bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of sodium lauryl sulfate on recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Shim YJ , Choi J‐H , Ahn H‐J , Kwon J‐S 
Published: February 2012

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 655–660Objective:  To compare the effects of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)‐free and SLS‐containing dentifrice in patient with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS).Materials and methods:  The design of this study was a double‐blind crossover trial. The 90 subjects were divided into three groups: group I used SLS‐free (a commercially available SLS‐free dentifrice) and SLS‐A (SLS‐free + 1.5% SLS), group II used SLS‐A and SLS‐B (a commercially available 1.5% SLS‐containing dentifrice), and group III used SLS‐free and SLS‐B. The subjects used one of the two assigned dentifrices for 8 weeks and then the other for the following 8 weeks. The order of the dentifrices used was selected at random, and there was a 2‐week washout period between the two phases. The clinical parameters (number of ulcers, number of episodes, duration of ulcers, mean pain score) were compared between the two phases for each group.Results:  The number of ulcers and episodes did not differ significantly between SLS‐A, SLS‐B, and SLS‐free. Only duration of ulcers and mean pain score was significantly decreased during the period using SLS‐free.Conclusion:  Although SLS‐free did not reduce the number of ulcers and episodes, it affected the ulcer‐healing process and reduces pain in daily lives in patients with RAS.
When risk‐based regulation aims low: A strategic framework
Authors: Black Julia , Baldwin Robert 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThis article develops a strategic framework for regulators to employ when choosing intervention strategies for dealing with low risks and reviewing performance, building on the analysis by the same authors in the previous edition of this journal. The framework occupies the operational “middle ground” between risk analysis and formal enforcement action. At its core is a matrix, the Good Regulatory Intervention Design (GRID), which provides a framework to categorize sites or activities on the basis of two factors: the nature of the risk and the nature of the regulatee. Using GRID, regulators can select which intervention tools to use, and determine the overall level of regulatory intensity that should apply. GRID is accompanied by the Good Regulatory Assessment Framework (GRAF) for agencies to use in reviewing their performance and provides a step‐by‐step process for enabling “double loop learning.” The article also argues that the process of developing such a framework highlighted the extent to which “low risk” and “high risk” regulation are distinct. “Low risk” means “low priority.” Justifying why certain risks should not receive much regulatory attention requires a particular type of engagement, and has a bearing on the regulatory strategies that are adopted.
An emergent science on the brink of irrelevance: a review of the past 8 years of DNA barcoding
Authors: TAYLOR H. R. , HARRIS W. E. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractDNA barcoding has become a well‐funded, global enterprise since its proposition as a technique for species identification, delimitation and discovery in 2003. However, the rapid development of next generation sequencing (NGS) has the potential to render DNA barcoding irrelevant because of the speed with which it generates large volumes of genomic data. To avoid obsolescence, the DNA barcoding movement must adapt to use this new technology. This review examines the DNA barcoding enterprise, its continued resistance to improvement and the implications of this on the future of the discipline. We present the consistent failure of DNA barcoding to recognize its limitations and evolve its methodologies, reducing the usefulness of the data produced by the movement and throwing into doubt its ability to embrace NGS.
The sugar, biomass and biofuel potential of temperate by tropical maize hybrids
Authors: White Wendy G. , Vincent Michael L. , Moose Stephen P. , Below Frederick E. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe demand for biofuels has created a market for feedstocks to meet future energy requirements. Temperate × tropical maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids, which combine high biomass and fermentable stalk sugars, have yet to be considered as a biomass feedstock. Our objective was to evaluate biological potential, genetic variability and impact of nitrogen (N) on biomass, stalk sugar, and biofuel potential of temperate × tropical maize (TTM) hybrids. Twelve TTM hybrids, two grain and silage hybrids were grown in 2008, followed in 2009 by seven earshoot‐bagged TTM hybrids. In both years, they were grown with and without supplemental N (202 kg ha−1) in Champaign, IL. Plants were sampled for total and partitioned biomass, and analyzed for concentration and content of sugar. The TTM hybrids were 40% taller, exhibited later reproductive maturity, greater flowering asynchrony, and remained green longer. All hybrids responded to supplemental N by producing more biomass and grain, a lower percent of biomass partitioned to stalk and leaf, whereas TTM also had a decreased concentration of sugar. Total average biomass yields were 24 Mg ha−1 for both the TTM and grain hybrids. However, TTM partitioned 50% more biomass to the stalk and produced 50% more sugar, and had less than half the grain of the commercial hybrids, indicating grain production and sugar accumulation are inversely related. When grain formation was prevented by earshoot bagging, TTM hybrids produced, without supplemental N fertilizer, an average of 4024 kg ha−1 of sugar, which was three‐ to four‐fold greater than the non earshoot‐bagged TTM and ear removed hybrid. Calculated estimates for ethanol production, considering the potential from sugar, stover and grain, indicate TTM can yield nearly the amount of ethanol per hectare as modern grain hybrids, but with a decreased requirement for supplemental fertilizer N.
Use of Personal Protective Measures by Thai Households in Areas with Avian Influenza Outbreaks
Authors: Somrongthong R. , Beaudoin A. , Bender J. , Sasipreeyajan J. , Laosee O. , Pakinsee S. , Sitthi‐amorn C. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryThailand has had multiple poultry outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 since its first emergence in 2004. Twenty‐five human cases of HPAI H5N1 avian influenza have been reported in the country, including 17 fatalities, and contact with infected dead or dying poultry has been identified as a risk factor for human infection. This study assessed the use of protective equipment and hand hygiene measures by Thai poultry‐owning households during activities involving poultry contact. Surveys conducted in 2008 included questions regarding poultry‐related activities and protective measures used during an HPAI outbreak (2005) and 3 years after the study location’s last reported outbreak (2008). For both time periods, poultry owners reported limited use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during all activities and inconsistent hand washing practices after carrying poultry and gathering eggs. This is the first time that PPE use in Thailand has been quantified for a large study group. These data are important for ongoing characterization of HPAI risk and for the crafting of educational messages.
Learning Japanese as a Foreign Language in the Context of an American University: A Qualitative and Process‐Oriented Study on De/Motivation at the Learning Situation Level
Authors: Yi Tsang Sin 
Published: February 2012

AbstractMotivation plays an important role in foreign language learning. To investigate factors that influence motivation level, the researcher surveyed 102 students studying Japanese at the University of Washington and interviewed 10 of them. From their responses, the researcher identified four de/motivational factors: (1) teachers, (2) feedback, (3) difficulty of the class, and (4) feeling of progress. These findings also suggest that the impacts of these factors occur at different levels, take different forms, and have different strengths. The study also discusses the psychology of students underlying the influence of these de/motivational factors. Furthermore, students most frequently mentioned “teachers” and “feeling of progress,” which partially agrees with four previous related studies. Finally, the researcher briefly discusses the teachers’ perspective.
Evaluation of the Morphological Effects of TDT 067 (Terbinafine in Transfersome) and Conventional Terbinafine on Dermatophyte Hyphae
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Authors: Ghannoum M. , Isham N. , Henry W. , Kroon H.-A. , Yurdakul S. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

TDT 067 is a novel, carrier-based dosage form of terbinafine in Transfersome (1.5%) formulated for topical delivery of terbinafine to the nail, nail bed, and surrounding tissue. We examined the effects of TDT 067 and conventional terbinafine on the morphology of dermatophytes.
Trichophyton rubrum
hyphae were exposed to TDT 067 or terbinafine (15 mg/ml) and examined under white light, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Subungual debris from patients treated with TDT 067 in a clinical trial was also examined. Exposure of
T. rubrum
hyphae to TDT 067 led to rapid and extensive ultrastructural changes. Hyphal distortion was evident as early as 4 h after exposure to TDT 067. After 24 h, there was complete disruption of hyphal structure with few intact hyphae remaining. Exposure to terbinafine resulted in morphological alterations similar to those seen with TDT 067; however, the effects of TDT 067 were more extensive, whereas a portion of hyphae remained intact after 24 h of exposure to terbinafine. Lipid droplets were observed under TEM following 30 min of exposure to TDT 067, which after 24 h had filled the intracellular space. These effects were confirmed
in vivo
in subungual debris from patients with onychomycosis who received topical treatment with TDT 067. The Transfersome in TDT 067 may potentiate the action of terbinafine by delivering terbinafine more effectively to its site of action inside the fungus. Our
in vivo
data confirm that TDT 067 can enter fungus in the nail bed of patients with onychomycosis and exert its antifungal effects.
New Mutations in the Mycobacterial ATP Synthase: New Insights into the Binding of the Diarylquinoline TMC207 to the ATP Synthase C-Ring Structure
Authors: Segala Elena , Sougakoff Wladimir , Nevejans-Chauffour Aurelie , Jarlier Vincent , Petrella Stephanie 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

TMC207 is a new antituberculous drug belonging to the diarylquinoline class which very efficiently inhibits the ATP synthase of mycobacteria such as
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, one of the most important pathogens in the world. In order to map the amino acid residues involved in the binding of the drug, we have selected
in vitro
TMC207-resistant mutants from
M. tuberculosis
and diverse atypical mycobacteria. Six distinct mutations, Asp28→Gly, Asp28→Ala, Leu59→Val, Glu61→Asp, Ala63→Pro, and Ile66→Met, have been identified in the subunit c forming a C ring in the ATP synthase. They were studied by evaluating the levels of resistance that they confer in the selected clones and by using an isogenic complementation system in
Mycobacterium smegmatis
. The rates of increase of TMC207 MIC values (8- to 133-fold) were interpreted by constructing by homology modeling a structure of the mycobacterial C ring which was used for docking simulations with TMC207. Our results suggest that the residues found to be mutated in the resistant clones, together with a tyrosine specifically conserved at position 64 in mycobacteria, define a cleft located between two adjacent c subunits in the C ring. This cleft, which encompasses the proton-binding site (Glu61), is well fitted to bind TMC207 at the level of the bromoquinoline moiety, with the drug being anchored by several ionic, hydrogen, and halogen bonds with residues Glu61, Tyr64, and Asp28, respectively. These data shed light on the molecular interactions allowing TMC207 to bind specifically and efficiently at the level of the proton-binding site of the mycobacterial C ring.
Evaluation of Ceftaroline Activity versus Ceftriaxone against Clinical Isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae with Various Susceptibilities to Cephalosporins in an
In Vitro
Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Model
Authors: Steed Molly E. , Vidaillac Céline , Winterfield Patricia , Biek Donald , Rybak Michael J. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

Drug resistance in
Streptococcus pneumoniae
, a frequent pathogen in community-acquired pneumonia, is increasing. Ceftaroline (active metabolite of ceftaroline fosamil) is a broad-spectrum intravenous cephalosporin with activity
in vitro
against drug-resistant Gram-positive organisms. We investigated ceftaroline at 600 mg every 12 h (q12h) (maximum concentration of the free, unbound drug in serum [
fC
max
] is 15.2 μg/ml, and half-life [
T
1/2
] is 2.5 h) versus ceftriaxone at 1 g q24h (
fC
max
= 23 μg/ml,
T
1/2
= 8 h) against six clinical
S. pneumoniae
isolates in a one-compartment
in vitro
pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic 96-h model (starting inoculum of 10
7
CFU/ml). Differences in CFU/ml (at 24 to 96 h) were evaluated by analysis of variance with a Tukey's
post hoc
test. Bactericidal activity was defined as a ≥3 log
10
CFU/ml decrease from the initial inoculum. Ceftaroline MICs were 0.06, 0.015, ≤0.008, 0.25, 0.25, and 0.5 μg/ml, and ceftriaxone MICs were 0.5, 0.25, 0.25, 4, 4, and 8 μg/ml for SP 1477, SP 669, SP 132, SP 211, SP 90, and SP 1466, respectively. Against the ceftaroline- and ceftriaxone-susceptible strain SP 1477, ceftaroline displayed sustained bactericidal activity (3 to 96 h, −5.49 log
10
CFU/ml) and was significantly (
P
≤ 0.012) better than ceftriaxone (72 to 96 h, −2.03 log
10
CFU/ml). Against the ceftriaxone-resistant strains, ceftaroline displayed sustained bactericidal activity at 96 h and was significantly better than ceftriaxone (SP211 [−5.91 log
10
CFU/ml,
P
≤ 0.002], SP 90 [−5.26 log
10
CFU/ml,
P
≤ 0.008], and SP1466 [−5.14 log
10
CFU/ml,
P
≤ 0.042]). Ceftaroline was the more effective drug and displayed sustained bactericidal activity. Ceftaroline fosamil may provide a therapeutic option to treat ceftriaxone-resistant
S. pneumoniae
infections.
Target- and Resistance-Based Mechanistic Studies with TP-434, a Novel Fluorocycline Antibiotic
Authors: Grossman Trudy H. , Starosta Agata L. , Fyfe Corey , O'Brien William , Rothstein David M. , Mikolajka Aleksandra , Wilson Daniel N. , Sutcliffe Joyce A. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

TP-434 is a novel, broad-spectrum fluorocycline antibiotic with activity against bacteria expressing major antibiotic resistance mechanisms, including tetracycline-specific efflux and ribosomal protection. The mechanism of action of TP-434 was assessed using both cell-based and
in vitro
assays. In
Escherichia coli
cells expressing recombinant tetracycline resistance genes, the MIC of TP-434 (0.063 μg/ml) was unaffected by
tet
(M),
tet
(K), and
tet
(B) and increased to 0.25 and 4 μg/ml in the presence of
tet
(A) and
tet
(X), respectively. Tetracycline, in contrast, was significantly less potent (MIC ≥ 128 μg/ml) against
E. coli
cells when any of these resistance mechanisms were present. TP-434 showed potent inhibition in
E. coli in vitro
transcription/translation (50% inhibitory concentration [IC
50
] = 0.29 ± 0.09 μg/ml) and [
3
H]tetracycline ribosome-binding competition (IC
50
= 0.22 ± 0.07 μM) assays. The antibacterial potencies of TP-434 and all other tetracycline class antibiotics tested were reduced by 4- to 16-fold, compared to that of the wild-type control strain, against
Propionibacterium acnes
strains carrying a 16S rRNA mutation, G1058C, a modification that changes the conformation of the primary binding site of tetracycline in the ribosome. Taken together, the findings support the idea that TP-434, like other tetracyclines, binds the ribosome and inhibits protein synthesis and that this activity is largely unaffected by the common tetracycline resistance mechanisms.
In Vivo
Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics of Colistin and Imipenem in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Infection
Authors: Hengzhuang Wang , Wu Hong , Ciofu Oana , Song Zhijun , Høiby Niels 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

Many
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates from the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are sensitive to antibiotics in susceptibility testing, but eradication of the infection is difficult. The main reason is the biofilm formation in the airways of patients with CF. The pharmacokinetics (PKs) and pharmacodynamics (PDs) of antimicrobials can reliably be used to predict whether antimicrobial regimens will achieve the maximum bactericidal effect against infections. Unfortunately, however, most PK/PD studies of antimicrobials have been done on planktonic cells and very few PK/PD studies have been done on biofilms, partly due to the lack of suitable models
in vivo
. In the present study, a biofilm lung infection model was developed to provide an objective and quantitative evaluation of the PK/PD profile of antimicrobials. Killing curves were set up to detect the antimicrobial kinetics on planktonic and biofilm
P. aeruginosa
cells
in vivo
. Colistin showed concentration-dependent killing, while imipenem showed time-dependent killing on both planktonic and biofilm
P. aeruginosa
cells
in vivo
. The parameter best correlated to the elimination of bacteria in lung by colistin was the area under the curve (AUC) versus MIC (AUC/MIC) for planktonic cells or the AUC versus minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC; AUC/MBIC) for biofilm cells. The best-correlated parameter for imipenem was the time that the drug concentration was above the MIC for planktonic cells (
T
MIC
) or time that the drug concentration was above the MBIC (
T
MBIC
) for biofilm cells. However, the AUC/MIC of imipenem showed a better correlation with the efficacy of imipenem for biofilm infections (
R
2
= 0.89) than planktonic cell infections (
R
2
= 0.38). The postantibiotic effect (PAE) of colistin and imipenem was shorter in biofilm infections than planktonic cell infections in this model.
Impact of Extracellular Nuclease Production on the Biofilm Phenotype of Staphylococcus aureus under
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Conditions
Authors: Beenken Karen E. , Spencer Horace , Griffin Linda M. , Smeltzer Mark S. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

Recent studies suggest that extracellular DNA promotes biofilm formation in
Staphylococcus aureus
and, conversely, that extracellular nucleases limit the ability to form a biofilm.
S. aureus
produces at least two extracellular nucleases, and in the study described in this report, we examined the impact of each of these nucleases on biofilm formation under both
in vitro
and
in vivo
conditions. Our results demonstrate that both nucleases impact biofilm formation in the clinical isolate UAMS-1. Under certain
in vitro
conditions, this impact is negative, with mutation of either or both of the nuclease genes (
nuc1
and
nuc2
) resulting in an enhanced capacity to form a biofilm. However, this effect was not apparent
in vivo
in a murine model of catheter-associated biofilm formation. Rather, mutation of either or both nuclease genes appeared to limit biofilm formation to a degree that could be correlated with increased susceptibility to daptomycin.
Loss of Outer Membrane Protein C in Escherichia coli Contributes to Both Antibiotic Resistance and Escaping Antibody-Dependent Bactericidal Activity
Authors: Liu Yi-Fang , Yan Jing-Jou , Lei Huan-Yao , Teng Ching-Hao , Wang Ming-Cheng , Tseng Chin-Chung , Wu Jiunn-Jong 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) serve as the permeability channels for nutrients, toxins, and antibiotics. In
Escherichia coli
, OmpA has been shown to be involved in bacterial virulence, and OmpC is related to multidrug resistance. However, it is unclear whether OmpC also has a role in the virulence of
E. coli
. The aims of this study were to characterize the role of OmpC in antimicrobial resistance and bacterial virulence in
E. coli
. The
ompC
deletion mutant showed significantly decreased susceptibility to carbapenems and cefepime. To investigate the survival of
E. coli
exposed to the innate immune system, a human blood bactericidal assay showed that the
ompC
mutant increased survival in blood and serum but not in complement-inactivated serum. These effects were also demonstrated in the natural selection of OmpC mutants. Also, C1q interacted with
E. coli
through a complex of antibodies bound to OmpC as a major target. Bacterial survival was increased in the wild-type strain in a dose-dependent manner by adding free recombinant OmpC protein or anti-C1q antibody to human serum. These results demonstrated that the interaction of OmpC-specific antibody and C1q was the key step in initiating the antibody-dependent classical pathway for the clearance of OmpC-expressing
E. coli
. Anti-OmpC antibody was detected in human sera, indicating that OmpC is an immunogen. These data indicate that the loss of OmpC in
E. coli
is resistant to not only antibiotics, but also the serum bactericidal effect, which is mediated from the C1q and anti-OmpC antibody-dependent classical pathway.
Vascular Normalization by Loss of Siah2 Results in Increased Chemotherapeutic Efficacy
Authors: Wong Christina S.F. , Sceneay Jaclyn , House Colin M. , Halse Heloise M. , Liu Mira C.P. , George Joshy , Hunnam Titaina C.U. Potdevin , Parker Belinda S. , Haviv Izhak , Ronai Ze'ev , Cullinane Carleen , Bowtell David D. , Möller Andreas 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Tumor hypoxia is associated with resistance to antiangiogenic therapy and poor prognosis. The Siah E3 ubiquitin ligases regulate the hypoxic response pathway by modulating the turnover of the master proangiogenic transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (Hif-1α). In this study, we show that genetic deficiency in the Siah family member Siah2 results in vascular normalization and delayed tumor growth in an established transgenic model of aggressive breast cancer. Tumors arising in a Siah2−/− genetic background showed increased perfusion and pericyte-associated vasculature, similar to that occurring with antiangiogenic therapy. In support of the role of Siah2 in regulating levels of Hif-1α, expression of angiogenic factors was decreased in Siah2−/− tumors. Blood vessel normalization in Siah2−/− tumors resulted in an increased response to chemotherapy and prolonged survival. Together, our findings offer a preclinical proof of concept that targeting Siah2 is sufficient to attenuate Hif-1α–mediated angiogenesis and hypoxia signaling, thereby improving responses to chemotherapy. Cancer Res; 72(7); 1694–704. ©2012 AACR.
The Ubiquitin-Proteasome System Meets Angiogenesis
Authors: Rahimi Nader 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
A strict physiological balance between endogenous proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors controls endothelial cell functions, such that endothelial cell growth is normally restrained. However, in pathologic angiogenesis, a shift occurs in the balance of regulators, favoring endothelial growth. Much of the control of angiogenic events is instigated through hypoxia-induced VEGF expression. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays a central role in fine-tuning the functions of core proangiogenic proteins, including VEGF, VEGFR-2, angiogenic signaling proteins (e.g., the PLCγ1 and PI3 kinase/AKT pathways), and other non-VEGF angiogenic pathways. The emerging mechanisms by which ubiquitin modification of angiogenic proteins control angiogenesis involve both proteolytic and nonproteolytic functions. Here, I review recent advances that link the UPS to regulation of angiogenesis and highlight the potential therapeutic value of the UPS in angiogenesis-associated diseases. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(3); 538–48. ©2012 AACR.