bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CD46-Independent Binding of Neisserial Type IV Pili and the Major Pilus Adhesin, PilC, to Human Epithelial Cells
Authors: Kirchner Marieluise , Heuer Dagmar , Meyer Thomas F. 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACT

Neisseria gonorrhoeae
is a gram-negative bacterial pathogen which infects the human mucosal epithelium. An early critical event in neisserial infection is the type IV pilus-mediated adherence to the host cell. The PilC protein, located on the pilus tip, has earlier been identified as the major pilus adhesin. Previous studies suggested that the cell surface protein CD46 is a pilus receptor for
Neisseria
. We investigated the role of CD46 in pilus-mediated gonococcal infection of epithelial cells. Differences in binding efficiencies of piliated gonococci as well as purified pilus adhesin PilC2 on human epithelial cell lines did not correlate to the level of surface-expressed CD46. Additionally, no binding of piliated gonococci or PilC2 protein was observed on CD46-transfected CHO and MDCK cells. Furthermore, specific down-regulation of CD46 expression in human epithelial cell lines by RNA interference did not alter the binding efficiency of piliated gonococci or purified PilC2 protein, although other CD46-dependent processes, such as measles virus infection and C3b cleavage, were significantly reduced. These data support the notion that pilus-mediated gonococcal infection of epithelial cells can occur in a CD46-independent manner, thus questioning the function of CD46 as an essential pilus receptor for pathogenic neisseriae.
Construction and Characterization of
Listeria monocytogenes
Mutants with In-Frame Deletions in the Response Regulator Genes Identified in the Genome Sequence
Authors: Williams Tatjana , Bauer Susanne , Beier Dagmar , Kuhn Michael 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACT

Two-component systems are widely distributed in prokaryotes where they control gene expression in response to diverse stimuli. To study the role of the sixteen putative two-component systems of
Listeria monocytogenes
systematically, in frame deletions were introduced into 15 out of the 16 response regulator genes and the resulting mutants were characterized. With one exception the deletion of the individual response regulator genes has only minor effects on in vitro and in vivo growth of the bacteria. The mutant carrying a deletion in the ortholog of the
Bacillus subtilis
response regulator gene
degU
showed a clearly reduced virulence in mice, indicating that DegU is involved in the regulation of virulence-associated genes.
The Effect of Infection-Control Barriers on the Light Intensity of Light-Cure Units and Depth of Cure of Composite
Authors: Hodson Nicholas A , Dunne Stephen M , Pankhurst Caroline L 
Published: April 2005

Aim Dental curing lights are vulnerable to contamination with oral fluids during routine intra-oral use. This controlled study aimed to evaluate whether or not disposable transparent barriers placed over the light-guide tip would affect light output intensity or the subsequent depth of cure of a composite restoration. Methods The impact on light intensity emitted from high-, medium- and low-output light-cure units in the presence of two commercially available disposable infection-control barriers was evaluated against a no-barrier control. Power density measurements from the three intensity light-cure units were recorded with a radiometer, then converted to a digital image using an intra-oral camera and values determined using a commercial computer program. For each curing unit, the measurements were repeated on ten separate occasions with each barrier and the control. Depth of cure was evaluated using a scrape test in a natural tooth model. Results At each level of light output, the two disposable barriers produced a significant reduction in the mean power density readings compared to the no-barrier control (P<0.005). The cure sleeve inhibited light output to a greater extent than either the cling film or the control (P<0.005). Only composite restorations light-activated by the high level unit demonstrated a small but significant decrease in the depth of cure compared to the control (P<0.05). Conclusion Placing disposable barriers over the light-guide tip reduced the light intensity from all three curing lights. There was no impact on depth of cure except for the high-output light, where a small decrease in cure depth was noted but this was not considered clinically significant. Disposable barriers can be recommended for use with light-cure lights.
Increased SH2-Bβ content and membrane association in transgenic mice overexpressing GH
Authors: Miquet J G , Sotelo A I , Bartke A , Turyn D 
Published: April 2005

Transgenic mice overexpressing GH present a marked GH signaling desensitization, reflected by low basal phosphorylation levels of the tyrosine kinase JAK2, and signal transducer and activator of transcription-5 (STAT5) and a lack of response of these proteins to a high GH dose. To evaluate the mechanisms involved in the regulation of JAK2 activity by high GH levels in vivo, the content and subcellular distribution of SH2-Bβ were studied in GH-overexpressing transgenic mice. SH2-B is a member of a conserved family of adapter proteins characterized by the presence of a C-terminal SH2 domain, a central pleckstrin homology (PH) domain, and an N-terminal proline rich region. The isoform SH2-Bβ modulates JAK2 activity by binding to the phosphorylated enzyme, further increasing its activity. However, it may also interact with non-phosphorylated inactive JAK2 via lower affinity binding sites, preventing abnormal activation of the kinase. SH2-Bβ may also function as an adapter protein, acting as a GH signaling mediator.
We now report that, in an animal model of GH excess in which JAK2 is not phosphorylated, although it is increased in the membrane-fraction, both the level of SH2-Bβ, and especially its association to membranes, are augmented (67% and 13-fold vs normal mice values respectively), suggesting SH2-Bβ could modulate JAK2 activity in vivo.
Radiographic Evaluation of Dental Implants Placed Using an Osteotome Technique
Authors: Leblebicioglu B. , Ersanli S. , Karabuda C. , Tosun T. , Gokdeniz H. 
Published: April 2005

Background: The osteotome technique has been successfully used for implant placement when a limited vertical height is available at posterior maxilla. However, it is not clear if new bone is formed at the apical portion of the implant placed by this technique without any bone graft. The aim of this study was to radiographically evaluate bone formation around dental implant surfaces exposed to the space created at the sinus floor without the presence of any graft material.Methods: Forty patients (21 male, 19 female; mean age 46.7 years) who received a total of 75 dental implants together with indirect sinus lifting procedure were included. Initial and 6‐month postoperative panoramic films were scanned and analyzed using a commercially available software program. Implants were divided into two groups: initial alveolar bone height <9 mm or ≥9 mm. This helped determine the effect of available bone and exposed implant surface on bone formation in a system where the shortest implant was 8 mm.Results: The mean implant length placed at locations with <9 mm initial bone height (mean 7 ± 1.3 mm, N = 29 implants) was 11 ± 1.7 mm; gain in bone height was 3.9 ± 1.9 mm. At locations where minimum bone height was 9 mm (mean 10.4 ± 0.7 mm), 44 implants were placed with a 13.5 ± 1.06 mm mean length. Mean gain in bone height was 2.9 ± 1.2 mm at these sites. Two implants were lost at stage 2 surgery. The success rate after 25 months of loading was 97.3%.Conclusions: It is possible to radiographically observe a gain of approximately 3 to 4 mm of bone from the sinus floor to the implant apex. The amount of initial alveolar bone height, presence of sinus membrane perforation, and the amount of exposed implant surface appear to play a role in the presence or absence of radiopacity within the elevated sinus floor, following 6 months of healing. J Periodontol 2005;76:385‐390.
Histologic Evaluation of Three Methods of Periodontal Root Surface Treatment in Humans
Authors: Crespi Roberto , Barone Antonio , Covani Ugo 
Published: April 2005

Background: Removing subgingival plaque and calculus is a major goal of periodontal treatment. Few attempts have been made to evaluate the use of lasers for root surface debridement in periodontal therapy. The aim of the present study was to compare, histologically, the effects of hand instrumentation, ultrasonic instrumentation, and CO2 lasers on the root surfaces of teeth treated in situ.Methods: A total of 33 teeth scheduled for extraction due to severe periodontal disease were divided into three groups. In the first group, teeth were treated by ultrasonic bactericidal curettage (UBC) with an ultrasonic scaler; in the second group, teeth were treated by hand instrumentation; and in the third group, after hand instrumentation, roots were lased by a CO2 laser. The samples were then processed for histological examination.Results: In the first and second groups, plaque and calculus were present in interradicular septa, lacunae, and surface concavities. In the third group, surfaces of specimens treated by a low‐power defocused CO2 laser showed areas devoid of cementum, with completely sealed dentinal tubules, and no bacterial cell remnants.Conclusions: The CO2 laser treatment, used at low power and in the defocused mode, combined with traditional mechanical instrumentation, could improve root surface debridement of periodontally involved teeth. More extensive, long‐term studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis. J Periodontol 2005;76: 476‐481.
A Novel Mutation of the Cathepsin C Gene in a Thai Family With Papillon‐Lefèvre Syndrome
Authors: Nitta Hiroshi , Wara‐aswapati Nawarat , Lertsirivorakul Jinda , Nakamura Tsutomu , Yamamoto Matsuo , Izumi Yuichi , Nakamura Toshiaki , Ishikawa Isao 
Published: April 2005

Background: Papillon‐Lefèvre syndrome (PLS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by palmar‐ plantar hyperkeratosis and rapid periodontal destruction of both primary and permanent dentitions. It has been shown that the disease is caused by cathepsin C gene (CTSC) mutation leading to the deficiency of cathepsin C enzymatic activity. This study demonstrates the clinical manifestations and CTSC mutational and enzymatic activity analyses in a 5‐year‐old Thai male PLS patient and his parents.Methods: Peripheral blood samples were obtained for genomic DNA isolation. All exons of the CTSC gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers. Mutations were identified by DNA sequencing. Verification of the mutation was performed by digestion of PCR products by restriction endonucleases. The cathepsin C enzymatic activity was determined using the synthetic substrate glycyl‐ L‐arginine‐7‐amino‐4‐methylcoumarin.Results: The patient demonstrated classical characteristics of PLS, including hyperkeratotic skin lesions. By the age of 5, all of his primary teeth were extracted due to severe periodontal infection. The parents had no physical abnormalities. The periodontal examination revealed localized mild periodontal destruction. Sequence analysis showed a nucleotide change at position 90 from C >A (c.90C >A) which resulted in a change from cysteine residue to a premature stop codon at the amino acid position 30 in the exon 1. The HpyCH4V digestion revealed that the patient was homozygous, whereas both the father and mother were heterozygous carriers of this mutation. The cathepsin C activity was reduced in the patient's mother, and the activity in the patient was almost completely lost.Conclusions: This is the first study to demonstrate a CTSC gene mutation in a Thai family with PLS. The identified mutation is novel and potentially leads to the drastic reduction of the cathepsin C enzymatic activity. This suggests that the mutation is pathogenetic, causing the PLS. Mutational analysis in more members of the family is warranted to identify whether the mutation is inherited from a common ancestor. J Periodontol 2005;76:492‐496.
Regulating the Layered Stacking of a Covalent Triazine Framework Membrane for Aromatic/Aliphatic Separation
Authors: Liu Cuijing , Hou Junjun , Yan Mingzheng , Zhang Jianqi , Gebrekiros Alemayehu Haftu , Zheng Wei , Liu Pengchao , Tang Zhiyong , Li Lianshan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMembrane separation of aromatics and aliphatics is a crucial requirement in chemical and petroleum industries. However, this task presents a significant challenge due to the lack of membrane materials that can endure harsh solvents, exhibit molecular specificity, and facilitate easy processing. Herein, we present a novel approach to fabricate a covalent triazine framework (CTF) membrane by employing a mix‐monomer strategy. By incorporating a spatial monomer alongside a planar monomer, we were able to subtly modulate both the pore aperture and membrane affinity, enabling preferential permeation of aromatics over aliphatics with molecular weight below 200 Dalton (Da). Consequently, we achieved successful all‐liquid phase separation of aromatic/aliphatic mixtures. Our investigation revealed that the synergistic effects of size sieving and the affinity between the permeating molecules and the membrane played a pivotal role in separating these closely resembling species. Furthermore, the membrane exhibited remarkable robustness under practical operating conditions, including prolonged operation time, various feed compositions, different applied pressure, and multiple feed components. This versatile strategy offers a feasible approach to fabricate membranes with molecule selectivity toward aromatic/aliphatic mixtures, taking a significant step forward in addressing the grand challenge of separating small organic molecules through membrane technology.
Enhanced Charge Transfer Process and Photocatalytic Activity over a Phosphonate‐based MOF via Amorphization Strategy
Authors: Zhang Honggang , Liu Shaozhi , Zheng Aili , Wang Peng , Zheng Zhaoke , Wang Zeyan , Cheng Hefeng , Dai Ying , Huang Baibiao , Liu Yuanyuan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractRecently, amorphous materials have gained great attention as an emerging kind of functional material, and their characteristics such as isotropy, absence of grain boundaries, and abundant defects are very likely to outrun the disadvantages of crystalline counterparts, such as low conductivity, and ultimately lead to improved charge transfer efficiency. Herein, we investigated the effect of amorphization on the charge transfer process and photocatalytic performance with a phosphonate‐based metal–organic framework (FePPA) as the research object. Comprehensive experimental results suggest that compared to crystalline FePPA, amorphous FePPA has more distorted metal nodes, which affects the electron distribution and consequently improves the photogenerated charge separation efficiency. Meanwhile, the distorted metal nodes in amorphous FePPA also greatly promote the adsorption and activation of O2. Hence, amorphous FePPA exhibits a better performance of photocatalytic C(sp3)−H bond activation for selective oxidation of toluene to benzaldehyde. This work illustrates the advantages of amorphous MOFs in the charge transfer process, which is conducive to the further development of high performance MOFs‐based photocatalysts.
Characterization of flexural and compressive behavior in polylactic acid composites for low‐cost transtibial prosthetic applications: Influence of reinforcements
Authors: Tyagi Bobby , Dixit Khushboo , Sahai Ankit , Sharma Rahul Swarup 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLoss of a lower limb leads to immobility, necessitating the use of prosthetic foot and socket as substitutes for lost limbs. However, the production of these prosthetic devices poses challenges due to the wide array of printing settings, materials, and post‐processing techniques involved. The objectives of this study were to examine the compression and flexural behavior of polylactic acid reinforced with carbon fiber fabricated via fused filament fabrication (FFF) and to investigate the effects of process constraints, namely nozzle hole diameter (0.20, 0.40, and 0.60 mm) and internal filling pattern (rectilinear, honeycomb, and triangle). The study employed compression and flexural tests, along with the analysis of failure morphology, on build samples. The resulting data were analyzed using Taguchi ANOVA and response surface methodology (RSM) to determine how compression and flexural behavior vary with the specified process constraints. The research findings demonstrate that the prosthetic socket and foot prosthesis created using FFF exhibit superior flexural and compressive behavior and strength, respectively. These results signify the potential for cost reduction in the production of prosthetic devices. The significance of these results lies in the improvement of prosthetic device production, enabling enhanced mobility and independence for amputees.
Antiproliferative in Vitro Evaluation of Terpenic Amines Synthesized via a Rhodium‐catalyzed Hydroaminomethylation
Authors: Pérez Alonso Alejandro , Gibot Laure , Favier Isabelle , Pham Minh Doan , Gómez Montserrat , Pla Daniel 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTerpene‐derived alkaloids show a variety of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial and cytotoxicity effects. In this work, homologated monoterpene amines have been prepared via a rhodium‐catalyzed hydroaminomethylation of biomass‐based alkenes, such as (R)‐limonene, linalool, myrcene and camphene, in combination with secondary amines of aliphatic and aromatic nature, namely morpholine and N‐methylaniline, leading to highly chemo‐ and regioselective processes. The as‐prepared amines were obtained in 50–99 % overall yields, and in vitro tested on a human colon cancer cell line (HCT‐116) to evaluate their cytotoxic potential. The lead compound of the series (3 a) showed cytotoxicity in the micromolar range (IC50 52.46 μM) via the induction of cell death by apoptosis, paving the way towards further structure‐activity relationship studies.
Minimally invasive procedures for right side infective endocarditis: A targeted literature review
Authors: Wang Weijia , Itagaki Shinobu , Egorova Natalia 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionRight‐side infective endocarditis (RSIE) is caused by microorganisms and develops into intracardiac and extracardiac complications with high in‐hospital and 1‐year mortality. Treatments involve antibiotic and surgical intervention. However, those presenting with extremes e.g. heart failure, or septic shock who are not ideal candidates for conventional medical therapy might benefit from minimally invasive procedures.ObjectiveThis review summarizes existing observational studies that reported minimally invasive procedures to debulk vegetation due to infective endocarditis either on valve or cardiac implantable electronic devices.MethodsA targeted literature review was conducted to identify studies published in PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Database from January 1, 2015 to June 5, 2023. The efficacy and/or effectiveness of minimally invasive procedural interventions to debulk vegetation due to RSIE were summarized following PRISMA guidelines.ResultsA total of 11 studies with 208 RSIE patients were included. There were 9 studies that assessed the effectiveness of the AngioVac system and 2 assessed the Penumbra system. Overall procedure success rate was 87.9%. Among 8 studies that reported index hospitalization, 4 studies reported no death, while the other 4 studies reported 10 deaths.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that multiple systems can provide minimally invasive procedure options for patients with RSIE with high procedural success. However, there are mixed results regarding complications and mortality rates. Further large cohort studies or randomized clinical trials are warranted to assess and/or compare the efficacy and safety of these systems.
Utility and optimal dose of nicorandil for physiological assessment of the femoropopliteal artery
Authors: Yoshioka Naoki , Shimada Takenobu , Iwasaki Yoshihiro , Yoshida Hisako , Otsuka Kenichiro , Yamazaki Takanori , Morita Yasuhiro , Nakamura Shigeru , Fukuda Daiju , Morishima Itsuro 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundNicorandil is widely used as a vasodilator for the physiological assessment of coronary arteries because of its usefulness and safety; however, there are no data on its use in peripheral arteries.AimsTo identify the utility of nicorandil and its appropriate dose for the physiological assessment on the femoropopliteal artery.MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled patients from three institutes in which physiological assessment was carried out with various doses of nicorandil before treatment. Twenty‐four femoropopliteal artery stenotic lesions from 22 patients were included. The nicorandil doses used were 2, 4, and 6 mg. Twenty‐two lesions were also assessed using 30 mg of papaverine. The pressure gradient (PG) and peripheral fractional flow reserve (pFFR) were calculated based on the mean and systolic pressure levels. We examined the correlation of each parameter with the peak systolic velocity ratio (PSVR) based on the duplex ultrasound images using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Systemic blood pressure was assessed for safety.ResultsThe correlations were higher for mean pressure‐based parameters than for systolic pressure‐based parameters. As the nicorandil dose increased, the correlations among PG, pFFR, and PSVR also increased (mean pressure‐based PG: 2 mg, r = 0.360; 4 mg, r = 0.498; 6 mg, r = 0.694, mean pressure‐based pFFR: 2 mg, r = −0.479; 4 mg, r = −0.469; 6 mg, r = −0.641). The blood pressure after the administration of 6 mg of nicorandil was low, and the median systemic mean pressure was 65 mmHg.ConclusionA 4 mg dose of nicorandil is effective and safe for the mean pressure‐based physiological assessment of lesions in the femoropopliteal artery.
Association of COVID 19 pneumonitis and acute mesenteric ischemia
Authors: Norman James , Mohamed Mohamed Siddig , Mohamed Hussam Khougali , Baig Mirza Khurrum 
Published: February 2024

Key Clinical MessageD. dimer could be useful as an indicator in diagnosis of mesenteric ischemia in COVID patients. A two staged damage control emergency laparotomy is of good benefits in such patients.AbstractBowel ischemia in COVID 19 patients is extremely rare condition results from migrating thrombus formed by a hypercoagulable inflammatory state that is frequently associated COVID 19 infection. A two staged damage control emergency laparotomy is of good benefits in general especially in those with active COVID 19 infection.