bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Local osteoprotegerin gene transfer to periodontal tissue inhibits lipopolysaccharide‐induced alveolar bone resorption
Authors: Chen Rui , Kanzaki Hiroyuki , Chiba Mirei , Nishimura Makoto , Kanzaki Reiko , Igarashi Kaoru 
Published: February 2008

Background and Objective:  Osteoclastogenesis is primarily activated by receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) and is inhibited by osteoprotegerin (OPG). A previous study demonstrated that local OPG gene transfer to periodontal tissue inhibited RANKL‐mediated osteoclastogenesis and experimental tooth movement. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that local OPG gene transfer to the periodontium can neutralize RANKL activity induced by lipopolysaccharide injection, thereby inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and diminishing alveolar bone resorption in experimental periodontal disease.Material and methods:  Seven‐week‐old male Wistar rats received an injection of lipopolysaccharide or phosphate‐buffered saline in the palatal gingiva of the upper first molars on both the right and left sides. An inactivated haemagglutinating virus of Japan (HVJ) envelope vector containing a mouse OPG expression plasmid [pcDNA3.1(+)‐mOPG] or mock vector was injected periodically into the palatal periodontal tissue of the upper first molars.Results:  Lipopolysaccharide injection induced severe periodontal bone resorption. Local OPG gene transfer induced OPG production, and osteoclastogenesis was inhibited. Local OPG gene transfer significantly decreased alveolar bone resorption.Conclusion:  Osteoprotegerin gene transfer to periodontal tissue inhibited osteoclastogenesis and alveolar bone resorption in lipopolysaccharide‐induced experimental periodontal disease.
Melatonin impairs NADPH oxidase assembly and decreases superoxide anion production in microglia exposed to amyloid‐β1–42
Authors: Zhou Juefei , Zhang Shen , Zhao Xingyu , Wei Taotao 
Published: February 2008

Abstract: Melatonin shows significant protective effects in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) models in vitro and in vivo; these effects are related to its function as an antioxidant. The source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the AD brain is primarily the amyloid‐β (Aβ)‐ activated microglial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. However, the effects of melatonin on the activation of NADPH oxidase remain unclear. In the present study, the cultures of microglia were incubated in the presence of fibrillar Aβ1–42, which induces the assembly and the activation of NADPH oxidase, and triggers the production of superoxide anion‐derived ROS. Pretreatment of microglia with melatonin dose‐dependently prevents the activation of NADPH oxidase and decreases the production of ROS. Melatonin inhibits the phosphorylation of the p47phox subunit of NADPH oxidase via a PI3K/Akt‐dependent signalling pathway, blocks the translocation of p47phox and p67phox subunit to the membrane, down‐regulates the binding of p47phox to gp91phox, and impairs the assembly of NADPH oxidase. Our data offer new insights into the mechanism of inhibiting ROS generation by melatonin in Aβ‐activated microglia. Inhibition of ROS production indirectly might be the underlying mechanism for the neuroprotection by melatonin in the AD brain.
British Society for Sexual Medicine Guidelines on the Management of Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Hackett Geoff , Kell Phil , Ralph David , Dean John , Price David , Speakman Mark , Wylie Kevan 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
UK primary care physicians are required to follow authoritative endorsed guidelines as part of their terms of service. The major influence on the management of erectile dysfunction in primary and secondary care between 1999 and 2007 has been Department of Health “guidance on good practice,” a non-evidence-based document, essentially defining patients who qualify for government-funded treatment.

Aim
To provide clinically based guidelines relevant to UK primary and secondary healthcare professionals in their daily practice.

Methods
A multidisciplinary panel of seven UK experts including two primary care physicians from the British Society for Sexual Medicine met for two full day meetings between September 2006 and April 2007, with each member allocated to disease areas related to their specialty. Feedback and approval of all sections between panel members was facilitated by the chairman. Source information was obtained from peer reviewed articles, meetings and presentations. Articles were chosen from electronically searching the Cochrane Library, Medline and Embase for randomized controlled clinical trials and graded according to level of evidence.

Results
Patient-reported sexual activity, satisfaction with sexual activity (Male Sexual Health Questionnaire), and treatment expectations; urologists' subjective assessment of the importance given by their patients to ED; the timing they propose for starting ED treatment.

Results
After the second full day meeting in January 2007, the final version was approved by panel members and made available for healthcare professions by download from http://www.bssm.org and from http://www.eguidelines.co.uk

Conclusion
A comprehensive evidence-based guideline has been developed that is highly relevant for primary and secondary care professionals enabling them to work within the unique requirements of the UK healthcare system.
Research on the Pump–Vessel Combined Ore Lifting Equipment for
Deep-Sea Rigid Pipe Mining System
Authors: Hailiang Xu 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
It is known from the principle that the pump–vessel combined ore lifting method has high head, large ores lifting capacity, and long-term working reliability. When applied to the deep-sea rigid pipe mining system, the main pump and power equipment installed on the mining ship is more convenient to operate and maintain. According to Bernoulli’s equation and two phases of hydrodynamics theory, the ore lifting equipment parameters have been calculated and analyzed. It is known that the pump head H of 1000m sea mining system is 124–172m and that of 5000m sea mining system is 652–760m. It is known that the pump–vessel combined lifting method is feasible in both theory and practice, therefore it is an ideal ore lifting method for a deep-sea rigid pipe mining system.
Application of Phase Change Materials to Thermal Control of
Electronic Modules: A Computational Study
Authors: Pal D. , Joshi Y. K. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
A computational model is developed to predict the performance of phase change materials(PCMs) for passive thermal control of electronic modules during transient power variations or following an active cooling system failure. Two different ways of incorporating PCM in the module are considered. One is to place a laminate of PCM outside the multichip module, and the other is to place the PCM laminate between the substrate and the cold plate. Two different types of PCMs are considered. One is n-Eicosene, which is an organic paraffin, and the other one is a eutectic alloy of Bi/Pb/Sn/In. Computations are performed in three dimensions using a finite volume method. A single domain fixed grid enthalpy porosity method is used to model the effects of phase change. Effects of natural convection on the performance of PCM are also examined. Results are presented in the form of time-wise variations of maximum module temperature, isotherm contours, velocity vectors, and melt front locations. Effects of PCM laminate thickness and power levels are studied to assess the amount of PCM required for a particular power level. The results show that the PCMs are an effective option for passive cooling of high density electronic modules for transient periods.
Numerical Simulation of Impingement Air Cooling From LSI Packages
With Large Plate Fins by the Penalty Finite Element Method
Authors: Tanaka T. , Matsushima H. , Ueki A. , Atarashi T. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Steady state three-dimensional incompressible flow analysis based on the two-equation model of turbulence is performed. The finite element method employing the penalty function formulation by Hughes et al. (1979) is used. To reduce the computational time and computer storage, the conjugate gradient method is applied to solve algebraic equations. In applying the conjugate gradient method, the equations are preconditioned so as to arrive at converged solutions effectively. The problem cited in this study is the impingement air cooling of the large scale integrated circuit package with large plate fins. The calculated velocity vectors show good agreement with the result of flow visualization. The calculated temperature distributions also agree well with the experimental temperatures. This suggests the usefulness of this kind of numerical simulation in the research and development of new cooling technologies.
In Vivo Therapeutic Effect of Gatifloxacin on BALB/c Mice Infected with
Nocardia brasiliensis
Authors: Daw-Garza Alejandra , Welsh Oliverio , Said-Fernández Salvador , Lozano-Garza Hector Gerardo , Waksman de Torres Noemi , Rocha Norma Cavazos , Ocampo-Candiani Jorge , Vera-Cabrera Lucio 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

In the present work, we evaluated the effect of gatifloxacin on the evolution of experimental murine infection with
Nocardia brasiliensis
using linezolid as a control. Gatifloxacin was injected subcutaneously at 100 mg/kg body weight every 8 h for 4 weeks. This compound was equally as efficient as linezolid in reducing the production of lesions.
Synergy between Polyethylenimine and Different Families of Antibiotics against a Resistant Clinical Isolate of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Khalil Hayssam , Chen Tao , Riffon Renée , Wang Rutao , Wang Zhao 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

The in vitro activities of 10 families of antimicrobial agents alone and in combination with a synthetic polycationic polymer, polyethylenimine (PEI), against a resistant clinical isolate of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
were investigated by MIC assays, checkerboard testing, and killing curve studies. At a concentration of 250 nM, PEI (10 kDa) was not directly bactericidal or bacteriostatic; but when it was used in combination with novobiocin, ceftazidime, ampicillin, ticarcillin, carbenicillin, piperacillin, cefotaxime, chloramphenicol, rifampin, or norfloxacin, it significantly reduced the MICs of these antibiotics by 1.5- to 56-fold. However, the MICs of aminoglycosides, polymyxins, and vancomycins were increased by 1.2- to 5-fold when these drugs were combined with PEI; and the MICs of tetracycline, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, and ofloxacin were not affected when these drugs were combined with PEI. In the killing curve studies, combinations of PEI with novobiocin, ceftazidime, chloramphenicol, or rifampin resulted in 5- to 8-log
10
CFU/ml reductions in bacterial counts when 25% of the MIC of each antibiotic was used. These results indicate that infections due to resistant
Pseudomonas
strains could be treated by the use of a synergistic combination of PEI and antimicrobial drugs.
erm
(B)-Carrying Elements in Tetracycline-Resistant Pneumococci and Correspondence between Tn
1545
and Tn
6003
Authors: Cochetti Ileana , Tili Emily , Mingoia Marina , Varaldo Pietro E. , Montanari Maria Pia 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the genetic organization of
erm
(B)-carrying transposons of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
and their distribution in tetracycline-resistant clinical isolates. By comparatively analyzing reference pneumococci carrying
erm
(B)/
tet
(M) transposon Tn
1545
, Tn
6003
, Tn
6002
, or Tn
3872
, we demonstrated a substantial correspondence between Tn
1545
and Tn
6003
, which have the same resistance gene combination [
tet
(M) (tetracycline),
erm
(B) (erythromycin), and
aphA
-
3
(kanamycin)]; share the macrolide-aminoglycoside-streptothricin element, containing a second
erm
(B); and only differ by a ca. 1.2-kb insertion (containing a putative IS
1239
insertion sequence) detected in Tn
1545
from
S. pneumoniae
reference strain BM4200. These results enabled elucidation of the structure of Tn
1545
, the first
erm
(B)-carrying transposon described in
S. pneumoniae
. A collection of 83 erythromycin- and tetracycline-resistant clinical pneumococci, representative of recent Italian isolates carrying
erm
(B) as the sole erythromycin resistance gene, was used to investigate the distribution of the different transposons. All 83 organisms were positive for
tet
(M) and bore an
erm
(B)/
tet
(M) transposon that could be characterized by using a specific set of primer pairs; Tn
3872
was detected in 18 isolates, Tn
6002
in 59 isolates, and Tn
6003
in 6 (the sole kanamycin-resistant) isolates. The genetic organization of transposon Tn
1545
, with its specific insertion, was not detected in any of the isolates tested. The
erm
(B)-carrying elements of tetracycline-resistant pneumococci substantially corresponded to those [bearing a silent
tet
(M) gene] recently detected in tetracycline-susceptible pneumococci. Overall, in
erm
(B)-positive pneumococci, Tn
6003
was the least common
erm
(B)-carrying Tn
916
-related element and Tn
6002
the most common.
Rapid Clinical Induction of Hepatic Cytochrome P4502B6 Activity by Ritonavir
Authors: Kharasch Evan D. , Mitchell Darain , Coles Rebecka , Blanco Roberto 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTRitonavir is the most potent and efficacious inhibitor of cytochrome P4503A (CYP3A), and it is used accordingly for the pharmacoenhancement of other antiretrovirals. Paradoxically, ritonavir induces the clinical metabolism and clearance of many drugs. The mechanism by which ritonavir inhibits and induces clinical drug metabolism is unknown. Ritonavir induces CYP2B6 in human hepatocytes. This investigation tested the hypothesis that ritonavir induces human CYP2B6 in vivo. Thirteen healthy human immunodeficiency virus-negative volunteers underwent a three-way sequential crossover protocol, receiving racemic bupropion after nothing (control), 3 days of treatment with ritonavir, and 2.5 weeks of treatment with ritonavir (400 mg twice a day). Stereoselective bupropion hydroxylation was used as an in vivo probe for CYP2B6 activity. Plasma and urine (R)- and (S)-bupropion and (R,R)- and (S,S)-hydroxybupropion concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Racemic, (R)-, and (S)-bupropion plasma ratios of the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 h to infinity (AUC0-∞) (ritonavir/control) were significantly reduced to 0.84, 0.86, and 0.80, respectively, after 3 days of ritonavir treatment and to 0.67, 0.69, and 0.60 after steady-state ritonavir treatment. Apparent oral clearances for racemic, (R)-, and (S)-bupropion all were significantly increased by 1.2-fold after 3 days of ritonavir treatment and by 1.4-, 1.7-, and 1.5-fold after steady-state ritonavir treatment. The plasma (S,S)-hydroxybupropion/(S)-bupropion AUC0-72ratio was significantly increased by ritonavir. Formation clearances of both (R,R)- and (S,S)-hydroxybupropion were increased 1.8-fold after 3 days of ritonavir treatment and 2.1-fold after steady-state ritonavir treatment. These results show that ritonavir induces human CYP2B6 activity. Induction is rapid, occurring after only 3 days of ritonavir, and is sustained for at least 2 weeks. The ritonavir induction of CYP2B6 activity may have significant implications for drug interactions and clarify previously unexplained interactions.
LipL32 Is an Extracellular Matrix-Interacting Protein of
Leptospira
spp. and
Pseudoalteromonas tunicata
Authors: Hoke David E. , Egan Suhelen , Cullen Paul A. , Adler Ben 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

LipL32 is the major outer membrane protein in pathogenic
Leptospira
. It is highly conserved throughout pathogenic species and is expressed in vivo during human infection. While these data suggest a role in pathogenesis, a function for LipL32 has not been defined. Outer membrane proteins of gram-negative bacteria are the first line of molecular interaction with the host, and many have been shown to bind host extracellular matrix (ECM). A search for leptospiral ECM-interacting proteins identified the major outer membrane protein, LipL32. To verify this finding, recombinant LipL32 was expressed in
Escherichia coli
and was found to bind Matrigel ECM and individual components of ECM, including laminin, collagen I, and collagen V. Likewise, an orthologous protein found in the genome of
Pseudoalteromonas tunicata
strain D2 was expressed and found to be functionally similar and immunologically cross-reactive. Lastly, binding activity was mapped to the C-terminal 72 amino acids. These studies show that LipL32 and an orthologous protein in
P. tunicata
are immunologically cross-reactive and function as ECM-interacting proteins via a conserved C-terminal region.
Enhancement of Antibody Responses toBacillus anthracisProtective Antigen Domain IV by Use of Calreticulin as a Chimeric Molecular Adjuvant
Authors: Park Yong Sung , Lee Jin Hyup , Hung Chien-Fu , Wu T.-C. , Kim Tae Woo 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTThe generation of protective humoral immune responses against the receptor-binding domain (domain IV) of protective antigen [PA(dIV)] ofBacillus anthracisrepresents a plausible approach against anthrax toxin. In the current study, we have developed a naked DNA vaccine encoding calreticulin (CRT) linked to PA(dIV) ofBacillus anthracis[CRT/PA(dIV)]. We transfected a human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK 293) with CRT/PA(dIV) DNA and performed Western blotting and confocal microscopy analysis. We found that linkage of CRT to PA(dIV) targets PA(dIV) to the endoplasmic reticulum, resulting in secretion of the chimeric CRT/PA(dIV) protein. We then evaluated the ability of CRT/PA(dIV) DNA to generate PA(dIV)-specific antibody responses and protective immunity against lethal anthrax toxin (PA plus lethal factor) challenge. We found that mice immunized with CRT/PA(dIV) DNA were capable of rapidly inducing significantly higher PA(dIV)-specific antibody responses than mice immunized with PA(dIV) DNA alone. Furthermore, we observed that this enhanced antibody response generated by CRT/PA(dIV) DNA was CD4 dependent, since CD4 knockout mice demonstrated a significant reduction in antibody responses. In addition, analysis of the titers and avidity maturation of the induced PA-specific antibodies revealed that vaccination with CRT/PA(dIV) DNA vaccine accelerated the avidity maturation of antibodies to PA(dIV) compared to vaccination with PA(dIV) DNA. Importantly, the enhanced antibody responses correlated to protective immunity against lethal anthrax toxin challenge. Thus, DNA vaccines encoding CRT linked to PA(dIV) may dramatically enhance PA-specific protective antibody responses. Our results have significant clinical applications for biodefense against anthrax toxin.
Prevalence of Virulence Genes and Cytolethal Distending Toxin Production inCampylobacter jejuniIsolates from Diarrheal Patients in Bangladesh
Authors: Talukder Kaisar A. , Aslam Mohammad , Islam Zhahirul , Azmi Ishrat J. , Dutta Dilip K. , Hossain Sabir , Nur-E-Kamal Alam , Nair Gopinath B. , Cravioto Alejandro , Sack David A. , Endtz Hubert P. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTFrom 300 stool samples, 58Campylobacterstrains were isolated by standard microbiological and biochemical methods. Of these, 40 strains were identified asCampylobacter jejuniand 5 asCampylobacter coli. The presence offlaA(100%),cadF(100%),racR(100%),dnaJ(100%),pldA(100%),ciaB(95%),virB11(0%),ceuE(82.5%),cdtA(97.5%),cdtB(97.5%),cdtC(97.5%), andwlaN(7.5%) genes was detected inC. jejuniby PCR. AllC. jejunistrains but one produced cytolethal distending toxin in a HeLa cell assay.
Proteomic Studies Reveal Coordinated Changes in T-Cell Expression Patterns upon Infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1
Authors: Ringrose Jeffrey H. , Jeeninga Rienk E. , Berkhout Ben , Speijer Dave 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTWe performed an extensive two-dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis proteomic analysis of the cellular changes in human T cells upon human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. We detected 2,000 protein spots, 15% of which were differentially expressed at peak infection. A total of 93 proteins that changed in relative abundance were identified. Of these, 27 were found to be significantly downregulated and 66 were upregulated at peak HIV infection. Early in infection, only a small group of proteins was changed. A clear and consistent program of metabolic rerouting could be seen, in which glycolysis was downregulated and mitochondrial oxidation enhanced. Proteins that participate in apoptotic signaling were also significantly influenced. Apart from these changes, the virus also strongly influenced levels of proteins involved in intracellular transport. These and other results are discussed in light of previous microarray and proteomic studies regarding the impact of HIV-1 infection on cellular mRNA and protein content.
XBP-1, a Novel Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1) Tax Binding Protein, Activates HTLV-1 Basal and Tax-Activated Transcription
Authors: Ku Sebastian C. Y. , Lee Jialing , Lau Joanne , Gurumurthy Meera , Ng Raymond , Lwa Siew Hui , Lee Joseph , Klase Zachary , Kashanchi Fatah , Chao Sheng-Hao 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT
X-box binding protein 1 (XBP-1), a basic leucine zipper transcription factor, plays a key role in the cellular unfolded protein response (UPR). There are two XBP-1 isoforms in cells, spliced XBP-1S and unspliced XBP-1U. XBP-1U has been shown to bind to the 21-bp Tax-responsive element of the human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) long terminal repeat (LTR) in vitro and transactivate HTLV-1 transcription. Here we identify XBP-1S as a transcription activator of HTLV-1. Compared to XBP-1U, XBP-1S demonstrates stronger activating effects on both basal and Tax-activated HTLV-1 transcription in cells. Our results show that both XBP-1S and XBP-1U interact with Tax and bind to the HTLV-1 LTR in vivo. In addition, elevated mRNA levels of the gene for XBP-1 and several UPR genes were detected in the HTLV-1-infected C10/MJ and MT2 T-cell lines, suggesting that HTLV-1 infection may trigger the UPR in host cells. We also identify Tax as a positive regulator of the expression of the gene for XBP-1. Activation of the UPR by tunicamycin showed no effect on the HTLV-1 LTR, suggesting that HTLV-1 transcription is specifically regulated by XBP-1. Collectively, our study demonstrates a novel host-virus interaction between a cellular factor XBP-1 and transcriptional regulation of HTLV-1.