bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vertical Bone Augmentation with Simultaneous Dental Implantation Using Crestal Biomaterial Rings: A Rabbit Animal Study
Authors: Draenert Florian G. , Kämmerer Peer W. , Palarie Victor , Wagner Wilfried 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTBackground: Ceramic biomaterial blocks like hydroxyl apatite are too brittle for simple simultaneous vertical augmentation and dental implant placement. Biological scaffolds of xenogenic or allogenic origin are known to be advantageous.Purpose: The aim of this study was the proof of principle for combined vertical bone augmentation and dental implantation with marginal cuffs made of biological scaffolds with interconnecting porous system and titanium dental implants.Materials and Methods: Cylindrical porcine biomaterial rings (processed, mineralized bone matrix) were placed in combination with titanium dental implants in the tibia model using six chinchilla bastard rabbits (n = 12 samples). Histological examination included undecalcified histological examination with toluidine blue staining and fluorescence microscopy. Animals were sacrificed after 30 days.Results: The results showed bony healing in the scaffolds with immature bone tissue ingrowth following the trabecular structure, showing lamellar cancellous bone healing. Fluorescence microscope showed analogous results.Conclusion: The biological scaffold proved a biocompatibility in a xenogenic setting. The vertical bone augmentation with simultaneous implantation was successful and proved the feasibility of the concept.
Scent Recognition of Infected Status in Humans
Authors: Moshkin Mikhail , Litvinova Nadezhda , Litvinova Ekaterina A. , Bedareva Alena , Lutsyuk Andrey , Gerlinskaya Ludmila 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
There is a body of experimental evidence that mice and rats use chemical signals to avoid sexual contact with infected conspecifics. In contrast to animals, body scent of sick humans is employed only in medical diagnostics.
A modification of human body odor, due to an infection, has not been studied as a potential signal for choice of a sexual partner. It might, however, be especially important for sexually transmitted infections (STI) because many such infections have no obvious external manifestations.

Aim
In this study, we have investigated odor pleasantness of young men infected with gonorrhea, Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Methods
We collected armpit sweat and saliva from young men (17–25 years old) belonging to three groups: healthy persons (N = 16), young men infected with gonorrhea, Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N = 13), and persons recovered due to specific therapy (N = 5). The sweat samples odor was then assessed by healthy young women (17–20 years old). Concentrations of cortisol, testosterone, immunoglobulin A (IgA), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were measured in saliva by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Main Outcome Measures
Subjective rates of odor pleasantness, association of scent of armpit sweat with odor descriptors, stepwise regression of odor pleasantness and salivary cortisol, testosterone, IgA, and IgG.

Results
The odor from infected individuals was reported as less pleasant in comparison with the odor of healthy and recovered young men. The scent of infected men was more frequently associated by raters with the descriptor “putrid.” Odor pleasantness of the male sweat correlated negatively with concentration of the nonspecific salivary IgA and IgG, which was measured as an indicator of current immunoenhancement.

Conclusion
Perhaps, the immune-dependent reduction of the scent pleasantness in the acute phase of STI is part of an evolutionary mechanism ensuring, unconsciously, avoidance of a risky romantic partner.
Prevalence and Predictors of Sexual Problems in Men Aged 75–95 Years: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Hyde Zoë , Flicker Leon , Hankey Graeme J. , Almeida Osvaldo P. , McCaul Kieran A. , Chubb S.A. Paul , Yeap Bu B. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Hypogonadism is associated with impaired libido and erectile dysfunction in young men, but the causes of sexual dysfunction in older men are less well understood.

Aim
To determine the prevalence and predictors of sexual problems in older men.

Main Outcome Measure
Sexual problems, as assessed by a self-reported questionnaire.

Methods
This was a population-based, cohort study of 3,274 community-dwelling men aged 75–95 years (mean 82 years) from Perth, Western Australia. Questionnaires in 2001–2004 and 2008–2009 assessed social and medical risk factors. Sex hormones were measured in 2001–2004. Predictors of sexual problems, measured in 2008–2009, were assessed cross-sectionally in the entire sample, and longitudinally in a subset of 1,744 men with sex hormone data.

Results
Sexual problems were highly prevalent, with 49.4% (95% confidence interval 47.7% to 51.1%) reporting erectile problems, 47.7% (45.9% to 49.4%) lacking interest in sexual activity, 38.7% (37.0% to 40.3%) unable to climax, and 20.4% (19.1% to 21.8%) anxious about their ability to perform sexually. Painful and unpleasurable sex were less common (&lt;5%). Overall, 72.0% (70.5% to 73.6%) reported at least one problem. In multivariate binary logistic regression analyses, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, prostate disorders, and insomnia were the factors most commonly associated with sexual problems. Low testosterone levels were associated with lack of interest in sex, but not with other complaints.

Conclusions
Sexual problems are common in elderly men. Chronic disease, depression, and insomnia appear to be the main modifiable risk factors. Androgen deficiency is unlikely to be a major cause of sexual problems in this age group.
Nutrition Education Intervention Improves Vegetable‐Related Attitude, Self‐Efficacy, Preference, and Knowledge of Fourth‐Grade Students
Authors: Wall Denise E. , Least Christine , Gromis Judy , Lohse Barbara 
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: Impact of a classroom‐based, standardized intervention to address limited vegetable consumption of fourth graders was assessed.METHODS: A 4‐lesson, vegetable‐focused intervention, revised from extant materials was repurposed for Pennsylvania fourth graders with lessons aligned with state academic standards. A reliability‐tested survey was modified, then examined for face and content validity and test‐retest reliability. Lessons and evaluation materials were modified through an iterative testing process with educator feedback. A nonequivalent control group design was stratified by local Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP‐Ed) partnering organizations with random assignment of participating elementary schools as control (N = 68) or intervention (N = 72) treatments. Independent t‐tests compared control and intervention group changes. A mixed effects model was created to account for classroom effects from the nested sampling method of selecting classrooms within SNAP‐Ed partnering organizations. General linear model univariate analyses of variance were conducted to assess intervention effects considering gender, and food preparation/cooking experience.RESULTS: During a 3‐ to 5‐week time frame, 57 intervention classrooms (N = 1047 students) and 51 control classrooms (N = 890) completed pre‐ and post‐testing. Intervention students improved in vegetable‐related attitude, self‐efficacy, preference, and knowledge scores (p < .001). For example, intervention vegetable preference increased 1.56 ± 5.80 points; control group mean increase was only 0.08 ± 4.82 points. Group differences in score changes were not affected by gender or interactions between gender and food preparation/cooking experience with family.CONCLUSIONS: A defined intervention delivered in a SNAP‐Ed setting can positively impact mediators associated with vegetable intake for fourth‐grade students.
Synthesis, characterisation and application of new tamarind triethylamine (TTEA) resin for removal of toxic metal ions from the effluent of Puneet Steel Industry, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Authors: Singh Aresh V. , Soni Dilip K. , Kumawat Indraj Kumar 
Published: December 2011

AbstractA new ion exchange resin tamarind triethylamine (TTEA) was chemically synthesised by modified Porath's method of functionalisation of polysaccharides. The prepared resin was characterised on the basis of ion exchange capacity, elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Chemical resistivity of TTEA resin was assessed in several acidic, basic media. The present method is simple and rapidly applicable for the removal and recovery of metal ions from effluent of industries. The distribution coefficient (K
d) values of metal ions have been determined by batch method. Owing to the large differences in K
d values of toxic metal ions at different pH, removal and recovery of metal ions from their aqueous solutions and effluent of Puneet Steel Industry, Jodhpur has been studied systematically. The adsorption of different metal ions on TTEA resin follows the order; Fe2+ > Zn2+ > Cu2+ > Pb2+ > Cd2+. The Ion exchange capacity (IEC) of TTEA resin was 2.04%.
Site‐dependent actinic skin damage as risk factor for melanoma in a central European population
Authors: Wendt Judith , Schanab Oliver , Binder Michael , Pehamberger Hubert , Okamoto Ichiro 
Published: December 2011

SummarySun exposure is causal for melanoma but is subject to bias of recall so that it is difficult to dissect the role of particular patterns of sun exposure. In this hospital‐based case‐control study (n = 1991), we aimed to analyze pigmentation traits and signs of actinic damage at different anatomic locations as markers of melanoma risk in central European patients. Although all signs of actinic damage (freckling, wrinkling and solar lentigos) were significantly associated with melanoma risk in multivariate logistic regression models adjusting for age and sex, the strongest associations were observed for the dorsal parts of the body: adjusted odds ratios [OR] were 4.22 for wrinkling on the neck, 3.43 for solar lentigos and 3.37 for freckling on the back (all P < 0.001), respectively. These associations were independent of age, sex and pigmentation traits. Our results indicate that signs of actinic damage are predictors of melanoma risk, particularly on the back.
Mechanisms of Resistance to Chloramphenicol in Pseudomonas putida KT2440
Authors: Fernández Matilde , Conde Susana , de la Torre Jesús , Molina-Santiago Carlos , Ramos Juan-Luis , Duque Estrella 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas putida
KT2440 is a chloramphenicol-resistant bacterium that is able to grow in the presence of this antibiotic at a concentration of up to 25 μg/ml. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that the expression profile of 102 genes changed in response to this concentration of chloramphenicol in the culture medium. The genes that showed altered expression include those involved in general metabolism, cellular stress response, gene regulation, efflux pump transporters, and protein biosynthesis. Analysis of a genome-wide collection of mutants showed that survival of a knockout mutant in the TtgABC resistance-nodulation-division (RND) efflux pump and mutants in the biosynthesis of pyrroloquinoline (PQQ) were compromised in the presence of chloramphenicol. The analysis also revealed that an ABC extrusion system (PP2669/PP2668/PP2667) and the AgmR regulator (PP2665) were needed for full resistance toward chloramphenicol. Transcriptional arrays revealed that AgmR controls the expression of the
pqq
genes and the operon encoding the ABC extrusion pump from the promoter upstream of open reading frame (ORF) PP2669.
Biochemical Study of the Comparative Inhibition of Hepatitis C Virus RNA Polymerase by VX-222 and Filibuvir
Authors: Yi Guanghui , Deval Jerome , Fan Baochang , Cai Hui , Soulard Charlotte , Ranjith-Kumar C. T. , Smith David B. , Blatt Lawrence , Beigelman Leonid , Kao C. Cheng 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

Filibuvir and VX-222 are nonnucleoside inhibitors (NNIs) that bind to the thumb II allosteric pocket of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Both compounds have shown significant promise in clinical trials and, therefore, it is relevant to better understand their mechanisms of inhibition. In our study, filibuvir and VX-222 inhibited the 1b/Con1 HCV subgenomic replicon, with 50% effective concentrations (EC
50
s) of 70 nM and 5 nM, respectively. Using several RNA templates in biochemical assays, we found that both compounds preferentially inhibited primer-dependent RNA synthesis but had either no or only modest effects on
de novo
-initiated RNA synthesis. Filibuvir and VX-222 bind to the HCV polymerase with dissociation constants of 29 and 17 nM, respectively. Three potential resistance mutations in the thumb II pocket were analyzed for effects on inhibition by the two compounds. The M423T substitution in the RNA polymerase was at least 100-fold more resistant to filibuvir in the subgenomic replicon and in the enzymatic assays. This resistance was the result of a 250-fold loss in the binding affinity (

K
d

) of the mutated enzyme to filibuvir. In contrast, the inhibitory activity of VX-222 was only modestly affected by the M423T substitution but more significantly affected by an I482L substitution.
Identification of Lead Compounds Targeting the Cathepsin B-Like Enzyme of Eimeria tenella
Authors: Schaeffer Marie , Schroeder Joerg , Heckeroth Anja R. , Noack Sandra , Gassel Michael , Mottram Jeremy C. , Selzer Paul M. , Coombs Graham H. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

Cysteine peptidases have been implicated in the development and pathogenesis of
Eimeria
. We have identified a single-copy cathepsin B-like cysteine peptidase gene in the genome database of
Eimeria tenella
(
EtCatB
). Molecular modeling of the predicted protein suggested that it differs significantly from host enzymes and could be a good drug target. EtCatB was expressed and secreted as a soluble, active, glycosylated mature enzyme from
Pichia pastoris
. Biochemical characterization of the recombinant enzyme confirmed that it is cathepsin B-like. Screening of a focused library against the enzyme identified three inhibitors (a nitrile, a thiosemicarbazone, and an oxazolone) that can be used as leads for novel drug discovery against
Eimeria
. The oxazolone scaffold is a novel cysteine peptidase inhibitor; it may thus find widespread use.
Importance of Confirming Data on the
In Vivo
Efficacy of Novel Antibacterial Drug Regimens against Various Strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: De Groote Mary A. , Gruppo Veronica , Woolhiser Lisa K. , Orme Ian M. , Gilliland Janet C. , Lenaerts Anne J. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

In preclinical testing of antituberculosis drugs, laboratory-adapted strains of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
are usually used both for
in vitro
and
in vivo
studies. However, it is unknown whether the heterogeneity of
M. tuberculosis
stocks used by various laboratories can result in different outcomes in tests of antituberculosis drug regimens in animal infection models. In head-to-head studies, we investigated whether bactericidal efficacy results in BALB/c mice infected by inhalation with the laboratory-adapted strains H37Rv and Erdman differ from each other and from those obtained with clinical tuberculosis strains. Treatment of mice consisted of dual and triple drug combinations of isoniazid (H), rifampin (R), and pyrazinamide (Z). The results showed that not all strains gave the same
in vivo
efficacy results for the drug combinations tested. Moreover, the ranking of HRZ and RZ efficacy results was not the same for the two H37Rv strains evaluated. The magnitude of this strain difference also varied between experiments, emphasizing the risk of drawing firm conclusions for human trials based on single animal studies. The results also confirmed that the antagonism seen within the standard HRZ regimen by some investigators appears to be an
M. tuberculosis
strain-specific phenomenon. In conclusion, the specific identity of
M. tuberculosis
strain used was found to be an important variable that can change the apparent outcome of
in vivo
efficacy studies in mice. We highly recommend confirmation of efficacy results in late preclinical testing against a different
M. tuberculosis
strain than the one used in the initial mouse efficacy study, thereby increasing confidence to advance potent drug regimens to clinical trials.
Use of Recombinase-Based
In Vivo
Expression Technology To Characterize Enterococcus faecalis Gene Expression during Infection Identifies
In Vivo
-Expressed Antisense RNAs and Implicates the Protease Eep in Pathogenesis
Authors: Frank Kristi L. , Barnes Aaron M. T. , Grindle Suzanne M. , Manias Dawn A. , Schlievert Patrick M. , Dunny Gary M. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

Enterococcus faecalis
is a member of the mammalian gastrointestinal microflora that has become a leading cause of nosocomial infections over the past several decades.
E. faecalis
must be able to adapt its physiology based on its surroundings in order to thrive in a mammalian host as both a commensal and a pathogen. We employed recombinase-based
in vivo
expression technology (RIVET) to identify promoters on the
E. faecalis
OG1RF chromosome that were specifically activated during the course of infection in a rabbit subdermal abscess model. The RIVET screen identified 249 putative
in vivo
-activated loci, over one-third of which are predicted to generate antisense transcripts. Three predicted antisense transcripts were detected in
in vitro
- and
in vivo
-grown cells, providing the first evidence of
in vivo
-expressed antisense RNAs in
E. faecalis
. Deletions in the
in vivo
-activated genes that encode glutamate 5-kinase (
proB
[EF0038]), the transcriptional regulator EbrA (
ebrA
[EF1809]), and the membrane metalloprotease Eep (
eep
[EF2380]) did not hinder biofilm formation in
in vitro
assays. In a rabbit model of endocarditis, the Δ
ebrA
strain was fully virulent, the Δ
proB
strain was slightly attenuated, and the Δ
eep
strain was severely attenuated. The Δ
eep
virulence defect could be complemented by the expression of the wild-type gene in
trans
. Microscopic analysis of early Δ
eep
biofilms revealed an abundance of small cellular aggregates that were not observed in wild-type biofilms. This work illustrates the use of a RIVET screen to provide information about the temporal activation of genes during infection, resulting in the identification and confirmation of a new virulence determinant in an important pathogen.
Role of CD11b/CD18 in the Process of Intoxication by the Adenylate Cyclase Toxin of Bordetella pertussis
Authors: Eby Joshua C. , Gray Mary C. , Mangan Annabelle R. , Donato Gina M. , Hewlett Erik L. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTThe adenylate cyclase toxin (ACT) ofBordetella pertussisdoes not require a receptor to generate intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) in a broad range of cell types. To intoxicate cells, ACT binds to the cell surface, translocates its catalytic domain across the cell membrane, and converts intracellular ATP to cAMP. In cells that express the integrin CD11b/CD18 (CR3), ACT is more potent than in CR3-negative cells. We find, however, that the maximum levels of cAMP accumulation inside CR3-positive and -negative cells are comparable. To better understand how CR3 affects the generation of cAMP, we used Chinese hamster ovary and K562 cells transfected to express CR3 and examined the steps in intoxication in the presence and absence of the integrin. The binding of ACT to cells is greater in CR3-expressing cells at all concentrations of ACT, and translocation of the catalytic domain is enhanced by CR3 expression, with ∼80% of ACT molecules translocating their catalytic domain in CR3-positive cells but only 25% in CR3-negative cells. Once in the cytosol, the unregulated catalytic domain converts ATP to cAMP, and at ACT concentrations >1,000 ng/ml, the intracellular ATP concentration is <5% of that in untreated cells, regardless of CR3 expression. This depletion of ATP prevents further production of cAMP, despite the CR3-mediated enhancement of binding and translocation. In addition to characterizing the effects of CR3 on the actions of ACT, these data show that ATP consumption is yet another concentration-dependent activity of ACT that must be considered when studying how ACT affects target cells.
Effect of Inflammatory Response on
In Vivo
Competition between Two Chlamydial Variants in the Guinea Pig Model of Inclusion Conjunctivitis
Authors: Rank Roger G. , Bowlin Anne K. , Tormanen Kati I. , Wang Yin , Maurelli Anthony T. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

In order to study the interaction of variants in
in vivo
infection, we employed an azithromycin-resistant mutant (AZ
2
) and its wild-type parent (SP
6
) in the guinea pig model of
Chlamydia caviae
conjunctival infection. When each strain was inoculated individually into conjunctiva, both attained the same level of growth, but AZ
2
elicited less pathology. However, when equal numbers of the two strains were inoculated together into the guinea pig conjunctiva, SP
6
produced a significantly greater number of inclusion-forming units than AZ
2
, and the pathology reflected that of a SP
6
monoinfection. The goal of this study was to further characterize the dynamics of concomitant infection of these two distinct variants, with particular emphasis on the impact of the host response on the
in vivo
growth of each organism and the development of pathology. Animals infected with AZ
2
had reduced conjunctival infiltration with CD45
+
cells and neutrophils as well as a reduced interleukin-8 (IL-8) response. Gene expression of gamma interferon (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), CCL2, and CCL5 was also significantly lower in AZ
2
-infected animals. The lower inflammatory response induced by AZ
2
was associated with its decreased ability to activate NF-κB via Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). In general, the inflammatory response in animals infected with both variants was greater than in infection with AZ
2
alone, resulting in lower numbers of AZ
2
than those of SP
6
in the mixed infection. Our results suggest that the ability to elicit an inflammatory response is an important factor in the dynamics of mixed infection with strains that display different pathological phenotypes.
VimA-Dependent Modulation of Acetyl Coenzyme A Levels and Lipid A Biosynthesis Can Alter Virulence in Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Aruni A. Wilson , Lee J. , Osbourne D. , Dou Y. , Roy F. , Muthiah A. , Boskovic D. S. , Fletcher H. M. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

The
Porphyromonas gingivalis
VimA protein has multifunctional properties that can modulate several of its major virulence factors. To further characterize VimA,
P. gingivalis
FLL406 carrying an additional
vimA
gene and a
vimA
-defective mutant in a different
P. gingivalis
genetic background were evaluated. The
vimA
-defective mutant (FLL451) in the
P. gingivalis
ATCC 33277 genetic background showed a phenotype similar to that of the
vimA
-defective mutant (FLL92) in the
P. gingivalis
W83 genetic background. In contrast to the wild type, gingipain activity was increased in
P. gingivalis
FLL406, a
vimA
chimeric strain.
P. gingivalis
FLL451 had a five times higher biofilm-forming capacity than the parent strain. HeLa cells incubated with
P. gingivalis
FLL92 showed a decrease in invasion, in contrast to
P. gingivalis
FLL451 and FLL406, which showed increases of 30 and 40%, respectively. VimA mediated coenzyme A (CoA) transfer to isoleucine and reduced branched-chain amino acid metabolism. The lipid A content and associated proteins were altered in the
vimA
-defective mutants. The VimA chimera interacted with several proteins which were found to have an LXXTG motif, similar to the sorting motif of Gram-positive organisms. All the proteins had an N-terminal signal sequence with a putative sorting signal of L(P/T/S)X(T/N/D)G and two unique signatures of EXGXTX and HISXXGXG, in addition to a polar tail. Taken together, these observations further confirm the multifunctional role of VimA in modulating virulence possibly through its involvement in acetyl-CoA transfer and lipid A synthesis and possibly by protein sorting.