bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Graft morphology correlates with fibroblast activity in cardiac allograft rejection
Authors: LORANT TOMAS , EMANUELSSON CECILIA , QUACH MY , TUFVESON GUNNAR 
Published: June 2011

Lorant T, Emanuelsson C, Quach M, Tufveson G. Graft morphology correlates with fibroblast activity in cardiac allograft rejection, APMIS 2011.Several extracellular matrix substances, such as hyaluronan and fibronectin, may affect graft viability by their involvement in cell adhesion and in migration. These substances are produced locally in the tissue by fibroblasts. The aim of this study was to investigate the activation state of intragraft fibroblasts under various immunosuppressive treatments and to correlate these with morphological parameters. Syngeneic (n = 5) and allogeneic rat (n = 5–6/group) heterotopic heart transplantations were performed. Allogeneically transplanted animals were immunosuppressed with cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil or prednisolone. After 10 days, the transplanted hearts were removed for subsequent isolation of intragraft fibroblasts and for evaluation of graft morphology. The hyaluronan synthesis of graft fibroblasts correlated with the cellular infiltration (p < 0.05) and the interstitial oedema (p < 0.05) of the cardiac grafts. In general, proliferation rate and hyaluronan production were of the same magnitude in fibroblasts from allogeneic hearts under immunosuppression with cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil or prednisolone as in fibroblasts from syngeneic grafts. A pool of fibroblasts isolated from cardiac grafts of non‐immunosuppressed, allogeneically transplanted rats (n = 4) showed considerably higher levels. We concluded that fibroblast activity correlates to the viability of the tissue rather than to the specific drug used for immunosuppression.
Feasibility of cerebral MRI in non‐sedated preterm‐born infants at term‐equivalent age: report of a single centre
Authors: Neubauer V , Griesmaier E , Baumgartner K , Mallouhi A , Keller M , Kiechl‐Kohlendorfer U 
Published: June 2011

AbstractAim:  MRI is gaining in importance as an imaging tool for brain development and injury in preterm infants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of performing MRI in non‐sedated preterm‐born infants at term‐equivalent age (TEA).Methods:  A total of 89 infants born before 32 gestational weeks were recruited. Infants were scanned without sedation. Duration of the entire examination including scan repetition and interruptions was registered.Results:  Of the 89 infants, 56 (63%) underwent MRI at TEA. Out‐patients required a significantly shorter total MR examination time than did in‐patients (32 ± 12 vs. 54 ± 10 min, p < 0.01). Of the 56 infants, 39 (69.6%) were examined without interruption. Only four (7.2%) of the 56 scans were unusable because of motion artefacts. Mean duration of all scans was 36 ± 14 min. In cases with no interruptions, sessions were completed within 32 ± 12 min; MR sessions with interruption lasted 45 ± 13 min.Conclusion:  A well‐trained team is indispensable in obtaining best‐quality images as a prerequisite for good counselling. From our experience, we worked out a guideline to ensure that scans in stable non‐sedated preterm‐born infants at TEA run smoothly and provide high‐quality images.
The unusual radio transient in M82: an SS 433 analogue?
Authors: Joseph T. D. , Maccarone T. J. , Fender R. P. 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
In this Letter we discuss the recently discovered radio transient in the nuclear region of M82. It has been suggested that this source is an X-ray binary, which, given the radio flux density, would require an X-ray luminosity, LX ∼ 6 × 1042 erg s-1 if it were a stellar mass black hole that followed established empirical relations for X-ray binaries. The source is not detected in the analysis of the X-ray archival data. Using a 99 per cent confidence level upper limit we find that LX≤ 1.8 × 1037 and 1.5 × 1037 erg s-1, using power law and disc blackbody models, respectively. The source is thus unlikely to be a traditional microquasar, but could be a system similar to SS 433, a Galactic microquasar with a high ratio of radio to X-ray luminosity.
Efficacy of Slightly Acidic Electrolyzed Water in Killing or Reducing Escherichia coli O157:H7 on Iceberg Lettuce and Tomatoes under Simulated Food Service Operation Conditions
Authors: Pangloli Philipus , Hung Yen‐Con 
Published: June 2011

Abstract:  The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of slightly acidic electrolyzed (SAEO) water in killing or removing Escherichia coli O157:H7 on iceberg lettuce and tomatoes by washing and chilling treatment simulating protocols used in food service kitchens. Whole lettuce leaves and tomatoes were spot‐inoculated with 100 μL of a mixture of 5 strains of E. coli O157:H7. Washing lettuce with SAEO water for 15 s reduced the pathogen by 1.4 to 1.6 log CFU/leaf, but the treatments did not completely inactivate the pathogen in the wash solution. Increasing the washing time to 30 s increased the reductions to 1.7 to 2.3 log CFU/leaf. Sequential washing in SAEO water for 15 s and then chilling in SAEO water for 15 min also increased the reductions to 2.0 to 2.4 log CFU/leaf, and no cell survived in chilling solution after treatment. Washing tomatoes with SAEO water for 8 s reduced E. coli O157:H7 by 5.4 to 6.3 log CFU/tomato. The reductions were increased to 6.6 to 7.6 log CFU/tomato by increasing the washing time to 15 s. Results suggested that application of SAEO water to wash and chill lettuce and tomatoes in food service kitchens could minimize cross‐contamination and reduce the risk of E. coli O157:H7 present on the produce.Practical Application:  SAEO water is equally or slightly better than acidic electrolyzed (AEO) water for inactivation of bacteria on lettuce and tomato surfaces. In addition, SAEO water may have the advantages over AEO water on its stability, no chlorine smell, and low corrosiveness. Therefore, SAEO water may have potential for produce wash to enhance food safety.
Extracts of Edible and Medicinal Plants in Inhibition of Growth, Adherence, and Cytotoxin Production of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli
Authors: Castillo Sandra L. , Heredia Norma , Contreras Juan F. , García Santos 
Published: June 2011

Abstract:  Campylobacter spp. is recognized as one of the most common cause of food‐borne bacterial gastroenteritis in humans. Campylobacter infection causes campylobacteriosis, which can range from asymptomatic to dysentery‐type illnesses with severe complications, such as Guillian‐Barre syndrome. Epidemiological studies have revealed that consumption of poultry products is an important risk factor of this disease. Adherence and cytotoxic activity of the bacteria to host mucosal surfaces have been proposed to be critical steps in pathogenesis. Innovative tools for controlling Campylobacter, such as natural products from plants, represent good alternatives for use in foods or as therapeutic agents. In this study, 28 edible or medicinal plants species were analyzed for their bactericidal effects on the growth of Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli. The extracts of Acacia farnesiana, Artemisia ludoviciana, Opuntia ficus‐indica, and Cynara scolymus were the most effective against these microorganisms at minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of 0.3, 0.5, 0.4, and 2.0 mg/mL, respectively. No effect on growth was detected with lower concentrations of extract (25%, 50%, or 75% of the MBC) added to the media. The effect of each extract (75% of the MBC) on adherence and cytotoxicity of C. jejuni and C. coli was evaluated in Vero cells. Adherence of Campylobacter to Vero cells was significantly affected by all the extracts. Cytotoxic activity of bacterial cultures was inhibited by A. farnesiana and A. ludoviciana. These plant extracts are potential candidates to be studied for controlling Campylobacter contamination in foods and the diseases associated with this microorganism.Practical Application:  Innovative tools for controlling Campylobacter, such as natural products from plants, represent good alternatives for use in foods or as therapeutic agents. The extracts of Acacia farnesiana, Artemisia ludoviciana, Opuntia ficus‐indica, and Cynara scolymus were the most effective against these microorganisms. Adherence and cytotoxic activity of the bacteria to host mucosal surfaces which are critical steps in pathogenesis were decreased by these extracts. Our results point to these plants as potential candidates for the control of Campylobacter contamination in foods, the treatment of the diseases associated with this microorganism, and as feed supplements to reduce on‐farm prevalence of Campylobacter.
Characteristics of Formed Atlantic Salmon Jerky
Authors: Oberholtzer Ashlan S. , Dougherty Michael P. , Camire Mary Ellen 
Published: June 2011

Abstract:  Smoked salmon (Salmo salar L.) processing may generate large amounts of small pieces of trimmed flesh that has little economic value. Opportunities exist to develop new added‐value foods from this by‐product. Brining was compared with dry salting for the production of formed salmon jerky‐style strips that were then smoked. The formulations also contained brown sugar and potato starch. Salted samples had higher salt concentrations and required less force to break using a TA‐XT2 Texture Analyzer. Brined samples contained more fat and were darker, redder and more yellow than the salted samples. Processing concentrated omega‐3 fatty acids compared with raw salmon, and the brined jerky had the highest omega‐3 fatty acid content. A panel of 57 consumers liked the appearance and aroma of both samples equally (approximately 6.7 for appearance and 6.3 for aroma on the 9‐point hedonic scale. Higher acceptability scores for taste, texture, and overall quality were given to the brined product (6.7 to 6.9 against 6.2 to 6.3).Practical Application:  Salmon trim from smoking facilities can be utilized to produce a jerky that is a good source of omega‐3 fatty acids, simultaneously adding value and reducing the waste stream.
Administration of oral midazolam in surgical dentistry
Authors: Parsa A. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjectives:  Many patients experience fear, anxiety and strain during dento‐alveolar surgeries which aggravate more complex procedures such as fixation of implants, difficult extractions. Many studies have in the past presented and assessed different methods of conscious sedation on patients who suffer from anxiety and fear. Primary aims of this retrospective study were to assess the suitability of using oral midazolam in surgical dentistry on patients with anxiety and to present a guideline on the required dosage of oral midazolam in order to achieve good, subjective conscious sedation. Our hypothesis is that oral midazolam is a safe and efficient conscious sedation method with few complications and side effects that can be administered on patients with anxiety during dento‐alveolar surgeries or those who find long surgical procedures challenging.Material and methods:  This study is retrospective, and the method was applied to 1549 patients who were sedated with oral midazolam. This study was performed for 14 years (1989–2003), of which the majority were treated for dental implants and surgical extractions. For each patient, the following was documented: gender, age, patient's weight, surgical procedure, total dosage, dosage/kg, time between administration and operation, effect of sedation, and complications and awakening time after the procedure.Results:  Patients experienced a positive and relaxed surgical session after being sedated with oral midazolam. The sedative effect was good in most of the cases except 152 (9, 8%), where an additional dosage was given. All of those who required an additional dose did achieve a good subjective conscious sedation after one additional dose. The additional dose was calculated as 50% of the original administered dose.Conclusion:  The sedative effect of oral midazolam was found effective in this study and patients described the course of treatment positive and relaxing. Using midazolam as conscious sedation for dento‐alveolar surgeries on patients with fear and anxiety is a feasible, easily administered and efficient method with low‐rate complications. This study has presented a figure as a guideline for the recommended dose of oral midazolam based on patient's age and weight to achieve a good, subjective conscious sedation. On few occasions, an additional dose has been required if a subjective, good conscious sedation has not been accomplished. The additional dose in this study has been 50% of the original dose. The findings in this study indicate that using oral midazolam is efficacious in inducing conscious sedation in dentistry.
Establishment of a mitochondrial DNA sequence database for the identification of fish species commercially available in South Africa
Authors: CAWTHORN DONNA‐MAREÈ , STEINMAN HARRIS ANDREW , CORLI WITTHUHN R. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe limitations intrinsic to morphology‐based identification systems have created an urgent need for reliable genetic methods that enable the unequivocal recognition of fish species, particularly those that are prone to overexploitation and/or market substitution. The aim of this study was to develop a comprehensive reference library of DNA sequence data to allow the explicit identification of 53 commercially available fish species in South Africa, most of which were locally caught marine species. Sequences of approximately 655 base pairs were generated for all species from the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene, the region widely adopted for DNA barcoding. Specimens of the genus Thunnus were examined in further detail, employing additional mitochondrial DNA control region sequencing. Cumulative analysis of the sequences from the COI region revealed mean conspecific, congeneric and confamilial Kimura 2‐parameter distances of 0.10%, 4.58% and 15.43%, respectively. The results showed that the vast majority (98%) of fish species examined could be readily differentiated by their COI barcodes, but that supplementary control region sequencing was more useful for the discrimination of three Thunnus species. Additionally, the analysis of COI data raised the prospect that Thyrsites atun (snoek) could constitute a species pair. The present study has established the necessary genetic information to permit the unambiguous identification of 53 commonly marketed fish species in South Africa, the applications of which hold a plethora of benefits relating to ecology research, fisheries management and control of commercial practices.
Azole Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus Isolates from the ARTEMIS Global Surveillance Study Is Primarily Due to the TR/L98H Mutation in the
cyp51A
Gene
Authors: Lockhart Shawn R. , Frade João P. , Etienne Kizee A. , Pfaller Michael A. , Diekema Daniel J. , Balajee S. Arunmozhi 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT

We surveyed 497 isolates of
Aspergillus fumigatus
collected from 2008 to 2009 as part of the ARTEMIS global surveillance study for elevated MIC values to itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole. Sequencing of the
cyp51A
gene revealed that 8/29 isolates with elevated MIC values to one or more triazoles, all originating in China, contained the TR/L98H mutation associated with resistant European isolates of
A. fumigatus
. This is the first time the TR/L98H mutation has been identified outside Europe.
In VitroandIn VivoSynergistic Effects of Cryptdin 2 and Ampicillin against Salmonella
Authors: Rishi Praveen , Preet Simran , Bharrhan Sushma , Verma Indu 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTIn view of the emergence of multidrug-resistantSalmonellastrains, there is a need for therapeutic alternatives. To reduce the dose of antibiotic required in order to decrease the associated side effects, the present study was aimed at evaluating the synergism between cryptdin 2 (a Paneth cell antimicrobial peptide) and ampicillin (Amp) againstSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium. The synergy was evaluated in terms of the fractional bactericidal concentration (FBC) index, time-kill assay results (in vitro), macrophage functions, i.e., intracellular killing, lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase activity, and generation of nitrite (ex vivo), and decreases in CFU of salmonellae in livers, spleens, and small intestines of infected mice treated with cryptdin 2 and/or Amp (in vivo).In vitrosynergism between the two agents was observed on the basis of the FBC index and time-kill assays. When the agents were used in combination,ex vivostudies revealed an enhanced effect on macrophage functions, particularly exhibiting a synergetic effect in terms of SOD levels.In vivosynergy was indicated by larger log unit decreases in all target organs of mice treated with the combination than those for the drugs used alone. These results point toward the possible use of cryptdin 2 as an adjunct to ampicillin and may help in developing alternate strategies to combatSalmonellainfections.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Ethambutol in South African Tuberculosis Patients
Authors: Jönsson Siv , Davidse Alistair , Wilkins Justin , Van der Walt Jan-Stefan , Simonsson Ulrika S. H. , Karlsson Mats O. , Smith Peter , McIlleron Helen 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT
Ethambutol, one of four drugs in the first-line antitubercular regimen, is used to protect against rifampin resistance in the event of preexisting resistance to isoniazid. The population pharmacokinetics of ethambutol in South African patients with pulmonary tuberculosis were characterized using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. Patients from 2 centers were treated with ethambutol (800 to 1,500 mg daily) combined with standard antitubercular medication. Plasma concentrations of ethambutol were measured following multiple doses at steady state and were determined using a validated high-pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric method. The data comprised 189 patients (54% male, 12% HIV positive) weighing 47 kg, on average (range, 29 to 86 kg), and having a mean age of 36 years (range, 16 to 72 years). The estimated creatinine clearance was 79 ml/min (range, 23 to 150 ml/min). A two-compartment model with one transit compartment prior to first-order absorption and allometric scaling by body weight on clearance and volume terms was selected. HIV infection was associated with a 15% reduction in bioavailability. Renal function was not related to ethambutol clearance in this cohort. Interoccasion variability exceeded interindividual variability for oral clearance (coefficient of variation, 36 versus 20%). Typical oral clearance in this analysis (39.9 liters/h for a 50-kg individual) was lower than that previously reported, a finding partly explained by the differences in body weight between the studied populations. In summary, a population model describing the pharmacokinetics of ethambutol in South African tuberculosis patients was developed, but additional studies are needed to characterize the effects of renal function.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Two Lawsonia intracellularis Isolates Associated with Proliferative Hemorrhagic Enteropathy and Porcine Intestinal Adenomatosis in South Korea
Authors: Yeh Jung-Yong , Lee Ji-Hye , Yeh Hye-Ryun , Kim Aeran , Lee Ji Youn , Hwang Jeong-Min , Kang Bo-Kyu , Kim Jong-Man , Choi In-Soo , Lee Joong-Bok 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTThis study represents the first published data on antimicrobial susceptibility of Asian isolates ofLawsonia intracellularis. We assessed MICs of 16 antimicrobials for two isolates ofL. intracellularisrecovered from diseased pigs in South Korea, one from a finisher pig with acute proliferative hemorrhagic enteropathy in 2002 and the other from a grower pig with porcine intestinal adenomatosis in 2010. Tylosin and tilmicosin were found to be the most active againstL. intracellularisboth intracellularly (MICs, 0.25 to 0.5 μg/ml and 0.125 μg/ml, respectively) and extracellularly (MICs, 0.25 to 0.5 μg/ml and 1 μg/ml, respectively).
Real-Time PCR for Detection of NDM-1 Carbapenemase Genes from Spiked Stool Samples
Authors: Naas Thierry , Ergani Ayla , Carrër Amélie , Nordmann Patrice 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT

An in-house quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay using TaqMan chemistry has been developed to detect NDM-1 carbapenemase genes from bacterial isolates and directly from stool samples. The qPCR amplification of
bla
NDM-1
DNA was linear over 10 log dilutions (
r
2
= 0.99), and the amplification efficiency was 1.03. The qPCR detection limit was reproducibly 1 CFU, or 10 plasmid molecules, and there was no cross-reaction with DNA extracted from several multidrug-resistant bacteria harboring other β-lactam resistance genes. Feces spiked with decreasing amounts of enterobacterial isolates producing NDM-1 were spread on ChromID ESBL and on CHROMagar KPC media and were subjected to the qPCR. The limits of carbapenem-resistant bacterial detection from stools was reproducibly 1 × 10
1
to 3 × 10
1
CFU/100 mg feces with ChromID ESBL medium. The CHROMagar KPC culture medium had higher limits of detection (1 × 10
1
to 4 × 10
3
CFU/ml), especially with bacterial isolates having low carbapenem MICs. The limits of detection with the qPCR assay were reproducibly below 1 × 10
1
CFU/100 mg of feces by qPCR assay. Samples spiked with NDM-1-negative bacteria were negative by qPCR. The sensitivity and specificity of the
bla
NDM-1
qPCR assay on spiked samples were 100% in both cases. Using an automated DNA extraction system (QIAcube system), the qPCR assay was reproducible. The use of qPCR is likely to shorten the time for
bla
NDM-1
detection from 48 h to 4 h and will be a valuable tool for outbreak follow-up in order to rapidly isolate colonized patients and assign them to cohorts.
IglG and IglI of the Francisella Pathogenicity Island Are Important Virulence Determinants of Francisella tularensis LVS
Authors: Bröms Jeanette E. , Lavander Moa , Meyer Lena , Sjöstedt Anders 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT

The Gram-negative bacterium
Francisella tularensis
is the causative agent of tularemia, a disease intimately associated with the multiplication of the bacterium within host macrophages. This in turn requires the expression of
Francisella
pathogenicity island (FPI) genes, believed to encode a type VI secretion system. While the exact functions of many of the components have yet to be revealed, some have been found to contribute to the ability of
Francisella
to cause systemic infection in mice as well as to prevent phagolysosomal fusion and facilitate escape into the host cytosol. Upon reaching this compartment, the bacterium rapidly multiplies, inhibits activation of the inflammasome, and ultimately causes apoptosis of the host cell. In this study, we analyzed the contribution of the FPI-encoded proteins IglG, IglI, and PdpE to the aforementioned processes in
F. tularensis
LVS. The Δ
pdpE
mutant behaved similarly to the parental strain in all investigated assays. In contrast, Δ
iglG
and Δ
iglI
mutants, although they were efficiently replicating in J774A.1 cells, both exhibited delayed phagosomal escape, conferred a delayed activation of the inflammasome, and exhibited reduced cytopathogenicity as well as marked attenuation in the mouse model. Thus, IglG and IglI play key roles for modulation of the intracellular host response and also for the virulence of
F. tularensis
.