bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Removing allosteric feedback inhibition of tomato 4‐coumarate:CoA ligase by directed evolution
Authors: Alberstein Moti , Eisenstein Miriam , Abeliovich Hagai 
Published: September 2011

SummaryPlant secondary metabolites, such as those derived from the phenylpropanoid pathway, have a beneficial effect on human health. Manipulation of metabolic flux in the phenylpropanoid pathway is important for achieving enhanced production of compounds such as anthocyanins, flavonoids and isoflavonoids. Here, we describe the development of a high‐throughput molecular evolution approach that can be used for catalytic improvement of at least four key phenylpropanoid pathway enzymes, within the context of the metabolic pathway. This method uses yeast cells that express plant phenylpropanoid pathway enzymes, leading to formation of a colored intermediate that can be used as a readout in high‐throughput screening. Here we report the identification of improved tomato peel 4‐coumarate:CoA ligase variants using this approach. We found that the wild‐type enzyme is strongly allosterically inhibited by naringenin, a downstream product of the pathway. Surprisingly, at least two of the improved variants are completely insensitive to feedback inhibition by naringenin. We suggest that this inhibition is exerted through a unique and previously unrecognized allosteric domain.
A case of a canine pigmented plaque associated with the presence of a Chi‐papillomavirus
Authors: Lange Christian E. , Tobler Kurt , Lehner Angelika , Vetsch Elisabeth , Favrot Claude 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe seven fully described canine papillomaviruses (CPVs) have been allocated by sequence comparison and other genetic features into three phylogenetic clades. This largely reflects clinical findings, so each sequence of a newly discovered CPV in combination with clinical and pathological details is a valuable piece of evidence. We hypothesize that the genomic sequence of a new CPV can help to predict clinical features and progression, and that this can be tested in subsequent cases.In this case, a 2‐year‐old female dachshund‐mix presented with papillomatosis clinically and histologically characterized as pigmented viral plaques. PCRs using primers evaluated for CPVs successfully amplified papillomavirus (PV) DNA. Sequencing of the products revealed an unknown PV putatively belonging to the PV genus Chi. Rolling circle amplification was used to amplify the entire viral genome. Sequencing revealed a novel PV, designated as CPV8, which was most closely related (63% homology) to the recently discovered CPV4. CPV4 is associated with benign pigmented plaques in pugs. Phylogenetic analysis based on the nucleotide sequences of four viral genes showed that the novel virus was closest to CPV3, CPV4 and CPV5. The presence of viral DNA was confirmed in the lesions by in situ hybridization using specific probes. CPV8 may consequently be regarded as the fourth member of the Chi‐papillomavirus genus. All viruses belonging to this genus induce pigmented plaques in dogs.These findings support the hypothesis that genomic sequences can be useful in predicting the clinical features of CPV infection.
Control of post anaesthetic shivering with nefopam hydrochloride in mildly hypothermic patients after neurosurgery
Authors: Rosa G. , Pinto G. , Orsi P. , de Blasi R. A. , Conti G. , Sanitá R. , La Rosa I. , Gasparetto A. 
Published: September 2011

Postoperative shivering may be prevented by maintaining normothermia intraoperatively or it may be treated using specific drugs.The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of nefopam hydrochloride (nefopam) to that of clonidine and meperidine in patients undergoing elective neurosurgical procedures.Three groups of patients were included in the study. Patients in group A (60) received i.v., at random, 20 mg of nefopam, 50 mg of meperidine or 150 μg of clonidine in the immediate postoperative period. The incidence of shivering and the time at which shivering ceased were noted, along with central temperature and main haemodynamic changes. Group B (20) received i.v., at random, either 10 mg of nefopam or saline before awakening from anaesthesia. The effects of nefopam on central temperature, oxygen consumption (Vo2), carbon dioxide production (VcO2), basal metabolic rate (BMR) and energy expenditure (EE) were investigated. Group C (10) received i.v. 20 mg of nefopam during surgery: cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFP), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and electroencephalogram (EEG) were monitored.In group A nefopam stopped shivering in 95% of patients when compared to meperidine and clonidine, which were effective in 32% and 40% of patients respectively. In group B, only 10% of patients receiving nefopam had postoperative shivering, Vo2, VcO2 and EE were significantly lower in patients treated with nefopam than those in the control group. No changes in CSFP, CPP or EEG were observed in group C. In conclusion, nefopam seems to be more effective than clonidine or meperidine in quickly suppressing shivering, without producing significant adverse reactions.
Fatal myocardial depression and circulatory collapse associated with complement activation induced by plasma infusion in severe porcine sepsis
Authors: Busund R. , Balteskard L. , Rønning G. , Høgåsen K. , Revhaug A. 
Published: September 2011

Presented in part at the 34th World Congress of Surgery of the ISS/SIC and the 12th World Congress of the CICD, Stockholm, August 1991We have previously reported that fresh frozen plasma (FFP) may induce a rapid irreversible shock when repeatedly infused in pigs challenged with Gram‐negative sepsis. The aims of the present study were to elucidate the cardiovascular nature of the shock and determine the aetiologic role of tumour necrosis factor (TNF), complement activation and halothane anaesthesia.Three groups of anaesthetized piglets were inoculated with a lethal dose of live E. coli bacteria. Groups I (n = 8) and III (n = 8) were anaesthetized with halothane and group II (n = 8) with ketamine. Animals in groups I and II received repeated infusions of FFP, whereas animals in group III received repeated infusions of 7% albumin.Six animals in group I and four animals in group II died during the first plasma infusion. Survival time was significantly longer in group II (P = 0.04) compared to group I. No animals in group III died during the albumin infusions, and no adverse effects were observed during the infusions. In group I the plasma induced shock was characterized by abruptly falling mean arterial pressure, cardiac index, systemic vascular resistance index and left ventricular contractility. Concomitant increases were recorded in left ventricular filling pressure and central venous pressure. Group II demonstrated a similar, but delayed response. Plasma infusion was associated with a significant increase in terminal complement complex (TCC) (P < 0.03 in group I, P < 0.05 in group II) and depletion of serum ionized calcium.We conclude that FFP may induce fatal myocardial depression and circulatory collapse in severe sepsis. Complement activation may be of aetiologic importance.
Localization of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, Associated with Citrus Huanglongbing Disease, in its Psyllid Vector using Fluorescence in situ Hybridization
Authors: Ammar El‐Desouky , Shatters Robert G. , Hall David G. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las) has been strongly associated with huanglongbing, or citrus greening, which is one of the most devastating citrus diseases worldwide. Las is transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) in a persistent manner, but its interactions with the psyllid vector, particularly at the organ and cellular levels, are poorly understood. We have tested several fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) protocols and three nucleic acid probes for the localization of Las in haemolymph smears and dissected organs of ACP adults that fed on Las‐infected plants in the field or laboratory and in sections from Las‐infected citrus leaves. Las was detected by FISH and confocal laser scanning microscopy in the filter chamber, midgut, Malpighian tubules, haemolymph, salivary glands, ovaries and in muscle and fat tissues of ACP that acquired Las from infected plants, as well as in the phloem of infected citrus leaves. Las appeared as pleiomorphic bodies or short thin rods that were much more dispersed and individually distinct in citrus leaf phloem and in ACP haemolymph, but more densely aggregated in cells of the salivary glands and other ACP organs and tissues. Our results provide the first in situ demonstration of Las infection in various psyllid organs and tissues and show the near‐systemic infection of ACP by Las.
Progesterone Production in Mares and Echographic Evaluation of the Corpora lutea Formed after Follicular Aspiration
Authors: Mozzaquatro FD , Verstegen JP , Douglas RH , Troedsson MHT , DeLaCorte FD , Silva CAM , Rubin MIB 
Published: September 2011

ContentsUltrasound‐guided follicular aspiration was performed in 26 Criollo crossbred mares, followed by the evaluation of ultrasonographic images of the Corpus luteum (CL) that was formed after puncture of follicles of different diameters (Group 25–29 mm; Group 30–35 mm and Group >35 mm). Serum progesterone (P4) concentrations were measured to determine CL function. The size of the CL was measured and the CL was classified based on the following echoscore: 1– anechoic tissue; 2– poorly defined luteal structure with low echogenicity; 3– echogenicity analogous to a luteal structure. The proportion of aspirated follicles that formed a functional CL (based on P4 concentration) 8 days after aspiration was 57.1% (4/7; CL size 25–29 mm), 75.0% (6/8; CL size 30–35 mm) and 72.7% (8/11; CL size >35 mm), respectively (p > 0.05). The echographic scores of aspirated follicles (indicating the presence or absence of a CL) were consistent with serum P4 concentrations (p < 0.0001). Of 26 aspirations, 18 resulted in luteal function confirmed by increased progesterone concentrations ([P4] > 1.0 ng/ml); 17 of these mares (94.4%) had an echoscore (2–3) compatible with luteinization (p = 0.0372). Eight days after aspiration, serum [P4] > 2.0 ng/ml was associated with high (p = 0.0056) CL echoscore (3) in 15 of 17 mares (88.2%). The echoscore used in this study was valuable as a screening test to detect the presence of a functional CL after aspiration. An echoscore of 3 served as a practical and efficient method to confirm luteinization.
Changes in lung composition and regional perfusion and tissue distribution in patients with ARDS
Authors: DAKIN JONATHAN , JONES ANDREW T. , HANSELL DAVID M. , HOFFMAN ERIC A. , EVANS TIMOTHY W. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  ARDS is characterized by bilateral pulmonary infiltrates and refractory hypoxemia attributed to V/Q mismatch. We used dynamic CT to characterize changes in lung composition, regional perfusion and tissue distribution in patients with ARDS in comparison with healthy subjects.Methods:  The Fick principle was applied to serial attenuation measurements constructed from sequential CT images acquired during the passage of a bolus of iodinated contrast medium in healthy subjects (n = 3) and patients with ARDS (n = 11). Perfusion was calculated by the Mullani‐Gould method and mapped throughout both lungs. Gradients of perfusion and tissue density against vertical height were constructed.Results:  In comparison with normal individuals, the tissue component of lungs from patients with ARDS was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Blood fraction was unchanged. There was a discernable gradient in tissue density from non dependent to dependent regions in the patients with ARDS that was significantly different from controls. The proportion of perfusion applied to consolidated areas (i.e. shunt) correlated significantly (P < 0.05) with the severity of hypoxaemia.Conclusions:  In patients with ARDS there are changes in both lung composition and the distribution of tissue and perfusion that may account in part for the physiological changes that define the syndrome.
Potential benefits of early continuous positive pressure ventilation in patients with rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia
Authors: YOKOYAMA TOSHIKI , TSUSHIMA KENJI , YAMAMOTO HIROSHI , KOIZUMI TOMONOBU , KUBO KEISHI 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia (RPIP), including acute exacerbations of interstitial pneumonia, is associated with high rates of mortality. The present study was performed to examine the effects of respiratory management using non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) in patients with RPIP and to assess the prognostic factors for survival.Methods:  BiPAP Vision was used for NIV. Clinical data and information on NIV were retrospectively obtained from patient records. Survival at 30 days was evaluated, and biomarkers were measured after initiation of NIV.Results:  Thirty‐eight patients who had been admitted with RPIP and treated by NIV were included in the study. The ratio of PaO2 to fraction of inspired oxygen at initiation of NIV was higher in survivors than in non‐survivors (P = 0.0054). The mean duration to initiation of NIV after admission was significantly shorter in survivors than in non‐survivors (P = 0.0006). Serum Krebs von den Lungen‐6 (KL‐6) and LDH levels at the start of NIV were higher in non‐survivors than in survivors (KL‐6, P = 0.022; LDH, P = 0.044). Bivariate logistic regression analysis showed that early intervention with NIV was a significant predictor of survival at 30 days. In addition, the ratio of PaO2 to fraction of inspired oxygen and both LDH and KL‐6 levels at initiation of NIV were significant predictors of survival.Conclusions:  Early intervention with NIV, mainly continuous positive pressure ventilation, is beneficial for the management of patients with RPIP. A randomized controlled study in a large population is needed to confirm the value of early NIV.
Does fever phobia cross borders? The case of Japan
Authors: Sakai Rie , Okumura Akihisa , Marui Eiji , Niijima Shinichi , Shimizu Toshiaki 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground:  Undue parental fear of fever in children was termed “fever phobia” by Schmitt following a survey in the USA in 1980. In 2000, Crocetti et al. conducted the same survey and concluded that fever phobia existed even 20 years later. In this study, we explore differences in fever phobia between these two US populations and a Japanese sample, and determine whether parents of a single child or those whose child was previously hospitalized or had a febrile seizure report greater anxiety about fever.Methods:  A questionnaire was distributed to parents of children who visited a pediatric outpatient clinic in Juntendo University Nerima Hospital between 19 and 30 November 2007.Results:  Data was obtained from 211 parents who agreed to participate in the study. Compared with much smaller proportions reported in the two previous studies, 62% of caregivers considered a temperature below 37.8°C to be a fever, although less than half of parents reported that they were “very worried” about fever. Over 90% identified doctors and nurses as their primary information source. In contrast to 7% of parents in the US studies, almost no parents reported that temperatures could rise to or above 43.3°C if fever was left untreated; however, 63% of parents stated that they would visit a hospital.Conclusions:  Fever phobia exists on both sides of the border, and while caregivers in Japan appear to have a more accurate understanding of fever, they are more likely to rely on health‐care professionals to manage the condition.
Serum and cerebrospinal fluid S100B, neuron‐specific enolase, and total tau protein in acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion: A diagnostic validity
Authors: Shiihara Takashi , Miyake Taeko , Izumi Sakiko , Watanabe Mio , Kamayachi Keiko , Kodama Kazuhiko , Nabetani Makoto , Ikemiyagi Masako , Yamaguchi Yoshio , Sawaura Noriko 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground:  Acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion (AESD) is characterized clinically by biphasic seizures and late magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities, such as reduced subcortical diffusion from day 3 onwards, often accompanied with some neurological sequelae. In the early stages of the disease, AESD closely resembles its far more prevalent and relatively benign counterpart, febrile seizure (FS).Methods:  We measured and compared the serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of S100B, neuron‐specific enolase (NSE), and total tau protein in 43 patients with FS and 18 patients with AESD, at any point during the disease. To assess early diagnostic validity, we compared these biomarkers in 43 FS and eight AESD patients, with whom the day 0–2 samples were available. We used the receiver–operator characteristic curve to evaluate the diagnostic values of these markers.Results:  The levels of all biomarkers were significantly higher in AESD than FS patients. When only day 0–2 samples from AESD patients were used, the levels of all the measured biomarkers, except serum NSE, were still significantly higher in patients with AESD than in FS, suggesting that AESD could damage astrocytes, neurons, and axons, even in the early stages of the disease. According to the receiver–operator characteristic curve analyses, CSF S100B (cut‐off value, 100 pg/mL) and CSF total tau protein (cut‐off value, 100 pg/mL) were better predictors of AESD than other biomarkers.Conclusion:  The combination of CSF S100B and CSF total tau protein resulted in a positive predictive value of AESD 83.3%, which could be helpful for early diagnosis, facilitating early therapeutic interventions.
Responses of soil cellulolytic fungal communities to elevated atmospheric CO2 are complex and variable across five ecosystems
Authors: Weber Carolyn F. , Zak Donald R. , Hungate Bruce A. , Jackson Robert B. , Vilgalys Rytas , Evans R. David , Schadt Christopher W. , Megonigal J. Patrick , Kuske Cheryl R. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryElevated atmospheric CO2 generally increases plant productivity and subsequently increases the availability of cellulose in soil to microbial decomposers. As key cellulose degraders, soil fungi are likely to be one of the most impacted and responsive microbial groups to elevated atmospheric CO2. To investigate the impacts of ecosystem type and elevated atmospheric CO2 on cellulolytic fungal communities, we sequenced 10 677 cbhI gene fragments encoding the catalytic subunit of cellobiohydrolase I, across five distinct terrestrial ecosystem experiments after a decade of exposure to elevated CO2. The cbhI composition of each ecosystem was distinct, as supported by weighted Unifrac analyses (all P‐values; < 0.001), with few operational taxonomic units (OTUs) being shared across ecosystems. Using a 114‐member cbhI sequence database compiled from known fungi, less than 1% of the environmental sequences could be classified at the family level indicating that cellulolytic fungi in situ are likely dominated by novel fungi or known fungi that are not yet recognized as cellulose degraders. Shifts in fungal cbhI composition and richness that were correlated with elevated CO2 exposure varied across the ecosystems. In aspen plantation and desert creosote bush soils, cbhI gene richness was significantly higher after exposure to elevated CO2 (550 µmol mol−1) than under ambient CO2 (360 µmol mol−1 CO2). In contrast, while the richness was not altered, the relative abundance of dominant OTUs in desert soil crusts was significantly shifted. This suggests that responses are complex, vary across different ecosystems and, in at least one case, are OTU‐specific. Collectively, our results document the complexity of cellulolytic fungal communities in multiple terrestrial ecosystems and the variability of their responses to long‐term exposure to elevated atmospheric CO2.
Differential decay of human faecal Bacteroides in marine and freshwater
Authors: Green Hyatt C. , Shanks Orin C. , Sivaganesan Mano , Haugland Richard A. , Field Katharine G. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryGenetic markers from Bacteroides and other faecal bacteria are being tested for inclusion in regulations to quantify aquatic faecal contamination and estimate public health risk. For the method to be used quantitatively across environments, persistence and decay of markers must be understood. We measured concentrations of contaminant molecular markers targeting Enterococcus and Bacteroides spp. in marine and freshwater microcosms spiked with human sewage and exposed to either sunlight or dark treatments. We used Bayesian statistics with a delayed Chick–Watson model to estimate kinetic parameters for target decay. DNA‐ and RNA‐based targets decayed at approximately the same rate. Molecular markers persisted (could be detected) longer in marine water. Sunlight increased the decay rates of cultured indicators more than those of molecular markers; sunlight also limited persistence of molecular markers. Within each treatment, Bacteroides markers had similar decay profiles, but some Bacteroides markers significantly differed in decay rates. The role of extracellular DNA in persistence appeared unimportant in the microcosms. Because conditions were controlled, microcosms allowed the effects of specific environmental variables on marker persistence and decay to be measured. While marker decay profiles in more complex environments would be expected to vary from those observed here, the differences we measured suggest that water matrix is an important factor affecting quantitative source tracking and microbial risk assessment applications.
Effect of the laxative magnesium oxide on gastrointestinal functional recovery in fast‐track colonic resection: a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled randomized study
Authors: Andersen J. , Christensen H. , Pachler J. H. , Hallin M. , Thaysen H. V. , Kehlet H. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim  A double‐blind randomized controlled study was conducted to compare the effect of magnesium oxide (1 g 12‐h) with placebo given within an evidence‐based multimodal rehabilitation programme on gastrointestinal recovery, pain, mobilization and hospital stay after open colonic resection.Method  Of 62 potentially eligible patients, 13 were excluded, leaving 22 in the magnesium oxide group and 27 in the placebo group. The main outcome measure was time to normalization of bowel function. Secondary outcome measures included postoperative nausea, vomiting, pain, fatigue, mobilization and length of postoperative hospital stay.Results  The median times to first flatus and defaecation in the laxative and placebo groups were 18.0 vs 14.0 h and 42 vs 50 h (P > 0.15). Early intake of liquids, protein drinks and solid food, nausea and vomiting, pain, fatigue and mobilization were similar in the groups (P > 0.3). The median postoperative hospital stay was 3 days in both groups (P > 0.65).Conclusion  Magnesium oxide does not enhance the recovery of gastrointestinal function within the context of an evidence‐based multimodal rehabilitation programme after open colonic surgery.