bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hand instrumentation versus ultrasonic debridement in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: a randomized clinical and microbiological trial
Authors: Ioannou Ioannis , Dimitriadis Nikolaos , Papadimitriou Konstantinos , Sakellari Dimitra , Vouros Ioannis , Konstantinidis Antonis 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAim: To compare the effectiveness of scaling and root planing (SRP) with the use of hand instruments to that of non‐surgical treatment with the use of an ultrasonic device, using clinical and microbiological criteria.Material and Methods: Thirty‐three patients with chronic periodontitis participated in this randomized‐controlled clinical trial divided into two groups. Patients in the control group received SRP with hand instruments, whereas patients in the test group received ultrasonic debridement (UD). Clinical recordings concerning probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, plaque index and gingival bleeding index were performed at baseline, 3 and 6 months after baseline. Subgingival samples were analysed using the “checkerboard” DNA–DNA hybridization technique for Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola.Results: Both treatments resulted in a significant improvement in all clinical recordings. Three months after treatment, a numerical decrease was observed for P. gingivalis, T. forsythia and T. denticola in both groups, which was statistically significant only for P. gingivalis (p<0.05). Inter‐group differences were observed at 6 months for T. forsythia and T. denticola (p<0.05), favouring SRP.Conclusions: Both treatment modalities provided comparable clinical results in the treatment of chronic periodontitis.
Hematologic, biochemical, and cardiopulmonary effects of l‐arginine supplementation or phosphodiesterase 5 inhibition in patients with sickle cell disease who are on hydroxyurea therapy
Authors: Little Jane A. , Hauser Kristine Partovi , Martyr Sabrina E. , Harris Amy , Maric Irina , Morris Claudia R. , Suh Jung H. , Taylor James , Castro Oswaldo , Machado Roberto , Kato Gregory , Gladwin Mark T. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjectives:  Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) induction involves NO‐cGMP signaling pathways. l‐arginine, an NO precursor, and the phosphodiesterase (PDE) 5 inhibitor sildenafil, which potentiates cGMP, were studied in adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) who were stably on HU.Methods:  Twenty four courses of l‐arginine (0.1–0.2 g/kg divided TID) or sildenafil (25–100 mg TID), assigned based on gender due to concerns about sildenafil‐related priapism, were successfully completed. Biochemical assays, pulmonary pressures, and cardiopulmonary exercise capacity are reported from patients in whom serial values are available. Hematologic responses are reported in 14 subjects with HbSS who had stable baseline HbF levels.Results:  l‐arginine increased plasma arginine and ornithine, but not citrulline, suggesting diversion by plasma arginase from NO, and citrulline, generation. Glutathione increased only in patients on l‐arginine. Sildenafil increased plasma cGMP and citrulline, but not other amino acids. Pulmonary pressures and 6‐min walk distances improved only in patients on sildenafil. In subjects with stable baseline HbF levels, HbF levels changed little from a normalized baseline on l‐arginine, decreasing by 2.9 ± 16.1%, n = 6; P = n.s., but increased on sildenafil, by 7.5 ± 11.7%, n = 8, P < 0.05. Absolute reticulocyte counts initially decreased in patients on sildenafil.Conclusions:  l‐arginine, at doses that increase plasma arginine levels, altered redox potential in red cells. The lack of clinically detectable efficacy of l‐arginine may be due to increased arginine metabolism in SCD patients. In vivo augmentation of the cyclic nucleotide pathway by PDE inhibition may induce HbF slightly, but strikingly improves hemodynamic and functional status in SCD.
Clinical analysis of 52 patients with granular lymphocyte proliferative disorder (GLPD) showed frequent anemia in indolent T‐cell GLPD in Japan
Authors: Kawahara Shimpei , Sasaki Makoto , Isobe Yasushi , Ando Jun , Noguchi Masaaki , Koike Michiaki , Hirano Takao , Oshimi Kazuo , Sugimoto Koichi 
Published: January 2009

AbstractWe present here clinical and hematological findings of 52 cases of granular lymphocyte‐proliferative disorder (GLPD), which contained 35 indolent T‐cell lineage granular lymphocyte‐proliferative disorder (T‐GLPD), two atypical T‐GLPD, 12 chronic NK‐cell lymphocytosis (CNKL), and three aggressive NK‐cell leukemia (ANKL). The median period of follow up was 24 months. Hemoglobin level <8.0 g/dL was recognized in 21 cases of indolent T‐GLPD (60%), among which 15 patients met the criteria of pure red cell aplasia. Neutrophil counts <500/μL occurred only in two cases of T‐GLPD (6%). Although the median age and male‐to‐female distribution were similar, very frequent anemia and rare neutrocytopenia in indolent T‐GLPD in the present study keenly contrasted with previous reports. CD56 was positive in three of 29 indolent T‐GLPD cases with CD4−CD8+ phenotype, in three of four CD4+CD8−, and in none of two CD4−CD8− cases. Therefore, although two atypical T‐GLPD cases were CD56‐positive, CD56 should not be a specific marker for aggressive T‐GLPD. All CNKL patients had a chronic course with a stable granular lymphocyte count. All three ANKL patients presented high fever and hepatosplenomegaly, barely responded to chemotherapies and died within 6 months. The present analysis of 52 cases of GLPD in Japan showed that Japanese and Western cases of indolent T‐GLPD clearly differ in their hematological complications.
Imizamo Yethu: a Case Study of Community Resilience to Fire Hazard in an Informal Settlement Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: HARTE E. WENDY , CHILDS IRAPHNE R.W. , HASTINGS PETER A. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractImizamo Yethu, in Cape Town, is one of the many informal settlements in South Africa's post‐Apartheid urban landscape. Residents live in abject poverty and are potentially vulnerable to a range of environmental hazards, of which fire hazard is one of the most common. A major fire, on the 8 February 2004, caused significant damage to housing and infrastructure, resulting in widespread homelessness and loss of personal possessions. Despite this, there was minimal loss of life and few major injuries. The community re‐grouped after the fire and Imizamo Yethu has remained viable as a community to the present day. Contemporary geographical research on hazards emphasises aspects of community vulnerability and resilience. The present paper identifies and examines factors that enhance community resilience in the informal settlement of Imizamo Yethu, particularly in response and recovery to fire events. A survey completed in the aftermath of the 2004 fire found that social networks, some formal community institutions that foster community participation and the resourcefulness of individuals were the most important factors underpinning resilience.
Anemia Is Associated with Decreased Survival Time in Dogs with Lymphoma
Authors: Miller A.G. , Morley P.S. , Rao S. , Avery A.C. , Lana S.E. , Olver C.S. 
Published: January 2009

Background:Anemia is a common complication in human patients with neoplasia and has been associated with decreased survival time and a poorer quality of life.Hypothesis:The presence of anemia at diagnosis is negatively associated with survival and remission times in dogs with lymphoma, but not in dogs with osteosarcoma.Animals:Eighty‐four dogs with lymphoma and 91 dogs with osteosarcoma that presented for treatment at the Animal Cancer Center, Colorado State University.Methods:Retrospective, case‐control study. Medical records were reviewed to determine the presence or absence of anemia (PCV < 40) at initial presentation. Median survival and remission times were identified by the Kaplan‐Meier product limit method and the association between anemia and survival was determined by a multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis.Results:Cancer‐related anemia is more frequent in dogs with lymphoma than in control dogs or dogs with osteosarcoma. Dogs with lymphoma and anemia had a significantly decreased survival time compared with dogs without anemia. There was no effect of anemia on remission time in dogs with lymphoma. Anemic dogs with osteosarcoma did not have decreased survival or remission time compared with nonanemic dogs with osteosarcoma.Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Shortened survival time in dogs with lymphoma and anemia at initial presentation has important prognostic significance. Understanding cancer‐related anemia in dogs might offer new opportunities to improve quality of life and survival times in these patients.
Dual Chamber Pacemaker Implantation in Dogs with Atrioventricular Block
Authors: Hildebrandt N. , Stertmann W.A. , Wehner M. , Schneider I. , Neu H. , Schneider M. 
Published: January 2009

Background: Pacemaker implantation is the treatment of choice for symptomatic bradyarrhythmias. In dogs, a single chamber system is commonly used. In human patients with high‐grade 2nd‐ or 3rd‐degree atrioventricular (AV) block, physiologic pacing is recommended, because it improves cardiac output, blood pressure, exercise tolerance, and quality of life. In dogs, this type of pacing is seldom used.Hypothesis: The implantation of a dual chamber pacemaker in dogs with AV block is a feasible procedure for restoring AV synchrony.Animals: Thirty‐three privately owned dogs with high‐grade 2nd‐ or 3rd‐degree AV block were included.Methods: Patient data of all dogs with AV block presented for pacemaker implantation between December 1997 and November 2004 were reviewed.Results: Dual chamber pacemaker implantation with AV synchronous stimulation was successfully performed in 33/33 dogs (100%). In 9/33 (27%) major and in 12/33 (36%) minor complications were observed. Mean survival time for the patients discharged from hospital (n = 32) was 33.6 ± 20.4 months (range, 3.9–83.5 months).Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Dual chamber pacing is a feasible procedure in dogs with 2nd‐ or 3rd‐degree AV block and is not associated with a higher complication rate compared with single chamber pacemaker systems. A major advantage over ventricular demand pacemaker systems is the restoration of AV synchrony for a substantial period of time.
Endoscopic‐Assisted Intracranial Tumor Removal in Dogs and Cats: Long‐Term Outcome of 39 Cases
Authors: Klopp L.S. , Rao S. 
Published: January 2009

Background: The benefits of endoscopic assistance to remove intracranial tumors in small animals are not described.Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of endoscopic‐assisted intracranial tumor removal in dogs and cats.Animals: Thirty‐three dogs and 6 cats with intracranial tumors.Methods: Retrospective study. CBC, serum chemistry profile, coagulation testing, blood typing, and systemic tumor staging, which included 3‐view thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasound examination, were performed to detect other significant underlying disease in preparation of the animal for surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging was used in 37/39 cases to image the brain tumor. Surgical approach was dictated by the location of the tumor. Histopathologic examination of the tumor tissue was performed in all cases. Animals were followed throughout their postoperative course for complications and survival times. Statistical analysis (Kaplan‐Meier curves) was performed to obtain median survival times in dogs with meningiomas.Results: Use of an endoscope resulted in visualization of residual tumor and potentially more complete removal of the brain tumors. There were no clinically important complications associated with the use of the endoscope. Median survival time was 2,104 days for dogs with forebrain meningiomas surgically removed with endoscopic assistance and 702 days for dogs with caudal brain meningiomas.Conclusions and Clinical Importance: These results demonstrate that the use of an endoscope to assist in brain tumor removal is apparently safe and might result in improved survival times.
Ki‐67 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression in Intracranial Meningiomas in Dogs
Authors: Matiasek L.A. , Platt S.R. , Adams V. , Scase T.J. , Keys D. , Miller J. , Adamo F. , Long S. , Matiasek K. 
Published: January 2009

Background:Tumor proliferation in human intracranial meningiomas can be defined by the reactivity of the monoclonal antibody MIB‐1 to the Ki‐67 antigen. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a pro‐angiogenic factor, is a predictive marker for survival of dogs with intracranial meningiomas.Hypothesis:Ki‐67 is expressed in canine intracranial meningiomas and is associated with VEGF expression. Ki‐67 expression is a prognostic marker for patient outcome.Animals:Seventy client‐owned dogs with WHO grade I intracranial meningiomas.Methods:Retrospective study assessing the degree of immunostaining for Ki‐67 by MIB‐1 and VEGF expression in intracranial meningioma tissue from dogs. MIB‐1 Labeling Index (LI) was calculated with Image J NIH‐software. Extent, intensity, and distribution of VEGF‐expression was assessed semiquantitatively. Cross tabulations with Fisher's exact tests and nonparametric Spearman's rank correlations were performed to identify associations between VEGF expression and MIB‐1 LI. Fifteen dogs underwent postsurgical radiotherapy and were included in survival analysis. The effect of MIB‐1 LI on survival was examined by Kaplan‐Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression procedures.Results:Ki‐67 staining was positive in 91% (64/70) and VEGF expression was detected in 96% (67/70). There was no significant association between VEGF expression and MIB‐1 LI. MIB‐1 LI was not associated with survival.Conclusions and Clinical Importance:MIB‐1 antibody can be used to document cell proliferation in intracranial meningiomas in dogs, but does not predict outcome. No association between VEGF as a marker of angiogenesis and tumor proliferation was found. Angiogenesis might be a more important predictor of meningioma activity in dogs than is Ki‐67.
Treatment with the Fusion Inhibitor Enfuvirtide Influences the Appearance of Mutations in the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Regulatory Protein Rev
Authors: Svicher Valentina , Alteri Claudia , D'Arrigo Roberta , Laganà Alessandro , Trignetti Maria , Lo Caputo Sergio , Callegaro Anna Paola , Maggiolo Franco , Mazzotta Francesco , Ferro Alfredo , Dimonte Salvatore , Aquaro Stefano , di Perri Giovanni , Bonora Stefano , Tommasi Chiara , Trotta Maria Paola , Narciso Pasquale , Antinori Andrea , Perno Carlo Federico , Ceccherini-Silberstein Francesca 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTThe gp41-encoding sequence of theenvgene contains in two separate regions the Rev-responsive elements (RRE) and the alternative open reading frame of the second exon of the regulatory protein Rev. The binding of Rev to the RRE allows the transport of unspliced/singly spliced viral mRNAs out of the nucleus, an essential step in the life cycle of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). In this study, we have investigated whether the fusion-inhibitor enfuvirtide (ENF) can induce mutations in Rev and if these mutations correlate with the classical ENF resistance gp41 mutations and with viremia and CD4 cell count. Specific Rev mutations were positively associated with ENF treatment and significantly correlated with classical ENF resistance gp41 mutations. In particular, a cluster was observed for the Rev mutations E57A (E57Arev) and N86Srevwith the ENF resistance gp41 mutations Q40H (Q40Hgp41) and L45Mgp41. In addition, the presence at week 48 of the E57Arevcorrelates with a significant viremia increase from baseline to week 48 and with a CD4 cell count loss from baseline to week 48. By modeling the RRE structure, we found that the Q40gp41and L45gp41codons form complementary base pairs in a region of the RRE involved in Rev binding. The conformation of this Rev-binding site is disrupted when Q40Hgp41and L45Mgp41occur alone while it is restored when both mutations are present. In conclusion, our study shows that ENF pressure may also affect both Rev and RRE structures and can provide an excellent example of compensatory evolution. This highlights the multiple roles of ENF (and perhaps other entry inhibitors) in modulating the correct interplay between the different HIV-1 genes and proteins during the HIV-1 life cycle.
Postantibiotic Effects of Telavancin against 16 Gram-Positive Organisms
Authors: Pankuch G. A. , Appelbaum P. C. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT
The in vitro postantibiotic effects (PAEs), postantibiotic sub-MIC effects (PA-SMEs), and sub-MIC effects of telavancin were determined for 16 gram-positive organisms. Telavancin staphylococcal, streptococcal, and enterococcal PAE ranges were 0.9 to 3.9 h, 0.4 to 6.7 h, and 0.3 to 2.2 h, respectively. The PA-SME ranges (0.4 times the MIC) for staphylococci, streptococci, and enterococci were 6.7 to >10.7 h, >10.7 to >11.0 h, and >10 to >10.8 h, respectively. The extended PAE of telavancin, together with its long elimination half-life in humans, supports once-daily dosing for this investigational drug.
Distribution, Diversity, and Seasonality of Waterborne Salmonellae in a Rural Watershed
Authors: Haley Bradd J. , Cole Dana J. , Lipp Erin K. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

Salmonella
outbreaks from contaminated water and nonanimal foods (e.g., produce) are increasingly reported. To address the environment as a potential source of pathogenic
Salmonella
, we investigated levels of salmonellae and the geographic and temporal variation of
Salmonella
serotypes from surface waters in a region of Georgia (United States) with a history of high salmonellosis case rates. Monthly water samples were collected from six stations in the Little River (Upper Suwannee Basin) for 12 months (April 2005 to April 2006). Salmonellae were enumerated using a three-step most-probable-number (MPN) assay. Salmonellae were detected in 57 of the 72 water samples collected (79.2%). Monthly
Salmonella
densities ranged from an MPN of 2.5 liter
−1
in April 2005 to 36.3 liter
−1
in August 2005; concentrations were significantly higher in the summer months compared to other seasons (
P
< 0.05). Concentrations were not significantly different between stations. Levels of salmonellae were correlated with average daily watershed rainfall for the 1 and 2 days preceding each sample collection (
r
= 0.77 and 0.68, respectively;
P
< 0.005). Additionally, water temperature was also positively associated with total
Salmonella
levels (
r
= 0.44;
P
< 0.05). In total, 13
S. enterica
serotypes were identified among 197
Salmonella
isolates. Eighty (40.6%) were identified as
S. enterica
subsp.
arizonae
. Muenchen and Rubislaw were the most frequently identified serotypes of the remaining 117 isolates (28 and 26 isolates, respectively). Serotype diversity peaked in the summer, with 9 serotypes observed in August compared to only one serotype (
S. enterica
subsp.
arizonae
) observed in April (2005 and 2006) (
P
< 0.05). Furthermore, all samples collected in August (6/6) contained multiple serotypes (two to five per sample). The results of this study suggest that
Salmonella
abundance and diversity in the environment vary temporally and are strongly influenced by seasonal precipitation and water temperature.
Eukaryotic Viruses in Wastewater Samples from the United States
Authors: Symonds Erin M. , Griffin Dale W. , Breitbart Mya 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT
Human fecal matter contains a large number of viruses, and current bacterial indicators used for monitoring water quality do not correlate with the presence of pathogenic viruses. Adenoviruses and enteroviruses have often been used to identify fecal pollution in the environment; however, other viruses shed in fecal matter may more accurately detect fecal pollution. The purpose of this study was to develop a baseline understanding of the types of viruses found in raw sewage. PCR was used to detect adenoviruses, enteroviruses, hepatitis B viruses, herpesviruses, morbilliviruses, noroviruses, papillomaviruses, picobirnaviruses, reoviruses, and rotaviruses in raw sewage collected throughout the United States. Adenoviruses and picobirnaviruses were detected in 100% of raw sewage samples and 25% and 33% of final effluent samples, respectively. Enteroviruses and noroviruses were detected in 75% and 58% of raw sewage samples, respectively, and both viral groups were found in 8% of final effluent samples. This study showed that adenoviruses, enteroviruses, noroviruses, and picobirnaviruses are widespread in raw sewage. Since adenoviruses and picobirnaviruses were detected in 100% of raw sewage samples, they are potential markers of fecal contamination. Additionally, this research uncovered previously unknown sequence diversity in human picobirnaviruses. This baseline understanding of viruses in raw sewage will enable educated decisions to be made regarding the use of different viruses in water quality assessments.
Shiga Toxin 2 Targets the Murine Renal Collecting Duct Epithelium
Authors: Psotka Mitchell A. , Obata Fumiko , Kolling Glynis L. , Gross Lisa K. , Saleem Moin A. , Satchell Simon C. , Mathieson Peter W. , Obrig Tom G. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTHemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) caused by Shiga toxin-producingEscherichia coliinfection is a leading cause of pediatric acute renal failure. Bacterial toxins produced in the gut enter the circulation and cause a systemic toxemia and targeted cell damage. It had been previously shown that injection of Shiga toxin 2 (Stx2) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) caused signs and symptoms of HUS in mice, but the mechanism leading to renal failure remained uncharacterized. The current study elucidated that murine cells of the glomerular filtration barrier were unresponsive to Stx2 because they lacked the receptor glycosphingolipid globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) in vitro and in vivo. In contrast to the analogous human cells, Stx2 did not alter inflammatory kinase activity, cytokine release, or cell viability of the murine glomerular cells. However, murine renal cortical and medullary tubular cells expressed Gb3and responded to Stx2 by undergoing apoptosis. Stx2-induced loss of functioning collecting ducts in vivo caused production of increased dilute urine, resulted in dehydration, and contributed to renal failure. Stx2-mediated renal dysfunction was ameliorated by administration of the nonselective caspase inhibitor Q-VD-OPH in vivo. Stx2 therefore targets the murine collecting duct, and this Stx2-induced injury can be blocked by inhibitors of apoptosis in vivo.
Anthrax Lethal Toxin Triggers the Formation of a Membrane-Associated Inflammasome Complex in Murine Macrophages
Authors: Nour Adel M. , Yeung Yee-Guide , Santambrogio Laura , Boyden Eric D. , Stanley E. Richard , Brojatsch Jürgen 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT
Multiple microbial components trigger the formation of an inflammasome complex that contains pathogen-specific nucleotide oligomerization and binding domain (NOD)-like receptors (NLRs), caspase-1, and in some cases the scaffolding protein ASC. The NLR protein Nalp1b has been linked to anthrax lethal toxin (LT)-mediated cytolysis of murine macrophages. Here we demonstrate that in unstimulated J774A.1 macrophages, caspase-1 and Nalp1b are membrane associated and part of ∼200- and ∼800-kDa complexes, respectively. LT treatment of these cells resulted in caspase-1 recruitment to the Nalp1b-containing complex, concurrent with processing of cytosolic caspase-1 substrates. We further demonstrated that Nalp1b and caspase-1 are able to interact with each other. Intriguingly, both caspase-1 and Nalp1b were membrane associated, while the caspase-1 substrate interleukin-18 was cytosolic. Caspase-1-associated inflammasome components included, besides Nalp1b, proinflammatory caspase-11 and the caspase-1 substrate α-enolase. Asc was not part of the Nalp1b inflammasome in LT-treated macrophages. Taken together, our findings suggest that LT triggers the formation of a membrane-associated inflammasome complex in murine macrophages, resulting in cleavage of cytosolic caspase-1 substrates and cell death.