bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The occurrence of porosity in reline acrylic resins. Effect of microwave disinfection
Authors: Novais Polyanna Maria Rocha , Giampaolo Eunice Teresinha , Vergani Carlos Eduardo , Machado Ana Lúcia , Pavarina Ana Cláudia , Jorge Janaina Habib 
Published: August 2008

Background:  Microwave energy has proved to be an effective method for disinfecting acrylic dentures. However, the effect of microwave heating on the porosity of autopolymerising denture reline resins has not been investigated.Objective:  The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of microwave disinfection on the porosity of autopolymerised denture reline materials (Kooliner‐K, New Truliner‐NT, Tokuso Rebase Fast‐TR and Ufi Gel Hard‐UGH) and a conventional heat‐polymerised denture base resin (Lucitone 550‐L).Material and methods:  Specimens (10 mm × 20 mm × 1 mm) were obtained from the impression surface of the palatal mucosa in a single person and divided into four groups (n = 5). The porosity was evaluated after polymerisation (C1), after two cycles of microwave disinfection (MW2), after seven cycles of microwave disinfection (MW7) and after 7 days storage in water at 37°C (C2). Specimens from group MW7 were exposed to microwave disinfection daily being stored in water at 37°C between exposures. All the replicas were sputter coated with gold and micrographs/digital images were taken of each replica using scanning electron microscopy at magnification × 100. The SEM micrographs were then examined using an image analyser to determine the number of pores. Comparison between materials and groups were made using Kruskal–Wallis tests.Results:  MW7 resulted in a significant increase in the number from the pores of material K, but decreased in number in reline material TR and UGH reline resin. The number of pores in materials NT and L remained unaffected following microwave disinfection.Conclusion:  Differences in the porosity amongst the materials and for different experimental conditions were observed following microwave disinfection.
Halothane‐Anaesthetized, Closed‐Chest, Guinea‐Pig Model for Assessment of Drug‐Induced QT‐Interval Prolongation
Authors: Sakaguchi Yasue , Takahara Akira , Nakamura Yuji , Akie Yasuki , Sugiyama Atsushi 
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  For the halothane‐anaesthetized, closed‐chest, guinea‐pig model, corrected QT interval (QTc) has been empirically used to estimate the extent of drug‐induced QT‐interval prolongation. In the present study, we employed an atrial pacing method to clarify a net effect of a drug on the QT interval in this model. The atrial pacing catheter was inserted via the jugular vein with a minimal surgical invasion, and the effects of d‐sotalol (0.3 and 3 mg/kg, intravenously) and verapamil (0.01 and 0.1 mg/kg, intravenously) on electrocardiogram parameters were assessed under the sinus rhythm and during the atrial pacing of 200 and 240 beats/min. d‐Sotalol significantly prolonged the QT interval in a reverse use‐dependent manner and decreased the heart rate, while verapamil prolonged the PR interval without affecting the heart rate or QT interval, indicating the sensitivity and specificity of this model in assessing the pharmacodynamics of the drug‐induced QT‐interval prolongation. Using the QT/RR relationship under the sinus rhythm, we obtained the following two types of QT‐interval correcting formulae; namely, QTc = QT – 0.207(RR – 300) by a linear regression method; and QTc = QT/(RR/300)0.332 by a non‐linear regression method, the latter of which is equal to 0.67 times of Fridericia's formula, providing rationale for the use of mathematical correction in this model. Thus, the halothane‐anaesthetized, closed‐chest, guinea‐pig model may be highly useful for assessing the drug‐induced QT‐interval prolongation, which may become an alternative to current models for the in vivo QT assay.
Impact of anthropogenic activities on the Densu River in Ghana
Authors: Fianko J. R. , Osae S. , Achel D. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractA detailed study has been carried out on the Densu River and its tributaries to identify the chemical characteristics of the water, examine the hydrological connections among the land cover types and evaluate the relative contributions of anthropogenic activities to the river's pollution. The results indicate that sites closer to the most urbanized, industrialized and agricultural areas are severely impaired. The river water was found to vary considerably in terms of chemical and physical properties. The water was slightly alkaline, brackish to fresh and of mixed Ca–Na–HCO3 and Ca–HCO3 types. Nutrient and organic matter were found to be the most frequent cause of pollution of the river. Pollution has reached such a proportion that it has destroyed the aquatic ecosystem in most exposed sections of the river.
Microsatellite markers for the endangered fir Abies guatemalensis (Pinaceae)
Authors: RASMUSSEN K. K. , ANDERSEN U. STRANDBY , FRAUENFELDER N. , KOLLMANN J. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractEight newly developed polymorphic microsatellite markers are presented for Abies guatemalensis Rehder, an endangered tree endemic to Mexico and Central America. These microsatellite markers are useful for evaluating the population genetics of the species which is threatened by greenery poaching in natural populations. Novel conservation plans are needed to secure a more sustainable use strategy and to preserve the genetic diversity of the species.
Microsatellite markers isolated from a polyploid saltbush, Atriplex nummularia Lindl. (Chenopodiaceae)
Authors: BYRNE MARGARET , HANKINSON MARGARET , SAMPSON JANE F. , STANKOWSKI SEAN 
Published: August 2008

Abstract Atriplex nummularia is a polyploid Australian saltbush which has been identified as a suitable species for use in the rehabilitation of agricultural land affected by salinity. We isolated 12 polymorphic loci for a preliminary assessment of genetic variability and structure within the species as a basis for a breeding programme. Preliminary screening of loci in 40 individuals from two populations revealed multibanded genotypes consisting of up to seven alleles in a single individual, with up to 29 alleles observed at a single locus. The multibanded patterns are consistent with the polyploid status of this species.
Intrinsic vasomotricity and adrenergic effects in a model of isolated rabbit eye
Authors: Delgado Esmeralda , Marques‐Neves Carlos , Rocha Isabel , Sales‐Luís José , Silva‐Carvalho Luis 
Published: August 2008

Abstract.Purpose:  We aimed to investigate the responsiveness of the ocular arteries to adrenergic drugs in a model of perfused isolated rabbit eye.Methods:  Rabbit external ophthalmic arteries (n = 15) in a head‐mounted preparation were cannulated and the retinal and uveal vasculature perfused at a constant flow with warmed tyrode. The three‐way polypropylene catheter was further connected to a pressure transducer and intraluminal pressure was taken as a measure of vascular resistance. Effects of intra‐arterial injections of phenylephrine (group A, n = 5), prazosin (group B, n = 5) and phentolamine (group C, n = 5) on the recorded pressure were obtained. Student’s paired‐t test and one‐way analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis (p < 0.05).Results:  Intrinsic vasomotricity was observed in all preparations prior to any drug administration. Phenylephrine produced an increase in total vascular resistance. Intrinsic vasomotricity became more evident, showing a lower frequency but higher amplitude of oscillations. Evoked vasomotor responses with phenylephrine (250 μg/ml) were inhibited by intra‐arterial administration of the selective α1‐adrenergic antagonist, prazosin (0.5 mg/ml), as well as the non‐selective α‐adrenergic antagonist phentolamine (6 mg/ml).Conclusions:  Rabbit external ophthalmic arteries showed spontaneous contractions under constant perfusion. Phenylephrine elicited a vasoconstrictor response that was inhibited by adrenergic antagonists. In addition, the intrinsic vasomotricity was enhanced by phenylephrine and blocked by adrenergic antagonists. These results show that under in vitro perfusion the territory presents similar responses to adrenergic drugs to those observed in in vivo models and also provides evidence of myogenic autoregulatory properties in the rabbit ophthalmic artery and/or choroid.
A Large‐Scale Outbreak of Trichinellosis Caused by Trichinella britovi in Turkey
Authors: Akkoc N. , Kuruuzum Z. , Akar S. , Yuce A. , Onen F. , Yapar N. , Ozgenc O. , Turk M. , Ozdemir D. , Avci M. , Guruz Y. , Oral A. M. , Pozio E. ,   Izmir Trichinellosis Outbreak Study Group
Published: August 2008

SummaryAn outbreak of trichinellosis occurred in Izmir, Turkey, between January and March 2004. The outbreak was caused by the consumption of raw meat balls made of beef deceptively mixed with pork infected with Trichinella britovi. A total of 1098 people who had consumed this food either in 14 restaurants or from the street vendors located in three different neighbourhoods, consulted six different healthcare centres with a wide range of clinical signs and symptoms. Of them, 418 (38.1%) patients fulfilled the criteria for the diagnosis of acute trichinellosis. The most commonly observed signs and symptoms were myalgia (89.2%), arthralgia (69.9%) and eyelid (67%) and facial oedema (65.8%). High levels of creatinine kinase (69.3%) and lactate dehydrogenase (93.8%) with leucocytosis (>10 000/mm3, 58.9%) and eosinophilia (>1000/mm3, 60.5%) were the most prominent laboratory findings. All, but 13 of these patients were treated with mebendazole or albendazole. Based on the physicians’ assessments of disease severity, 78 (19%) patients were additionally given prednisolone in whom a significantly more rapid recovery of clinical signs and symptoms (e.g. fever, myalgia, facial and eyelid oedema) was observed, with a rapid improvement in leucocytosis, eosinophilia and muscle enzymes, compared with those, who had not received corticosteroids (P < 0.05). Beef illegally mixed with pork of unknown origin, by a wholesale butcher who had sold this product to restaurants and street vendors at a lower price than the prevailing market price of beef, was the cause of this large‐scale outbreak in a country with a predominantly Muslim population.
Low-Dose Priming before Vaccination with the Phase I Chloroform-Methanol Residue Vaccine against Q Fever Enhances Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses toCoxiella burnetii
Authors: Waag David M. , England Marilyn J. , Bolt Christopher R. , Williams Jim C. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTAlthough the phase ICoxiella burnetiicellular vaccine is completely efficacious in humans, adverse local and systemic reactions may develop if immune individuals are inadvertently vaccinated. The phase I chloroform-methanol residue (CMRI) vaccine was developed as a potentially safer alternative. Human volunteers with no evidence of previous exposure toC. burnetiireceived a subcutaneous vaccination with the CMRI vaccine in phase I studies under protocol IND 3516 to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine. This clinical trial tested escalating doses of the CMRI vaccine, ranging from 0.3 to 60 μg, followed by a booster dose of 30 μg, in a placebo-controlled study. Although priming doses of the CMRI vaccine did not induce a specific antibody detectable by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, booster vaccination stimulated the production of significant levels of anti-C. burnetiiantibody. Peripheral blood cells (PBCs) of vaccinees responded toC. burnetiicellular antigen in vitro in a vaccine dose-dependent manner. After the booster dose, PBCs were activated by recall antigen in vitro, regardless of the priming dose. These findings suggest that vaccination with the CMRI vaccine can effectively prime the immune system to mount significant anamnestic responses after infection.
Disease Severity Associated with Presence in Subgingival Plaque ofPorphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, andTannerella forsythia, Singly or in Combination, as Detected by Nested Multiplex PCR
Authors: Ready D. , D'Aiuto F. , Spratt D. A. , Suvan J. , Tonetti M. S. , Wilson M. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTThis study used a nested multiplex PCR method to detect three periodontal pathogens in subgingival plaque collected before treatment and at 2 and 6 months posttreatment from 107 patients with severe, generalized periodontitis. The proportions of the patients who harbored these bacteria before periodontal treatment were as follows:Tannerella forsythia, 81%;Porphyromonas gingivalis, 78%; andAggregatibacter(formerlyActinobacillus)actinomycetemcomitans, 47%. At 2 months posttreatment there was a significant reduction in the numbers of patients harboringP. gingivalis(46%;P< 0.001) orT. forsythia(63%;P= 0.043) but notA. actinomycetemcomitans(50%) compared to pretreatment data. At 6 months posttreatment, significantly fewer patients harboredP. gingivalis(43%;P< 0.001);A. actinomycetemcomitans, (31%;P= 0.025), orT. forsythia(63%;P= 0.030). Interestingly, at baseline and at 2 months posttherapy, subjects who harbored only a single pathogen had a greater level of periodontal disease than subjects who harbored two, or all three, of these periodontal pathogens. These data suggest that a reduction in the number of species present may be associated with an increase in the severity of periodontal diseases.
Debaryomyces hansenii
(
Candida famata
), a Rare Human Fungal Pathogen Often Misidentified as
Pichia guilliermondii
(
Candida guilliermondii
)
Authors: Desnos-Ollivier Marie , Ragon Marie , Robert Vincent , Raoux Dorothée , Gantier Jean-Charles , Dromer Françoise 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT

Debaryomyces hansenii
is a hemiascomycetous yeast commonly found in natural substrates and in various types of cheese.
Pichia guilliermondii
is widely distributed in nature and is a common constituent of the normal human microflora. Both species have been described in human infections but are extremely difficult to differentiate phenotypically. Thus, frequent errors in identification occur. The 62 clinical and environmental isolates sent between 2000 and 2007 to the French National Reference Center for Mycoses and Antifungals as
D. hansenii
or
P. guilliermondii
were analyzed by using the carbon assimilation pattern, the presence of pseudohyphae, and sequencing of the ITS and D1/D2 regions of the rRNA gene. The objective of this study was to assess using nucleotide sequences whether phenotypic identification was accurate and whether phenotypic characteristics could be used to differentiate the two species when sequencing was not available. We found that 58% of the isolates were misidentified and belong to seven different species:
P. guilliermondii
,
P. caribbica
,
P. jadinii
,
D. hansenii
,
Candida palmioleophila
,
C. haemulonii
type II, and
Clavispora lusitaniae
. In conclusion,
D. hansenii
may not be as common a human pathogen as previously thought. Sequencing of either ITS or D1/D2 regions is a good tool for differentiating the species more frequently confused with
D. hansenii
, keeping in mind that reliable databases should be used.
Inter- and Intra-Assay Reproducibility of Microplate Alamar Blue Assay Results for Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Ethambutol, Streptomycin, Ciprofloxacin, and Capreomycin Drug Susceptibility Testing of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Leonard Brian , Coronel Jorge , Siedner Mark , Grandjean Louis , Caviedes Luz , Navarro Pilar , Gilman Robert H. , Moore David A. J. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT

The intersample and intrasample variability of the results obtained with the microplate Alamar blue assay for the indirect drug susceptibility testing of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
was investigated. Between 1.2 and 8.5% of paired MICs differed by more than one twofold dilution, resulting in discordant susceptible-resistant designations at frequencies between 0.6% (rifampin) and 18.9% (ethambutol).
Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis Due to the Novel Hexon-Chimeric-Intermediate 22,37/H8 Human Adenovirus
Authors: Aoki Koki , Ishiko Hiroaki , Konno Tsunetada , Shimada Yasushi , Hayashi Akio , Kaneko Hisatoshi , Ohguchi Takeshi , Tagawa Yoshitsugu , Ohno Shigeaki , Yamazaki Shudo 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT
In a 2-month period in 2003, we encountered an outbreak of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) in Japan. We detected 67 human adenoviruses (HAdVs) by PCR from eye swabs of patients with EKC at five eye clinics in different parts of Japan. Forty-one of the 67 HAdV DNAs from the swabs were identified as HAdV-37 by phylogenetic analysis using a partial hexon gene sequence. When the restriction patterns of these viral genomes were compared with that of the HAdV-37 prototype strain, one isolate showed a never-before-seen restriction pattern. Within 1 year, we encountered three more EKC cases caused by a genetically identical virus: two nosocomial infections at two different university hospitals and a sporadic infection at an eye clinic. We determined the nucleotide sequences of the full-length hexon and fiber genes of these isolates and compared them to those of the 51 prototype strains. Surprisingly, the sequence of the hexon (ε determinant) loop-1 and -2 regions showed the highest nucleotide identity with HAdV-22, a rare EKC isolate. However, the nucleotide sequence of the fiber gene was identical to that of the HAdV-8 prototype strain. 22 We propose that this virus is a new hexon-chimeric intermediate HAdV-22,37/H8, and may be an etiological agent of EKC.
Efficient Quiescent Infection of Normal Human Diploid Fibroblasts with Wild-Type Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1
Authors: McMahon Robert , Walsh Derek 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTQuiescent infection of cultured cells with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) provides an important, amenable means of studying the molecular mechanics of a nonproductive state that mimics key aspects of in vivo latency. To date, establishing high-multiplicity nonproductive infection of human cells with wild-type HSV-1 has proven challenging. Here, we describe simple culture conditions that established a cell state in normal human diploid fibroblasts that supported efficient quiescent infection using wild-type virus and exhibited many important properties of the in vivo latent state. Despite the efficient production of immediate early (IE) proteins ICP4 and ICP22, the latter remained unprocessed, and viral late gene products were only transiently and inefficiently produced. This low level of virus activity in cultures was rapidly suppressed as the nonproductive state was established. Entry into quiescence was associated with inefficient production of the viraltrans-activating protein ICP0, and the accumulation of enlarged nuclear PML structures normally dispersed during productive infection. Lytic replication was rapidly and efficiently restored by exogenous expression of HSV-1 ICP0. These findings are in agreement with previous models in which quiescence was established with HSV mutants disrupted in their expression of IE gene products that included ICP0 and, importantly, provide a means to study cellular mechanisms that repress wild-type viral functions to prevent productive replication. We discuss this model in relation to existing systems and its potential as a simple tool to study the molecular mechanisms of quiescent infection in human cells using wild-type HSV-1.
The Influenza Virus M2 Protein Cytoplasmic Tail Interacts with the M1 Protein and Influences Virus Assembly at the Site of Virus Budding
Authors: Chen Benjamin J. , Leser George P. , Jackson David , Lamb Robert A. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTThe cytoplasmic tail of the influenza A virus M2 proton-selective ion channel has been shown to be important for virus replication. Previous analysis of M2 cytoplasmic tail truncation mutants demonstrated a defect in incorporation of viral RNA (vRNA) into virions, suggesting a role for M2 in the recruitment of M1-vRNA complexes. To further characterize the effect of the M2 cytoplasmic tail mutations on virus assembly and budding, we constructed a series of alanine substitution mutants of M2 with mutations in the cytoplasmic tail, from residues 71 to 97. Mutant proteins M2-Mut1 and M2-Mut2, with mutations of residues 71 to 73 and 74 to 76, respectively, appeared to have the greatest effect on virus-like particle and virus budding, showing a defect in M1 incorporation. Mutant viruses containing M2-Mut1 and M2-Mut2 failed to replicate in multistep growth analyses on wild-type (wt) MDCK cells and were able to form plaques only on MDCK cells stably expressing wt M2 protein. Compared to wt M2 protein, M2-Mut1 and M2-Mut2 were unable to efficiently coimmunoprecipitate with M1. Furthermore, statistical analysis of planar sheets of membrane from cells infected by virus containing M2-Mut1 revealed a reduction in M1-hemagglutinin (HA) and M2-HA clustering as well as a severe loss of clustering between M1 and M2. These results suggest an essential, direct interaction between the cytoplasmic tail of M2 and M1 that promotes the recruitment of the internal viral proteins and vRNA to the plasma membrane for efficient virus assembly to occur.
Vaccinia Virus Encodes I5, a Small Hydrophobic Virion Membrane Protein That Enhances Replication and Virulence in Mice
Authors: Sood Cindy L. , Ward Jerrold M. , Moss Bernard 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT
The vaccinia virus I5L open reading frame encodes a 79-amino-acid protein, with two predicted transmembrane domains, that is conserved among all sequenced members of the chordopoxvirus subfamily. No nonpoxvirus homologs or functional motifs have been recognized, and the role of the I5 protein remains unknown. We found that synthesis of I5 was dependent on viral DNA replication and occurred exclusively at late times, consistent with a consensus late promoter motif adjacent to the start of the open reading frame. I5 was present in preparations of purified virions and could be extracted with nonionic detergent, suggesting membrane insertion. Transmission electron microscopy of immunogold-labeled thawed cryosections of infected cells revealed the association of an epitope-tagged I5 with the membranes of immature and mature virions. Viable I5L deletion and frameshift mutants were constructed and found to replicate like wild-type virus in a variety of cell lines and primary human epidermal keratinocytes, indicating that the protein was dispensable for in vitro cultivation. However, mouse intranasal challenge experiments indicated that a mutant virus with a frameshift resulting in a stop codon near the N terminus of I5 was attenuated compared to control virus. The attenuation was correlated with clearance of mutant viruses from the respiratory tract and with less progression and earlier resolution of pathological changes. We suggest that I5 is involved in an aspect of host defense that is evolutionarily conserved although a role in cell tropism should also be considered.