bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term cyclosporin A exposure suppresses cathepsin‐B and ‐L activity in gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Yamaguchi Mayumi , Naruishi Koji , Yamada‐Naruishi Hisa , Omori Kazuhiro , Nishimura Fusanori , Takashiba Shogo 
Published: August 2004

Background:  Gingival overgrowth is a common side‐effect following administration of cyclosporin A. We reported previously that lysosomal protease cathepsin‐L activity, but not cathepsin‐B, was significantly suppressed by short‐term cyclosporin A exposure in human gingival fibroblasts. Although this suppression may lead to decreased degradation of gingival connective tissue, a net increase in matrix proteins, and gingival overgrowth, the effects of cyclosporin A need to be more elucidated, considering the long‐term use for patients following organ transplantation.Objective:  The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of clinically relevant doses of cyclosporin A on cultured human gingival fibroblasts. We evaluated the effects of long‐term cyclosporin A exposure on cell proliferation, mRNA expression of various proteases and both cathepsin‐B and ‐L activity in human gingival fibroblasts.Materials and Methods:  Human gingival fibroblasts were isolated from three donors' healthy gingiva and cultured from five to eight passages with or without 200 ng/ml of cyclosporin A. Proliferative activity of cyclosporin A‐treated cells was examined using MTT assay. Total RNA and cellular proteins were collected for semi‐quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis and for measurement of the cathepsin‐B and ‐L activity.Results:  Long‐term cyclosporin A exposure had no effects on cell proliferation. Accumulation of cathepsin‐B, ‐H and ‐L mRNA was markedly suppressed by long‐term cyclosporin A exposure, whereas accumulation of another lysosomal enzyme N‐acetyl‐β‐d‐glucosaminidase mRNA, which is involved in remodeling of gingival epithelium, was not apparently impaired in cyclosporin A‐treated cells. Accumulation of matrix metalloprotease‐1 (MMP‐1) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloprotease‐1 (TIMP‐1) mRNA, which are involved in remodeling of extracellular matrix, also was not impaired. In addition, we demonstrated that long‐term cyclosporin A exposure significantly suppressed not only the activity of the active form of cathepsin‐(B + L) compared to the activity in non‐treated cells (p = 0.0458), but also the activity of the active form of cathepsin‐B (p < 0.0001) in human gingival fibroblasts.Conclusion:  The decreased ability of protein degradation by not only cathepsin‐L but also cathepsin‐B is, at least, one of the several factors developing the cyclosporin A‐induced gingival overgrowth.
Fluorescence spectroscopy of dental calculus
Authors: Buchalla W. , Lennon Á. M. , Attin T. 
Published: August 2004

Background:  Correct diagnosis of the presence and extent of subgingival calculus is important for periodontal treatment planning and reassessment after periodontal therapy. Traditional tactile methods often lack sensitivity. The present investigation shall contribute to understanding the fundamental fluorescence properties that may be useful for optical detection of both supra‐ and subgingival calculus.Objectives:  The aim of this study was to investigate emission spectra from supra‐ and subgingival calculus under a wide range of excitation wavelengths.Methods and Results:  Extracted human molars with either supragingival or subgingival calculus deposits on the root surface were selected (n = 3 each). Emission spectra were recorded from the calculus of each tooth and corresponding areas of clean root surfaces using a fluorescence spectrophotometer at excitation wavelengths from 360 nm up to 580 nm in steps of 20 nm. The spectra were corrected for the wavelength dependent instrument sensitivity and normalized to peak intensity (the highest peak was set at 1.0). Emission spectra of calculus exhibited distinct fluorescence bands between 570 and 730 nm not present in clean root surfaces. This fluorescence emission was strongest for excitation wavelengths from 400 to 420 nm. No differences were observed between supra‐ and subgingival calculus.Conclusions:  Human dental calculus can clearly be differentiated from clean root surfaces by emission spectrophotometry. The characteristic fluorescence emission of supra‐ and subgingival calculus may be due to a variety of porphyrin derivatives and may provide the basis for future diagnostic procedures.
Chlorhexidine induces DNA damage in rat peripheral leukocytes and oral mucosal cells
Authors: Ribeiro Daniel Araki , Bazo Ana Paula , Da Silva Franchi Carla Adriene , Marques Mariângela Esther Alencar , Salvadori Daisy Maria Favero 
Published: August 2004

Objective:  Chlorhexidine digluconate is widely used in dental practice for decreasing plaque control, controlling gingivitis and disinfecting root canals. However, the undesirable effects of chlorhexidine digluconate regarding its genotoxicity are conflicting in the literature. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the genotoxicity of chlorhexidine digluconate in rat peripheral blood and oral mucosal cells by the single cell gel (comet) assay and micronucleus assay.Methods:  Thirty male Wistar rats were distributed into three groups: negative control; experimental group orally treated with 0.5 ml of 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate, twice daily, during 8 days; and positive control, which received 4‐nitroquinoline 1‐oxide at 0.5 g/l by drinking water.Results:  A statistically significant increase of DNA damage was observed in leukocytes and oral mucosal cells of the chlorhexidine digluconate treated group, as assessed by the comet assay. However, no increase of micronucleated cells was detected in reticulocytes from peripheral blood cells.Conclusions:  Taken together, the data indicate that chlorhexidine digluconate is able to induce primary DNA damage in leukocytes and in oral mucosal cells, but no chromosome breakage or loss in erythrocytes.
Labor Keeps the Democratic Party Accountable
Authors: Solis Hilda , Ness Immanuel 
Published: August 2004

In the Democratic Party primary on March 7, 2000, California State Representative Hilda Solis defeated Democratic Representative Matthew “Marty” Martinez, an eighteen‐year incumbent from Alhambra, to become the only challenger to defeat an incumbent in the Democratic primary elections on Super Tuesday. The Thirty‐first Congressional District of California is a working‐class and recent‐immigrant suburban region extending through the San Gabriel Valley, in Los Angeles's suburbs. Solis's victory represents a stunning reversal in conventional Democratic Party politics. The party, backed by labor unions, decided not to endorse the incumbent politician, who was seen by labor groups as paying lip service to them but not supporting their interests in the House of Representatives. Though unions in the past had concentrated on mobilizing support in the urban districts of the state, Solis's victory was one of the first that was accomplished with concerted labor backing in the suburbs.This victory reflects, in part, the revitalization of organized labor in California, where union membership increased by nearly 100,000 in 1999. The victory was achieved with the strong backing of organized labor, which argued that Martinez, the incumbent, took labor for granted and neglected the interests of workers in the district. Though Martinez supported some issues important to organized labor, union leaders considered him ineffective in advancing their interests. In this interview, Solis comments on the road to electoral victory.
Reviews
Authors: Reese Ellen , Lynd Staughton , Doyle Kevin 
Published: August 2004

Welfare Racism: Playing the Race Card Against America's Poor.By KennethJ. Neubeck andNoelA. Cazenave.After Capitalism: From Managerialism to Workplace Democracy.By SeymourMelman.Unions and Legitimacy.By GaryChaison andBarbaraBigelow.
ITERATED KLEINIAN EQUATIONS
Authors: BOLLINI C. G. , ROCCA M. C. 
Published: August 2004

A higher order field has different forms of excitation. Some of them have negative energies. The signs of the quantization rules depend on the signs of the energies. An abnormal sign implies a negative sign of the residue at the on-shell pole of the propagator, leading to a clash with unitarity. To change these signs we can change the identification of the creation and annihilation operators. But then the energy has no lower bound. The way out is found by adopting a symmetric vacuum state. The corresponding propagator is a half retarded and half advanced Green function. It has a zero residue at the on-shell pole. There is no associated free particle. The abnormal modes act only as mediators of interactions.
Rate of False-Positive Results for Threshold Shifts during Initial Treatment with Aminoglycosides
Authors: Schmuziger Nicolas , Gürtler Nicolas , Jungi Manuel , Gratwohl Alois , Probst Rudolf 
Published: August 2004

Specific recommendations from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (1994) exist for the audiometric surveillance of patients receiving aminoglycoside therapy. However, these recommendations are not based primarily on test-retest repeatability in often seriously ill patients. The probability of ototoxicity is very low during the first three days of aminoglycoside therapy, and significant threshold shifts can be assumed to represent a false-positive result. Baseline thresholds were measured in 28 patients before or not later than 24 h after the beginning of aminoglycoside therapy. These measurements were repeated in 22 patients during the first three days of the drug administration. Three out of 22 patients fulfilled the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (1994) criteria for cochleotoxicity making up a false-positive rate of 13%. In actual patients, the false-positive rate of audiometric surveillance during ototoxic drug administration may be substantially higher than in healthy subjects when these criteria are used.
Ultrasonically Activated Scalpel Compared with Electrocautery in Tonsillectomy
Authors: Schrey Aleksi , Pulkkinen Jaakko , Fremling Christian , Kinnunen Ilpo 
Published: August 2004

The occurrence of postoperative bleeding, the quantity of operative bleeding and the duration of operation were retrospectively evaluated in 407 patients who underwent tonsillectomy within a 32-month period. They were operated on with either an ultrasonically activated scalpel (UAS), bipolar diathermy (BPD) or blunt dissection with monopolar diathermy (MPD) with the following results. (1) Primary bleeding was more common with MPD: MPD 7.1% vs. BPD 2.4% (p < 0.01) vs. UAS 1.0% (p<i> < </i>0.001). Secondary bleeding was more common with UAS: UAS 19.6% vs. MPD 14.5% (p < 0.001) vs. BPD 14.5% (p < 0.01). There was no statistical significance in the differences between overall postoperative bleeding rates. (2) There was statistically significantly less operative bleeding with UAS:<i></i>UAS 24.8 ml vs. MPD 58.7 ml vs. BPD 43.8 ml. (3) On the other hand, the operation time was on average longer with UAS: UAS 32.3 min vs. MPD 18.4 min vs. BPD 22.1 min. Our results suggest that UAS offers no significant advantage over MPD or BPD in tonsillectomy other than minimal operative bleeding possibly due to longer duration of operation.
Splenic Norepinephrine and Serum Corticosterone Level Fluctuations Associated with Bacteria-Induced Stress
Authors: Kim Dongsoo , Seegal Richard F. , Lawrence David A. 
Published: August 2004

Corticosterone (CORT) and norepinephrine (NE), two effector molecules of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and the sympathetic-lymphoid (SL) axes, respectively, differentially influence murine host resistance to <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i> (LM). Serum CORT and splenic NE levels early (≤24 h) after infection correlated positively with host resistance, as long as the LM burden did not exceed approximately 10<sup>6</sup> cfu LM per spleen. As previously reported, mice with right-circling preference (R-mice) have significantly greater host resistance to LM than those with left-circling preference (L-mice) and early after infection, R-mice had significantly higher serum CORT levels than L-mice. However, rapid pathogenesis with a high bacterial burden induced high activation of the HPA and SL axes, which prevented observable differences in the defense against LM, especially later in infection. With the high bacterial inoculum (10<sup>5</sup> LM), the splenic NE levels significantly increased, but no differences among R- and L-mice were discernible. We suggest that endogenous asymmetry of neuroimmune circuits contributes to differential host resistance, but the level of stress (bacterial inoculum) is critical. With regard to the neuroendocrine factors assessed, CORT, but not NE, levels significantly correlated with the enhanced defenses of R-mice in comparison to L-mice. The differential host resistance based on brain laterality seems to be more a function of the HPA axis and possibly other CNS effects on peripheral immunity than neurotransmitter release by the sympathetic innervation of the spleen.
Somatostatin and Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Inhibit Interleukin-1β-Stimulated Release of Interleukin-6 from Rat C6 Glioma Cells
Authors: Spangelo Bryan L. , Horrell Scott , Goodwin Amy L. , Shroff Sachin , Jarvis W. David 
Published: August 2004

<i>Objective:</i> We investigated the ability of inhibitory neurotransmitters to alter the interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-stimulated release of interleukin-6 (IL-6) from cultured glial tumor cells. <i>Methods:</i> C6 rat glioblastoma cells were exposed to either IL-1β or its putative second messenger lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) in the absence or presence of the inhibitory neurotransmitters somatostatin (SRIF) or γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Alternatively, C6 cells were pretreated with selective inhibitors of JNK or p38 and then exposed to either IL-1β or LPC to determine the relative involvement of these terminal stress kinases in the stimulation of IL-6 release. <i>Results:</i> IL-1β promoted the release of IL-6 with a maximally effective concentration of 25 ng/ml. Both SRIF-14 and SRIF-28 comparably suppressed stimulated IL-6 release with an ED<sub>50</sub> of ∼50 n<i>M</i>. GABA also prevented IL-1β-driven IL-6 release (ED<sub>50</sub> = 100 µ<i>M</i>). IL-1β and LPC synergistically enhanced release of IL-6 in the presence of the β-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol (ISO); these effects were largely reversed by SRIF or GABA. The pyridinylimidazole inhibitor of p38, SB-203580, completely blocked stimulation of IL-6 release by IL-1β or LPC; conversely, the anthrapyrazolone JNK inhibitor, SP-600125, was ineffective in modifying stimulated IL-6 release. <i>Conclusions: </i>The effects of IL-1β and LPC on IL-6 release from glioma cells are effectively antagonized by the inhibitory neurotransmitters SRIF and GABA. On the basis of correlative studies, we propose that the ability of inhibitory transmitters such as SRIF and GABA to counter the induction of IL-6 release may entail suppression of p38 activity.
A Phase II Study of Irinotecan Alternated with a Weekly Schedule of Oxaliplatin, High-Dose Leucovorin and 48-Hour Infusion 5-Fluorouracil in Patients with Advanced Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Rosati Gerardo , Tucci Aniello , Rinaldi Antonio , Colarusso Diodoro , Pizza Carmine , Reggiardo Giorgio , Manzione Luigi 
Published: August 2004

<i>Objectives:</i> To evaluate the safety and efficacy of irinotecan (CPT-11) alternated with a weekly treatment for 4 weeks of oxaliplatin (L-OHP), high-dose leucovorin (LV) and a 48-hour 5-fluorouracil infusion (5-FU<sub>48h</sub>) as first-line chemotherapy for patients with advanced colorectal cancer (ACC). <i>Patients and Methods:</i> Previously untreated patients with ACC received chemotherapy consisting of a weekly treatment for 4 weeks of L-OHP (65 mg/m<sup>2</sup>), high-dose LV (150 mg/m<sup>2</sup>) followed by a 5-FU<sub>48h</sub> infusion (2,300 or 1,800 mg/m<sup>2</sup>) alternated with CPT-11 (350 mg/m<sup>2</sup>). A cycle was to be performed every 8 weeks. Treatment was continued up to tolerance, disease progression or patient refusal. Forty consecutive patients with measurable ACC, aged 26–70, performance status ≤2, entered our study. <i>Results:</i> Six complete and 17 partial responses were observed (overall response rate, 57.5%; 95% confidence interval, CI: 38.8–71.1%); an additional 35% of the patients had stable disease. The median duration of response was 10.9 months (range, 6.5–30+ months). The median time to progression and the median overall survival time were 11.4 (95% CI: 10.4–12.3) and 20.3 (95% CI: 16.4–23.7) months, respectively. At the median follow-up period of 24 months, 17 patients (42.5%) are still alive. After a median number of 4 cycles, one toxic death occurred. The incidence of grade 3–4 toxicity per patient in any cycle was: stomatitis 7.5%, nausea/vomiting 2.5% and diarrhea 45% for the infusional part, neutropenia 37.5%, anemia 2.5%, thrombocytopenia 5%, alopecia 5% and diarrhea 10% for the CPT-11 part of the regimen. Gastrointestinal toxicity was different according to the dose of 5-FU. Serious adverse events occurred most frequently when 5-FU was given at a dose of 2,300 mg/m<sup>2</sup> with a high incidence of grade 3–4 diarrhea (72.2%) and stomatitis (16.6%), and led to dose reduction of 5-FU in 13 of 18 patients (72.2%). For 22 patients who started 5-FU at a dose of 1,800 mg/m<sup>2</sup>, a dose reduction of 5-FU was necessary only 5 times (22.7%). No patient discontinued treatment because of severe neurotoxicity. <i>Conclusions:</i> The activity of our alternating regimen of L-OHP/LV/5-FU<sub>48h</sub> and CPT-11 for not previously treated ACC patients is counterbalanced by a high toxicity and a inconvenient schedule.
A Method for Mapping the Distribution Pattern of Cariogenic Streptococci within Dental Plaque in vivo
Authors: Kato K. , Sato T. , Takahashi N. , Fukui K. , Yamamoto K. , Nakagaki H. 
Published: August 2004

This study was carried out to develop a method for mapping the distribution of cariogenic oral streptococci, <i>Streptococcus mutans</i> and <i>Streptococcus sobrinus</i>, from the outermost to the innermost plaque. Ten consenting subjects were asked to form plaque by abstaining from tooth brushing over 3 days within in situ plaque-generating devices, which were placed on the upper molars. The plaque formed in the devices was separated into 8–10 layered fractions (100 µm thick). Genomic DNA was extracted from each plaque fraction by a commercial DNA purification kit and used for the amplification of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with universal primers. The products were then amplified by PCR with <i>S. mutans</i>- or <i>S. sobrinus</i>-specific nested primers. The final products were separated on agarose gels, stained and photographed to confirm the existence of <i>S. mutans</i> and <i>S. sobrinus</i>. The results showed that <i>S. mutans</i> was detected in the plaque obtained from all of the 10 subjects and <i>S. sobrinus</i> in the plaque of 7 subjects. However, the distribution patterns of fractions positive for <i>S. mutans</i> and <i>S. sobrinus</i> varied among the subjects, with a tendency for frequent detection of both species in the outer to middle layers of dental plaque. There were no plaque fractions in which only <i>S. sobrinus</i> was found. This method could be useful to map the distribution of cariogenic microorganisms and to estimate the bacterial ecology for oral biofilm.
Long-Term Oxygen Therapy Stops the Natural Decline of Endurance in COPD Patients with Reversible Hypercapnia
Authors: Haidl P. , Clement C. , Wiese C. , Dellweg D. , Köhler D. 
Published: August 2004

<i>Background:</i> Respiratory muscle weakness is one of the most important causes of hypercapnia in patients with COPD. There is evidence that stable hypercapnic patients will benefit from long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT). <i>Objectives:</i> The prognostic role of reversible hypercapnia in COPD is still unclear. Early implementation of LTOT in these patients may influence endurance time and mortality. <i>Methods:</i> In this pilot study, we investigated 28 patients (26 males, 49–74 years) with COPD, advanced airflow limitation [forced expiratory volume in 1 s (percentage of predicted value) 40.8 ± 10.2] and mild hypoxaemia (pO<sub>2</sub> 66.5 ± 6.3 mm Hg). All patients had developed a moderate reversible hypercapnia during an acute exacerbation or during exercise testing (peak pCO<sub>2</sub> 48.0 ± 2.5 mm Hg). Patients were allocated randomly to a control group (n = 14) or an LTOT group (n = 14). The two groups were well matched in terms of physiological data. Lung function, endurance time (cycle ergometer), dyspnoea score, blood gases and LTOT compliance were measured at baseline and every 6 months over a period of 3 years. <i>Results:</i> Endurance time increased from 6.4 ± 2.7 min at baseline to 7.1 ± 2.7 min after 1 year in the LTOT group and decreased from 6.1 ± 3.0 to 4.9 ± 3.8 min in the controls (p < 0.05). After 1 year, the end-exercise dyspnoea score was significantly lower in the LTOT group (4.5 ± 1.5) than in the controls (5.7 ± 1.9). <i>Conclusion:</i> COPD patients with reversible hypercapnia and mild hypoxaemia benefit from LTOT in terms of endurance time and a reduction of exertional dyspnoea after 1 year.
Hemodynamic Effects of Endobronchial Application of Ornipressin versus Terlipressin
Authors: Tüller Claudia , Tüller David , Tamm Michael , Brutsche Martin H. 
Published: August 2004

<i>Background:</i> Ornipressin and terlipressin, two ADH-derivates, are instilled endobronchially for bronchoscopy- related bleeding without sufficient evidence of efficacy, nor safety. <i>Objectives:</i> To compare the immediate hemodynamic effects of ornipressin and terlipressin used for procedure-related bleeding during flexible bronchoscopy. <i>Methods:</i> This retrospective study included patients referred for flexible bronchoscopy who needed administration of ornipressin (15 patients) or terlipressin (15 patients) for procedure-related bleeding. Endobronchial ornipressin (5 IU) or terlipressin (0.5 mg) was administered through the bronchoscope when bleeding persisted for 2 min of continuous suction, or when bleeding was considered increasing in time or major. Hemodynamic data were collected before, during and after administration of either drug. <i>Results:</i> Biopsy-associated hemoptysis requiring medical treatment occurred in 110 (4.2%) of 2,592 bronchoscopies. After administration of ornipressin, no significant change in heart rate or blood pressure was observed. Following terlipressin instillation, heart rate increased from 93 ± 17 to 101 ± 22 b.p.m. (p = 0.03), and blood pressure decreased from 107 ± 14 to 101 ± 17 mm Hg (p = 0.04). Oxygen saturation under supplemental nasal oxygen was not different in both groups. None of the 110 patients died from bronchoscopy-related hemoptysis or needed further intervention to stop bleeding or prolonged monitoring because of hemodynamic instability. <i>Conclusions:</i> In contrast to ornipressin, administration of terlipressin is associated with significant changes in heart rate and blood pressure. However, these changes are of minor clinical importance, and terlipressin can be safely given for bronchoscopy-associated bleeding.