bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LuxS and expression of virulence factors in Streptococcus intermedius
Authors: Pecharki D. , Petersen F. C. , Scheie A. Aa. 
Published: September 2010

Background/aims:  Autoinducer‐2 (AI‐2) is used by several bacteria in quorum‐sensing signaling and is a product of LuxS. The aim was to investigate the effect of LuxS mutation on expression of Streptococcus intermedius virulence factors.Methods:  S. intermedius mutants were constructed by insertion inactivation or gene deletion. Real time RT‐PCR was used to assess transcription of pas, ily and hyl. Hyaluronidase and intermedilysin activities were measured biochemically.Results:  The results indicated that disruption of luxS in S. intermedius may affect hyaluronidase and intermedilysin gene expressions. No difference in antigen I/II expression was observed. Biochemical methods showed a five‐fold decrease in hemolytic activity of the luxS mutant; however, secreted hyaluronidase activity was unaffected. The AI‐2 precursor 4,5‐dihydroxy‐2,3‐pentanedione complemented lack of AI‐2 production by the mutant thus restoring hemolytic activity.Conclusions:  We suggest that AI‐2 communication is involved in intermedilysin expression.
Evaluation of the humoral immune response to the cytolethal distending toxin of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans Y4 in subjects with localized aggressive periodontitis
Authors: Xynogala I. , Volgina A. , DiRienzo J. M. , Korostoff J. 
Published: September 2010

Introduction:  Cytolethal distending toxin (Cdt) is potentially one of several virulence factors of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, the prime etiological agent of localized aggressive periodontitis (LAP). Little is known regarding the Cdt‐specific antibody response in humans. The current study is a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the toxin‐specific antibody response in a cohort of LAP patients and age‐, race‐ and sex‐matched controls.Methods:  Ninety‐five subjects provided a total of 692 serum samples. Sera were analysed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays to determine the titers of antibody against the intact Cdt holotoxin as well as the individual subunit proteins (CdtA, CdtB, and CdtC). Neutralization of growth inhibition mediated by Cdt was evaluated in a modified colony‐forming assay using Chinese hamster ovary cells.Results:  Fourteen of the 95 subjects exhibited significant serum Cdt‐binding activity. There were no differences in the percentages of seropositive individuals or in the mean antibody titers between the control and LAP groups. Binding activity was detected against each of the three Cdt subunit proteins in all of the positive samples. Neutralization of Cdt‐mediated growth inhibition was detected in samples from all of the seropositive subjects (range 20–75%).Conclusions:  Cdt, a recently identified A. actinomycetemcomitans virulence factor, is capable of inducing a neutralizing antibody response indicating that the toxin is produced during natural infection of humans. The failure of a vast majority (20 of 23) of the LAP subjects to mount a significant anti‐Cdt response may in part explain their relative susceptibility to the disease.
Relationship of neutrophil phagocytosis and oxidative burst with the subgingival microbiota of generalized aggressive periodontitis
Authors: Carvalho R. P. M. , Mesquita J. S. , Bonomo A. , Elsas P. X. , Colombo A. P. V. 
Published: September 2010

Introduction:  Polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) dysfunctions have been associated with severe forms of periodontitis. This study evaluated the correlation between PMN phagocytosis and oxidative burst with the subgingival microbiota of patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP).Methods:  Heparinized peripheral blood samples were obtained from 18 GAgP patients and 11 periodontally healthy (PH) subjects, and PMNs were isolated on a Ficoll–Hypaque gradient. For phagocytosis analysis, PMNs were incubated with fluorescein‐labeled Staphylococcus aureus. The oxidative burst was evaluated by incubation of PMNs with dihydroethidium and activation by S. aureus. The assays were examined using flow cytometry. Subgingival biofilm samples were obtained from periodontal sites with and without periodontitis and 24 species were detected by checkerboard.Results:  A significantly lower phagocytosis rate was observed for patients with GAgP compared with PH subjects over time (P < 0.05). No differences between groups were found for superoxide production. GAgP patients presented significantly higher prevalence and levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans serotype b than controls (P < 0.05). Significant negative correlations between T. forsythia and P. gingivalis and PMN functions were observed.Conclusions:  GAgP subjects presented diminished phagocytic activity of peripheral PMNs and high prevalence and levels of classical periodontal pathogens.
Role of two component signaling response regulators in acid tolerance of Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Kawada‐Matsuo M. , Shibata Y. , Yamashita Y. 
Published: September 2010

Introduction:  In bacteria, two‐component systems (TCS) involving the products of a histidine kinase gene (hk) and a response regulator gene (rr) play important roles in adaptation to environmental changes. Fourteen hk‐rr homologs and one orphan rr homolog were identified in the Streptococcus mutans UA159 genome database. There have been no comprehensive evaluations of the roles of rr homologs in the acid tolerance of S. mutans.Methods:  The TCS genes (tcs) of S. mutans were designated smtcs01–15. Mutants of S. mutans UA159 with deletions of rr and hk‐rr were constructed. Acid tolerance was evaluated by comparing the doubling times at pH 7.2 and pH 5.5 between the wild‐type and mutant strains.Results:  Excluding smtcs10 and 12, for which viable mutants could not be obtained, a total of 13 rr deletion mutants were constructed. The rr deletions in smtcs03, 05, 08, and 13 resulted in diminished acid tolerance in comparison with UA159. The hk‐rr double‐mutants exhibited acid sensitivity levels similar to those of the corresponding rr mutants. The results of the present study reveal the involvement of the rr genes of smtcs03 and 05 in acid tolerance. Deletion of hk and/or rr in smtcs03 generated an acid‐sensitive phenotype. In contrast, for smtcs05, while deletion of rr resulted in reduced acid tolerance, a single‐deletion of hk had no effect on acid tolerance.Conclusions:  We implicated two rr genes in the acid tolerance of S. mutans. In particular, smtcs05 is a novel tcs, the sole rr of which is involved in the acid tolerance of S. mutans.
Porphyromonas gingivalis stimulates TACE production by T cells
Authors: Bostanci N. , Reddi D. , Rangarajan M. , Curtis M. A. , Belibasakis G. N. 
Published: September 2010

Introduction:  Tumour necrosis factor‐α converting enzyme (TACE), also known as ADAM17, is a membrane‐bound metalloprotease and disintegrin. It is produced by a number of host cells and is known to shed and release cell‐bound cytokines, particularly members of the tumour necrosis factor family. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Porphyromonas gingivalis on TACE production by a human T‐cell line, to identify putative virulence factors involved in this process, and to investigate the effect of doxycycline.Methods:  P. gingivalis 6‐day culture supernatants were used to challenge Jurkat T cells for 6 h. Secreted and cell‐associated TACE levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, whereas messenger RNA expression was investigated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. To investigate the involvement of cysteine proteases or proteinaceous components in general, P. gingivalis culture supernatants were treated with the specific chemical inhibitor TLCK or heat‐inactivated, respectively. The effect of doxycycline on the regulation of TACE secretion by P. gingivalis was also investigated.Results:  P. gingivalis challenge resulted in a concentration‐dependent enhancement of TACE messenger RNA expression and protein release by Jurkat cells. TLCK treatment or heat treatment of P. gingivalis culture supernatants decreased TACE release to control levels. Doxycycline inhibited TACE secretion dose dependently.Conclusion:  The induction of TACE by T cells in response to P. gingivalis may in turn favour the shedding of host cell‐bound cytokines into the local microenvironment, potentially amplifying the inflammatory response. In the present experimental system, P. gingivalis cysteine proteases are involved in TACE release by T cells.
Clinical effects of pranlukast, an oral leukotriene receptor antagonist, in mild‐to‐moderate asthma: A 4 week randomized multicentre controlled trial
Authors: Yoo Se Hwa , Park Sung Hak , Song Jeong Sup , Kang Kyung Ho , Park Choon Sik , Yoo Jee Hong , Choi Byoung Whui , Hahn Myung Ho , Group Representing Korea Pranlukast Study 
Published: September 2010

Objective: Leukotriene antagonists are increasingly used in asthma management. Pranlukast is a new, orally active, selective inhibitor of CysLt1 leukotriene receptor. The present clinical trial was performed to study the effect and safety of pranlukast in mild‐to‐moderate asthma.Methodology: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel group study was performed in eight medical centres in Korea. Mild‐to‐moderate asthma patients who had been treated with β2‐agonists and/or inhaled corticosteroids were studied. The patients' symptoms were evaluated by asthma diary and twice‐daily peak flow monitoring.Results: Of the 206 patients enrolled, 197 were eligible for analysis. The pranlukast group (n = 98) showed statistically significant improvement in asthma symptoms, including asthma attack rate, daily living score, and morning and evening asthma scores. Pranlukast significantly reduced the consumption of β2‐agonist. Compared with the placebo group, forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) were not significantly higher in the pranlukast group. Morning and evening peak expiratory flow (PEF) were significantly increased after pranlukast treatment at weeks 2 and 4 (380.8 ± 10.1 L/min at baseline, 394.5 ± 10.1 at week 2, 396.3 ± 10.4 at week 4). There were no serious adverse reactions.Conclusion: Pranlukast, an oral leukotriene antagonist, was well tolerated and was effective for the management of mild‐to‐moderate asthma.
Case management may reduce length of hospital stay in patients with recurrent admissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Poole Phillippa J. , Chase Beth , Frankel Anthony , Black Peter N. 
Published: September 2010

Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine whether the case management of patients with recurrent hospital admissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can reduce hospital days without reducing quality of life.Methodology: Sixteen subjects (mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second; FEV1 0.64 L) with at least four admissions for COPD in the previous 2 years were case managed by a clinical nurse specialist. Admissions and hospital bed days were recorded before and after the introduction of case management, and compared with data for 16 controls at another hospital who received usual care. Quality of life was measured serially in the case‐managed group.Results: In the first year of case management, the number of hospital bed days fell to eight per patient from 22 per patient in the previous year. This was mainly due to a reduction in the length of stay from 5.6 to 3.5 days. In the control group length of stay did not change. Admissions in both groups declined. Case‐managed patients had a significant improvement in their quality‐of‐life scores.Conclusions: In a group of patients with severe COPD and recurrent admissions, case management reduced the number of days in hospital while improving the quality of life. These findings need to be confirmed in a randomized, controlled trial.
Enteral feeding in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Authors: Tanchoco Celeste C. , Castro Cecilia A. Ma , Villadolid Milagros F. , Casiño Gerardo , Rodriguez Marietta P. , Roa Camilo , Cruz Christine Marie A. De La , Tangcongco Fausto 
Published: September 2010

Objective: The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a defined formula diet with a blenderized diet on nutritional and respiratory function parameters and to determine the bacteriological load of the two formulations.Methodology: Seventeen patients, aged 50–75 years, admitted to the University of the Philippines‐Philippine General Hospital for chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema, were studied. They were divided into two groups according to dietary regimens. Each group of patients received either the standardized commercial formula or the blenderized formula for 2 weeks. Evaluation of dietary intake, anthropometric measurements, laboratory examinations and lung function were assessed. Subjective evaluation (patient's and physician's assessment) was also sought. Microbiological examinations were performed on the prepared enteral formulas.Results: There was a slight increase in weight and in pulmonary function in both groups but these results did not differ significantly. Possible formula contamination was confirmed. Furthermore, in the overall assessment, the physician and patients rated both formulas as comparable.
Bullous lung disease due to marijuana
Authors: HII Su W. , TAM Jeff D. C. , THOMPSON Bruce R. , NAUGHTON Matthew T. 
Published: September 2010

Background and objective:  In contrast to the well‐described effects of tobacco smoking upon pulmonary emphysema, with ∼15% of smokers being affected at the age of 65 years, the effects of marijuana smoking are rarely reported and poorly understood.Methods:  We report a series of 10 patients (mean age 41 ± 9 years, eight male, two female), who presented over a period of 12 months to our respiratory unit with new respiratory symptoms, and who admitted to regular chronic marijuana smoking (>1 year continuously). Symptoms on presentation were dyspnoea (n = 4), pneumothorax (n = 4) and chest infection (n = 2).Results:  High‐resolution CT revealed asymmetrical, variably sized, emphysematous bullae in the upper and mid zones. However, the CXR was normal in four patients and lung function was normal in five.Conclusions:  Marijuana smoking leads to asymmetrical bullous disease, often in the setting of normal CXR and lung function. In subjects who smoke marijuana, these pathological changes occur at a younger age (approximately 20 years earlier) than in tobacco smokers.
Phase II study of uracil‐tegafur plus cisplatin in patients with previously untreated advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: TAKAYAMA Koichi , KAWASAKI Masayuki , NINOMIYA Kiyoshi , MOTOHIRO Akira , FUJITA Masaki , WATANABE Kentaro , KAJIKI Akira , IWAMI Fumiyuki , MIYAZAKI Naoki , IZUMI Miiru , HARA Nobuyuki , NAKANISHI Yoichi ,   FUKUOKA LUNG CANCER STUDY GROUP, JAPAN
Published: September 2010

Background and objective:  A multi‐institutional phase II trial combining uracil‐tegafur (UFT) and cisplatin (CDDP) was conducted in patients with previously untreated advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this combined treatment regimen.Methods:  The entry criteria for this study were previously untreated NSCLC, measurable disease, age <80 years, performance status <2, and adequate haematological, hepatic and renal function. Patients were treated with 400 mg/m2 oral UFT from day 1 to day 14 and 80 mg/m2 cisplatin on day 15. The treatment course was repeated every 3 weeks.Results:  Of the 68 patients enrolled, 64 (27 with stage IIIB and 37 with stage IV disease) were eligible for treatment. Twenty of the 64 patients responded to the chemotherapy (response rate 31.3%; 95% CI 21.2–43.4%). The median survival time was 8.6 months, and the 1‐year survival was 41.5%. Haematological toxicity ≥WHO grade 3 was seen in 3 (4.7%) patients. For non‐haematological toxicities, anorexia with WHO grade 3 was seen in 8 (12.5%) patients, nausea and vomiting with WHO grade 3 in 4 (6.3%), diarrhoea with WHO grade 4 in 1 (1.6%), and liver dysfunction with WHO grade 4 in 1 (1.6%) patient.Conclusions:  The combination of oral UFT plus cisplatin was found to be a safe and active treatment against advanced NSCLC. The observed low toxicity of this combined regimen may warrant its application to the treatment of elderly patients.
High levels of oxidative stress in patients with advanced lung cancer
Authors: ESME Hidir , CEMEK Mustafa , SEZER Murat , SAGLAM Hayrettin , DEMIR Adalet , MELEK Huseyin , UNLU Mehmet 
Published: September 2010

Background and objective:  The aim of this study was to investigate oxidative stress status in different stages and histological types of lung cancer.Methods:  Forty‐nine lung cancer patients, who had not received any therapy, and 20 healthy subjects were chosen for the study. Lung cancer patients were divided into those with early stage or advanced stage disease. The tumour type was adenocarcinoma in 24 patients, squamous cell carcinoma in 21 and large cell carcinoma in four. We measured serum nitrite, nitrate, ascorbic acid, retinol, β‐carotene and ceruloplasmin levels, and whole‐blood malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione levels and catalase activity in patients with non‐small cell lung carcinoma and healthy subjects.Results:  Statistically significant differences between the patient group and the control group were detected for all biochemical parameters. Mean malondialdehyde, nitrite, nitrate and ceruloplasmin levels and catalase activity were significantly higher in the group with advanced stage disease than in the control group. Mean β‐carotene, ascorbic acid and reduced glutathione levels were significantly lower in the group with advanced stage disease than in the control group. Mean malondialdehyde and nitrite levels were significantly higher in the patients with squamous cell carcinoma than in those with adenocarcinoma, and mean malondialdehyde level was also significantly higher in patients with squamous cell carcinoma than in those with large cell carcinoma.Conclusions:  These results suggest that with advancing stage of lung cancer, the levels of oxidative stress increase, while levels of antioxidant molecules decrease. Patients with squamous cell carcinoma have higher oxidative stress as reflected by higher levels of malondialdehyde and nitrite.
Macrolides attenuate mucus hypersecretion in rat airways through inactivation of NF‐κB
Authors: OU Xue‐Mei , FENG Yu‐Ling , WEN Fu‐Qiang , WANG Ke , YANG Jie , DENG Zhi‐Pin , LIU Dai‐Shun , LI Yan‐Ping 
Published: September 2010

Background and objective:  To examine the effect of a 14‐membered ring macrolide on airway mucus hypersecretion in rats treated with LPS.Methods:  Mucus hypersecretion in rat airways was induced by intratracheal instillation of LPS. Rats treated with or without LPS were administered roxithromycin (1–10 mg/kg), josamycin (10 mg/kg) or amoxicillin (40 mg/kg), orally for 4 days. Expression of Muc5ac, nuclear factor (NF)‐κB, and the mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinases p38 and ERK1/2 in bronchial epithelium were detected by RT‐PCR, immunohistochemistry or western blotting. Mucins, IL‐1β, IL‐8 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α in BAL fluid were assayed by enzyme‐linked lectin assay and ELISA.Results:  LPS significantly induced the expression of Muc5ac mRNA and protein in bronchial epithelium, increased the release of mucins, IL‐1β, IL‐8 and TNF‐α, and increased neutrophil numbers in BAL. Moreover, LPS increased staining for NF‐κB in the cytoplasm as well as nuclear translocation of NF‐κB in airway epithelial cells. Upregulated expression of Muc5ac mRNA correlated positively with NF‐κB activation and the levels of cytokines (P < 0.05). Roxithromycin (5 and 10 mg/kg) significantly attenuated bronchial Muc5ac expression and NF‐κB nuclear translocation stimulated by LPS, and reduced neutrophil numbers, mucins and inflammatory cytokines in BAL (P < 0.05). However, LPS‐stimulated expression of p38 and ERK1/2 in airway epithelium was not affected by roxithromycin. Josamycin and amoxicillin had no effects on Muc5ac expression, NF‐κB activation or cytokine release.Conclusions:  Roxithromycin inhibits the pulmonary inflammatory response and airway mucus hypersecretion induced by LPS. The inhibitory effect of roxithromycin on airway mucus hypersecretion may be mediated through reduction of NF‐κB activation, neutrophil infiltration and release of inflammatory cytokines in the lung.
De novo 7q deletion with a positive maternal serum triple test screening
Authors: Park In Yang , Jo Yoon Sung , Shin Jong Chul , Sung In‐Kyung , Kim Myungshin 
Published: September 2010

AbstractA 32‐year‐old woman at 17 weeks of gestation had a high possibility (1:82) of having a child with Down syndrome. Fetal chromosome according to amniocentesis revealed 46,XX,del(7)(q11.23q21.2). The fetus' chromosomal defect was not inherent because the chromosome analysis of the parents did not have any abnormal findings. We were regularly monitoring the pregnant woman by routine prenatal schedule and she had a normal spontaneous delivery. The baby showed a typical facial malformation, epicanthal fold, decreased muscle tone, and cardiac abnormalities. This is the first patient prenatally diagnosed with de novo 7q deletion by positive triple marker screening test. We consider the triple test, which is the most popular examination used to clarify the risk of chromosome abnormality in obstetrics, will be used not only for trisomy 21 and 18, but also for any other chromosome abnormalities.
Isolated intrauterine femoral fracture in an otherwise normal fetus
Authors: Arioz Dagistan Tolga , Koken Gulengul Nadirgil , Koken Resit , Kose Kamil Cagri , Cevrioglu Arif Serhan 
Published: September 2010

AbstractMultiple fractures of the long bones can be seen in the intrauterine period as a result of disorders such as skeletal dysplasias or maternal trauma, but isolated intrauterine femoral fracture is an extremely rare condition. Congenital short femur should be kept in mind, especially during the intrauterine period in the differential diagnosis. We report a case diagnosed as isolated femoral fracture in the 34th gestational week with post‐partum confirmation of the diagnosis by X‐rays and physical examination.
Intrapartum placement of an inferior vena cava filter for a woman with hereditary antithrombin III deficiency: Its role in the prevention of fatal pulmonary embolism
Authors: Hidaka Nobuhiro , Hachisuga Masahiro , Tsukimori Kiyomi , Onohara Toshihiro , Maehara Yoshihiko , Wake Norio 
Published: September 2010

AbstractWe present a case of a pregnant woman with hereditary antithrombin III deficiency and deep vein thrombosis of the left lower extremity managed by perinatal unfractionated heparin injection with antithrombin III replacement as well as by intrapartum placement of a temporary inferior vena cava filter. A massive thrombus of the right common iliac vein occurred during the intrapartum period despite antithrombin III replacement. An inserted filter could prevent fatal pulmonary embolism in this patient. Hereditary antithrombin III deficiency increases risk of thrombosis during pregnancy. However, discussion on intrapartum management, when anticoagulants are contraindicated due to possible hemorrhage, is minimal. Our experience suggests that thrombosis can occur and develop during the intrapartum period in an antithrombin III deficient woman despite antithrombin III replacement. It may be advisable to manage deliveries with temporary inferior vena cava filters to prevent fatal pulmonary embolism.