bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Use of Whole Saliva in the Differential Diagnosis of Sjögren's Syndrome
Authors: Sreebny L.M. , Zhu W.X. 
Published: January 2009

Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) is a chronic, multisystem. autoimmune disorder. It is characterized by (1) generalized exocrine gland dysfunction, (2) serologic abnormalities, and (3) organ-system changes. Oral changes are a prominent feature of this disease. Among these are xerostomia and hypofunction of the salivary glands. Given the intimate relationship between SS and the salivary glands, it is reasonable to postulate that whole saliva (WS) contains the stigmata associated with the presence of this disease. But few studies have been conducted on this secretion. Indeed, WS has largely been neglected and ignored by physicians, dentists, and scientists. Objections to its use have included the fact that it is "impure", that it does not adequately represent what is present in the salivary glands, that no standards have been established for its rate of flow, and that findings based on it lack specificity. Yet, it is this secretion which coats and protects the hard and soft oral tissues, enables us to prepare our food for digestion, and assists our speech. This review will demonstrate that there is a uniqueness and constancy to whole saliva and that it may be used to diagnose the presence of SS. "Screening tests", which include several simple-to-perform sialometric, chemical, and microbiologic procedures, may be conducted in doctors' offices to establish the "profile" of an SS patient. Electrophoretic studies may be used to study the nature of the salivary proteins, and an immunologic test, which is performed on WS and utilizes Western Blot Autoantibody Strips (ImmunoVision. Springdale, AR). may be used to establish the definitive diagnosis of SS.
Principles of Microbial Ecology and Their Application to Xerostomia-Associated Opportunistic Infections of the Oral Cavity
Authors: Hillman J.D. 
Published: January 2009

The human oral flora is normally composed of hundreds of different types of bacteria. This high degree of complexity is largely responsible for the observation that a state of health is the predominant condition of the oral cavity: Myriad bacterial interactions between innocuous and potentially pathogenic species prevent the latter from attaining sufficient numbers to initiate clinically observable diseases. However, protracted or profound perturbations of the oral environment may lead to ecological upsets fundamentally characterized by extreme simplification of the resident flora. Radiation- or autoimmune-induced xerostomia is a striking example of such a perturbation. During the period of floral simplification, as the bacterial interactions diminish, impediments to the outgrowth of pathogens are lost, ultimately leading to the onset of disease. In the absence of methods to reverse the conditions responsible for the ecological upset, as is currently the case in many forms of xerostomia, the possibility of restoring a complex, balanced flora is not imminently practical. However, as our understanding of microbial ecology and pathogenesis develops, application of a replacement therapy approach may become plausible to prevent or retard particular diseases prevalent in xerostomia patients.
Experimental Trigeminal Nerve Injury
Authors: Holland G.R. 
Published: January 2009

The successful reinnervation of peripheral targets after injury varies with the axonal population of the nerve that is injured and the extent of the dislocation of its central component from the peripheral endoneurial tube. Larger-diameter axons such as those supplying mechanoreceptors recover more readily than narrower axons such as those supplying taste. A complex, bi-directional interaction between lingual epithelium and sprouting nerve results in the redifferentiation of taste buds after denervation. Dentin and the dental pulp provide a strong attraction to sprouting nerves and will become reinnervated from collateral sources if recovery of the original innervation is blocked. The most effective repair technique for transected lingual nerves is one which brings the cut ends together rather than one that provides a temporary bridge. Injuries can result in cell death in the trigeminal ganglion but only if the injury is severe and recovery is prevented. Lesser damage results in chromatolysis and the increased expression of neuropeptides. All nerve injuries bring about changes in the trigeminal nucleus. These occur as changes in receptive field and the incidence of spontaneously active neurons, effects which are consistent with the unmasking of existing afferents. These functional changes are short-lived and reversible. Morphologically, nerve injury results in terminal degeneration in the nuclei and an increased expression of the c-Fos gene and some neuropeptides. Only a chronic constriction injury induces behavioral changes. The adult trigeminal system retains considerable plasticity that permits it to respond successfully to nerve injury. Much remains to be learned about this response, particularly of the trophic factors that control peripheral recovery and the central response to more severe injuries.
The Role of Implant Surface Characteristics in the Healing of Bone
Authors: Kieswetter K. , Schwartz Z. , Dean D.D. , Boyan B.D. 
Published: January 2009

The surface of an implant determines its ultimate ability to integrate into the surrounding tissue. The composite effect of surface energy, composition, roughness, and topography plays a major role during the initial phases of the biological response to the implant, such as protein adsorption and cellular adherence, as well as during the later and more chronic phases of the response. For bone, the successful incorporation (and hence rigid fixation) of an alloplastic material within the surrounding bony bed is called osteointegration. The exact surface characteristics necessary for optimal osteointegration, however, remain to be elucidated. This review will focus on how surface characteristics, such as composition and roughness, affect cellular response to an implant material. Data from two different culture systems suggest that these characteristics play a significant role in the recruitment and maturation of cells along relevant differentiation pathways. In the case of osteointegration, if the implant surface is inappropriate or less than optimal, cells will be unable to produce the appropriate complement of autocrine and paracrine factors required for adequate stimulation of osteogenesis at the implant site. In contrast, if the surface is appropriate, cells at the implant surface will stimulate interactions between cells at the surface and those in distal tissues. This, in turn, will initiate a timely sequence of events which include cell proliferation, differentiation, matrix synthesis, and local factor production, thereby resulting in the successful incorporation of the implant into the surrounding bony tissue.
Tobacco and Smoking: Environmental Factors That Modify the Host Response (Immune System) and Have an Impact On Periodontal Health
Authors: Barbour Suzanne E. , Nakashima Keisuke , Zhang Ji-Bo , Tangada Srilatha , Hahn Chin-Lo , Schenkein Harvey A. , Tew John G. 
Published: January 2009

This review summarizes the current data on the effects of smoking and tobacco on the immune system and its potential impact on periodontal health. Smokers are 2.5-6 times more likely to develop periodontal disease than non-smokers, and there is evidence for a direct correlation between the number of cigarettes smoked and the risk of developing disease. Tobacco users also tend to exhibit increased severity of periodontal disease. Direct correlations between tobacco use and increased attachment loss and pocket depth and reduced bone crest height have been reported. Although the correlation between tobacco use and periodontal disease is quite strong, the role of tobacco in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease is uncertain. Recent studies indicate that one potential mechanism is that tobacco use exacerbates periodontal disease because it alters the immune response to periodontal pathogens. Indeed, smokers exhibit increased numbers of peripheral blood mononuclear phagocytes which appear to be functionally compromised. Inadequate phagocyte activity could reduce the clearance of pathogens from the oral cavity and thereby facilitate the development of periodontal disease Tobacco-exposed B- and T-lymphocytes exhibit reduced proliferative capacities which could limit the production of protective immunoglobulins against oral pathogens. The risk factors for periodontal disease can be broadly classified as genetic, environmental, host-response factors, and host-related factors such as age. Tobacco, an environmental factor, undermines the host response and may facilitate the development and progression of periodontal disease. This review highlights the inter-relatedness of two of the risk factors associated with periodontal disease.
Has the Implementation of EVAR for Ruptured AAA Improved Outcomes?
Authors: Vogel Todd R. , Dombrovskiy Viktor Y. , Haser Paul B. , Graham Alan M. 
Published: January 2009

Objective: Previous studies have demonstrated improved outcomes with Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) for the treatment of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAA). However, these data may not be generalizable to all regions. Methods: Retrospective cohort study (2001-2005) using state inpatient data. Results: 5,176 patients underwent repair of AAA. 700 repairs were performed for rAAA (618 [88%] with open surgery (OS) and 82 [12%] with EVAR). Mortality for rAAA was similar for EVAR and OS (45.1% vs. 52.4%, P = 0.21). Lack of insurance (OR = 5.1; 95%CI: 1.7-15.2) was a predictor of mortality. Cost of repair for rAAA was greater for EVAR ($51,339 ± 51,719 vs. $39,967 ± 43,354, P = 0.03) and hospital LOS was similar (14.08 ± 17.97 vs.13.42 ± 18.18; P = 0.8). Conclusion: EVAR did not offer a survival benefit in the state, had a similar hospital LOS, and was significantly more expensive. Further evaluation exploring explanations for inferior outcomes by region are required as EVAR becomes more commonly implemented for rAAA.
Comparative Microstructural Study of the Diffusion Zone between NiCr Alloy and Different Dental Ceramics
Authors: Hegedu�s C. , Daróczi L. , Kökényesi V. , Beke D.L. 
Published: January 2009

Our knowledge on the bonding mechanisms between the metal and ceramic parts of dental systems is very limited. This work tested the hypothesis that the details of the interface processes can be described in the framework of a chemical diffusion model. The development of interfacial phases was investigated by cross-sectional analytical transmission electron microscopy between a NiCr (Wiron 99) alloy and three different dental ceramics (Carat, Vita VMK 95, and Vision). All systems were investigated at normal firing conditions (suggested by the manufacturer) and at increased firing times as well. The conclusions are based on the results that the formation of a nanocrystalline Cr2O3 layer and amorphous silicon oxide inclusions were detected in the early stage of the firing process in all investigated systems, and that, in the case of Carat and Vision ceramics, formation of complex NiCr and NiCrTi oxides was also observed at longer annealing times. It is shown by transmission electron microscopy that, in the reaction processes taking place at the NiCr alloy/dental ceramics interface, nanocrystalline Cr2O3 first forms and amorphous silicon oxide inclusions appear, then, at longer firing times, complex NiCr and NiCrTi oxides form.
Aberrant splicing of folylpolyglutamate synthetase as a novel mechanism of antifolate resistance in leukemia
Authors: Stark Michal , Wichman Chen , Avivi Irit , Assaraf Yehuda G. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractFolylpoly-γ-gluatamate synthetase (FPGS) catalyzes the polyglutamylation and thus intracellular retention of folates and antifolates (eg, methotrexate; MTX) through the addition of multiple glutamate equivalents to their γ-carboxyl residue. Since polyglutamylation of antifolates is crucial for their pharmacological activity in leukemia, loss of FPGS function results in decreased cellular levels of polyglutamylation-dependent antifolates and consequent drug resistance. Whereas resistance to pulse exposure to antifolates is frequently associated with loss of FPGS activity, the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. Here we explored the molecular basis of antifolate resistance in human MTX-resistant leukemia cell lines displaying marked loss of FPGS activity. We demonstrate that these MTX-resistant cells exhibit impaired splicing of FPGS mRNA based on intron retention and/or exon skipping, thereby resulting in loss of FPGS function due to premature translation termination. Furthermore, analysis of FPGS transcripts in blood or bone marrow specimens from patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia revealed exon 12 skipping, both at diagnosis and at relapse, the latter of which occurs after high-dose MTX-containing chemotherapy. These results constitute the first demonstration of the loss of FPGS function via aberrant mRNA splicing, thereby resulting in loss of antifolate retention and drug resistance. The clinical ramifications of these novel findings are discussed.
PDLIM2 suppresses human T-cell leukemia virus type I Tax-mediated tumorigenesis by targeting Tax into the nuclear matrix for proteasomal degradation
Authors: Yan Pengrong , Fu Jing , Qu Zhaoxia , Li Shirong , Tanaka Takashi , Grusby Michael J. , Xiao Gutian 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe mechanisms by which the human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) Tax oncoprotein deregulates cellular signaling for oncogenesis have been extensively studied, but how Tax itself is regulated remains largely unknown. Here we report that Tax was negatively regulated by PDLIM2, which promoted Tax K48-linked polyubiquitination. In addition, PDLIM2 recruited Tax from its functional sites into the nuclear matrix where the polyubiquitinated Tax was degraded by the proteasome. Consistently, PDLIM2 suppressed Tax-mediated signaling activation, cell transformation, and oncogenesis both in vitro and in animal. Notably, PDLIM2 expression was down-regulated in HTLV-I–transformed T cells, and PDLIM2 reconstitution reversed the tumorigenicity of the malignant cells. These studies indicate that the counterbalance between HTLV-I/Tax and PDLIM2 may determine the outcome of HTLV-I infection. These studies also suggest a potential therapeutic strategy for cancers and other diseases associated with HTLV-I infection and/or PDLIM2 deregulation.
BODE index versus GOLD classification for explaining anxious and depressive symptoms in patients with COPD – a cross-sectional study
Authors: Funk Georg-Christian , Kirchheiner Kathrin , Chris Burghuber Otto , Hartl Sylvia 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Anxiety and depression are common and treatable risk factors for re-hospitalisation and death in patients with COPD. The degree of lung function impairment does not sufficiently explain anxiety and depression. The BODE index allows a functional classification of COPD beyond FEV1. The aim of this cross-sectional study was (1) to test whether the BODE index is superior to the GOLD classification for explaining anxious and depressive symptoms; and (2) to assess which components of the BODE index are associated with these psychological aspects of COPD.

Methods
COPD was classified according to the GOLD stages based on FEV1%predicted in 122 stable patients with COPD. An additional four stage classification was constructed based on the quartiles of the BODE index. The hospital anxiety and depression scale was used to assess anxious and depressive symptoms.

Results
The overall prevalence of anxious and depressive symptoms was 49% and 52%, respectively. The prevalence of anxious symptoms increased with increasing BODE stages but not with increasing GOLD stages. The prevalence of depressive symptoms increased with both increasing GOLD and BODE stages. The BODE index was superior to FEV1%predicted for explaining anxious and depressive symptoms. Anxious symptoms were explained by dyspnoea. Depressive symptoms were explained by both dyspnoea and reduced exercise capacity.

Conclusion
The BODE index is superior to the GOLD classification for explaining anxious and depressive symptoms in COPD patients. These psychological consequences of the disease may play a role in future classification systems of COPD.
High-resolution mapping of plasmid transcriptomes in different host bacteria
Authors: Miyakoshi Masatoshi , Nishida Hiromi , Shintani Masaki , Yamane Hisakazu , Nojiri Hideaki 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Plasmids are extrachromosomal elements that replicate autonomously, and many can be transmitted between bacterial cells through conjugation. Although the transcription pattern of genes on a plasmid can be altered by a change in host background, the expression range of plasmid genes that will result in phenotypic variation has not been quantitatively investigated.

Results
Using a microarray with evenly tiled probes at a density of 9 bp, we mapped and quantified the transcripts of the carbazole catabolic plasmid pCAR1 in its original host Pseudomonas resinovorans CA10 and the transconjugant P. putida KT2440(pCAR1) during growth on either carbazole or succinate as the sole carbon source. We identified the operons in pCAR1, which consisted of nearly identical transcription units despite the difference in host background during growth on the same carbon source. In accordance with previous studies, the catabolic operons for carbazole degradation were upregulated during growth on carbazole in both hosts. However, our tiling array results also showed that several operons flanking the transfer gene cluster were transcribed at significantly higher levels in the transconjugant than in the original host. The number of transcripts and the positions of the transcription start sites agreed with our quantitative RT-PCR and primer extension results.

Conclusion
Our tiling array results indicate that the levels of transcription for the operons on a plasmid can vary by host background. High-resolution mapping using an unbiased tiling array is a valuable tool for the simultaneous identification and quantification of prokaryotic transcriptomes including polycistronic operons and non-coding RNAs.
Large scale multiplex PCR improves pathogen detection by DNA microarrays
Authors: Palka-Santini Maria , Cleven Berit E , Eichinger Ludwig , Krönke Martin , Krut Oleg 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Medium density DNA microchips that carry a collection of probes for a broad spectrum of pathogens, have the potential to be powerful tools for simultaneous species identification, detection of virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance determinants. However, their widespread use in microbiological diagnostics is limited by the problem of low pathogen numbers in clinical specimens revealing relatively low amounts of pathogen DNA.

Results
To increase the detection power of a fluorescence-based prototype-microarray designed to identify pathogenic microorganisms involved in sepsis, we propose a large scale multiplex PCR (LSplex PCR) for amplification of several dozens of gene-segments of 9 pathogenic species. This protocol employs a large set of primer pairs, potentially able to amplify 800 different gene segments that correspond to the capture probes spotted on the microarray. The LSplex protocol is shown to selectively amplify only the gene segments corresponding to the specific pathogen present in the analyte. Application of LSplex increases the microarray detection of target templates by a factor of 100 to 1000.

Conclusion
Our data provide a proof of principle for the improvement of detection of pathogen DNA by microarray hybridization by using LSplex PCR.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy with or without transarterial chemoembolization for patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma: preliminary analysis
Authors: Choi Byung Ock , Choi Ihl Bohng , Jang Hong Seok , Kang Young Nam , Jang Ji Sun , Bae Si Hyun , Yoon Seung Kew , Chai Gyu Young , Kang Ki Mun 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
The objectives of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for small non-resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and SBRT combined with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for advanced HCC with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT).

Methods
Thirty one patients with HCC who were treated with SBRT were used for the study. We studied 32 HCC lesions, where 23 lesions (22 patients) were treated targeting small non-resectable primary HCC, and 9 lesions (9 patients) targeting PVTT using the Cyberknife. All the 9 patients targeting PVTT received TACE for the advanced HCC. Tumor volume was 3.6–57.3 cc (median, 25.2 cc) and SBRT dose was 30–39 Gy (median, 36 Gy) in 3 fractions for consecutive days for 70–85% of the planned target volume.

Results
The median follow up was 10.5 months. The overall response rate was 71.9% [small HCC: 82.6% (19/23), advanced HCC with PVTT: 44.4% (4/9)], with the complete and partial response rates of 31.3% [small HCC: 26.1% (6/23), advanced HCC with PVTT: 11.1% (1/9)], and 50.0% [small HCC: 56.5% (13/23), advanced HCC with PVTT: 33.3% (3/9)], respectively. The median survival period of small HCC and advanced HCC with PVTT patients was 12 months and 8 months, respectively. No patient experienced Grade 4 toxicity.

Conclusion
SBRT for small HCC and SBRT combined with TACE for advanced HCC with PVTT showed feasible treatment modalities with minimal side effects in selected patients with primary HCC.
Complement consumption in children with Plasmodium falciparum malaria
Authors: Nyakoe Nancy K , Taylor Ronald P , Makumi Joseph N , Waitumbi John N 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackgroundComplement (C) can be activated during malaria, C components consumed and inflammatory mediators produced. This has potential to impair host innate defence.MethodsIn a case-control study, C activation was assessed by measuring serum haemolytic activity (CH50), functional activity of each pathway and levels of C3a, C4a and C5a in children presenting at Kisumu District Hospital, western Kenya, with severe malarial anaemia (SMA) or uncomplicated malaria (UM).ResultsCH50 median titers for lysis of sensitized sheep erythrocytes in SMA (8.6 U/mL) were below normal (34–70 U/mL) and were one-fourth the level in UM (34.6 U/mL (P< 0.001). Plasma C3a median levels were 10 times higher than in normals forSMA (3,200 ng/ml) and for UM (3,500 ng/ml), indicating substantial C activation in both groups. Similar trends were obtained for C4a and C5a. The activities of all three C pathways were greatly reduced in SMA compared to UM (9.9% vs 83.4% for CP, 0.09% vs 30.7% for MBL and 36.8% vs 87.7% for AP respectively,P< 0.001).ConclusionThese results indicate that, while C activation occurs in both SMA and UM, C consumption is excessive in SMA. It is speculated that in SMA, consumption of C exceeds its regeneration.