bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of the assembly of a complex macromolecular structure – the coat of spores of the bacterium Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Setlow Peter 
Published: December 2011

SummaryThe coat is the outermost layer of spores of many Bacillus species, and plays a key role in these spores' resistance. The Bacillus subtilis spore coat contains > 70 proteins in four distinct layers: the basement layer, inner coat, outer coat and crust. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, McKenney and Eichenberger study the dynamics of spore coat assembly using GFP‐fusions to 41 B. subtilis coat proteins. A key finding in the work is that formation of the spore coat is initiated by the apparently simultaneous assembly of foci of proteins from all four coat layers on the developing spore just as forespore engulfment by the mother cell begins. The expansion of these foci before completion of forespore engulfment then sets up the scaffold to which coat proteins added later in sporulation are added. This study provides new understanding of the mechanism of the assembly of a multi‐protein, multi‐lamellar structure.
Volatiles of two growth‐inhibiting rhizobacteria commonly engage AtWRKY18 function
Authors: Wenke Katrin , Wanke Dierk , Kilian Joachim , Berendzen Kenneth , Harter Klaus , Piechulla Birgit 
Published: December 2011

SummaryInteractions with the (a)biotic environment play key roles in a plant’s fitness and vitality. In addition to direct surface‐to‐surface contact, volatile chemicals can also affect the physiology of organism. Volatiles of Serratia plymuthica and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia significantly inhibited growth and induced H2O2 production in Arabidopsis in dual culture. Within 1 day, transcriptional changes were observed by promoter–GUS assays using a stress‐inducible W‐box‐containing 4xGST1 construct. Expression studies performed at 6, 12 and 24 h revealed altered transcript levels for 889 genes and 655 genes in response to Se. plymuthica or St. maltophilia volatiles, respectively. Expression of 162 genes was altered in both treatments. Meta‐analysis revealed that specifically volatile‐responsive genes were significantly overlapping with those affected by abiotic stress. We use the term mVAMP (microbial volatile‐associated molecular pattern) to describe these volatile‐specific responses. Genes responsive to both treatments were enriched for W‐box motifs in their promoters, and were significantly enriched for transcription factors (ERF2, ZAT10, MYB73 and WRKY18). The susceptibility of wrky18 mutant lines to volatiles was significantly delayed, suggesting an indispensable role for WRKY18 in bacterial volatile responses.
Haemolysis and sublethal injury of RBCs after routine blood bank manipulations
Authors: Harm S. K. , Raval J. S. , Cramer J. , Waters J. H. , Yazer M. H. 
Published: December 2011

Objectives: To determine the extent of RBC sublethal injury in male donor units as measured by both the mechanical fragility index (MFI) and percentage haemolysis after RBCs underwent leucoreduction (LR), irradiation (IRRAD), and washing.Background: RBCs frequently undergo post‐collection processing to meet certain recipient's special needs. The extent of haemolysis and sublethal injury following these interventions has not been fully characterised.Methods: Eight to ten day old male, AS‐5 RBCs underwent either LR, IRRAD or washing. A control group of male, AS‐5 RBCs were unmanipulated. The MFI, percent haemolysis, and plasma free haemoglobin (PFHb) were measured immediately after manipulation and, for a series of irradiated RBCs, 28 days after irradiation (IRRAD28).Results: The MFI of the washed units was significantly higher than unmanipulated, LR, IRRAD, IRRAD28 units (P < 0·0001). The percent haemolysis was highest in the IRRAD28 units (1·4%) followed by the washed units (0·74%); the other three units demonstrated significantly less haemolysis (P < 0·0001). The largest mean total amount of PFHb per unit was found in the IRRAD28 units (500·5 mg/unit) followed by the washed units (149·8 mg/unit); the mean total amount of PFHb in the three other types of units was significantly less than that found in both the IRRAD28 and washed units (P at least < 0·001).Conclusion: There is a significant quantity of PFHb in IRRAD28 RBC units, and potentially in washed allogeneic RBC units. Clinical correlation is required to determine if this quantity of PFHb and the transfusion of potentially fragile RBCs causes adverse events.
Fluorescence diagnostics as a guide for demarcation and biopsy of suspected anal cancer
Authors: Kriz Martin , Hegyi Juraj , Ruzicka Thomas , Berking Carola 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground Malignant epithelial tumors of the perianal skin are relatively rare however show high recurrence rates. A preoperative precise diagnosis and demarcation of the involved cancerous skin remains challenging but is worthwhile to minimize tissue defects and possible limitations of quality of life.Objectives To show the use of fluorescence diagnostics (FD) in the management of chronic perianal disease.Methods FD was performed using methylaminolevulinate (MAL) for three hours topically followed by visualization with blue light (405 nm).Results We report on two patients in whom FD helped to demarcate the involved tissue or to direct biopsy to ascertain the final diagnosis. In one patient with a history of Bowen′s disease and recurrent anal carcinoma, biopsy showed extramammary Paget’s disease and thus was treated by surgical anoplasty. The other patient had a history of chronic anal eczema, and FD‐directed biopsy could exclude suspected malignancy so that the anal eczema was treated by local therapy.Conclusions FD is a non‐invasive technique which can be used in the perianal region in order to delineate pathologic processes which may reduce the number of surgical interventions.
The implementation of a perioperative checklist increases patients' perioperative safety and staff satisfaction
Authors: BÖHMER A. B. , WAPPLER F. , TINSCHMANN T. , KINDERMANN P. , RIXEN D. , BELLENDIR M. , SCHWANKE U. , BOUILLON B. , GERBERSHAGEN M. U. 
Published: December 2011

BackgroundThe implementation of the ‘Surgical Safety Checklist’ caused a significant reduction in the incidence of complications and mortality among patients undergoing surgery. The aim of the present study was to evaluate perioperative safety standards and the quality of interprofessional cooperation before and after the introduction of a safety checklist from staff members' point of view.MethodsEmployees' attitude concerning safety‐relevant aspects of the perioperative period, work processes, and quality of interprofessional cooperation was surveyed before and 3 months after introducing an adapted form of the ‘Surgical Safety Checklist’ by a 19‐item questionnaire.ResultsAfter the implementation of the checklist, the cognizance of the names and functions of the individual operating room (OR) staff members, verification of the patient's written consent for surgery, indication for antibiotics before the surgical incision, and the quality of interprofessional cooperation were rated more positively. Traumatology physicians were more convinced that all artifacts had been removed from the surgical field. Finally, communication about intraoperative complications had improved.ConclusionsOur attitude surveys demonstrate that from the OR staff's perspective, in the perioperative setting, safety‐relevant factors can be handled significantly better and with greater awareness by implementing a safety checklist as proposed by the World Health Organization.
Residual gastric contents volume does not differ following 4 or 6 h fasting after a light breakfast – a magnetic resonance imaging investigation in healthy non‐anaesthetised school‐age children
Authors: SCHMITZ A. , KELLENBERGER C. J. , LIAMLAHI R. , FRUEHAUF M. , KLAGHOFER R. , WEISS M. 
Published: December 2011

BackgroundWhile American Society of Anesthesiologists and European Society of Anaesthesiology guidelines recommend 6 h pre‐anaesthetic fasting for food and non‐clear fluids in children, some institutions allow shorter fasting times of 4 h. Aim of this pilot study was to compare weight‐indexed residual gastric contents volumes (GCVw) after 4 vs. 6 h after a light breakfast, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in healthy volunteer children not scheduled for anaesthesia.MethodsFour vs. 6 h (F4/F6) of food fasting were simulated in a crossover study. After overnight fasting (baseline), each child ingested a light breakfast (cereal flakes, milk products) on two separate days. Additional clear fluid (7 ml/kg raspberry syrup) was given either after 2 (F4) or 4 h (F6), followed by half‐hourly MRI acquisition for 2 h. MRI was obtained on a 1.5 Tesla scanner as 5 mm axial images (FIESTA) and volumes were traced manually by one blinded observer. Data are given as median (range) or mean ± standard deviation.ResultsEighteen healthy volunteers aged 9.0 (6.8–12.2) years participated. GCVw for F4 and F6 at baseline was 0.50 ± 0.27 and 0.76 ± 0.48 ml/kg (P = 0.07), respectively, GCVw after 4 and 6 h was 0.72 ± 0.85 and 0.47 ± 0.25 ml/kg (P = 0.88). T1/2 after syrup intake was 30.8 ± 12.2 and 28.3 ± 5.7 min (P = 0.47) for F4 and F6, respectively.ConclusionResidual gastric contents volumes at a hypothetical anaesthesia start were similar for 4 and 6 h food fasting in healthy volunteer school‐age children.
Comparing systemic defence‐related gene expression changes upon migratory and sedentary nematode attack in rice
Authors: Kyndt T. , Nahar K. , Haegeman A. , De Vleesschauwer D. , Höfte M. , Gheysen G. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractComplex defence signalling pathways, controlled by different hormones, are known to be involved in the reaction of plants to a wide range of biotic and abiotic stress factors. Here, we studied the differential expression of genes involved in stress and defence responses in systemic tissue of rice infected with the root knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne graminicola and the migratory root rot nematode Hirschmanniella oryzae, two agronomically important rice pathogens with very different lifestyles. qRT‐PCR revealed that all investigated systemic tissues had significantly lower expression of isochorismate synthase, a key enzyme for salicylic acid production involved in basal defence and systemic acquired resistance. The systemic defence response upon migratory nematode infection was remarkably similar to fungal rice blast infection. Almost all investigated defence‐related genes were up‐regulated in rice shoots 3 days after root rot nematode attack, including the phenylpropanoid pathway, ethylene pathway and PR genes, but many of which were suppressed at 7 dpi. Systemic shoot tissue of RKN‐infected plants showed similar attenuation of expression of almost all studied genes already at 3 dpi, with clear attenuation of the ethylene pathway and methyl jasmonate biosynthesis. These results provide an interesting starting point for further studies to elucidate how nematodes are able to suppress systemic plant defence mechanisms and the effect in multitrophic interactions.
Phaeomoniella chlamydospora‐induced Oxidative Burst in Vitis vinifera Cell Suspensions: Role of NADPH Oxidase and Ca2+
Authors: Lima Marta R. M. , Dias Alberto C. P. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe biphasic oxidative burst induced by Phaeomoniella chlamydospora extract (Pce) in Vitis vinifera (Vv) cell suspensions was investigated. Treatment of cell suspensions with diphenyleneiodonium chloride, an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase, prevented the Pce‐induced biphasic reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, suggesting that NADPH oxidase is the primary ROS source in the oxidative burst induced by Pce elicitation of Vv cells. The role of Ca2+ in the oxidative burst was also investigated using a Ca2+ chelator and several Ca2+ channel blockers. The treatment of Vv cell suspensions with the Ca2+ chelator ethylene glycol‐bis(2‐aminoethylether)‐N, N, N’; N’‐tetraacetic acid (EGTA) completely inhibited Pce‐induced ROS accumulation, suggesting that Ca2+ availability is necessary for occurrence of the induced oxidative burst. However, only the Ca2+ channel blocker ruthenium red strongly inhibited the Pce‐induced ROS accumulation, suggesting that the specific Ca2+ channel types from which Ca2+ influx is originated also play an important role in the Pce‐induced oxidative burst. Furthermore, Ca2+ availability seems to be necessary for the Pce‐induced activity of NADPH oxidase.
Coleoptera (Chrysomelidae, Coccinellidae, Curculionoidea) in sclerophyll woodland: variation in assemblages among host plants, and host specificity of phytophagous and predatory beetles
Authors: Baker Michelle R , Kitching Roger L , Reid Chris A M , Sheldon Fran 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe host specificity of insects on plants and the resulting insect assemblages characteristic of certain plants are well documented. The majority of studies relate to phytophagous insects and their specialisation on particular host plants. Less documented, however, is the specificity of predatory insects to plant hosts. Contrasting sets of beetle taxa (phytophagous Chrysomelidae and Curculionoidea, and predatory Coccinellidae) occurring on plants from selected Myrtaceae and Fabaceae were compared. Characteristic assemblages were identified on the host plants. Taxonomically related plants shared similar beetle assemblages. In contrast, taxonomically related beetles did not share similar host‐plant preferences. The host specificity of predatory beetles (coccinellids) was as great as that of the phytophagous taxa.
Rate of trabecular bone area in 3–6‐year‐old children and relation to intrauterine growth
Authors: Ochiai Fumie , Ohzeki Takehiko 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground:  The aim of the present study was to investigate bone mass using rate of trabecular bone area (RTBA) in Japanese children to determine its relationship with indices of growth such as height and weight from before birth through childhood.Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was conducted. The sample consisted of Japanese boys (n= 716) and girls (n= 586) aged 3–6 years. RTBA was measured using quantitative ultrasound (ultrasonic bone densitometer, Benus III; Ishikawa Seisakusho, Kanazawa, Japan). The relation between RTBA and height and weight during childhood and also at birth was assessed.Results:  The average RTBA in boys was 27.7 ± 1.59% (mean ± SD) and that in girls was 27.9 ± 1.59%. RTBA significantly correlated with weight both in boys (P= 0.013) and girls (P= 0.016). Significant correlation was demonstrated between RTBA and height, especially in girls (P= 0.045). Statistical significance was shown between RTBA and birth length in boys (P= 0.015) and girls (P= 0.007), and weight at birth in boys (P= 0.014). On multiple regression analysis RTBA correlated significantly with birthweight for boys (standardized coefficient β= 0.093, P= 0.028) and birth length for girls (β= 0.122, P= 0.007).Conclusion:  Augmentation of bone mass is related not only to weight and height during childhood but also to prenatal factors such as growth, and possibly with nutrition in utero.
Silodosin and its potential for treating premature ejaculation: A preliminary report
Authors: Sato Yoshikazu , Tanda Hitoshi , Nakajima Hisao , Nitta Toshikazu , Akagashi Keigo , Hanzawa Tatsuo , Tobe Musashi , Haga Kazunori , Uchida Kosuke , Honma Ichiya 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPremature ejaculation is a common sexual problem, as is erectile dysfunction. We evaluated silodosin, a highly selective α1A‐adrenoceptor antagonist, as a new treatment option for premature ejaculation. α1‐Adrenoceptor antagonists are widely used for lower urinary tract symptoms, and clinical studies on silodosin have shown excellent clinical efficacy for lower urinary tract symptoms. However, compared with other α1‐adrenoceptor antagonists, silodosin appeared to suppress ejaculation in a relatively higher percent of trial participants. This suppression of ejaculation by silodosin suggested its potential for treating premature ejaculation. Consequently, we evaluated the feasibility of off‐label silodosin as a new treatment option for premature ejaculation. Eight patients suffering premature ejaculation were treated with silodosin. Silodosin (4 mg) was given 2 h before sexual intercourse. Intravaginal ejaculatory latency time, premature ejaculation profile item, clinical global impression change in premature ejaculation and systemic adverse events were recorded. Intravaginal ejaculatory latency time was significantly prolonged (from 3.4 min to 10.1 min, P = 0.003). All patients answered better (much better) or slightly better for their own premature ejaculation problem compared with pretreatment condition in the clinical global impression change. Premature ejaculation profile also significantly improved. Two (25%), three (37.5%) and seven patients (87.5%) experienced anejaculation, reduced semen volume and discomfort during orgasm, respectively. However, these problems were not of major concern for the participants. No systemic adverse effects were reported. The current results support the possible use of silodosin as a new treatment option for premature ejaculation, and suggest that a placebo controlled study assessing its clinical usefulness would be worthwhile.
Light–dark (12:12) cycle of carbon and nitrogen metabolism in Crocosphaera watsonii WH8501: relation to the cell cycle
Authors: Dron Anthony , Rabouille Sophie , Claquin Pascal , Le Roy Bertrand , Talec Amélie , Sciandra Antoine 
Published: December 2011

SummaryThis study provides with original data sets on the physiology of the unicellular diazotrophic cyanobacterium Crocosphaera watsonii WH8501, maintained in continuous culture in conditions of obligate diazotrophy. Cultures were exposed to a 12:12 light–dark regime, representative of what they experience in nature and where growth is expected to be balanced. Nitrogen and carbon metabolism were monitored at high frequency and their dynamics was compared with the cell cycle. Results reveal a daily cycle in the physiological and biochemical parameters, tightly constrained by the timely decoupled processes of N2 fixation and carbon acquisition. The cell division rate increased concomitantly to carbon accumulation and peaked 6 h into the light. The carbon content reached a maximum at the end of the light phase. N2 fixation occurred mostly during the dark period and peaked between 9 and 10 h into the night, while DNA synthesis, reflected by DNA fluorescence, increased until the end of the night. Consequently, cells in G1‐ and S‐phases present a marked decrease in their C : N ratio. Nitrogen acquisition through N2 fixation exceeded 1.3‐ to 3‐fold the nitrogen requirements for growth, suggesting that important amounts of nitrogen are excreted even under conditions supposed to favour balanced, carbon and nitrogen acquisitions.
Weight change in people with type 2 diabetes: secular trends and the impact of alternative antihyperglycaemic drugs
Authors: Morgan C. Ll. , Jenkins‐Jones S. , Evans M. , Barnett A. H. , Poole C. D. , Currie C. J. 
Published: December 2011

Aim: This study aimed to describe the pattern of weight change in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) over time and when using alternative treatment regimens.Methods: Data were from routine clinical practice in the UK. The weight trend was determined for each year from 1995 to 2010 for both prevalent and incident cases. Baseline weight was compared to absolute (mean Δ) and relative weights (% Δ) at 6, 12 and 24 months.Results: Mean, standardized weight in prevalent cases increased from 83.4 to 92.1 kg for males and from 73.5 to 79.9 kg for females between 1995 and 2010 (p < 0.0001). For incident cases, the respective figures were 86.7 to 93.6 kg for males and 76.0 to 80.7 kg for females (p < 0.001). Between baseline and 6, 12 and 24 months, there were significant changes in weight for the majority of the treatment regimens selected for analysis. The largest weight increase at 12 months was for the patients who were prescribed a combination therapy with insulin and a thiazolidinedione, with a median increase of 4.1 kg (95% CI −0.60 to 8.0, p < 0.001). The largest weight decrease at 12 months was for the patients who were prescribed a combination therapy of metformin and exenatide, with a median decrease of −7.0 kg (95% CI −12.0 to −2.0, p < 0.001).Conclusions: There was a continual increase in body weight in people with T2DM over time, and considerable differences in the impact on weight using alternative treatment regimens. At the same time, glycaemic control remained relatively unchanged.
Maintained intentional weight loss reduces cardiovascular outcomes: results from the Sibutramine Cardiovascular OUTcomes (SCOUT) trial
Authors: Caterson I. D. , Finer N. , Coutinho W. , Van Gaal L. F. , Maggioni A. P. , Torp‐Pedersen C. , Sharma A. M. , Legler U. F. , Shepherd G. M. , Rode R. A. , Perdok R. J. , Renz C. L. , James W. P. T. ,   on behalf of the SCOUT Investigators
Published: December 2011

Aim: The Sibutramine Cardiovascular OUTcomes trial showed that sibutramine produced greater mean weight loss than placebo but increased cardiovascular morbidity but not mortality. The relationship between 12‐month weight loss and subsequent cardiovascular outcomes is explored.Methods: Overweight/obese subjects (N = 10 744), ≥55 years with cardiovascular disease and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus, received sibutramine plus weight management during a 6‐week Lead‐in Period before randomization to continue sibutramine (N = 4906) or to receive placebo (N = 4898). The primary endpoint was the time from randomization to first occurrence of a primary outcome event (non‐fatal myocardial infarction, non‐fatal stroke, resuscitated cardiac arrest or cardiovascular death).Results: For the total population, mean weight change during Lead‐in Period (sibutramine) was −2.54 kg. Post‐randomization, mean total weight change to Month 12 was −4.18 kg (sibutramine) or −1.87 kg (placebo). Degree of weight loss during Lead‐in Period or through Month 12 was associated with a progressive reduction in risk for the total population in primary outcome events and cardiovascular mortality over the 5‐year assessment. Although more events occurred in the randomized sibutramine group, on an average, a modest weight loss of approximately 3 kg achieved in the Lead‐in Period appeared to offset this increased event rate. Moderate weight loss (3–10 kg) reduced cardiovascular deaths in those with severe, moderate or mild cardiovascular disease.Conclusions: Modest weight loss over short‐term (6 weeks) and longer‐term (6–12 months) periods is associated with reduction in subsequent cardiovascular mortality for the following 4–5 years even in those with pre‐existing cardiovascular disease. While the sibutramine group experienced more primary outcome events than the placebo group, greater weight loss reduced overall risk of these occurring in both groups.