bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Production of an Extracellular Matrix as an Isotropic Growth Phase of Penicillium rubens on Gypsum
Authors: Bekker M. , Huinink H. P. , Adan O. C. G. , Samson R. A. , Wyatt T. , Dijksterhuis J. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Indoor mold represents an important environmental concern, but a fundamental knowledge of fungal growth stages is needed to limit indoor fungal proliferation on finishing materials used in buildings. The present study focused on the succession of germination stages of the common indoor fungus
Penicillium rubens
on a gypsum substrate. This substrate is used as a model system representing porous materials that are widely used in indoor environments. Imaging with cryo-scanning electron microscopy showed that the formation of an extracellular matrix (ECM) is a phase of the isotropic growth of
P. rubens
that is uniquely related to germinating conidia. Furthermore, the ECM is observed only when a dry-state inoculation of the surface is applied, i.e., applying conidia directly from a 7-day-old colony, mimicking airborne contamination of the surface. When inoculation is done by spraying an aqueous conidial suspension, no ECM is observed. Moreover, it is concluded that the formation of an ECM requires active processes in the fungal cell. The porosity of the substrate proved that the ECM substance has high-viscosity characteristics. The present results stress that studies of indoor fungal growth should consider the method of inoculation, knowing that the common aqueous suspension may obscure specific stages in the initial phases of germination.
Role of Calcium Alginate and Mannitol in Protecting Bifidobacterium
Authors: Dianawati Dianawati , Mishra Vijay , Shah Nagendra P. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was carried out to ascertain the mechanism of Ca-alginate and mannitol protection of cell envelope components and secondary proteins of
Bifidobacterium animalis
subsp.
lactis
Bb12 after freeze-drying and after 10 weeks of storage at room temperature (25ï¿½C) at low water activities (a
w
) of 0.07, 0.1, and 0.2. Preparation of Ca-alginate and Ca-alginate-mannitol as microencapsulants was carried out by dropping an alginate or alginate-mannitol emulsion containing bacteria using a burette into CaCl
2
solution to obtain Ca-alginate beads and Ca-alginate-mannitol beads, respectively. The wet beads were then freeze-dried. The a
w
of freeze-dried beads was then adjusted to 0.07, 0.1, and 0.2 using saturated salt solutions; controls were prepared by keeping Ca-alginate and Ca-alginate-mannitol in aluminum foil without a
w
adjustment. Mannitol in the Ca-alginate system interacted with cell envelopes during freeze-drying and during storage at low a
w
s. In contrast, Ca-alginate protected cell envelopes after freeze-drying but not during 10-week storage. Unlike Ca-alginate, Ca-alginate-mannitol was effective in retarding the changes in secondary proteins during freeze-drying and during 10 weeks of storage at low a
w
s. It appears that Ca-alginate-mannitol is more effective than Ca-alginate in preserving cell envelopes and proteins after freeze-drying and after 10 weeks of storage at room temperature (25ï¿½C).
Construction and Application of a
luxABCDE
Reporter System for Real-Time Monitoring of Enterococcus faecalis Gene Expression and Growth
Authors: Leanti La Rosa Sabina , Diep Dzung B. , Nes Ingolf F. , Brede Dag Anders 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

The present work describes the construction of a novel molecular tool for luciferase-based bioluminescence (BL) tagging of
Enterococcus faecalis
. To this end, a vector (pSL101) and its derivatives conferring a genetically encoded bioluminescent phenotype on all tested strains of
E. faecalis
were constructed. pSL101 harbors the
luxABCDE
operon from pPL2
lux
and the pREG696 broad-host-range replicon and
axe
-
txe
toxin-antitoxin cassette, providing segregational stability for long-term plasmid persistence in the absence of antibiotic selection. The bioluminescent signals obtained from three highly expressed promoters correlated linearly (
R
2
> 0.98) with the viable-cell count. We employed
lux
-tagged
E. faecalis
strains to monitor growth in real time in milk and urine
in vitro
. Furthermore, bioluminescence imaging (BLI) was used to visualize the magnitude of the bacterial burden during infection in the
Galleria mellonella
model system. To our knowledge, pSL101 is the first substrate addition-independent reporter system developed for BLI of
E. faecalis
and an efficient tool for spatiotemporal tracking of bacterial growth and quantitative determination of promoter activity in real time, noninvasively, in infection model systems.
Whole-Genome Sequences of Two Clinical Isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from Kerala, South India
Authors: Madhavilatha G. K. , Joseph Biljo V. , Paul Laiza K. , Kumar R. Ajay , Hariharan Ramkumar , Mundayoor Sathish 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

We report the annotated genome sequence of two clinical isolates of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
isolated from Kerala, India.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Soil Bacterium Burkholderia terrae Strain BS001, Which Interacts with Fungal Surface Structures
Authors: Nazir Rashid , Hansen Martin A. , Sørensen Søren , van Elsas Jan Dirk 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTBurkholderia terraeBS001 is a soil bacterium which was originally isolated from the mycosphere of the ectomycorrhizal fungusLaccaria proxima. It exhibits a range of fungus-interacting traits which reveal its propensity to actively interact at fungal interfaces. Here, we present the approximately 11.5-Mb (G+C content, 61.52%) draft genome sequence ofB. terraeBS001 with the aim of providing insight into the genomic basis of its ecological success in fungus-affected soil settings.
Genome Sequence of the Rice Pathogen Dickeya zeae Strain ZJU1202
Authors: Li Bin , Shi Yu , Ibrahim Muhammad , Liu He , Shan Changlin , Wang Yanli , Kube Michael , Xie Guan-Lin , Sun Guochang 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Dickeya zeae
is a phytopathogenic bacterium causing soft rot diseases in a wide range of economically important crops. Here we present the draft genome sequence of strain ZJU1202, which is the causal agent of rice foot rot in China. The draft genome will contribute to epidemiological and comparative genomic studies and the quarantine of this devastating phytopathogen.
Complete Genome Sequence of the B
12
-Producing Shimwellia blattae Strain DSM 4481, Isolated from a Cockroach
Authors: Brzuszkiewicz Elzbieta , Waschkowitz Tanja , Wiezer Arnim , Daniel Rolf 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Here we announce the complete genome sequence of the coenzyme B
12
-producing enteric bacterium
Shimwellia blattae
(formerly
Escherichia blattae
). The genome consists of a single chromosome (4,158,636 bp). The genome size is smaller than that of most other enteric bacteria. Genome comparison revealed significant differences from the
Escherichia coli
genome.
Genome Sequence of the Moderately Halotolerant, Arsenite-Oxidizing Bacterium Pseudomonas stutzeri TS44
Authors: Li Xiangyang , Gong Jing , Hu Yao , Cai Lin , Johnstone Laurel , Grass Gregor , Rensing Christopher , Wang Gejiao 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

We present the draft genome sequence of
Pseudomonas stutzeri
TS44, a moderately halotolerant, arsenite-oxidizing bacterium isolated from arsenic-contaminated soil. The genome contains genes for arsenite oxidation, arsenic resistance, and ectoine/hydroxyectoine biosynthesis. The genome information will be useful for exploring adaptation of
P. stutzeri
TS44 to an arsenic-contaminated environment.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Broad-Host-Range Strain Sinorhizobium fredii USDA257
Authors: Schuldes Jørg , Rodriguez Orbegoso Mariita , Schmeisser Christel , Krishnan Hari B. , Daniel Rolf , Streit Wolfgang R. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Here we announce the complete genome sequence of the symbiotic and nitrogen-fixing bacterium
Sinorhizobium fredii
USDA257. The genome shares a high degree of sequence similarity with the closely related broad-host-range strains
S. fredii
NGR234 and HH103. Most strikingly, the USDA257 genome encodes a wealth of secretory systems.
Complete Genome Sequence of an H5N2 Avian Influenza Virus Isolated from a Parrot in Southern China
Authors: Jiao Peirong , Wei Liangmeng , Yuan Runyu , Gong Lang , Cao Lan , Song Yafen , Luo Kaijian , Ren Tao , Liao Ming 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT
We report the complete genome sequence of an H5N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) that was first isolated from a parrot in Guangdong in southern China in 2004. Genomic sequence and phylogenetic analyses showed that it was highly homologous with the North American H5N2 viruses and all eight genes of this virus belonged to the North American gene lineage. These data will help in the investigation of the epidemiology and host range of AIVs in southern China.
Complete Genome Sequence of Phytopathogenic Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum Bacteriophage PP1
Authors: Lee Ju-Hoon , Shin Hakdong , Ji Samnyu , Malhotra Shweta , Kumar Mukesh , Ryu Sangryeol , Heu Sunggi 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Pectobacterium carotovorum
subsp.
carotovorum
is a phytopathogen causing soft rot disease on diverse plant species. To control this plant pathogen,
P. carotovorum
subsp.
carotovorum
-targeting bacteriophage PP1 was isolated and its genome was completely sequenced to develop a novel biocontrol agent. Interestingly, the 44,400-bp genome sequence does not encode any gene involved in the formation of lysogen, suggesting that this phage may be very useful as a biocontrol agent because it does not make lysogen after host infection. This is the first report on the complete genome sequence of the
P. carotovorum
subsp.
carotovorum
-targeting bacteriophage, and it will enhance our understanding of the interaction between phytopathogens and their targeting bacteriophages.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Chikungunya Virus Isolated in Guangdong, China
Authors: Li Xiao-Feng , Jiang Tao , Deng Yong-Qiang , Zhao Hui , Yu Xue-Dong , Ye Qing , Wang Hong-Jiang , Zhu Shun-Ya , Zhang Fu-Chun , Qin E-De , Qin Cheng-Feng 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Chikungunya virus belongs to the genus
Alphavirus
in the family
Togaviridae
. Here we report the complete genome sequence of a chikungunya virus strain, GD05/2010, isolated in 2010 from a patient with chikungunya fever in Guangdong, China. The sequence information is important for surveillance of this emerging arboviral infection in China.
Complete Genome Sequence of Croceibacter Bacteriophage P2559S
Authors: Kang Ilnam , Kang Dongmin , Cho Jang-Cheon 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Croceibacter atlanticus
HTCC2559
T
, a marine bacterium isolated from the Sargasso Sea, is a phylogenetically unique member of the family
Flavobacteriaceae
. Strain HTCC2559
T
possesses genes related to interaction with primary producers, which makes studies on bacteriophages infecting the strain interesting. Here we report the genome sequence of bacteriophage P2559S, which was isolated off the coast of the Republic of Korea and lytically infects HTCC2559
T
. Many genes predicted in the P2559S genome had their homologs in
Bacteroides
phages.
A review of Ghana's 2009–2013 integrated strategic response plan for pandemic influenza: illustrative study of the perceived adequacy of preparedness for the pandemic influenza of sub-Sahara Africa
Authors: Norman Ishmael D , Aikins Moses K S , Binka Fred N , Godi Anthony Hanebe 
Published: July 2012

ObjectivesTo review the National Integrated Strategic Plan for Pandemic Influenza for 2009–2013 and assess whether it is in congruence with the nation's emergency preparedness status.MethodThe authors examined the National Plan ‘as is’ and evaluated it against the ‘State and Local Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist’ of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The authors matched the activities in the National Plan apropos the national emergency response capabilities. From the legal framework, published studies and other grey literature on the thematic areas of the Plan, the authors developed key items found in response programmes and drew a 5-point Likert-type scale for assessment. The authors analysed the results in relation to WHO's framework for hospital emergency preparedness, and conducted two-sample non-parametric Wilcoxon rank sum (Mann–Whitney) tests.Results/discussionThe result showed that Ghana's health emergency preparedness is in disarray. About 75% of the health facilities lack emergency preparedness plans, surge capacity planning, triage for mass event and mutual aid agreements.ConclusionsThe authors concluded that the Plan is incongruent with Ghana's public health emergency preparedness. The evaluation is important for Ghana and the subregion.
Chemical and biological characterization of sclerosin, an antifungal lipopeptide
Authors: Berry Chrystal L. , Brassinga Ann Karen C. , Donald Lynda J. , Fernando W.G. Dilantha , Loewen Peter C. , de Kievit Teresa R. 
Published: July 2012

Pseudomonas sp. strain DF41 produces a lipopeptide, called sclerosin that inhibits the fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum . The aim of the current study was to deduce the chemical structure of this lipopeptide and further characterize its bioactivity. Mass spectrometry analysis determined the structure of sclerosin to be CH3-(CH2)6-CH(OH)-CH2-CO-Dhb-Pro-Ala-Leu/Ile-Ala-Val-Val-Dhb-Thr-Val-Leu/Ile-Dhp-Ala-Ala-Ala-Val-Dhb-Dhb-Ala-Dab-Ser-Val-OH, similar to corpeptins A and B of the tolaasin group, differing by only 3 amino acids in the peptide chain. Subjecting sclerosin to various ring opening procedures revealed no new ions, suggesting that this molecule is linear. As such, sclerosin represents a new member of the tolaasin lipopeptide group. Incubation of S. sclerotinia ascospores and sclerotia in the presence of sclerosin inhibited the germination of both cell types. Sclerosin also exhibited antimicrobial activity against Bacillus species. Conversely, this lipopeptide demonstrated no zoosporicidal activity against the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora infestans . Next, we assessed the effect of DF41 and a lipopeptide-deficient mutant on the growth and development of Caenorhabditis elegans larvae. We discovered that sclerosin did not protect DF41 from ingestion by and degradation in the C. elegans digestive tract. However, another metabolite produced by this bacterium appeared to shorten the life-span of the nematode compared to C. elegans growing on Escherichia coli OP50.
Comparison of the effects of Buteyko and pranayama breathing techniques on quality of life in patients with asthma – a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Prem Venkatesan , Sahoo Ramesh Chandra , Adhikari Prabha 
Published: July 2012

Objective: To compare two breathing exercises (Buteyko and pranayama) with a control group in patients with asthma. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Subjects: One hundred and twenty subjects were randomized to three groups through block randomization. Subjects with an Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire score <5.5 participated in the study. Setting: Outpatient pulmonary medicine department. Interventions: Subjects in the Buteyko and pranayama groups were trained for 3–5 days and instructed to practise the exercises for 15 minutes twice daily, and for three months duration. The control group underwent routine pharmacological management during the study period. Outcome measures: Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, Asthma Control Questionnaire and pulmonary function test. Results: The baseline characteristics were similar in all three groups. Post intervention, the Buteyko group showed better trends of improvement (mean (95% confidence interval), P-value) in total Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire score than the pranayama (0.47 (–0.008–0.95), P = 0.056) and control groups (0.97 (0.48–1.46), P = 0.0001). In comparison between the pranayama and control groups, pranayama showed significant improvement (0.50 (0.01–0.98), P = 0.042) in total Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire score. Conclusion: The Buteyko group showed better trends of improvement in quality of life and asthma control than the group performing the pranayama breathing exercise.
Validity of the Sitting Balance Scale in older adults who are non-ambulatory or have limited functional mobility
Authors: Thompson Mary , Medley Ann , Teran Steve 
Published: July 2012

Objective: To determine whether the Sitting Balance Scale is an acceptable alternative to the Trunk Impairment Scale for measuring the construct of sitting balance, to examine relationships with other clinical outcomes and to establish discriminative validity. Design: Prospective descriptive methodological study. Setting: Acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing facility and home health. Participants: Patients receiving physical therapy ( N = 98; n = 20 acute care, n = 18 inpatient rehabilitation, n = 30 skilled nursing facility, n = 30 home setting) mean (SD) age, 80.5 (7.9) years. Nineteen were non-ambulatory and 79 had limited functional mobility with Timed Up and Go scores ≥20 seconds. Main measures: Sitting Balance Scale, Trunk Impairment Scale, Timed Up and Go, length of stay and setting specific clinical measures of sitting balance (OASIS-C M1850; MDS G-3b). Results: Moderate association between ambulatory status and sitting balance measures (Sitting Balance Scale r = 0.67, Trunk Impairment Scale r = 0.61; P = 0.0001). Moderate to strong relationships between Sitting Balance Scale, Trunk Impairment Scale and clinical outcomes varying by setting. MANOVA results revealed differences between ambulators and non-ambulators and among diagnostic categories for both instruments ( P < 0.001). Conclusions: The Sitting Balance Scale is comparable to the Trunk Impairment Scale for measuring sitting balance in older adults who are non-ambulatory or have limited mobility.
Can falls be predicted with gait analytical and posturographic measurement systems? A prospective follow-up study in a nursing home population
Authors: Schwesig René , Fischer David , Lauenroth Andreas , Becker Stephan , Leuchte Siegfried 
Published: July 2012

Objective: To validate previously proposed findings and to develop an objective, feasible and efficient bifactorial (risk factors: gait impairment and balance disorders) fall risk assessment. Design: Prospective follow-up study Setting: Nursing homes (Halle/Saale, Germany). Subjects: One hundred and forty-six nursing home residents (aged 62–101 years) were recruited. Methods: Gait data were collected using a mobile inertial sensor-based system (RehaWatch). Postural regulation data were measured with the Interactive Balance System. Falls were recorded in standardized protocols over a follow-up period of 12 months. Main measures: Gait parameters (e.g. spatial-temporal parameters), posturographic parameters (e.g. postural subsystems), number of falls. Results: Seventeen (12%) of the participants had more than two falls per year. The predictive validity of the previously selected posturographic parameters was inadequate (sensitivity: 47%). The new measurement tool defined 67 participants showing an increased risk of falls. In reality, only 8 participants actually fell more than twice during the follow-up period (positive predictive value (PPV): 12%). The negative predictive value (NPV) was 88%. The posturographic frequency range F2–4 (peripheral–vestibular system), stride time and standard deviation of landing phase were the most powerful parameters for fall prediction. Gait and postural variability were larger in the high-risk group (e.g. gait speed; confidence interval (CI)high: 0.57–0.79 vs. CIlow: 0.72–0.81 m/s). Conclusion: RehaWatch and the Interactive Balance System are able to measure two of the most important fall risk factors, but their current predictive ability is not satisfactory yet. The correlation with physiological mechanisms is only shown by the Interactive Balance System.
Cross-cultural development of the EORTC QLQ-SWB36: A stand-alone measure of spiritual wellbeing for palliative care patients with cancer
Authors: Vivat Bella , Young Teresa , Efficace Fabio , Sigurđadóttir Valgerđur , Arraras Juan Ignacio , Åsgeirsdóttir Guđlaug Helga , Brédart Anne , Costantini Anna , Kobayashi Kunihiko , Singer Susanne ,   on behalf of the EORTC Quality of Life Group
Published: July 2012

Background: No existing stand-alone measures of spiritual wellbeing have been developed in cross-cultural and multiple linguistic contexts. Aim: Cross-cultural development of a stand-alone European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) measure of spiritual wellbeing for palliative care patients with cancer. Design: Broadly following EORTC Quality of Life Group (QLG) guidelines for developing questionnaires, the study comprised three phases. Phase I identified relevant issues and obtained the views of palliative care patients and professionals about those issues. Phase II operationalised issues into items. Phase III pilot-tested those items with palliative care patients. Amendments to the guidelines included an intermediate Phase IIIa, and debriefing questions specific to the measure. Setting/participants: Phase III pilot-testing recruited 113 people with incurable cancer from hospitals and hospices in six European countries and Japan. Results: A provisional 36-item measure ready for Phase IV field-testing, the EORTC QLQ-SWB36, has been developed. Careful attention to translation and simultaneous development in multiple languages means items are acceptable and consistent between different countries and languages. Phase III data from 113 patients in seven countries show that the items are comprehensible across languages and cultures. Phase III patient participants in several countries used the measure as a starting point for discussing the issues it addresses. Conclusion: The EORTC QLG’s rigorous cross-cultural development process ensures that the EORTC QLQ-SWB36 identifies key issues for spiritual wellbeing in multiple cultural contexts, and that items are comprehensible and consistent across languages. Some cross-cultural differences were observed, but data were insufficient to enable generalisation. Phase IV field-testing will investigate these differences further.