However, for many of the known structures, functions are not yet determined, and in many modelling tasks, an accurate structural model does not necessarily tell us about function. Thus, there see more is a pressing need for high-throughput methods for determining function from structure. The spatial arrangement of key amino acids in a folded protein, on the surface or buried in clefts, is often the

determinants of its biological function. A central aim of molecular biology is to understand the relationship between such substructures or surfaces and biological function, leading both to function prediction and to function design. We present a new general method for discovering the features of binding pockets that confer specificity for particular ligands. Using a recently developed machine-learning technique which couples the rule-discovery approach of inductive logic programming with the statistical learning power of support vector machines, we are A-1210477 able to discriminate, with high precision (90%) and recall (86%) between pockets that bind FAD and those that bind NAD on a large benchmark set given only the geometry and composition of the backbone of the binding pocket without the use of docking. In addition, we learn rules governing this specificity which can feed into protein functional design protocols. An analysis of the rules found suggests that key features of the binding

pocket may be tied to conformational freedom in the ligand. The representation is sufficiently general to be applicable to any discriminatory binding problem. All programs and data sets are freely available to non-commercial ASK1 users at http://www.sbg.bio.ic.ac.uk/svilp_ligand.”
“Purpose: We characterized continence, satisfaction and adverse events in women at least 5 years after Burch urethropexy or fascial sling with longitudinal followup of randomized clinical trial participants.

Materials and Methods: Of 655 women who participated in a randomized surgical trial comparing the efficacy of the Burch and sling treatments 482 (73.6%) enrolled in this long-term observational study. Urinary

continence status was assessed yearly for a minimum of 5 years postoperatively. Continence was defined as no urinary leakage on a 3-day voiding diary, and no self-reported stress incontinence symptoms and no stress incontinence surgical re-treatment.

Results: Incontinent participants were more likely to enroll in the followup study than continent patients (85.5% vs 52.2%) regardless of surgical group (p <0.0001). Overall the continence rates were lower in the Burch urethropexy group than in the fascial sling group (p = 0.002). The continence rates at 5 years were 24.1% (95% CI 18.5 to 29.7) vs 30.8% (95% CI 24.7 to 36.9), respectively. Satisfaction at 5 years was related to continence status and was higher in women undergoing sling surgery (83% vs 73%, p = 0.04). Satisfaction decreased with time (p = 0.001) and remained higher in the sling group (p = 0.03).

These data suggest that robotic technology may enable surgeons across practice settings to more frequently perform nephron sparing surgery.”
“In Chinese adolescents exposed to the Wenchuan earthquake, we used the Children’s Revised Impact of Event Scale (CRIES) as the screening tool, and Post-traumatic Cognitions Inventory (PTCI) and the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) were used to assess the cognitive status and their social supports, to evaluate the prevalence and the ATR inhibitor predictors variables of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after the Wenchuan earthquake in China, which occurred on 12 May 2008. Subjects with a CRIES score greater

than 30 were interviewed and assessed using the DSM-IV criteria for PTSD diagnosis by a trained psychiatrist with the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children Lifetime version (Kiddie-SADS-L). We found the overall prevalence of PTSD was 2.5% in 3208 adolescents from the surrounding areas of the epicentre 6 months after the earthquake. Risk factors for post-traumatic stress symptoms are as follows: being female, being buried/injured during the earthquake, having parents who were severely injured, having classmate(s) who died, having a house destroyed, and witnessing someone buried/wounded/dying during the earthquake. Individuals with better social support had significantly lower scores on the CRIES. There were significant differences

in cognitive style between individuals at low risk for PTSD (CRIES < 30) and those at high risk GSK461364 datasheet for PTSD (CRIES >= 30). Post-traumatic cognition emerged as an important factor that was associated with PTSD reactions in children. Social support can lessen the impact of a natural disaster by affecting post-traumatic cognition. (C) 2010 Published

by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.”
“Purpose: We report a comparative analysis of a large series of laparoscopic and robotic partial nephrectomies performed by a high volume single surgeon at a tertiary care institution.

Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of 500 patients treated with minimally invasive partial nephrectomy by a single surgeon between March 2002 and February 2012. Demographic and perioperative Methane monooxygenase data were collected and statistically analyzed. R.E.N.A.L. (radius, exophytic/endophytic properties, nearness of tumor to the collecting system or sinus in mm, anterior/posterior and location relative to polar lines) nephrometry score was used to score tumors. Those scored as moderate and high complexity were designated as complex. Trifecta was defined as a combination of warm ischemia time less than 25 minutes, negative surgical margins and no perioperative complications.

Results: Two groups were identified, including 261 patients with robotic and 231 with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Demographics were similar in the groups. The robotic group was significantly more morbid (Charlson comorbidity index 3.75 vs 1.

2005). However, whether or not that will assist these ventures in actually reaching the poorest of the poor still needs selleck inhibitor to be seen. As far as the institutional dimension of upscaling is concerned, it would be particularly useful to complement the type of analysis conducted here with an assessment at a higher analytical

level in order to explore the meaning and dynamics of ‘collective upscaling’ more comprehensively. A ‘meso-level’ investigation can reveal a more complete picture of pivotal institutional upscaling barriers faced by social entrepreneurs in the conduct of their sustainability experiments, and on the key factors that prevent different actors in an emerging ‘innovation system’ such as solar PV from acting in concert and achieving

the critical mass needed for effecting change in the institutional sphere. Interviews and literature study focused on individual entrepreneurial ventures as www.selleckchem.com/products/Vorinostat-saha.html conducted for the present paper miss out a substantial part of these issues, because their scope is restricted to the individual entrepreneur’s activities, strategies, and point of view. In this respect, the adoption of multilevel analytical frameworks (such as that used in SNM and some sectoral innovation systems approaches), which set an analysis of innovation dynamics at the level of individual experiments and emerging niches within a broader overarching socio-technical context, would be a useful step in this direction. Acknowledgments We would like to thank the two anonymous reviewers and the editors for their valuable feedback on earlier selleck chemicals llc versions of this paper. We also thank the interviewees for sharing their insights with us. This research was partly

funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) under the WOTRO Science for Global Development scheme. Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits any use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and the source are credited. References Alexander S (2009) Interview, 23 December 2009, Bangalore Alvord SH, Brown LD, Letts CW (2004) Social entrepreneurship and societal transformation: an exploratory study. J Appl Behav Sci 40(3):260–282CrossRef Arora S, Romijn HA (2011) The empty rhetoric of poverty reduction at the base of the pyramid. Organization. doi:10.​1177/​1350508411414294​ (in press) Ashoka, Hystra (2009) Access to energy for the base of the pyramid. http://​www.​ashoka.​org/​story/​6072. Accessed 20 Apr 2010 AuroRE (2004) Creating ‘solar’ entrepreneurs. infochange environment. http://​infochangeindia.​org/​environment/​stories-of-change/​aurore-creating-solar-entrepreneurs.​html. Accessed 14 Mar 2011 AuroRE (2009) Auroville renewable energy 2009. http://​www.​aurore.​in. Accessed 13 Jul 2011 AuroRE India (2004) Solar power for communities, farmers and market traders Dibutyryl-cAMP research buy across India.

Several studies have investigated open abdomen in the context of intra-abdominal infections, generating great interest and optimism in the medical community [206–209]. However, in 2007 a randomized study compared open and closed “on-demand” management of severe peritonitis. The study was terminated following the inclusion of only 40 patients after acknowledging the clearly discernable clinical disadvantages of the open abdomen group (55% and 30% mortality rates for open and closed procedures, respectively). It should be noted that, in this study, the Selleck Capmatinib open abdomen was managed exclusively with non-absorbable polypropylene mesh and without negative pressure

therapy [210]. Following stabilization of the patient, surgeons should attempt early, definitive closure of the abdomen. Primary fascial closure may be possible when there is minimal risk selleck compound of excessive tension or recurrence of IAH (Recommendation 1C). When early, definitive fascial closure is not possible, progressive closure should be attempted each time the patient returns for subsequent procedures. For patients with persistent large fascial defects, it is suggested that surgeons implement bridging

with biological materials (Recommendation 1C). Following stabilization of the patient, the primary objective is early and definitive closure of the abdomen to minimize complications associated with OA [206]. For many patients, primary fascial closure may be possible within a few days of the initial operation [206]. In other patients, early definitive fascial closure may not be possible. In these cases, surgeons should attempt progressive closure, in which the abdomen is incrimentally closed each time the patient undergoes

a subsequent surgery. Many methods of fascial closure have been described in medical literature [211–216]. In many cases abdominal closure is only partially I-BET-762 chemical structure achieved, Glutamate dehydrogenase resulting in large, debilitating hernias of the abdominal wall that will eventually require complex surgical repair. In these cases, bridging with biological mesh is recommended [217]. Antimicrobial therapy Initial antibiotic therapy for IAIs is typically empirical in nature because the patient needs immediate attention, and microbiological data (culture and susceptibility results) can require up to 48 hours before they are available for a more detailed analysis. IAIs can be treated with either single or multiple antimicrobial regimens depending on the range requirements of antimicrobial coverage. Beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations exhibit in vitro activity against gram-positive, gram-negative, and anaerobic organisms [218, 219] and are viable options for empirical treatment of IAIs [218].

J Infect Dev Ctries 2007, 1:257–262.PubMed 3. Kiiru J, Kariuki S, Goddeeris BM, Butaye P: Analysis of beta-lactamase

phenotypes and carriage of selected beta-lactamase genes among Escherichia coli strains obtained from Kenyan patients during an 18-year period. BMC Microbiol 2012, 12:155.PubMedCrossRef 4. Sabate M, Navarro F, Miro E, Campoy S, Mirelis #GSK3326595 nmr randurls[1|1|,|CHEM1|]# B, Barbe J, Prats G: Novel complex sul1-type integron in Escherichia coli carrying bla(CTX-M-9). Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2002, 46:2656–2661.PubMedCrossRef 5. Albrechtova K, Dolejska M, Cizek A, Tausova D, Klimes J, Bebora L, Literak I: Dogs of nomadic pastoralists in northern Kenya are reservoirs of plasmid-mediated cephalosporin- and quinolone-resistant Escherichia coli, including pandemic clone B2-O25-ST131. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2012, 56:4013–4017.PubMedCrossRef 6. Brooks JT, Shapiro RL, Kumar L, Wells JG, Phillips-Howard PA, Shi YP, Vulule JM, Hoekstra RM, Mintz E, Slutsker L: Epidemiology of sporadic bloody diarrhea in rural Western Kenya. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2003, 68:671–677.PubMed 7. Blango NVP-LDE225 manufacturer MG, Mulvey MA: Persistence of uropathogenic Escherichia coli in the face of multiple antibiotics. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2010, 54:1855–1863.PubMedCrossRef 8. Bejon P, Mwangi I, Ngetsa C, Mwarumba S,

Berkley JA, Lowe BS, Maitland K, Marsh K, English M, Scott JA: Invasive Gram-negative bacilli are frequently resistant to standard antibiotics for children admitted to hospital in Kilifi, Kenya. J Antimicrob Chemother 2005, 56:232–235.PubMedCrossRef 9. Frank T, Gautier V, Talarmin A, Bercion R, Arlet G: Characterization of sulphonamide resistance genes and class 1 integron gene cassettes in Enterobacteriaceae, Central African Republic (CAR). J Antimicrob Chemother 2007, 59:742–745.PubMedCrossRef 10. Gassama A, Aidara-Kane A, Chainier D, Denis F, Ploy MC: Integron-associated antibiotic resistance in enteroaggregative and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli. Microb Drug Resist 2004, 10:27–30.PubMedCrossRef 11. Labar AS, Millman JS, Ruebush

E, Opintan JA, Bishar RA, Aboderin AO, Newman MJ, Lamikanra A, Okeke IN: Regional dissemination of a trimethoprim-resistance gene cassette via a successful transposable element. PLoS One 2012, Endonuclease 7:e38142.PubMedCrossRef 12. Dahmen S, Mansour W, Boujaafar N, Arlet G, Bouallegue O: Distribution of cotrimoxazole resistance genes associated with class 1 integrons in clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae in a university hospital in Tunisia. Microb Drug Resist 2010, 16:43–47.PubMedCrossRef 13. Goldstein C, Lee MD, Sanchez S, Hudson C, Phillips B, Register B, Grady M, Liebert C, Summers AO, White DG, Maurer JJ: Incidence of class 1 and 2 integrases in clinical and commensal bacteria from livestock, companion animals, and exotics. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2001,45(3):723–726.PubMedCrossRef 14.

Ectopic

expression of RecU in 8325-4recUi strain, through the addition of IPTG, resulted in the disappearance of the aberrant phenotypes (B). Scale bars 1 μm. Panel (C) shows a comparison of the phenotypes of control strain BCBHV008; 8325-4recU inducible mutant, incubated in the presence or absence of IPTG and 8325-4ΔrecU mutant. The presence of anucleate cells can be associated with chromosome HM781-36B cell line segregation defects that result in one sister cell with two chromosomes and another with none. However, they could also arise as a result of DNA degradation caused by DNA guillotining by the septum or due to decreased DNA damage repair. We therefore tested the susceptibility of recU mutants to UV light and mitomycin C, both of which cause DNA lesions [32, 33]. Depletion of recU in the strain 8325-4recUi resulted AICAR purchase in a 2-fold https://www.selleckchem.com/products/bay80-6946.html decrease in mitomycin C MIC (from 0.8 to 0.4 ng/ml), compared to the same strain grown in the presence of IPTG or to the control strain BCBHV008. Importantly, addition of IPTG recovered the MIC to wild-type levels. Similar results were obtained for the null mutant

strain 8325-4ΔrecU which had a 6-fold decrease in the mitomycin MIC compared to the parental strain. RecU depletion also caused S. aureus to become more sensitive to UV damage, since 10 sec of exposure time to UV light were sufficient to kill approximately 99% of the 8325-4recUi cells grown in the absence of ITPG but had no significant effect on BCBHV008 cells or 8325-4recUi cells grown in the presence of the inducer, which required 20 sec of UV exposures for similar decrease in cell viability (Figure  3). Taken together, these results indicate that RecU is required for DNA damage

repair in S. aureus and that its ectopic expression from the spa locus was sufficient to fully recover UV and mitomycin C resistance to wild type levels. Figure 3 RecU depletion in 8325-4 recU i strain leads to increased susceptibility to UV damage. Cultures of control strain BCBHV008 and recU inducible mutant 8325-4recUi showing serial dilutions from 10-2 (left) to 10-5 (right). 10 μl spots were placed on TSA agar, containing or not IPTG, and irradiated with a UV dose of 4 J/m2/sec for 0, 10, 20, 30 and 60 seconds. Plates were then incubated overnight and the number of CFU’s was counted. Absence of RecU leads Megestrol Acetate to increased recruitment of the SpoIIIE DNA pump to the division septum SpoIIIE is a DNA pump crucial for moving DNA into the forespore of B. subtilis during sporulation [34]. During vegetative growth of B. subtilis this protein plays an important backup role when the chromosome fails to segregate prior to septum formation [35–37]. The presence of SpoIIIE foci localized near the center of the septum in a small fraction (~6%) of vegetatively growing B. subtilis cells is thought to reflect its role in post-septational chromosome partioning [38].

Inflammatory chemokines, including CCL2 and CCL5 are major contributors

to breast malignancy. The two chemokines www.selleckchem.com/products/BAY-73-4506.html are expressed by the tumor cells in ~60–70% of biopsies of breast cancer patients, but are minimally detected in normal breast epithelial duct cells. In this study, we have analyzed molecular motif/s that regulate the secretion of CCL5 by breast tumor cells. We focused on a specific region located at the 40 s loop of the chemokine. This region was essential for the release of CCL5 by the tumor cells, and for the trafficking of vesicles containing the chemokine from the endoplasmic reticulum to post-golgi regions and to secretion. Our studies have also identified the mechanisms by which this motif regulates the release of CCL5 by the tumor cells. Also, we determined the regulation of CCL2 and CCL5 secretion learn more by inflammatory cytokines in breast tumors. Our analyses indicate that TNFa and IL-1b are expressed by the tumor cells in 90% of breast cancer patients, and that both cytokines potently promote the release of CCL2 and CCL5 by breast tumor cells and by normal breast

epithelial cells. Combined with additional findings that provided evidence to interactions between inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in breast cancer, we suggest that TNFa and IL-1b that are found at the tumor microenvironment are important up-regulators of CCL2 and CCL5 release in early and advanced stages of disease, as well as of progression-related SU5402 processes. Together, our findings identified Astemizole microenvironmental and intrinsic properties that regulate the release of the pro-malignancy chemokines CCL2 and CCL5 by breast tumor cells, and consequently affect disease development and progression. O15 Angiogenic Accessory Cells: VEGF-induced Recruitment and Re-programming Eli Keshet 1 1 Department of molecular Biology,

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel Adult angiogenesis, in general, and tumor angiogenesis, in particular, heavily rely on myeloid cells recruited from the bone marrow and homing to the respective target organ or tumor. There, they act as paracrine accessory cell without whom angiogenesis is greatly compromised. Using transgenic systems designed for conditional gain- or loss of function of VEGF we thrive to elucidate the pivotal role of VEGF in the recruitment of pro-angiogenic monocytes and their re-programming. Previously, we have shown that VEGF functions in homing monocytes to the target tissue from which it emanates, in their perivascular positioning, and in their retention therein. The current study addresses dynamic changes that recruited monocytes undergo under the influence of local VEGF.

Moreover Schraufnagel et al. in n univariate analyses shown that complications, resection, prolonged length of stay and SIS3 solubility dmso death are more likely in patients admitted for ASBO and operated on the fourth day or later [30]. Non operative management There are no advantages with the use of long tube decompression compared with the use of nasogastric tubes (Level of PF-6463922 research buy Evidence 1b GoR A) [23, 31]. However early tube decompression, either with long or nasogastric tube, may be beneficial

(Level of Evidence 2b GoR C) in the initial management of non strangulating ASBO, in adjunct with fluid resuscitation and electrolytes imbalances correction. For challenging cases of ASBO, the long tube should be placed as soon as possible [24] more advisable by endoscopy, rather than by fluoroscopic guide [32]. The use of Gastrografin in ASBO is safe (in terms of morbidity and mortality) and reduces the need for surgery, the time to resolution of obstruction

and the hospital stay (Level of Evidence 1a GoR A) [16, 19, 33–35]. Nevertheless anaphylactoid reaction and lethal aspiration have been described [36]. Gastrografin may be administered on the dosage of 50–150 ml, either orally or via NGT and can be given both at immediately admission or after an attempt of initial traditional conservative treatment of 48 hours (Level of Evidence 1b GoR A). Regarding the therapeutic value of Gastrografin, some authors affirmed that water-soluble contrast reduces

the hospital stay but does not reduce the need for surgery [27, 37, 38], others has proven that is effective in both SNX-5422 mw reducing the need for surgery and shortening hospital stay, without differences in complications and mortality [28]. As further adjuncts needs to be mentioned that oral therapy with magnesium oxide, L. acidophilus and simethicone may hasten the resolution of conservatively treated partial ASBO and shorten the hospital stay (Level of Evidence 1b GoR A) [39]. To be thorough it has Cediranib (AZD2171) to be mentioned Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy, that appears to be beneficial in older patients with high anesthesiologic risk (Level of Evidence 2b GoR B). HBO therapy may be an option in the management of patients for whom surgery should be avoided [40]. Indication for delayed operation Usually NOM, in absence of signs of strangulation or peritonitis, can be prolonged up to 72 hours of adhesive SBO (Level of Evidence 2b GoR C) [41]. After 3 days without resolution, WSCA study or surgery is recommended (Level of Evidence 2b GoR C) [31]. If ileus persists more than 3 days and the drainage volume on day 3 is > 500 ml, surgery for ASBO is recommended (Level of Evidence 2b GoR C) [24]. With closely monitoring and in the absence of signs suggestive of complications, an observation period even longer than 10 days before proceeding to surgical intervention appears to be safe [42].

New Phytol 98:593–625CrossRef Raven JA (2009) Functional evolution Selleckchem PLX3397 of photochemical energy transformations in CFTRinh-172 mouse oxygen-producing organisms. Functional Plant Biol 36:505–515CrossRef Ross RT, Calvin M (1967) Thermodynamics of light emission and free-energy storage in photosynthesis. Biophys J 7:595–614CrossRefPubMed Stomp M, Huisman J,

Stal LJ, Matthijs HCP (2007) Colorful niches of phototrophic microorganisms shaped by vibrations of the water molecule. ISME J 1:271–282PubMed Terashima I, Fujita T, Inoue T, Chow WS, Oguchi R (2009) Green light drives photosynthesis more efficiently than red light in strong white light: revisiting the enigmatic question of why leaves are green. Plant Cell Physiol 50:684–697CrossRefPubMed”
“Erratum

to: Photosynth Res (2009) 101:35–45 DOI 10.1007/s11120-009-9461-z The bottom graph of Fig. 3 in the original publication was mistakenly repeated as Fig. 4. The correct Fig. 4 is shown below. Fig. 4 Bleaching kinetics of membrane bound RCs after turning on CW illumination for a 2-second time interval. The transmittance at a wavelength of 865 nm, T 865, versus time is shown. The smooth line shows the results of fitting using Method 2″
“Early work with Mike Wasielewski was on photosystem I in 1987 Both the authors (Govindjee (G) and Michael Seibert (MS)) had been interested in ultrafast/very fast primary events of oxygenic photosynthesis before our collaborations with Mike Wasielewski began (see e.g., Merkelo et al. 1969; Seibert et al. 1973). selleckchem The interest of one of us (G) in primary charge separation kinetics in the photosystems of oxygenic photosynthesis began in the late 1970s. G had a graduate student in Biophysics, James (Jim) Fenton, who started constructing a picosecond transient absorption spectrometer in his laboratory in Morrill Hall at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Jim and G began measurements on Photosystem I (PSI) reaction center (RC) particles from spinach, and were beginning to obtain some preliminary Molecular motor data. During this period, Kenneth J. Kaufmann was hired as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at UIUC,

and he started building a much more sophisticated and sensitive instrument. Hence, G joined forces with him, and Jim began obtaining meaningful data on the instrument in the Noyes laboratory with Michael J. Pellin in Ken’s laboratory. Mike Pellin obtained his PhD in 1978 at the UIUC, and, then went to the Argonne National Laboratory, where he is now the Director of the Materials Science Division. Their first paper on picosecond charge separation time was published in 1979 (Fenton et al. 1979). Jim collected tremendous amounts of data, but none of that was published as he wanted to fully understand the system. Sometime during this period Ken Kaufmann left the UIUC to join Hamamatsu Photonics on the East Coast.

The involvement of gingipains in biofilm formation was evaluated using a set of P. gingivalis mutants lacking Kgp (KDP129), RgpA/B (KDP133), or both Kgp and RgpA/B (KDP136). These mutants lacked the proteolytic domains as well as the adhesion domains of gingipains [5]. In addition, both Rgp mutants (KDP133 and KDP136) lacked bacterial cell-surface structural components such as long and short fimbriae and hemagglutinins which are processed by Rgp [21–23]. The Kgp mutant KDP129 formed markedly thick biofilms containing large accumulations of which the mean height was significantly MAPK inhibitor taller than the wild type (Figure 1 and Table 1). In addition, the efficiency of autoaggregation in KDP129 was significantly increased

(Table 2). These results suggest that Kgp plays a negative CB-839 order role in biofilm development via suppressing autoaggregation and/or regulating dispersion, de-concentration, and/or detachment of microcolonies. The RgpA/B mutant KDP133 formed channel-like biofilms with fibrillar microcolonies (Figure 1), which featured significantly fewer peaks and longer distances between peaks, but increased

height, as compared to those of the wild type and Kgp mutant (Table 1). Although Stattic solubility dmso the features of KDP133 were likely attributable to the loss of multiple factors on the bacterial surface, Rgp itself might be a bifunctional mediator promoting peak formation and shearing the fibrillar microcolonies of biofilms. Interestingly, the biofilms formed by the gingipain null mutant (KDP136) showed different features from both the Kgp (KDP129) and Rgp (KDP133) mutants. Although the three mutants, KDP136, KDP133 and MPG4167, resemble each other in terms of lack of expression of both types of fimbriae, their microstructures were divergent (Figure 1). These findings suggested that biofilm formation was affected not only by

the post-translational regulation of the expression of cell surface components by Rgp, but also by uncharacterized steps that were not altered by Rgp. Loss of all gingipain activities might result in downstream events which did not happen in KDP129 and KDP133. Erastin molecular weight Table 2 Autoaggregation of P. gingivalis wild-type strain and mutants Strain Autoaggregation indexa) (-dA/min) ATCC33277 (wild type) 17.73 ± 1.67 KDP150 (ΔfimA) 0.54 ± 3.94** MPG67 (Δmfa1) 36.12 ± 2.40** MPG4167 (ΔfimAΔmfa1) 33.87 ± 2.77** KDP129 (Δkgp) 35.62 ± 2.52** KDP133 (ΔrgpAΔrgpB) 15.04 ± 2.68 KDP136 (ΔrgpAΔrgpBΔkgp) 0.29 ± 3.22** a) dA/min was automatically calculated by subtraction of At, the absorbance at time t min, from At+, at time (t + 1) min during incubation. The maximum value of – dA/min in a curve was used as the autoaggregation index. The data represent the mean ± SE of three separate experiments with each strain in duplicate. **p < 0.01 in comparison with the wild type using a Scheffe test. Quantitative analysis of biofilms in PBS The biovolume of the biofilms was also altered by deletion of various bacterial factors (Figure 2).