bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protease‐activated receptor 2 mediates interleukin‐8 and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 expression in response to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
Authors: Shimada T. , Sugano N. , Ikeda K. , Shimada K. , Iizuka T. , Ito K. 
Published: June 2009

Introduction: We investigated the mechanisms by which extracts of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans affect the inflammatory response in gingival epithelial cells.Methods: Human gingival cells (Ca9‐22) were cultured in bacterial extracts prepared from A. actinomycetemcomitans ATCC 29522. The cells were pretreated with protease inhibitors or transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) specific for protease‐activated receptor 2 (PAR‐2).Results: The pretreatment of cells with serine protease inhibitors significantly inhibited A. actinomycetemcomitans extract‐induced expression of interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) at both the messenger RNA and protein levels. In addition, A. actinomycetemcomitans extract‐induced IL‐8 and ICAM‐1 expression was significantly decreased in PAR‐2/siRNA‐transfected cells.Conclusions: A. actinomycetemcomitans extract‐induced IL‐8 and ICAM‐1 expression in gingival epithelial cells is mediated by PAR‐2.
Human gingival fibroblasts release high‐mobility group box‐1 protein through active and passive pathways
Authors: Feghali K. , Iwasaki K. , Tanaka K. , Komaki M. , Machigashira M. , Ishikawa I. , Izumi Y. 
Published: June 2009

Introduction: The nuclear protein high‐mobility group box‐1 (HMGB1) acts as a late mediator of inflammation when secreted in the extracellular milieu. In this study, we examined the effect of lipopolysaccharides from periodontal pathogens and apoptotic and necrotic cell death on HMGB1 production in human gingival fibroblasts (HGF).Methods: HGF from healthy periodontal tissue were cultured and stimulated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Escherichia coli. We also initiated apoptotic and necrotic cell deaths in HGF. The HMGB1 released in the supernatants from stimulated or dying cells was measured. Immunocytochemical staining against HMGB1 was performed in LPS‐stimulated HGF.Results: A significantly higher amount of HMGB1 was detected from necrotic and apoptotic HGF. LPS from A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, and E. coli significantly induced the production of HMGB1 in a time‐dependent manner. After 6 h of LPS stimulation, HMGB1 was present in the cytoplasm of cells whereas its location was mainly nuclear after 24 h.Conclusions: LPS from two major periodontal pathogens, A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis, induced HMGB1 secretion from HGF. Apoptotic and necrotic cell deaths resulted in the enhancement of HMGB1. Our results suggest that HGF can be a source of HMGB1 by both active secretion and passive release, and that HMGB1 from HGF may contribute to periodontal tissue destruction.
Prevotella intermedia ATCC 25611 targets host cell lamellipodia in epithelial cell adhesion and invasion
Authors: Gursoy U. K. , Könönen E. , Uitto V.‐J. 
Published: June 2009

Introduction:  The Prevotella intermedia group bacteria, namely P. intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens, and Prevotella pallens, are phylogenetically closely related and potentially connected with oral and gastrointestinal tract disease pathogenesis. The aim of the present study was to examine whether these species differ in their capabilities of adhesion to and invasion of epithelial cells.Methods:  Adhesion and invasion were assayed by standard antibiotic/culture assays and fluorescent microscopy techniques. The effect of Prevotella strains on epithelial cell viability was measured using a commercial cell proliferation assay.Results:  The strains P. intermedia ATCC 25611 and P. nigrescens ATCC 33263 adhered to epithelial cells, the adhesion numbers of P. intermedia being twice as high as those of P. nigrescens. These strains invaded epithelial cells but invasion was weak. The adhesion of P. intermedia was specifically targeted to epithelial cell lamellipodia. The number of adhered P. intermedia cells increased or decreased when the formation of lamellipodia was stimulated or inhibited, respectively. None of the tested strains showed toxic effects on epithelial cells; a clinical P. intermedia strain even increased the number of viable cells by about 20%.Conclusion:  The results suggest that among the P. intermedia group bacteria, P. intermedia and P. nigrescens type strains can adhere to and invade epithelial cells, the capability of P. intermedia ATCC 25611T being highest in this context. This strain proved to have a special affinity in binding to epithelial cell lamellipodia.
Transient acid‐impairment of growth ability of oral Streptococcus, Actinomyces, and Lactobacillus: a possible ecological determinant in dental plaque
Authors: Horiuchi M. , Washio J. , Mayanagi H. , Takahashi N. 
Published: June 2009

Introduction:  Dental plaque pH decreases to about 4 through bacterial fermentation of carbohydrates and this low pH is maintained for from several minutes to about an hour. Repeated acidification causes demineralization of the tooth surface, resulting in caries formation. The acidification also influences plaque bacteria. Severe acidification kills bacteria efficiently, while physiological acidification, the condition occurring in plaque, kills bacteria partially and may impair growth ability. We, therefore, investigated the effects of physiological acidification on representative caries‐related bacteria.Methods:  Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus oralis, Lactobacillus paracasei, and Actinomyces naeslundii were used. Effects of physiological acidification at pH 4.0 on cell viability and growth ability, as well as the growth rate of these bacteria at pH 4.0–7.0, were investigated.Results:  Mutans streptococci and Lactobacillus grew at pH 4.0 but the growth of S. sanguinis and S. oralis ceased below pH 4.2 and pH 4.2–4.4, respectively. Acidification at pH 4.0 for 1 h killed 43–89%, 45% and 35–76% of S. sanguinis, S. oralis, and Actinomyces, respectively. Furthermore, assessment of bacterial growth curves revealed that the growth ability of the surviving cells of S. sanguinis, S. oralis and Actinomyces was impaired, but it was recovered within 2–5 h after the environmental pH had returned to 7.0. The acidification neither killed nor impaired the growth of mutans streptococci and Lactobacillus.Conclusions:  These results indicate that physiological and transient acidification is not sufficient to kill bacteria, but it causes a temporary acid‐impairment of their growth ability, which may function as an ecological determinant for microbial composition in dental plaque.
The immune response of oral epithelial cells induced by single‐species and complex naturally formed biofilms
Authors: Eberhard J. , Pietschmann R. , Falk W. , Jepsen S. , Dommisch H. 
Published: June 2009

Introduction:  In the oral cavity, the surfaces are constantly exposed to a complex variety of microorganisms organized in biofilms. As part of a sophisticated local immune response, gingival epithelial cells (GECs) express antimicrobial peptides, such as human β‐defensin‐2 (hBD‐2), ribonuclease 7 (RNAase‐7), and psoriasin (PSO), and pro‐inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LO). The aim of the present study was to test whether GECs show a differential immune response to single‐species biofilms compared with multi‐species biofilms.Methods:  GECs were cultured from biopsies derived from three different healthy donors (n = 3). To obtain naturally formed biofilm (NFB), polymer disks were attached to prostheses and carried intraorally for 12, 24, 36, and 48 h. In addition, single‐species biofilms (SSB; Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus mitis) were cultured on polymer disks in vitro (12, 24, 36, and 48 h). The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of hBD‐2, RNAase‐7, PSO, IL‐8, 5‐LO, and glycerylaldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase was analysed using semi‐quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction.Results:  In GECs, the hBD‐2 mRNA expression was significantly upregulated in response to S. mitis‐biofilm stimulation compared with S. mutans‐biofilm stimulation (P < 0.0001). In contrast, the RNAase‐7 mRNA expression was significantly higher in GECs when responding to both S. mutans biofilms and naturally formed biofilms compared with S. mitis biofilms (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.001, respectively). The IL‐8 and 5‐LO mRNA was significantly upregulated in response to S. mutans biofilms (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0002, respectively).Conclusion:  This in vitro study found biofilm‐dependent expression of antimicrobial peptides and inflammatory mediators in GECs.
Agronomic practices as potential sustainable options for the management of Pentastiridius leporinus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) in sugar beet crops
Authors: Bressan A. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractCixiid planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Cixiidae) have been shown to vector phloem‐limited prokaryotes associated to prominent plant diseases world‐wide. However, little information is available on the management of such insects that spend a significant part of their life cycle underground as nymphal stages. Preliminary assays were carried out to analyse the potential of some agronomic practices to reduce the underground populations of Pentastiridius leporinus, a cixiid vector of plant pathogenic bacteria to sugar beets that completes its life cycle in the cropping rotation sugar beet‐winter wheat. A first field assay was carried out to test the effect of spring barley as an alternative crop to winter wheat, a second one analysed the effect of reduced tillage as alternative to ploughing. Planthopper abundance, as evaluated by using horizontal sticky sheets to intercept flying adults that emerged from the soil beneath traps, showed a reduction of 80% and 28% of planthoppers when barley was grown instead of wheat and when reduced tillage was applied instead of ploughing, respectively. Barley roots had 81% fewer nymphs than did wheat roots. Indirectly this study demonstrates how conventional cultural practices for sugar beet production can promote the establishment of P. leporinus populations in sugar beet crops in eastern of France.
Body image and self‐esteem in somatizing patients
Authors: Sertoz Ozen O. , Doganavsargil Ozge , Elbi Hayriye 
Published: June 2009

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to determine dissatisfaction with body appearance and bodily functions and to assess self‐esteem in somatizing patients.Methods:  Body image and self‐esteem were investigated in 128 women; 34 of those had diagnosed somatoform disorders, 50 were breast cancer patients with total mastectomy surgery alone, and 44 were healthy subjects. Body image and self‐esteem were assessed using the Body Cathexis Scale and Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale.Results:  The two clinical groups did not differ from one another (z = −1.832, P = 0.067), but differed from healthy controls in terms of body image (somatizing patients vs healthy controls, z = −3.628, P < 0.001; total mastectomy patients vs healthy controls, z = −3.172, P = 0.002). They also did not differ significantly in terms of self‐esteem (z = −0.936, P = 0.349) when depressive symptoms were controlled. No statistically significant difference was observed between total mastectomy patients and healthy controls in terms of self‐esteem (z = −1.727, P = 0.084). The lower levels of self‐esteem in somatizing patients were largely mediated by depressive symptoms. Depressed and non‐depressed somatizing patients differed significantly from healthy controls with respect to their self‐esteem and body image.Conclusions:  Somatizing patients who were dissatisfied with their bodily functions and appearance had lower levels of self‐esteem and high comorbidity of depression. In clinical practice it is suggested that clinicians should take into account psychiatric comorbidity, self‐esteem, and body image in somatizing patients when planning treatment approaches.
Does autoimmune thyroid disease affect parathyroid autotransplantation and survival?
Authors: Ebrahimi Houman , Edhouse Pam , Lundgren Catharina Ihre , McMullen Todd , Sidhu Stan , Sywak Mark , Delbridge Leigh 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground:  While the increased risk to parathyroid gland preservation has long been recognized during surgery for thyroid cancer, the effect of different benign pathological conditions on parathyroid preservation has not previously been reported. The aim of this study was to examine parathyroid viability in relation to autoimmune thyroid disease.Methods:  This is a retrospective cohort study including all patients having an initial total thyroidectomy (TT) performed by this unit during the period 2004–2005.Results:  A total of 628 patients underwent TT in the study period. For the Graves' disease cases, 45 (62.5%) required the autotransplantation of one or less parathyroid gland, whereas 27 (37.5%) required two or more glands to be autotransplanted. This was significantly higher than for the benign thyroid disease group in which the respective figures were 242 (77.6%) and 70 (22.4%) (P= 0.01). Of the lymphocytic thyroiditis cases, 61 (65.5%) required the autotransplantation of one or less gland, whereas 32 (34.4%) required the autotransplantation of two or more glands. This was also significantly higher (P= 0.03). Temporary hypocalcaemia was significantly higher when two or more glands were autotransplanted (23 out of 177, 13.2%) than one or less gland autotransplanted (18 out of 451, 4.0%, P < 0.01). However, the overall incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism was 1.0%, and there was no significant difference between the groups.Conclusion:  TT performed for Graves' disease and lymphocytic thyroiditis results in the autotransplantation of more parathyroid glands, leading to a higher incidence of temporary hypocalcaemia post‐operatively. Despite this, the incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism remains low at 1%.
Search for pathogenetic variants of the SPRY2 gene in intestinal innervation defects
Authors: Borghini S. , Duca M. Di , Prato A. Pini , Lerone M. , Martucciello G. , Jasonni V. , Ravazzolo R. , Ceccherini I. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractSPRY2 is an inducible inhibitor of signalling mediated by tyrosine kinases receptors, whose targeting causes intestinal hyperganglionosis in mice. In this light, we have undertaken a mutational analysis of the SPRY2 gene in patients affected with intestinal neuronal dysplasia (IND), without detecting nucleotide changes in any of the 26 DNA samples analysed, with the exception of two already known polymorphic variants. A role of the SPRY2 gene in IND pathogenesis can be thus excluded.
A phosphoketolase Mpk1 of bacterial origin is adaptively required for full virulence in the insect‐pathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae
Authors: Duan Zhibing , Shang Yianfang , Gao Qiang , Zheng Peng , Wang Chengshu 
Published: June 2009

SummaryPentose metabolism through the phosphoketolase pathway has been well characterized in bacteria. In this paper, we report the identification of a phosphoketolase homologue Mpk1 in the insect‐pathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae. Phylogenetic analysis showed that fungal phosphoketolases are of bacterial origin and diverged into two superfamilies. Frequent gene loss or lack of acquisition is evident in specific fungal lineages or species. The mpk1 gene is highly expressed when grown in trehalose‐rich insect haemolymph but poorly induced by insect cuticle or carbohydrate‐rich plant root exudate. In addition, mpk1 gene expression and enzyme activity could be upregulated by different sugars including xylose, trehalose, glucose or sucrose. mpk1 null mutants generated by homologous recombination grew similar to the wild type of M. anisopliae on medium amended with xylose as a sole carbon source. However, insect (tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta) bioassays showed significantly reduced virulence in Δmpk1. The results of this study suggest that the horizontally transferred Mpk1 in M. anisopliae plays an important niche adaptation role for fungal propagation in insect haemocoel. Following the carbohydrate flux from plants to plant‐feeding insects and insect pathogenic fungi, a tritrophic relationship is discussed in association with the requirement of fungal phosphoketolase pathway.
Investing back home Return migration and business ownership in Albania1
Authors: Kilic Talip , Carletto Calogero , Davis Benjamin , Zezza Alberto 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis study uses data from the 2005 Albania Living Standards Measurement Study survey to assess the impact of past migration experience of Albanian households on non‐farm business ownership through instrumental variables regression techniques. Considering the differences in earning potentials and opportunities for skill acquisition in different destination countries, we differentiate the impact of past household migration experience by main migrant destinations. The study also explores the heterogeneity of impact based on the timing of migration. The empirical results indicate that past household migration experience exerts a positive impact on the probability of owning a non‐farm business. While one additional year in Greece increases the probability of household business ownership by roughly 6 percent, a similar experience in Italy or farther destinations raises the probability by over 25 percent. Although past household migration experience for the period of 1990–2000 is positively associated with the likelihood of owning a household enterprise, a similar association does not exist for the period of 2001–2004.
Always Poor or Never Poor and Nothing in Between? Duration of Child Poverty in Germany
Authors: Fertig Michael , Tamm Marcus 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
This paper analyses the duration of child poverty in Germany. Observing the entire income history from the individuals’ birth to their coming of age at age 18, we are able to analyse dynamics in and out of poverty for the entire population of children, whether they become poor at least once or not. Using duration models, we find that household composition, most importantly single parenthood, and the labour market status as well as level of education of the household head are the main driving forces behind exit from and re-entry into poverty and thus determine the (long-term) experience of poverty.
Optimal Taxation: The Design of Child-Related Cash and In-Kind Benefits
Authors: Haan Peter , Wrohlich Katharina 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
In this paper, we empirically derive the welfare function that guarantees that the current German tax and transfer system for single women is optimal. In particular, we compare the welfare function conditional on the presence and age of children and assess how recent reforms of in-kind childcare transfers affect the welfare function. Our analysis is based on a discrete model of optimal taxation.We apply this framework using microsimulation and microeconometric techniques. In general, we find that marginal welfare weights are relatively high for non-working single women. Further, we show that the reform of in-kind childcare transfers is only optimal if society increases the marginal welfare weights for the working single women.
Euro-Area Yield Curve Reaction to Monetary News
Authors: Coffinet Jèrôme , Gouteron Sylvain 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Using intraday data, we assess the impact of monetary news on the full length of the euro-area yield curve. We find that the publication of monetary data has a significant impact on interest rates with maturities ranging from one to ten years, with the largest effect on the one- to five-year segment. These results suggest that when gauging the policy-relevant signals, market participants look through short-term movements of annual M3 growth and focus instead on the trend rate of monetary expansion over the medium term.
Evaluation of the 2005 McDonald MRI criteria for dissemination in space in Afro‐Caribbean patients with clinically isolated syndromes
Authors: Chausson N. , Olindo S. , Signaté A. , Smadja D. , Cabre P. 
Published: June 2009

Background:  In 2005, the McDonald MRI criteria for dissemination in space were revised to improve diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) in non‐Caucasians.Methods:  We included patients with a first clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) to assess their performance in the Afro‐Caribbean population. Baseline brain and spine MRI examinations were available within 3 months after onset of CIS. The development of a second clinical event was used as the main outcome indicating clinically definite MS.Results:  A total of 66 patients (52F/14M) were included between January 1998 and January 2008 (mean age: 34.7; median follow‐up: 34 months). CIS was classified as spinal cord (30.3%), optic neuritis (28.8%), brainstem (24.2%), multiregional (10.6%), hemispheric (4.5%), or undetermined (1.5%). Overall conversion rate was 42.4% (median: 11 months). The McDonald criteria revised for dissemination in space were fulfilled in 33.3% (sensitivity: 0.39 (±0.18); specificity: 0.66 (±0.15), positive predictive value: 0.46 (±0.20), negative predictive value: 0.60 (±0.15).Conclusion:  The Afro‐Caribbean population is characterized by a strong proportion of CIS in the spinal cord and a lower burden of disease on the baseline brain MRI. This may explain the low sensitivity of the 2005 McDonald criteria for dissemination in space. Further prospective studies emphasizing MRI spinal cord features are needed to improve diagnostic criteria in a population of African descent.
White matter reduced streamline coherence in young men with autism and mental retardation
Authors: Pardini M. , Garaci F. G. , Bonzano L. , Roccatagliata L. , Palmieri M. G. , Pompili E. , Coniglione F. , Krueger F. , Ludovici A. , Floris R. , Benassi F. , Emberti Gialloreti L. 
Published: June 2009

Background and purpose:  It has been proposed that white matter alterations might play a role in autistic disorders; however, published data are mainly limited to high‐functioning autism. The goal of this study was to apply diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and fiber tractography (FT) to study white matter in low‐functioning autism and the relationship between white matter and cognitive impairment.Methods:  Ten low‐functioning males with autism (mean age: 19.7 ± 2.83 years) and 10 age‐matched healthy males (mean age: 19.9 ± 2.64 years) underwent DTI‐MRI scanning. fractional anisotropy (FA) maps were analyzed with whole brain voxel‐wise and tract‐of‐interest statistics. Using FT algorithms, white matter tracts connecting the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) with other brain regions were identified and compared between the two groups. FA mean values of the autistic group were correlated with intelligence quotient (IQ) scores.Results:  Low‐functioning autistic subjects showed a reduced tract volume and lower mean FA values in the left OFC network compared with controls. In the autistic group, lower FA values were associated with lower IQ scores.Conclusions:  We showed evidence of OFC white matter network abnormalities in low‐functioning autistic individuals. Our results point to a relationship between the severity of the intellectual impairment and the extent of white matter alterations.