bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SYNERGISTIC EFFECT OF PRESSURE, TEMPERATURE AND pH ON INACTIVATION OF BACILLUS SUBTILIS SPORES IN BUFFER AND MODEL FOOD SYSTEMS
Authors: BALASUBRAMANIAN S. , BALASUBRAMANIAM V.M. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT The combined pressure‐thermal‐pH influence on inactivation of Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 spores (1 × 108 cfu/mL initial count) in citrate‐phosphate buffer was studied over a range of pressure (690 and 827 MPa), process temperature (60, 65, 70 and 75C), pH (3, 5 and 7) and pressure‐holding time (up to 10 min) combinations. The influence of food matrix effect on spore inactivation was studied using tomato puree (pH 4.05) and minced crabmeat (pH 7.25) samples. All the experiments were conducted using a pilot‐scale high‐pressure food processor. Increase in process temperature, pressure and pressure‐holding time increased spore inactivation. Further, the substrate pH and the food substrate also had a significant influence on the spore inactivation. The highest inactivation (≥7 log10 units) was obtained when the spores suspended in pH 3 buffer were processed at 827 MPa–75C for 5 min. Adjusting the product formulation by adjusting its pH can be used as an effective tool in enhancing spore lethality during high‐pressure processing.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSHigh‐pressure processing with or without the addition of heat has been used effectively as commercial food pasteurization method for a variety of value‐added food products. The current study will help further the development of high‐pressure processed high‐acid or acidified food products.
MOISTURE ADSORPTION THERMODYNAMICS OF FRACTIONATED SESAME HULLS (SESAMUM INDICUM L.)
Authors: AL‐MAHASNEH M.A. , RABABAH T.M. , AL‐U'DATT M.H. , YANG W. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT Sesame hulls are a useful byproduct of sesame processing industry. Moisture adsorption isotherms (MSIs) for whole sesame hulls (WSHs) and powdered sesame hulls (PSHs) were obtained at 15, 30 and 45C, and 0.05 to 1.5 moisture content (decimal dry basis) using a water activity meter. Four MSI models were tested. Halsey model was found to provide the best fit for experimental data for both WSHs and PSHs. Standard error of estimate, %P and pseudo‐R2 values were: 0.00168 and 0.00248, 4.7 and 5.7%, and 0.963 and 0.974, respectively. Equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) values of PSHs were greater than those of WSHs at constant moisture content. Differential enthalpy (qst) and entropy (ΔSd) decreased exponentially with the increase in equilibrium moisture content, then became constant beyond 0.7 moisture content. qst and ΔSd values were larger for WSHs than PSHs. Enthalpy–entropy compensation was found to exist for both PSHs and WSHs. An entropy‐driven process was observed, with the free energy change (ΔG) for WSHs and PSHs of+0.0183 kJ/kg and−0.0284 kJ/kg, respectively. The spreading pressure was found to increase with the increase in ERH and decrease in temperature. The net integral enthalpy (ΔHi) decreased then reached an asymptote beyond a moisture content of 0.15 for both PSHs and WSHs. Net integral enthalpy was larger for WSHs. The net integral entropy (ΔSi) was negative for PSHs and WSHs, and ΔSi was greater in magnitude for PSHs.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSSesame hulls are useful byproducts of sesame processing industry. Large amounts of this effluent are produced yearly in Jordan. They are used as livestock feed, but they require further dehydration to reduce moisture content and water activity into safe levels. In this project, drying thermodynamics of sesame hulls were discussed.
National pandemic influenza preparedness planning
Authors: Azziz‐Baumgartner Eduardo , Smith Nicole , González‐Alvarez Raquel , Daves Sharon , Layton Marcelle , Linares Nivaldo , Richardson‐Smith Nicole , Bresee Joseph , Mounts Anthony 
Published: June 2009

Abstract  The recent outbreaks of influenza A/H5N1 and ‘swine influenza’ A/H1N1 have caused global concern over the potential for a new influenza pandemic. Although it is impossible to predict when the next pandemic will occur, appropriate planning is still needed to maximize efficient use of resources and to minimize loss of life and productivity. Many tools now exist to assist countries in evaluating their plans but there is little to aid in writing of the plans. This study discusses the process of drafting a pandemic influenza preparedness plan for developing countries that conforms to the International Health Regulations of 2005 and recommendations of the World Health Organization.Stakeholders from many sectors should be involved in drafting a comprehensive pandemic influenza plan that addresses all levels of preparedness.
Life Expectancies for Small Areas: A Bayesian Random Effects Methodology
Authors: Congdon Peter 
Published: June 2009

Summary Monitoring small area contrasts in life expectancy is important for health policy purposes but subject to difficulties under conventional life table analysis. Additionally, the implicit model underlying conventional life table analysis involves a highly parametrized fixed effect approach. An alternative strategy proposed here involves an explicit model based on random effects for both small areas and age groups. The area effects are assumed to be spatially correlated, reflecting unknown mortality risk factors that are themselves typically spatially correlated. Often mortality observations are disaggregated by demographic category as well as by age and area, e.g. by gender or ethnic group, and multivariate area and age random effects will be used to pool over such groups. A case study considers variations in life expectancy in 1 118 small areas (known as wards) in Eastern England over a five‐year period 1999–2003. The case study deaths data are classified by gender, age, and area, and a bivariate model for area and age effects is therefore applied. The interrelationship between the random area effects and two major influences on small area life expectancy is demonstrated in the study, these being area socio‐economic status (or deprivation) and the location of nursing and residential homes for frail elderly.
High‐resolution melting analysis (HRMA): a highly sensitive inexpensive genotyping alternative for population studies
Authors: SMITH B. L. , LU C.‐P. , ALVARADO BREMER J. R. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractHigh‐resolution melting analysis (HRMA) is a highly sensitive closed‐tube genotyping method used primarily in clinical studies. As the method is rapid, inexpensive and amenable to high throughput, we decided to investigate its applicability to population studies. Small amplicons and unlabelled probes were used to genotype the nuclear genes, lactate dehydrogenase‐A (ldh‐A), myosin light chain‐2 (mlc‐2), acidic ribosomal phosphoprotein P0 (ARP) and calmodulin (CaM) in populations of swordfish, Xiphias gladius. Results indicate that HRMA is a powerful genotyping tool to study wild populations.
Development of a molecular diagnostic system to discriminate Dreissena polymorpha (zebra mussel) and Dreissena bugensis (quagga mussel)
Authors: HOY MARSHAL S. , KELLY KEVIN , RODRIGUEZ RUSTY J. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractA 3‐primer PCR system was developed to discriminate invasive zebra (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga (Dreissena bugensis) mussel. The system is based on: 1) universal primers that amplifies a region of the nuclear 28s rDNA gene from both species and 2) a species‐specific primer complementary to either zebra or quagga mussel. The species‐specific primers bind to sequences between the binding sites for the universal primers resulting in the amplification of two products from the target species and one product from the nontarget species. Therefore, nontarget products are positive amplification controls. The 3‐primer system accurately discriminated zebra and quagga mussels from seven geographically distinct populations.
Enhancement of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Replication Is Not Intrinsic to All Polyanion-Based Microbicides
Authors: Sonza Secondo , Johnson Adam , Tyssen David , Spelman Tim , Lewis Gareth R. , Paull Jeremy R. A. , Tachedjian Gilda 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT
Polyanion-based microbicides have been developed to prevent the sexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Recent data suggest that polyanions have the capacity to enhance HIV type 1 (HIV-1) replication at threshold antiviral concentrations. Evaluation of the microbicide candidates SPL7013 and PRO 2000 revealed no specific enhancement of two CCR5 HIV-1 strains in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells compared to enfuvirtide (Fuzeon). The enhancement effect is likely to be a function of the assay conditions and is not an intrinsic property of these polyanions.
Assessment of the Effects of the Nitroimidazo-Oxazine PA-824 on Renal Function in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Ginsberg Ann M. , Laurenzi Martino W. , Rouse Doris J. , Whitney Karl D. , Spigelman Mel K. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTThe mechanism underlying a dose-dependent, reversible increase in serum creatinine (SC) caused by the administration of PA-824, a novel nitroimidazo-oxazine, was evaluated in 47 healthy male and female volunteers. Subjects were administered either 800 or 1,000 mg PA-824 or matching placebo once daily for 8 days. The following renal function parameters were determined before and during dosing and after a 7-day washout: SC, glomerular filtration rate (GFR; measured as the iohexol clearance), effective renal plasma flow (ERPF; measured as the para-amino hippurate clearance), filtration fraction (FF), creatinine clearance (CrCl), extraglomerular creatinine excretion (EGCE; defined as CrCl minus GFR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and uric acid (UA) levels. Eight days' administration of 800 or 1,000 mg PA-824 was associated with increased SC and a trend toward decreased CrCl and EGCE. SC, CrCl, and EGCE values returned to normal/baseline within 1 week's washout. GFR, ERPF, FF, BUN, and UA values were similar across groups during treatment and washout. The reversible increase in SC observed in this and earlier trials of PA-824, thus, did not appear to be the result of a pathological effect on renal function (as measured by GFR, ERPF, FF, BUN, or UA). Pharmacokinetic analyses confirmed that PA-824 exposures were similar to those in previous healthy-volunteer clinical studies. That EGCE declined maximally when drug levels were highest suggests that PA-824 causes creatinine levels to rise by inhibiting renal tubular creatinine secretion. Such an effect, considered clinically benign, has been described for several marketed drugs.
Identification and Biochemical Characterization of Small-Molecule Inhibitors ofClostridium botulinumNeurotoxin Serotype A
Authors: Roxas-Duncan Virginia , Enyedy Istvan , Montgomery Vicki A. , Eccard Vanessa S. , Carrington Marco A. , Lai Huiguo , Gul Nizamettin , Yang David C. H. , Smith Leonard A. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTAn integrated strategy that combined in silico screening and tiered biochemical assays (enzymatic, in vitro, and ex vivo) was used to identify and characterize effective small-molecule inhibitors ofClostridium botulinumneurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A). Virtual screening was initially performed by computationally docking compounds of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) database into the active site of BoNT/A light chain (LC). A total of 100 high-scoring compounds were evaluated in a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-based protease assay using recombinant full-length BoNT/A LC. Seven compounds that significantly inhibited the BoNT/A protease activity were selected. Database search queries of the best candidate hit [7-((4-nitro-anilino)(phenyl)methyl)-8-quinolinol (NSC 1010)] were performed to mine its nontoxic analogs. Fifty-five analogs of NSC 1010 were synthesized and examined by the HPLC-based assay. Of these, five quinolinol derivatives that potently inhibited both full-length BoNT/A LC and truncated BoNT/A LC (residues 1 to 425) were selected for further inhibition studies in neuroblastoma (N2a) cell-based and tissue-based mouse phrenic nerve hemidiaphragm assays. Consistent with enzymatic assays, in vitro and ex vivo studies revealed that these five quinolinol-based analogs effectively neutralized BoNT/A toxicity, with CB 7969312 exhibiting ex vivo protection at 0.5 μM. To date, this is the most potent BoNT/A small-molecule inhibitor that showed activity in an ex vivo assay. The reduced toxicity and high potency demonstrated by these five compounds at the biochemical, cellular, and tissue levels are distinctive among the BoNT/A small-molecule inhibitors reported thus far. This study demonstrates the utility of a multidisciplinary approach (in silico screening coupled with biochemical testing) for identifying promising small-molecule BoNT/A inhibitors.
Continuous versus Intermittent Infusions of Ceftazidime for Treating Exacerbation of Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Hubert Dominique , Le Roux Evelyne , Lavrut Thibaud , Wallaert Benoit , Scheid Philippe , Manach Dominique , Grenet Dominique , Sermet-Gaudelus Isabelle , Ramel Sophie , Cracowski Claire , Sardet Anne , Wizla Nathalie , Deneuville Eric , Garraffo Rodolphe 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

The present multicenter, randomized crossover study compared the safety and efficacy of continuous infusion with those of short infusions of ceftazidime in patients with cystic fibrosis. Patients with chronic
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
colonization received two successive courses of intravenous tobramycin and ceftazidime (200 mg/kg of body weight/day) for pulmonary exacerbation administered as thrice-daily short infusions or as a continuous infusion. The primary endpoint was the variation in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV
1
) during the course of antibiotic treatment. Sixty-nine of the 70 patients enrolled in the study received at least one course of antibiotic treatment. The improvement in FEV
1
at the end of therapy was not statistically different between the two treatment procedures (+7.6% after continuous infusion and +5.5% after short infusions) but was better after continuous ceftazidime treatment in patients harboring resistant isolates (
P
< 0.05). The interval between the course of antibiotic treatments was longer after the continuous infusion than after the short infusion of ceftazidime (
P
= 0.04). The mean serum ceftazidime concentration during the continuous infusion was 56.2 ± 23.2 μg/ml; the mean peak and trough concentrations during the short infusions were 216.3 ± 71.5 and 12.1 ± 8.7 μg/ml, respectively. The susceptibility profiles of the
P. aeruginosa
isolates remained unchanged and were similar for both regimens. Quality-of-life scores were similar whatever the treatment procedure, but 82% of the patients preferred the continuous-infusion regimen. Adverse events were not significantly different between the two regimens. In conclusion, the continuous infusion of ceftazidime did not increase its toxicity and appeared to be as efficient as short infusions in patients with cystic fibrosis as a whole, but it gave better results in patients harboring resistant isolates of
P. aeruginosa
.
Efficacy of Aerosol MP-376, a Levofloxacin Inhalation Solution, in Models of Mouse Lung Infection Due toPseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Sabet Mojgan , Miller Courtney E. , Nolan Thomas G. , Senekeo-Effenberger Kathy , Dudley Michael N. , Griffith David C. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTProgressive respiratory failure due toPseudomonas aeruginosais the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis. The pulmonary delivery of antimicrobial agents provides high concentrations of drug directly to the site of infection and attains pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic indices exceeding those which can be achieved with systemic dosing. MP-376 is a new formulation of levofloxacin that enables the safe aerosol delivery of high concentrations of drug to pulmonary tissues. In vivo studies were conducted to demonstrate the efficacy of MP-376 in models of mouse pulmonary infection. The superiority of aerosol dosing over systemic dosing was demonstrated in models of both acute and chronic lung infection. In a model of acute lung infection, aerosol treatment with MP-376 once or twice daily reduced the lung bacterial load to a greater extent than aerosol tobramycin or aztreonam did when they were administered at similar or higher doses. The bacterial killing by aerosol MP-376 observed in the lung in the model of acute pulmonary infection translated to improved survival (P< 0.05). In a model of chronic pulmonary infection, aerosol MP-376 had antimicrobial effects superior to those of aztreonam (P< 0.05) and effects similar to those of tobramycin (P> 0.05). In summary, these data show that aerosol MP-376 has in vivo activity when it is used to treat acute and chronic lung infections caused byP. aeruginosa.
Resistance to Colistin in
Acinetobacter baumannii
Associated with Mutations in the PmrAB Two-Component System
Authors: Adams Mark D. , Nickel Gabrielle C. , Bajaksouzian Saralee , Lavender Heather , Murthy A. Rekha , Jacobs Michael R. , Bonomo Robert A. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

The mechanism of colistin resistance (Col
r
) in
Acinetobacter baumannii
was studied by selecting in vitro Col
r
derivatives of the multidrug-resistant
A. baumannii
isolate AB0057 and the drug-susceptible strain ATCC 17978, using escalating concentrations of colistin in liquid culture. DNA sequencing identified mutations in genes encoding the two-component system proteins PmrA and/or PmrB in each strain and in a Col
r
clinical isolate. A colistin-susceptible revertant of one Col
r
mutant strain, obtained following serial passage in the absence of colistin selection, carried a partial deletion of
pmrB
. Growth of AB0057 and ATCC 17978 at pH 5.5 increased the colistin MIC and conferred protection from killing by colistin in a 1-hour survival assay. Growth in ferric chloride [Fe(III)] conferred a small protective effect. Expression of
pmrA
was increased in Col
r
mutants, but not at a low pH, suggesting that additional regulatory factors remain to be discovered.
Characterization of the Plasmid-Borne Quinolone Resistance Gene
qnrB19
in
S
almonella enterica
Serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Dionisi Anna Maria , Lucarelli Claudia , Owczarek Slawomir , Luzzi Ida , Villa Laura 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

A
qnrB19
gene variant, carried by an IncL/M-like plasmid, was detected in a multidrug
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium human strain with reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin. The genetic environment around the gene was fully sequenced (20 kb). A large gene cluster, containing the
aph
,
qnrB19
, and
bla
SHV-12
-like resistance genes, is inserted inside a Tn
3
transposon.
In Vitro Activity of Antifolate and Polymorphism in Dihydrofolate Reductase ofPlasmodium falciparumIsolates from the Kenyan Coast: Emergence of Parasites with Ile-164-Leu Mutation
Authors: Kiara Steven M. , Okombo John , Masseno Victor , Mwai Leah , Ochola Isabella , Borrmann Steffen , Nzila Alexis 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTWe have analyzed the activities of the antifolates pyrimethamine (PM), chlorcycloguanil (CCG), WR99210, trimethoprim (TMP), methotrexate (MTX), and trimetrexate (TMX) against KenyanPlasmodium falciparumisolates adapted in vitro for long-term culture. We have also assessed the relationship between these drug activities and mutations in dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr), a domain of the gene associated with antifolate resistance. As expected, WR99210 was the most potent drug, with a median 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of <0.075 nM, followed by TMX, with a median IC50of 30 nM. The median IC50of CCG was 37.80 nM, and that of MTX was 83.60 nM. PM and TMP were the least active drugs, with median IC50s of 733.26 nM and 29,656.04 nM, respectively. We analyzed parasitedhfrgenotypes by the PCR-enzyme restriction technique. No wild-typedhfrparasite was found. Twenty-four of 33 parasites were triple mutants (mutations at codons 108, 51, and 59), and only 8/33 were double mutants (mutations at codons 108 and 51 or at codons 108 and 59). IC50s were 2.1-fold (PM) and 3.6-fold (TMP) higher in triple than in double mutants, though these differences were not statistically significant. Interestingly, we have identified a parasite harboring a mutation at codon 164 (Ile-164-Leu) in addition to mutations at codons 108, 51, and 59. This quadruple mutant parasite had the highest TMP IC50and was in the upper 10th percentile against PM and CCG. We confirmed the presence of this mutation by sequencing. Thus, TMX and MTX are potent againstP. falciparum, and quadruple mutants are now emerging in Africa.
oqxAB
Encoding a Multidrug Efflux Pump in Human Clinical Isolates of
Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Kim Hong Bin , Wang Minghua , Park Chi Hye , Kim Eui-Chong , Jacoby George A. , Hooper David C. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

The genes for multidrug efflux pump OqxAB, which is active on fluoroquinolones, were found in human clinical isolates on a plasmid in
Escherichia coli
and on the chromosome of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
. IS
26
-like sequences flanked the plasmid-mediated
oqxAB
genes, suggesting that they had been mobilized as part of a composite transposon.
Kinetics and Phenotype of Vaccine-Induced CD8+T-Cell Responses toToxoplasma gondii
Authors: Jordan Kimberly A. , Wilson Emma H. , Tait Elia D. , Fox Barbara A. , Roos David S. , Bzik David J. , Dzierszinski Florence , Hunter Christopher A. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTMultiple studies have established that the ability of CD8+T cells to act as cytolytic effectors and produce gamma interferon is important in mediating resistance to the intracellular parasiteToxoplasma gondii.To better understand the generation of the antigen-specific CD8+T-cell responses induced byT. gondii, mice were immunized with replication-deficient parasites that express the model antigen ovalbumin (OVA). Class I tetramers specific for SIINFEKL were used to track the OVA-specific endogenous CD8+T cells. The peak CD8+T-cell response was found at day 10 postimmunization, after which the frequency and numbers of antigen-specific cells declined. Unexpectedly, replication-deficient parasites were found to induce antigen-specific cells with faster kinetics than replicating parasites. The generation of optimal numbers of antigen-specific CD8+effector T cells was found to require CD4+T-cell help. At 7 days following immunization, antigen-specific cells were found to be CD62Llow, KLRG1+, and CD127low, and they maintained this phenotype for more than 70 days. Antigen-specific CD8+effector T cells in immunized mice exhibited potent perforin-dependent OVA-specific cytolytic activity in vivo. Perforin-dependent cytolysis appeared to be the major cytolytic mechanism; however, a perforin-independent pathway that was not mediated via Fas-FasL was also detected. This study provides further insight into vaccine-induced cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses that correlate with protective immunity toT. gondiiand identifies a critical role for CD4+T cells in the generation of protective CD8+T-cell responses.