bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cyclic AMP content of gingival fluid in women taking oral contraceptives
Authors: Grower Marvin F. , Lyon Douglas R. , Levin Marvin P. , Chandler Dorothy W. 
Published: April 2006

Abstract.Gingival fluid samples were collected from 12 healthy adult women who ranged in age from 19 to 34 years. Seven subjects with normal menstrual cycles who received no medications acted as controls while five subjects who had been using oral contraceptives for a minimum of 17 months constituted the experimental group. The women using birth control pills showed a 53% increase in the gingival fluid volume versus the controls. Radioimmunoassay revealed a mean concentration of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the gingival fluid of 3.8.10−6 M in the controls and 1.9.10−6 M in subjects using oral contraceptives, although the total amount of cAMP present in the fluid from both groups was equal. These gingival fluid cAMP levels were a hundredfold higher than those measured in serum and saliva.
The incidence of focal chronic inflammatory changes in human submandibular salivary glands
Authors: Scott John 
Published: April 2006

Abstract. Focal chronic inflammatory changes have been investigated in a series of otherwise non‐diseased submandibular salivary glands obtained at necropsy from 96 subjects evenly divided by sex and decades of adult age. Two types of change were recorded: focal aggregates consisting predominantly of lymphocytes; and limited intralobular areas of parenchymal change similar to those present in obstructive sialadenitis. These were termed focal lymphocytic adenitis and focal obstructive adenitis respectively. For each gland the numbers of foci of each type were separately expressed per unit area of section examined.Focal lymphocytic adenitis, which was almost universally present throughout the series, in most cases was not associated with destructive changes in the parenchyma. It showed no simple pattern of incidence in relation to age and sex. Focal obstructive adenitis, also frequently present, showed a gradually increasing prevalence with age. Persistent foci of this type tended to form fibrous scars. These were more frequent in older decades. The increasing incidence of obstructive foci throughout adult life, plus in older age groups their persistence as focal scars, both contribute to the gradual reduction in parenchyma which is a feature of aging in the human submandibular gland.
Hyaluronidase‐enhanced connective‐tissue attachment to demineralized root and pulpal dentin
Authors: Hanes P. J. , Polson A. M. , Frederick G. T. , Thomas H. F. 
Published: April 2006

Abstract Treatment of demineralized dentin with hyaluronidase seems to increase exposure of collagen fibrils. The present study compared the in vivo connective‐tissue response to dentin treated with citric acid alone and with citric acid plus hyaluronidase. Dentin specimens were obtained from areas beneath attached periodontal ligament fibers on extracted human teeth. Each rectangular specimen had a face of root surface dentin and an opposite surface composed of pulpal dentin. One group was treated with citric acid alone (A); a second group with both citric acid and hyaluronidase (AH); and a third group served as untreated controls (C). Specimens were examined in the scanning electron microscope (SEM) for morphologic characteristics, and used in an implantation model to evaluate cell, connective‐tissue and epithelial responses. In the latter procedures, specimens were implanted transcutaneously into incisional wounds on the dorsal surfaces of rats. Four specimens in each group were evaluated 10 days after implantation and analyzed using histologic and histometric methods.SEM examination showed that the surface of the control specimens had a smear layer which concealed the openings of dentinal tubules. Dentinal tubule orifices were present on the surface of A and AH specimens. Enhanced exposure of the collagen fibrils was apparent on AH surfaces. The histologic and histometric analyses of A and AH groups showed that cell adhesion and fiber density did not differ between root and pulpal surfaces, or between A and AH‐treated implants. However, a significantly greater number of cells were attached to A and AH surfaces than controls. In addition, fiber attachment was not present in the control group. A distinct eosinophilic surface zone was present on A and AH surfaces, which was significantly wider on pulpal surfaces and in AH specimens. The connective‐tissue attachment that occurred in A and AH groups inhibited epithelial down‐growth. The length of implant surface exhibiting connective‐tissue attachment was significantly greater in AH specimens. It appeared that hyaluronidase treatment of the exposed collagen had increased the area of connective‐tissue attachment to the implant surface.
Nuclear embedded star clusters in NGC 7582
Authors: Wold M. , Galliano E. 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
We report on the discovery of several compact regions of mid-infrared emission in the star-forming circumnuclear disc of the starburst/Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 7582. The compact sources do not have counterparts in the optical and near-infrared, suggesting that they are deeply embedded in dust. We use the [Ne ii] 12.8-μm line emission to estimate the emission measure of the ionized gas, which in turn is used to assess the number of ionizing photons. Two of the brighter sources are found to have ionizing fluxes of ∼2.5 × 1052, whereas the fainter ones have ∼1 × 1052 photon s−1. Comparing with a 1-Myr-old starburst, we derive stellar masses in the range 3–5 × 105M⊙ and find that the number of O stars in each compact source is typically 0.6–1.6 × 103. We conclude that the compact mid-infrared sources are likely to be young, embedded star clusters, of which only a few are known so far. Our observation highlights the need for high-resolution mid-infrared imaging to discover and study embedded star clusters in the proximity of active galactic nuclei.
LL-37 Protects Rats against Lethal Sepsis Caused by Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Cirioni Oscar , Giacometti Andrea , Ghiselli Roberto , Bergnach Cristina , Orlando Fiorenza , Silvestri Carmela , Mocchegiani Federico , Licci Alberto , Skerlavaj Barbara , Rocchi Marco , Saba Vittorio , Zanetti Margherita , Scalise Giorgio 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT

We investigated the efficacy of LL-37, the C-terminal part of the only cathelicidin in humans identified to date (termed human cationic antimicrobial protein), in three experimental rat models of gram-negative sepsis. Adult male Wistar rats (i) were given an intraperitoneal injection of 1 mg
Escherichia coli
0111:B4 LPS, (ii) were given 2 × 10
10
CFU of
Escherichia coli
ATCC 25922, or (iii) had intra-abdominal sepsis induced via cecal ligation and puncture. For each model, all animals were randomized to receive intravenously isotonic sodium chloride solution, 1-mg/kg LL-37, 1-mg/kg polymyxin B, 20-mg/kg imipenem, or 60-mg/kg piperacillin. Lethality; growth of bacteria in blood, peritoneum, spleen, liver, and mesenteric lymph nodes; and endotoxin and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) concentrations in plasma were evaluated. All compounds reduced lethality compared to levels in controls. Endotoxin and TNF-α plasma levels were significantly higher in conventional antibiotic-treated rats than in LL-37- and polymyxin B-treated animals. All drugs tested significantly reduced bacterial growth compared to saline treatment. No statistically significant differences between LL-37 and polymyxin B were noted for antimicrobial and antiendotoxin activities. LL-37 and imipenem proved to be the most effective treatments in reducing all variables measured. Due to its multifunctional properties, LL-37 may become an important future consideration for the treatment of sepsis.
Quorum-Sensing Antagonistic Activities of Azithromycin in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
PAO1: a Global Approach
Authors: Nalca Yusuf , Jänsch Lothar , Bredenbruch Florian , Geffers Robert , Buer Jan , Häussler Susanne 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT

The administration of macrolides such as azithromycin for chronic pulmonary infection of cystic fibrosis patients has been reported to be of benefit. Although the mechanisms of action remain obscure, anti-inflammatory effects as well as interference of the macrolide with
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
virulence factor production have been suggested to contribute to an improved clinical outcome. In this study we used a systematic approach and analyzed the impact of azithromycin on the global transcriptional pattern and the protein expression profile of
P. aeruginosa
PAO1 cultures versus those in untreated controls. The most remarkable result of this study is the finding that azithromycin exhibited extensive quorum-sensing antagonistic activities. In accordance with the inhibition of the quorum-sensing systems, virulence factor production was diminished and the oxidative stress response was impaired, whereas the type III secretion system was strongly induced. Moreover,
P. aeruginosa
motility was reduced, which probably accounts for the previously observed impaired biofilm formation capabilities of azithromycin-treated cultures. The interference of azithromycin with quorum-sensing-dependent virulence factor production, biofilm formation, and oxidative stress resistance in
P. aeruginosa
holds great promise for macrolide therapy in cystic fibrosis. Clearly quorum-sensing antagonist macrolides should be paid more attention in the management of chronic
P. aeruginosa
infections, and as quorum-sensing antagonists, macrolides might gain vital importance for more general application against chronic infections.
Reducing sick leave by minimal postal intervention: a randomised, controlled intervention study
Authors: Fleten N , Johnsen R 
Published: April 2006

Background:The lack of efficient medical interventions for combating increasing sickness absence rates has lead to the introduction of alternative measures initiated by the Norwegian National Insurance Service or at workplaces.Aim:To determine whether minimal postal intervention had any effect on the length of sick leave.Methods:Randomised, controlled trial with a one year follow up in Northern Norway in 1997 and 1998; 990 consecutive newly sick-listed persons with musculoskeletal or mental disorders were studied. Within the intervention group, 495 eligible sick-listed persons received a general information letter and a questionnaire as their sick leave passed 14 days. Possible intervention effects were analysed by survival analysis of the probability of returning to work within one year, and logistic regressions with benefits at one year as the dependent variable.Results:The overall reduction of 8.3 (95% CI −22.5 to 6.0) calendar days in mean length of sick leaves in the intervention group compared to controls, was not statistically significant. However, intervention significantly reduced length of sick leaves in subgroups with mental disorders, and with rheumatic disorders and arthritis, and overall for sick leaves lasting 12 weeks or more. Young people with low back pain showed an adverse effect to intervention. The overall relative risk of receiving benefits due to sickness after one year in the intervention group was 0.69 (95% CI 0.51 to 0.93) compared to controls.Conclusion:The results should encourage employers, insurance institutions, and authorities to initiate challenges as questions on the length of sick leave and possible modified work measures, during the first few weeks of sick leave, for at least some groups of sick-listed persons.
Cortical Perfusion Measurement by Indocyanine-Green Videoangiography in Patients Undergoing Hemicraniectomy for Malignant Stroke
Authors: Woitzik Johannes , Peña-Tapia Pablo G. , Schneider Ulf C. , Vajkoczy Peter , Thomé Claudius 
Published: April 2006

Background and Purpose—Assessment of cerebral perfusion during neurosurgical procedures would be beneficial to identify areas at risk and to guide placement of monitoring probes. Therefore, we have adapted near-infrared indocyanine-green (ICG) videoangiography to assess cortical perfusion intraoperatively.Methods—ICG videoangiography was performed intraoperatively in 6 patients after decompressive hemicraniectomy for middle cerebral artery stroke. Flow maps of cortical perfusion were generated with IC-CALC 1.1 software by calculating the ratio of difference in fluorescence intensity and rise time.Results—Excellent visualization of cerebral arteries, cortical perfusion and collateral circulation via leptomeningeal anastomoses could be demonstrated in all cases. Flow maps revealed high spatial resolution and showed heterogeneous maple-leaf-shaped hypoperfusion. 26.5±13.7% and 29.0±9.1% of the exposed cortical surface (141±18 cm2) demonstrated core and penumbral flow, respectively.Conclusions—ICG videoangiography appears to be a valuable tool to precisely detect relative cortical tissue perfusion. Thus, it may provide useful research data on the pathophysiology of human stroke, help surgeons to maintain adequate brain perfusion intraoperatively, and simplify adequate placement of tissue probes to monitor critically hypoperfused brain tissue.
Increased oxidative stress in asymptomatic current chronic smokers and GOLD stage 0 COPD
Authors: Rytilä Paula , Rehn Tiina , Ilumets Helen , Rouhos Annamari , Sovijärvi Anssi , Myllärniemi Marjukka , Kinnula Vuokko L 
Published: April 2006

Abstract

Background
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with increased oxidative and nitrosative stress. The aim of our study was to assess the importance of these factors in the airways of healthy smokers and symptomatic smokers without airway obstruction, i.e. individuals with GOLD stage 0 COPD.

Methods
Exhaled NO (FENO) and induced sputum samples were collected from 22 current smokers (13 healthy smokers without any respiratory symptoms and 9 with symptoms i.e. stage 0 COPD) and 22 healthy age-matched non-smokers (11 never smokers and 11 ex-smokers). Sputum cell differential counts, and expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitrotyrosine and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) were analysed from cytospins by immunocytochemistry. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and lactoferrin were measured from sputum supernatants by ELISA.

Results
FENO was significantly decreased in smokers, mean (SD) 11.0 (6.7) ppb, compared to non-smokers, 22.9 (10.0), p < 0.0001. Induced sputum showed increased levels of neutrophils (p = 0.01) and elevated numbers of iNOS (p = 0.004), MPO (p = 0.003), nitrotyrosine (p = 0.003), and 4-HNE (p = 0.03) positive cells in smokers when compared to non-smokers. Sputum lactoferrin levels were also higher in smokers than in non-smokers (p = 0.02). Furthermore, we noted four negative correlations between FENO and 1) total neutrophils (r = -0.367, p = 0.02), 2) positive cells for iNOS (r = -0.503, p = 0.005), 3) MPO (r = -0.547, p = 0.008), and 4) nitrotyrosine (r = -0.424, p = 0.03). However, no major differences were found between never smokers and ex-smokers or between healthy smokers and stage 0 COPD patients.

Conclusion
Our results clearly indicate that several markers of oxidative/nitrosative stress are increased in current cigarette smokers compared to non-smokers and no major differences can be observed in these biomarkers between non-symptomatic smokers and subjects with GOLD stage 0 COPD.
Histological staining methods preparatory to laser capture microdissection significantly affect the integrity of the cellular RNA
Authors: Wang Hongyang , Owens James D , Shih Joanna H , Li Ming-Chung , Bonner Robert F , Mushinski J Frederic 
Published: April 2006

Abstract

Background
Gene expression profiling by microarray analysis of cells enriched by laser capture microdissection (LCM) faces several technical challenges. Frozen sections yield higher quality RNA than paraffin-imbedded sections, but even with frozen sections, the staining methods used for histological identification of cells of interest could still damage the mRNA in the cells. To study the contribution of staining methods to degradation of results from gene expression profiling of LCM samples, we subjected pellets of the mouse plasma cell tumor cell line TEPC 1165 to direct RNA extraction and to parallel frozen sectioning for LCM and subsequent RNA extraction. We used microarray hybridization analysis to compare gene expression profiles of RNA from cell pellets with gene expression profiles of RNA from frozen sections that had been stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Nissl Stain (NS), and for immunofluorescence (IF) as well as with the plasma cell-revealing methyl green pyronin (MGP) stain. All RNAs were amplified with two rounds of T7-based in vitro transcription and analyzed by two-color expression analysis on 10-K cDNA microarrays.

Results
The MGP-stained samples showed the least introduction of mRNA loss, followed by H&E and immunofluorescence. Nissl staining was significantly more detrimental to gene expression profiles, presumably owing to an aqueous step in which RNA may have been damaged by endogenous or exogenous RNAases.

Conclusion
RNA damage can occur during the staining steps preparatory to laser capture microdissection, with the consequence of loss of representation of certain genes in microarray hybridization analysis. Inclusion of RNAase inhibitor in aqueous staining solutions appears to be important in protecting RNA from loss of gene transcripts.
Phylogenomic analysis of the GIY-YIG nuclease superfamily
Authors: Dunin-Horkawicz Stanislaw , Feder Marcin , Bujnicki Janusz M 
Published: April 2006

Abstract

Background
The GIY-YIG domain was initially identified in homing endonucleases and later in other selfish mobile genetic elements (including restriction enzymes and non-LTR retrotransposons) and in enzymes involved in DNA repair and recombination. However, to date no systematic search for novel members of the GIY-YIG superfamily or comparative analysis of these enzymes has been reported.

Results
We carried out database searches to identify all members of known GIY-YIG nuclease families. Multiple sequence alignments together with predicted secondary structures of identified families were represented as Hidden Markov Models (HMM) and compared by the HHsearch method to the uncharacterized protein families gathered in the COG, KOG, and PFAM databases. This analysis allowed for extending the GIY-YIG superfamily to include members of COG3680 and a number of proteins not classified in COGs and to predict that these proteins may function as nucleases, potentially involved in DNA recombination and/or repair. Finally, all old and new members of the GIY-YIG superfamily were compared and analyzed to infer the phylogenetic tree.

Conclusion
An evolutionary classification of the GIY-YIG superfamily is presented for the very first time, along with the structural annotation of all (sub)families. It provides a comprehensive picture of sequence-structure-function relationships in this superfamily of nucleases, which will help to design experiments to study the mechanism of action of known members (especially the uncharacterized ones) and will facilitate the prediction of function for the newly discovered ones.
Eight previously unidentified mutations found in the OA1ocular albinism gene
Authors: Mayeur Hélène , Roche Olivier , Vêtu Christelle , Jaliffa Carolina , Marchant Dominique , Dollfus Hélène , Bonneau Dominique , Munier Francis L , Schorderet Daniel F , Levin Alex V , Héon Elise , Sutherland Joanne , Lacombe Didier , Said Edith , Mezer Eedy , Kaplan Josseline , Dufier Jean-Louis , Marsac Cécile , Menasche Maurice , Abitbol Marc 
Published: April 2006

Abstract

Background
Ocular albinism type 1 (OA1) is an X-linked ocular disorder characterized by a severe reduction in visual acuity, nystagmus, hypopigmentation of the retinal pigmented epithelium, foveal hypoplasia, macromelanosomes in pigmented skin and eye cells, and misrouting of the optical tracts. This disease is primarily caused by mutations in the OA1 gene.

Methods
The ophthalmologic phenotype of the patients and their family members was characterized. We screened for mutations in the OA1 gene by direct sequencing of the nine PCR-amplified exons, and for genomic deletions by PCR-amplification of large DNA fragments.

Results
We sequenced the nine exons of the OA1 gene in 72 individuals and found ten different mutations in seven unrelated families and three sporadic cases. The ten mutations include an amino acid substitution and a premature stop codon previously reported by our team, and eight previously unidentified mutations: three amino acid substitutions, a duplication, a deletion, an insertion and two splice-site mutations. The use of a novel Taq polymerase enabled us to amplify large genomic fragments covering the OA1 gene. and to detect very likely six distinct large deletions. Furthermore, we were able to confirm that there was no deletion in twenty one patients where no mutation had been found.

Conclusion
The identified mutations affect highly conserved amino acids, cause frameshifts or alternative splicing, thus affecting folding of the OA1 G protein coupled receptor, interactions of OA1 with its G protein and/or binding with its ligand.
Insomnia in school-age children with Asperger syndrome or high-functioning autism
Authors: Allik Hiie , Larsson Jan-Olov , Smedje Hans 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackgroundAsperger syndrome (AS) and high-functioning autism (HFA) are pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) in individuals of normal intelligence. Childhood AS/HFA is considered to be often associated with disturbed sleep, in particular with difficulties initiating and/or maintaining sleep (insomnia). However, studies about the topic are still scarce. The present study investigated childhood AS/HFA regarding a wide range of parent reported sleep-wake behaviour, with a particular focus on insomnia.MethodsThirty-two 8–12 yr old children with AS/HFA were compared with 32 age and gender matched typically developing children regarding sleep and associated behavioural characteristics. Several aspects of sleep-wake behaviour including insomnia were surveyed using a structured paediatric sleep questionnaire in which parents reported their children's sleep patterns for the previous six months. Recent sleep patterns were monitored by use of a one-week sleep diary and actigraphy. Behavioural characteristics were surveyed by use of information gleaned from parent and teacher-ratings in the High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire, and in the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.ResultsParent-reported difficulties initiating sleep and daytime sleepiness were more common in children with AS/HFA than in controls, and 10/32 children with AS/HFA (31.2%) but none of the controls fulfilled our definition of paediatric insomnia. The parent-reported insomnia corresponded to the findings obtained by actigraphy. Children with insomnia had also more parent-reported autistic and emotional symptoms, and more teacher-reported emotional and hyperactivity symptoms than those children without insomnia.ConclusionParental reports indicate that in childhood AS/HFA insomnia is a common and distressing symptom which is frequently associated with coexistent behaviour problems. Identification and treatment of sleep problems need to be a routine part of the treatment plan for children with AS/HFA.