bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Spindle Positioning Protein Kar9p Interacts With the Sumoylation Machinery in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Meednu Nida , Hoops Harold , D'Silva Sonia , Pogorzala Leah , Wood Schuyler , Farkas David , Sorrentino Mark , Sia Elaine , Meluh Pam , Miller Rita K 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Accurate positioning of the mitotic spindle is important for the genetic material to be distributed evenly in dividing cells, but little is known about the mechanisms that regulate this process. Here we report that two microtubule-associated proteins important for spindle positioning interact with several proteins in the sumoylation pathway. By two-hybrid analysis, Kar9p and Bim1p interact with the yeast SUMO Smt3p, the E2 enzyme Ubc9p, an E3 Nfi1p, as well as Wss1p, a weak suppressor of a temperature-sensitive smt3 allele. The physical interaction between Kar9p and Ubc9p was confirmed by in vitro binding assays. A single-amino-acid substitution in Kar9p, L304P disrupted its two-hybrid interaction with proteins in the sumoylation pathway, but retained its interactions with the spindle positioning proteins Bim1p, Stu2p, Bik1p, and Myo2p. The kar9-L304P mutant showed defects in positioning the mitotic spindle, with the spindle located more distally than normal. Whereas wild-type Kar9p-3GFP normally localizes to only the bud-directed spindle pole body (SPB), Kar9p-L304P-3GFP was mislocalized to both SPBs. Using a reconstitution assay, Kar9p was sumoylated in vitro. We propose a model in which sumoylation regulates spindle positioning by restricting Kar9p to one SPB. These findings raise the possibility that sumoylation could regulate other microtubule-dependent processes.
Heathens up North:Politics, Polemics and Contemporary Norse Paganism in Norway
Authors: Asprem Egil 
Published: October 2008

The variety of religious positions commonly grouped together under the heading “Neo-Paganism” call for no homogenous reading of that phenomenon. As recent research on contemporary forms of paganism has flowered in recent years, emphasis has been given to the nuances and complexities of this kind of new religious currents. For instance it is clear that contemporary pagan currents, such as Wicca, Ásatrú, and Roman paganism, tend to vary significantly between themselves on matters of theology, sociological profile, and political tendencies.
While varieties in the social manifestations of given groups can be partly explained by diverging religious/ideological content, it also holds true that ideological formations will be determined in part by the society in which they emerge. This means that a contemporary pagan current such as “Ásatrú” is not necessarily describable as one single tendency on a global scale, but will unavoidably be shaped by local conditions. Thus varieties within currents will tend to follow national and geographical borders, being always locally situated, and adapted to local political, social, and religious conditions.
This article discusses the emergence and development of contemporary Norse paganism in Norway in light of the abovementioned framework. Special notice is given to the interplay between public discourses on issues such as paganism, the occult, neo-Nazism, and the relationship between the church and state in Norway, and the self-fashioning of reconstructionist Norse pagans. Through a partial comparison with the thoroughly discussed American context of contemporary Norse religion an argument is advanced that Norwegian Ásatrú came to bear certain distinct marks that are due to and only explicable by specific, local cultural conditions.
IFATS Collection: Immunomodulatory Effects of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells in an Allergic Rhinitis Mouse Model
Authors: Cho Kyu-Sup , Park Hye-Kyung , Park Hee-Young , Jung Jin Sup , Jeon Seong-Gyu , Kim Yoon-Keun , Roh Hwan Jung 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) exhibit immunosuppressive effects in allogeneic transplantation. However, there is no report that evaluates the in vivo immune-modulating effect of ASCs in an experimental allergic rhinitis (AR) model. We investigated whether ASCs migrate to the nasal mucosa in an AR mouse model and evaluated the immune-modulating effect of ASCs in the AR mouse model. Cultured ASCs (2 × 106) were injected i.v. before the first allergen challenge in the AR mouse model. Migration of ASCs to the nasal mucosa was evaluated by immunofluorescence. The immunomodulatory effects of ASCs were evaluated by nasal symptoms, histology, serum ovalbumin (OVA)-specific antibody, and the cytokine profile of the spleen. ASCs migrated to the nasal mucosa in the AR mouse model. ASCs significantly reduced allergic symptoms and inhibited eosinophilic inflammation in the nasal mucosa. ASCs significantly decreased the serum allergen-specific IgE level and the IgG1/IgG2a ratio and significantly increased the IgG2a level in the AR mouse model. ASCs inhibited interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 production from OVA-incubated splenocytes, but enhanced interferon-γ production. In conclusion, ASCs can migrate to the nasal mucosa in the AR mouse model and inhibit eosinophilic inflammation partly via shifting to a T-helper 1 (Th1) from a Th2 immune response to allergens.
Hypoxia and HIF1α Repress the Differentiative Effects of BMPs in High-Grade Glioma
Authors: Pistollato Francesca , Chen Hui-Ling , Rood Brian R. , Zhang Hui-Zhen , D'Avella Domenico , Denaro Luca , Gardiman Marina , te Kronnie Geertruy , Schwartz Philip H. , Favaro Elena , Indraccolo Stefano , Basso Giuseppe , Panchision David M. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Hypoxia commonly occurs in solid tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) and often interferes with therapies designed to stop their growth. We found that pediatric high-grade glioma (HGG)-derived precursors showed greater expansion under lower oxygen tension, typical of solid tumors, than normal CNS precursors. Hypoxia inhibited p53 activation and subsequent astroglial differentiation of HGG precursors. Surprisingly, although HGG precursors generated endogenous bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling that promoted mitotic arrest under high oxygen tension, this signaling was actively repressed by hypoxia. An acute increase in oxygen tension led to Smad activation within 30 minutes, even in the absence of exogenous BMP treatment. Treatment with BMPs further promoted astroglial differentiation or death of HGG precursors under high oxygen tension, but this effect was inhibited under hypoxic conditions. Silencing of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) led to Smad activation even under hypoxic conditions, indicating that HIF1α is required for BMP repression. Conversely, BMP activation at high oxygen tension led to reciprocal degradation of HIF1α; this BMP-induced degradation was inhibited in low oxygen. These results show a novel, mutually antagonistic interaction of hypoxia-response and neural differentiation signals in HGG proliferation, and suggest differences between normal and HGG precursors that may be exploited for pediatric brain cancer therapy.
Superior Osteogenic Capacity for Bone Tissue Engineering of Fetal Compared with Perinatal and Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Yong , Teoh Swee-Hin , Chong Mark S.K. , Schantz Jan Thorsten , Fisk Nicholas M. , Choolani Mahesh A. , Chan Jerry 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from human adult bone marrow (haMSCs) represent a promising source for bone tissue engineering. However, their low frequencies and limited proliferation restrict their clinical utility. Alternative postnatal, perinatal, and fetal sources of MSCs appear to have different osteogenic capacities, but have not been systematically compared with haMSCs. We investigated the proliferative and osteogenic potential of MSCs from human fetal bone marrow (hfMSCs), human umbilical cord (hUCMSCs), and human adult adipose tissue (hATMSCs), and haMSCs, both in monolayer cultures and after loading into three-dimensional polycaprolactone-tricalcium-phosphate scaffolds.Although all MSCs had comparable immunophenotypes, only hfMSCs and hUCMSCs were positive for the embryonic pluripotency markers Oct-4 and Nanog. hfMSCs expressed the lowest HLA-I level (55% versus 95%–99%) and the highest Stro-1 level (51% versus 10%–27%), and had the greatest colony-forming unit–fibroblast capacity (1.6×–2.0×; p &lt; .01) and fastest doubling time (32 versus 54–111 hours; p &lt; .01). hfMSCs had the greatest osteogenic capacity, as assessed by von-Kossa staining, alkaline phosphatase activity (5.1×–12.4×; p &lt; .01), calcium deposition (1.6×–2.7× in monolayer and 1.6×–5.0× in scaffold culture; p &lt; .01), calcium visualized on micro-computed tomography (3.9×17.6×; p &lt; .01) and scanning electron microscopy, and osteogenic gene induction. Two months after implantation of cellular scaffolds in immunodeficient mice, hfMSCs resulted in the most robust mineralization (1.8×–13.3×; p &lt; .01).The ontological and anatomical origins of MSCs have profound influences on the proliferative and osteogenic capacity of MSCs. hfMSCs had the most proliferative and osteogenic capacity of the MSC sources, as well as being the least immunogenic, suggesting they are superior candidates for bone tissue engineering.
Dysregulation of Local Stem/Progenitor Cells as a Common Cellular Mechanism for Heterotopic Ossification
Authors: Kan Lixin , Liu Yijie , McGuire Tammy L. , Berger Diana M. Palila , Awatramani Rajeshwar B. , Dymecki Susan M. , Kessler John A. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Heterotopic ossification (HO), the abnormal formation of true marrow-containing bone within extraskeletal soft tissues, is a serious bony disorder that may be either acquired or hereditary. We utilized an animal model of the genetic disorder fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva to examine the cellular mechanisms underlying HO. We found that HO in these animals was triggered by soft tissue injuries and that the effects were mediated by macrophages. Spreading of HO beyond the initial injury site was mediated by an abnormal adaptive immune system. These observations suggest that dysregulation of local stem/progenitor cells could be a common cellular mechanism for typical HO irrespective of the signal initiating the bone formation.
Moxifloxacin as an Adjunctive Antibiotic in the Treatment of Severe Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Guentsch Arndt , Jentsch Holger , Pfister Wolfgang , Hoffmann Thomas , Eick Sigrun 
Published: October 2008

Background: The impact of moxifloxacin (MOX) was analyzed in the treatment of severe chronic periodontitis.Methods: In a randomized, prospective, clinical multicenter trial, 92 subjects with severe chronic periodontitis were treated with scaling and root planing (SRP) alone (control group; n = 21), SRP plus adjunctive doxycycline (DOX group; n = 36), or SRP plus adjunctive MOX (MOX group; n = 35). Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months after non‐surgical periodontal treatment. The load of periodontopathogens, the level of interleukin‐8, and the activities of granulocyte elastase and myeloperoxidase were also measured.Results: All three procedures led to significant reductions in PD, CAL, and BOP. PD reduction was significantly greater (P <0.05) in the MOX group (2.46 ± 1.17 mm at 6 months and 2.84 ± 1.53 mm at 12 months) compared to the DOX group (1.85 ± 1.24 mm and 2.19 ± 1.13 mm at 6 and 12 months, respectively) and the controls (1.77 ± 0.57 mm and 1.86 ± 0.56 mm at 6 and 12 months, respectively). Only in the MOX group was the load of all investigated bacteria and all inflammatory parameters reduced at each appointment compared to baseline.Conclusions: The adjunctive application of antibiotics improved the treatment outcome in subjects with severe chronic periodontitis. MOX seemed to be more effective than DOX and might be an alternative drug in the treatment of periodontal diseases.
Clinical and Histologic Evaluation of an Enamel Matrix Derivative Combined With a Biphasic Calcium Phosphate for the Treatment of Human Intrabony Periodontal Defects
Authors: Sculean Anton , Windisch Péter , Szendröi‐Kiss Dóra , Horváth Attila , Rosta Péter , Becker Jürgen , Gera István , Schwarz Frank 
Published: October 2008

Background: The goal of this study was to evaluate clinically and histologically the healing of advanced intrabony defects following regenerative periodontal surgery with an enamel matrix derivative (EMD) combined with a new biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP).Methods: Ten subjects, each of them displaying advanced combined 1‐ and 2‐wall intrabony defects around teeth scheduled for extraction because of advanced chronic periodontitis and further prosthodontic considerations, were included in the study. The defects were consecutively treated with a combination of EMD + BCP. A notch was placed at the most apical extent of the calculus present on the root surface or at the most apical part of the defect (if no calculus was present) to serve as a reference for the histologic evaluation. At 9 months after regenerative surgery, nine of 10 teeth were extracted with some of their surrounding soft and hard tissues and processed for histologic evaluation.Results: There were no adverse effects related to EMD or the graft material used in any of the treated subjects. One tooth was not extracted because of the excellent clinical outcome. The clinical measurements at the nine biopsied teeth demonstrated a mean probing depth reduction of 3.3 ± 1.4 mm and a mean clinical attachment level gain of 3.0 ± 1.6 mm. The histologic findings indicated formation of cementum with inserting collagen fibers to a varying extent. A long junctional epithelium was observed in three of the nine biopsies. Mean new connective tissue attachment (i.e., new cementum with inserting collagen fibers) varied from 0.0 to 2.1 mm. The amount of newly formed bone was limited and varied from 0.0 to 0.7 mm. At 9 months, graft particles were still present and were mostly encapsulated in connective tissue, whereas formation of bone around the graft particles was observed only occasionally. Direct contact between the graft particles and the root surface (cementum or dentin) was not observed in any of the analyzed specimens.Conclusions: The combination of EMD with a BCP bone substitute did not interfere with the regenerative potential reported for EMD and may result in formation of new cementum with an associated periodontal ligament. However, the combination of EMD + BCP resulted in no to minimal new bone formation.
The Association of Interleukin‐4 Haplotypes With Chronic Periodontitis in a Czech Population
Authors: Holla Lydie Izakovicova , Fassmann Antonin , Augustin Peter , Halabala Tomas , Znojil Vladimir , Vanek Jiri 
Published: October 2008

Background: Cytokine gene polymorphisms are known to influence the susceptibility and disease course of many chronic disorders. Recently, interleukin (IL)‐4 gene polymorphisms were associated with aggressive periodontitis. The aim of this study was to test differences in the distribution of the IL‐4 alleles, genotypes, and haplotypes between patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) and healthy controls in a Czech population.Methods: The association study was conducted using an age‐ and smoking status–matched case‐control design in patients with CP (n = 194) and healthy controls (n = 158) using the polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism methods for the −590C/T, −33C/T, and intron 3 variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) variants of the IL‐4 gene.Results: No significant differences between patients and controls were found in allele and genotype frequencies of all three polymorphisms. Nevertheless, complex analysis revealed significant differences in haplotype frequencies between the groups (P = 0.005). The haplotype T(−590)/T(−33)/allele 2 VNTR (70 base pairs)2 of the IL‐4 gene was significantly more frequent in patients with CP than in controls (17.0% versus 11.0%; odds ratio = 1.85; 95% confidence interval: 1.19 to 2.87).Conclusion: The three polymorphisms in the IL‐4 gene act in a cooperative fashion and suggest that the high‐production IL‐4 haplotype was associated with an increased risk for CP in the Czech population.
Effects of Risedronate on Alveolar Bone Loss and Angiogenesis: A Stereologic Study in Rats
Authors: Cetinkaya Burcu Ozkan , Keles Gonca Cayir , Ayas Bulent , Gurgor Pınar 
Published: October 2008

Background: The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of risedronate, one of the most potent bisphosphonates, on alveolar bone resorption and angiogenesis in rats with experimental periodontitis to identify dose‐response curves and treatment durations that can be therapeutic for periodontal therapy versus those associated with osteonecrosis of the jaws.Methods: Thirty‐five rats, 25 with experimental periodontitis (groups 1 through 5) and 10 with healthy periodontium (groups 6 and 7), were divided into seven equal groups: group 1 received no treatment; groups 2 and 3 received risedronate, 0.1 and 1 mg/kg, respectively, for 3 weeks; groups 4 and 5 received risedronate, 0.1 and 1 mg/kg, respectively, for 8 weeks; and groups 6 and 7 received 0.9% NaCl for 3 and 8 weeks, respectively. Animals in groups 2 through 7 were administered treatment 5 days per week. After histologic processing, histomorphometric and stereologic analyses were carried out to estimate the number of blood vessels (NBV) and the volumetric densities of bone (Vb), marrow (Vm), osteoblasts (Vob), and osteoclasts (Voc).Results: A total of 0.1 and 1 mg/kg risedronate for 3 weeks (groups 2 and 3) significantly increased Vb and Vob and decreased Vm more prominently in group 2 (P <0.001), whereas 1 mg/kg risedronate for 8 weeks (group 5) induced no significant improvement in these parameters compared to group 1 (P >0.05). No significant decrease in Voc was found in drug‐administered groups compared to group 1 (P >0.05). A significant decrease in NBV (P <0.01) and positive correlation between NBV and Vb (r2 = 0.941; P = 0.006) were found only in group 5.Conclusion: A short duration of risedronate administration may be useful in inhibiting bone resorption in periodontitis, whereas excessive dosages of the drug administered in longer durations can lead to impairment of bone formation and angiogenesis.
A Quantitative Evaluation of the Spatial Displacement of the Gingival Zenith in the Maxillary Anterior Dentition
Authors: Mattos Carolina M.L. , Santana Ronaldo B. 
Published: October 2008

Background: The appearance of gingival tissues plays an important role in the esthetics of the anterior maxillary region of the mouth. The gingival zenith (GZ) is defined as the most apical point of the marginal gingival scallop; however, its quantitative orientation in the apico‐coronal (AC) and mesio‐distal (MD) directions has not been reported. Thus, this study aimed to quantify the specific spatial displacement of the GZ in the maxillary anterior dentition.Methods: Bilateral measurements, taken with a digital caliper in maxillary stone casts from periodontally healthy volunteers, were recorded to the nearest 1/100th millimeter in the canine (C), lateral incisor (LI), and central incisor (CI) teeth to evaluate the MD displacement of the GZ in relation to the long axis of the crowns and the AC displacement of the GZ of LI teeth in relation to CI and C teeth. Intermeasurement differences were analyzed with the χ2 or paired t test, with significance set at α <0.05.Results: The GZ was distally displaced between 0.06 and 0.96 mm in 12%, 70%, and 96% of the C, LI, and CI teeth, respectively. The majority of the population (70%) presented with the GZ of LI teeth positioned 0.75 ± 0.60 mm coronally to the GZ of the ipsilateral C and CI.Conclusions: The GZ is not universally displaced toward the distal aspect. The frequency and magnitude of distal displacement is tooth‐dependent and larger in CI than in LI, which, in turn, is larger than in C. Consideration of these findings may improve clinical management of the dentogingival complex and enhance periodontal and restorative procedures in the anterior maxillary dentition.
Redefining the Biologic Width in Severe, Generalized, Chronic Periodontitis: Implications for Therapy
Authors: Novak M. John , Albather Huda M. , Close John M. 
Published: October 2008

Background: Previous studies demonstrated significant variability in the histologic biologic width in periodontal health and mild periodontitis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the previously established dimensions of the biologic width applied to subjects with severe, generalized, chronic periodontitis.Methods: Twenty‐eight subjects, aged 29 to 45 years, with severe, generalized, chronic periodontitis were included in the study. There were 18 males and 10 females, and 19 (68%) of the patients were smokers. Clinical and radiographic measures were taken by calibrated examiners. The clinical biologic width was determined from the most coronal level of clinical attachment to the crest of the alveolar bone for proximal surfaces only and compared to the histologic biologic width previously reported.Results: The clinical biologic width in subjects with severe, generalized periodontitis was significantly greater than previously reported (P <0.001). For all evaluable proximal sites, the mean clinical biologic width was 3.95 mm versus the mean histologic biologic width of 2.04 mm. The greatest clinical biologic widths were seen with pockets <2 mm (5.02 ± 2.48 mm; range: 1.60 to 9.00 mm) and 2 to 4 mm (4.16 ± 1.32 mm; range: 0.20 to 6.40 mm).Conclusions: The mean clinical biologic width in subjects with severe, generalized, chronic periodontitis seemed to be significantly greater than the histologic biologic width previously reported for subjects not demonstrating significant periodontal pathology. In addition, sites with shallow probing depths demonstrated the greatest biologic width, suggesting that these sites may be at increased risk for losing clinically significant attachment during surgical procedures.