bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbiological examination of infected dental root canals
Authors: Gomes B. P. F. A. , Pinheiro E. T. , Gadê‐Neto C. R. , Sousa E. L. R. , Ferraz C. C. R. , Zaia A. A. , Teixeira F. B. , Souza‐Filho F. J. 
Published: December 2004

Objectives:  The aim of this study was to investigate the root canal microbiota of primary and secondary root‐infected canals and the association of constituent species with specific endodontic signs and symptoms.Methods:  Microbial samples were taken from 60 root canals, 41 with necrotic pulp tissues (primary infection) and 19 with failed endodontic treatment (secondary infection). Strict anaerobic techniques were used for serial dilution, plating, incubation and identification.Results:  A total of 224 cultivable isolates were recovered belonging to 56 different bacterial species. Individual root canals yielded a maximum of 10 bacterial species. Of the bacterial isolates, 70% were either strict anaerobes or microphilic. The anaerobes most frequently isolated were: Peptostreptococcus micros (35%), Fusobacterium necrophorum (23.3%), Fusobacterium nucleatum (11.7%), Prevotella intermedia/nigrescens (16.7%), Porphyromonas gingivalis (6.7%) and Porphyromonas endodontalis (5%). The root canal microflora of untreated teeth with apical periodontitis was found to be mixed, comprising gram‐negative and gram‐positive and mostly anaerobic microorganisms and usually containing more than 3 species per canal. On the other hand, facultative anaerobic and gram‐positive bacteria predominated in canals with failed endodontic treatment, which harbored 1–2 species per canal. Suggested relationships were found between anaerobes, especially gram‐negatives, and the presence or history of pain, tenderness to percussion and swelling (P < 0.05). In particular, associations were found between: a) pain (n = 29) and P. micros (P < 0.01), P. intermedia/nigrescens and Eubacterium spp. (both P < 0.05); b) history of pain (n = 31) and P. micros (P < 0.01) Porphyromonas and Fusobacterium spp. (P < 0.05); c) tenderness to percussion (n = 29) and Porphyromonas spp. (P < 0.01), Peptostreptococcus and Fusobacterium spp. (P < 0.001); d) swelling (n = 20) and Peptostreptococcus spp. (P < 0.01), Porphyromonas and Enterococcus spp. (P < 0.05); e) wet canals (n = 33) and Porphyromonas and Fusobacterium spp. (P < 0.05); f) purulent exudate (n = 20) and Porphyromonas, Peptostreptococcus and Fusobacterium spp. (P < 0.05); previous endodontic treatment and Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus spp., P. micros, F. necrophorum (P < 0.05).Conclusions:  Our findings indicate potential complex interactions of species resulting in characteristic clinical pictures which cannot be achieved by individual species alone. They also indicate that the microbiota of primary infected canals with apical periodontitis differs in number and in species from the secondary infected canals by using the culture technique.
Relationship of physical fitness to chewing in an 80‐year‐old population
Authors: Takata Y , Ansai T , Awano S , Hamasaki T , Yoshitake Y , Kimura Y , Sonoki K , Wakisaka M , Fukuhara M , Takehara T 
Published: December 2004

Objective:  Although tooth loss causes a decrease in masticatory ability, which may influence nutritional status, and impair an individual's general health including physical activity, little is known whether a decrease in chewing ability could result in deterioration in physical fitness in a very elderly population. Thus, the present study evaluated the relationship of chewing ability or teeth number with measures of physical fitness in a sample of 80‐years‐old in Japan.Design:  Cross‐sectional survey.Subjects and methods:  A total of 1282 people who were 80‐years old and resided in the Fukuoka Prefecture were approached. A total of 697 individuals (277 male, 420 female) agreed to participate.Results:  Chewing food number and teeth number were related positively with physical fitness measurements of hand grip strength, leg extensor strength, leg extensor power, stepping rate, and one‐leg standing time. However, the significant relationship between the number of teeth and physical ability disappeared after adjustment for various confounders, using multiple regression analysis or logistic regression analysis. On the other hand, the relationship of chewing ability with physical fitness measurements of leg extensor strength, one‐leg standing time, or isokinetic leg extensor power remained significant even after adjustment for these confounders.Conclusion:  There is a relationship between perceived chewing ability (number of foods considered chewable) and physical fitness in this 80‐year‐old population. Chewing ability may be an independent predictor of physical fitness, thus preventative dental care aimed at preserving chewing ability may be able to enhance activities of daily life and quality of life in very elderly individuals.
Effects of grape seed proanthocyanidins extract on mandibles in developing rats
Authors: Kamitani Y , Maki K , Tofani I , Nishikawa Y , Tsukamoto K , Kimura M 
Published: December 2004

Objective:  Grape seed proanthocyanidins extract (GSPE), a flavonoid, has a beneficial effect on physical health, which may include the health of bone. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of GSPE on mandibular bone by examining trabecular and cortical bone density, mineral content, and non‐invasive bone strength in low‐calcium diet rats.Materials and methods:  Wistar male rats at 5 weeks old (n = 40) were divided into control (A), low‐calcium diet (B), low‐calcium diet plus standard diet (C), and low‐calcium diet plus standard diet with supplementary GSPE (D) groups. Following 3 weeks of a calcium‐restricted diet, group D rats were given 3 mg of GSPE as supplement in 100 g of a standard diet for the next 3 weeks. Following the 6‐week experimental period, mandibular bones were examined using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT).Results:  There were no significant differences in body weight or trabecular bone area among the four groups. Trabecular bone density, and trabecular bone mineral content, cortical bone density, cortical bone cross‐sectional area, and cortical bone mineral content were significantly higher in group D than in C. Further, Stress–strain index (SSI) values of xSSI and ySSI in group D were significantly higher than in C, although there was no significant difference in pSSI value between those two groups.Conclusion:  Our results suggest that GSPE treatment caused an increase in both bone formation and bone strength in rat mandibles.
Chlamydia pneumoniae together with collagenase‐2 (MMP‐8) in periodontal lesions
Authors: Mäntylä P , Stenman M , Paldanius M , Saikku P , Sorsa T , Meurman JH 
Published: December 2004

Objective:  Dental infections may be associated with subsequent atherosclerosis. In this regard we wanted to study if traces of Chlamydia pneumoniae can be found from deep periodontal pockets characterized with elevated collagenase‐2 [matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8] levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). Chlamydia pneumoniae has not previously been found to infect the oral cavity.Subjects and methods:  Subgingival samples of dental plaque were collected from 31 teeth in 12 adult periodontitis patients by means of sterile curettes and examined for C. pneumoniae using a quantitative PCR technique. GCF samples were also collected and assayed by an immunofluorometric assay (IFMA) for MMP‐8.Results:  Chlamydia pneumoniae RNA was demonstrated in a sample from one of the patients studied. Periodontal treatment eliminated the C. pneumoniae from the patient's subgingival dental plaque as well as reduced GCF MMP‐8 level.Conclusions:  Our findings suggest that C. pneumoniae, which is not normally thought to be involved in periodontitis, can be found in dental plaque.
Accuracy of Collateral Source Reports in Very Mild to Mild Dementia of the Alzheimer Type
Authors: Cacchione Pamela Z. , Powlishta Kimberly K. , Grant Elizabeth A. , Buckles Virginia D. , Morris John C. 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVES: To examine the reporting accuracy of collateral sources (knowledgeable informants) regarding very mild and mild dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT) and to identify characteristics associated with collateral source accuracy.DESIGN: Secondary data analysis of initial visits of individuals enrolled in a longitudinal study of healthy aging and Alzheimer disease.SETTING: Urban Alzheimer disease research center.PARTICIPANTS: Pairs of 515 individuals with very mild (n = 203) or mild (n = 312) DAT and their collateral sources.MEASUREMENTS: Collateral sources were asked separately during a semistructured interview by experienced clinicians to report current ability of the individual with DAT in memory, orientation, and judgment and problem solving. The clinical performance of the individuals with DAT in these domains was compared with these predictions.RESULTS: Collateral sources were consistently and significantly accurate in reporting the cognitive capabilities of individuals with very mild and mild DAT. Although all types of collateral sources performed significantly better than chance, individual variables that correlated with collateral source accuracy included spousal relationship; living with the individual with DAT; frequent exposure to the individual; and age, education level, sex and dementia severity of the individual with DAT.CONCLUSION: Collateral sources are accurate in reporting the cognitive capabilities of individuals with DAT, even in the very mild stage of dementia.
Family Involvement in End‐of‐Life Hospital Care
Authors: Tschann Jeanne M. , Kaufman Sharon R. , Micco Guy P. 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether the end‐of‐life treatment provided to hospitalized patients differed for those who had a family member present at death and those who did not.DESIGN: A retrospective cohort analysis.SETTING: An urban community hospital.PARTICIPANTS: All 370 inpatients who died during a 1‐year period.MEASUREMENTS: Medical records were examined for whether life‐support treatments were provided or withdrawn, occurrence and timing of do‐not‐resuscitate (DNR) orders, and use of comfort measures such as narcotics and sedation.RESULTS: DNR orders were written for 85% of patients. For patients who had a DNR order written, the average time from the DNR order to death was 4.8 days. Only 26% of patients had one or more treatments withdrawn. Sixty‐seven percent of patients received narcotics before death, and 22% received sedatives. Patients aged 75 and older and African Americans were less likely to have a family member present at death. After adjusting for age and ethnicity, patients who had a family member present at death were more likely to have DNR orders written, to have treatments withdrawn, and to receive narcotics before death. Patients with a family member present at death also had a shorter time to death after DNR orders were written.CONCLUSION: The presence of a family member at death appears to be an indirect measure of family involvement during patients' hospitalization. Family involvement before death may reduce the use of technology and increase the use of comfort care as patients die.
Paradoxical Vasodilation During Lower Body Negative Pressure in Patients with Vasodepressor Carotid Sinus Syndrome
Authors: Mangoni Arduino A. , Ouldred Emma , Allain Theresa J. , Close Jacqueline C. T. , Hilton Diarmuid , Swift Cameron G. , Lyons Declan , Jackson Stephen H. D. 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the pathophysiological mechanism of the vasodepressor form (VD) of carotid sinus syndrome (CSS) by maneuvers designed to induce generalized sympathetic activation after baroreceptor unloading (lower body negative pressure, LBNP) or direct peripheral adrenoreceptor stimulation via local administration of norepinephrine (NA).DESIGN: Subjects were identified with VD of CSS through diagnostic testing.SETTING: Research laboratory.PARTICIPANTS: Eleven young controls (YC) (mean age ± standard error of mean = 22.8 ± 0.7), eight elderly controls (EC) (72.6 ± 0.6), and eight elderly patients with VD (78.7 ± 1.7).MEASUREMENTS: Forearm arterial blood flow (FABF) was measured in the left and right arms by venous occlusion plethysmography. Measurements were performed during baseline conditions, LBNP (−20 mmHg), and intra‐arterial NA infusion in the left brachial artery at three progressively increasing rates (60, 120, and 240 pmol/min).RESULTS: During LBNP, FABF significantly decreased in YC (baseline 3.61 ± 0.30 vs −20 mmHg 2.96 ± 0.24 mL/100 g/min, P = .030) and EC (4.05 ± 0.74 vs 3.69 ± 0.65 mL/100 g/min, P = .033) but increased in elderly patients with VD (3.65 ± 0.60 vs 4.54 ± 0.80 mL/100 g/min, P = .020). During NA infusion, a significant forearm vasoconstriction occurred in YC (FABF left:right ratio 1.00 ± 0.05 at baseline; 0.81 ± 0.08 at 60 pmol/min, P = .034; 0.81 ± 0.05 at 120 pmol/min, P < .001; 0.72 ± 0.04 at 240 pmol/min, P < .001), whereas no significant FABF changes were observed in EC (1.04 ± 0.06; 0.96 ± 0.07, P = .655; 0.89 ± 0.10, P = .401; 0.94 ± 0.10, P = .590) or elderly patients with VD (1.04 ± 0.06; 1.16 ±0 .10, P = .117; 1.04 ± 0.08, P = .602; 1.11 ± 0.10, P = .305).CONCLUSION: VD of CSS is associated with a paradoxical vasodilatation during LBNP and an impairment of peripheral α‐adrenergic responsiveness, which may be age‐related.
DS–Nh as an experimental model of atopic dermatitis induced by Staphylococcus aureus producing staphylococcal enterotoxin C
Authors: Yoshioka T. , Hikita I. , Matsutani T. , Yoshida R. , Asakawa M. , Toyosaki‐Maeda T. , Hirasawa T. , Suzuki R. , Arimura A. , Horikawa T. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryDS–Nh mice raised under conventional conditions spontaneously develop dermatitis similar to human atopic dermatitis (AD), which is associated with staphylococcal infection. In the present study, we show that Staphylococcus aureus producing staphylococcus exotoxin C (SEC) was recovered from the culture of the skin lesions of DS–Nh mice with AD‐like dermatitis and that the serum levels of anti‐SEC antibodies from these mice were elevated. We describe here how to promote experimental AD by epicutaneous injection with SEC‐producing S. aureus to DS–Nh mice. In order to assess the role of SEC in the pathogenesis of AD, the mitogenic activity, TCRBV repertoire analysis and the production of IL‐4 and IFN‐γ from spleen mononuclear cells (MNC) from DS–Nh stimulated by SEC were compared with those due to SEA, SEB and TSST. The weakest was the mitogenic activity of SEC, and higher IL‐4 responses and lower IFN‐γ responses to SEC showed correlation with TCRBV8S2‐positive T cells, which were selectively stimulated by SEC. We also demonstrate that SEC‐producing S. aureus was able to survive in DS–Nh after intradermal injection. These results suggest a possible role for SEC in the pathogenesis of AD through host–S. aureus relationships.
P27kip1 regulates the cell cycle arrest and survival of activated T lymphocytes in response to interleukin‐2 withdrawal
Authors: Huleatt James W. , Cresswell James , Bottomly Kim , Crispe I. Nicholas 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe majority of activated T lymphocytes undergo cell death at the end of a primary immune response, while a minority survive as memory cells. The mechanisms that control the decision between these two fates are unknown. In the present study we examined the response of activated T cells to interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) withdrawal. Within hours, the percentage of T lymphocytes in cell cycle showed a steady decrease, while the percentage arrested in G1 increased proportionally. Deprivation of IL‐2 resulted in upregulation of the cell cycle inhibitor p27kip1. Comparison with resting T‐cell populations revealed that the highest expression of p27kip1 occurs in activated T cells undergoing cell cycle arrest following IL‐2 withdrawal. T cells deficient in p27kip1 expression showed an impaired ability to undergo cell cycle arrest in response to IL‐2 deprivation. Moreover, T cells deficient in p27kip1 showed significantly more apoptosis after IL‐2 withdrawal. Collectively, this study demonstrates that p27kip1 regulates both the cell cycle arrest and the apoptosis of antigen‐specific T lymphocytes.
Induction of murine thyroiditis by a non dominant Ek‐restricted peptide of human thyroglobulin
Authors: Karras Evangelos , Carayanniotis George , Lymberi Peggy 
Published: December 2004

SummaryWe have previously shown that the human thyroglobulin (hTg) 20‐mer peptide p2340 (aa 2340–2359) contains an epitope recognized by Tg‐reactive B cells in patients with Graves' disease. The presence of several Ek‐binding motifs within p2340 prompted us to examine whether this peptide can stimulate a T‐cell response and elicit experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) in AKR/J (H‐2k) mice. The peptide was found to be immunogenic at the T‐cell level since it induced specific proliferative responses as well as interleukin‐2 and interferon‐γ secretion in secondary cultures of peptide‐primed lymph node cells (LNC). The p2340‐specific proliferation was blocked almost completely by an Ek‐specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) but was unaffected by a control Ak‐specific mAb. Peptide‐primed LNC did not respond to intact hTg and conversely, LNC primed in vivo with hTg did not respond to p2340 in culture, suggesting that p2340 contains non‐dominant T‐cell epitope(s). Direct subcutanaeous challenge of AKR/J mice (n = 9) with p2340 in adjuvant, elicited mild to moderate EAT (infiltration index of 1–2) and strong p2340‐specific immunoglobulin G responses in all mice tested. These data delineate a new thyroiditogenic sequence within the carboxyl terminal region of hTg.
Evidence of CXC, CC and C chemokine production by lymphatic endothelial cells
Authors: Mancardi Sabrina , Vecile Elena , Dusetti Nelson , Calvo Ezequiel , Stanta Giorgio , Burrone Oscar R. , Dobrina Aldo 
Published: December 2004

SummaryAlthough production of chemokines by vascular endothelial cells has been documented, there is only limited information regarding the expression of chemokines by the lymphatic endothelium. Here we used lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) derived from experimentally induced murine lymphangiomas to investigate the pattern of chemokine expression by these cells. Histological analysis of the lymphatic hyperplasia revealed the presence of leucocytes in the tissues surrounding the lesions, suggesting the presence of chemoattractant activity. A functional chemotactic assay on human polymorphonuclear cells and on purified subpopulations of murine leucocytes using culture supernatants from LEC primary cultures confirmed the presence of chemoattractant activity. The identity of different cytokines of the CXC, CC and C subfamilies was investigated by reverse trancriptase–polymerase chain reaction on total endothelial cell RNA. Amplified fragments corresponding to KC, IP10, Mig‐1, BCL, MIP‐2, SLC, RANTES, MCP‐1, C10, and Lptn were obtained, and confirmed by Southern blot and sequencing. In contrast, MIP‐1α, MIP‐1β, and MIP‐1γ were not detected. Higher levels of expression were revealed by Northern blot analysis for Mig‐1, MCP‐1 and C10. The lymphatic endothelium‐restricted production of these chemokines was also confirmed by in situ hybridization. The presence of high C10 mRNA expression levels in LEC was particularly unexpected, because the production of this molecule has been previously identified only in cells of the haematopoietic lineage. These observations represent the first detailed analysis of chemokine production by lymphatic endothelial cells and may account, in part, for the mechanism of leucocyte recruitment into the lymphatics, and of lymphocyte recirculation within the lymphatic system.
Anti‐inflammatory effects in the skin of thymosin‐β4 splice‐variants
Authors: Girardi Michael , Sherling Michael A. , Filler Renata B. , Shires John , Theodoridis Efstathios , Hayday Adrian C. , Tigelaar Robert E. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) network of T‐cell receptor γδ+ (Vγ5+) dendritic epidermal T cells (DETC) in murine skin down‐regulates cutaneous inflammation, although the mechanism is unknown. Thymosin‐β4 (Tβ4), identified by serial analysis of gene expression as a predominant transcript in gut IEL, encodes both a ubiquitous actin‐binding protein (UTβ4) with demonstrated capacity to inhibit neutrophilic infiltration, and a splice‐variant limited to lymphoid tissue (LTβ4) with unknown bioactivity. Freshly isolated Vγ5+ DETCs expressed both forms, while only LTβ4 was preferentially up‐regulated after cellular activation in vitro. To compare the anti‐inflammatory properties of LTβ4 and UTβ4 in the skin in vivo, the biological activities of synthesized polypeptides were assessed using three different strategies: neutrophil infiltration by footpad λ‐carrageenan injection; irritant contact dermatitis to 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol 13‐acetate; and allergic contact dermatitis to 2,4‐dinitrofluorobenzene. These studies clearly showed that the anti‐inflammatory activities of LTβ4 were broader and most often stronger than those of UTβ4. Thus, the activation‐responsive expression of the lymph‐specific form of Tβ4 may be one mechanism by which DETC, and possibly other IELs, down‐regulate local inflammation.
Receptor/ligand avidity determines the capacity of Ly49 inhibitory receptors to interfere with T‐cell receptor‐mediated activation
Authors: Chalifour Anick , Roger Joanne , Lemieux Suzanne , Duplay Pascale 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe specificity and the relative affinity of many Ly49 receptors for major histocompatibility complex class I ligands have been studied in detail in various adhesion and binding assays. However, how the level of cell surface expression of a given Ly49 receptor and its ligand affinity influence the strength of the inhibition signal is not well documented. To address this issue, we developed a series of human Jurkat T‐cell transfectants expressing the whole range of Ly49A and Ly49C levels found in vivo on natural killer and T cells and evaluated their capacity to alter superantigen‐induced NF‐AT activation and interleukin‐2 production. We show that the strength of the inhibition induced by Ly49A/H‐2Dd interaction correlates with Ly49A density up to a certain level after which increasing expression does not further inhibit significantly the T‐cell receptor‐induced activation. This system also represents a valuable tool for the determination of the relative strength of the inhibitory signals of Ly49 receptors following their interactions with different ligands. Even at high levels of expression there was no evidence that engagement of Ly49A with H‐2b class I molecules provided an inhibitory signal. Moreover, we showed that functional inhibitory interactions of Ly49C with H‐2b class I molecules were only the result of H‐2Kb and that H‐2d represent lower affinity ligands for Ly49C than H‐2b. Therefore, depending on the relative affinity of Ly49 receptors for their ligands, the modulation of their expression level will be determinant for the functional outcome of activated T cells.