bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymorphism at the avpr1a locus in male prairie voles correlated with genetic but not social monogamy in field populations
Authors: SOLOMON N. G. , RICHMOND A. R. , HARDING P. A. , FRIES A. , JACQUEMIN S. , SCHAEFER R. L. , LUCIA K. E. , KEANE B. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIntegrative studies of genetics, neurobiology and behaviour indicate that polymorphism in specific genes contributes to variation observed in some complex social behaviours. The neuropeptide arginine vasopressin plays an important role in the regulation of a variety of social behaviours, including social attachment of males to females, through its action on the vasopressin 1a receptor (V1aR). In socially monogamous prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), polymorphism in the length of microsatellite DNA within the regulatory region of the gene (avpr1a) encoding the V1aR predicts differences among males in neural expression of V1aRs and partner preference under laboratory conditions. However, understanding the extent to which V1aR mediates variation in prairie vole social and reproductive behaviour observed in nature requires investigating the consequences of avpr1a polymorphism and environmental influences under ecologically relevant conditions. We examined the relationship between avpr1a length polymorphism and monogamy among male prairie voles living in 0.1 ha enclosures during a time similar to their natural lifespan. We found no evidence that avpr1a genotype of males predicts variation in social monogamy measured in the field but some indices of social monogamy were affected by population density. Parentage data indicated that a male’s avpr1a genotype significantly influenced the number of females with which he sired offspring and the total number of offspring sired. Total brain concentrations of V1aR mRNA were not associated with either male behaviour or avpr1a genotype. These data show that melding ecological field studies with neurogenetics can substantially augment our understanding of the effects of genes and environment on social behaviours.
Intersectoral coordination, community empowerment and dengue prevention: six years of controlled interventions in Playa Municipality, Havana, Cuba
Authors: Sanchez L. , Perez D. , Cruz G. , Castro M. , Kourí G. , Shkedy Z. , Vanlerberghe V. , Van der Stuyft P. 
Published: October 2009

SummaryObjective  To document the process, outcome and effectiveness of a community‐based intervention for dengue control.Methods  The primary intervention, focused on strengthening intersectoral coordination, was initiated by researchers in January 2000 in a pilot area in Playa municipality, Havana. In August 2002 health authorities extended the intervention to neighbouring areas, one of which was selected for evaluation. In August 2003 a complementary strategy, focused on community empowerment, was initiated in half of the pilot area. In our control area, routine dengue activities continued throughout the study period. Longitudinal process assessment was carried out using document analysis, interviews and group discussions. Random population surveys in 1999, 2002 and 2005 assessed levels of participation and behavioural changes. Entomological surveillance data from 1999 to 2005 were used to determine effectiveness.Results  Mean scores for participation in the pilot area were 1.6, 3.4 and 4.4 at baseline, and 2 years after initiating intersectoral coordination and intersectoral coordination plus community empowerment interventions, respectively. While in the control area little behavioural change was observed over time, changes were considerable in the pilot and extension areas, with 80% of households involved in the community empowerment intervention showed adequate behavioural patterns. The pilot and extension areas attained comparable entomological effectiveness with significantly lower Breteau indices (BIs) than the control area. The pilot (sub‐) area with the community empowerment intervention reached BIs below 0.1 that continued to be significantly lower than the one in the control area until the end of the study.Conclusion  The study showed a trend in the levels and quality of participation, behavioural change and effectiveness of Aedes control from the routine activities only over an intervention with intersectoral coordination to one that combined intersectoral coordination and community empowerment approach.
CRTH2 mediates the activation of human Th2 cells in response to PGD2 released from IgE/anti‐IgE treated nasal polyp tissue
Authors: Pérez‐Novo C. A. , Holtappels G. , Vinall S. L. , Xue L. , Zhang N. , Bachert C. , Pettipher R. 
Published: October 2009

To cite this article: Pérez‐ Novo CA, Holtappels G, Vinall SL, Xue L, Zhang N, Bachert C, Pettipher R. CRTH2 mediates the activation of human Th2 cells in response to PGD2 released from IgE/anti‐IgE treated nasal polyp tissue. Allergy 2010; 65: 304–310.AbstractBackground:  Mast cells release mediators upon stimulation that contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic airway disease, including the recruitment and activation of Th2 lymphocytes. The objective was to determine the involvement of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and its receptors in the chemotaxis of Th2 cells, using nasal polyp tissue.Methods:  Tissue explants from ten patients with nasal polyposis were incubated with RPMI alone or RPMI containing IgE/anti‐IgE for 30 min. Some samples were treated with diclofenac to inhibit the production of PGD2. Supernatants were assayed for PGD2 content and for their ability to promote human Th2 cell chemotaxis in the presence and absence of a CRTH2 antagonist. Transcript levels of D protanoid receptor type 1 (DP1), chemoattractant receptor‐homologous receptor expressed on Th2 cells (CRTH2) and PGD2 synthase were analysed by real time PCR.Results:  Increased release of PGD2 by nasal polyp tissue treated with IgE/anti‐IgE was significantly inhibited by preincubation of the tissue with diclofenac. Transcript levels of PGD2 synthase, DP1 and CRTH2 receptors increased after stimulation with IgE/anti‐IgE. Supernatants from IgE/anti‐IgE‐stimulated nasal polyp tissue caused significantly increased chemotaxis of Th2 cells. The levels of PGD2 produced and the degree of Th2 cell chemotaxis were highly correlated. Diclofenac inhibited the production of Th2 cell chemotactic activity, and the chemotactic effect of the supernatant on Th2 cells was inhibited by the CRTH2 antagonist ramatroban.Conclusion:  These data suggest that in immunologically activated nasal polyp tissue, PGD2 produced by mast cells promotes the migration of Th2 cells through a CRTH2 dependent mechanism.
Adulthood asthma after wheezing in infancy: a questionnaire study at 27 years of age
Authors: Ruotsalainen M. , Piippo‐Savolainen E. , Hyvärinen M. K. , Korppi M. 
Published: October 2009

To cite this article: Ruotsalainen M, Piippo‐Savolainen E, Hyvärinen MK, Korppi M. Adulthood asthma after wheezing in infancy: a questionnaire study at 27 years of age. Allergy 2010; 65: 503–509.AbstractBackground:  Wheezing in early childhood is a heterogeneous condition, the long‐term prognosis varying from total recovery to chronic asthma. Though short‐term outcome has been actively studied, there is lack of data on long‐term outcome until adulthood. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of asthma at 26–29 years of age after early‐life wheezing.Methods:  At the median age of 27.3 years (range 26.3–28.6), a questionnaire was sent to 78 study subjects hospitalized for wheezing at <24 months of age, and 59 (76%) answered. Asthma, allergy and weight status were compared with selected controls followed up from birth and with non‐selected population controls recruited for this adulthood study.Results:  Doctor‐diagnosed asthma was present in 20% of the former bronchiolitis patients, compared with 5% in the two control groups (OR 2.1, 95% CI 0.3–17.9 vs selected controls; OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.7–15.8 vs nonselected controls). The respective figures for current self‐reported asthma were 41% and 7–10% (OR 11.4, 95% CI 2.3–56.1 vs selected controls; OR 12.2, 95% CI 4.4–33.7 vs nonselected controls). Current allergic rhinitis and current smoking were significantly associated with asthma, but current overweight or obesity was not. In multivariate analyses, early‐life wheezing was an independent risk factor of adulthood asthma.Conclusion:  An increased asthma risk in early‐life wheezers continues, even after many symptom‐free years at school age, at least until 27 years of age.
Distribution and hydrolytic enzyme characteristics of Candida albicans strains isolated from diabetic patients and their non‐diabetic consorts
Authors: Boriollo M. F. G. , Bassi R. C. , Dos Santos Nascimento C. M. G. , Feliciano L. M. , Francisco S. B. , Barros L. M. , Spolidório L. C. , Palomari Spolidório D. M. 
Published: October 2009

Introduction:  The aim of this study was to investigate the oral colonization profile of Candida albicans strains isolated from diabetic patients and their non‐diabetic consorts. In addition hydrolytic enzyme activity of these isolates was analysed.Methods:  The genetic diversity of C. albicans oral isolates from 52 couples was established using isoenzyme marker and cluster analysis. Hydrolytic enzyme characteristics, namely secreted aspartyl proteinases (SAPs) and phospholipases (PLs) were also analysed.Results:  Simultaneous colonization by C. albicans was observed in the consorts of 12 couples (23.1%). Patterns of monoclonal and polyclonal oral colonization by C. albicans strains were identified and the coexistence of identical or highly related strains was observed in both members of eight couples. The genetic diversity observed in the total yeast population revealed four large, genetically distinct groups (A to D) and the coexistence of strains in couples or consorts conjugally unrelated. SAP and PL activity was observed in the majority of C. albicans isolates without any association to particular strain, strain clusters (highly related isolates), or clinical characteristics of the consorts (diabetic, non‐diabetic, and gender).Conclusion:  Possible sources of transmission and oral propagation of groups (clusters) of strains of C. albicans can occur between diabetic and non‐diabetic consorts. A conjugal genotypic identity exists in most C. albicans‐positive couples, that is, both consorts share identical or highly related strains; however, this identity is not couple‐specific as seen by the coexistence of clusters in couples and unrelated consorts.
Characterization of bacterial flora in persistent apical periodontitis lesions
Authors: Fujii R. , Saito Y. , Tokura Y. , Nakagawa K.‐I. , Okuda K. , Ishihara K. 
Published: October 2009

Introduction:  Microorganisms are able to survive and induce persistent infection in periapical tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate the composition of the microflora of persistent apical periodontitis lesions.Methods:  Twenty apical lesion samples were obtained from 20 patients with chronic apical periodontitis by root end surgery and processed using aerobic or anaerobic culture techniques. All isolated strains were identified by 16S ribosomal DNA sequence analysis.Results:  Seventy‐four strains were isolated, belonging to 31 bacterial species obtained from the 20 apical lesions that were isolated. The majority of the strains were facultative anaerobes (51.6%). Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Fusobacterium nucleatum were isolated from 16.2, 9.5, 6.8 and 5.4% of the samples, respectively. Fifteen samples harboured more than one species. The predominant association was P. acnes, S. epidermidis and F. nucleatum.Conclusion:  The microbiota of persistent apical periodontitis lesions is composed by diverse types of microorganisms with biofilm‐forming capacity, including P. acnes, S. epidermidis and F. nucleatum.
Automutanolysin disrupts clinical isolates of cariogenic streptococci in biofilms and planktonic cells
Authors: Thanyasrisung P. , Komatsuzawa H. , Yoshimura G. , Fujiwara T. , Yamada S. , Kozai K. , Eto K. , Izumi Y. , Sugai M. 
Published: October 2009

Introduction:  Dental caries remains one of the most common chronic infectious diseases throughout the world. The formation of dental plaque is one of the caries risk factors. As a consequence, the removal of plaque may reduce the incidence of caries development. We identified an autolysin produced by Streptococcus mutans named auto‐mutanolysin (Aml). Aml selectively lyses S. mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus. The specificity towards these cariogenic bacteria suggests that Aml may be used to prevent dental caries. Here, with the aim towards therapeutic application, we investigated the lytic activity of Aml against clinical isolates of S. mutans and S. sobrinus using planktonic cells and biofilms.Methods:  Planktonic cell suspensions and biofilms of clinically isolated streptococci were treated with Aml in the absence or the presence of Triton X‐100. The lytic activity of Aml was monitored as the change in turbidity. The disruption of biofilms was evaluated by detecting the released DNA by polymerase chain reaction and observing the alteration of optical density of treated biofilms.Results:  Triton X‐100 enhances the lytic ability of Aml. Using planktonic cells, Aml had various lysis levels against clinical strains. Repeated Aml treatment showed disruption of the biofilm using the representative clinical strains.Conclusion:  Our study demonstrates that Aml has an ability to lyse planktonic and biofilm cells of clinically isolated mutans streptococci in the presence of Triton X‐100. These results suggest the possibility of using Aml as an alternative or additional approach for caries prevention.
Scavenger receptor A is expressed by macrophages in response to Porphyromonas gingivalis, and participates in TNF‐α expression
Authors: Baer M. T. , Huang N. , Gibson III F. C. 
Published: October 2009

Introduction:  Porphyromonas gingivalis is a periodontopathic bacterium closely associated with generalized aggressive periodontal disease. Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) participate in host response to this organism. It is likely that PRRs not previously recognized as part of the host response to P. gingivalis also participate in host response to this organism.Methods and Results:  Employing qRT‐PCR, we observed increased msr1 gene expression at 2, 6, and 24 h of culture with P. gingivalis strain 381. Flow cytometry revealed increased surface expression of SR‐A protein by the 24 h time point. Macrophages cultured with an attachment impaired P. gingivalis fimA‐ mutant (DPG3) expressed intermediate levels of SR‐A expression. Heat‐killed P. gingivalis stimulated SR‐A expression similar to live bacteria, and purified P. gingivalis capsular polysaccharide stimulated macrophage SR‐A expression, indicating that live whole organisms are not necessary for SR‐A protein expression in macrophage response. As SR‐A is known to play a role in lipid uptake by macrophages, we tested the ability of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) to influence the SR‐A response of macrophages to P. gingivalis, and observed no effect of LDL on P. gingivalis‐elicited SR‐A expression. Lastly, we observed that SR‐A knockout (SR‐A−/−) mouse macrophages produced significantly more tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α than wild type mouse macrophages cultured with P. gingivalis.Conclusion:  These data identify that SR‐A is expressed by macrophages in response to P. gingivalis, and support that this molecule plays a role in TNF‐α production by macrophages to this organism.
Helicobacter pylori in the oral cavity is associated with gastroesophageal disease
Authors: Morales‐Espinosa R. , Fernandez‐Presas A. , Gonzalez‐Valencia G. , Flores‐Hernandez S. , Delgado‐Sapien G. , Mendez‐Sanchez J. L. , Sanchez‐Quezada E. , Muñoz‐Pérez L. , Leon‐Aguilar R. , Hernandez‐Guerrero J. , Cravioto A. 
Published: October 2009

Background:  In Mexico, more than 80% of the population is infected with Helicobacter pylori. The frequency of H. pylori detection in the oral cavity is unknown, as its relationship with gastroesophageal pathology.Aim:  To detect the presence of H. pylori in the oral cavity in Mexican population by PCR and to determine its association with gastroesophageal disease.Methods:  Patients were divided into two groups with different clinic conditions from whom gastric biopsy, dental plaque, and saliva samples were taken and analyzed. The first group comprised of hospitalized patients, the majority of whom were diagnosed with gastroesophageal disease, while the second group was selected from a dental clinic (ambulatory population) the majority of whom appeared to be healthy subjects.Results:  H. pylori was detected in gastric biopsy, dental plaque and saliva samples by PCR using a set of specific primers for the signal sequence of the vacuolating cytotoxin gene; detection of H. pylori in general was higher in gastric biopsy and dental plaque samples than in saliva samples. Detection of H. pylori in the oral cavity is significantly (P = 0.0001) associated with patients presenting gastroesophageal disease, while healthy subjects and those with other non‐gastric disease do not present with H. pylori in their oral cavity.Conclusions:  H. pylori detection in the oral cavity is associated to gastroesophageal disease. In addition, it is suggested that all patients presenting gastric symptoms and H. pylori detection in the oral cavity would begin bacterial treatment immediately.
Influence of mouse prolactin‐inducible protein in saliva on the aggregation of oral bacteria
Authors: Nistor A. , Bowden G. , Blanchard A. , Myal Y. 
Published: October 2009

Introduction:  Mouse prolactin‐inducible protein (mPIP) is secreted in mouse saliva and has been found to bind oral bacteria, showing the highest affinity for streptococci. Comparisons between the oral flora of mPIP knockout mice and their wild‐type controls showed differences in the genera colonizing the two groups of mice. These findings suggested a role for mPIP in the colonization of the mouse oral cavity, possibly modulating the oral flora. In this in vitro study, we focused on the contribution of this protein to aggregation of oral bacteria, a process thought to promote the clearance of bacteria from the oral cavity, and one that could influence the composition of the oral bacterial community.Methods:  The aggregation of selected human and mouse oral streptococci was measured spectrophotometrically. The aggregation of oral bacteria by saliva from mPIP knockout mice, which lack mPIP, was compared with that of saliva from wild‐type mice.Results:  Both wild‐type saliva and mPIP knockout mouse saliva induced aggregation of human strain Streptococcus gordonii SK120 and mouse streptococci strains M105/6 and M106/2. Bacterial aggregation induced by the saliva of wild‐type mice was significantly higher than the aggregation induced by saliva from mPIP knockout mice for all the bacterial strains.Conclusion:  In this study it was confirmed that mPIP plays a role in the aggregation of oral bacteria. The salivary components promoting aggregation of oral bacteria are considered to be part of the oral defense mechanisms so these findings provide insight into a possible function of mPIP in host defense by promoting aggregation of oral bacteria.
Differential virulence and innate immune interactions of type I and II fimbrial genotypes of Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Wang M. , Liang S. , Hosur K. B. , Domon H. , Yoshimura F. , Amano A. , Hajishengallis G. 
Published: October 2009

Introduction:  The fimA‐encoded fimbriae of the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis display genetic diversity. Type I fimbriated P. gingivalis (Pg‐I) has been most widely studied at the molecular level, whereas Pg‐II is the most frequent isolate from severe periodontitis.Methods:  To investigate virulence differences between Types I and II fimbriae, we examined strains 33277 (Pg‐I) and OMZ314 (Pg‐II), reciprocal swap mutants (i.e. expressing the heterologous fimbrial type), and their respective FimA‐deficient derivatives. These organisms were tested in a mouse periodontitis model and in interactions with mouse macrophages, a cell type that plays important roles in chronic infections.Results:  Strain 33277 induced significantly more periodontal bone loss than OMZ314 and substitution of Type II fimbriae with Type I in OMZ314 resulted in a more virulent strain than the parent organism. However, the presence of Type II fimbriae was associated with increased proinflammatory and invasive activities in macrophages.Conclusion:  The inverse relationship between proinflammatory potential and ability to cause experimental periodontitis may suggest that an aggressive phenotype could provoke a host response that would compromise the persistence of the pathogen.
Influence of learning on range expansion and adaptation to novel habitats
Authors: SUTTER M. , KAWECKI T. J. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractLearning has been postulated to ‘drive’ evolution, but its influence on adaptive evolution in heterogeneous environments has not been formally examined. We used a spatially explicit individual‐based model to study the effect of learning on the expansion and adaptation of a species to a novel habitat. Fitness was mediated by a behavioural trait (resource preference), which in turn was determined by both the genotype and learning. Our findings indicate that learning substantially increases the range of parameters under which the species expands and adapts to the novel habitat, particularly if the two habitats are separated by a sharp ecotone (rather than a gradient). However, for a broad range of parameters, learning reduces the degree of genetically‐based local adaptation following the expansion and facilitates maintenance of genetic variation within local populations. Thus, in heterogeneous environments learning may facilitate evolutionary range expansions and maintenance of the potential of local populations to respond to subsequent environmental changes.
The interaction of multiple environmental stressors affects adaptation to a novel habitat in the natterjack toad Bufo calamita
Authors: ROGELL B. , HOFMAN M. , EKLUND M. , LAURILA A. , HÖGLUND J. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe potential to adapt to novel environmental conditions is a key area of interest for evolutionary biology. However, the role of multiple selection pressures on adaptive responses has rarely been investigated in natural populations. In Sweden, the natterjack toad Bufo calamita inhabits two separate distribution areas, one in southernmost Sweden and one on the west coast. We characterized the larval habitat in terms of pond size and salinity in the two areas, and found that the western populations are more affected by both desiccation risk and pond salinity than the southern populations. In a common garden experiment manipulating salinity and temperature, we found that toads from the west coast populations were locally adapted to shorter pond duration as indicated by their higher development and growth rates. However, despite being subjected to higher salinity stress in nature, west coast toads had a poorer performance in saline treatments. We found that survival in the saline treatments in the west coast populations was positively affected by larger body mass and longer larval period. Furthermore, we found negative genetic correlations between body mass and growth rate and their plastic responses to salinity. These results implicate that the occurrence of multiple environmental stressors needs to be accounted for when assessing the adaptive potential of organisms and suggest that genetic correlations may play a role in constraining adaptation of natural populations.