bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sequence conservation and distribution of the fusobacterial immunosuppressive protein gene, fipA
Authors: Hunt Gerardo S. , Yoder S. C. , Citron D. M. , Goldstein E. J. C. , Haake S. Kinder 
Published: March 2003

Fusobacterium nucleatum is a gram‐negative anaerobe involved in various diseases, including periodontitis. Recently, other investigators isolated the

F. nucleatum FDC 364 fusobacterial immunosuppressive protein (FIP). One subunit, FipA, impairs T‐cell activation in vitro and shows homology with beta‐ketothiolases. However, its distribution and variability among fusobacteria was not reported. Cloned fipA gene sequences from F. nucleatum ssp. polymorphum (ATCC 10953) and F. nucleatum ssp. nucleatum (ATCC 23726) shared 89 and 92% identity, respectively, with FDC 364 fipA, and 90 and 94% identity, respectively, with the FDC 364 FipA predicted amino acid sequence. Southern blot analyses of chromosomal DNA from fusobacterial strains, including

F. nucleatum and other Fusobacterium species, were performed using partial fipA sequences as probes. The results indicate that fipA is highly conserved among the F. nucleatum strains examined and that fipA homologues are widely distributed among fusobacteria. A clear relationship between immune suppression, metabolism and the FipA protein remains to be determined.
Cardiac troponin I: A marker of acute heart rejection in infant and child heart recipients?
Authors: Siaplaouras J. , Thul J. , Krämer U. , Bauer J. , Schranz D. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract: Acute rejection of the donor heart is a major cause of mortality in infant heart transplant recipients. The early diagnosis of acute cardiac rejection (ACR) is crucial. Non‐invasive methods have shown poor sensitivity in detecting rejection when compared to endomyocardial biopsies (EMB). We assessed troponin I as a new marker to diagnose cardiac rejection. Serum cardiac troponin I (cTNI) levels were retrospectively analysed in 25 heart transplant patients (ages, 2 wk to 13 yr; mean age, 3 months) presenting 36 acute rejections. In early post‐operative rejection and initially elevated cTNI levels, rejection was associated with a second increase of serum cTNI concentrations in 21% of the patients (p = 0.15). If cTNI levels were in normal range before ACR an elevation was monitored in 59% of the rejection periods (p < 0.05). In 25% of the cases (n = 9) cTNI levels remained in normal range during the rejection episode (<0.6 ng/mL), in 22% (n = 8) cTNI levels did not exceed pathological values from 0.6 to 1.5 ng/mL and in 53% (n = 19) the measured levels went beyond 1.5 ng/mL. Maximum concentrations of cTNI were measured mostly 12 d from the moment rejection was suspected (day 1) in patients (median day 3). However, cTNI levels were elevated for 2–43 d after ACR was diagnosed (median 10 d). Twenty per cent of the patients with grade 3 rejection (ISHLT) and 75% of the patients with grade 4 rejection had a corresponding elevated cTNI level (p = 0.013). No false‐positive elevations of cTNI were documented. The present data demonstrate that cTNI is a not a sensitive but a specific marker of ACR in children.
Prevention and treatment of cytomegalovirus infection in organ transplant recipients
Authors: Kusne S. , Shapiro R. , Fung J. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract:Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common viral pathogen in organ transplant recipients. The patients at highest risk of developing CMV disease are seronegative recipients of seropositive donors, and seropositive recipients who receive antilymphocyte agents such as OKT3 and antithymocyte globulin (ATG) for induction or for rejection. There have been many trials of CMV prevention, but they are difficult to compare with one another because of variability in definitions and end points. Two modalities that have been used to prevent CMV disease are prophylaxis and preemptive therapy. In prophylaxis all patients are given an antiviral agent in order to prevent CMV disease, while in preemptive therapy (also called targeted prophylaxis) only patients who are identified as ‘high risk’ are selected for treatment. Selected trials of prophylaxis and preemptive therapy in solid‐organ recipients are reviewed. The factors to be considered in using one modality or the other are side effects from antivirals, cost of monitoring and antivirals, efficacy of the two modalities, and potential emergence of drug resistance.Sensitive tests that have been used for early diagnosis and monitoring of CMV are antigenemia and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antigen pp65 is a lower matrix protein and can be detected in peripheral blood leukocytes. The sensitivity and specificity are high and vary from 89% to 100% and 92% to 96%, respectively. Currently, many authors believe that the antigenemia test is more useful than the PCR test. The antigenemia test is useful for viral monitoring as a guide for preemptive therapy after organ transplantation. Persistence of high counts of antigenemia may indicate inadequate antiviral therapy or emergence of resistance. Recurrence of positive antigenemia after treatment of CMV disease can be a sign of relapse. Transplant patients who develop resistance to antiviral drugs are usually seronegative recipients who receive an organ from a seropositive donor and have several courses of antivirals for CMV disease. Ganciclovir is the most frequent antiviral agent used in transplant recipients and is usually well tolerated. Resistance to ganciclovir may occur and is usually secondary to virus mutation in the UL97 gene. The availability of sensitive diagnostic tests such as pp65 antigenemia has made the early diagnosis of CMV possible in organ transplant recipients. CMV is being treated much earlier now, and progression to disseminated disease is uncommon. Prudent use of antiviral drugs will hopefully limit the problem of drug resistance.
Epidemiology of fungal infections in solid organ transplant patients
Authors: Patterson J.E. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract:The epidemiology of fungal infection in solid organ transplant patients is of concern due to the high mortality associated with this complication. Rates of fungal infections vary by type of transplant recipient. Most of these infections occur two to six months after transplantation. Liver transplant recipients are more likely to have early fungal infection which is often due to Candida species. Exogenous and endogenous Candida infection may occur in the immunosuppressed patient in the intensive care unit. Patients with chronic rejection are more likely to have late infection (after six months) which may be due to Aspergillus or endemic fungi such as Cryptococcus. Lung and heart–lung transplant recipients are more predisposed to infection with Aspergillus and other filamentous fungi, due to exposure of the transplanted organ to the external environment. Preventative measures such as environmental controls and chemoprophylaxis may be beneficial in high‐risk patients. Emerging fungal pathogens such as the dematiaceous fungi may cause skin or soft tissue infection, or more serious systemic infections. Fungal infection should be ruled out in the solid organ transplant patient with early brain abscess. Characteristic risk factors in high‐risk types of solid organ transplant recipients should be recognized for early diagnosis and treatment of these infections associated with high morbidity and mortality.
Tuberculosis isolated to the renal allograft
Authors: Lorimer I. , Botha J. , Pontin A.R. , Pascoe M.D. , Kahn D. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract:Immunosuppressed patients after renal transplantation are at increased risk of developing infective complications, including tuberculosis. We describe four renal transplant patients who presented with tuberculosis isolated to the renal allograft. The three patients with adequate follow‐up presented with a febrile illness 12–26 months after the transplant. The mycobacterial infection was found in the graft nephrectomy specimen in three patients. One patient with renal allograft dysfunction had a percutaneous biopsy that showed tuberculosis. The latter patient recovered renal allograft function after anti‐tuberculous therapy. None of the patients had evidence of tuberculosis elsewhere. We conclude that tuberculosis isolated to the renal allograft, especially in an endemic area, may be the cause of renal dysfunction, and appropriate therapy could lead to salvage of the graft.
Atypical presentation of Madurella mycetomatis mycetoma in a renal transplant patient
Authors: Meis J.F.G.M. , Schouten R.A. , Verweij P.E. , Dolmans W. , Wetzels J.F.M. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract:A renal transplant patient presented with a swelling on his foot. Fungal hyphae were found in the abscess, and culture demonstrated Madurella mycetomatis, an agent of mycetoma. There were no black grains in the pus and no overlying sinuses. This was an atypical presentation of maduromycosis in a renal transplant patient.
Rat‐to‐mouse small bowel xenotransplantation: A novel model for studying acute vascular and hyperacute xenograft rejection and xenogenic cell migration
Authors: Kiyochi Hidenori , Kellersmann Richard , Blömer Anna , Garcia Bertha M. , Zhang Zheng , Zhong Robert , Grant David R. 
Published: March 2003

Kiyochi H, Kellersmann R, Blömer A, Garcia BM, Zhang Z, Zhong R and Grant DR.Rat‐to‐mouse small bowel xenotransplantation: A novel model for studying acute vascular and hyperacute xenograft rejection and xenogenic cell migration. Xenotransplantation 1999; 6: 00‐00.©Munksgaard, CopenhagenAbstract: The present study was undertaken to establish a rat‐to‐mouse vascularized small bowel xenotransplantation model to study acute vascular and hyperacute xenograft rejection, and xenogenic cell migration. Lewis rat small bowel grafts were transplanted heterotopically to group 1, Balb/c mice, and group 2, Balb/c mice pre‐sensitized with a donor spleen cell injection. The grafts were examined by serial pathology and flow cytometry. In group 1, acute vascular rejection was present by the 5th post‐operative day (POD). Immunohistology showed a strong endothelial deposition of IgG, IgM and C3, associated with a minimal lymphocytic infiltrate. There was a vigorous cell migration from the recipient to the graft, in which recipient origin cells comprised 80.1± 6.9% of the graft mesenteric lymph node by POD 3. However, there was almost no cell migration from the graft to the recipient. The intestinal xenografts in the group 2 showed massive hemorrhage, fibrin deposition, vascular congestion and thrombosis 60 min after transplantation. IgG and C3 were present on the endothelium as early as 1 min after reperfusion. The vigorous humorally‐mediated vascular damage and rapid elimination of donor cells seen with intestinal xenograft rejection are distinct from the usual picture of allograft rejection. Hyperacute rejection can be induced by recipient pre‐sensitization with donor spleen cells. The potential advantages of studying xenotransplantation in this model include: (1) the wide range of immunologic reagents available for mice; (2) the opportunity to study the progression of vascular damage easily by performing serial biopsies in the same animal; and (3) the opportunity to study, in vivo, two‐way cellular response by examining cell trafficking in the mesenteric lymph nodes.
Morphospatial analysis of soft‐tissue profile in patients with Class II division 1 malocclusion treated using twin block appliances: geometric morphometrics
Authors: Singh GD 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Author– Singh GD Objectives– To study soft‐tissue profile changes in patients treated with twin block appliances (TBA) for the correction of Class II division 1 malocclusion. The null hypothesis is that soft‐tissue profiles do not show any significant improvements associated with TBA treatment. Design– Longitudinal, retrospective. Setting and Sample Population– Scotland, UK, using lateral cephalographs of 46 consecutive, prepubertal children (aged 9–11 years) and 55 adolescents (aged 12–14 years) obtained from an orthodontic practice. Experimental Variable– The prepubertal children underwent ≈13 months of TBA treatment, while the adolescents underwent ≈22 months of treatment. Outcome Measures– Configurations of 13 digitized homologous landmarks of pre‐ and post‐treatment soft‐tissue facial profiles were compared using cephalometry, Euclidean distance matrix analysis (EDMA) and thin plate spline (TPS) analysis. Results– Cephalometry showed that height increases associated with the TBA were in the labiomental areas, and the most significant height decreases were seen in the lip regions. The results of EDMA also indicated significant changes (P < 0.05). The distance between the lips decreased by >5%, with increases in length in the labiomental region. The TPS analysis showed the soft‐tissues of the mandibular complex being displaced antero‐inferiorly, with anterior displacement of the landmarks of the lip region. These changes showed that the lips were brought into closer proximity with each other, permitting a functional oral seal. Moreover, the labiomental groove became less pronounced, reflecting the underlying dento‐alveolar correction. Conclusion– Demonstrable improvements in soft‐tissue facial profile may be associated with TBA treatment.
Atypical expression of cleidocranial dysplasia: clinical and molecular‐genetic analysis
Authors: Golan I , Baumert U , Wagener H , Dauwerse J , Preising M , Lorenz B , Niederdellmann H , Müßig D 
Published: March 2003

Abstract:Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) and the Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome (RTS) are two rare congenital syndromes that have many clinical signs in common. We present an 18‐year‐old‐patient with untypical CCD expression who was misdiagnosed with RTS at the age of 2 years. An extensive craniofacial examination was carried out with respect to morphological and dental aspects. The molecular‐genetic analysis of two underlying genes (CBFA1 and CBP) for CCD and RTS was performed using SSCP, direct sequencing and FISH.While the clinical examination showed uncharacteristic CCD symptoms with some findings common for RTS, the molecular‐genetic analysis revealed a missense mutation in the CBFA1 gene, which is considered to be the etiological factor for CCD. Our findings with this patient presented clear evidence for the wide morphologic variety that can be related to a certain gene such as CBFA1. The diagnosis of rare diseases is currently based on the clinical phenomenology of small groups or single cases. The use of molecular‐genetic biology extends the horizon of diagnostic and scientific possibilities. In this patient, it allowed us to compare the clinically diagnosis to molecular‐genetic data. We conclude that molecular‐genetic analysis may be a helpful tool in the differential diagnosis of many congenital diseases such as CCD and RTS.
Different morphotypes of functional dentition in the lower molar region of tabby (EDA) mice
Authors: Kristenová P , Peterka M , Lisi S , Gendrault J‐L , Lesot H , Peterková R 
Published: March 2003

Structured Abstract
Authors –
Kristenová P, Peterka M, Lisi S, Gendrault J‐L, Lesot H, Peterková R
Objectives –
To sort and classify the highly variable lower molar dentition in tabby (Ta) mice postnatally. The Ta syndome is homologous to the anhidrotic (hypohidrotic) ectodermal dysplasia (EDA) in human and includes severe developmental defects of teeth, hair and sweat glands.
Design –
Analysis of tooth shape and cusp pattern and measurement of the mesio‐distal crown length.
Setting and sample population –
Institute of Experimental Medicine, Academy of Sciences, Prague. Fixed heads of 107 tabby (Ta) homozygous and hemizygous mice and 90 wild type mice aged from post‐natal day 11 to adulthood, collected during 1995–2001.
Outcome Measure –
Identification of distinct morphotypes of Ta dentition. Reduced tooth length in Ta teeth and specific differences in tooth length between distinct morphotypes.
Results –
The variable dentitions in the lower molar region of Ta mice were classified in two basic morphotypes I and II. The morphotype I was further subdivided into particular morphotypes Ia, Ib and Ic. Proportion of the basic morphotypes I and II was different in the offspring of heterozygous (84% and 12%) compared with homozygous + hemizygous (45% and 52%) mothers. The proportions of particular morphotypes within a basic morphotype were similar in both offspring groups.
Conclusion –
The identification of the distinct morphotypes made possible to classify the structural variability of the mandibular functional dentition in Ta mice.
Ligands for natural killer cell receptors: redundancy or specificity
Authors: Cerwenka Adelheid , Lanier Lewis L. 
Published: March 2003

Summary: Several inhibitory and activating receptors involved in natural killer cell activation have been characterized. The increasing knowledge about their ligands, including classical MHC class I molecules, non‐classical MHC class I molecules and MHC class I‐related molecules, is shedding new light on the targets of innate immune recognition. While classical MHC class I molecules are constitutively expressed, some MHC class I‐related (MIC) molecules, however, are stress‐induced by ill‐defined stimuli. Two families of ligands for the human activating NKG2D receptor have been identified. These are the MIC proteins encoded by two highly polymorphic genes within the MHC class I and the retinoic acid‐inducible early gene‐1‐like (also designated UL16‐binding) proteins encoded by genes outside the MHC. For the mouse NKG2D receptor, one family, containing at least five distinct ligands, has been described. A better understanding about how targets signal their distress, which renders them susceptible to natural killer (NK)‐cell attack, will help to define the role of NK cells in antimicrobial and antitumor immunity and transplantation.Supported by NIH grants CA89294 and CA89189
Ovarian stimulation of marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus) using recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone
Authors: Marshall V.S. , Browne M.A. , Knowles L. , Golos T.G. , Thomson J.A. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract:To reduce the number of animals required for controlled studies of marmoset oocytes and early embryos, a superovulation protocol was developed for the common marmoset. Females were given up to 50 i.u./day recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) – (r‐hFSH) for 6 days. Ovaries were visualized by a modified laparoscopic technique and follicular aspiration was performed using a needle and suction apparatus inserted directly through an otoscope speculum. The number of follicles + ovulation points (± S.E.) was 2.9 (± 0.2) in controls and 14.1 (± 1.6; P≤0.001) in the 50 i.u. r‐hFSH per day animals. Oocytes, typically at the germinal vesicle stage at collection, extruded a first polar body within 26 hours. In vitro fertilization was performed and embryos developed to the hatched blastocyst stage (34%). With many high quality oocytes and the ability to synchronize cycles, the marmoset is a valuable primate model for examining nuclear reprograming and early embryonic events.
Nitric oxide signalling in salivary glands
Authors: Looms Dagnia , Tritsaris Katerina , Pedersen Anne Marie , Nauntofte Birgitte , Dissing Steen 
Published: March 2003

AbstractNitric oxide (NO) plays multiple roles in both intracellular and extracellular signalling mechanisms with implications for health and disease. This review focuses on the role of NO signalling in salivary secretion. Attention will be paid primarily to endogenous NO production in acinar cells resulting from specific receptor stimulation and to NO‐regulated Ca2+ homeostasis. Due to the fact that NO readily crosses membranes by simple diffusion, endogenous NO may play a physiological role in processes as diverse as modifying the secretory output, controlling blood supply to the gland, modulating transmitter output from nerve endings, participating in the host defence barrier, and affecting growth and differentiation of surrounding tissue. Furthermore, the role of NO in the pathogenesis of human oral diseases will be considered.
Which putatively pre‐malignant oral lesions become oral cancers?
Authors: Sudbø Jon , Reith Albrecht 
Published: March 2003

AbstractOral squamous cell carcinomas continue to be a group of diseases with high mortality and increasing incidence rates, particularly among young individuals. This is a paradox finding, since most oral cancers are preceded – even by several years – by readily detectable mucosal changes, most often white or red patches (leukoplakias and erythroplakias, respectively). However, only a small fraction of leukoplakias or erythroplakias are related to cancer development, and the challenge has been to identify the high‐risk lesions. From the vast literature on molecular markers in oral pre‐cancer, no reliable prognostic marker for risk assessment in putatively pre‐malignant lesions has emerged. For this reason, a wait‐and‐see approach has been adopted for this group of lesions. Recently published data point to gross genomic aberrations (DNA aneuploidy) as a tool for targeting patients at particular risk for future cancerous lesions in the oral cavity. Thus, DNA aneuploidy signalled a very high risk for subsequent development of carcinomas in a wide range of lesions from the oral mucous membrane, ranging from oral leukoplakias to oral erythroplakias and even including lesions that had been explicitly defined as being without a malignant potential by a group of trained pathologists. As an extension of research in oral pre‐malignancies, the enzyme cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) seems to be enhanced specifically in high‐risk oral lesions, as defined by the aberrant DNA content of their lesions. These data strongly indicate that COX‐2 inhibitors (coxibs) should be investigated as chemopreventive agents in patients identified to be at high risk of developing oral cancer.
Platelet‐rich plasma and bovine porous bone mineral combined with guided tissue regeneration in the treatment of intrabony defects in humans
Authors: Camargo Paulo M. , Lekovic Vojislav , Weinlaender Michael , Vasilic Nikola , Madzarevic Miroslav , Kenney E. Barrie 
Published: March 2003

Background:
A combination of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP), bovine porous bone mineral (BPBM) and guided tissue regeneration (GTR) has been shown to be effective in promoting clinical signs of periodontal regeneration in intrabony defects. As an initial attempt to clarify the role played by each of the three treatment components, this study was performed to compare the clinical effectiveness of two regenerative techniques for intrabony defects in humans: a combination of PRP/BPBM/GTR vs. GTR.
Material and methods:
Eighteen patients participated in the study. Using a split‐mouth design, interproximal bony defects were surgically treated with either an absorbable membrane made of polylactic acid for GTR or a combination of PRP/BPBM/GTR. Changes in pocket depth, attachment level and defect fill as revealed by 6‐month reentry surgeries were evaluated.
Results:
Both treatment modalities resulted in significant pocket depth reduction and clinical attachment gain as compared to baseline values. Pocket depth reduction was 4.98 ± 0.96 mm on buccal and 4.93 ± 0.92 mm on lingual sites of the PRP/BPBM/GTR group and 3.62 ± 0.81 mm on buccal and 3.54 ± 0.88 mm on lingual sites of the GTR group. The gain in clinical attachment observed was 4.37 ± 1.31 mm on buccal and 4.28 ± 1.33 mm on lingual sites of the PRP/BPBM/GTR group and 2.62 ± 1.23 mm on buccal and 2.44 ± 1.21 mm on lingual sites of the GTR group. The amount of defect fill observed was 4.78 ± 1.26 mm on buccal and 4.66 ± 1.32 mm on lingual sites of the PRP/BPBM/GTR group and 2.31 ± 0.76 mm on buccal and 2.26 ± 0.81 mm on lingual sites of the GTR group. All differences between the two groups were statistically significant in favor of the PRP/BPBM/GTR group.
Conclusions:
The results of this study suggest that PRP and BPBM provide an added regenerative effect to GTR in promoting the clinical resolution of intrabony defects on patients with severe periodontitis.