bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does caffeine impair cerebral oxygenation and blood flow velocity in preterm infants?
Authors: Tracy MB , Klimek J , Hinder M , Ponnampalam G , Tracy SK 
Published: May 2010

AbstractAim:  The aim of the study is to assess the effects of an intravenous 10 mg/kg loading dose of caffeine base in cerebral oxygenation, cerebral Doppler blood flow velocity and cardiac output in preterm infants.Methods:  Preterm neonates <34 weeks gestation were investigated at 1 and 4 h following the loading dose of caffeine using Doppler cerebral sonography, cardiac echocardiography and cerebral spatially resolved near‐infrared spectroscopy.Results:  Forty infants were studied with a mean gestational age (mean ± standard deviation) of 27.7 (±2.5) weeks, birth weight of 1155 (±431) g and a postnatal age of 2.8 (±2.2) days. Mean Anterior Cerebral Artery peak and time average mean blood flow velocity fell significantly by 14% and 17.7%, respectively at 1 h post‐caffeine loading dose, which recovered partially by 4 h. Cerebral Tissue Oxygenation Index fell from pre‐dose levels by 9.5% at 1 h with partial recovery to 4.9% reduced at 4 h post‐dose. There were no significant changes in left or right ventricular output, transcutaneous oxygen saturation, transcutaneous PCO2 or total vascular resistance.Conclusions:  A loading dose of 10 mg/kg caffeine base resulted in significant reduction at 1 h post‐dose in cerebral oxygenation and cerebral blood flow velocity with partial recovery at 4 h.
Twelve‐month neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants with and without intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Padilla Nelly , Perapoch Josep , Carrascosa Antonio , Acosta‐Rojas Ruthy , Botet Francesc , Gratacós Eduard 
Published: May 2010

AbstractAim:  To evaluate the neurodevelopmental outcome at 12 months’ corrected age in preterm infants with and without severe intrauterine growth restriction.Methods:  This prospective follow‐up study included 37 infants with severe intrauterine growth restriction and 36 appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age infants born between 26 and 34 weeks. Neonatal and infant data were prospectively recorded. Infants were assessed at 12 ± 2 months’ corrected age with the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination and the Bayley Scale for Infant Development version‐II.Results:  Both groups were similar in demographic characteristics and perinatal status. No significant differences in neurodevelopmental performance were found. The mental development index was 98.8 (SD 9.0) vs 98.4 (SD 13.1) (p = 0.9) and the psychomotor development index was 91.7 (SD 9.9) vs 95.5 (SD 13.4) (p = 0.2) for the study and reference groups respectively. Neurological assessment showed no significant differences between the two groups.Conclusion:  Although the study group showed a non‐significant trend towards a lower score in the psychomotor development index than the reference group, significant differences at 12 months could not be demonstrated. IUGR infants continued to have significantly lower weight, length and head circumference at 1 year.
ADHD symptoms and maturity – a follow‐up study in school children
Authors: Gustafsson P , Holmström E , Besjakov J , Karlsson MK 
Published: May 2010

AbstractAim:  To test the hypothesis that there is a subgroup of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who show a decline in ADHD‐symptoms that is associated with signs of biological maturation, a phenomenon referred to as a ‘maturation catch‐up’.Methods:  The parents of 147 children who were given an examination in grades one and two 1999–2000 that included assessment of ADHD‐symptoms and estimation of skeletal bone‐age by use of hand radiographs (which was repeated in the eighth grade), were contacted 2008–2009 and were asked to answer questions concerning ADHD‐symptoms and behavioural maturity in their children. The response frequency was 67%. A complete dataset was achieved in 57 children. A reduction of Conners scores for ADHD‐symptoms of eight or more between the evaluations was defined as a marked reduction in symptoms.Results:  When the children with a marked symptom reduction (n = 6) were compared with children without such a reduction (n = 51), we found a significant difference in skeletal maturation (p < 0.05).Conclusion:  This study gives support to the theory that there is a group of children with ADHD‐symptoms who have a biological maturational‐lag who will show a decrease in their ADHD‐symptoms as they show a maturation catch‐up with increasing age.
Association of the +874 T/A interferon gamma polymorphism with infections in sickle cell disease
Authors: Joannes M. O. , Loko G. , Deloumeaux J. , Chout R. , Marianne‐Pepin T. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryInfectious complications are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with sickle cell disease. Several mechanisms are supposed to contribute to this susceptibility. The exact reasons for the susceptibility of sickle cell patients to infection are not clear and are still a matter of debate. Interferon gamma (IFNγ) is a key cytokine involved mainly in the defence against intracellular pathogens. We investigated a possible association of an IFNγ +874 T/A polymorphism and infectious complications in sickle cell patients. Seventy‐two sickle cell patients were typed for +874 T/A IFNγ polymorphism. Genotype frequencies were different between cases and controls. Indeed, the T allele frequency was significantly higher in patients with infections than in patients without infections (P = 0.014). Our results suggest that the +874 T/A IFNγ polymorphism is associated with infectious complications in sickle cell patients. T allele could be involved in infections in sickle cell patients.
Evolutionary ecology of insect adaptation to Bt crops
Authors: Carrière Yves , Crowder David W. , Tabashnik Bruce E. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractTransgenic crops producing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins are used worldwide to control major pests of corn and cotton. Development of strategies to delay the evolution of pest resistance to Bt crops requires an understanding of factors affecting responses to natural selection, which include variation in survival on Bt crops, heritability of resistance, and fitness advantages associated with resistance mutations. The two main strategies adopted for delaying resistance are the refuge and pyramid strategies. Both can reduce heritability of resistance, but pyramids can also delay resistance by reducing genetic variation for resistance. Seasonal declines in the concentration of Bt toxins in transgenic cultivars, however, can increase the heritability of resistance. The fitness advantages associated with resistance mutations can be reduced by agronomic practices, including increasing refuge size, manipulating refuges to increase fitness costs, and manipulating Bt cultivars to reduce fitness of resistant individuals. Manipulating costs and fitness of resistant individuals on transgenic insecticidal crops may be especially important for thwarting evolution of resistance in haplodiploid and parthenogenetic pests. Field‐evolved resistance to Bt crops in only five pests during the last 14 years suggests that the refuge strategy has successfully delayed resistance, but the accumulation of resistant pests could accelerate.
Functional characterization of two RAB27A missense mutations found in Griscelli syndrome type 2
Authors: Ohbayashi Norihiko , Mamishi Setareh , Ishibashi Koutaro , Maruta Yuto , Pourakbari Babak , Tamizifar Banafshe , Mohammadpour Masoud , Fukuda Mitsunori , Parvaneh Nima 
Published: May 2010

SummaryHuman Griscelli syndrome type 2 (GS‐2) is characterized by partial albinism and a severe immunologic disorder as a result of RAB27A mutations. In melanocytes, Rab27A forms a tripartite complex with a specific effector Slac2‐a/melanophilin and myosin Va, and the complex regulates melanosome transport. Here, we report a novel homozygous missense mutation of Rab27A, i.e. K22R, in a Persian GS‐2 patient and the results of analysis of the impact of the K22R mutation and the previously reported I44T mutation on protein function. Both mutations completely abolish Slac2‐a/melanophilin binding activity but they affect the biochemical properties of Rab27A differently. The Rab27A(K22R) mutant lacks the GTP binding ability and exhibits cytosolic localization in melanocytes. By contrast, neither intrinsic GTPase activity nor melanosomal localization of Rab27A is affected by the I44T mutation, but the Rab27A(I44T) mutant is unable to recruit Slac2‐a/melanophilin. Interestingly, the two mutations differently affect binding to other Rab27A effectors, Slp2‐a, Slp4‐a/granuphilin‐a, and Munc13‐4. The Rab27A(K22R) mutant normally binds Munc13‐4, but not Slp2‐a or Slp4‐a, whereas the Rab27A(I44T) mutant shows reduced binding activity to Slp2‐a and Munc13‐4 but normally binds Slp4‐a.
Topoisomerase I amplification in melanoma is associated with more advanced tumours and poor prognosis
Authors: Ryan Denise , Rafferty Mairin , Hegarty Shauna , O’Leary Patrick , Faller William , Gremel Gabriela , Bergqvist Michael , Agnarsdottir Margret , Strömberg Sara , Kampf Caroline , Pontén Fredrik , Millikan Robert C. , Dervan Peter A. , Gallagher William M. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryIn this study, we used array‐comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) to examine genetic aberrations in melanoma cell lines and tissues. Array‐comparative genomic hybridization revealed that the most frequent genetic changes found in melanoma cell lines were amplifications on chromosomes 7p and 20q, along with disruptions on Chr 9, 10, 11, 12, 22 and Y. Validation of the results using FISH on tissue microarrays (TMAs) identified TOP1 as being amplified in melanoma tissues. TOP1 amplification was detected in a high percentage (33%) of tumours and was associated with thicker, aggressive tumours. These results show that TOP1 amplification is associated with advanced tumours and poor prognosis in melanoma. These observations open the possibility that TOP1‐targeted therapeutics may be of benefit in a particular subgroup of advanced stage melanoma patients.
Changes in liver function parameters after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation therapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kuroda Hidekatsu , Kasai Kazuhiro , Kakisaka Keisuke , Yasumi Yuki , Kataoka Koujiro , Ushio Akira , Miyamoto Yasuhiro , Sawara Kei , Oikawa Kanta , Kondo Koryo , Miura Yoshiaki , Endo Ryujin , Takikawa Yasuhiro , Suzuki Kazuyuki 
Published: May 2010

Aim:  To evaluate changes in liver function parameters and risk factors 1 year after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:  Subjects in this retrospective study comprised 45 patients with HCC who underwent RFA therapy (RFA alone, n = 25; transcatheter arterial embolization therapy before RFA, n = 20) and showed no recurrence of HCC 1 year after RFA. Serial changes in serum total bilirubin, albumin, prothrombin time and Child–Pugh score (CPs) were evaluated before and after RFA. In addition, Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to clarify risk factors for aggravation of liver function after RFA therapy.Results:  Serum albumin levels showed a significant decrease from before (3.6 ± 0.4 g/dL) to 12 months after RFA therapy (3.2 ± 0.4 g/dL; P ≤ 0.05). CPs was significantly increased from before (6.4 ± 1.4) to both 6 months (6.8 ± 1.9; P ≤ 0.05) and 12 months after RFA (6.9 ± 2.0; P ≤ 0.05). Based on stepwise multivariate analysis, CPs of 9 or more before RFA was selected as a significant risk factor for long‐term aggravation of liver function after RFA.Conclusion:  Liver function parameters, particularly serum albumin level, gradually and dominantly decreased in HCC patients with grade B and C according to the CPs classification over the course of 1 year after RFA therapy. A CPs of 9 or more represents a major risk factor for the aggravation of liver function after RFA therapy.
Hollow-Fiber Ultrafiltration and PCR Detection of Human-Associated Genetic Markers from Various Types of Surface Water in Florida
Authors: Leskinen Stephaney D. , Brownell Miriam , Lim Daniel V. , Harwood Valerie J. 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT
Hollow-fiber ultrafiltration (HFUF) and PCR were combined to detect human-associated microbial source tracking marker genes in large volumes of fresh and estuarine Florida water. HFUF allowed marker detection when membrane filtration did not, demonstrating HFUF's ability to facilitate detection of diluted targets by PCR in a variety of water types.
Ethanol-Independent Biofilm Formation by a Flor Wine Yeast Strain ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Zara Severino , Gross Michael K. , Zara Giacomo , Budroni Marilena , Bakalinsky Alan T. 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTFlor strains ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaeform a biofilm on the surface of wine at the end of fermentation, when sugar is depleted and growth on ethanol becomes dependent on oxygen. Here, we report greater biofilm formation on glycerol and ethyl acetate and inconsistent formation on succinic, lactic, and acetic acids.
RNA-Based Investigation of Ammonia-Oxidizing Archaea in Hot Springs of Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Jiang Hongchen , Huang Qiuyuan , Dong Hailiang , Wang Peng , Wang Fengping , Li Wenjun , Zhang Chuanlun 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

Using RNA-based techniques and hot spring samples collected from Yunnan Province, China, we show that the
amoA
gene of aerobic ammonia-oxidizing archaea can be transcribed at temperatures higher than 74°C and up to 94°C, suggesting that archaeal nitrification can potentially occur at near boiling temperatures.
Terrestrial Small Mammals as Reservoirs of
Mycobacterium ulcerans
in Benin
Authors: Durnez Lies , Suykerbuyk Patrick , Nicolas Violaine , Barrière Patrick , Verheyen Erik , Johnson Christian R. , Leirs Herwig , Portaels Françoise 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium ulcerans
, the causative agent of Buruli ulcer (BU), is considered an environmental pathogen. Different mycobacteria were detected in 68 (12%) out of 565 small mammals collected in areas in Benin where BU is endemic. Although
M. ulcerans
was not found, we suggest that more research on
M. ulcerans
in African (small) mammals is needed.
High-Yield Intra- and Extracellular Protein Production Using
Bacillus megaterium
Authors: Stammen Simon , Müller Britta Katrin , Korneli Claudia , Biedendieck Rebekka , Gamer Martin , Franco-Lara Ezequiel , Jahn Dieter 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

The
Bacillus megaterium
protein production system based on the inducible promoter of the
xyl
operon (P

xylA

) was systematically optimized. Multiple changes in basic promoter elements, such as the −10 and −35 region and the ribosome-binding site, resulted in an 18-fold increase of protein production compared to the production of the previously established system. The production in shaking-flask culture of green fluorescent protein (Gfp) as a model product led to 82.5 mg per g cell dry weight (g
CDW
) or 124 mg liter
−1
. In fed-batch cultivation, the volumetric protein yield was increased 10-fold to 1.25 g liter
−1
, corresponding to 36.8 mg protein per g
CDW
. Furthermore, novel signal peptides for Sec-dependent protein secretion were predicted
in silico
using the
B. megaterium
genome. Subsequently, leader peptides of Vpr, NprM, YngK, YocH, and a computationally designed artificial peptide were analyzed experimentally for their potential to facilitate the secretion of the heterologous model protein
Thermobifida fusca
hydrolase (Tfh). The best extracellular protein production, 5,000 to 6,200 U liter
−1
(5.3 to 6.6 mg liter
−1
), was observed for strains where the Tfh export was facilitated by a codon-optimized leader peptide of YngK and by the signal peptide of YocH. Further increases in extracellular protein production were achieved when leader peptides were used in combination with the optimized expression system. In this case, the greatest extracellular enzyme amount of 7,200 U liter
−1
, 7.7 mg liter
−1
, was achieved by YocH leader peptide-mediated protein export. Nevertheless, the observed principal limitations in protein export might be related to components of the Sec-dependent protein transport system.
Diversity of Oligotrichia and Choreotrichia Ciliates in Coastal Marine Sediments and in Overlying Plankton
Authors: Doherty Mary , Tamura Maiko , Vriezen Jan A. C. , McManus George B. , Katz Laura A. 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT
Elucidating the relationship between ciliate communities in the benthos and the plankton is critical to understanding ciliate diversity in marine systems. Although data for many lineages are sparse, at least some members of the dominant marine ciliate clades Oligotrichia and Choreotrichia can be found in both plankton and benthos, in the latter either as cysts or active forms. In this study, we developed a molecular approach to address the relationship between the diversity of ciliates in the plankton and those of the underlying benthos in the same locations. Samples from plankton and sediments were compared across three sites along the New England coast, and additional subsamples were analyzed to assess reproducibility of methods. We found that sediment and plankton subsamples differed in their robustness to repeated subsampling. Sediment subsamples (i.e., 1-g aliquots from a single ∼20-g sample) gave variable estimates of diversity, while plankton subsamples produced consistent results. These results indicate the need for additional study to determine the spatial scale over which diversity varies in marine sediments. Clustering of phylogenetic types indicates that benthic assemblages of oligotrichs and choreotrichs appear to be more like those from spatially remote benthic communities than the ciliate communities sampled in the water above them.
Random Mutagenesis of
Clostridium cellulolyticum
by Using a Tn
1545
Derivative
Authors: Blouzard Jean-Charles , Valette Odile , Tardif Chantal , de Philip Pascale 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

Further understanding of the plant cell wall degradation system of
Clostridium cellulolyticum
and the possibility of metabolic engineering in this species highlight the need for a means of random mutagenesis. Here, we report the construction of a Tn
1545
-derived delivery tool which allows monocopy random insertion within the genome.
Pentaplexed Quantitative Real-Time PCR Assay for the Simultaneous Detection and Quantification of Botulinum Neurotoxin-Producing Clostridia in Food and Clinical Samples
Authors: Kirchner Sebastian , Krämer K. Melanie , Schulze Martin , Pauly Diana , Jacob Daniela , Gessler Frank , Nitsche Andreas , Dorner Brigitte G. , Dorner Martin B. 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTBotulinum neurotoxins are produced by the anaerobic bacteriumClostridium botulinumand are divided into seven distinct serotypes (A to G) known to cause botulism in animals and humans. In this study, a multiplexed quantitative real-time PCR assay for the simultaneous detection of the human pathogenicC. botulinumserotypes A, B, E, and F was developed. Based on the TaqMan chemistry, we used five individual primer-probe sets within one PCR, combining both minor groove binder- and locked nucleic acid-containing probes. Each hydrolysis probe was individually labeled with distinguishable fluorochromes, thus enabling discrimination between the serotypes A, B, E, and F. To avoid false-negative results, we designed an internal amplification control, which was simultaneously amplified with the four target genes, thus yielding a pentaplexed PCR approach with 95% detection probabilities between 7 and 287 genome equivalents per PCR. In addition, we developed six individual singleplex real-time PCR assays based on the TaqMan chemistry for the detection of theC. botulinumserotypes A, B, C, D, E, and F. Upon analysis of 42C. botulinumand 57 non-C. botulinumstrains, the singleplex and multiplex PCR assays showed an excellent specificity. Using spiked food samples we were able to detect between 103and 105CFU/ml, respectively. Furthermore, we were able to detect C.botulinumin samples from several cases of botulism in Germany. Overall, the pentaplexed assay showed high sensitivity and specificity and allowed for the simultaneous screening and differentiation of specimens forC. botulinumA, B, E, and F.
Role of Absolute Humidity in the Inactivation of Influenza Viruses on Stainless Steel Surfaces at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: McDevitt James , Rudnick Stephen , First Melvin , Spengler John 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT
Influenza virus has been found to persist in the environment for hours to days, allowing for secondary transmission of influenza via inanimate objects known as fomites. We evaluated the efficacy of heat and moisture for the decontamination of surfaces for the purpose of preventing of the spread of influenza. Aqueous suspensions of influenza A virus were deposited onto stainless steel coupons, allowed to dry under ambient conditions, and exposed to temperatures of 55°C, 60°C, or 65°C and relative humidity (RH) of 25%, 50%, or 75% for up to 1 h. Quantitative virus assays were performed on the solution used to wash the viruses from these coupons, and results were compared with the solution used to wash coupons treated similarly but left under ambient conditions. Inactivation of influenza virus on surfaces increased with increasing temperature, RH, and exposure time. Reductions of greater than 5 logs of influenza virus on surfaces were achieved at temperatures of 60 and 65°C, exposure times of 30 and 60 min, and RH of 50 and 75%. Our data also suggest that absolute humidity is a better predictor of surface inactivation than RH and allows the prediction of survival using two parameters rather than three. Modest amounts of heat and adequate moisture can provide effective disinfection of surfaces while not harming surfaces, electrical systems, or mechanical components, leaving no harmful residues behind after treatment and requiring a relatively short amount of time.
Practical Method for Extraction of PCR-Quality DNA from Environmental Soil Samples
Authors: Fitzpatrick Kelly A. , Kersh Gilbert J. , Massung Robert F. 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

Methods for the extraction of PCR-quality DNA from environmental soil samples by using pairs of commercially available kits were evaluated.
Coxiella burnetii
DNA was detected in spiked soil samples at <1,000 genome equivalents per gram of soil and in 12 (16.4%) of 73 environmental soil samples.
Application of Paramagnetically Tagged Molecules for Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Biofilm Mass Transport Processes
Authors: Ramanan B. , Holmes W. M. , Sloan W. T. , Phoenix V. R. 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

Molecules become readily visible by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) when labeled with a paramagnetic tag. Consequently, MRI can be used to image their transport through porous media. In this study, we demonstrated that this method could be applied to image mass transport processes in biofilms. The transport of a complex of gadolinium and diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA), a commercially available paramagnetic molecule, was imaged both in agar (as a homogeneous test system) and in a phototrophic biofilm. The images collected were
T
1
weighted, where
T
1
is an MRI property of the biofilm and is dependent on Gd-DTPA concentration. A calibration protocol was applied to convert
T
1
parameter maps into concentration maps, thus revealing the spatially resolved concentrations of this tracer at different time intervals. Comparing the data obtained from the agar experiment with data from a one-dimensional diffusion model revealed that transport of Gd-DTPA in agar was purely via diffusion, with a diffusion coefficient of 7.2 × 10
−10
m
2
s
−1
. In contrast, comparison of data from the phototrophic biofilm experiment with data from a two-dimensional diffusion model revealed that transport of Gd-DTPA inside the biofilm was by both diffusion and advection, equivalent to a diffusion coefficient of 1.04 × 10
−9
m
2
s
−1
. This technology can be used to further explore mass transport processes in biofilms, either by using the wide range of commercially available paramagnetically tagged molecules and nanoparticles or by using bespoke tagged molecules.