bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Associations AmongeNOSG894T Gene Polymorphism, Erectile Dysfunction, and Benign Prostate Hyperplasia-Related Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Authors: Lee Yung-Chin , Wu Wen-Jeng , Liu Chia-Chu , Wang Chii-Jye , Li Wei-Ming , Huang Chun-Hsiung , Yeh Hsin-Chih , Ke Hung-Lung , Huang Shu-Pin 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTIntroductionA number of literature has now identified the role of impaired nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide pathway in the endothelium as the central to the development of erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostate hyperplasia-related lower urinary tract symptoms (BPH/LUTS). Recently a few studies have reported the associations between endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) G894T gene polymorphisms and ED. However, there has been no report investigating the eNOS G894T genetic susceptibility factor for both ED and BPH/LUTS.AimTo investigate the possible associations among eNOS G894T polymorphism, ED, and BPH/LUTS in a Taiwanese population.Main Outcome MeasuresPatients with ED were defined as those having a 5-item International Index of Erectile Function-5 &lt;21.MethodsIn all, 372 Taiwanese men underwent a free health screening were enrolled. All the men had complete clinical data and questionnaires taken. The eNOS G894T polymorphisms were determined using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method.ResultsThree hundred seventy-two men had a mean (standard deviation) age of 60.2 (8.8) years. With multivariate analysis, our data identified that aging, diabetes mellitus (DM), and eNOS G894T gene polymorphism were three independent common risk factors for both ED and BPH/LUTS (P &lt; 0.001, P = 0.036, and P = 0.039 for ED; P = 0.034, P = 0.004, and P = 0.016 for BPH/LUTS, respectively). The eNOS 894T allele carriers had significantly higher prevalence of ED (77.9% vs. 60.4%, P = 0.012) and higher International Prostate Symptom score (IPSS) (13.3 ± 10.7 vs. 9.3 ± 7.8, P = 0.001) than G allele carriers.ConclusionsOur results showed that aging, DM, and eNOS 894T allele carrier gene polymorphism were the three independently common risk factors for both ED and BPH/LUTS in the Taiwanese population. The eNOS 894T allele carriers had significantly higher frequencies of ED and higher IPSS, suggesting that eNOS G894T gene polymorphisms may play an implication as a genetic susceptibility factor for both ED and BPH/LUTS.
Evaluation of Marital and Sexual Interactions of Polish Infertile Couples
Authors: Drosdzol Agnieszka , Skrzypulec Violetta 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The World Health Organization defines infertility as inability to conceive despite regular sexual intercourse sustained for a period exceeding 12 months with no contraceptive methods.

Aim
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of infertility on marital and sexual interactions among infertile couples.

Methods
Two hundred six infertile couples were qualified to the study as the research group. The control group consisted of 190 fertile couples.

Main Outcome Measures
A specific questionnaire was used as a research tool in this study. It included the sociodemographic part, infertility status, and validated scales: Polish version of Index of Marital Satisfaction and Index of Sexual Satisfaction. Statistica 6.0 (Medical University of Silesia; Katowice, Poland) was used in the statistical analysis. The statistical analysis made use of: Mann–Whitney U-test, chi-square with Yates’ continuity correction, ancova log-linear analysis of covariance, and logistic regression analysis.

Results
The study showed a significantly better partner relationship in female infertile as compared with female fertile. Clinically significant disorders of partnership stability were observed in 11.65% of studied women and in 20% of controls. Marital adjustment and sexual satisfaction were comparable among male groups. The probability of marital disorders increased with: age above 30 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.6), female sex (OR = 1.5), and lower education (OR = 1.7) among the study population. Diagnosed male factor and infertility duration of 3–6 years were connected with the highest relationship instability and the lowest sexual satisfaction both in female and male infertile.

Conclusions
The risk factors of marital dissatisfaction in infertility include: female sex, age over 30, lower education level, diagnosis of male infertility, and infertility duration of 3–6 years.
Buddhist Epistemology: The Study of Pram?ṇa
Authors: Stoltz Jonathan 
Published: June 2009

AbstractEpistemology – the study of the nature and scope of knowledge – has been an integral topic in Indian and Tibetan Buddhist scholastic communities for the past 1500 years. This article provides an overview of the Buddhist epistemological tradition, emphasizing the central role that the concept of pram?ṇa plays in Indian theories of knowledge. After elucidating the two pram?ṇas accepted by the Buddhist epistemological tradition, the article concludes by discussing the relationship between Buddhist epistemology and Buddhist soteriology.
Burmese Monks in Bangkok: Opening an Abhidhamma School and Creating a Lineage
Authors: Meister Kelly 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIn 1951, a small group of Thai monks went to explore the propagation of Buddhism in Burma. After being inspired by the Burmese methods of teaching Buddhist dhamma, the Abhidhamma‐Jotika College was founded by Venerable Sayadaw Saddhammajotika Dhamm?c?riya, a Burmese monk commissioned to initiate Abhidhamma education in Bangkok. In fact, according to the college's history, prior to the founding of the Abhidhamma‐Jotika College, Thailand lacked any formal training institution specifically dedicated to the study of the Abhidhamma, and thus for the means, materials, and teachers to enable the study of this ‘basket’ of the Tipiṭaka, Thais looked to the Burmese. It is common to hear about the negative history of warfare and animosity between the Thai and Burmese. However, in order to fully understand the relationships between the two, particularly regarding Buddhist practice and study in Thailand, it is crucial to understand the very positive respect given by Thai Buddhists to the Burmese. This paper will look at the Abhidhamma‐Jotika College as an exemplifier of how, through Phra Saddhammajotika, a unique lineage was born in Thailand. Through this lineage the students of the Abhidhamma‐Jotika College continue to identify with the ethnicity of their Burmese founder and, moreover, believe they are participating in ‘something Burmese’.
Emergence of High Levels of Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Producing Gram-Negative Bacilli in the Asia-Pacific Region: Data from the Study for Monitoring Antimicrobial Resistance Trends (SMART) Program, 2007
Authors: Hawser Stephen P. , Bouchillon Samuel K. , Hoban Daryl J. , Badal Robert E. , Hsueh Po-Ren , Paterson David L. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTOf 3,004 gram-negative bacilli collected from intra-abdominal infections in the Asia-Pacific region during 2007, 42.2% and 35.8% ofEscherichia coliandKlebsiellaspp., respectively, were extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) positive. Moreover ESBL rates in India forE. coli,Klebsiella pneumoniae, andKlebsiella oxytocawere 79.0%, 69.4%, and 100%, respectively. ESBL-positiveE. colirates were also relatively high in China (55.0%) and Thailand (50.8%). Ertapenem and imipenem were the most active drugs tested, inhibiting over 90% of all species, including ESBL-positive isolates with the exception ofPseudomonas aeruginosaisolates (<90% susceptible to all study drugs) and ESBL-positiveKlebsiella pneumoniaeisolates (<90% susceptible to all study drugs except imipenem). Quinolones achieved 90% inhibition levels only against ESBL-negativeK. pneumoniaeand ESBL-negativeK. oxytoca. A decline in ampicillin-sulbactam activity was noted, with only 34.5% of allEnterobacteriaceaeinhibited in this study.
Anidulafungin Treatment of Candidal Central Nervous System Infection in a Murine Model
Authors: Kang Cheol-In , Rouse Mark S. , Mandrekar Jayawant N. , Steckelberg James M. , Patel Robin 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

We established a murine model of
Candida albicans
central nervous system (CNS) infection and evaluated the efficacy of anidulafungin. Ten milligrams/kg/day anidulafungin, amphotericin B, or voriconazole significantly reduced mortality and fungal burden in brain tissue, although amphotericin B and 10 mg/kg/day anidulafungin reduced fungal burden in brain tissue to a greater extent than did voriconazole. This suggests a potential role for anidulafungin in the treatment of candidal CNS infection.
Prospective Comparison of the Clinical Impacts of Heterogeneous Vancomycin-Intermediate Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) and Vancomycin-Susceptible MRSA
Authors: Horne K. C. , Howden B. P. , Grabsch E. A. , Graham M. , Ward P. B. , Xie S. , Mayall B. C. , Johnson P. D. R. , Grayson M. L. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

Although methicillin (meticillin)-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) strains with reduced susceptibility to vancomycin (RVS-MRSA; including vancomycin-intermediate
S. aureus
[VISA] and heterogeneous VISA [hVISA]) have been linked with vancomycin treatment failure, it is unclear whether they are more pathogenic than vancomycin-susceptible MRSA (VS-MRSA). We prospectively assessed patients with clinical MRSA isolates during a 10-month period to determine clinical status (infection versus colonization) and therapeutic outcome before correlating these findings with the results of detailed in vitro assessment of vancomycin susceptibility, including population analysis profile (PAP) testing. hVISA and VISA were defined by standard PAP criteria (area-under-the-curve ratio compared to that of the reference hVISA strain Mu3 [≥0.9]) and routine CLSI criteria (vancomycin MIC, 4 to 8 μg/ml), respectively. Among the 117 patients assessed, 58 had RVS-MRSA isolates (56 hVISA and 2 VISA) and 59 had VS-MRSA isolates; the patient demographics and comorbidities were similar. RVS-MRSA was associated with a lower rate of infection than VS-MRSA (29/58 versus 46/59;
P
= 0.003), including a lower rate of bacteremia (3/58 versus 20/59, respectively;
P
< 0.001). The cure rates in RVS-MRSA and VS-MRSA groups were not statistically different (16/26 versus 31/42;
P
= 0.43), but the post hoc assessment of treatment regimes and study size made detailed conclusions difficult. The results of the macro method Etest correlated well with the PAP results (sensitivity, 98.3%, and specificity, 91.5%), but broth microdilution and our preliminary RVS-MRSA detection method correlated poorly. All isolates were susceptible to linezolid and daptomycin. These data suggest that detailed prospective laboratory identification of RVS-MRSA isolates may be of limited value and that, instead, such in vitro investigation should be reserved for isolates from patients who are failing appropriate anti-MRSA therapy.
Antiviral Activity of Chloroquine against Human Coronavirus OC43 Infection in Newborn Mice
Authors: Keyaerts Els , Li Sandra , Vijgen Leen , Rysman Evelien , Verbeeck Jannick , Van Ranst Marc , Maes Piet 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT
Until recently, human coronaviruses (HCoVs), such as HCoV strain OC43 (HCoV-OC43), were mainly known to cause 15 to 30% of mild upper respiratory tract infections. In recent years, the identification of new HCoVs, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, revealed that HCoVs can be highly pathogenic and can cause more severe upper and lower respiratory tract infections, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia. To date, no specific antiviral drugs to prevent or treat HCoV infections are available. We demonstrate that chloroquine, a widely used drug with well-known antimalarial effects, inhibits HCoV-OC43 replication in HRT-18 cells, with a 50% effective concentration (± standard deviation) of 0.306 ± 0.0091 μM and a 50% cytotoxic concentration (± standard deviation) of 419 ± 192.5 μM, resulting in a selectivity index of 1,369. Further, we investigated whether chloroquine could prevent HCoV-OC43-induced death in newborn mice. Our results show that a lethal HCoV-OC43 infection in newborn C57BL/6 mice can be treated with chloroquine acquired transplacentally or via maternal milk. The highest survival rate (98.6%) of the pups was found when mother mice were treated daily with a concentration of 15 mg of chloroquine per kg of body weight. Survival rates declined in a dose-dependent manner, with 88% survival when treated with 5 mg/kg chloroquine and 13% survival when treated with 1 mg/kg chloroquine. Our results show that chloroquine can be highly effective against HCoV-OC43 infection in newborn mice and may be considered as a future drug against HCoVs.
β-Lactamase-Mediated β-Lactam Resistance in
Campylobacter
Species: Prevalence of Cj0299 (
bla
OXA-61
) and Evidence for a Novel β-Lactamase in
C
.
jejuni
Authors: Griggs Deborah J. , Peake Leanne , Johnson Margaret M. , Ghori Saba , Mott A. , Piddock Laura J. V. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

Fifty-two percent of 1,288 poultry isolates of campylobacters were ampicillin resistant, and resistance was more common among
Campylobacter coli
isolates (67.4%) than among
Campylobacter jejuni
isolates (47.5%). Production of β-lactamase was typically associated with resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin (amoxicilline), penicillin, and ticarcillin. Regardless of β-lactamase production, all isolates were resistant to piperacillin (MICs ≥ 256 μg/ml), and most were resistant to carbenicillin, cloxacillin, and cephalosporins. Of all ampicillin-resistant campylobacters tested, 91% (347/380) carried the
bla
OXA-61
gene, and 77% (136/175) of those tested with nitrocefin produced a β-lactamase, presumably OXA-61. The isoelectric point (pI) of OXA-61 was 8.7, and the molecular mass was 31.0 kDa. Insertional inactivation of
bla
OXA-61
in
C
.
jejuni
NCTC 11168 and two ampicillin-resistant isolates resulted in increased susceptibility to ampicillin, co-amoxiclav (amoxicillin and clavulanic acid), penicillin, carbenicillin, oxacillin, and piperacillin, but the effects on MICs of cephalosporins and imipenem were negligible. Some
C
.
jejuni
isolates that lacked
bla
OXA-61
produced a β-lactamase, CjBla2, with a pI of 9.2 and molecular mass of 32.4 kDa. Mass spectrometry confirmed that the most prevalent β-lactamase was the product of
bla
OXA-61
, but CjBla2 was not identified. OXA-61 is prevalent among
Campylobacter
spp. of veterinary origin and is similar to the β-lactamase previously reported in human isolates. Production of OXA-61 was associated with resistance to penams but not cephalosporins. Co-amoxiclav remained active against all isolates tested.
Role of the Corneal Epithelial Basement Membrane in Ocular Defense against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Alarcon Irania , Kwan Lesley , Yu Chong , Evans David J. , Fleiszig Suzanne M. J. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
can invade corneal epithelial cells and translocates multilayered corneal epithelia in vitro, but it does not penetrate the intact corneal epithelium in vivo. In healthy corneas, the epithelium is separated from the underlying stroma by a basement membrane containing extracellular matrix proteins and pores smaller than bacteria. Here we used in vivo and in vitro models to investigate the potential of the basement membrane to defend against
P. aeruginosa
. Transmission electron microscopy of infected mouse corneas in vivo showed penetration of the stroma by
P. aeruginosa
only where the basement membrane was visibly disrupted by scratch injury, suggesting that the intact basement membrane prevented penetration. This hypothesis was explored using an in vitro Matrigel Transwell model to mimic the corneal basement membrane.
P. aeruginosa
translocation of multilayered corneal epithelia grown on Matrigel was ∼100-fold lower than that of cells grown without Matrigel (
P
< 0.005,
t
test). Matrigel did not increase transepithelial resistance. Matrigel-grown cells blocked translocation by a
P. aeruginosa
protease mutant. Without cells, Matrigel also reduced traversal of
P. aeruginosa
and the protease mutant. Fluorescence microscopy revealed a relative accumulation of bacteria at the superficial epithelium of cells grown on Matrigel at 3 h compared to cells grown on uncoated filters. By 5 h, bacteria accumulated beneath the cells, suggesting direct trapping by the Matrigel. These findings suggest that the basement membrane helps defend the cornea against infection via physical barrier effects and influences on the epithelium and that these roles could be compromised by
P. aeruginosa
proteases.
Host Adhesive Activities and Virulence of Novel Fimbrial Proteins of
Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Pierce Deanne L. , Nishiyama So-ichiro , Liang Shuang , Wang Min , Triantafilou Martha , Triantafilou Kathy , Yoshimura Fuminobu , Demuth Donald R. , Hajishengallis George 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

The fimbriae of
Porphyromonas gingivalis
mediate critical roles in host colonization and evasion of innate defenses and comprise polymerized fimbrilin (FimA) associated with quantitatively minor accessory proteins (FimCDE) of unknown function. We now show that
P. gingivalis
fimbriae lacking FimCDE fail to interact with the CXC-chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), and bacteria expressing FimCDE-deficient fimbriae cannot exploit CXCR4 in vivo for promoting their persistence, as the wild-type organism does. Consistent with these loss-of-function experiments, purified FimC and FimD (but not FimE) were shown to interact with CXCR4. However, significantly stronger binding was observed when a combination of all three proteins was allowed to interact with CXCR4. In addition, FimC and FimD bound to fibronectin and type 1 collagen, whereas FimE failed to interact with these matrix proteins. These data and the fact that FimE is required for the association of FimCDE with
P. gingivalis
fimbriae suggest that FimE may recruit FimC and FimD into a functional complex, rather than directly binding host proteins. Consistent with this notion, FimE was shown to bind both FimC and FimD. In summary, the FimCDE components cooperate and impart critical adhesive and virulence properties to
P. gingivalis
fimbriae.
Kinetics of Lethal Factor and Poly-d-Glutamic Acid Antigenemia during Inhalation Anthrax in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Boyer Anne E. , Quinn Conrad P. , Hoffmaster Alex R. , Kozel Thomas R. , Saile Elke , Marston Chung K. , Percival Ann , Plikaytis Brian D. , Woolfitt Adrian R. , Gallegos Maribel , Sabourin Patrick , McWilliams Lisa G. , Pirkle James L. , Barr John R. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTSystemic anthrax manifests as toxemia, rapidly disseminating septicemia, immune collapse, and death. Virulence factors include the anti-phagocytic γ-linked poly-d-glutamic acid (PGA) capsule and two binary toxins, complexes of protective antigen (PA) with lethal factor (LF) and edema factor. We report the characterization of LF, PA, and PGA levels during the course of inhalation anthrax in five rhesus macaques. We describe bacteremia, blood differentials, and detection of the PA gene (pagA) by PCR analysis of the blood as confirmation of infection. For four of five animals tested, LF exhibited a triphasic kinetic profile. LF levels (mean ± standard error [SE] between animals) were low at 24 h postchallenge (0.03 ± 1.82 ng/ml), increased at 48 h to 39.53 ± 0.12 ng/ml (phase 1), declined at 72 h to 13.31 ± 0.24 ng/ml (phase 2), and increased at 96 h (82.78 ± 2.01 ng/ml) and 120 h (185.12 ± 5.68 ng/ml; phase 3). The fifth animal had an extended phase 2. PGA levels were triphasic; they were nondetectable at 24 h, increased at 48 h (2,037 ± 2 ng/ml), declined at 72 h (14 ± 0.2 ng/ml), and then increased at 96 h (3,401 ± 8 ng/ml) and 120 h (6,004 ± 187 ng/ml). Bacteremia was also triphasic: positive at 48 h, negative at 72 h, and positive at euthanasia. Blood neutrophils increased from preexposure (34.4% ± 0.13%) to 48 h (75.6% ± 0.08%) and declined at 72 h (62.4% ± 0.05%). The 72-h declines may establish a “go/no go” turning point in infection, after which systemic bacteremia ensues and the host's condition deteriorates. This study emphasizes the value of LF detection as a tool for early diagnosis of inhalation anthrax before the onset of fulminant systemic infection.
Directed Mutagenesis of the
Rickettsia prowazekii pld
Gene Encoding Phospholipase D
Authors: Driskell Lonnie O. , Yu Xue-jie , Zhang Lihong , Liu Yan , Popov Vsevolod L. , Walker David H. , Tucker Aimee M. , Wood David O. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

Rickettsia prowazekii
, the causative agent of epidemic typhus, is an obligately intracytoplasmic bacterium, a lifestyle that imposes significant barriers to genetic manipulation. The key to understanding how this unique bacterium evades host immunity is the mutagenesis of selected genes hypothesized to be involved in virulence. The
R. prowazekii pld
gene, encoding a protein with phospholipase D activity, has been associated with phagosomal escape. To demonstrate the feasibility of site-directed knockout mutagenesis of rickettsial genes and to generate a nonrevertible vaccine strain, we utilized homologous recombination to generate a
pld
mutant of the virulent
R. prowazekii
strain Madrid Evir. Using linear DNA for transformation, a double-crossover event resulted in the replacement of the rickettsial wild-type gene with a partially deleted
pld
gene. Linear DNA was used to prevent potentially revertible single-crossover events resulting in plasmid insertion. Southern blot and PCR analyses were used to confirm the presence of the desired mutation and to demonstrate clonality. While no phenotypic differences were observed between the mutant and wild-type strains when grown in tissue culture, the
pld
mutant exhibited attenuated virulence in the guinea pig model. In addition, animals immunized with the mutant strain were protected against subsequent challenge with the virulent Breinl strain, suggesting that this transformant could serve as a nonrevertible, attenuated vaccine strain. This study demonstrates the feasibility of generating site-directed rickettsial gene mutants, providing a new tool for understanding rickettsial biology and furthering advances in the prevention of epidemic typhus.
Human Serum Induces Streptococcal C5a Peptidase Expression
Authors: Gleich-Theurer Ute , Aymanns Simone , Haas Gregor , Mauerer Stefanie , Vogt Julia , Spellerberg Barbara 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTStreptococcus agalactiaeis a major pathogen in humans and animals. Virulence factors are often associated with mobile genetic elements, and their expression can be modulated by host factors.S. agalactiaeharbors the genes for C5a peptidase (scpB) and Lmb on a composite transposon structure which is absent in many bovine isolates. To investigate whether these genes participate in the adaptation to human hosts, we determined the influence of human and bovine serum on the promoter activity ofscpBandlmbby using fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis. Culture in the presence of 1 to 50% human serum resulted in a dose-dependent induction of reporter gene activity forscpBbut notlmb. Reporter gene activity was, however, unchanged following growth in fetal calf serum. Interestingly, a bovine strain did not display any induction ofscpBby either bovine or human serum. Reverse transcription-PCR analysis was used to confirm differential induction ofscpBinS. agalactiaeand showed a similar induction of theStreptococcus pyogenesC5a peptidase genescpAby human but not bovine serum. The specific induction of the streptococcal C5a peptidase by human serum corresponds to the absence ofscpBin many bovineS. agalactiaeisolates and underlines the importance of this virulence factor for human infections.