bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Posterior Cervical Fusion With Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2
Authors: Dorward Ian G. , Buchowski Jacob M. , Stoker Geoffrey E. , Zebala Lukas P.
Published: February 2013

Study Design:

Retrospective case series.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to determine the fusion rate and evaluate the complications associated with the application of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) in posterior cervical fusion.

Summary of Background Data:

The rates of fusion and complications associated with the use of rhBMP-2 in posterior cervical fusion is unclear, though recent work has shown up to a 100% fusion rate.

Methods:

We independently reviewed consecutive series of patients who underwent posterior cervical, occipitocervical, or cervicothoracic instrumented fusion augmented with rhBMP-2. Two surgeons at a tertiary-referral, academic medical center performed all operations, and each patient had a minimum of 2-year follow-up. Fusion status was determined by bony bridging on computed tomography scans, absence of radiolucency around instrumentation, and absence of motion on lateral flexion/extension radiographs.

Results:

Fifty-seven patients with a mean age of 56.7±13.2 years and mean follow-up of 37.7±20.6 months were analyzed. Forty-eight patients (84.2%) had undergone previous cervical surgery, and 42.1% had a preexisting nonunion. Constructs spanned 5.6±2.6 levels; 19.3% involved the occiput, whereas 61.4% crossed the cervicothoracic junction. The mean rhBMP-2 dose was 21.1±8.7 mg per operation. Iliac crest autograft was used for 29.8% of patients. Six patients (10.5%) experienced nonunion; only 2 required revision. In each case of nonunion, instrumentation crossed the occipitocervical or cervicothoracic junction. However, none of the analyzed variables was statistically associated with nonunion. Fourteen patients (24.6%) suffered complications, with 7 requiring additional surgery.

Conclusions:

The observed fusion rate of rhBMP-2–augmented posterior cervical, occipitocervical, and cervicothoracic fusions was 89.5%. This reflects the complicated nature of the patients included in the current study and demonstrates that rhBMP-2 cannot always overcome the biomechanical challenges entailed in spanning the occipitocervical or cervicothoracic junction.
Thoracoscopic Vertebrectomy for Thoracolumbar Junction Fractures and Tumors
Authors: Ray Wilson Z. , Schmidt Meic H.
Published: February 2013

Study Design:

Retrospective study.

Objective:

The authors evaluated the surgical technique and learning curve for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for treating thoracolumbar junction burst fractures and bony tumors by examining surgical data and outcome for the first 30 VATS procedures performed by a single surgeon at a training institution.

Summary of Background Data:

VATS is commonly used in the treatment of early-stage lung cancer. Widespread use of this technique among neurosurgeons is limited by the lack of cases and the steep learning curve.

Methods:

This study was a retrospective case series of the first 30 T12 and L1 thoracoscopic vertebrectomies from 2003 to 2008. The sample was limited to 1 surgeon and 1 region of the spine to minimize the potential variation so that a learning curve could be assessed. Surgical data and outcomes were analyzed. Estimated blood loss and operation time were analyzed using a linear generalized estimating equation model with a first-order autoregression correlation structure.

Results:

The average operative time for thoracoscopic corpectomy was 270±65 minutes (range, 160–416 min). Operating room time decreased significantly after the first 3 operations. The authors observed a stable linear decrease in operating time over the course of the study. The average blood loss during the thoracoscopic procedure was 433±330 mL (range, 100–1500 mL) and did not change as the series progressed. Complications and conversions to open procedures occurred in 2 patients and were evenly distributed throughout the series.

Conclusions:

Thoracoscopic vertebrectomy at the thoracolumbar junction has a relatively long learning curve. In this series, operating room time improved dramatically after the first 3 cases but continued to improve subsequently. The learning curve can be accomplished without an increase in blood loss, complications, rate of conversion to open procedures, or frequency of misplaced instrumentation.
Chryseobacterium

ginsengisoli sp. nov., isolated from the rhizosphere of ginseng and emended description of

Chryseobacterium gleum
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc-Lan , Kim Yeon-Ju , Hoang Van An , Yang Deok-Chun
Published: February 2013

Strain DCY 63T, isolated from the rhizosphere of ginseng, was a Gram-reaction-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, catalase- and oxidase-positive rod. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain DCY 63T belonged to the genus

Chryseobacterium

and was closely related to

Chryseobacterium indoltheticum

LMG 4025T (98.1 %),

Chryseobacterium ginsenosidimutans

THG 15T (98.0 %) and

Chryseobacterium scophthalmum

LMG 13028T (97.1 %). The major polar lipids of strain DCY 63T were phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), four unidentified aminolipids and three unidentified polar lipids, and the major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) and summed feature 9 (iso-C17 : 1ω9c and/or C16 : 0 10-methyl). The predominant isoprenoid quinone of strain DCY 63T was MK-6 and the G+C content of the genomic DNA was 31.6 mol%. The DNA–DNA relatedness values between strain DCY 63T and

C. indoltheticum

LMG 4025T,

C. ginsenosidimutans

THG 15T and

C. scophthalmum

LMG 13028T were less than 30 %. On the basis of these data, strain DCY 63T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus

Chryseobacterium

, for which the name

Chryseobacterium

ginsengisoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DCY 63T ( = KCTC 23760T = JCM 18019T). An emended description of

Chryseobacterium gleum

is also proposed.
Ardenticatena maritima gen. nov., sp. nov., a ferric iron- and nitrate-reducing bacterium of the phylum ‘

Chloroflexi

’ isolated from an iron-rich coastal hydrothermal field, and description of Ardenticatenia classis nov.
Authors: Kawaichi Satoshi , Ito Norihiro , Kamikawa Ryoma , Sugawara Tatsuya , Yoshida Takashi , Sako Yoshihiko
Published: February 2013

A novel thermophilic, chemoheterotrophic, Gram-negative-staining, multicellular filamentous bacterium, designated strain 110ST, was isolated from an iron-rich coastal hydrothermal field in Japan. The isolate is facultatively aerobic and chemoheterotrophic. Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequences nested strain 110ST in a novel class-level clone cluster of the phylum ‘

Chloroflexi

’. The isolate grows by dissimilatory iron- and nitrate-reduction under anaerobic conditions, which is the first report of these abilities in the phylum ‘

Chloroflexi

’. The organism is capable of growth with oxygen, ferric iron and nitrate as a possible electron acceptor, has a wide range of growth temperatures, and tolerates higher NaCl concentrations for growth compared to the other isolates in the phylum. Using phenotypic and phylogenetic data, strain 110ST ( = JCM 17282T = NBRC 107679T = DSM 23922T = KCTC 23289T = ATCC BAA-2145T) is proposed as the type strain of a novel species in a new genus, Ardenticatena maritima gen. nov., sp. nov. In addition, as strain 110ST apparently constitutes a new class of the phylum ‘

Chloroflexi

’ with other related uncultivated clone sequences, we propose Ardenticatenia classis nov. and the subordinate taxa Ardenticatenales ord. nov. and Ardenticatenaceae fam. nov.
Methanosarcina

soligelidi sp. nov., a desiccation- and freeze-thaw-resistant methanogenic archaeon from a Siberian permafrost-affected soil
Authors: Wagner Dirk , Schirmack Janosch , Ganzert Lars , Morozova Daria , Mangelsdorf Kai
Published: February 2013

A methanogenic archaeon, strain SMA-21T, was isolated from a permafrost-affected soil by serial dilution in liquid medium. The cells were non-motile, stained Gram-negative and grew as irregular cocci with a diameter of 1.3–2.5 µm. Optimal growth was observed at 28 °C, pH 7.8 and 0.02 M NaCl. The strain grew on H2/CO2, methanol and acetate, but not on formate, ethanol, 2-butanol, 2-propanol, monomethylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine or dimethyl sulfide. Major membrane lipids of strain SMA-21T were archaeol phosphatidylglycerol, archaeol phosphatidylethanolamine and the corresponding hydroxyarchaeol compounds. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 40.9 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence was closely related to those of

Methanosarcina mazei

DSM 2053T (similarity 99.9 %) and

Methanosarcina horonobensis

HB-1T (similarity 98.7 %). On basis of the level of DNA–DNA hybridization (22.1 %) between strain SMA-21T and

Methanosarcina mazei

DSM 2053T as well as of phenotypic and genotypic differences, strain SMA-21T was assigned to a novel species of the genus

Methanosarcina

, for which the name

Methanosarcina

soligelidi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SMA-21T ( = DSM 20065T = JCM 18468).
Mesotoga

infera sp. nov., a mesophilic member of the order

Thermotogales

, isolated from an underground gas storage aquifer
Authors: Ben Hania Wajdi , Postec Anne , Aüllo Thomas , Ranchou-Peyruse Anthony , Erauso Gaël , Brochier-Armanet Céline , Hamdi Moktar , Ollivier Bernard , Saint-Laurent Stéphanie , Magot Michel , Fardeau Marie-Laure
Published: February 2013

Strain VNs100T, a novel mesophilic, anaerobic, rod-coccoid-shaped bacterium, having a sheath-like outer structure (toga), was isolated from a water sample collected in the area of an underground gas storage aquifer. It was non-motile with cells appearing singly (2–4 µm long×1–2 µm wide), in pairs or as long chains and stained Gram-negative. Strain VNs100T was heterotrophic, able to use arabinose, cellobiose, fructose, galactose, glucose, lactose, lactate, mannose, maltose, raffinose, ribose, sucrose and xylose as energy sources only in the presence of elemental sulfur as terminal electron acceptor. Acetate, CO2 and sulfide were the end products of sugar metabolism. Hydrogen was not detected. Elemental sulfur, but not thiosulfate, sulfate or sulfite, were reduced to sulfide. Strain VNs100T grew at temperatures between 30 and 50 °C (optimum 45 °C), at pH values between 6.2 and 7.9 (optimum 7.3–7.5) and at NaCl concentrations between 0 and 15 g l−1 (optimum 2 g l−1). The DNA G+C content was 47.5 mol%. The main cellular fatty acid was C16 : 0. Phylogenetic analysis of the small subunit rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain VNs100T had as its closest relatives ‘

Mesotoga

sulfurireducens’ (97.1 % similarity) and

Mesotoga prima

(similarity of 97.1 % and 97.7 % with each of its two genes, respectively) within the order

Thermotogales

. Hybridization between strain VNS100T and ‘M. sulfurireducens’ and between strain VNS100T and

M. prima

showed 12.9 % and 20.6 % relatedness, respectively. Based on phenotypic, phylogenetic and taxonomic characteristics, strain VNs100T is proposed as a representative of a novel species of the genus

Mesotoga

in the family

Thermotogaceae

, order

Thermotogales

. The name

Mesotoga

infera sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is VNs100T ( = DSM 25546T = JCM 18154T).
Lactobacillus

oryzae sp. nov., isolated from fermented rice grain (Oryza sativa L. subsp. japonica)
Authors: Tohno Masanori , Kitahara Maki , Irisawa Tomohiro , Inoue Hidehiko , Uegaki Ryuichi , Ohkuma Moriya , Tajima Kiyoshi
Published: February 2013

The taxonomic position of three

Lactobacillus

-like micro-organisms (strains SG293T, SG296 and SG310) isolated from fermented rice grain (Oryza sativa L. subsp. japonica) in Japan was investigated. These heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria were Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, facultatively anaerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming and did not show catalase activity. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of strain SG293T revealed that the type strains of

Lactobacillus malefermentans

(98.3 %),

Lactobacillus odoratitofui

(96.2 %),

Lactobacillus similis

(96.1 %),

Lactobacillus kimchicus

(96.1 %),

Lactobacillus paracollinoides

(95.9 %) and

Lactobacillus collinoides

(95.7 %) were the closest neighbours. Additional phylogenetic analysis on the basis of pheS and rpoA gene sequences, as well as biochemical and physiological characteristics, indicated that these three strains were members of the genus

Lactobacillus

and that the novel isolates had a unique taxonomic position. The predominant cellular fatty acids were C18 : 1ω9c and C19 : 1 cyclo 9,10. Because low DNA–DNA hybridization values among the isolates and

Lactobacillus malefermentans

JCM 12497T were observed, it is proposed that these unidentified isolates be classified as a novel species of the genus

Lactobacillus

,

Lactobacillus

oryzae sp. nov. The type strain is SG293T ( = JCM 18671T = DSM 26518T).
Intravascular catheter-related bloodstream infection caused by Abiotrophia defectiva in a neutropenic child
Authors: Phulpin-Weibel A. , Gaspar N. , Emirian A. , Chachaty E. , Valteau-Couanet D. , Gachot B.
Published: February 2013

Bacteraemia and endocarditis are the most frequently reported clinical infections due to Abiotrophia defectiva species. This species has been rarely implicated in infections in neutropenic patients. We report a rare case of long-term venous catheter-related infection caused by A. defectiva that occurred in a febrile child who had neutropenia and Langerhans’ cell histiocytosis.
Integron characterization and typing of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli isolates in Belgium
Authors: Van Meervenne Eva , Boon Nico , Verstraete Karen , Devlieghere Frank , De Reu Koen , Herman Lieve , Buvens Glenn , Piérard Denis , Van Coillie Els
Published: February 2013

The presence of integrons and the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of STEC strains isolated in Belgium were analysed. The collection contained 306 strains, of which 225 were human isolates and 81 originated from different food or animal sources. Integrons were detected by PCR in 7.5 % of the tested isolates and all were class 1 integrons. The integron-positive strains all belonged to the human collection. By RFLP, five different types (A, B, C, D, E) were distinguished. The antibiotic-resistance gene cassettes were identified by sequencing representatives of the five different types. Two types of gene cassettes were found in different combinations, one encoding resistance to streptomycin/spectinomycin and the other encoding resistance to trimethoprim. One of the gene cassettes present was the rarely detected aadA23, which was now apparently for the first time reported in Western Europe. Susceptibility profiling of the strains for 11 antibiotics was done by standard disc diffusion assays. Among the 23 integron-positive strains, 17 different antibiotic susceptibility profiles were found. In the 283 integron-negative strains, 24 different antibiotic susceptibility profiles were observed. The majority of these strains were susceptible to all tested antibiotics (n = 218, 77.0 %). The integron-positive strains were significantly more resistant to eight of the eleven tested antibiotics compared to the integron-negative strains (P<0.05). PFGE profiles of integron-positive strains within selected serogroups did not cluster together.
Comparison of PCR, culturing and Pap smear microscopy for accurate diagnosis of genital Actinomyces
Authors: Kaya Dilek , Demirezen Şayeste , Hasçelik Gülşen , Gülmez Kıvanç Dolunay , Beksaç Mehmet Sinan
Published: February 2013

Members of the genus Actinomyces, Gram-positive, non-spore-forming anaerobic bacteria, are normal inhabitants of the mucosal surfaces of the oral, gastrointestinal and genital tracts. Identification of these bacteria using conventional methods is generally difficult because of their complex transport and growth requirements and their fastidious and slow-growing nature. However, in recent years, the advancement of molecular techniques has provided much improved identification and differentiation of closely related Actinomyces species. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of the PCR technique in the diagnosis of genital Actinomyces in comparison with culturing and Papanicolaou (Pap) smear microscopy. Multiple sampling was conducted from 200 women using smear microscopy, culturing and PCR. Cyto-brushes were smeared on glass slides and stained using the routine Pap technique. Culturing was performed from a sterile swab, and Actinomyces were determined using the BBL Crystal ANR ID kit. PCR was performed from a second swab, and the Actinomyces type was determined using type-specific primers designed in our laboratory. Only one vaginal fluid sample (0.5%) revealed Actinomyces-like organisms on Pap smear examination. Actinomyces were detected in nine samples (4.5%) using the BBL Crystal ANR ID kit. Using PCR, eight samples (4%) were found positive for Actinomyces. No specimens that gave positive results by Pap smear microscopy and culturing could be confirmed by PCR. Pap smear microscopy and culturing were both found to have zero sensitivity for Actinomyces. PCR appears to be a sensitive and reliable diagnostic method for the detection of Actinomyces, which are difficult to cultivate from genital samples. PCR can be used for diagnostic confirmation in cases diagnosed by conventional methods, to prevent false-positive results.
Comparison of cytokine gene polymorphisms among Greek patients with invasive meningococcal disease or viral meningitis
Authors: Titmarsh Callum J. , Moscovis Sophia M. , Hall Sharron , Tzanakaki Georgina , Kesanopoulos Konstantinos , Xirogianni Athanasia , Scott Rodney J. , Blackwell C. Caroline
Published: February 2013

High levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines are implicated in the severity of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) and viral meningitis (VM). This study compared single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine genes among patients with VM or IMD. Patient DNA samples were prepared by the National Meningitis Reference Laboratory in Athens: n = 98 for IMD and n = 53 for VM. The results for both patient groups were compared with data published for healthy Greek control data. Real-time PCR was used to assess the interleukin (IL) gene SNPs IL6 G−174C, IL1B C−511T, IL1RN T+2018C, IL10 G−1082A and IL8 A−251T and the tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) SNP TNFA G−308A. Differences were compared by Fisher’s exact test. The genotype for high IL-6 responses was predominant among IMD (51 %, P = 0.0008) and VM (74.5 %, P<0.0001) patients compared with the controls (31 %). The genotype associated with high TNF-α responses was 5 % among controls and lower for IMD (1.1 %, P = 0.0014) and VM (0 %, P = 0.052). There was no difference for IL-8 SNPs between controls and IMD (P = 0.162), but the difference was significant for VM (P = 0.0025). IL-6 (P = 0.024) and IL-8 (P = 0.00004) SNPs differed between IMD and VM. Reports on associations between IL-8 SNPs and cytokine responses differ. Because of its role in neutrophil attraction, differences in frequencies of the IL-8 SNP for IMD and VM require further investigation.
Pacific Island publications in the reproductive health literature 2000–2011: With New Zealand as a reference
Authors: Ekeroma Alec J. , Pollock Terina , Kenealy Tim , Shurulf Boaz , Sopoaga Faafetai , Montorzi Gabriela , McCowan Lesley M.E. , Hill Andrew
Published: February 2013

Background

There is a keen interest to develop research systems and increase research output in the 14 Pacific Island Forum Countries (PIFC) to support development of policies and practice based on locally relevant research evidence.

Aims

To assess the quantity and characteristics of reproductive health research output by each country (14 PIFC) from 2000 to 2011 using New Zealand's reproductive research outputs as the reference.

Methods

A systematic search of the literature using a broad definition of reproductive health.

Results

There were 174 papers published in the PIFC from 2000 to 2011 compared with 628 papers published in New Zealand (NZ). Most (57%) of the PIFC papers were from Papua New Guinea (PNG), although Samoa had the most papers by population (10/100 000). Five of the countries did not have a single publication. The majority of papers from both the PIFC and NZ were observational studies (72 vs 36%). Authors from Australia were responsible for 34% of PIFC publications followed by 25% from PNG. Sixty‐three per cent of papers by PIFC sole and first authors were published in local journals, whereas 86% of non‐PIFC authors published in international journals.

Conclusion

There is a need for reproductive research in PIFC. PNG had the most publications on the back of a well‐funded dedicated research institute and a significant collaboration with Australian researchers. The large number of papers in PIFC countries without PIFC authors raises the question about the need to require non‐PIFC researchers to enter into genuine research partnerships in order to build research capacity in the PIFC.
Translation of Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy to a Web‐based Intervention
Authors: Doss Brian D. , Benson Lisa A. , Georgia Emily J. , Christensen Andrew
Published: February 2013

Couple therapy—across a number of different theoretical approaches—has been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of individual and relationship difficulties. Moreover, recent studies have demonstrated that the effects of several approaches last at least 2–5 years after the end of treatment. However, couple therapy has a critical limitation: most distressed couples—including those who eventually divorce—do not seek couple therapy. Thus, although we recognize there are notable advances in the treatment approaches described in this special section, we argue that traditional approaches to couple therapy need to be supplemented by alternative interventions before we can make a profound, population‐level impact on relationship distress and divorce. To this end, we translated Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy into a self‐help, web‐based program—www.OurRelationship.com. Through a combination of tailored feedback, filmed examples, and interactive education, the online program first helps couples identify a core problem in their relationship. The program then assists partners in coming to a new and more accurate understanding of the problem they jointly identified and subsequently brings them together in a structured conversation to share their new understandings with each other. Finally, based on this shared conceptualization, the program supports couples in making concrete changes in their relationship. In this article, we discuss the rationale for the program, describe the core components of the website, and illustrate these components with a case example. Relative advantages and disadvantages compared with traditional couple therapy are presented.
CBCT for the assessment of second mesiobuccal (MB2) canals in maxillary molar teeth: effect of voxel size and presence of root filling
Authors: Vizzotto M. B. , Silveira P. F. , Arús N. A. , Montagner F. , Gomes B. P. F. A. , Silveira H. E. D. da
Published: February 2013

Aim

To compare detection of the second mesiobuccal (MB2) canal in maxillary molar teeth using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) with different voxel sizes against conventional radiographic examination when the MB1 was unprepared, prepared and filled.

Methodology

Radiographic examination and 0.2‐, 0.25‐ and 0.3‐mm CBCT (n = 89) were performed in 3 stages: S1, no first mesiobuccal (MB1) canal preparation or filling; S2, after MB1 preparation and filling; and S3, after MB1 root canal filling removal and canal repreparation. Images were analysed using the i‐Cat software. After RE and CBCT acquisition in S3, all the samples were clarified to directly visualize the presence of the MB2 canal. All images were analysed by a blinded, previously calibrated examiner. Accuracy, specificity and sensitivity were compared using analysis of variance (P < 0.05 level of significance).

Results

MB2 root canals were detected in 67% of the samples. Overall, radiographic examination was associated with lower mean accuracy values for detecting MB2 than CBCT regardless of the MB1 condition. The MB1 root canal condition did not influence MB2 detection in 0.2‐mm voxel images. The presence of root fillings in the MB1 canals reduced the detection of MB2 canals, especially in the 0.3‐ and 0.25‐mm voxel‐size images (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

CBCT was associated with higher mean values of specificity and sensibility than radiographic examination for the detection of MB2 canals. When endodontic retreatment is necessary removal of the root filling prior to the CBCT examination eliminates artefacts, thereby permitting the use of the 0.3‐mm voxel protocol that has good diagnostic performance and lower radiation dose.
Age‐Related Changes in Prosodic Features of Maternal Speech to Prelingually Deaf Infants with Cochlear Implants
Authors: Kondaurova Maria V. , Bergeson Tonya R. , Xu Huipuing
Published: February 2013

This study investigated prosodic and structural characteristics of infant‐directed speech to hearing‐impaired infants as they gain hearing experience with a cochlear implant over a 12‐month period of time. Mothers were recorded during a play interaction with their HI infants (N = 27, mean age 18.4 months) at 3, 6, and 12 months postimplantation. Two separate control groups of mothers with age‐matched normal‐hearing infants (NH‐AM) (N = 21, mean age 18.1 months) and hearing experience‐matched normal‐hearing infants (NH‐EM) (N = 24, mean age 3.1 months) were recorded at three testing sessions. Mothers produced less exaggerated pitch characteristics, a larger number of syllables per utterance, and faster speaking rate when interacting with NH‐AM as compared to HI infants. Mothers also produced more syllables and demonstrated a trend suggesting faster speaking rate in speech to NH‐EM relative to HI infants. Age‐related modifications included decreased pitch standard deviation and increased number of syllables in speech to NH‐AM infants and increased number of syllables in speech to HI and NH‐EM infants across the 12‐month period. These results suggest that mothers are sensitive to the hearing status of their infants and modify characteristics of infant‐directed speech over time.
Intercropping System with Combined Application of Azospirillum and Pseudomonas fluorescens Reduces Root Rot Incidence Caused by Rhizoctonia bataticola and Increases Seed Cotton Yield
Authors: Marimuthu Subbaiyan , Ramamoorthy Vellaisamy , Samiyappan Ramasamy , Subbian Pattiyappa
Published: February 2013

Root rot caused by Rhizoctonia bataticola is a serious threat in cotton. Field experiments were conducted to study the influences of intercropping system in cotton with inorganic fertilizer and two bioinoculants (Azospirillum and Pseudomonas) on root rot incidence and yield of cotton. The results revealed that among the intercropping systems, cotton intercropping with Sesbania aculeata (1 : 1 ratio) recorded the highest rhizosphere colonization of Pseudomonas fluorescens in the year 2007 and 2008 and the lowest root rot incidence of 1.40, 2.49 and 3.90; 1.02, 2.22 and 5.98% at the vegetative, flowering and maturity stages in the year 2007 and 2008, respectively. From nutrient management practices, integration of Azospirillum and Pseudomonas with 50% recommended dose of NPK recorded the highest rhizosphere colonization of P. fluorescens in both years and the lowest root rot incidence of 1.40, 2.32 and 3.36; 1.07, 2.01 and 5.25% at vegetative, flowering and maturity stages in 2007 and 2008, respectively. Cotton + S. aculeata recorded the maximum number of sympodial branches (23.5 and 20.62/plant in 2007 and 2008, respectively) and the highest seed cotton yield of 2010 and 1894 kg/ha. The highest cotton equivalent yield (CEY) of 2052 and 1895 kg/ha was recorded in cotton + onion system, which was closely followed by cotton + S. aculeata system that had the CEY of 2010 and 1894 kg/ha in 2007 and 2008, respectively. The increased CEY is due to increased cost of onion compared with S. aculeata. Combined application of 100% recommended dose of NPK and bioinoculants recorded the seed cotton yield of 2227 and 1983 kg/ha and CEY of 2460 and 2190 kg/ha in 2007 and 2008, respectively. The lowest root rot incidence and increased yield in cotton + S. aculeata combined with 50% NPK and bioinoculants could be due to synergistic effect among the bioinoculants and S. aculeata.
Obstructive sleep apnea as a risk factor for silent cerebral infarction
Authors: Cho Eo Rin , Kim Hyun , Seo Hyung Suk , Suh Sooyeon , Lee Seung Ku , Shin Chol
Published: February 2013

Previous studies have suggested that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be a risk factor for stroke. In this study, we assessed that OSA is an independent risk factor of silent cerebral infarction (SCI) in the general population, and in a non‐obese population. This study recruited a total of 746 participants (252 men and 494 women) aged 50–79 years as part of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES); they underwent polysomnography, brain magnetic resonance imaging and health screening examinations. SCI was assessed by subtypes and brain regions, and lacunar infarction represented lesions <15 mm in size in the penetrating arteries. Moderate–severe OSA was determined by apnea–hypopnea index ≥15. The results indicated that 12.06% had moderate–severe OSA, 7.64% of participants had SCI and 4.96% had lacunar infarction. Moderate–severe OSA was associated positively with SCI [odds ratio (OR): 2.44, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–5.80] and lacunar infarction (OR: 3.48, 95% CI: 1.31–9.23) in the age ≥65‐year group compared with those with non‐OSA. Additionally, in the basal ganglia, OSA was associated with an increase in the odds for SCI and lacunar infarction in all age groups, and especially in the ≥65‐year age group. In the non‐obese participants, OSA was also associated positively with SCI in the ≥65‐year age group, lacunar infarction in all age groups, and especially in the ≥65‐year age group. There was also a positive association with the basal ganglia. Moderate–severe OSA was associated positively with SCI and lacunar infarction in elderly participants. Treatment of OSA may reduce new first‐time cerebrovascular events and recurrences.
The effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis on the cell cycle progression of human gingival epithelial cells
Authors: Pan C , Xu X , Tan L , Lin L , Pan Y
Published: February 2013

Objective

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a major pathogen in the development and progression of periodontal disease. The interactions or cross‐talk between bacteria and gingival epithelial cells drive bacteria to manipulate the cell cycle to favor bacterial survival and virulence expression within the host. This study aims to dissect the effects of P. gingivalis on the cell cycle in human gingival epithelial cells.

Materials and Methods

We established a model of P. gingivalis invading IHGE cells. The cell cycle distribution of human gingival epithelial cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. Cyclin D and cyclin E mRNA and protein were detected by real‐time PCR and Western blot, respectively.

Results

Porphyromonas gingivalis‐induced facilitation of cell growth was correlated with the acceleration of G1 phase of cell cycle. Cyclin D1 mRNA levels were significantly upregulated from 6 to 12 h after infection. Cyclin E protein and mRNA levels were elevated at 10 and 12 h after invasion.

Conclusions

We confirmed that P. gingivalis significantly enhances IHGE cell proliferation by promoting the G1/S transition, involving the up‐regulation of cyclin D and cyclin E.
Symbiotic Characterization of Vibrio fischeri ES114 Mutants That Display Enhanced Luminescence in Culture
Authors: Lyell Noreen L. , Stabb Eric V.
Published: February 2013

Vibrio fischeri
ES114 is a bioluminescent symbiont of the squid
Euprymna scolopes
. Like most isolates from
E. scolopes
, ES114 produces only dim luminescence outside the host, even in dense cultures. We previously identified mutants with brighter luminescence, and here we report their symbiotic phenotypes, providing insights into the host environment.
Survival, Sublethal Injury, and Recovery of Environmental
Burkholderia pseudomallei
in Soil Subjected to Desiccation
Authors: Larsen Eloise , Smith James J. , Norton Robert , Corkeron Maree
Published: February 2013

Environmental
Burkholderia pseudomallei
isolated from sandy soil at Castle Hill, Townsville, in the dry tropic region of Queensland, Australia, was inoculated into sterile-soil laboratory microcosms subjected to variable soil moisture. Survival and sublethal injury of the
B. pseudomallei
strain were monitored by recovery using culture-based methods. Soil extraction buffer yielded higher recoveries as an extraction agent than sterile distilled water.
B. pseudomallei
was not recoverable when inoculated into desiccated soil but remained recoverable from moist soil subjected to 91 days' desiccation and showed a growth response to increased soil moisture over at least 113 days. Results indicate that endemic dry tropic soil may act as a reservoir during the dry season, with an increase in cell number and potential for mobilization from soil into water in the wet season.
Streptomyces lividans Blasticidin S Deaminase and Its Application in Engineering a Blasticidin S-Producing Strain for Ease of Genetic Manipulation
Authors: Li Li , Wu Jun , Deng Zixin , Zabriskie T. Mark , He Xinyi
Published: February 2013

Blasticidin S is a peptidyl nucleoside antibiotic produced by
Streptomyces griseochromogenes
that exhibits strong fungicidal activity. To circumvent an effective DNA uptake barrier system in the native producer and investigate its biosynthesis
in vivo
, the blasticidin S biosynthetic gene cluster (
bls
) was engrafted to the chromosome of
Streptomyces lividans
. However, the resulting mutant, LL2, produced the inactive deaminohydroxyblasticidin S instead of blasticidin S. Subsequently, a blasticidin S deaminase (SLBSD, for
S. lividans
blasticidin S deaminase) was identified in
S. lividans
and shown to govern this
in vivo
conversion. Purified SLBSD was found to be capable of transforming blasticidin S to deaminohydroxyblasticidin S
in vitro
. It also catalyzed deamination of the cytosine moiety of cytosylglucuronic acid, an intermediate in blasticidin S biosynthesis. Disruption of the SLBSD gene in
S. lividans
LL2 led to successful production of active blasticidin S in the resultant mutant,
S. lividans
WJ2. To demonstrate the easy manipulation of the blasticidin S biosynthetic gene cluster,
blsE
,
blsF
, and
blsL
, encoding a predicted radical
S
-adenosylmethionine (SAM) protein, an unknown protein, and a guanidino methyltransferase, were individually inactivated to access their role in blasticidin S biosynthesis.
Combined Fluxomics and Transcriptomics Analysis of Glucose Catabolism via a Partially Cyclic Pentose Phosphate Pathway in Gluconobacter oxydans 621H
Authors: Hanke Tanja , Nï¿½h Katharina , Noack Stephan , Polen Tino , Bringer Stephanie , Sahm Hermann , Wiechert Wolfgang , Bott Michael
Published: February 2013

In this study, the distribution and regulation of periplasmic and cytoplasmic carbon fluxes in
Gluconobacter oxydans
621H with glucose were studied by
13
C-based metabolic flux analysis (
13
C-MFA) in combination with transcriptomics and enzyme assays. For
13
C-MFA, cells were cultivated with specifically
13
C-labeled glucose, and intracellular metabolites were analyzed for their labeling pattern by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). In growth phase I, 90% of the glucose was oxidized periplasmically to gluconate and partially further oxidized to 2-ketogluconate. Of the glucose taken up by the cells, 9% was phosphorylated to glucose 6-phosphate, whereas 91% was oxidized by cytoplasmic glucose dehydrogenase to gluconate. Additional gluconate was taken up into the cells by transport. Of the cytoplasmic gluconate, 70% was oxidized to 5-ketogluconate and 30% was phosphorylated to 6-phosphogluconate. In growth phase II, 87% of gluconate was oxidized to 2-ketogluconate in the periplasm and 13% was taken up by the cells and almost completely converted to 6-phosphogluconate. Since
G. oxydans
lacks phosphofructokinase, glucose 6-phosphate can be metabolized only via the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) or the Entner-Doudoroff pathway (EDP).
13
C-MFA showed that 6-phosphogluconate is catabolized primarily via the oxidative PPP in both phases I and II (62% and 93%) and demonstrated a cyclic carbon flux through the oxidative PPP. The transcriptome comparison revealed an increased expression of PPP genes in growth phase II, which was supported by enzyme activity measurements and correlated with the increased PPP flux in phase II. Moreover, genes possibly related to a general stress response displayed increased expression in growth phase II.
A Defined, Glucose-Limited Mineral Medium for the Cultivation of Listeria spp
Authors: Schneebeli Rudolf , Egli Thomas
Published: February 2013

Members of the genus
Listeria
are fastidious bacteria with respect to their nutritional requirements, and several minimal media described in the literature fail to support growth of all
Listeria
spp. Furthermore, strict limitation by a single nutrient, e.g., the carbon source, has not been demonstrated for any of the published minimal media. This is an important prerequisite for defined studies of growth and physiology, including “omics.” Based on a theoretical analysis of previously published mineral media for
Listeria
, an improved, well-balanced growth medium was designed. It supports the growth, not only of all tested
Listeria monocytogenes
strains, but of all other
Listeria
species, with the exception of
L. ivanovii
. The growth performance of
L. monocytogenes
strain Scott A was tested in the newly designed medium; glucose served as the only carbon and energy source for growth, whereas neither the supplied amino acids nor the buffering and complexing components (MOPS [morpholinepropanesulfonic acid] and EDTA) supported growth. Omission of amino acids, trace elements, or vitamins, alone or in combination, resulted in considerably reduced biomass yields. Furthermore, we monitored the specific growth rates of various
Listeria
strains cultivated in the designed mineral medium and compared them to growth in complex medium (brain heart infusion broth [BHI]). The novel mineral medium was optimized for the commonly used strain
L. monocytogenes
Scott A to achieve optimum cell yields and maximum specific growth rates. This mineral medium is the first published synthetic medium for
Listeria
that has been shown to be strictly carbon (glucose) limited.
Genetic Determinants for Cadmium and Arsenic Resistance among Listeria monocytogenes Serotype 4b Isolates from Sporadic Human Listeriosis Patients
Authors: Lee Sangmi , Rakic-Martinez M. , Graves L. M. , Ward T. J. , Siletzky R. M. , Kathariou S.
Published: February 2013

In
Listeria monocytogenes
serotype 4b isolates from sporadic listeriosis, heavy metal resistance was primarily encountered in certain clonal groups (ECI, ECII, and ECIa). All arsenic-resistant isolates harbored the arsenic resistance cassette previously identified in pLI100; ECIa harbored additional arsenic resistance genes and a novel cadmium resistance determinant in a conserved chromosomal locus.
High Diversity of Magnetotactic Deltaproteobacteria in a Freshwater Niche
Authors: Wang Yinzhao , Lin Wei , Li Jinhua , Pan Yongxin
Published: February 2013

Knowledge of the diversity of magnetotactic bacteria in natural environments is crucial for understanding their contribution to various biological and geological processes. Here we report a high diversity of magnetotactic bacteria in a freshwater site. Ten out of 18 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were affiliated with the
Deltaproteobacteria
. Some rod-shaped bacteria simultaneously synthesized greigite and magnetite magnetosomes.
Transcriptomic and Genetic Analysis of Direct Interspecies Electron Transfer
Authors: Shrestha Pravin Malla , Rotaru Amelia-Elena , Summers Zarath M. , Shrestha Minita , Liu Fanghua , Lovley Derek R.
Published: February 2013

The possibility that metatranscriptomic analysis could distinguish between direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) and H
2
interspecies transfer (HIT) in anaerobic communities was investigated by comparing gene transcript abundance in cocultures in which
Geobacter sulfurreducens
was the electron-accepting partner for either
Geobacter metallireducens
, which performs DIET, or
Pelobacter carbinolicus
, which relies on HIT. Transcript abundance for
G. sulfurreducens
uptake hydrogenase genes was 7-fold lower in cocultures with
G. metallireducens
than in cocultures with
P. carbinolicus
, consistent with DIET and HIT, respectively, in the two cocultures. Transcript abundance for the pilus-associated cytochrome OmcS, which is essential for DIET but not for HIT, was 240-fold higher in the cocultures with
G. metallireducens
than in cocultures with
P. carbinolicus
. The pilin gene
pilA
was moderately expressed despite a mutation that might be expected to repress
pilA
expression. Lower transcript abundance for
G. sulfurreducens
genes associated with acetate metabolism in the cocultures with
P. carbinolicus
was consistent with the repression of these genes by H
2
during HIT. Genes for the biogenesis of pili and flagella and several
c
-type cytochrome genes were among the most highly expressed in
G. metallireducens
. Mutant strains that lacked the ability to produce pili, flagella, or the outer surface
c
-type cytochrome encoded by Gmet_2896 were not able to form cocultures with
G. sulfurreducens
. These results demonstrate that there are unique gene expression patterns that distinguish DIET from HIT and suggest that metatranscriptomics may be a promising route to investigate interspecies electron transfer pathways in more-complex environments.
Improved Selection of Internal Transcribed Spacer-Specific Primers Enables Quantitative, Ultra-High-Throughput Profiling of Fungal Communities
Authors: Bokulich Nicholas A. , Mills David A.
Published: February 2013

Ultra-high-throughput sequencing (HTS) of fungal communities has been restricted by short read lengths and primer amplification bias, slowing the adoption of newer sequencing technologies to fungal community profiling. To address these issues, we evaluated the performance of several common internal transcribed spacer (ITS) primers and designed a novel primer set and work flow for simultaneous quantification and species-level interrogation of fungal consortia. Primer comparison and validation were predicted
in silico
and by sequencing a “mock community” of mixed yeast species to explore the challenges of amplicon length and amplification bias for reconstructing defined yeast community structures. The amplicon size and distribution of this primer set are smaller than for all preexisting ITS primer sets, maximizing sequencing coverage of hypervariable ITS domains by very-short-amplicon, high-throughput sequencing platforms. This feature also enables the optional integration of quantitative PCR (qPCR) directly into the HTS preparatory work flow by substituting qPCR with these primers for standard PCR, yielding quantification of individual community members. The complete work flow described here, utilizing any of the qualified primer sets evaluated, can rapidly profile mixed fungal communities and capably reconstructed well-characterized beer and wine fermentation fungal communities.
Taxis of Pseudomonas putida F1 toward Phenylacetic Acid Is Mediated by the Energy Taxis Receptor Aer2
Authors: Luu Rita A. , Schneider Benjamin J. , Ho Christie C. , Nesteryuk Vasyl , Ngwesse Stacy E. , Liu Xianxian , Parales Juanito V. , Ditty Jayna L. , Parales Rebecca E.
Published: February 2013

The phenylacetic acid (PAA) degradation pathway is a widely distributed funneling pathway for the catabolism of aromatic compounds, including the environmental pollutants styrene and ethylbenzene. However, bacterial chemotaxis to PAA has not been studied. The chemotactic strain
Pseudomonas putida
F1 has the ability to utilize PAA as a sole carbon and energy source. We identified a putative PAA degradation gene cluster (
paa
) in
P. putida
F1 and demonstrated that PAA serves as a chemoattractant. The chemotactic response was induced during growth with PAA and was dependent on PAA metabolism. A functional
cheA
gene was required for the response, indicating that PAA is sensed through the conserved chemotaxis signal transduction system. A
P. putida
F1 mutant lacking the energy taxis receptor Aer2 was deficient in PAA taxis, indicating that Aer2 is responsible for mediating the response to PAA. The requirement for metabolism and the role of Aer2 in the response indicate that
P. putida
F1 uses energy taxis to detect PAA. We also revealed that PAA is an attractant for
Escherichia coli
; however, a mutant lacking a functional Aer energy receptor had a wild-type response to PAA in swim plate assays, suggesting that PAA is detected through a different mechanism in
E. coli
. The role of Aer2 as an energy taxis receptor provides the potential to sense a broad range of aromatic growth substrates as chemoattractants. Since chemotaxis has been shown to enhance the biodegradation of toxic pollutants, the ability to sense PAA gradients may have implications for the bioremediation of aromatic hydrocarbons that are degraded via the PAA pathway.
Sigma Factor RpoS Controls Alkylresorcinol Synthesis through ArpR, a LysR-Type Regulatory Protein, during Encystment of Azotobacter vinelandii
Authors: Romero Yanet , Moreno Soledad , Guzmán Josefina , Espín Guadalupe , Segura Daniel
Published: February 2013

Azotobacter vinelandii
is a bacterium which undergoes a differentiation process leading to the formation of metabolically dormant cysts. During the encystment process,
A. vinelandii
produces alkylresorcinol lipids (ARs) that replace the membrane phospholipids and are also components of the layers covering the cyst. The synthesis of ARs in
A. vinelandii
has been shown to occur by the activity of enzymes encoded by the
arsABCD
operon, which is expressed only during the differentiation process. Also, the production of ARs has been shown to be dependent on the stationary-phase sigma factor RpoS, which is also implicated in the control of the synthesis of other cyst components (i.e., alginate and poly-β-hydroxybutyrate). In this study, we identified ArpR, a LysR-type transcriptional regulator expressed only during encystment that positively regulates
arsABCD
transcription. We show that this activation is dependent on acetoacetyl-coenzyme A (acetoacetyl-CoA), which might provide a metabolic signal for encystment. We also show that RpoS regulates
arsABCD
expression through the control of
arpR
transcription.