bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of phenotype, genotype and serotype distribution in erythromycin-resistant group B streptococci isolated from vaginal flora in Southern Ireland
Authors: KIELY R. A. , LUCEY B. , COTTER L. 
Published: July 2009

SUMMARYThe screening of 2000 women of childbearing age in Cork between 2004 and 2006 produced 37 erythromycin-resistant group B streptococcus (GBS) isolates. PCR analysis was performed to determine the basis for erythromycin resistance. The ermTR gene was most frequently expressed (n=19), followed by the ermB gene (n=8). Four isolates harboured the mefA gene. Six isolates yielded no PCR products. Some phenotype–genotype correlation was observed. All isolates expressing the mefA gene displayed the M phenotype whilst all those expressing ermB displayed the constitutive macrolide resistance (cMLSB) phenotype. Of 19 isolates that expressed the ermTR gene, 16 displayed the inducible macrolide resistance (iMLSB) phenotype. Serotype analysis revealed that serotypes III and V predominated in these isolates. The identification of two erythromycin-resistant serotype VIII isolates among this collection represents the first reported finding of erythromycin resistance in this serotype. A single isolate was non-typable using two latex agglutination serotyping kits.
Cognitive recovery and predictors of functional outcome 1 year after traumatic brain injury
Authors: SIGURDARDOTTIR SOLRUN , ANDELIC NADA , ROE CECILIE , SCHANKE ANNE-KRISTINE 
Published: July 2009

AbstractOutcome studies on traumatic brain injury (TBI) have shown that functional status can be predicted by demographic, injury severity, and trauma-related factors. Concurrent cognitive functions as one of the determinants of functional outcome is less documented. This study evaluated the effects of concurrent neuropsychological measures on functional outcome 1 year after injury. Neuropsychological data, employment status, self-reported fatigue, and the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE) were collected from 115 persons with TBI (ranging from mild to severe) at 3 and 12 months postinjury. Principal components analysis was conducted with the neuropsychological measures and three components emerged. Multiple regression analysis, controlling for demographic and injury severity related factors, was used to test the effects of cognitive components at 12 months on functional outcome (GOSE). One year after injury, 64% were categorized as “good recovery” and 36% as “moderate disability” according to GOSE. Good functional recovery depended on shorter duration of posttraumatic amnesia, less fatigue, absence of intracranial pathology, higher education, and better performance on cognitive measures. The predictive values of Verbal/Reasoning and Visual/Perception components are supported; each added significantly and improved prediction of functional outcome. The Memory/Speed component showed a near-significant relationship to outcome. (JINS, 2009, 15, 740–750)
Heat-initiated prebiotic formation of peptides from glycine/aspartic acid and glycine/valine in aqueous environment and clay suspension
Authors: Pant Chandra Kala , Lata Hem , Pathak Hari Datt , Mehata Mohan Singh 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe effect of heat on the reaction system of glycine/aspartic acid and glycine/valine in the aqueous environment as well as in montmorillonite clay suspension with or without divalent cations (Ca2+, Mg2+ and Ni2+) has been investigated at 85°C±5°C for varying periods under prebiotic drying and wetting conditions. The resulting products were analysed and characterized by chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. Peptide formation appears to depend on the duration of heat effect, nature of reactant amino acids and, to some extent, on montmorillonite clay incorporated with divalent cations. In the glycine/aspartic acid system, oligomerization of glycine was limited up to trimer level (Gly)3 along with the formation of glycyl-aspartic acid, while linear and cyclic peptides of aspartic acid were not formed, whereas the glycine/valine system preferentially elongated homo-oligopeptide of glycine up to pentamer level (Gly)5 along with formation of hetero-peptides (Gly-Val and Val-Gly). These studies are relevant in the context of the prebiotic origin of proteins and the role of clay and metal ions in condensation and oligomerization of amino acids. The length of the bio-oligomer chain depends upon the reaction conditions. However, condensation into even a small length seems significant, as the same process would have taken millions of years in the primitive era of the Earth, leading to the first proteins.
Technical Note: The Use of RNA-interference as a Tool to Find Proteins Involved in Melanosome Formation or Transport
Authors: Amsen Eva , Rotin Daniela 
Published: July 2009

AbstractMelanosomes are lysosome-related organelles that produce and transport the pigment melanin within melanocytes. Mutations in proteins required for melanosome transport and formation lead to a range of pigmentation defects, manifested at the cellular level as perinuclear clustering of melanosomes, or reduced sorting of melanosomal cargo such as tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP1). A pilot screen was carried out to investigate whether a combination of cellular imaging and RNA interference could be used to identify new proteins involved in pigmentation pathways. In this study, eleven genes known to play a role in melanosome transport/formation or other pigmentation properties were knocked down in mouse melanocytes with shRNAmir constructs. The investigated genes were TYRP1, pallidin, cappuccino, dysbindin, HPS5, LYST, Myosin Va, melanophilin, RhoA, UBPY and mahogunin. In a blinded confocal imaging experiment, the only reproducible change observed in cells in which these targets were knocked down was a decrease in TYRP1 levels upon transfection with knockdown constructs against TYRP1 itself, or one of three constructs targeting HPS5 (Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome 5). Upon analysis with high-content imaging software, only the knockdown construct against TYRP1 itself was detected. RT-PCR analysis showed that many of the shRNAmir constructs did not reduce mRNA and proteins levels enough to detect effects on melanosome properties. This was further examined for melanophilin, a protein necessary for melanosome transport. Altogether, the data show that this system is currently not sensitive enough for use in a screen for unknown regulators of melanosome transport and formation. The main obstacle appears to be incomplete reduction of target protein levels. Our observation that a ~50% reduction in mRNA level is not sufficient to elicit an effect is supported by the fact that heterozygous carriers of melanosomal transport disorders (Griscelli Syndrome, Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome) do not display diseases phenotypes. A further reduction in protein levels, for example by viral infection of shRNA, may be required.
Asporin competes with decorin for collagen binding, binds calcium and promotes osteoblast collagen mineralization
Authors: Kalamajski Sebastian , Aspberg Anders , Lindblom Karin , Heinegård Dick , Oldberg Åke 
Published: July 2009

The interactions of the ECM (extracellular matrix) protein asporin with ECM components have previously not been investigated. Here, we show that asporin binds collagen type I. This binding is inhibited by recombinant asporin fragment LRR (leucine-rich repeat) 10–12 and by full-length decorin, but not by biglycan. We demonstrate that the polyaspartate domain binds calcium and regulates hydroxyapatite formation in vitro. In the presence of asporin, the number of collagen nodules, and mRNA of osteoblastic markers Osterix and Runx2, were increased. Moreover, decorin or the collagen-binding asporin fragment LRR 10–12 inhibited the pro-osteoblastic activity of full-length asporin. Our results suggest that asporin and decorin compete for binding to collagen and that the polyaspartate in asporin directly regulates collagen mineralization. Therefore asporin has a role in osteoblast-driven collagen biomineralization activity. We also show that asporin can be expressed in Escherichia coli (Rosetta-gami™) with correctly positioned cysteine bridges, and a similar system can possibly be used for the expression of other SLRPs (small LRR proteoglycans/proteins).
Laryngeal Laser Surgery for Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis, Cancer and Dysplasia: Operating Room and Office
Authors: Zeitels Steven M. , Hillman Robert E. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractSince their introduction in laryngology over 30 years ago, lasers have facilitated critically-important innovations that have now evolved into office-based surgery. Recent advances include the application of angiolytic lasers that treat vocal fold lesions by ablating vasculature and the use of the thulium laser as a more efficient and versatile tissue dissector. In our experience, the 532nm pulsed KTP laser has emerged thus far as the optimal angiolytic laser to treat vocal-fold lesions both in the operating room and in the clinic setting. Despite the fact that the skill-sets to adopt office-based laser treatment are an easy transition for most laryngological surgeons, the primary impediment to widespread adoption is the cost of the technology. Furthermore, critical development of these new lasers will occur with broader use of these lasers in other surgical disciplines, which should diminish costs for all surgeons and thereby promote better outcomes for individuals with voice disorders.
The therapeutic encounter in same‐sex couple counselling – the client's perspective
Authors: Grove Jan , Blasby Simon 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAim: To gain insight into the client's experiences of the counsellor and the therapeutic encounter in same‐sex couple counselling. Method: Opportunity sampling using e‐mail and agency contacts and advertising in a journal and magazines resulted in nine respondents being interviewed. The transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Respondents were sensitive to the way in which the counsellor related to them and their couple relationship. Four themes were identified: the counsellor's comfort and discomfort; overcompensating for sexual orientation; needing to protect the counsellor; and the uncertainty and not knowing about the counsellor. Discussion: The client's perception of the counsellor's underlying sense of discomfort will impact on the counselling relationship and therefore the efficacy of the process. This applies when the counsellor is perceived as tentative through being over cautious, or through lack of knowledge of same‐sex relationships. In addition, being overly gay affirmative was seen as a block to exploring negative aspects of the relationship. Implications for practice: Counsellors need an understanding of same‐sex relationships, and to be able to discuss the intimate details of these with a level of knowledge and comfort. In addition, being overly affirmative can prevent negative aspects of the relationships being addressed.
Isolation and characterization of bacteriophages specific for Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Hwang Sunyoung , Yun Jiae , Kim Kwang‐Pyo , Heu Sunggi , Lee Seungdon , Ryu Sangryeol 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTHuman infection by Campylobacter jejuni is mainly through the consumption of contaminated poultry products, which results in gastroenteritis and, rarely, bacteremia and polyneuropathies. In this study, six C. jejuni‐specific bacteriophages (CPS1–6) were isolated by the spot‐on‐the‐lawn technique from chicken samples in Korea and characterized for potential use as biocontrol agents. All isolated bacteriophages exhibited a high specificity, being able to lyse only C. jejuni, but not other Gram–negative bacteria, including C. coli, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Gram–positive bacteria. Bacteriophages contain an icosahedral head and a contractile tail sheath in transmission electron microscopy, and possess ds‐DNA with an average genome size of approximately 145 kb; therefore, all bacteriophages are categorized into the Myoviridae family. Bacterial lysis studies in liquid media revealed that CPS2 could be used to control the growth of C. jejuni.
Identification of new target moleculesPTK2,TGFBR2andCD9overexpressed during advanced bone marrow remodelling in primary myelofibrosis
Authors: Bock Oliver , Muth Michaela , Theophile Katharina , Winter Melissa , Hussein Kais , Büsche Guntram , Kröger Nicolaus , Kreipe Hans 
Published: July 2009

SummaryPrimary myelofibrosis (PMF) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by remodelling of the bone marrow, including progressive myelofibrosis and exaggerated angiogenesis. Advanced PMF frequently shows a full‐blown fibre meshwork, which avoids aspiration of cells, and the expression profile of genes related to stroma pathology at this stage remains largely undetermined. We investigated bone marrow core biopsies in PMF showing various degrees of myelofibrosis by custom‐made low density arrays (LDA) representing target genes with designated roles in synthesis of extracellular matrix, matrix remodelling, cellular adhesion and motility. Among a set of 11 genes up‐regulated in advanced stages of PMF (P ≤ 0·01) three candidates, PTK2 protein tyrosine kinase 2 (PTK2), transforming growth factor β type II receptor (TGFBR2) and motility‐related protein‐1 (CD9 molecule,CD9), were investigated in more detail.PTK2,TGFBR2andCD9were significantly overexpressed in larger series of advanced PMF stages (P ≤ 0·01 respectively). Endothelial cells of the increased microvessel network in PMF could be identified as a predominant source forPTK2,TGFBR2andCD9.CD9also strongly identified activated fibroblasts in advanced myelofibrosis. We conclude thatPTK2,TGFBR2andCD9represent new target molecules involved in bone marrow remodelling of PMF and warrant further investigation for potential targeted therapy.
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation for patients with refractory anaemia with matched related and unrelated donors: delay of the transplant is associated with inferior survival
Authors: De Witte Theo , Brand Ronald , Van Biezen Anja , Mufti Ghulam , Ruutu Tapani , Finke Jürgen , Von Dem Borne Peter , Vitek Antonin , Delforge Michel , Alessandrino Paolo , Harlahakis Nicolas , Russell Nigel , Martino Roberto , Verdonck Leo , Kröger Nicholas , Niederwieser Dietger ,   for the European Blood and Marrow Transplantation Group (EBMT), Chronic Leukemia Working Party (CLWP)‐MDS subcommittee
Published: July 2009

SummaryAllogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) for patients with refractory anaemia may result in a 50% event‐free survival, but the high non‐relapse mortality (NRM) precludes a general application of this therapeutic modality. This study evaluated the impact of various pre‐transplant variables, including disease duration, intensity of the conditioning regimen, type of donor and year of transplantation on outcome. The study population consisted of 374 patients; 244 were transplanted from human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐identical siblings and 130 patients from matched unrelated donors. The median age was 39 years. One hundred and two patients were transplanted after reduced intensity conditioning (RIC). The overall 4‐year survival was 52%. The 4‐year survival of patients transplanted with HLA‐identical sibling donors and matched unrelated donors was 52% and 50%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed an improved survival (P = 0·05) and a lower NRM (P = 0·02) when the transplantation was performed in recent years. Increasing age, and disease duration of >12 months were associated with inferior survival. RIC resulted in a similar survival despite an increased relapse risk (P = 0·02). This improved outcome permits alloSCT in patients older than 50 years of age, even with the use of matched unrelated donors. AlloSCT should be preferentially performed early after diagnosis after careful analysis of prognostic variables.
Levels of non‐transferrin‐bound iron as an index of iron overload in patients with thalassaemia intermedia
Authors: Taher Ali , Musallam Khaled M. , El Rassi Fouad , Duca Lorena , Inati Adlette , Koussa Suzane , Cappellini Maria D. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryNon‐transferrin‐bound iron (NTBI) was evaluated as an index of iron overload in a cross‐sectional randomised study in 74 non‐transfused patients with thalassaemia intermedia (TI). Mean NTBI (2·92 ± 3·43 μmol/l), serum ferritin (1023 ± 780 ng/ml) and liver iron concentration (LIC; 9·0 ± 7·4 mg Fe/g dry weight) were increased above reference‐range levels. Significant positive correlations occurred between mean NTBI and LIC (Pearson correlation 0·36; P = 0·002) and serum ferritin (Pearson correlation 0·421; P < 0·0001); with higher levels observed in splenectomised patients. NTBI assessment has potential as a simple reliable approach to determining iron status in TI.
Amyloid beta‐derived neuroplasticity in bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells is mediated by NPY and 5‐HT2B receptors via ERK1/2 signalling pathways
Authors: Jin H. K. , Bae J. S. , Furuya S. , Carter J. E. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractObjective:  In Alzheimer's disease, toxic soluble and insoluble forms of amyloid beta (Aβ) cause synaptic dysfunction and neuronal loss. Given its potential role in producing a toxic host microenvironment for transplanted donor stem cells, we investigated the interaction between Aβ and proliferation, survival, and differentiation of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSC) in culture.Materials and methods:  We used BM‐MSC that had been isolated from mouse bone marrow and cultured, and we also assessed relevant reaction mechanisms using gene microarray, immunocytochemistry, and inhibitors of potential signalling molecules, such as mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and tyrosine protein kinase.Results and conclusions:  Interestingly, we found that treatment with aggregated (1–40 or 1–42) and oligomeric (1–42) Aβ promoted neuronal‐like differentiation of BM‐MSC without toxic effects. This was not dependent on soluble factors released from BM‐MSC progeny nor solely on formation of Aβ fibrils. The effect of Aβ is mediated by G‐protein coupled receptors, neuropeptide Y1 (NPY1R) and serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine) receptor 2B, via phosphatidylinositol‐3‐OH kinase‐dependent activation of the MAPK/ERK1/2. Our results lend support to the idea that reciprocal donor stem cell–host interactions may promote a regenerative response that can be exploited by epigenetic modulation of NPY/serotonergic gene expression, for stem cell therapy, in Alzheimer's disease.
The erythropoietin and regenerative medicine: a lesson from fish
Authors: Buemi M. , Lacquaniti A. , Bolignano D. , Maricchiolo G. , Favaloro A. , Buemi A. , Grasso G. , Donato V. , Giorgianni G. , Genovese L. , Coppolino G. , Sfacteria A. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground  Erythropoietin (EPO), the main haematopoietic growth factor for the proliferation and differentiation of erythroid progenitor cells, is also known for its angiogenic and regenerative properties.Materials and methods  In this study, we aimed to test the regenerative effects of EPO administration in an experimental model of Sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) subjected to amputation of the caudal fin.Results  Erythropoietin‐treated fishes (3000 UI of human recombinant EPO‐alpha immediately after cutting and after 15 days) showed an increased growth rate of their fins compared with those untreated (anova variance: P: 0·01 vs. P: 0·04). By analysing fin length at established times (15 and 30 days after cut), EPO‐treated fishes always showed an increased length compared with untreated ones (T‐15: 1·1 ± 0·2 vs. 0·7 ± 0·2 cm, P: 0·03; T‐30: 1·9 ± 0·3 vs. 1·2 ± 0·2 cm, P: 0·01). Moreover, exogenous EPO administration induced an enormous increase in EPO‐blood levels at each observation time (T‐15: 2240 ± 210 vs. 16·7 ± 1·8 mU mL−1, P < 0·001; T‐30: 2340 ± 190 vs. 17·1 ± 1·9 mU mL−1, P < 0·001), whereas these levels remained quite unmodified in untreated fishes. Immunochemical analyses performed by confocal laser scanning microscopic observations showed an increased expression of EPO‐receptors and PECAM‐1 (an endothelial surface marker of vessels sprout) in the regenerating tissue, whereas no signs of inflammation or fibrosis were recognisable.Conclusions  All these findings confirm EPO as a new factor involved in regenerative processes, also suggesting a potential, future utility for new therapeutical applications in the field of human regenerative medicine.
Herbage mass and nutritive value of herbage of extensively managed temperate grasslands along a gradient of shrub encroachment
Authors: Kesting S. , Wrage N. , Isselstein J. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractSemi‐natural grasslands often serve as important reserves of biodiversity. In Europe extensive grazing by livestock is considered an appropriate management to conserve biodiversity value and to limit shrub encroachment. However, little is known about the influence of shrubs on agronomic values. A gradient analysis of shrub‐invaded temperate grasslands (from shrub‐free to pioneer forest) in Germany was carried out to test the hypothesis that herbage mass and variables describing nutritive value of herbage decrease with increasing shrub encroachment. The herbage mass of dry matter (DM), variables describing the nutritive value of herbage, composition of the vegetation and mean of Ellenberg’s indicator values were analysed with respect to the extent of shrubs. There was a reduction of herbage mass of DM from 3570 to 210 kg ha−1 with increasing shrub encroachment. Metabolizable energy concentration of herbage ranged from 8·9 to 10·2 MJ kg−1 DM and crude protein concentration from 72 to 171 g kg−1 DM, both measures being positively correlated with shrub occurrence. Increasing shrub occurrence was associated with a decrease in water‐soluble carbohydrates concentration (from 151 to 31 g kg−1) and a reduction in the indicator ‘forage value’. The results indicate a potentially large agronomic value for shrub‐encroached temperate grasslands.
T‐helper 1 and T‐helper 2 adjuvants induce distinct differences in the magnitude, quality and kinetics of the early inflammatory response at the site of injection
Authors: Korsholm Karen Smith , Petersen Rune V. , Agger Else Marie , Andersen Peter 
Published: July 2009

SummaryVaccine adjuvants activate the innate immune system and thus influence subsequent adaptive T‐cell responses. However, little is known about the initial immune mechanisms preceding the adjuvant‐induced differentiation of T‐helper (Th) cells. The effect of a T‐helper 1 (Th1) adjuvant, dimethyldioctadecylammonium liposomes with monophosphoryl lipid‐A (DDA/MPL), and a T‐helper 2 adjuvant, aluminium hydroxide [Al(OH)3], on early, innate chemotactic signals and inflammatory cell influx at the site of injection was therefore investigated. Injection of the adjuvants into the peritoneal cavity of mice demonstrated distinct differences in the magnitude, quality and kinetics of the response. The inflammatory response to DDA/MPL was prominent, inducing high local levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and a pronounced inflammatory exudate consisting of neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages and activated natural killer cells. This was in contrast to the response induced by Al(OH)3, which, although sharing some of the early chemokine signals, was more moderate and consisted almost exclusively of neutrophils and eosinophils. Notably, Al(OH)3 specifically induced the release of a significant amount of interleukin (IL)‐5, whereas DDA/MPL induced high amounts of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), IL‐1α and IL‐6. Finally, a microarray analysis confirmed that the effect of DDA/MPL was broader with more than five times as many genes being specifically up‐regulated after injection of DDA/MPL compared with Al(OH)3. Thus, the adjuvants induced qualitatively distinct local inflammatory signals early after injection.