bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma Levels of Mannan‐Binding Lectin in Relation to Periodontitis and Smoking
Authors: Maffei Gaia , Brouwer Nannette , Dolman Koert M. , van der Velden Ubele , Roos Dirk , Loos Bruno G. 
Published: November 2005

Background: Mannan‐binding lectin (MBL) is an important molecule of innate immunity; it acts as an opsonin and stimulates the classical complement pathway. Moreover, it has been suggested that MBL acts as a weak acute phase protein. We investigated whether MBL levels are increased in periodontitis, and we tested whether individuals deficient for MBL are more susceptible to periodontitis.Methods: A total of 219 subjects participated in the study. Plasma samples from 115 periodontitis patients and 104 healthy controls were taken, and the MBL levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). MBL levels were analyzed in relation to periodontitis, taking into consideration age, gender, ethnic and educational background, and smoking status. In some analyses, subjects with MBL plasma levels <0.8 μg/ml were considered MBL deficient.Results: MBL plasma concentrations were not significantly different in moderate and severe periodontitis compared to controls (1.6, 1.4, and 1.6 μg/ml, respectively). Also, the prevalence of MBL deficiency was not found to be different between controls and moderate and severe periodontitis (45%, 37%, and 36%). However, among all subjects and among the non‐deficient subjects, MBL levels were markedly increased in heavy smokers (>10 cigarettes per day), irrespective of periodontal disease status, in comparison to non‐smokers and light smokers. MBL plasma levels did not show a correlation with plasma C‐reactive protein (CRP) and were also not related to the prevalence of specific periodontal pathogens.Conclusions: MBL levels were not elevated in periodontitis, and MBL deficiency was not related to susceptibility for periodontitis. The fact that MBL levels were higher among heavy smokers is the subject of further investigation.
Risk Indicators for Tooth Loss Due to Periodontal Disease
Authors: Al‐Shammari Khalaf F. , Al‐Khabbaz Areej K. , Al‐Ansari Jassem M. , Neiva Rodrigo , Wang Hom‐Lay 
Published: November 2005

Background: Several risk indicators for periodontal disease severity have been identified. The association of these factors with tooth loss for periodontal reasons was investigated in this cross‐sectional comparative study.Methods: All extractions performed in 21 general dental practice clinics (25% of such clinics in Kuwait) over a 30‐day period were recorded. Documented information included patient age and gender, medical history findings, dental maintenance history, toothbrushing frequency, types and numbers of extracted teeth, and the reason for the extraction. Reasons were divided into periodontal disease versus other reasons in univariate and binary logistic regression analyses.Results: A total of 1,775 patients had 3,694 teeth extracted. More teeth per patient were lost due to periodontal disease than for other reasons (2.8 ± 0.2 versus 1.8 ± 0.1; P <0.001). Factors significantly associated with tooth loss due to periodontal reasons in logistic regression analysis were age >35 years (odds ratio [OR] 3.45; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.79 to 4.26), male gender (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.17 to 1.73), never having periodontal maintenance (OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.23 to 1.78), never using a toothbrush (OR 1.81; 95% CI 1.49 to 2.20), current or past smoking (OR 1.56; 95% CI 1.28 to 1.91), anterior tooth type (OR 3.23; 95% CI 2.57 to 4.05), and the presence of either of the following medical conditions: diabetes mellitus (OR 2.64; 95% CI 2.19 to 3.18), hypertension (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.41 to 2.13), or rheumatoid arthritis (OR 4.19; 95% CI 2.17 to 8.11).Conclusion: Tooth loss due to periodontal disease is associated with the risk indicators of age, male gender, smoking, lack of professional maintenance, inadequate oral hygiene, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, and anterior tooth type.
Tobacco Smoking and Periodontal Health in a Saudi Arabian Population
Authors: Natto Suzan , Baljoon Mostafa , Bergström Jan 
Published: November 2005

Background: The objective of this study was to examine the association between tobacco smoking, in particular water pipe smoking, and periodontal health.Methods: A total of 262 citizens of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in the age range from 17 to 60 years volunteered to participate in the study. The clinical examinations were carried out at King Faisal Specialty Hospital and Research Center in Jeddah and included assessments of oral hygiene, gingival inflammation, and probing depth. Smoking behavior was registered through a questionnaire and confirmed by an interview. Participants were stratified into water pipe smokers (31%), cigarette smokers (19%), mixed smokers (20%), and non‐smokers (30%).Results: The mean probing depth per person was 3.1 mm for water pipe smokers, 3.0 mm for cigarette smokers, 2.8 mm for mixed smokers, and 2.3 mm for non‐smokers. The association between smoking and probing depth was statistically significant controlling for age (P <0.001). The association between lifetime smoking exposure and mean probing depth was statistically significant in water pipe as well as cigarette smokers controlling for age (P <0.001). Using multivariate analysis, besides smoking, the gingival and plaque indexes were associated with increased probing depth. The prevalence of periodontal disease defined as a minimum of 10 sites with a probing depth ≥5 mm was 19.5% in the total population, 30% in water pipe smokers, 24% in cigarette smokers, and 8% in non‐smokers. The prevalence was significantly greater in water pipe and cigarette smokers compared to non‐smokers (P <0.001). The relative risk for periodontal disease increased by 5.1‐ and 3.8‐fold in water pipe and cigarette smokers, respectively, compared to non‐smokers (P <0.001 and P <0.05, respectively).Conclusions: An association was observed between water pipe smoking and periodontal disease manifestations in terms of probing depth measurements. The impact of water pipe smoking was of largely the same magnitude as that of cigarette smoking.
In Vitro, Clinical, and Microbiological Evaluation of a Linear Oscillating Device for Scaling and Root Planing
Authors: Rupf Stefan , Brader Iris , Vonderlind Doris , Kannengiesser Sabine , Eschrich Klaus , Roeder Ingo , Merte Knut 
Published: November 2005

Background: The purpose of this study was to conduct an in vitro and short‐term clinical and microbiological evaluation of a linear oscillating device for scaling and root planing (SRP). A comparison was made between conventional ultrasonic scaling (US) and hand scaling (HS) with and without chlorhexidine.Methods: In vitro, SRP was carried out on human teeth with calculus. Roots and cross‐sections thereof were microscopically examined for the efficacy of calculus removal, hard tissue loss, and surface smoothness. In vivo, 11 patients with chronic periodontitis and single‐rooted teeth in all quadrants with probing depths of ≥5 mm were selected. One quadrant was treated with linear oscillation and compared to US with chlorhexidine irrigation in the contralateral site. The other arch was treated with HS and compared to HS followed by laser disinfection. One hundred twenty teeth were assessed for clinical attachment level, probing depth, bleeding on probing, and suppuration at baseline and 7, 28, 90, and 180 days. Microbiologically, total numbers of bacteria and six specific periodontal pathogens were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction prior to and 1 and 28 days after SRP. Clinical and microbiological data were analyzed statistically with respect to the SRP method, patient specificity, and time effect.Results: In vitro, linear oscillation preserved more root tissues but left more calculus (P <0.05). Significant improvements of all clinical and microbiological parameters were observed for all groups. However, 21 out of 24 tests demonstrated that the clinical microbiological correlations between linear oscillation and control groups did not differ (P <0.05).Conclusion: Linear oscillation scaling was clinically acceptable and microbiologically comparable to the control groups despite microscopic remnants of calculus observed in vitro.
CD38 Expression in Neutrophils From Patients With Localized Aggressive Periodontitis
Authors: Fujita Tsuyoshi , Kantarci Alpdogan , Warbington Martha L. , Zawawi Khalid H. , Hasturk Hatice , Kurihara Hidemi , Van Dyke Thomas E. 
Published: November 2005

Background: Localized aggressive periodontitis (LAgP) is associated with neutrophil dysfunction including decreased chemotaxis and reduced calcium entry. It has been suggested that CD38 is involved in chemotaxis. Little is known, however, about the relationship of CD38 and LAgP patients. In this study, we focused on the level of CD38 expression between LAgP and normal subjects and examined the involvement of CD38 in abnormal neutrophil chemotaxis of LAgP patients.Methods: Neutrophils from 12 normal subjects and 12 LAgP patients were isolated from peripheral venous blood. Membrane associated proteins were extracted from cells with or without N‐formylmethionine leucyl‐phenylalanine (fMLP) stimulation. CD38 expression was measured using Western blotting. Band density was measured using an imaging densitometer.Results: There was no statistical difference between normal subjects and LAgP patients in resting CD38 expression (basal level). However, the fMLP‐stimulated neutrophils exhibited a significant decrease of CD38 expression in LAgP subjects compared to normal subjects. The decrease of CD38 was positively correlated with the defect in chemotactic migration to fMLP.Conclusion: These data suggest that the lower expression of CD38 in neutrophils may be related to altered neutrophil function in LAgP.
Periodontal Microcirculatory Abnormalities in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Scardina G.A. , Pizzigatti M.E. , Messina P. 
Published: November 2005

Background: The aim of this study was to observe the differences in periodontal microcirculation between healthy patients and patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).Methods: Fifteen healthy patients and 15 patients with SSc were examined. Periodontal capillaroscopy was used to investigate the characteristics of microcirculation. The visibility, course, tortuosity, possible presence of microhemorrhages, average caliber of the capillary loops, and number of visible capillary loops per square millimeter were evaluated for each patient.Results: The investigation was simple, non‐invasive, and repeatable for each patient. In patients with SSc, it was possible to observe a reduced number of capillaries and a greater capillary diameter and tortuosity.Conclusions: Capillary alterations in patients with SSc are not limited to the nailfold bed but also occur in periodontal mucosa microcirculation. Such evidence could be extremely important in the pathogenesis and treatment of periodontal diseases in patients with SSc.
Papillon‐Lefèvre Syndrome: A Successful Outcome
Authors: Ahuja Vanita , Shin Richard Hochul , Mudgil Adarsh , Nanda Veena , Schoor Robert 
Published: November 2005

Background: Papillon‐Lefèvre syndrome (PLS) is a rare autosomal recessive condition manifested clinically by hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles and rapidly progressive periodontitis resulting in loss of deciduous and permanent teeth. This case report describes the clinical periodontal findings and treatment of a 10‐year‐old male patient with PLS. The patient provided informed consent, and the study was conducted in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration of 1975, as revised in 2000.Methods: Upon initial presentation, a full periodontal examination was completed. Conventional probing depths, clinical attachment levels (CAL), gingival index (GI), and plaque index (PI) were measured prior to initial therapy, which involved oral hygiene instruction and scaling and root planing. At reevaluation, initial treatment proved unsuccessful, and a surgical approach with concomitant systemic antibiotic therapy was implemented. In addition, the patient's dermatologist treated his palmoplantar keratoderma with systemic retinoids. Subsequently, the patient was placed on a strict 3‐month maintenance protocol and was evaluated over a period of 1 year.Results: Initial treatment with mechanical therapy, oral hygiene instruction, frequent recalls, and systemic antibiotics did not yield efficacious results. However, with the addition of surgical treatment, a favorable clinical outcome was obtained.Conclusions: Numerous treatment regimens for the periodontal disease seen in PLS can be found in the literature. We demonstrate successful treatment of the periodontal disease seen in this condition using mechanical therapy, systemic antibiotics, and surgical modalities; over a period of 1 year, we were able to achieve significant reductions in gingival inflammation and erythema.
Progressive, Generalized, Apical Idiopathic Root Resorption and Hypercementosis
Authors: Schätzle Marc , Tanner Sandro D. , Bosshardt Dieter D. 
Published: November 2005

Background: Root resorption is a multifactorial process that results in loss of tooth structure. The causes of root resorption may vary, leading to several types of resorptions. Some factors have been identified and may be categorized into physiological resorption, local factors, systemic conditions, and idiopathic resorptions. The objective of this report was to present a case of a 17‐year‐old white female with progressive, generalized, apical idiopathic root resorption followed up for 34 months.Methods: Two panoramic radiographs, 14 and 34 months after initial clinical and radiological examinations, showed the rapid progression of apical root resorption. Two molars, teeth #15 and #16, which had to be extracted, and a bone sample from the distal aspect of tooth #15 were processed for histologic analysis.Results: Two millimeters apical to the cemento‐enamel junction, an abrupt increase in the cementum thickness was noted, amounting to 300 and 800 μm in teeth #15 and #16, respectively. The thickening of the cementum layer was due to an accelerated deposition of cellular intrinsic fiber cementum. An unusually high number of mineralization foci were observed in association with acellular extrinsic fiber cementum, and both free and fused cementicles were seen. In contrast to tooth #16, tooth #15 revealed extensive dentin replacement by a bone‐like and a cementum‐like tissue. Furthermore, ankylosis was demonstrated in tooth #15 and confirmed in the bone sample.Conclusions: At present, there is no preventive or therapeutic regimen for the type of root resorption seen in this case report. Treatment usually consists of the extraction of teeth with advanced lesions.
Diltiazem treatment prevents diastolic heart failure in mice with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Westermann Dirk , Knollmann Björn C. , Steendijk Paul , Rutschow Susanne , Riad Alexander , Pauschinger Matthias , Potter James D. , Schultheiss Heinz‐Peter , Tschöpe Carsten 
Published: November 2005

AbstractBackground:The cardiac troponin T I79N mutation, linked to familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, carries a high risk of sudden cardiac death even in the absence of significant cardiac hypertrophy. The pathology underlying this mechanism has not yet been identified.Aims:To study the underlying mechanism of this phenomenon we characterized the left ventricular (LV) performance of transgenic mice carrying the human troponin T mutation I79N under basal and isoproterenol‐induced stress conditions.Methods and results:LV function was analyzed by recording pressure—volume loops using a microconductance catheter. Despite a hypercontractile systolic function under basal conditions TnT‐I79N mice showed a diastolic dysfunction indicated by an increase in end‐diastolic pressure—volume relationship (EDPVR), a load‐independent factor of LV stiffness (0.06±0.01 vs. 0.02±0.01; P<0.05), when compared to mice expressing human wild‐type troponin T (TnT‐WT). TnT‐I79N mutants developed severe diastolic heart failure and cardiac sudden death under isoproterenol stress. This was prevented after pretreatment with the L‐type Ca2+ channel inhibitor diltiazem.Conclusions:Diastolic dysfunction due to increased LV stiffness in TnT‐I79N mice leads to severe primary diastolic heart failure and finally to cardiac sudden death, which can be prevented by diltiazem.
Genetic evidence that the northern calamary, Sepioteuthis lessoniana, is a species complex in Australian waters
Authors: Triantafillos Lianos , Adams Mark 
Published: November 2005

AbstractAllozyme electrophoresis was used to investigate the taxonomic status of northern calamary Sepioteuthis lessoniana (Lesson 1830) from two sites in Shark Bay, Western Australia. Of the 40 squid examined at 38 presumptive loci, four individuals from the oceanic site were clearly differentiated from the rest by fixed allelic differences at four loci (Acp, Got2, Idh2, and PepD) and near-fixed differences at another three (Est, Ocdh, and 6Pgd). The genetic distances between these two groups of individuals (13% Fixed Differences and Nei, D (1978) = 0.178) were roughly twofold greater than those between the two cryptic taxa in the southern calamary S. australis, but are considerably smaller than those between the northern and southern calamary. The most likely explanation for these data is that S. lessoniana comprises two “cryptic” biological species in this region. Further studies are needed to delineate the total number of species found throughout Australasia for this important loliginid squid.
Long‐term exposure to the new nicotinic antagonist 1,2‐bisN‐cytisinylethane upregulates nicotinic receptor subtypes of SH‐SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Riganti Loredana , Matteoni Cosetta , Di Angelantonio Silvia , Nistri Andrea , Gaimarri Annalisa , Sparatore Fabio , Canu‐Boido Caterina , Clementi Francesco , Gotti Cecilia 
Published: November 2005

Nicotinic drug treatment can affect the expression of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) bothin vivoandin vitrothrough molecular mechanisms not fully understood. The present study investigated the effect of the novel cytisine dimer 1,2‐bisN‐cytisinylethane (CC4) on nAChR natively expressed by SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells in culture.CC4 lacked the agonist properties of cytisine and was a potent antagonist (IC50=220 nM) on nAChRs. Chronic treatment of SH‐SY5Y cells with 1 mMCC4 for 48 h increased the expression of3H‐epibatidine (3H‐Epi; 3–4‐fold) or125I‐α‐bungarotoxin (125I‐αBgtx; 1.2‐fold) sensitive receptors present on the cell membrane and in the intracellular pool. Comparable data were obtained with nicotine or cytisine, but not with carbamylcholine,d‐tubocurarine, di‐hydro‐β‐erythroidine or hexametonium.Immunoprecipitation and immunopurification studies showed that the increase in3H‐Epi‐binding receptors was due to the enhanced expression ofα3β2 andα3β2β4 subtypes without changes in subunit mRNA transcription or receptor half‐life. The upregulation was not dependent on agonist/antagonist properties of the drugs, and did not concern muscarinic or serotonin receptors.Whole‐cell patch clamp analysis of CC4‐treated cells demonstrated larger nicotine‐evoked inward currents with augmented sensitivity to the blockersα‐conotoxin MII or methyllycaconitine.In conclusion, chronic treatment with CC4 increased the number of nAChRs containingβ2 andα7 subunits on the plasma membrane, where they were functionally active. In the case ofβ2‐containing receptors, we propose that CC4, by binding to intracellular receptors, triggered a conformational reorganisation of intracellular subunits that stimulated preferential assembly and membrane‐directed trafficking ofβ2‐containing receptor subtypes.British Journal of Pharmacology(2005)146, 1096–1109. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706434
Protein S modulates the anticoagulant action of recombinant human activated protein C: a comparison between neonates and adults
Authors: Cvirn Gerhard , Koestenberger Martin , Leschnik Bettina , Male Christoph , Kutschera Joerg , Ferstl Ulrika , Muntean Wolfgang , Juergens Guenther , Gallistl Siegfried 
Published: November 2005

Recombinant human‐activated protein C (rhAPC, Drotrecogin alpha (activated), Xigris™) has been shown to reduce organ damage and decrease mortality in severe sepsis. Since protein S (PS) serves as a potentiating cofactor of activated protein C and since PS levels are low in neonatal plasma, we hypothesized that the anticoagulant effect of rhAPC would be decreased in cord plasma compared to adult plasma.
We demonstrate that the anticoagulant action of 0.3 μg ml−1 rhAPC (5 nmol l−1) was decreased in cord plasma compared to adult plasma, and dose dependently increased in cord plasma in the presence of increasing activities of PS.
Correspondingly, the anticoagulant action of rhAPC decreased in adult plasma in the presence of decreasing activities of PS.
The low anticoagulant action of rhAPC in cord compared to adult plasma is attributable to low neonatal levels of PS, and as previously shown, to low neonatal levels of TFPI and AT.
Our laboratory experiments do not allow definite conclusions for clinical situations. However, we speculate that the anticoagulant efficacy of rhAPC is impaired in neonates and in clinical situations associated with consumption and/or inhibition of PS, AT, and TFPI, such as severe sepsis.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 146, 1082–1086. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706436
In vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization of the novel UT receptor ligand [Pen5,DTrp7,Dab8]urotensin II(4–11) (UFP‐803)
Authors: Camarda Valeria , Spagnol Martina , Song Wei , Vergura Raffaella , Roth Adelheid L , Thompson Jonathan P , Rowbotham David J , Guerrini Remo , Marzola Erika , Salvadori Severo , Cavanni Paolo , Regoli Domenico , Douglas Stephen A , Lambert David G , Calò Girolamo 
Published: November 2005

The novel urotensin‐II (U‐II) receptor (UT) ligand, [Pen5,DTrp7,Dab8]U‐II(4–11) (UFP‐803), was pharmacologically evaluated and compared with urantide in in vitro and in vivo assays.
In the rat isolated aorta, UFP‐803 was inactive alone but, concentration dependently, displaced the contractile response to U‐II to the right, revealing a competitive type of antagonism and a pA2 value of 7.46.
In the FLIPR [Ca2+]i assay, performed at room temperature in HEK293hUT and HEK293rUT cells, U‐II increased [Ca2+]i with pEC50 values of 8.11 and 8.48. Urantide and UFP‐803 were inactive as agonists, but antagonized the actions of U‐II by reducing, in a concentration‐dependent manner, the agonist maximal effects with apparent pKB values in the range of 8.45–9.05. In a separate series of experiments performed at 37°C using a cuvette‐based [Ca2+]i assay and CHOhUT cells, urantide mimicked the [Ca2+]i stimulatory effect of U‐II with an intrinsic activity (α) of 0.80, while UFP‐803 displayed a small (α=0.21) but consistent residual agonist activity. When the same experiments were repeated at 22°C (a temperature similar to that in FLIPR experiments), urantide displayed a very small intrinsic activity (α=0.11) and UFP‐803 was completely inactive as an agonist.
In vivo in mice, UFP‐803 (10 nmol kg−1) antagonized U‐II (1 nmol kg−1)‐induced increase in plasma extravasation in various vascular beds, while being inactive alone.
In conclusion, UFP‐803 is a potent UT receptor ligand which displays competitive/noncompetitive antagonist behavior depending on the assay. While UFP‐803 is less potent than urantide, it displayed reduced residual agonist activity and as such may be a useful pharmacological tool.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 147, 92–100. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706438