bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of macrophages in the periodontal regeneration using Emdogain® gel
Authors: Fujishiro N. , Anan H. , Hamachi T. , Maeda K. 
Published: August 2007

Background and Objective:  Emdogain® gel is clinically used as a periodontal regenerative material. However, the mechanism of the regeneration has not been completely elucidated. Although many studies have focused on the regenerative effect of Emdogain on connective tissue attachment and alveolar bone, the role of macrophages and the expression of growth factors remains unclear in the regeneration stimulated by Emdogain gel in vivo. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Emdogain gel on the expression of cytokines and growth factors by macrophages in vivo using a newly devised rat experimental periodontitis model.Material and Methods:  Rat experimental periodontitis was induced by elevating a full‐thickness gingival flap and ligating silk threads around the first molars of the mandible. At 14 d after inducing experimental periodontitis, Emdogain gel or propylene glycol alginate was applied to the furcation area. The rats were killed 7 and 14 d after treatment with propylene glycol alginate or Emdogain gel. The expression of cytokines and growth factors, and the regeneration of periodontal tissue, were examined by histochemical and immunohistochemical methods.Results:  Fourteen days after the induction of periodontitis, the resorption of alveolar bone at furcation was observed and cytokines such as interleukin‐1β, transforming growth factor‐β1, receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand, receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB and osteoprotegerin were found. In the Emdogain‐treatment group, the formation of new acellular cementum and, more remarkably, recovery of the bone, were observed. The new bone formation ratio in the Emdogain treatment group was significantly higher than that of the propylene glycol alginate treatment group. Although the expression of cytokines such as interleukin‐1β, transforming growth factor‐β1, receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand and receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB was very low, bone morphogenetic protein‐2‐ and bone morphogenetic protein‐4‐expressing macrophages were observed close to the root, and bone morphogenetic protein‐4‐expressing macrophages were mainly observed close to the bone surface at the furcation in the Emdogain‐treatment group.Conclusion:  These results suggest that wound‐healing macrophages may express bone morphogenetic protein and play an important role in the regeneration of periodontal tissue at the furcation following the application of Emdogain gel.
Use of composts to manage corky root disease in organic tomato production
Authors: Hasna M.K. , Mårtensson A. , Persson P. , Rämert B. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractCorky root disease of tomato caused by Pyrenochaeta lycopersici is an economically important disease in organic tomato production. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of various composts consisting of green manure, garden waste and horse manure against corky root disease through bioassay under greenhouse conditions, where soil naturally infested with P. lycopersici was used as a root substrate. The various composts were mixed at a rate of 20% (v/v) with the infested soil. Disease severity (measured as infected roots) in the unamended soil was compared with that in the soil–compost mixtures. One of the composts made from garden waste significantly reduced the disease, whereas horse manure compost significantly stimulated it. Lower concentrations of NH4‐N and total carbon and a higher concentration of Ca in the substrate were correlated with lower level of corky root disease. Addition of green manure or garden waste compost to the infested soil increased total microbial activity or population density of copiotrophic bacteria and actinomycetes, respectively. However, increased microbial activity or microbial population in soil–compost mixtures was not associated with a reduction in corky root disease severity in the present study.
Detecting Infiltration and Impacts of Introduced Water Using Strontium Isotopes
Authors: Brinck Elizabeth L. , Frost Carol D. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractWater introduced to surface drainages, such as agricultural and roadway runoff, mine drainage, or coalbed natural gas (CBNG)–produced water, potentially can be of environmental concern. In order to mitigate potential environmental effects, it may be important to be able to trace water discharged to the surface as it infiltrates and interacts with near‐surface aquifers. We have chosen to study water withdrawn during CBNG production for isotope tracing in the hyporheic zone because it poses a variety of economic, environmental, and policy issues in the Rocky Mountain states. Ground water quality must be protected as CBNG water is added to semiarid ecosystems. Strontium (Sr) isotopes are effective fingerprints of the aquifer from which water originates. In this study, CBNG water was found to have a higher 87Sr/86Sr ratio than the local alluvial aquifer water. This measurable difference allows the strontium isotope ratio and concentration to be used as tracers of CBNG water following its discharge to the surface. The dissolution and mobilization of salts from soil are an important contributor to ground water quality degradation. In the Powder River basin of Wyoming, the soils are calcium carbonate–buffered systems. The chemical similarity of strontium to calcium allows it to substitute into calcium minerals and enabled us to use strontium isotopes to identify calcium salts mobilized from the soil. Strontium isotopes are an effective monitor of the source of ions and the volume and direction of introduced water flow in the hyporheic zone.
Influence of Inoculum Size on the Selection of Resistant Mutants of
Escherichia coli
in Relation to Mutant Prevention Concentrations of Marbofloxacin
Authors: Ferran Aude , Dupouy Véronique , Toutain Pierre-Louis , Bousquet-Mélou Alain 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT

We demonstrate using an in vitro pharmacodynamic model that the likelihood of selection of
Escherichia coli
mutants resistant to a fluoroquinolone was increased when the initial size of the bacterial population, exposed to fluoroquinolone concentrations within the mutant selection window, was increased.
In Vitro Antimycobacterial Spectrum of a Diarylquinoline ATP Synthase Inhibitor
Authors: Huitric Emma , Verhasselt Peter , Andries Koen , Hoffner Sven E. 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT

The diarylquinoline R207910 is in clinical development for tuberculosis treatment. The MIC
50
for 41 drug-susceptible and 44 multidrug-resistant
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
clinical isolates was 0.032 μg/ml. Out of 20 additional mycobacterial species, three were found to be naturally resistant to R207910 and were shown to exhibit a polymorphism in their
atpE
genes.
The Macrolide Resistance Genes
erm
(B) and
mef
(E) Are Carried by Tn
2010
in Dual-Gene
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Isolates Belonging to Clonal Complex CC271
Authors: Del Grosso Maria , Northwood John G. E. , Farrell David J. , Pantosti Annalisa 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT

The genetic elements carrying macrolide resistance genes in
Streptococcus pneumoniae
isolates belonging to CC271 were investigated. The international clone Taiwan
19F
-14 was found to carry Tn
2009
, a Tn
916
-like transposon containing
tet
(M) and
mef
(E). The dual
erm
(B)
mef
(E) isolates carried Tn
2010
, which is similar to Tn
2009
with the addition of a putative new transposon, the
erm
(B) genetic element.
TEM-158 (CMT-9), a New Member of the CMT-Type Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases
Authors: Robin Frédéric , Delmas Julien , Brebion Amélie , Dubois Damien , Constantin Jean-Michel , Bonnet Richard 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT
TEM-158 was found to include the substitutions previously observed for TEM-12 and TEM-35. This enzyme presented hydrolytic activity against ceftazidime and a high level of resistance against clavulanate, which can alter its detection. Its discovery highlights the need for accurate detection methods.
Molecular and Epidemiological Evidence for Spread of Multiresistant Methicillin-Susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
Strains in Hospitals
Authors: Donnio Pierre-Yves , Février Frédéric , Bifani Pablo , Dehem Marie , Kervégant Christèle , Wilhelm Nathalie , Gautier-Lerestif Anne-Lise , Lafforgue Nathalie , Cormier Michel , Le Coustumier Alain 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT

The excision of the staphylococcal chromosomal cassette
mec
(SCC
mec
) from methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) strains results in methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
(MSSA) strains. In order to determine the proportion and diversity of multidrug-resistant MSSA (MR-MSSA) strains derived from MRSA strains, 247
mecA
-negative isolates recovered in 60 French hospitals between 2002 and 2004 were characterized. The
spa
types of all strains were determined, and a subset of the strains (
n
= 30) was further genotyped by multilocus sequence typing. The IDI-MRSA assay was used to test the isolates for the presence of the SCC
mec
element, which was detected in 68% of all isolates analyzed. Molecular analysis of the samples suggested that 92% of the MR-MSSA isolates were derived from MRSA clones of diverse genetic backgrounds, of which the clone of sequence type 8 and SCC
mec
type IV
A
accounted for most of the samples. High variations in incidence data and differences in the molecular characteristics of the isolates from one hospital to another indicate that the emergence of MR-MSSA resulted from independent SCC
mec
excisions from epidemic MRSA isolates, as well as the diffusion of methicillin-susceptible strains after the loss of SCC
mec
. MR-MSSA could constitute a useful model for the study of the respective genetic and environmental factors involved in the dissemination of
S. aureus
in hospitals.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis-Induced Gamma Interferon Production by Natural Killer Cells Requires Cross Talk with Antigen-Presenting Cells Involving Toll-Like Receptors 2 and 4 and the Mannose Receptor in Tuberculous Pleurisy
Authors: Schierloh Pablo , Yokobori Noemí , Alemán Mercedes , Landoni Verónica , Geffner Laura , Musella Rosa M. , Castagnino Jorge , Baldini Matias , Abbate Eduardo , de la Barrera Silvia S. , Sasiain María C. 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACTTuberculous pleurisy allows the study of human cells at the site of activeMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection. In this study, we found that among pleural fluid (PF) lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells are a major source of early gamma interferon (IFN-γ) uponM. tuberculosisstimulation, leading us to investigate the mechanisms and molecules involved in this process. We show that the whole bacterium is the best inducer of IFN-γ, although a high-molecular-weight fraction of culture filtrate proteins fromM. tuberculosisH37Rv and the whole-cell lysate also induce its expression. The mannose receptor seems to mediate the inhibitory effect of mannosylated lipoarabinomannan, and Toll-like receptor 2 and 4 agonists activate NK cells but do not induce IFN-γ likeM. tuberculosisdoes. Antigen-presenting cells (APC) and NK cells bindM. tuberculosis, and although interleukin-12 is required, it is not sufficient to induce IFN-γ expression, indicating that NK cell-APC contact takes place. Indeed, major histocompatibility complex class I, adhesion, and costimulatory molecules as well as NK receptors regulate IFN-γ induction. The signaling pathway is partially inhibited by dexamethasone and sensitive to Ca2+flux and cyclosporine. Inhibition of p38 and extracellular-regulated kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways reduces the number of IFN-γ+NK cells. Phosphorylated p38 (p-p38) is detected in ex vivo PF-NK cells, andM. tuberculosistriggers p-p38 in PF-NK cells at the same time that binding between NK andM. tuberculosisreaches its maximum value. Thus, interplay betweenM. tuberculosisand NK cells/APC triggering IFN-γ would be expected to play a beneficial role in tuberculous pleurisy by helping to maintain a type 1 profile.
Nucleotide-Binding Oligomerization Domain Protein 2-Deficient Mice Control Infection with
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Gandotra Sheetal , Jang Sihyug , Murray Peter J. , Salgame Padmini , Ehrt Sabine 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain proteins (NODs) are modular cytoplasmic proteins implicated in the recognition of peptidoglycan-derived molecules. NOD2 has recently been shown to be important for host cell cytokine responses to
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, to synergize with Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) in mediating these responses, and thus to serve as a nonredundant recognition receptor for
M. tuberculosis
. Here, we demonstrate that macrophages and dendritic cells from NOD2-deficient mice were impaired in the production of proinflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide following infection with live, virulent
M. tuberculosis
. Mycolylarabinogalactan peptidoglycan (PGN), the cell wall core of
M. tuberculosis
, stimulated macrophages to release tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-12p40 in a partially NOD2-dependent manner, and
M. tuberculosis
PGN required NOD2 for the optimal induction of TNF. However, NOD2-deficient mice were no more susceptible to infection with virulent
M. tuberculosis
than wild-type mice: they controlled the replication of
M. tuberculosis
in lung, spleen, and liver as well as wild-type mice, and both genotypes displayed similar lung pathologies. In addition, mice doubly deficient for NOD2 and TLR2 were similarly able to control an
M. tuberculosis
infection. Thus, NOD2 appears to participate in the recognition of
M. tuberculosis
by antigen-presenting cells in vitro yet is dispensable for the control of the pathogen during in vivo infection.
Role of CD14 in Responses to Clinical Isolates ofEscherichia coli: Effects of K1 Capsule Expression
Authors: Metkar Shalaka , Awasthi Shanjana , Denamur Erick , Kim Kwang Sik , Gangloff Sophie C. , Teichberg Saul , Haziot Alain , Silver Jack , Goyert Sanna M. 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACTSevere bacterial infections leading to sepsis or septic shock can be induced by bacteria that utilize different factors to drive pathogenicity and/or virulence, leading to disease in the host. One major factor expressed by all clinical isolates of gram-negative bacteria is lipopolysaccharide (LPS); a second factor expressed by someEscherichia colistrains is a K1 polysaccharide capsule. To determine the role of the CD14 LPS receptor in the pathogenic effects of naturally occurringE. coli, the responses of CD14−/−and CD14+/+mice to three different isolates ofE. coliobtained from sepsis patients were compared; two isolates express both smooth LPS and the K1 antigen, while the third isolate expresses only LPS and is negative for K1. An additional K1-positive isolate obtained from a newborn with meningitis and a K1-negative isogenic mutant of this strain were also used for these studies. CD14−/−mice were resistant to the lethal effects of the K1-negative isolates. This resistance was accompanied by significantly lower levels of systemic tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in these mice than in CD14+/+mice, enhanced clearance of the bacteria, and significantly fewer additional gross symptoms. In contrast, CD14−/−mice were as sensitive as CD14+/+mice to the lethal effects of the K1-positive isolates, even though they had significantly lower levels of TNF-α and IL-6 than CD14+/+mice. These studies show that different bacterial isolates can use distinctly different mechanisms to cause disease and suggest that new, nonantibiotic therapeutics need to be directed against multiple targets.
Bacillus anthracis
Exosporium Protein BclA Affects Spore Germination, Interaction with Extracellular Matrix Proteins, and Hydrophobicity
Authors: Brahmbhatt Trupti N. , Janes Brian K. , Stibitz E. Scott , Darnell Stephen C. , Sanz Patrick , Rasmussen Susan B. , O'Brien Alison D. 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT

Bacillus collagen-like protein of anthracis (BclA) is the immunodominant glycoprotein on the exosporium of
Bacillus anthracis
spores. Here, we sought to assess the impact of BclA on spore germination in vitro and in vivo, surface charge, and interaction with host matrix proteins. For that purpose, we constructed a markerless
bclA
null mutant in
B. anthracis
Sterne strain 34F2. The growth and sporulation rates of the Δ
bclA
and parent strains were nearly indistinguishable, but germination of mutant spores occurred more rapidly than that of wild-type spores in vitro and was more complete by 60 min. Additionally, the mean time to death of A/J mice inoculated subcutaneously or intranasally with mutant spores was lower than that for the wild-type spores even though the 50% lethal doses of the two strains were similar. We speculated that these in vitro and in vivo differences between mutant and wild-type spores might reflect the ease of access of germinants to their receptors in the absence of BclA. We also compared the hydrophobic and adhesive properties of Δ
bclA
and wild-type spores. The Δ
bclA
spores were markedly less water repellent than wild-type spores, and, probably as a consequence, the extracellular matrix proteins laminin and fibronectin bound significantly better to mutant than to wild-type spores. These studies suggest that BclA acts as a shield to not only reduce the ease with which spores germinate but also change the surface properties of the spore, which, in turn, may impede the interaction of the spore with host matrix substances.
The Surface Protein Srr-1 of
Streptococcus agalactiae
Binds Human Keratin 4 and Promotes Adherence to Epithelial HEp-2 Cells
Authors: Samen Ulrike , Eikmanns Bernhard J. , Reinscheid Dieter J. , Borges Frédéric 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT

Streptococcus agalactiae
is frequently the cause of bacterial sepsis and meningitis in neonates. In addition, it is a commensal bacterium that colonizes the mammalian gastrointestinal tract. During its commensal and pathogenic lifestyles,
S. agalactiae
colonizes and invades a number of host compartments, thereby interacting with different host proteins. In the present study, the serine-rich repeat protein Srr-1 from
S. agalactiae
was functionally investigated. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that Srr-1 was localized on the surface of streptococcal cells. The Srr-1 protein was shown to interact with a 62-kDa protein in human saliva, which was identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight analysis as human keratin 4 (K4). Immunoblot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay experiments allowed us to narrow down the K4 binding domain in Srr-1 to a region of 157 amino acids (aa). Furthermore, the Srr-1 binding domain of K4 was identified in the C-terminal 255 aa of human K4. Deletion of the
srr-1
gene in the genome of
S. agalactiae
revealed that this gene plays a role in bacterial binding to human K4 and that it is involved in adherence to epithelial HEp-2 cells. Binding to immobilized K4 and adherence to HEp-2 cells were restored by introducing the
srr-1
gene on a shuttle plasmid into the
srr-1
mutant. Furthermore, incubation of HEp-2 cells with the K4 binding domain of Srr-1 blocked
S. agalactiae
adherence to epithelial cells in a dose-dependent fashion. This is the first report describing the interaction of a bacterial protein with human K4.
ON A MICROSCOPIC MODEL OF VISCOUS FRICTION
Authors: CAPRINO SILVIA , CAVALLARO GUIDO , MARCHIORO CARLO 
Published: August 2007

We consider a body moving along the x-axis under the action of an external force E and immersed in an infinitely extended perfect gas. We assume the gas to be described by the mean-field approximation and interacting elastically with the body. In this setup, we discuss the following statement: "Let V0 be the initial velocity of the body and V∞ its asymptotic velocity, then for |V0 - V∞| small enough it results |V(t) - V∞| ≈ C t-d-2 for t large, where V(t) is the velocity of the body at time t, d the dimension of the space and C is a positive constant depending on the medium and on the shape of the body". The reason for the power law approach to the stationary state instead of the exponential one (usually assumed in viscous friction problems), is due to the long memory of the dynamical system. In a recent paper by Caprino, Marchioro and Pulvirenti,3 the case of E constant and positive, with 0 < V0 < V∞, for a disk orthogonal to the x-axis has been discussed. Here we complete the analysis in the cases E > 0 with V0 > V∞ and E = 0. We also approach the problem of an x-dependent external force, by choosing E of harmonic type. In this case we obtain the power-like asymptotic time behavior for the body position X(t). The investigation is done in detail for a disk orthogonal to the x-axis and then, by a sketched proof, extended to a body with a general convex shape.
The Religion of the Market: Reflections on a Decade of Discussion
Authors: Foltz Richard 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBy the mid-1990s scholars of religion had begun to analyze the ideologies associated with global capitalism as a new, hegemonic world faith system, which some referred to as the Religion of the Market. Many have taken polemical positions, either arguing that it is a "false faith" which needs to be exposed, or that it is the appropriate faith for our times. Still others refuse to see global capitalism as a religion and reject the analytical paradigm altogether. This essay argues that describing the ideologies of global capitalism as the dominant faith system in the world today is indeed appropriate, and even necessary if one is fully to understand the role of religious belief and behavior in contemporary society. Moreover, since discussions of global capitalism as a faith system currently lack a coherent or widely recognized framework, adopting and refining the Religion of the Market paradigm will facilitate and improve future scholarly analysis of the faith dimensions of global economics.
Contributions to Anthropocosmic Environmental Ethics
Authors: Mickey Sam 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThis essay is an articulation of various contributions to anthropocosmic environmental ethics—an approach to environmental ethics emerging within the study of religion and ecology. In an anthropocosmic approach to environmental ethics, humans are intimately intertwined with the environment. Rather than placing value on a particular center (e. g., anthropocentric, biocentric, ecocentric) and thus excluding and marginalizing something of peripheral value, an anthropocosmic approach to ethics seeks to facilitate the mutual implication of humanity and the natural world, thereby affirming the interconnectedness and mutual constitution of central and peripheral value. Although the adjective "anthropocosmic" may seem obscure or vague, an examination of the genealogy of the term, beginning with its appearance in the works of Mircea Eliade, discloses numerous resources that have important contributions to make to the development of viable environmental ethics.