceptibility of titanium covered by dental cements
Authors: Demi̇rel F. , Saygili G. , Şahmali S.
Published: August 2010

summary  Titanium has become a material of great interest in prosthodontics in recent years because of its excellent biocompatibility, corrosion resistance and desirable physical and mechanical properties. In this study, we determined the influence of dental cements on the passivation of titanium. We developed experimental electrodes that associate titanium and dental cements. Polarization resistance of titanium electrodes has been determined for uncovered metal and electrodes covered with five different dental cements. Coverage with zinc eugenate led to more resistance to corrosion, but fluorinated composite such as glass–ionomer and zinc phosphate coverage increased the corrosion susceptibility.
The relationship between salivary secretion rate and masticatory efficiency
Authors: Ishijima T. , Koshino H. , Hirai T. , Takasaki H.
Published: August 2010

summary  In order to elucidate the relationship between the salivary secretion rate and masticatory efficiency, experimental hypo‐ and hyper‐salivation were produced by the administration of atropine sulphate presenting an anticholinergic effect and pilocarpine hydrochloride having a muscarine effect orally in 10 healthy fully dentates. To confirm the pharmaceutical effect of these drugs, the unstimulated whole salivary secretion rate during 10 min, and masticatory efficiency using the sieve method were measured before and after medication. The unstimulated whole salivary secretion rate during 10 min decreased significantly by the administration of atropine sulphate (P < 0·05), and increased significantly by pilocarpine hydrochloride (P < 0·01). The masticatory efficiency after atropine sulphate medication was significantly lower than that before (P < 0·01). The increase in salivary secretion by pilocarpine hydrochloride did not lead to a higher masticatory efficiency. The evidence supports the understanding that saliva plays an important role in masticatory function.
Calcium phosphate formation on the phosphorylated dental bonding agent in electrolyte solution
Authors: Hayakawa T. , Yoshinari M. , Sakae T. , Nemoto K.
Published: August 2010

summary  The aim of the present study was to study the mineral formation on a phosphorylated dental bonding agent using a mineralization inductive solution. Clearfil Photobond, which contained phosphate monomer, was cured by photo‐irradiation and heat treated, and was then immersed in Hanks’ balanced salt solution (HBSS) with pH = 7·4 for 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 28 days at 37 °C. The white substances were deposited on the phosphorylated polymer, i.e. cured Photobond disk, after the immersion in HBSS. The white substances become visible after 3 days immersion. After 7 days immersion, surface of the phosphorylated polymer disk was almost covered with white substance layers. The measurement of white substances by means of X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared and electron probe microanalysis revealed that their main component was carbonate‐containing hydroxyapatite. Scanning electron microscopy pictures showed that a large number of globules of hydroxyapatite were fused together, and that each globule was composed of a group of numerous thin‐film form flakes uniting and/or clustering together. The results obtained in this study concluded that the presence of phosphonic acid and phosphate group of phosphorylated dental bonding agent enhanced the nucleation and growth of hydroxyapatite crystals on its surface.
High‐concentrated carbamide peroxide bleaching agents effects on enamel surface
Authors: Cavalli V. , Arrais C. A. G. , Giannini M. , Ambrosano G. M. B.
Published: August 2010

summary  Concern has been expressed regarding the adverse effects of peroxide‐containing tooth bleaching agents on enamel surface. This study examined enamel average surface roughness before (baseline) and after an in‐office bleaching protocol and investigated the influence of high concentrations of carbamide peroxide gels on its surface staining and morphology. Flat enamel surfaces were submitted to 35 and 37% carbamide peroxide or to no bleaching treatment (n = 10) and evaluated with a profilometer. Eight specimens from each group were randomly selected and immersed in a 2% methylene blue solution. Afterwards, specimens were ground into powder and prepared for the spectrophotometric analysis. Two remained specimens of each group were examined using a scanning electron microscope. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey test (P > 0·05). Baseline roughness average was statistically similar for all groups, however, 35% carbamide peroxide produced the roughest enamel surfaces. Different concentrations of carbamide peroxide produced similar staining means and enamel surface morphological alterations.
Anticipation and motor control on repetitive tooth tapping produced by open–close jaw movements
Authors: NOGUCHI K. , FUJII H. , YAMABE Y. , TANAKA M. , SHIMADA A. , TORISU T. , SUENAGA H.
Published: August 2010

Summary This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between the temporal anticipation effects and motor control on repetitive tooth tapping movements (tooth tapping produced by open–close jaw movements) commanded by six frequencies of acoustic signals. Ten dentulous young adults were asked to perform tooth tapping movements to acoustic command signals at constant frequencies of 0·3, 0·8, 1·3, 1·8, 2·3 and 2·8 Hz. Surface electromyograms of the Masseter muscles, vertical component of the Mandibular kinesiograph, and acoustic signals were simultaneously recorded. Some parameters were measured for tappings at the last signal (TL) and surplus tappings without signals after the last signal (TLn) in each frequency command signal. The results showed that changes in the strategy for tapping movement controls occurred between 0·3 and 0·8 Hz. Between 0·8 and 2·8 Hz, each tooth tapping was automatically initiated before the confirmation of the signal; initiation and control of repetitive tapping movements were apparently based on effector anticipation (predicting the duration of internal processes for a planned movement so that it can be made coincidental to some anticipated external event) and receptor anticipation (anticipation of the arrival of a stimulus due to sensory information about its time of arrival). However, at 0·3 Hz, the movement initiation was delayed, such that each tooth tapping was initiated after the confirmation of the signal. Therefore, tappings at 0·3 Hz showed less dependence on receptor anticipation. These changes in motor control strategy are considered to be a reasonable way to prevent incorrect movements and to minimize erroneous movements.
Analysis of the possibility of the relationship between various implant‐related measures: an 18‐month follow‐up study
Authors: TÖZÜM T. F. , TURKYILMAZ I. , YAMALIK N. , KARABULUT E. , TÜRKYILMAZ A. S. , ERATALAY K.
Published: August 2010

Summary  Better clarification of the long‐term relationship among the various implant‐related measures could improve the evaluation process for dental implants. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the potential correlations among the volumetric features and nitric oxide content of peri‐implant sulcus fluid (PISF) and measures of implant stability, and the marginal bone loss. Completely edentulous patients (n = 15) treated with dental implants and ball attachment mandibular over dentures were included. Resonance frequency analysis (RFA), marginal bone level measurements, PISF volume and spectrophotometrically determined nitrite levels were recorded for all dental implant sites. Measures for early (n = 16) and delayed (n = 14) loaded dental implants were comparatively analysed for a period of 18 months. Some random correlations between PISF volume and marginal bone level, PISF nitrite level and marginal bone level and PISF volume and PISF nitrite content, and RFA and PISF volume were observed. However, the only constant correlation was noticed between implant stability (RFA scores) and marginal bone level. This correlation was negative and significant for all dental implants and for delayed loaded implants (P < 0·05). The pattern of loading seemed to affect the extent, but not the pattern of this relationship. While some of the implant‐related measures may be strongly associated (e.g. dental implant stability and marginal bone level), not all measures from a single implant site are likely to be related. Such associations may be under the influence of a variety of factors including the loading protocol of dental implants.
Water uptake and hydraulic redistribution across large woody root systems to 20 m depth
Authors: BLEBY TIMOTHY M. , MCELRONE ANDREW J. , JACKSON ROBERT B.
Published: August 2010

Deep water uptake and hydraulic redistribution (HR) are important processes in many forests, savannas and shrublands. We investigated HR in a semi‐arid woodland above a unique cave system in central Texas to understand how deep root systems facilitate HR. Sap flow was measured in 9 trunks, 47 shallow roots and 12 deep roots of Quercus, Bumelia and Prosopis trees over 12 months. HR was extensive and continuous, involving every tree and 83% of roots, with the total daily volume of HR over a 1 month period estimated to be approximately 22% of daily transpiration. During drought, deep roots at 20 m depth redistributed water to shallow roots (hydraulic lift), while after rain, shallow roots at 0–0.5 m depth redistributed water among other shallow roots (lateral HR). The main driver of HR appeared to be patchy, dry soil near the surface, although water may also have been redistributed to mid‐level depths via deeper lateral roots. Deep roots contributed up to five times more water to transpiration and HR than shallow roots during drought but dramatically reduced their contribution after rain. Our results suggest that deep‐rooted plants are important drivers of water cycling in dry ecosystems and that HR can significantly influence landscape hydrology.
The Effects of Mouse Alpha‐Fetoprotein on T‐Cell‐Dependent and T‐Cell‐Independent Immune Responses In Vitro
Authors: MURGITA R. A. , WIGZELL H.
Published: August 2010

Mouse alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) suppressed the specific antibody response to the T‐cell‐dependent antigen sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) and the phytohemagglutinin‐and concanavalin‐A‐stimulated DNA synthesis of purified T lymphocytes but failed to inhibit the T‐cell‐independent antibody response to dinitrophenyl‐substituted Ficoll (DNP‐Ficoll) and the lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated polyclonal B‐cell antibody synthesis. Mouse amniotic fluid (MAF) suppressed antibody responses to both T‐cell‐dependent and T‐cell‐independent antigens; however, the effects could be differentiated since dialysis of the MAF removed most of the suppressive effect on the DNP‐Ficoll response but did not diminish the inhibitory action on the anti‐SRBC response. The results indicate that AFP suppresses certain T‐lymphocyte functions in vitro and does not act by directly inhibiting B‐cell functions.
Depression of Rat Neutrophil Exudation and Motility by Influenza Virus
Authors: RUUTU P.
Published: August 2010

Purified influenza A and B viruses (3000 HA units) were injected intraperitoneally into rats. 1 h later the animals were given starch solution intraperitoneally, after which the number and composition of the exuded cells were determined at intervals. Both influenza A and B viruses depressed neutrophil exudation into the peritoneal cavity for a period of 10 to 17 h after the starch injection. The exudation of leukocytes other than neutrophils (a mixture of mononuclear cells and 5% to 10% eosinophils) was depressed for 17 h after starch injection by influenza A virus. When tested in vitro by a modification of the Boyden method, the peritoneal exudate neutrophils from virus‐treated animals exhibited significantly depressed chemotaxis and consistently, although not always significantly, reduced chemokinesis (migration in the presence of a chemoattractant without a gradient) and random locomotion. Both influenza A and B viruses inhibited in vitro the motility of starch‐induced peritoneal exudate neutrophils in Boyden chambers after a virus‐cell interaction of 60 min at 37°C. The present findings support the concept that impaired neutrophil exudation caused by depressed motility is one mechanism responsible for the increased susceptibility to bacterial superinfection during influenza.
Electrophoretic Mobility of Lymphocyte Populations in Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: SABOLOVIĆ N. , PRIEUR A. M. , GRISCELII C.
Published: August 2010

Peripheral blood lymphocytes from 16 patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and 27 age‐matched healthy controls have been studied, using several lymphocyte markers: electrophoretic mobility (EM), E‐rosettes, immunofluorescence, and refringency. Eight patients (mean age, 6 years) were selected with a typical EM pattern—that is, a decrease in the mean EM of T cells and increase in B T‐cell ratio. The other group of patients (mean age, 11 years) showed no significant difference when compared with their age‐matched controls, with the exception the positive refringence test. These findings suggest an impairment in the maturation of the immune system in childhood, which in turn may be responsible for the increased susceptibility to disease.
Antibody‐Dependent Cytotoxicity Mediated by Cells Eluted from Synovial Tissues of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: ABRAHAMSEN T. G. , FRØLAND S. S. , NATVIG J. B. , PAHLE J.
Published: August 2010

Cell suspensions containing an average of 78% lymphocytes were obtained from synovial tissues of 26 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 10 patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. These cells were shown to mediate cytotoxicity against 51Cr‐labeled chicken erythrocytes sensitized with a rabbit anti‐chicken erythrocyte antiserum. Nylon column filtration of the cells increased the proportion of lymphocytes and usually also the cytotoxicity, which suggested that at least some of the effector cells were lymphocytes. The cytotoxic activity of the cells obtained from rheumatoid synovial tissue was always lower than that obtained with the patients' peripheral blood lymphocytes. No significant change in cytotoxicity of normal peripheral blood lymphocytes was observed after these cells had been treated in the same manner as the rheumatoid synovial tissues.
A Rapid Spot Immunoprecipitate Assay Method Applied to Quantitating C‐Reactive Protein in Pediatric Sera
Authors: WADSWORTH C.
Published: August 2010

A simple, rapid spot immunoprecipitate assay (SIA) technique is compared with the rocket electroimmunoassay and a latex agglutination method for determination of C‐reactive protein (CRP) to pediatric sera. The SIA reaction condition are special, since the antigen is made passively available in a gel for reaction with an abundance of antibody. In the present study the antigen‐antibody interaction occurs in the presence of alternating electric current. The reaction is visualized by protein staining and quantitated by comparison with simultaneously run standards. Highly significant (P < 0.001) Spearman's coefficients of correlation between SIA and rocket results were found along with evidence of discrepancies between the methods which could be related to the heterogeneity in electric charge of the CRP molecules. In this respect some sera with negative (10 mg CRP/1) rocket results had two‐ to ten‐fold higher SIA ratings. In Contrast to the rocket method, SIA could differentiate sera that were negative Hid low positive in agglutination. Some discrepancies between an agglutination technique and SIA estimates were noted in low‐positive sera differing in electromobility from the cathodic traveling CRP standard. Reproducibility of photometrically registered SIA was ±16.2%; visually evaluated it was ±9.7%. As little as 0.5 ng CRP was demonstrable in a human serum pool dilution 0.17 mg/ml.
A T‐Cell Marker in Mouse Fibroblast × T‐Lymphocyte Somatic Cell Hybrids
Authors: SARAVIA N. , DEMARS R. , DUNLAP B. , BACH F. H.
Published: August 2010

Continuous hybrid cell lines have been generated by the fusion of allogeneically primed marine T lymphocytes with mouse L‐cell‐derived fibroblasts of line 613. The resulting hybrid clones express one or more T‐cell‐specific surface components identifiable by radioiodination of intact cells followed by NP‐40 solubilization of membrane proteins and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. These markers are stably expressed by the hybrid lines after several months of passage.
A High Molecular Weight Serum Protein Is the Carrier for Amyloid‐Related Protein SAA
Authors: SKOGEN B. , NATVIG J. B. , MICHAELSEN T. E. , ANDERS R. F
Published: August 2010

In the present study evidence is presented that SAA in serum complexes to a carrier protein with a molecular weight of 100,000–200,000 daltons, with mobility in the a‐region on electrophoresis, and with a rather low normal strum concentration. The carrier protein is apparently not albumin. SAA isolated from the carrier protein has a molecular weight of 14,000 daltons and does not complex to any considerable extent with itself under neutral conditions.
Similarities of Fcγ Receptors on Trophoblasts and Placental Endothelial Cells
Authors: MATRE R.
Published: August 2010

The trophoblastic tissue and endothelium of fetal stem vessels in cryostat sections of first‐trimester and term human placentae adsorbed erythrocytes sensitized with IgG antibodies of human, rabbit, and guinea pig origin. Native and heat‐aggregated human and rabbit IgG, and human IgG subclasses except IgG2 inhibited the hemadsorption. However, the Fc fragment of IgG2 inhibited the hemadsorption similarly to the Fc of pooled IgG. No inhibition was obtained with o'ther immunoglobulin classes or fragments. The inhibitory activity of IgG and Fc fragments was abolished by partial reduction and alkylation, indicating that inter‐heavy‐chain disulfide bonds are required for the binding. Immune complexes prepared at slight antigen excess showed an eightfold stronger inhibition than antiserum alone. Both receptors were sensitive to formaldehyde, periodic acid, and heat. The Fcγ receptors on the trophoblasts and on the endothelium in human placentae are apparently similar.
Adjuvants Influence the Immunoglobin Subclass Distribution of Immune Responses in Vivo
Authors: HADJIPETROU‐KOUROUNAKIS L. , MÖLLER E.
Published: August 2010

Mice were immunized against fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐labelled human gamma globulin (HGG) in the absence or presence of different adjuvants. The immune response was assayed every other day with regard to both total Ig‐secreting cells and FITC‐specific plaque‐forming cells (PFC). The adjuvants influenced the type of immune response induced to the same antigenic determinant. Thus, addition of Freund's complete (FCA) or incomplete (FIA) adjuvant preferentially led to the secretion of IgG1 PFC of an average high affinity. Most newly appearing IgG‐secreting cells were also detected as FITC‐specific PFC. The use of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as an adjuvant resulted in the induction of both IgM and IgG, particularly of the IgG3 and IgG2b subclasses. However, these antibodies had relatively low affinity, and a large number of total IgG‐secreting cells induced by LPS had no detectable FITC specificity. The FCA/FIA‐ and LPS‐induced responses to FITC‐HGG were additive when injected together, indicating that they act on distinct subpopulations of B lymphoid cells. The adjuvant response to LPS, but not the response to FCA/FIA, was totally absent in mice of the C3H/Hej strain, which are non‐responders to the polyclonal activating properties of LPS. Finally, the response induced by FCA or FIA was T‐cell‐dependent and the LPS response T‐cell‐independent as assayed in nude mice.
The Influence of Matching for SB on MLC Typing Is Significant but Marginal
Authors: TERMIJTELEN A. , van den BERGE S. NAIPAL‐ , SUWANDI‐THUNG L. , van ROOD J. J.
Published: August 2010

To investigate the role of SB in MLC typing responses, reactions of lymphocytes from 23 DW3‐positive. HLA‐D‐heterozygous individuals against 9 Dw3 homozygous typing cells (HTCs) were evaluated. Significantly more clear typing reactions were observed in those combinations that were matched for SB us compared with those that were mismatched. Nevertheless, MLC responses towards HTCs that were HLA‐D/DR‐ and SB‐compatible could be very strong. An additional analysis of the influence of HLA‐B and the newly defined determinants LB–Q1 and LB–Q2 demonstrated that in combinations that were matched for these markers as well, stabilized relative responses could still he over 100%.
The Prognosis of Asymptomatic Homosexual Men with Decreased T‐Helper to T‐Suppressor Ratio
Authors: GERSTOFT J. , DICKMEISS E. , BENTSEN K. , PETERSEN C. S. , KROON S. , ULLMAN S. , NIELSEN J. O. , LORENZEN I.
Published: August 2010

Screening of 70 asymptomatic homosexual men in Copenhagen revealed that 13 (19%) had T‐helper to T‐suppressor (H/S) ratios ≤ 1.0. Clinical and immunological follow‐up examinations for 2—7 months (mean, 5.2 months) disclosed that none of the 13 men developed the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or AIDS‐like symptoms. An increase in H/S ratios to > 1.0 was observed in 11 of the 13 men during the time of observation. The decreased H/S ratios were due to an increase in the T‐suppressor population. The T‐helper population did not at any time differ from that found in 31 male control subjects. The biological relevance of the observed decrease in H/S ratios was supported by the demonstration of a positive correlation to a decrease in the proliferative response of the lymphocytes. Serological studies did not reveal any specific infectious background for the low H/S ratio found in the 13 men, and the reason for the ‘spontaneous’ increase during the time of observation remains unknown. The present results indicate that most asymptomatic homosexual men with a decreased H/S ratio will experience normalization of the immunological variables.
Effect of Cyclosporin A on Human Neutrophil and Monocyte Function
Authors: KHARAZMI A. , SVENSON M. , NIELSEN H. , BIRGENS H. S.
Published: August 2010

The effect of various concentrations of cyclosporin A (CyA), ranging from below peak blood levels to 20 times higher than blood levels of human peripheral blood polymorphonuclear and mononuclcar leukocytes, was examined. CyA was found to bind to neutrophils with Kd values in the range of 20‐50 nM. CyA at clinically obtainable blood level concentrations had no effect on ncutrophil and monocyle chemotaxis, neutrophil oxidative burst, monocyte phagocytosis, or neutrophil bactericidal activity. The data on the release of lactoferrin. a secondary granule substance, from activated ncutrophils showed that the calcium ionophore A 23187‐induced lactoferrin release was inhibited by treatment of cells with 4 μm CyA, whereas release of lactoferrin from zymosan‐ or phorbol myristatc acetate‐activated nculropohils was not affected by the same concentration of CyA. This effect could either be due lo differences in the degree of cell membrane perturbation by the various activators or to calcium dependence of neutrophil activation. A third possibility may be that CyA acts at some subsequent steps in the release process of neutrophils. It is concluded that CyA does not interfere with important functions of human phagocytes, the cells that play a major role in the defence against invading microorganisms.
Blood Monocyte and Neutrophil Functions in the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Authors: NIELSEN H. , KHARAZMI A. , FABER V.
Published: August 2010

The acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is characterized by infections with microorganisms against which phagocytes (especially monocytes/macrophages) play an important role. Therefore, various functions of blood monocytes and neutrophils were tested in 16 patients with AIDS. Neutrophil chemotactic responses towards casein and N‐formyl‐methionyl‐L‐leucyl‐L‐phenylalanine were depressed in patients with a short duration of disease (n=9), whereas they were normal in those with a longer duration (n=5), P<0.05. Neutrophil superoxide anion release was normal. In contrast, we found no evidence of an altered monocyte activity in the patients, since chemotactic responsiveness, phagocytosis of opsonized Candida albicans, and superoxide anion release were all normal. These findings suggest that the depressed neutrophil chemotaxis may play an important role in the high incidence of opportunistic infections in AIDS. Furthermore, it appears that in AIDS the immune deficiency does not extend to peripheral blood monocytes, but it does not exclude the possibility that the function of tissue macrophages is abnormal.
Participation of Interleukins in Synergistic Effect of Bu‐WSA on Concanavalin A‐Induced DNA Synthesis in Mouse Splenic Lymphocytes
Authors: NITTA T. , KONNO‐EJIRI H. , NEMOTO K. , OKUMURA S. , OZAWA A , NAKANO M.
Published: August 2010

Butanol‐extracted water‐soluble adjuvant (Bu‐WSA) obtained from Bacterionema matruchotti was mitogenic to murine splenic B lymphocytes, but not T lymphocytes. When murine splenic cells were cultured in the presence of Bu‐WSA and concanavalin A (Con A) together. [3H|thymidine uptake of the culture cells synergically increased. The mechanism of the synergy of Con A and Bu‐WSA and the participation of interleukin (IL) 1 and 2 in the synergy were studied. The proliferation cells in the synergy were I yt‐1− 23− lymphocytes.’la‐positive accessory cells were required for the response. When separated cell populations and Marbrook‐type culture vessels were used, a mixed cell population of T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes or macrophages (Mφ) produced some active factor(s) after co‐stimulation by Con A and Bu‐WSA, and the factors enhanced DNA synthesis of another Con A‐activatcd T lymphocyte population. Supernatants obtained from the spleen cell cultures or the mixed cell cultures with T lymphocytes and Mφ in the presence of Con A and Bu‐WSA contained greater amounts of IL‐1 and IL‐2 than those from cultures containing Con A or Bu‐WSA alone. An addition of exogenous IL‐1 or IL‐2 to spleen cell cultures with Con A resulted in a proliferative response like that obtained through co‐stimulation by Con A and Bu‐WSA. These results suggest that the synergistic effect of Con A and Bu‐WSA on the proliferative response in murine splenic cells is sustained by the enhancement of production of these T‐lymphocyte growth factors.
Translocation of Ribosomal Immunostimulant Through an In Vitro–Reconstituted Digestive Barrier Containing M‐Like Cells
Authors: Caliot E. , Libon C. , Kernéis S. , Pringault E.
Published: August 2010

Ribosomal preparations of pathogenic micro‐organisms of the upper respiratory tract can be delivered orally for the prevention of recurrent infectious episodes, because they induce mucosal and protective immune responses. The mechanism of mucosal barrier translocation is difficult to study in animal models, little is therefore known about this process. In order to circumvent these problems, we have examined the uptake of ribosomal preparations in three experimental systems that model human intestinal cells. We found that M‐like cells displayed a 8.7‐fold increase in the uptake of a ribosomal immunostimulant when compared to absorptive or crypt enterocyte‐like cells. The product was taken up, translocated, and delivered in the basolateral compartment by cultured M‐like cells. No translocation was observed across monolayers of T84 cells (model of crypt cells). Only minimal translocation occured through monolayers of Caco‐2 cells (model of absorptive enterocytes). This suggests that, in vivo, colyophilisat is delivered mainly through the M cells overlying lymphoid follicles (Peyer's patches) or nodules of the gut‐associated mucosal lymphoid tissue, which are the major inductor sites of mucosal responses. Use of the M‐like cell cultured model could be a key step for the development of even more efficient immunostimulators in animals and human.
Prognostic Value of Soluble Intercellular Adhesion Molecule‐1 (s‐ICAM‐1) in HIV‐Infected Children
Authors: Gaddi E. , Laucella S. , Balbaryski J. , Cantisano C. , Barboni G. , Candi M. , Giraudi V.
Published: August 2010

Central events in the host defence system and immune‐mediated damage are tightly regulated by cell adhesion molecules. Sera from 28 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐1 infected children divided into groups according to disease severity, six seroreverting (SR) children and 25 healthy controls were studied to detect the presence of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (s‐ICAM‐1). Soluble ICAM‐1 levels were found to be significantly increased in HIV‐infected children in comparison with SR children or healthy controls. Levels of soluble ICAM‐1 were higher in patients with severe forms of HIV‐infection than in those with a milder form of the disease. Significant differences in titers of s‐ICAM‐1 were recorded between SR children and HIV‐infected children with mild disease or healthy controls. There was a significant correlation between s‐ICAM‐1 levels and the concentrations of beta 2 microglobulin (β2m) and, to a lesser extend, immunoglobulin A levels (IgA). Soluble ICAM‐1 levels didn't change considerably in HIV‐infected children in stable clinical conditions, independently of their clinical stage of the disease, during a follow‐up period of 9–12 months. Conversely, s‐ICAM‐1 levels increased simultaneously with the appearance of new well‐defined clinical disorders or decreased during the improvement of clinical conditions. A significant negative correlation was recorded between the titers of the s‐ICAM‐1 and the CD4+ T‐cell levels. These results suggest that the s‐ICAM‐1 might be another useful tool to evaluate disease progression.
The Therapeutic Effect of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide on Experimental Arthritis is Associated with CD4+CD25+ T Regulatory Cells
Authors: Chen G. , Hao J. , Xi Y. , Wang W. , Wang Z. , Li N. , Li W.
Published: August 2010

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) has been found to act as a potent anti‐inflammatory factor through regulating the production of both anti‐ and pro‐inflammatory mediators and promoting Th2‐type responses. In this study, we used Chicken collagen II‐induced experimental arthritis (CIA) model in Wistar rats to investigate the potential effects of VIP on rheumatoid arthritis. Our results showed that in vivo treatment of CIA‐induced rats with VIP had great protective benefit at both clinical and histological levels. Disease suppression was associated with the inhibition of T cells proliferation, shifting of the immune response toward a Th2‐type response and expanded CD4+CD25+ Treg in the periphery, which inhibited autoreactive T cell activation/expansion. In conclusion, the study provides evidence that VIP had great protective effect on CIA through its inhibition actions on pathogenic T cells.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Induces CCL18 Expression in Human Macrophages
Authors: Ferrara G. , Bleck B. , Richeldi L. , Reibman J. , Fabbri L. M. , Rom W. N. , Condos R.
Published: August 2010

The interaction of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) with the immune system is mediated by cytokine and chemokine responses of macrophages and/or dendritic cells. Chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 18 (CCL18) and interleukin (IL)‐10 are major factors secreted by phagocytes, postulated to recruit naïve T lymphocytes and inhibit pro‐inflammatory cells. Our study investigated the role of CCL18 and IL‐10 in an in vitro model of infection by MTB in human macrophages. CD14+ monocytes, obtained from the peripheral blood of eight healthy donors, differentiated in monocyte‐derived macrophages (MDM) with monocyte‐colony stimulating factor (100 ng/ml) for 6 days, were stimulated in vitro with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1 μg/ml) and with heat killed MTB Hv37Ra (multiplicity of infection 1:5) for 24 h. Alveolar macrophages from five healthy donors were infected with MTB Hv37RA. CCL18 protein and mRNA were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real‐time PCR, IL‐10 levels by ELISA. Stimulation of MDM with LPS or MTB led to a significant increase in CCL18 protein (control 2.67 ± 0.46 ng/ml, LPS 4.05 ± 0.56 ng/ml, with MTB 6.70 ± 1.59 ng/ml, n = 5, P < 0.05) and specific mRNA levels (control 0.09 ± 0.01, LPS 0.24 ± 0.11, with MTB 0.34 ± 0.08 CCL18/Glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), n = 3, P < 0.05). A significant increase of the production of CCL18 was observed in infected alveolar macrophages. IL‐10 levels increased from 38.52 ± 26.38 pg/ml in control cells to 1129.32 ± 235.00 and 974.25 ± 164.46 pg/ml in LPS and MTB treated cells, respectively (P < 0.05). Up‐regulation of CCL18 and IL‐10 in macrophages by MTB may be involved in the recruitment of naïve T cells in association with local suppressive immunity against intracellular pathogens. This could represent a mechanism of tolerance during the early phases of infection.
Residual Viraemia in HIV‐1‐Infected Patients with Plasma Viral Load ≤20 copies/ml is Associated with Increased Blood Levels of Soluble Immune Activation Markers
Authors: Ostrowski S. R. , Katzenstein T. L. , Pedersen B. K. , Gerstoft J. , Ullum H.
Published: August 2010

Despite undetectable viral load in conventional assays, probably all human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐1 infected patients have residual viraemia (RV) detectable by ultra‐sensitive assays. To study this issue, this study investigated virologic and immunologic consequences of RV in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)‐treated HIV‐1‐infected patients with plasma HIV‐1 RNA ≤20 copies/ml. The study included 32 HAART‐treated HIV‐1‐infected patients with HIV‐1 RNA ≤20 copies/ml followed prospectively 6‐monthly for 24 months. RV was detected by transcription‐mediated amplification (TMA‐RV) technique (Procleix® HIV‐1 Discriminatory Assay; Chiron) and by PCR (PCR‐RV, Amplicor HIV‐1 Monitor Assay; Roche Diagnostics). The association between RV and proviral‐HIV‐1‐DNA, CD4‐count, CD8‐count, soluble [soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor (TNFr)‐II, β2‐microglobulin, immunoglobulins] and cellular (HLA‐DR, CD38, CD45RO, CD45RA, CD62L) T‐cell markers of immune activation was investigated. In the 24‐months study‐period, 23 patients had ≥1 episode with TMA‐RV whereas 9 patients had undetectable TMA‐RV throughout the study‐period. Time‐points with TMA‐RV and PCR‐RV were associated with higher circulating sTNFrII (+0.234 ng/ml, P = 0.030) and β2‐microglobulin (+22 nmol/l, P = 0.016) and time‐points with PCR‐RV were also associated with higher IgA (+0.82 μmol/l, P = 0.035) and CD8‐count (+1.18‐fold, P = 0.001). Patients with TMA‐RV in the study‐period had higher HIV‐1 RNA pre‐HAART (P = 0.032). RV was not associated with proviral‐HIV‐1‐DNA, CD4‐count, CD4+HLA‐DR+, CD8+HLA‐DR+CD38+, CD4+CD45RA−CD45RO+, CD8+CD45RA−CD45RO+, CD4+CD45RA+CD62L+, CD8+CD45RA+CD62L+ T cells, IgG or IgM. In conclusion, RV was associated with increased blood levels of soluble immune activation markers in HAART‐treated HIV‐1‐infected patients. The finding that RV was associated with higher pre‐HAART plasma viral load suggests that RV is linked to pre‐HAART disease progression.
Anti‐CD20 treatment in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Isaksen K. , Jonsson R. , Omdal R.
Published: August 2010

We performed a search for publications on rituximab (Rtx) in the treatment of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS), and assessed the reports for the efficacy of the drug on complaints like sicca symptoms, systemic manifestations and pSS associated lymphoma. We also reviewed the effects on laboratory parameters and potential adverse effects. From the published literature there is little evidence supporting Rtx to have an effect on sicca symptoms, and there is particularly lack of objective improvements in measures of oral and ocular dryness. Systemic manifestations such as fatigue, synovitis, arthralgia, cryoglobulinaemia‐related vasculitis, neurological, renal and pulmonary involvement all seem to react favourably to Rtx treatment. The effect on pSS associated non‐Hodgkin’s lymphoma is also beneficial. Rheumatoid factor concentration is decreasing during Rtx treatment. The levels of anti‐SSA and ‐SSB antibodies are, however, unaltered according to the majority of the studies. The most common complications to Rtx treatment are mild and transient infusion related reactions. Delayed moderate‐to‐severe reactions are less common, and occur mostly in patients who develop human anti‐chimeric antibodies. In conclusion, Rtx is a promising treatment option for severe pSS with systemic complications, but more data from randomized controlled trials are warranted before conclusions on the drug’s role can be made with more accuracy.
Multiple cutaneous melanoma metastases
Authors: Cagnoni Matteo L. , Graziani Monaldo Pichi , Ghersetich Ilaria , Freschi Giancarlo , Salvadori Adriana , Urso Carmelo , Lotti Torello
Published: August 2010

An 84‐year‐old white woman presented with diagnosed vascular failure in the left leg. The patient had had diabetes mellitus for over 50 years. Five years earlier, her right leg was amputated because of an obliterating arteriopathy.

At the time of hospitalization, she showed dry gangrene in all the toes on her left foot. A laser Doppler test performed on the left leg showed severe peripheral arteriopathy affecting the anterior and posterior tibial arteries, with a Windsor index of 20% in her ankle.

On physical examination, the patient showed several nodular lesions on the anterior and anterior‐medial surface of her left leg. These lesions were infiltrated, of a hard elastic consistency, and occasionally confluent, with a diameter ranging from 0.5 to 4 cm (Fig. 1) and the color varying from ochre‐yellow to brownish‐red to slate‐brown. The patient reported that these lesions had erupted approximately 2 years earlier and had been accompanied by itching and mild burning. She had shown them to her family doctor who had diagnosed seborrhoeic keratosis.

A series of biopsies performed on the nodules revealed the presence of atypical melanocytes arranged in alveolar formations that reached the epidermis. The epidermis appeared thin, compressed, and atrophic; no signs of junctional activity could be seen (Fig. 2).

The tumor cells were round, with a clear cytoplasm and atypical, hyperchromatic, oval nuclei containing nucleoli (Fig. 3). Some atypical melanocytes contained small amounts of melanic pigment that was concentrated in the cytoplasm of macrophages which were mixed with the elements of the tumor. There had been no melanoma in the clinical history of the patient.

The patient had a chest roentgenogram with tomography and a computer tomography (CT) scan of the liver, spleen, mediastinum, and brain, all with negative results.

The case is worth reporting because of the peculiar cutaneous lesions that could suggest several diagnostic hypotheses. The clinical picture could have been interpreted as being Kaposi's sarcoma, seborrhoeic keratosis, angiosarcoma, or multiple Spitz nevi. A Spitz nevus is a benign variant of a compound nevus that is characterized histopathologically by atypical, large melanocytes with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and large vesicular nuclei with prominent nucleoli. Histologic examination removed any doubt, suggesting a metastatic origin for the proliferating nodules. Marked expression of S‐100 protein and of HMP45 was found by immunohistochemistry; HMP45 was also intensely positive in the deep layers of the dermis.

It was not possible to define the site of the primary lesion from the patient's history or from physical examination;1,2 however, one cannot exclude that the primary lesion was at the same site as where the metastases had diffused, either by growing spontaneously from healthy tissue or through a transformation of anevus.3,4
Prediction of β‐turns
Authors: CHOU KOU‐CHEN
Published: August 2010

A residue‐coupled model is proposed to predict the β‐turns in proteins. The rates of correct prediction for the 455 β‐turn tetrapeptides and 3807 non‐β‐turn tetrapeptides in the training database are 94.7 and 81.3%, respectively. The rates of correct prediction for the 110 β‐turn tetrapeptides and 30229 non‐β‐turn tetrapeptides in the testing database are 80.0 and 80.2%, respectively. Compared with the rates of correct prediction based on the residue‐independent model reported previously, the quality of prediction is significantly improved by the new model, implying that the residue‐coupled effect along a polypeptide chain is important for the formation of reversal turns, such as β‐turns, during the process of protein folding.
Synthesis and NMR spectroscopy of peptides containing either phosphorylated or phosphonylated cis‐ or trans‐4‐hydroxy‐L‐proline
Authors: HOFFMAN RALF , HOFFMAN THOMAS , THOLEY ANDREAS , SCHULTE ANJA CARINA , KALBITZER HANS ROBERT
Published: August 2010

Many proteins are regulated by reversible O‐glycosylation and O‐phosphorylation. Whereas O‐glycosylation of hydroxy‐L‐proline is common and well investigated, phosphorylation has not been proved so far in vivo, but this post‐translational modification is entirely possible. As a first step to identify this phosphoamino acid, we describe both the syntheses of peptides phosphorylated at 4‐hydroxy‐L‐proline and the 1H and 31P NMR parameters of these phosphopeptides. The model peptides were synthesized on solid‐phase using Fmoc‐strategy. Both natural isomers of 4‐hydroxy‐L‐proline (containing the hydroxyl group in either the cis or trans position) were introduced without side‐chain protection. All peptides were globally phosphorylated with O,O′‐tert‐butyl‐N,N‐diethylphosphoramidite on the solid phase and cleaved with trifluoroacetic acid. Additionally, we synthesized two classes of phosphonopeptides that mimic phosphopeptides, namely H‐ and methylphosphonopeptides. The NMR data were based on the model peptide Gly‐Gly‐Hyp‐Ala, which is regarded as a typical random‐coil sequence. The NMR parameters showed a significant influence of the phosphate group on the cis‐trans isomerization of the Gly‐Hyp bond, which may reflect a possible regulation of proteins by changing their local conformations. The 1H and 31P NMR parameters differed for each isomer, and were distinct from the parameters of phosphorylated serine, threonine and tyrosine. These known shifts can be used to identify both cis‐ and trans‐O‐phospho‐4‐hydroxy‐L‐proline in vivo.
A binding study of phospholipase A2 with lecithin, lysolecithin and their tetrahedral intermediates using molecular modeling
Authors: LEE CHIU HONG , BELL JOHN D. , ZIMMERMAN S. SCOTT
Published: August 2010

We used molecular modeling to examine the binding of 1, 2‐dioctanoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (a lecithin), 1‐octanoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (a lysolecithin) and their tetrahedral intermediates in the catalytic site of phospholipase A2 (PLA2). We performed energy minimization on each complex, computed the binding energy, determined the relative binding energy among the complexes and calculated the difference in inter‐ and intramolecular energies of the components in the complexes. We found that the calculated orientation of the sn‐1 ester bond of lysolecithin in the active site is similar to that of the sn‐2 ester bond in lecithin, thus permitting PLA2 to hydrolyze lysolecithin using the same mechanism as it uses to hydrolyze lecithin. On the other hand, the binding of lecithin is energetically more favorable by 4.5 kcal/mol than the binding of lysolecithin to the enzyme, and the binding of the lecithin tetrahedral intermediate is also energetically more favorable by 19.7 kcal/mol than the binding of the lysolecithin tetrahedral intermediate to the enzyme, which explains why lecithin is a better substrate than lysolecithin in the catalytic site. These results indicate that the activation energy for the hydrolysis of lysolecithin is higher than that for lecithin, consistent with the observed slower rate for the hydrolysis of lysolecithin.
Conformations of cis‐ and trans‐2, 3‐methanomethionine stereoisomers in the tripeptide mimic system Ac{cyclo‐M}NHiPr
Authors: BURGESS KEVIN , KE CHUN‐YEN
Published: August 2010

Quenched molecular dynamics (QMD) was used to simulate low‐energy conformers of the tripeptide mimics Ac{cyclo‐Met}NHiPr, where the 2, 3‐methanomethionine is the cis‐derivative (2R, 3S)‐cyclo‐Met and the trans‐derivative (2R, 3R)‐cyclo‐Met. Variations of the favored φ, ψ values, and differences between the simulated preferred conformations for the two structures, were rationalized and discussed. Physical data for the cis‐derivative (NMR, CD and FT‐IR) gave no conclusive evidence for any one preferred conformation. However, for the trans‐derivative, Ac{(2_R, 3R)‐cyclo‐Met}NHiPr, the physical data suggests that a conformer with partial helical structure is favored. This work provides details of how the rigidly constrained side chain and cyclopropane of 2, 3‐methanoamino acids can be used to manipulate φ, ψ values in a logical fashion. © Munksgaard 1997.