bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth of Viridans Streptococci on Human Serum α1-Acid Glycoprotein
Authors: Byers H.L. , Tarelli E. , Homer K.A. , Hambley H. , Beighton D.
Published: January 2009

Viridans streptococci have emerged as major opportunistic pathogens. We suggest that for these bacteria to proliferate in vivo and cause disease, they must utilize host tissue components. We have therefore examined the ability of all recognized species of viridans streptococci to liberate and utilize the constituent sugars of the glycans of the extensively sialylated human serum α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) as the sole source of carbohydrate to support in vitro growth. Analysis of residual glycans following bacterial growth was performed by high-pH anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Only those species which produced sialidase-namely, Streptococcus oralis, S. intermedius, and S. defectivus-grew on AGP. The extent of degradation of glycans was dependent on the particular glycosidases produced by the bacteria. S. defectivus produced only a sialidase which released the terminal N-acetylneuraminic acid residues of the glycans, and the liberated sugar was utilized. S. intermedius also produced (3-galactosidase and β-N-acetylglucosaminidase, which removed galactose and N-acetylglucosamine from desialylated glycans, all of which again were utilized by the organism. S. oralis produced (3-galactosidase, β-N-acetylglucosaminidase, and a-fucosidase and novel α- and β-mannosidases which were apparent only from the analysis of the residual sugars of AGP. S. oralis cleaved all the sugars from AGP except for 22% of the N-acetylglucosamine. The residual N-acetylglucosamine residues remaining were those linked to the asparagine of the peptide backbone. All the monosaccharides released by S. oralis from AGP, with the exception of fucose, were utilized. Sialidase production may be a key factor for growth of these species of viridans streptococci on glycoproteins in vivo, since they are commonly associated with extra-oral diseases, with S. oralis emerging as an important pathogen.
Depressed Responsiveness of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Heat-shock Proteins in Periodontitis Patients
Authors: Petit M.D.A. , Wassenaar A. , van der Velden U. , van Eden W. , Loos B.G.
Published: January 2009

The extensive homology between human and bacterial heat shock proteins (HSPs) may play a role in autoimmune reactions in periodontitis. Thus, we questioned whether peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferative responses to HSPs are different between periodontitis patients and control subjects with gingivitis. The proliferative responses of PBMCs of patients (n = 10) and controls (n = 12) to recombinant mycobacterial HSP60 (MycHSP60) and HSP70 (MycHSP70), as well as recombinant human HSP60 (HumHSP60) and HSP70 (HumHSP70), were investigated. In addition, the proliferative responses to Candida albicans and purified protein derivatives of Mycobacterium (PPD) were included. Mean responses to HumHSP60, MycHSP60, and HumHSP70 were significantly lower for patients compared with controls. The responses to MycHSP70 showed a similar trend. However, when Candida and PPD were used as antigens, there was no difference in responses of the PBMCs between the periodontitis patients and controls. The level of IFN-γ in the supernatants of the cells stimulated with HSPs was lower in the patients compared with controls. This concurs with the current hypothesis that periodontitis patients have a depressed Th1 response. Furthermore, we found that with an increasing estimated subgingival bacterial load, periodontitis patients mount a decreasing immune response to HSPs, while the controls showed a positive correlation between these two parameters. From these findings, we speculate that poor reactivity to HSPs may be a susceptibility factor for destructive periodontal disease and may need to be considered in the pathogenesis of this condition.
Nocturnal Masseter EMG Activity of Healthy Subjects in a Natural Environment
Authors: Gallo L.M. , Salis Gross S.S. , Palla S.
Published: January 2009

Facial pain of patients with craniomandibular disorders might be caused by muscle overload. However, the activity of masticatory muscles of healthy individuals is still unknown. The aim of this study was therefore a first attempt to clarify this question by recording the masseter muscle activity of healthy subjects during sleep by means of portable recorders. The study was performed on 21 healthy subjects selected after telephone and questionnaire screenings and clinical examination from among randomly selected inhabitants of Zurich. The masseter EMG was recorded during seven nights in each subject's natural environment with the electrodes in reproducible position. The signal was analyzed for number, amplitude, and duration of contraction periods defined as signal portions above a threshold which could contain sub-threshold signal portions shorter than the standby time of 5 sec. The signal amplitude was expressed in percent of the amplitude recorded during maximum voluntary clenches (%MVC). An average of 71.9 ± 28.7 contraction episodes per night (men, 74.7 ± 30.1; women, 65.0 ± 23.8; p = 0.043), i.e., of 10.5 ± 3.8 per hour (men, 11.0 ± 4.0; women, 9.3 ± 3.0; p = 0.005), was found. The average mean amplitude was 26.2 ± 6.4 %MVC (men, 27.0 ± 6.8; women, 24.4 ± 4.5; p = 0.009). The duration of the episodes had a mode of 0.5 sec, and the group mean of the integral of the amplitude over time was 123.7 ± 157.9 %MVC (men, 138.9 ± 184.0; women, 85.9 ± 28.2; p = 0.005). Healthy subjects showed intermittent periods of masseter activity during sleep which, on average, were of rather low intensity and short duration.
Identification of the Chondrogenic-inducing Activity from Bovine Dentin (bCIA) as a Low-molecular-mass Amelogenin Polypeptide
Authors: Nebgen D.R. , Inoue H. , Sabsay B. , Wei K. , Ho C.-S. , Veis A.
Published: January 2009

Dentin extracellular matrix has been shown to contain components capable of inducing chondrogenesis and osteogenesis at ectopic sites when implanted in vivo, and chondrogenesis in cultures of embryonic muscle-derived fibroblasts (EMF) in vitro. The polypeptide responsible, called the chondrogenic-inducing agent (CIA), has been isolated from a 4.0-M guanidinium hydrochloride extract of demineralized bovine dentin matrix. Following Sephacryl S-100 chromatography, CIA activity was identified in fractions by assay for uptake of [35S]-SO4 into proteoglycan by the EMF after 24 hrs in culture. The active fraction induced the EMF to produce type II collagen mRNA and decrease production of type I collagen mRNA after 5 days in culture. The EMF + CIA, cultured for 4 to 7 wks, formed toluidine-blue- and alizarin-redstainable nodules, indicative of chondrogenic induction. In vivo implants in rat muscle with collagen carrier produced ectopic bone after 7 wks. The CIA was brought to near-homogeneity by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, tested at each step by EMF [ 35S]-SO4-incorporation assays. The CIA components had masses in the ranges of 6000 to 10,000 Da by both mass spectroscopy and gel electrophoresis. The CIA amino acid composition, NH2terminal, and internal amino acid sequences were determined. These data showed unequivocally that the CIA peptides were derived from bovine amelogenin. The peptides contain the amino-terminal portion of the bovine amelogenin. The presence of these chondrogenic/osteogenic amelogenin-polypeptides in dentin matrix leads us to hypothesize that they may be involved in epithelial-mesenchymal signaling during tooth development interactions-the first time a function has been indicated for these molecules.
Force-induced Rapid Changes in Cell Fate at Midpalatal Suture Cartilage of Growing Rats
Authors: Kobayashi E.T. , Hashimoto F. , Kobayashi Y. , Sakai E. , Miyazaki Y. , Kamiya T. , Kobayashi K. , Kato Y. , Sakai H.
Published: January 2009

The application of expansional force induces replacement of the cartilaginous tissue with bone at the midpalatal suture of growing rats. We examined the early cellular events evoked by force by analyzing the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), an operational marker of cell proliferation, and of several bone matrix proteins. A rectangular orthodontic appliance was set between the right and left upper molars of four-week-old rats, with 50 g of initial expansional force. Two days after application of the force, the pre-existing cartilage was separated laterally. Mesenchymal cells with stretched shapes were arranged parallel to the expansional force and filled the center of the suture. Only a few of these stretched cells exhibited nuclear accumulation of PCNA. In contrast, many polygonal mesenchymal cells distributed along the inner lateral side of the cartilaginous tissue exhibited strong immunoreactivity for PCNA. Localization of alkaline phosphatase activity overlapped into this proliferating cell zone. Nascent extracellular matrix under the proliferating cells was positive for osteocalcin, indicating commencement of active bone formation. These findings indicated that, among mesenchymal cells subjected to expansional forces, only cells located on the inner side of the cartilaginous tissue proliferate and differentiate into osteoblasts. In agreement with rapid bone growth progression, apoptosis was also observed in the zone of proliferating cells, as measured by TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays.
Evidence for Apoptosis Induction in Myofibroblasts during Palatal Mucoperiosteal Repair
Authors: Funato N. , Moriyama K. , Baba Y. , Kuroda T.
Published: January 2009

Apoptosis is thought to be a requisite event for maintaining kinetic homeostasis within continually renewing tissues such as the oral mucosa and skin. However, no systematic study of the apoptotic process in fibroblasts in the oral mucosa following injury has been performed. In this study, we have assessed the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), which are among the most important modulators of wound repair, during wound healing following mucoperiosteal injury in the rat plate. In addition, we have investigated fibroblast differentiation and apoptosis by immunohistochemical analysis for a-smooth-muscle (a-SM) actin or DNA strand breaks, respectively, to clarify the mechanisms of the wound healing process. TGF-β1-positive cells were noted in the subepithelium from Day 2 to Day 14 after injury, by which time the wounds were completely re-epithelialized. Strong expression of bFGF was observed, mainly in macrophages and monocytes at the injured site, from Day 10 to Day 14 after injury. TGF-β1 and bFGFimmunostaining was significantly lower during the later phase of wound healing. In addition, the number of myofibroblasts expressing a-SM actin increased (peak at Day 14), and thereafter gradually decreased. In parallel, the apoptosis in myofibroblasts was prominent on Day 14. These results suggest that TGF-β1 and bFGF may be potential stimulators of apoptosis in myofibroblasts after re-epithelialization in the palatal wound healing process. The regulation of apoptotic phenomena during wound healing may be important in scar establishment and development of pathological scarring.
Clonal Infection with Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans Following Periodontal Therapy
Authors: Ehmke B. , Schmidt H. , Beikler T. , Kopp C. , Karch H. , Klaiber B. , Flemmig T.F.
Published: January 2009

Mechanical debridement results in a shift of the bacterial composition in the periodontal pocket on the species level. It is unknown, however, whether a clonal change within a species could lead to the emergence of strains with different levels of virulence. Therefore, in the present study, the genetic variability of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans was assessed and strains identified which were associated with periodontal disease progression following periodontal therapy, i.e., refractory periodontitis. Twenty adult patients with untreated periodontitis and subgingival colonization of A. actinomycetemcomitans were randomly assigned to receive full-mouth scaling alone or scaling with an adjunctive antimicrobial therapy. Both groups received supportive periodontal therapy at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months. Subgingival plaque samples were taken at every visit; venous blood was obtained at 24 months only. A. actinomycetemcomitans isolates were typed by the RAPD method, and antibody reactivity against outer membrane proteins was assessed by immunoblot analysis. Eleven distinct RAPD patterns were found in 18 patients completing the study. All patients harbored only one A. actinomycetemcomitans genotype, and within each patient this genotype persisted throughout the 24-month observation period. No differences in the expression of antibody reactivity against outer membrane proteins were found between strains isolated at baseline and at 24 months. Three genotypes were associated with reduced survival rates of teeth without probing attachment loss of 2 mm or more. The results indicated that (i) most patients harbored only one A. actinomycetemcomitans genotype; (ii) the genotype persisted following therapy; and (iii) only some genotypes were associated with refractory periodontitis.
The Role of Sensory Neuropeptides and Nitric Oxide on Pulpal Blood Flow and Tissue Pressure in the Ferret
Authors: Berggreen E. , Heyeraas K.J.
Published: January 2009

A study was designed to investigate the effects of close intra-arterial infusion of antagonists to the sensory neuropeptides calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P, as well as the effect of the nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor L-NAME on pulpal blood flow and interstitial fluid pressure during resting conditions and after electrical tooth stimulation. The micropuncture technique was used to measure tissue pressure and laser-Doppler flowmetry for blood flow recordings in ferret canine teeth. Close intra-arterial infusion of antagonists to calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P significantly reduced resting blood flow (p < 0.05) and interstitial fluid pressure (p < 0.005) by unchanged systemic arterial pressure, while L-NAME administration caused a significant rise in interstitial fluid pressure (p < 0.05) and systemic arterial pressure (p < 0.005), with a concomitant fall in resting blood flow (p < 0.005). Tooth stimulation after calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonist infusion gave no significant change in blood flow or interstitial fluid pressure, whereas substance P antagonist infusion only partly eliminated the vasodilator response. L-NAME had no effect on the vasodilation induced by tooth stimulation. It is concluded that a resting vasodilator tone due to release of calcitonin gene-related peptide, substance P, and nitric oxide exists in the ferret dental pulp. The sensory neuropeptides exert their effect predominantly on pre-capillary vessels, and nitric oxide predominantly on post-capillary vessels. The sensory neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide seems to be mainly responsible for the increase in blood flow and interstitial fluid pressure during tooth stimulation, whereas there was no evidence that nitric oxide participates in the vasodilation induced by tooth stimulation.
Acid-etching and Hydration Influence on Dentin Roughness and Wettability
Authors: Rosales J.I. , Marshall G.W. , Marshall S.J. , Watanabe L.G. , Toledano M. , Cabrerizo M.A. , Osorio R.
Published: January 2009

Adhesion of restorative and protective materials to dentin is an important requirement for operative and preventive dentistry. Wettability and roughness are dentin substrate conditions that are critical to establishing good adhesion. This study examined superficial and deep dentin for variations in water contact angle measurements and roughness for polished, etched, dehydrated, and rehydrated states. Superficial and deep dentin disks from 6 non-carious third molars were prepared for AFM (Atomic Force Microscope) observation, roughness measurement, and contact angle measurements following specific treatments: hydrated and polished, etched (10% H3P04), dehydrated (desiccator for 24 hrs); and rehydrated (in water for 24 hrs). Contact angles were measured by means of the ADSA (Axisymmetric Drop Shape Analysis) technique with filtered and purified water of surface tension 72.79 ergs/cm2. The AFM was used to quantify the intertubular roughness. Mean and SD of roughness and contact angle were calculated for each dentin state, and two-way Repeated Measures ANOVA with Tukey's HSD multiple comparisons were performed at p < 0.05. Wetting and roughness both increased after etching, with roughness tending to increase further while wettability dramatically decreased after desiccation. After rehydration, water contact angle values were equivalent to those of the etched condition. Although intertubular roughness did not depend on depth, lower water contact angles were found for deep dentin. Depth and dehydration resulted in altered dentin substrates with exposed hydrophobic moieties that could interfere with bonding to hydrophilic primer coats.
Three-body Wear of a Hand-consolidated Silver Alternative to Amalgam
Authors: Xu H.H.K. , Eichmiller EC , Giuseppetti A.A. , Ives L.K. , Parry E.E. , Schumacher G.E.
Published: January 2009

Recent studies have investigated a mercury-free silver alternative to amalgam, but the silver powders required a relatively high compaction pressure to consolidate. The aim of the present study was to consolidate a precipitated silver powder into a cohesive solid using an air-driven pneumatic condenser fitted with an amalgam plugger at a clinically realistic load, and to study the mechanisms and rates of three-body wear of the consolidated silver in comparison with that of an amalgam. The silver powder was annealed, rinsed with a dilute acid, and consolidated either in a prepared tooth cavity or in a specimen mold at a load of 15 N. A four-station wear machine was used where each specimen was immersed in a slurry containing polymethyl methacrylate beads, then a steel pin was loaded and rotated against the specimen at a maximum load of 76 N. The flexural strength in MPa (mean ± SD; n = 10) was 86 ± 20 for amalgam, 181 ± 45 for silver with a polished surface, and 202 ± 21 for silver with a burnished surface. After 4 x 105 wear cycles, the wear scar depth in μm was 134 ± 54 for amalgam, 143 ± 8 for polished silver, and 131 ± 9 for burnished silver, which were not significantly different (Tukey's multiple comparison test; family confidence coefficient = 0.95). SEM examination revealed cracks and fracture pits in the worn surface of amalgam, in contrast to a smooth surface in silver. Wear and material removal in amalgam occurred by microfracture and dislodgement of cracked segments, while wear in the silver occurred by ductile deformation and flow of materials. To conclude, the consolidated silver possesses a three-body wear resistance similar to that of amalgam, and a higher resistance to wear-induced damage and cracking than amalgam. The mechanism of wear in amalgam is microfracture and material dislodgement, while that in consolidated silver is ductile deformation and flow of material.
Effect of Fluoride Concentration and pH on Corrosion Behavior of Titanium for Dental Use
Authors: Nakagawa M. , Matsuya S. , Shiraishi T. , Ohta M.
Published: January 2009

Titanium is used as a metal for biocompatible materials such as dental implants or restorations because of its excellent chemical stability. However, the corrosion of Ti in the prophylactic fluoride-containing environment can become problematic. To clarify the effects of fluoride concentration and pH on the corrosion behavior of Ti, we conducted anodic polarization and immersion tests in NaF solution of various concentrations and pH values. The concentrations of dissolved Ti in the test solutions were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. There were obvious limits of fluoride concentration and the pH value at which the corrosion behavior of Ti changed. The corrosion of Ti in the solution containing fluoride depended on the concentration of hydrofluoric acid (HF). When the HF concentration in the solution was higher than about 30 ppm, the passivation film of the Ti was destroyed. The results of this study revealed a relation between the fluoride concentrations and pH values at which Ti corrosion occurred and provided data on such corrosion in environments where the fluoride concentration and pH value are known.
Neil Goldsworthy and His Legacy: Sydney's Institute of Dental Research
Authors: Mandel Irwin D. , Knox Kenneth W.
Published: January 2009

Dr. Neil Goldsworthy had a profound effect on. the development of dental research in the biological sciences in Australia, including measures for the prevention of dental caries. He played a major role in the establishment of the Institute of Dental Research in Sydney in 1946 and was Director until his sudden death in 1960. Reviewing the institute's activities provides the opportunity for his achievements to receive due recognition and to show how they influenced its subsequent development. As one who has been associated with the Institute for most of the last 50 years, it is an honor for me to undertake this task.
Localization and Changes in NADPH-Diaphorase Reactivity and Nitric Oxide Synthase Immunoreactivity in Rat Pulp Following Tooth Preparation
Authors: Law A.S. , Baumgardner K.R. , Meller S.T. , Gebhart G.F.
Published: January 2009

Inflammatory changes in the dental pulp are accompanied by release of a wide variety of chemical mediators. Nitric oxide, an oxidative free radical produced by the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS), has been implicated in multiple inflammatory processes, which makes it a suitable marker for changes which likely occur following tooth pulp insult. Since limited information on nitric oxide in the pulp is available, it is necessary first to examine relative distributions of NOS in uninflamed and inflamed rat pulp. We accomplished this by characterizing regions of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH-d) activity and the distribution of both macrophage NOS (macNOS) and neuronal NOS (nNOS) immunoreactivity in normal and inflamed rat molar pulp at multiple time points. The results showed that: (1) deep cavity preparation on the mesial surface of the molar produced a time-dependent inflammation, with acute inflammation early progressing to chronic, granulomatous inflammation with necrosis later that spread preferentially down the mesial root; (2) control (non-prepared) teeth showed a relatively faint and homogeneous distribution of NADPH-d and macNOS reactivity but no discernible nNOS reactivity; (3) inflamed teeth displayed localized increased intensity of NADPH-d and macNOS reactivity surrounding the inflamed area of pulp, but no increased nNOS activity; (4) pulp vessels supplying the inflamed area showed increased NADPH-d reactivity, but no increased macNOS or nNOS reactivity; and (5) neither NADPH-d, macNOS, nor nNOS reactivity was observed in pulpal nerves. Therefore, nitric oxide may mediate the pulpal inflammatory response through its effects on the paralesional pulp tissue and surrounding endothelial/vascular structures.
Fluoride Release from Restorative Materials and Its Effects on Dentin Demineralization
Authors: Francci C. , Deaton T.G. , Arnold R.R. , Swift E.J. , Perdigao J. , Bawden J.W.
Published: January 2009

As the use of adhesive restorative materials has increased during the last several years, interest in adhesive materials that release fluoride has also grown. The purpose of this study was to measure fluoride release from several adhesive restorative materials and to evaluate its effect on dentin resistance to demineralization and on bacterial metabolism in a modified in vitro system. Standardized cavities (1.8 mm in diameter) were prepared in bovine teeth that had been ground to dentin. One cavity in each tooth was restored with one of the following restorative systems: (a) Single Bond and Z100; (b) Single Bond and Tetric Ceram; (c) Fuji Bond LC and Z100; (d) Fuji Bond LC and Tetric Ceram; (e) Fuji II LC; or (f) Fuji IX GP. The other cavity in each tooth was "restored" with wax as a control. For each restorative system, 12 specimens were evaluated for fluoride release during the first 24 hrs after restoration placement. Dentin adjacent to the restored sites was subjected to lactic acid challenge (pH 4.3) for 3 hrs, after which calcium release was measured. Another 12 specimens in each group were stored for 24 hrs in de-ionized water, and were exposed to an S. mutans suspension (1:1 THB/de-ionized water and 50 mM glucose, A660 = 0.2) for 6 hrs, followed by calcium release and pH measurement. Bulk specimens of each material were also made and stored in water. Fluoride released from Fuji Bond LC, Fuji IX GP, and Fuji II LC in bulk was significantly greater than from the other materials. In the restored dentin specimens, increased resistance to demineralization from a lactic acid challenge was directly related to fluoride release. The same effects were seen as a result of the S. mutans challenge. While fluoride release from restorative materials increased the resistance of dentin to demineralization in this system, the clinical relevance of the findings is not known.
Implantation of Octacalcium Phosphate (OCP) in Rat Skull Defects Enhances Bone Repair
Authors: Kamakura S. , Sasano Y. , Homma H. , Suzuki O. , Kagayama M. , Motegi K.
Published: January 2009

Synthetic octacalcium phosphate (OCP) enhances bone formation if implanted into the subperiosteal region of murine bone. Such implanted OCP may be resorbed and replaced by bone with time. We hypothesized that OCP could be used as an effective bone substitute. To test this hypothesis, we designed the present study to investigate if bone repair in a rat skull defect is enhanced by the implantation of OCP. Rats were divided into two groups: OCPtreated animals and untreated controls. Six rats from each group were fixed at 4, 12, and 24 weeks after implantation. A full-thickness standardized trephine defect was made in the parietal bone, and synthetic OCP was implanted into the defect. After being examined radiographically, the specimens were decalcified and processed for histology. OCP implantation significantly promoted bone repair compared with the controls. A statistical analysis showed an increase in the area of radiopacity within the skull defect between week 4 and week 12. Histologically, bone was formed on the implanted OCP and along the defect margin at week 4. At week 12, the implanted OCP was surrounded by newly formed bone. At week 24, the defect was almost completely filled with bone. In the control, bone formation was observed only along the defect margin. The present results demonstrate that OCP could be used as an effective bone substitute.
Pellicle Precursor Proteins: Acidic Proline-rich Proteins, Statherin, and Histatins, and their Crosslinking Reaction by Oral Transglutaminase
Authors: Yao Y. , Lamkin M.S. , Oppenheim EG
Published: January 2009

Previous studies have demonstrated that whole saliva and pellicle formed in vitro from oral fluid contain covalently crosslinked salivary proteins. The purpose of this study was to determine which salivary proteins can act as substrates for transglutaminase, an enzyme responsible for the covalent crosslink reaction between a glutamine residue and a lysine residue. Transglutaminase was prepared from the pellet fraction of human whole saliva. Dansyl cadaverine (N-dansyl-1,5-diaminopentane) was used to study the reactivity of glutamine residues in acidic large and small proline-rich proteins, statherin, and the major histatins, whereas a glutamine-containing dansylated peptide was used to study the reactivity of lysine residues in these proteins. Crosslink formation was measured fluorometrically after the addition of fluorescent probe to the salivary protein substrate and transglutaminase. The covalent attachment of the fluorescent probe to salivary proteins was confirmed by SDS-PAGE. It was found that almost all of the lysines present in the acidic PRPs and statherin, and some of the lysines present in histatins, could participate in the crosslink reaction. Glutamine reactivity was also observed, but a maximum of only 14% of glutamine residues present in acidic PRPs and statherin participated in the crosslink formation. These results demonstrate that primary pellicle precursor proteins, acidic proline-rich proteins, statherin, and the major histatins are capable of undergoing crosslink reactions catalyzed by oral transglutaminase. This may enable other proteins in the oral cavity to be incorporated into the acquired enamel pellicle.
Suppression of Jaw-opening and Trigemino-hypoglossal Reflexes during Swallowing in the Cat
Authors: Ono T. , Ishiwata Y. , Kuroda T. , Nakamura Y.
Published: January 2009

Jaw-opening and trigemino-hypoglossal reflexes can be evoked by innocuous as well as noxious afferents from intra-oral structures. It has been reported that the amplitude of the jaw-opening reflex evoked by weak electrical stimulation of the upper lip is subject not only to tonic suppression but also to phase-linked modulation during mastication. In this study, we investigated whether the jaw-opening and trigemino-hypoglossal reflexes are modulated during swallowing. Data were obtained from 8 chloralose-anesthetized cats. Reflexes were monitored by electromyographic activities recorded from the anterior digastric, genioglossus, and styloglossus muscles and, after paralysis, by the efferent discharge in the digastric and hypoglossal nerves. Swallowing was elicited either by water dropped on the tongue or by repetitive stimulation of the superior laryngeal nerve. Jaw-opening and trigemino-hypoglossal reflexes were evoked by stimulation of the lingual nerve, and the evoked afferent volley was recorded from the Gasserian ganglion so that the threshold of the lingual nerve could be determined. The following results were obtained: (1) The jaw-opening and trigemino-hypoglossal reflexes evoked by stimulation of the low-threshold, but not high-threshold, lingual afferents were remarkably suppressed during swallowing; and (2) both the jaw-opening and trigemino-hypoglossal reflexes evoked by low-threshold lingual afferents were suppressed during fictive swallowing after the animals were paralyzed. We conclude that the jaw-opening and trigemino-hypoglossal reflexes evoked by low-threshold lingual afferents are suppressed during swallowing by a central motor program.
Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor (SLPI): Oxidation of SLPI Does Not Explain Its Variable Anti-HIV Activity
Authors: Konopka K. , Shine N. , Pretzer E. , Düzgünes N.
Published: January 2009

Secretory leuhocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) has been proposed as a potential inhibitor of HIV-1 infection in human saliva. Although the ability of recombinant (r) SLPI to inhibit HIV-1 infection of macrophages and primary T-cells has been demonstrated by two independent laboratories, evidence to the contrary has also been reported. This study re-examines the anti-HIV effect of rSLPI and investigates the effects of repeated freeze-thawing and oxidation on the anti-HIV activity of rSLPI. rSLPI inhibited HIV-1 BaL infection of human macrophages in a highly variable manner. HPLC and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI) analyses indicated that variability in our inhibition data could not be attributed to the degradation or oxidation of rSLPI. These results suggest that the variable anti-HIV effect of rSLPI may be due to differential expression of the cell-surface molecule(s) to which SLPI binds rather than to changes in the rSLPI molecule.
TGFβ Isoforms and Decorin Gene Expression are Modified in Fibroblasts Obtained from Non-syndromic Cleft Lip and Palate Subjects
Authors: Bodo M. , Baroni T. , Carinci E. , Becchetti E. , Bellucci C. , Pezzetti F. , Conte C. , Evangelisti R. , Carinci P.
Published: January 2009

Interaction between extracellular matrix (ECM) and cytokines is thought to be crucial for palatal development. The localization of transforming growth factors (TGFa and TGFβ isoforms) in craniofacial tissues suggests that they carry out multiple functions during development. In the present report, we studied TGFa, TGFβ1, and TGFβ3 expressions and their effects on ECM macromolecule production of normal and cleft palatal fibroblasts in vitro, to investigate the mechanisms by which the phenotypic modulation of fibroblasts occurs during the cleft palate process. The results indicated that, while TGFa mRNA was not evidenced in CLP or normal fibroblasts, a reduced TGFβ1 hybridization signal was detected in CLP fibroblasts. In addition, these secreted more active TGFβ3 than TGFβ 1, as evaluated in a biological assay. The CLP phenotype, which differed from the normal one because of its higher PG decorin expression and greater production of GAG and collagen, was further modified by the addition of growth factors. In fact, in CLP fibroblasts, TGFa and TGFβ1 down-regulated PG decorin transcript, TGFβ1 increased collagen and GAG in both cellular and extracellular compartments, and TGFβ3 promoted secretory processes of cells. In conclusion, the data represent the first report in a human model in vitro that TGFβ1 and β 3 are differently expressed and are correlated to the CLP phenotype. Thus, strength is given to the hypothesis that TGFβ3 isoforms are the potential inducers of phenotypic expression in palatal fibroblasts during development and that an autocrine growth factor production mechanism may be responsible for the phenotypic modifications.
Expression of Syndecan-2, -4, and Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Type 1 in Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts and Down-regulation of These Membrane Proteins during Maturation in Culture
Authors: Shimazu A. , Bachchu M.A.H. , Morishita M. , Noshiro M. , Kato Y. , Iwamoto Y.
Published: January 2009

Syndecans are transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycans. They are known to interact with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and it has been suggested that they play important roles in the growth, morphology, and migration of a variety of cell types. We examined the expression of syndecans and fibroblast growth factor receptor type 1 (FGFR1) in periodontal ligament (PDL) cells, because these membrane proteins may play roles in the control of growth and differentiation during regeneration of PDL. Reverse-transcription/polymerase chain-reaction (RT-PCR) showed that PDL cells expressed syndecan-2 and -4 mRNAs. This was confirmed by sequence analysis of the PCR products. When PDL cells were maintained for 25 days, alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity gradually increased and reached a maximal level on day 20. Northern blotting analysis showed that PDL cells expressed 2.3-kb syndecan-2, 2.6-kb syndecan-4, and 2.8-kb FGFR1 mRNAs throughout the entire culture period, whereas no syndecan-1 mRNA was detectable by this method. Maximal levels of syndecan-2, -4, and FGFR1 mRNAs were observed on day 5. However, their levels were markedly decreased on days 20 and 25. Accordingly, the inhibitory effect of bFGF on ALPase activity was less on day 20 than on day 5. When PDL cells were pre-treated with heparitinase, a mitogenic response of PDL cells to bFGF was decreased. These observations indicate that PDL cells express syndecan-2, -4, and FGFR1 mRNAs, and that those levels are changed with the increase in ALPase activity in culture. The reductions in syndecan-2, -4, and FGFR1 levels may be involved in the control of growth and differentiation of PDL cells during development and regeneration.
Masticatory Force and Function in Patients with Hemispheric Brain Infarction and Hemiplegia
Authors: Kemppainen P. , Waltimo A. , Palomäki H. , Salonen O. , Könönen M. , Kaste M.
Published: January 2009

Recent functional animal studies have reported that the motor control of masticatory muscle function is bilaterally guided by both hemispheres, which may fundamentally differ from the cortical control of limb muscle function. In this study, we investigated whether unilateral cortical brain infarction induces different impairments in masticatory and upper limb motor performance. Evidence of the importance of both hemispheres in controlling masticatory movements would be greater if the masticatory function were shown to be unimpaired in patients with severe hemiplegia. The masticatory function of 16 patients with severe hemiparesis caused by brain infarction in the region of the middle cerebral artery was studied by means of interview, clinical examination, and bite-force measurements. Finger-thumb grip-force measurements and clinical examination of the upper limbs were also performed for evaluation of the effect of infarction on upper limb motor function. Localization of the infarction was confirmed with computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The Scandinavian Stroke Scale demonstrated that each patient had a major unilateral cortical infarction which had caused a marked handicap with a serious impairment of upper limb function on the contralateral side. The clinical examination revealed no major signs of temporomandibular disorders, and the masticatory muscles, when examined by palpation, contracted symmetrically. None of the patients with unilateral brain infarction showed any differences in bite forces between the healthy and paralyzed sides. These results indicate that, in hemiparetic patients, great differences may exist between the motor performances of the masticatory and upper limb muscles. The present investigation clinically illustrates the importance of both hemispheres in the control of masticatory function and movements.
Guantanamo Bay as a Foucauldian Phenomenon
Authors: Welch Michael
Published: January 2009

The Detention Camp at Guantanamo Bay (DCGB) has emerged as one of the most controversial penal institutions in a post-9/11 world, raising sharp questions about its legality under international law and reports of harsh confinement conditions, coercive interrogations, and indefinite detention. Although a fast-growing literature addresses those issues, there are few penological excursions into the precise nature of DCGB and its internal workings. Attempting to offer a coherent theoretical interpretation, this article situates DCGB within the work of Michel Foucault. Although Foucault has undergone considerable critique for his writings on imprisonment, there remains much potential for improving scholars' understanding of the prison and specifically the role of DCGB in the war on terror. The analysis sets out to decipher the significance of penal discourse, technologies, and resistance unfolding at DCGB. By doing so, critical insights into various forms of modern power are illuminated alongside their unintended consequences. Implications for human rights are discussed throughout.
Fatigue Behavior of Filament Warp Yarns under Cyclic Loads during Weaving Process
Authors: Nosraty H. , Jeddi Ali A. A. , Jamshidi Avanaki M.
Published: January 2009

Warp yarns in their different applications during weaving processes are often required to support loads, either in a static manner (simple tensile) or in a dynamic one (fatigue). For this reason, the investigation into the variations of the mechanical behavior of warp yarns during weaving condition is important. The purpose of this investigation was to simulate the cyclic loading of weaving process on filament warp yarns and report their fatigue behavior. In this study, the general characterization analysis of three types of the most ordinary filament yarns, polyester, polypropylene and nylon, was performed and then their fatigue behavior was simulated as warp yarns under cyclic loading by using the dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA 2980). For this simulation, by looking at the conditions of the most common weaving looms, two sets of frequencies as loom speed and two sets of strains as loom geometry were chosen. The relevant variations of the yarn elongation, yarn stress, yarn storage modulus, yarn loss modulus and the damping factor of the yarns were measured and studied. Our test results revealed that the polypropylene yarns had the minimum change in their mechanical behavior and the nylon yarns had the minimum amount of characteristics under different loading conditions. It was found that the resistance of nylon to cyclic loads was higher than polyester and polypropylene. Also, polyester was the weakest yarn because of high change range in its mechanical and physical properties. We also demonstrated that only the polyester yarn revealed immediate failure at 2 % strain.
Some Studies on Water Permeability of Nonwoven Fabrics
Authors: Patanaik Asis , Anandjiwala Rajesh
Published: January 2009

In this paper we report on the water permeability behavior of nonwoven fabrics produced from flax fibers. Three different types of needle punched nonwoven fabrics are produced by varying the depths of needle penetration during the needle punching process. The pore size and its distribution in the nonwoven fabrics are measured by liquid extrusion porometry. Water permeability is measured by the water permeability testing instrument working on the principle of falling hydraulic head method. A finite element analysis is employed to predict the flow velocity through the nonwoven fabrics. A good correlation is achieved between the average velocity data obtained from water permeability test and theoretical prediction based on finite element analysis. The pore size and its distribution play an important role in water permeability characteristics.
New Techniques in Cotton Finishing
Authors: Perincek Seher , Bahtiyari Ibrahim , Korlu Aysegul , Duran Kerim
Published: January 2009

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of new advanced processes (ultrasound, ozonation, and ultraviolet) on cotton woven fabric's hydrophility and polymerization degrees, breaking strengths, whiteness, and desizing degrees. For this purpose, all trials were realized with water at 63-65°C by the aid of advanced processes. At the end of the experiments, it was noticed that advanced processes can be used in pretreatment of cotton fabrics. Ultrasonic treatment followed by ozonation gives sufficient whiteness degrees and hydrophilily values to the fabric. At the same time, treatment of cotton fabrics with new processes provides savings of thermal energy, water, and chemicals. Moreover, these processes are considered as green processes because they are ecological in certain conditions when compared with conventional processes.
Elastic Recovery and Viscoelastic Behavior of Agave americana L. Fibers
Authors: El Oudiani Asma , Sghaier Ben , M'sahli Slah , Chaabouni Yassin , Sakli Faouzi
Published: January 2009

The aims of this work were to study the viscoelastic behavior and the elastic recovery of Agave americana L. fibers. The results were considered in the context of an earlier study examining the mechanical properties of this natural fiber. Comparative investigations among three types of fiber extraction were made: raw fibers manually extracted, fibers extracted in distilled water, and fibers extracted in seawater. Two different approaches were used. The first approach considered structural effects by studying the changes of structure at different levels. In this case, atomic and molecular effects were taken into account. To further characterize the mechanical behavior of Agave americana L. fibers, a rheological constitutive model was developed using data from axial tension tests. The best model to explain the viscoelastic behavior of Agave americana L. fibers was the modified generalized Maxwell model. The values obtained for elastic recovery were influenced by the test conditions such as studied in this work: type of extraction, relative humidity, time for which the specimen was held at constant strain. The recovery curves of raw fibers and distilled water extracted fibers were very close to each other, while seawater extracted fibers had the best elastic recovery of any of the fibers tested. The study of the surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy contributed to a greater understanding of the fibers' mechanical behavior and in particular their elastic recovery.
Outcomes of Multimodal Training for Healthcare Professionals at an AIDS Education and Training Center
Authors: Cook Paul F. , Friedman Risa , Lord Abigail , Bradley-Springer Lucy A.
Published: January 2009

There is an ongoing need for continuing professional education (CPE) in the rapidly changing field of HIV care, but the best instructional methods remain a subject of debate. This study assessed the effects of training at an AIDS Education and Training Center (AETC) over an 18-month period. Health care professionals (HCP) who attended more than one training event showed small but significant improvements over time in HIV-related clinical practice behaviors. The type of training also predicted self-reported practice behavior, with interactive trainings and individual consultations associated with greater change, and intensive clinical training activities associated with a faster rate of change but not better scores on the self-reported behavior measure. Participants also reported high levels of satisfaction, knowledge improvement, and intention to change after each training event; however, these results were unrelated to whether trainees actually reported improved practice behavior.
Using Mixed Methods to Evaluate the Pediatric Lead Assessment Network Education Training Program (PLANET)
Authors: Polivka Barbara J. , Chaudry Rosemary V. , Sharrock Timberlee
Published: January 2009

The Pediatric Lead Assessment Network Education Training Program (PLANET) is a peer-to-peer in-person 1-hr lead poisoning prevention educational program for health professionals. This evaluation was designed to determine the impact of the PLANET program. Evaluation methods included analyzing data from PLANET sign-in sheets, evaluation forms, pre/postknowledge tests, claims data, and focus groups (FGs) and interviews (IVs) with PLANET attendees and nonattendees. Claims data were used to compare blood lead testing rates for physicians attending and those not attending a PLANET program. Over 2,000 health professionals attended the 192 PLANET presentations delivered between June 2001 and December 2006; most were registered nurses or physicians. Written evaluations were overwhelmingly positive. Posttests indicated increased provider knowledge about childhood lead poisoning prevention, and assessment of blood lead testing rates showed higher testing rates for PLANET attendees. FG and IV participants suggesting improvements including using alternative delivery modes.
Subjective age: Toward a guiding lifespan framework
Authors: Montepare Joann M.
Published: January 2009

This article attempts to integrate the contributions of research in this volume of the International Journal of Behavioral Development with related research under a guiding lifespan framework that describes the dynamics of subjective age identification. The framework rests on the premise that subjective age derives from a process of anchoring and adjusting personal age perceptions in light of distal references points (i.e., internal representations of developmental models) and proximal reference points (i.e., historic, physical, normative, and interpersonal age markers) that guide the age younger and older individuals across the lifespan perceive themselves to be. In addition to being a potential alternative marker of development, subjective age is an interesting personal dimension along which to explore individual behavior and functioning. Future researchers have much to learn about its distinctive components, determinants and consequences across and within age groups.