bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytocompatibility of the ready‐to‐use bioceramic putty repair cement iRoot BP Plus with primary human osteoblasts
Authors: De‐Deus G. , Canabarro A. , Alves G. G. , Marins J. R. , Linhares A. B. R. , Granjeiro J. M. 
Published: February 2012

De‐Deus G, Canabarro A, Alves GG, Marins JR, Linhares ABR, Granjeiro JM. Cytocompatibility of the ready‐to‐use bioceramic putty repair cement iRoot BP Plus with primary human osteoblasts. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 508–513, 2012.AbstractAim  To verify the in vitro cytocompatibility of iRoot BP Plus (iRoot) and to compare it with White ProRoot MTA (MTA).Methodology  Thirty‐six human maxillary incisor root canals were prepared using a step‐back flaring technique. The apical 3 mm was resected perpendicular to the long axis at the roots, and root‐end cavities were prepared with the aid of an ultrasonic device plus a diamond retrotip with continuous irrigation using water, producing standardized preparations. After that, the root‐end cavities were filled with iRoot or MTA, and each root was exposed to cell culture media for 24 or 48 h. Human osteoblast cells were exposed to the extracts thus obtained, and a multiparametric cell viability assay was performed, evaluating mitochondrial activity, membrane integrity and cell density. The results were analysed by one‐way analysis of variance, complemented with the Duncan post‐test (P < 0.05).Results  Cells exposed to MTA revealed a cytocompatibility pattern similar to the untreated cells (negative control), at both experimental times (P > 0.05). iRoot, however, promoted a significantly poorer viability than MTA and the control, after 48 h of exposure (P < 0.001). Nevertheless, iRoot did not induce critical cytotoxic effects because cell viability remained higher than 70% of the control group in most tests performed.Conclusion  iRoot and MTA were biocompatible and did not induce critical cytotoxic effects.
Living with coeliac disease: survey results from the USA
Authors: Lee A. R. , Ng D. L. , Diamond B. , Ciaccio E. J. , Green P. H. R. 
Published: February 2012

How to cite this article: Lee A.R., Ng D.L., Diamond B., Ciaccio E.J. & Green P.H.R. (2012) Living with coeliac disease: survey results from the USA. J Hum Nutr Diet. 25, 233–238AbstractBackground: The only treatment for coeliac disease is lifelong adherence to a rigorous gluten‐free diet. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of coeliac disease on the social aspects of daily life of individuals in the USA.Methods: The present study used a self‐administered survey including the standard Quality of Life questionnaire (12‐item short‐form) with validated disease‐specific questions. sas statistical software 2010 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA) was used to calculate the mean (SD).Results: Individuals with coeliac disease overall had a low positive health perception. Validated diet and disease‐specific questions revealed a significant negative impact on quality of life in social settings. Specifically, the areas of travel, dining out and family life are most affected. The negative impact of diet significantly decreased over time, although it did not resolve for the domains of dining out of the home and travel. Those diagnosed in childhood and maintained on the diet had less of an impact on the quality of life as an adult.Conclusions: Individuals with coeliac disease in the USA have a diminished quality of life, especially in the social aspects of life.
IL1A‐889 C/T gene polymorphism in irritant contact dermatitis
Authors: Landeck L. , Visser M. , Kezic S. , John S.M. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground  Upon skin contact to irritants, interleukin‐1 alpha (IL‐1α) is released in the stratum corneum as a primary step of skin inflammation. Variations in the IL‐1A gene have been shown to alter the expression of IL‐1α. This may influence the susceptibility to skin inflammation and the development of irritant contact dermatitis (ICD).Objective  To determine effects of an IL1A‐889 C/T polymorphism in view of susceptibility to develop irritant contact dermatitis.Methods  In a case–control study, 478 Caucasian patients with occupational ICD of the hands were genotyped for an IL1A‐889 C/T polymorphism. Results were compared to 393 apprentices from the same high risk occupations (controls).Results  Trends of a protective effect of the C→T transition at position IL1A‐889 were seen (OR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.65–1.00). The genotype distribution for IL1A‐889 was 52.2% wild type (C/C), 39.2% heterozygous (C/T) and 8.6% homozygous for variant allele (T/T) in patients and 46.0%, 42.7% and 11.4% in controls. Subgroup analysis, which took into account atopy status and exposure, did not reveal a significant effect of this polymorphism for an aberrant risk to acquire for ICD.Conclusion  Our study indicates a possible protective effect of the IL1A‐889 C/T polymorphism regarding the development of ICD.
Effects of 420‐nm intense pulsed light in an acne animal model
Authors: Fan X. , Xing Y.‐Z. , Liu L.‐H. , Liu C. , Wang D.‐D. , Yang R.‐Y. , Lapidoth M. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground  Blue light in the 400–420 nm range has been shown to reduce the levels of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) in the skin. P. acnes has been postulated to be a critical trigger for inflammatory acne. Thus, treatment with 420 nm‐intense pulsed light should reduce inflammatory activity in acne.Aim  To evaluate the clinical and histological effects of 420 nm‐intense pulsed light treatment on acne in animal model.Method  Inflammation acne animal model was constructed by intradermal injection of P. acnes of rat auricular. Levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP‐2), markers of inflammation implicated in acne, were assessed in treated and untreated animals by immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Result  Treatment with 420 nm intense pulsed light led to marked improvement after 6 biweekly treatments. Immunohistochemistry and PCR showed that TNF‐α and MMP‐2 levels correlated with the extent of acneiform activity and were reduced by treatment with 420 nm light.Conclusion  A 420‐nm intense pulsed light may exert its beneficial effects on inflammatory acne by reducing the levels of P. acnes and secondarily reducing inflammation induced by the bacteria.
Probing the Interaction Between Fluorophores and DNA Nucleotides by Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy and Fluorescence Quenching†
Authors: Ranjit Suman , Levitus Marcia 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWe have investigated the association interactions between the fluorescent dyes TAMRA, Cy3B and Alexa‐546 and the DNA deoxynucleoside monophosphates by means of fluorescence quenching and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). The interactions of Cy3B and TAMRA with the nucleotides produce a decrease in the apparent diffusion coefficient of the dyes, which result in a shift toward longer times in the FCS autocorrelation decays. Our results with Cy3B demonstrate the existence of Cy3B‐nucleotide interactions that do not affect the fluorescence intensity or lifetime of the dye significantly. The same is true for TAMRA in the presence of dAMP, dCMP and dTMP. In contrast, the diffusion coefficient of Alexa 546 remains practically unchanged even at high concentrations of nucleotide. These results demonstrate that interactions between this dye and the four dNMPs are not significant. The presence of the negatively charged sulfonates and the bulky chlorine atoms in the phenyl group of Alexa 546 possibly prevent strong interactions that are otherwise possible for TAMRA. The characterization of dye–DNA interactions is important in biophysical research because they play an important role in the interpretation of energy transfer experiments, and because they can potentially affect the structure and dynamics of the DNA.
A New Luminescent Terbium 4‐methylsalicylate Complex as a Novel Sensor for Detecting the Purity of Methanol
Authors: Zeng Cheng‐Hui , Yang Yang‐Yi , Zhu Yi‐Min , Wang Hong‐Ming , Chu Tian‐Shu , Ng Seik Weng 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA new dinuclear terbium complex [Tb2(4‐msal)6(H2O)4]·6H2O (1) (4‐msal = 4‐methylsalcylate) was synthesized. Its structure was determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction, and the complex was characterized by PXRD, FT‐IR, fluorescence, TGA and DTA. Complex 1 exists as discrete molecules that are linked by extensive O–H … O hydrogen bonds into a 3D network. The luminescence lifetimes of 3 μm methanol solution and solid sample of 1 are 1.321 and 1.009 ms, respectively. The quantum yield of solid sample is 6.0%. The luminescence quenched more than 50% when 3% (vol/vol) different impurities (acetone, acetonitrile, chloroform, dichloromethane, dioxane, DMF, DMSO, ethanol, ether, ethyl acetate, glycol, H2O, hexane, TEA, THF and toluene or their mixture) were added. The inverse linear relationship between the Lg value of fluorescence intensity and the volume ratio of the minor component (to a maximum of 20%) is interpreted in terms of LgI = a−bX (I: luminescence intensity; X: volume ratio of impurities in methanol; a, b are constants). So 1 is a potential luminescent sensor for analyzing the purity of methanol.
Microbial Scout Hypothesis and Microbial Discovery
Authors: Buerger S. , Spoering A. , Gavrish E. , Leslin C. , Ling L. , Epstein S. S. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT
In this study, we examine the temporal pattern of colony appearance during cultivation experiments, and whether this pattern could inform on optimizing the process of microbial discovery. In a series of long-term cultivation experiments, we observed an expected gradual increase over time of the total number of microbial isolates, culminating in a 700-fold colony count increase at 18 months. Conventional thought suggests that long-term incubations result in a culture collection enriched with species that are slow growing or rare, may be unavailable from short-term experiments, and likely are novel. However, after we examined the phylogenetic novelty of the isolates as a function of the time of their isolation, we found no correlation between the two. The probability of discovering either a new or rare species late in the incubation matched that of species isolated earlier. These outcomes are especially notable because of their generality: observations were essentially identical for marine and soil bacteria as well as for spore formers and non-spore formers. These findings are consistent with the idea of the stochastic awakening of dormant cells, thus lending support to the scout model. The process of microbial discovery is central to the study of environmental microorganisms and the human microbiome. While long-term incubation does not appear to increase the probability of discovering novel species, the technology enabling such incubations, i.e., single-cell cultivation, may still be the method of choice. While it does not necessarily allow more species to grow from a given inoculum, it minimizes the overall isolation effort and supplies needed.
Fusion of a Novel Genetically Engineered Chitosan Affinity Protein and Green Fluorescent Protein for Specific Detection of Chitosan
In Vitro
and
In Situ
Authors: Nampally Malathi , Moerschbacher Bruno Maria , Kolkenbrock Stephan 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

Chitin is the second most abundant polysaccharide, present, e.g., in insect and arthropod exoskeletons and fungal cell walls. In some species or under specific conditions, chitin appears to be enzymatically de-N-acetylated to chitosan—e.g., when pathogenic fungi invade their host tissues. Here, the deacetylation of chitin is assumed to represent a pathogenicity mechanism protecting the fungus from the host's chitin-driven immune response. While highly specific chitin binding lectins are well known and easily available, this is not the case for chitosan-specific probes. This is partly due to the poor antigenicity of chitosan so that producing high-affinity, specific antibodies is difficult. Also, lectins with specificity to chitosan have been described but are not commercially available, and our attempts to reproduce the findings were not successful. We have, therefore, generated a fusion protein between a chitosanase inactivated by site-directed mutagenesis, the green fluorescent protein (GFP), and StrepII, as well as His
6
tags for purification and detection. The recombinant chitosan affinity protein (CAP) expressed in
Escherichia coli
was shown to specifically bind to chitosan, but not to chitin, and the affinity increased with decreasing degree of acetylation.
In vitro
, CAP detection was possible either based on GFP fluorescence or using Strep-Tactin conjugates or anti-His
5
antibodies. CAP fluorescence microscopy revealed binding to the chitosan exposing endophytic infection structures of the wheat stem rust fungus, but not the chitin exposing ectophytic infection structures, verifying its suitability for
in situ
chitosan staining.
Concentration of Norovirus during Wastewater Treatment and Its Impact on Oyster Contamination
Authors: Flannery John , Keaveney Sinéad , Rajko-Nenow Paulina , O'Flaherty Vincent , Doré William 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

The concentrations of
Escherichia coli
, F-specific RNA bacteriophage (FRNA bacteriophage), and norovirus genogroup I (NoV GI) and norovirus genogroup II (NoV GII) in wastewater were monitored weekly over a 1-year period at a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) providing secondary wastewater treatment. A total of 49 samples of influent wastewater and wastewater that had been treated by primary and secondary wastewater treatment processes (primary and secondary treated wastewater) were analyzed. Using a real-time reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), the mean NoV GI and NoV GII concentrations detected in effluent wastewater were 2.53 and 2.63 log
10
virus genome copies 100 ml
−1
, respectively. The mean NoV concentrations in wastewater during the winter period (January to March) (
n
= 12) were 0.82 (NoV GI) and 1.41 (NoV GII) log units greater than the mean concentrations for the rest of the year (
n
= 37). The mean reductions of NoV GI and GII during treatment were 0.80 and 0.92 log units, respectively, with no significant difference detected in the extent of NoV reductions due to season. No seasonal trend was detected in the concentrations of
E. coli
or FRNA bacteriophage in wastewater influent and showed mean reductions of 1.49 and 2.13 log units, respectively. Mean concentrations of 3.56 and 3.72 log
10
virus genome copies 100 ml
−1
for NoV GI and GII, respectively, were detected in oysters sampled adjacent to the WWTP discharge. A strong seasonal trend was observed, and the concentrations of NoV GI and GII detected in oysters were correlated with concentrations detected in the wastewater effluent. No seasonal difference was detected in concentrations of
E. coli
or FRNA bacteriophage detected in oysters.
Characterization of Bioaerosols from Dairy Barns: Reconstructing the Puzzle of Occupational Respiratory Diseases by Using Molecular Approaches
Authors: Blais Lecours Pascale , Veillette Marc , Marsolais David , Duchaine Caroline 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

To understand the etiology of exposure-related diseases and to establish standards for reducing the risks associated with working in contaminated environments, the exact nature of the bioaerosol components must be defined. Molecular biology tools were used to evaluate airborne bacterial and, for the first time, archaeal content of dairy barns. Three air samplers were tested in each of the 13 barns sampled. Up to 10
6
archaeal and 10
8
bacterial 16S rRNA genes per m
3
of air were detected. Archaeal methanogens, mainly
Methanobrevibacter
species, were represented.
Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula
, the causative agent of farmer's lung, was quantified to up to 10
7
16S rRNA genes per m
3
of air. In addition, a wide variety of bacterial agents were present in our air samples within the high airborne bioaerosol concentration range. Despite recommendations regarding hay preservation and baling conditions, farmers still develop an
S. rectivirgula
-specific humoral immune response, suggesting intense and continuous exposure. Our results demonstrate the complexity of bioaerosol components in dairy barns which could play a role in occupational respiratory diseases.
Purification and Characterization of a Novel Subtype A3 Botulinum Neurotoxin
Authors: Tepp William H. , Lin Guangyun , Johnson Eric A. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) produced by
Clostridium botulinum
are of considerable importance due to their being the cause of human and animal botulism, their potential as bioterrorism agents, and their utility as important pharmaceuticals. Type A is prominent due to its high toxicity and long duration of action. Five subtypes of type A BoNT are currently recognized; BoNT/A1, -/A2, and -/A5 have been purified, and their properties have been studied. BoNT/A3 is intriguing because it is not effectively neutralized by polyclonal anti-BoNT/A1 antibodies, and thus, it may potentially replace BoNT/A1 for patients who have become refractive to treatment with BoNT/A1 due to antibody formation or other modes of resistance. Purification of BoNT/A3 has been challenging because of its low levels of production in culture and the need for innovative purification procedures. In this study, modified Mueller-Miller medium was used in place of traditional toxin production medium (TPM) to culture
C. botulinum
A3 (CDC strain) and boost toxin production. BoNT/A3 titers were at least 10-fold higher than those produced in TPM. A purification method was developed to obtain greater than 95% pure BoNT/A3. The specific toxicity of BoNT/A3 as determined by mouse bioassay was 5.8 × 10
7
50% lethal doses (LD
50
)/mg. Neutralization of BoNT/A3 toxicity by a polyclonal anti-BoNT/A1 antibody was approximately 10-fold less than the neutralization of BoNT/A1 toxicity. In addition, differences in symptoms were observed between mice that were injected with BoNT/A3 and those that were injected with BoNT/A1. These results indicate that BoNT/A3 has novel biochemical and pharmacological properties compared to those of other subtype A toxins.
Physiological and Proteomic Adaptation of “Aromatoleum aromaticum” EbN1 to Low Growth Rates in Benzoate-Limited, Anoxic Chemostats
Authors: Trautwein Kathleen , Lahme Sven , Wöhlbrand Lars , Feenders Christoph , Mangelsdorf Kai , Harder Jens , Steinbüchel Alexander , Blasius Bernd , Reinhardt Richard , Rabus Ralf 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

“
Aromatoleum aromaticum
” EbN1 was cultivated at different growth rates in benzoate-limited chemostats under nitrate-reducing conditions. Physiological characteristics, proteome dynamics, phospholipid-linked fatty acid (PLFA) composition, and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) content were analyzed in steady-state cells at low (μ
low
) (0.036 h
−1
), medium (μ
med
) (0.108 h
−1
), and high (μ
high
) (0.180 h
−1
) growth rates. A positive correlation to growth rate was observed for cellular parameters (cell size, and DNA and protein contents). The free energy consumed for biomass formation steadily increased with growth rate. In contrast, the energy demand for maintenance increased only from μ
low
to μ
med
and then remained constant until μ
high
. The most comprehensive proteomic changes were observed at μ
low
compared to μ
high
. Uniformly decreased abundances of protein components of the anaerobic benzoyl coenzyme A (benzoyl-CoA) pathway, central carbon metabolism, and information processing agree with a general deceleration of benzoate metabolism and cellular processes in response to slow growth. In contrast, increased abundances were observed at μ
low
for diverse catabolic proteins and components of uptake systems in the absence of the respective substrate (aromatic or aliphatic compounds) and for proteins involved in stress responses. This potential catabolic versatility and stress defense during slow growth may be interpreted as preparation for future needs.
Mammalian-Transmissible H5N1 Influenza: Facts and Perspective
Authors: Osterholm Michael T. , Kelley Nicholas S. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT
Two recently submitted (but as yet unpublished) studies describe success in creating mutant isolates of H5N1 influenza A virus that can be transmitted via the respiratory route between ferrets; concern has been raised regarding human-to-human transmissibility of these or similar laboratory-generated influenza viruses. Furthermore, the potential release of methods used in these studies has engendered a great deal of controversy around publishing potential dual-use data and also has served as a catalyst for debates around the true case-fatality rate of H5N1 influenza and the capability of influenza vaccines and antivirals to impact any future unintentional or intentional release of H5N1 virus. In this report, we review available seroepidemiology data for H5N1 infection and discuss how case-finding strategies may influence the overall case-fatality rate reported by the WHO. We also provide information supporting the position that if an H5N1 influenza pandemic occurred, available medical countermeasures would have limited impact on the associated morbidity and mortality.
Decreased prevalence of diabetes in marijuana users: cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III
Authors: Rajavashisth Tripathi B , Shaheen Magda , Norris Keith C , Pan Deyu , Sinha Satyesh K , Ortega Juan , Friedman Theodore C 
Published: February 2012

ObjectiveTo determine the association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and marijuana use.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingData from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III, 1988–1994) conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.ParticipantsThe study included participants of the NHANES III, a nationally representative sample of the US population. The total analytic sample was 10 896 adults. The study included four groups (n=10 896): non-marijuana users (61.0%), past marijuana users (30.7%), light (one to four times/month) (5.0%) and heavy (more than five times/month) current marijuana users (3.3%). DM was defined based on self-report or abnormal glycaemic parameters. We analysed data related to demographics, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol use, total serum cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D, plasma haemoglobin A1c, fasting plasma glucose level and the serum levels of C reactive protein and four additional inflammatory markers as related to marijuana use.Main outcome measuresOR for DM associated with marijuana use adjusted for potential confounding variables (ie, odds of DM in marijuana users compared with non-marijuana users).ResultsMarijuana users had a lower age-adjusted prevalence of DM compared to non-marijuana users (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.55; p<0.0001). The prevalence of elevated C reactive protein (>0.5 mg/dl) was significantly higher (p<0.0001) among non-marijuana users (18.9%) than among past (12.7%) or current light (15.8%) or heavy (9.2%) users. In a robust multivariate model controlling for socio-demographic factors, laboratory values and comorbidity, the lower odds of DM among marijuana users was significant (adjusted OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.55; p<0.0001).ConclusionsMarijuana use was independently associated with a lower prevalence of DM. Further studies are needed to show a direct effect of marijuana on DM.