bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of a glucan‐binding protein C gene homologue in Streptococcus macacae
Authors: Okamoto‐Shibayama K. , Sato Y. , Yamamoto Y. , Ohta K. , Kizaki H. 
Published: September 2010

Background/aims:  The past few decades have seen the isolation of certain glucosyltransferases and a number of proteins from mutans streptococci. Some of these proteins have been shown to possess glucan‐binding capabilities which confer an important virulence property on mutans streptococci for the role of these bacteria play in dental caries. Among these proteins is glucan‐binding protein C, which is encoded by the gbpC gene, and which we have identified as being involved in the dextran‐dependent aggregation of Streptococcus mutans. However, gbpC homologues have yet to be identified in other mutans streptococci.Methods:  We carried out polymerase chain reaction amplification of Streptococcus macacae using primers that were designed based on conserved sequences of S. mutans gbpC and identified a gbpC gene homologue. The gene of that homologue was then characterized.Results:  Nucleotide sequencing of the S. macacae gbpC homologue revealed a 1854 bp open reading frame encoding a protein with an N‐terminal signal peptide. The molecular mass of the processed protein was calculated to be 67 kDa. We also found an LPxTG motif, the consensus sequence for gram‐positive cocci cell wall‐anchored surface proteins, which was followed by a characteristic sequence at the carboxal terminal region of the putative protein. This suggests that the S. macacae GbpC homologue protein was tethered to the cell wall.Conclusion:  Based on these results, together with the demonstrated glucan‐binding ability of the S. macacae GbpC homologue protein, we suggest that S. macacae cells are capable of binding dextran via the GbpC homologue protein, which is similar to the S. mutans GbpC protein. In addition, Southern hybridization analysis using the S. macacae gbpC homologue as a probe showed a distribution of gbpC homologues throughout the mutans streptococci.
Heterogenic virulence and related factors among clinical isolates of Porphyromonas gingivalis with type II fimbriae
Authors: Inaba H. , Nakano K. , Kato T. , Nomura R. , Kawai S. , Kuboniwa M. , Ishihara K. , Ooshima T. , Amano A. 
Published: September 2010

Background/aims:  Porphyromonas gingivalis is a periodontal pathogen whose fimbriae are classified into six genotypes (types I–V and Ib) based on the diversity of the fimA genes encoding the fimbrial subunits. Accumulated evidence suggests that P. gingivalis strains with type II fimbriae are more virulent as compared to those with other types. However, it is unknown if strong virulence is uniformly conserved among clones with type II fimbriae. In the present study, we compared infectious inflammatory changes in clinical isolates of P. gingivalis with type II fimbriae using a mouse abscess model to examine their pathogenic heterogeneity and heterogeneity‐related factors.Methods:  Suspensions of nine different clinical isolates with type II fimbriae were subcutaneously injected into female BALB/c mice and inflammatory parameters, such as serum sialic acid concentration, were compared.Results:  Many of the type II fimbrial isolates caused severe inflammation in the mice, though some were less causative, as was the control strain ATCC 33277 (type I fimbria strain). These results showed that pathogenic heterogeneity exists among P. gingivalis clones with type II fimbriae. Further, the heterogeneity‐related factors of P. gingivalis strains were analyzed and the pathogenic potentials showed positive relationships to gingipain activities and invasive efficiency but not to hydrophobicity or autoaggregation. In addition, invasive efficiency was related to the activities of gingipains that were extracellularly secreted.Conclusion:  These results suggest that pathogenic heterogeneity has relationships with the invasive and proteolytic activities of P. gingivalis clones with type II fimbriae.
Reduction of periodontal pathogens adhesion by antagonistic strains
Authors: Van Hoogmoed C. G. , Geertsema‐doornbusch G. I. , Teughels W. , Quirynen M. , Busscher H. J. , Van der Mei H. C. 
Published: September 2010

Introduction:  Periodontitis results from a shift in the subgingival microflora into a more pathogenic direction with Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans considered as periodontopathogens. In many cases, treatment procures only a temporary shift towards a less pathogenic microflora. An alternative treatment could be the deliberate colonization of pockets with antagonistic microorganisms to control the adhesion of periodontopathogens. The aim of this study was to identify bacterial strains that reduce adhesion of periodontopathogens to surfaces.Methods:  Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus crista, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus mitis, Actinomyces naeslundii, and Haemophilus parainfluenzae were evaluated as potential antagonists against P. gingivalis ATCC 33277, P. intermedia ATCC 49046, and A. actinomycetemcomitans ATCC 43718 as periodontopathogens. Adhesion of periodontopathogens to the bottom plate of a parallel plate flow chamber was studied in the absence (control) and the presence of pre‐adhering antagonistic strains up to a surface coverage of 5%.Results:  The largest reduction caused by antagonistic strains was observed for P. gingivalis. All antagonistic strains except S. crista ATCC 49999 inhibited the adhesion of P. gingivalis by at least 1.6 cells per adhering antagonist, with the largest significant reduction observed for A. naeslundii ATCC 51655 (3.8 cells per adhering antagonist). Adhering antagonists had a minimal effect on the adhesion of A. actinomycetemcomitans ATCC 43718. Intermediate but significant reductions were perceived for P. intermedia, most notably caused by S. mitis BMS.Conclusion:  The adhesion of P. gingivalis was inhibited best by antagonistic strains, while S. mitis BMS appeared to be the most successful antagonist.
Role of gap3 in Fap1 glycosylation, stability, in vitro adhesion, and fimbrial and biofilm formation of Streptococcus parasanguinis
Authors: Peng Z. , Wu H. , Ruiz T. , Chen Q. , Zhou M. , Sun B. , Fives‐Taylor P. 
Published: September 2010

Background/aims:  Streptococcus parasanguinis is a primary colonizer of the tooth surface. Its adhesion is mediated by the long fimbriae, which are composed of multiple subunits of a serine‐rich glycoprotein, Fap1. Previous studies revealed that a chromosomal region located downstream of fap1 is involved in the secretion and glycosylation of Fap1. In this study, we investigated the role of a glycosylation‐associated gene, gap3, in Fap1 biogenesis.Methods:  A gap3 non‐polar mutant was constructed by insertional inactivation. The phenotype of the mutant and the subcellular distribution of its products were investigated. The binding ability of the mutant was tested with saliva‐coated hydroxyapatite (SHA). Electron microscopy was used to observe the morphological changes on the mutant cell surface. Confocal microscopy was utilized to determine biofilm formation ability.Results:  The gap3 mutant produced a partially glycosylated Fap1 precursor, that was less stable than mature Fap1. The Fap1 precursor was distributed in all subcellular fractions including the cell surface and culture medium although in decreased amounts. These data suggest a role for Gap3 in Fap1 glycosylation as well as a link between glycosylation and secretion of Fap1. The gap3 mutant had reduced binding to saliva‐coated hydroxyapatite. Electron microscopy revealed that the gap3 mutant had lost its long fimbriae. Biofilm formation was also inhibited by the gap3 mutation. Fewer gap3 mutant cells adhered to the biofilm surface and microcolony formation was decreased.Conclusion:  Gap3 is required for the complete glycosylation and secretion of Fap1, which is important for fimbrial assembly, bacterial adhesion, and in vitro biofilm formation.
Ceragenin CSA‐13 exhibits antimicrobial activity against cariogenic and periodontopathic bacteria
Authors: Isogai E. , Isogai H. , Takahashi K. , Okumura K. , Savage P. B. 
Published: September 2010

Introduction:  Ceragenin CSA‐13 is a bile‐acid‐based mimic of endogenous antimicrobial peptides and shares a mechanism of action with many of these antimicrobial agents. Because CSA‐13 is not peptide based, it is not a substrate for the proteases that are found in the oral cavity, which are capable of degrading antimicrobial peptides. Furthermore, the simplicity of the ceragenins makes them easier to prepare and purify than antimicrobial peptides. In this study, we examined the antimicrobial activities of CSA‐13 against oral pathogens and found that this compound was bactericidal against all of the strains tested.Methods:  The strains used were isolates of Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas species. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined using agar dilution methods. In susceptibility testing, viable counts were determined after incubation with CSA‐13.Results:  CSA‐13 was potent against all 23 strains tested with MICs of 1–8 μg/ml for S. mutans and 1–16 μg/ml for 24 strains of the genus Porphyromonas. The MIC50 was 2 and the MIC90 was 8 μg/ml for S. mutans. MIC ranges for protease‐positive P. gingivalis and P. cangingivaliswere 2–16 μg/ml, and 1–2 μg/ml for protease‐negative P. circumdentaria. CSA‐13 interacted with lipopolysaccharide‐sensitized erythrocytes at a concentration of 5.0–20.0 μg/ml.Conclusion:  CSA‐13 displays broad‐spectrum activity against cariogenic and periodontopathic bacteria. CSA‐13 was effective against protease‐positive Porphyromonas. It was shown to bind to erythrocytes coated with lipopolysaccharide and lipoteichoic acid from diverse bacterial strains. These results suggest that CSA‐13 may be useful for the prevention and treatment of oral microbial diseases.
Inhibiting effects of Streptococcus salivarius on competence‐stimulating peptide‐dependent biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Tamura S. , Yonezawa H. , Motegi M. , Nakao R. , Yoneda S. , Watanabe H. , Yamazaki T. , Senpuku H. 
Published: September 2010

Introduction:  The effects of Streptococcus salivarius on the competence‐stimulating peptide (CSP)‐dependent biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans were investigated.Methods:  Biofilms were grown on 96‐well microtiter plates coated with salivary components in tryptic soy broth without dextrose supplemented with 0.25% sucrose. Biofilm formations were stained using safranin and quantification of stained biofilms was performed by measuring absorbance at 492 nm.Results:  S. mutans formed substantial biofilms, whereas biofilms of S. salivarius were formed poorly in the medium conditions used. Furthermore, in combination cultures, S. salivarius strongly inhibited biofilm formation when cultured with S. mutans. This inhibition occurred in the early phase of biofilm formation and was dependent on inactivation of the CSP of S. mutans, which is associated with competence, biofilm formation, and antimicrobial activity of the bacterium, and is induced by expression of the comC gene. Comparisons between the S. mutans clinical strains FSC‐3 and FSC‐3ΔglrA in separate dual‐species cultures with S. salivarius indicated that the presence of the bacitracin transport ATP‐binding protein gene glrA caused susceptibility to inhibition of S. mutans biofilm formation by S. salivarius, and was also associated with the regulation of CSP production by com gene‐dependent quorum sensing systems.Conclusion:  It is considered that regulation of CSP by glrA in S. mutans and CSP inactivation by S. salivarius are important functions for cell‐to‐cell communication between biofilm bacteria and oral streptococci such as S. salivarius. Our results provide useful information for understanding the ecosystem of oral streptococcal biofilms, as well as the competition between and coexistence of multiple species in the oral cavity.
Pleural fluid interleukin‐8 and C‐reactive protein for discriminating complicated non‐purulent from uncomplicated parapneumonic effusions
Authors: PORCEL José M. , GALINDO Carlos , ESQUERDA Aureli , TRUJILLANO Javier , RUIZ‐GONZÁLEZ Agustín , FALGUERA Miquel , VIVES Manuel 
Published: September 2010

Background and objective:  This study was designed to test the hypothesis that measurement of IL‐8 and CRP in pleural fluid could improve the identification of patients with non‐purulent parapneumonic effusions that ultimately require chest tube drainage.Methods:  We assessed IL‐8, CRP and three classical parameters (pH, glucose and LDH) in the pleural fluid of 100 patients with parapneumonic effusions. Forty‐nine of these patients had non‐purulent complicated effusions (complicated parapneumonic pleural effusion, CPPE), and 51 had uncomplicated parapneumonic pleural effusions (UPPE). Receiver‐operating characteristic curves were used to assess the sensitivity and specificity of pleural fluid biochemical parameters for differentiating among the two patient groups. IL‐8 production was determined using a commercially available ELISA kit, and CRP was measured by immunoassay.Results:  At a cutoff value of 1000 pg/mL, IL‐8 differentiated CPPE from UPPE with a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 82%. Likewise, CRP levels were higher in CPPE than in UPPE, and showed 72% sensitivity and 71% specificity at a cutoff value of 80 mg/L. We found that all five pleural fluid tests showed similar diagnostic accuracies when evaluated by receiver‐operating characteristic analysis. However, multivariate analysis indicated that the size of the effusion, as well as pleural fluid pH and IL‐8 concentration, were the best discriminatory parameters, with likelihood ratios of 6.4, 4.4 and 3.9, respectively.Conclusions:  Pleural fluid IL‐8 is an accurate marker for the identification of non‐purulent CPPE.
Comparing the protective effects of ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin and levofloxacin in mice with lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute lung injuries
Authors: HUANG Heng‐Ching , SHIEH Chi‐Chang , YU Wen‐Liang , CHENG Kuo‐Chen , CHEN Chi‐Chung , CHANG Sheng‐Tsung , CHUANG Yin‐Ching 
Published: September 2010

Background and objective:  Ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin and levofloxacin are recognized immunomodulators. Their effects in acute lung injuries have not been tested. This study compared the immunoprotective effects of these agents in mice with lung injuries induced by LPS by measuring the cytokine profiles in the injured lung and the associated mortality.Methods:  The development of lung injury and mortality was compared in mice pretreated with either ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin or saline (control group) after the intratracheal administration of LPS. BALF and serum were collected at 1, 3 and 6 h to measure the concentrations of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10 and macrophage inflammatory protein‐2 (MIP‐2) using enzyme‐linked immunoassay.Results:  Levels of TNF‐α, IL‐1β and MIP‐2 in the BAL of the ciprofloxacin group were significantly lower compared with those of controls (all P < 0.0083) at 3 and 6 h after LPS challenge. There were no significant differences in the levels of these cytokines in the moxifloxacin and levofloxacin groups compared with controls. Overall, the 96‐h survival for the mice pretreated with ciprofloxacin, but not for those pretreated with moxifloxacin or levofloxacin, was significantly greater than that of the control animals (P = 0.019).Conclusions:  In the setting of LPS‐induced lung injuries, ciprofloxacin appears to provide better anti‐inflammatory properties and survival benefits than the other fluoroquinolones tested.
Representative drug susceptibility patterns for guiding design of re‐treatment regimens for multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis in Iran
Authors: TABARSI Payam , NOORAKI Azar , MIRSAEIDI Mehdi , AMIRI Majid , BAGHAEI Parvaneh , FARNIA Parisa , KAZEMPOUR Mehdi , HEIDARNAZHAD Hassan , ALIPANAH Narges , MANSOURI Davood , MASJEDI Mohammad R. 
Published: September 2010

Background and objective:  The prevalence of multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis (MDR‐TB) has increased substantially in the past 20 years, however, there are no data specific to Iran. This study investigated patients suspected to have MDR‐TB, attending the TB referral hospital in Iran.Methods:  All patients suspected of having MDR‐TB on hospital admission in the period 2003–2005 were included in this study. Sputum from all patients was tested for smear and culture, and drug sensitivity testing was performed using the proportion method. Patients were categorized into three groups based on their history of medical treatment. Group I consisted of patients with CAT I regimen failure; Group II consisted of patients with a history of CAT II regimen failure and Group III comprised patients with a history of more than two courses of irregular CAT I anti‐TB regimen.Results:  There were 105 patients recruited; 32 in Group I, 53 in Group II and 20 in Group III. There were no significant differences between the three groups in their resistance to first‐line anti‐TB drugs. Fifty‐five patients were diagnosed with MDR‐TB. The prevalence of MDR‐TB was 56% (18 cases) in group I, 49% (26 cases) in group II and 55% (11 cases) in group III. No significant difference in the pattern of drug resistance was observed between the three groups.Conclusion:  The prevalence of MDR‐TB was high in this study. The lack of response of MDR‐TB patients to CAT II treatment indicates that antibiotic sensitivity testing is essential in patients with CAT I treatment failure.
Outcomes of scrotal exploration for acute scrotal pain suspicious of testicular torsion: a consecutive case series of 173 patients
Authors: Molokwu Chidi N. , Somani Bhaskar K. , Goodman Chris M. 
Published: September 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Acute scrotal pain is a urological emergency. Prompt assessment is required to diagnose the cause.Patients older than 11 years are unlikely to have torsion of a testicular appendage and assessment should focus on discriminating between testicular torsion and epididymo‐orchitis. Reasons for delay in presentation with acute scrotal pain need to be addressed. There is an association between testicular torsion and cold weather.OBJECTIVE• To determine the surgical outcome of all scrotal explorations performed on patients presenting with acute scrotal pain suspicious of testicular torsion.PATIENTS AND METHODS• Data was collected prospectively from a consecutive case series of patients of all ages who had scrotal exploration for acute testicular pain from 1998 to 2008.• The main outcome measures were pathology found during scrotal exploration, relationship between patient age and cause of scrotal pain, orchidectomy rate and the association between testicular torsion and cold weather.RESULTS• Data for 173 patients out of 179 was available for analysis.• The median age of the patients was 14 (0–92) years. 51% (n = 89) had testicular torsion, 24% (n = 42) had torsion of testicular appendages, 9% (n = 16) had epididymo‐orchitis, and other pathology made up 5%.• No obvious pathology was seen in 10% (n = 17).• Patients with Torsion of Appendages were significantly younger than other patients with scrotal pain (P < 0.0001).• Age was not useful in discriminating between patients with Testicular Torsion from other patients with scrotal pain. 9% (n = 16) of all patients required an orchidectomy.• Frequency of Testicular Torsion was higher during the colder half of the year (n = 0.02).CONCLUSIONS• Testicular torsion was the most common finding at surgical exploration, followed by torsion of testicular appendages.• Age had limited value in diagnosing the cause of acute scrotal pain.• Testicular torsion was associated with cold weather.• Our findings support the practice of surgical exploration for acute scrotal pain suspicious of testicular torsion in patients of any age.
Oxidative stress status accompanying diabetic bladder cystopathy results in the activation of protein degradation pathways
Authors: Kanika Nirmala D. , Chang Jinsook , Tong Yuehong , Tiplitsky Scott , Lin Juan , Yohannes Elizabeth , Tar Moses , Chance Mark , Christ George J. , Melman Arnold , Davies Kelvin D. 
Published: September 2010

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?Diabetes is a common precursor for ladder pathology, including detrusor overactivity and cystopathy. There is preliminary, but increasing evidence, suggesting that oxidative stress plays a significant role in the development of diabetic complications including its affect on the bladder.In the present study we investigated the effect of streptozotocin induced‐diabetes in rats on the global expression of genes in the rat bladder using microarray analysis, and combined this data with our previously reported study looking at changes in protein levels using proteomics. This analysis demonstrated that markers of oxidative stress were significantly increased in the diabetic bladder. Overall, our work adds to the growing body of evidence that diabetic cystopathy is associated with oxidative damage of smooth muscle cells, and results in protein damage and activation of apoptotic pathways which may contribute to a deterioration in bladder function.OBJECTIVE
To investigate the role that oxidative stress plays in the development of diabetic cystopathy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Comparative gene expression in the bladder of non‐diabetic and streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced 2‐month‐ old diabetic rats was carried out using microarray analysis.
Evidence of oxidative stress was investigated in the bladder by analyzing glutathione S‐transferase activity, lipid peroxidation, and carbonylation and nitrosylation of proteins.
The activity of protein degradation pathways was assessed using Western blot analysis.
RESULTS
Analysis of global gene expression showed that detrusor smooth muscle tissue of STZ‐induced diabetes undergoes significant enrichment in targets involved in the production or regulation of reactive oxygen species (P= 1.27 × 10−10). The microarray analysis was confirmed by showing that markers of oxidative stress were all significantly increased in the diabetic bladder.
It was hypothesized that the sequelae to oxidative stress would be increased protein damage and apoptosis.
This was confirmed by showing that two key proteins involved in protein degradation (Nedd4 and LC3B) were greatly up‐regulated in diabetic bladders compared to controls by 12.2 ± 0.76 and 4.4 ± 1.0‐fold, respectively, and the apoptosis inducing protein, BAX, was up‐regulated by 6.76 ± 0.76‐fold.
CONCLUSION
Overall, the findings obtained in the present study add to the growing body of evidence showing that diabetic cystopathy is associated with oxidative damage of smooth muscle cells, and results in protein damage and activation of apoptotic pathways that may contribute to a deterioration in bladder function.
Fast Generation of Pointerless Octree Duals
Authors: Lewiner Thomas , Mello Vinícius , Peixoto Adelailson , Pesco Sinésio , Lopes Hélio 
Published: September 2010

AbstractGeometry processing applications frequently rely on octree structures, since they provide simple and efficient hierarchies for discrete data. However, octrees do not guarantee direct continuous interpolation of this data inside its nodes. This motivates the use of the octree's dual structure, which is one of the simplest continuous hierarchical structures. With the emergence of pointerless representations, with their ability to reduce memory footprint and adapt to parallel architectures, the generation of duals of pointerless octrees becomes a natural challenge. This work proposes strategies for dual generation of static or dynamic pointerless octrees. Experimentally, those methods enjoy the memory reduction of pointerless representations and speed up the execution by several factors compared to the usual recursive generation.