bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the nano‐oligosaccharide factor lipido‐colloid matrix in the local management of venous leg ulcers: results of a randomised, controlled trial
Authors: Schmutz Jean‐Luc , Meaume Sylvie , Fays Ségolène , Ourabah Zohva , Guillot Bernard , Thirion Valéne , Collier Mark , Barrett Simon , Smith J , Bohbot Serge , Dompmartin Anne 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe nano‐oligosaccharide factor (NOSF) is a new compound aiming to promote wound closure mainly through inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. This factor is incorporated within a lipido‐colloid matrix (Techonology Lipido‐Colloid‐NOSF matrix) and locally released in the wound. The objective of this study was to document the performance (non inferiority or superiority) of the NOSF relative to the Promogran® matrix (oxidised regenerated cellulose, ORC) effect in the local management of venous leg ulcers (VLUs). This was a 12‐week, open, two‐arm, multicentre, randomised study. Patients were selected if the area of their VLU [ankle brachial pressure index ≥0·80] ranged from 5 to 25 cm2 with a duration ≥3 months. Ulcers had to be free from necrotic tissue. In addition to receiving compression bandage therapy, patients were randomly allocated to either NOSF matrix or ORC treatment for 12 weeks. The VLUs were assessed on a weekly basis and wound tracings were recorded. Percentage wound relative reduction (%RR) was the primary efficacy criterion. Secondary objectives were wound absolute reduction (AR), healing rate (HR) and % of wounds with ≥40% reduction compared with baseline. A total of 117 patients were included (57 NOSF matrix and 60 ORC). Mean population age was 71·3 ± 13·5 years, body mass index was ≥30 kg/m2 in 39·3% and 15·4% were diabetics. Fifty‐six per cent of the VLUs were present for >6 months, 61% were recurrent and 68% were stagnating despite appropriate care. Mean wound area at baseline was 11·2 ± 7·4 cm2. At the last evaluation, mean difference between the groups for %RR was 33·6 ± 15·0% in favour of NOSF matrix with a unilateral 95% confidence interval (CI) lower limit of 8·6% not including the null value. Therefore, a superiority of NOSF matrix effect compared with ORC was concluded (P = 0·0059 for superiority test). The median of the wound area reduction was 61·1% and 7·7% in the NOSF matrix and control groups, respectively (per‐protocol analysis), or 54·4% versus 12·9% in intent‐to‐treat analysis (p = 0·0286). Median AR was 4·2 cm2 in the NOSF group and 1·0 cm2 with ORC (P = 0·01). Median HR was −0·056 and −0·015 cm2/day in NOSF and ORC groups, respectively (P = 0·029). By logistic regression, the NOSF versus control odds ratio to reach 40% area reduction was 2·4 (95% CI: 1·1–5·3; P = 0·026). In the oldest and largest VLUs, a strong promotion of healing effect was particularly observed in the NOSF matrix group compared with the control group. NOSF matrix is a very promising option for the local management of chronic wounds, especially for VLUs with poor healing prognosis.
Retrospective clinical evaluation of gauze‐based negative pressure wound therapy*
Authors: Campbell Penny E , Smith Gary S , Smith Jennifer M 
Published: May 2008

AbstractNegative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is an established modality in the treatment of challenging wounds. However, most existing clinical evidence is derived from the use of open‐cell polyurethane foam at −125 mmHg. Alternative negative pressure systems are becoming available, which use gauze at a pressure of −80 mmHg. This study describes clinical results from a retrospective non comparative analysis of 30 patients treated with Chariker‐Jeter gauze‐based negative pressure systems (V1STA™, Versatile‐1™ and EZ‐Care™; Smith & Nephew, Inc.) in a long‐term care setting. The mean age of the patients was 72 years. The wounds consisted of chronic (n = 11), surgical dehiscence (n = 11) and surgical incision (n = 8). Wound volume and area were recorded at commencement and at the cessation of therapy. Discontinuation of therapy was instigated upon closure through secondary intention or when size and exudate were sufficiently reduced that the wounds could be managed by conventional wound dressing (median 41 days). An overall median reduction in wound volume of 88·0% (P < 0·001) and a 68·0% reduction in area (P < 0·001) compared with baseline were observed over the course of NPWT. The overall rate of volume reduction (15·1% per week) compares favourably with published data from foam‐based systems.
Indicators of Premature Ejaculation and Their Associations with Sexual Distress in a Population-Based Sample of Young Twins and Their Siblings
Authors: Jern Patrick , Santtila Pekka , Johansson Ada , Varjonen Markus , Witting Katarina , Ålgars Monica , Alanko Katarina , Von Der Pahlen Bettina , Sandnabba Kenneth 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTIntroductionRecently, in anticipation of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders V, much consideration has been given to the diagnostic criteria for premature ejaculation (PE). The scientific community is yet to agree not only on the etiology of PE, but also on the most suitable diagnosis and forms of treatment. It has been suggested that the diagnostic criteria of PE should be strictly empirical and rely on intravaginal latency time alone, whereas others stress the need to also include psychological and personal factors.AimTo examine different indicators of PE and their relationship with and ability to predict sexual distress.Main Outcome MeasuresStatistical analyses of data on sexual distress and different measures of ejaculatory function on a population-based sample of 3,332 Finnish men.MethodsThe present study involved a population-based sample of 3,332 males, of which 2,328 were twins aged 18–33, and 1,004 were over 18-year-old siblings to the aforementioned (M = 26.17 years of age). The individual contributions of different PE-indicator variables to experienced sexual distress were investigated by calculating correlations and performing a regression analysis.ResultsAll included indicators of PE were significantly associated with sexual distress, and significant and logical differences in sexual distress were found between intravariable levels for several of the indicator variables. Only variables relating to subjective experience (e.g., worrying about PE) were uniquely related to sexual distress when other indicators were controlled for.ConclusionsThe results suggest that variables measuring subjective experience may be useful when considering diagnostic criteria if indicators that are related to sexual distress are considered useful. However, overall, the association between PE and sexual distress is not especially strong, emphasizing the fact that more objective indicators of PE may not necessarily be associated with significant distress.
Annexin II, a Novel HSP27‐interacted Protein, is Involved in Resistance to UVC‐induced Cell Death in Human APr‐1 Cells
Authors: Tong Xiao‐Bo , Kita Kazuko , Karata Kiyonobu , Zhu Chang‐Lin , Sugaya Shigeru , Ichimura Yoshinobu , Satoh Mamoru , Tomonaga Takeshi , Nomura Fumio , Jin Yuan‐Hu , Suzuki Nobuo 
Published: May 2008

AbstractHeat shock protein 27 (HSP27) is implicated in diverse biologic functions as a molecular chaperone. We found that HSP27 is involved in the protection of human cells against UVC lethality. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying UVC resistance, we searched for HSP27‐interacted proteins related to resistance in UVC‐resistant human cells, APr‐1. Three candidates for HSP27‐interacted proteins were found from cell lysates using an affinity column coupled with GST‐fused HSP27 protein. Interaction between HSP27 and two candidates, annexin II and HSP70, was confirmed by immunoprecipitation analysis. After UVC irradiation, the amount of the complex of HSP27 and annexin II decreased in the postnuclear fraction, while it increased in the nuclear fraction. Cells transfected with annexin II–siRNA were more susceptible to UVC lethality. These results suggest that annexin II is a novel HSP27‐interacted protein which is involved in UVC resistance in human cells, at least those tested here.
Daytime levels of melatonin in patients with age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Schmid‐Kubista Katharina E. , Glittenberg Carl G. , Cezanne Melanie , Holzmann Klaus , Neumaier‐Ammerer Beatrix , Binder Susanne 
Published: May 2008

Abstract.Purpose:  Melatonin (N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine) (MT) is a hormone that acts as an antioxidant. It is produced by the pineal gland and within the retina; its release is blocked by light entering the eye. We examined whether MT daytime levels differ between pseudophakic patients with age‐related macular degeneration (ARMD) and pseudophakic subjects without any ocular pathology of the same age.Methods:  A prospective, cross‐sectional, observational study was performed. Pseudophakic patients of the same age group were included. Patients underwent complete ophthalmic examinations and blood sampling between 08:00 and 10:00 hr. MT daytime value in the serum was the main outcome measure.Results:  Sixty‐nine pseudophakic patients were included. Fifty patients with exudative and non‐exudative ARMD were in the study group while 19 patients were controls. Patients with ARMD had significantly higher daytime levels of MT (P = 0.003). There were significant differences in MT daytime levels between the exudative and non‐exudative forms (P = 0.009). MT values also correlated with the best‐corrected visual acuity (r = −0.285, P = 0.019).Conclusion:  These data indicate that pseudophakic patients with ARMD produce more MT during the day compared to pseudophakic subjects without ARMD. This may be caused by the reduced visual acuity in patients with ARMD, whereby less light reaches the photoreceptors, allowing MT secretion to continue during the day. Because MT also acts as an antioxidant and daytime levels are higher in patients with ARMD, these results might be interpreted as a rescue factor.
Flattenable Mesh Surface Fitting on Boundary Curves
Authors: Wang Charlie C. L. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
This paper addresses the problem of fitting flattenable mesh surfaces in R3onto piecewise linear boundary curves, where a flattenable mesh surface inherits the isometric mapping to a planar region in R2. The developable surface in differential geometry shows the nice property. However, it is difficult to fit developable surfaces to a boundary with complex shape. The technique presented in this paper can model a piecewise linear flattenable surface that interpolates the given boundary curve and approximates the cross-tangent normal vectors on the boundary. At first, an optimal planar polygonal region is computed from the given boundary curve B∊R3, triangulated into a planar mesh surface, and warped into a mesh surface in R3, satisfying the continuities defined on B. Then, the fitted mesh surface is further optimized into a flattenable Laplacian (FL) mesh, which preserves the positional continuity and minimizes the variation of cross-tangential normals. Assembled set of such FL mesh patches can be employed to model complex products fabricated from sheets without stretching.
Metallo-β-Lactamase Gene
bla
IMP-15
in a Class 1 Integron, In
95
, from
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Clinical Isolates from a Hospital in Mexico
Authors: Garza-Ramos U. , Morfin-Otero R. , Sader H. S. , Jones R. N. , Hernández E. , Rodriguez-Noriega E. , Sanchez A. , Carrillo B. , Esparza-Ahumada S. , Silva-Sanchez J. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT

During 2003, 40 carbapenem-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
clinical isolates collected in a Mexican tertiary-care hospital were screened for metallo-β-lactamase production. Thirteen isolates produced IMP-15, and 12 had a single pulsed-field gel electrophoresis pattern. The
bla
IMP-15
gene cassette was inserted in a plasmid-borne integron with a unique array of gene cassettes and was named In
95
.
Cyclic-di-GMP Regulates Extracellular Polysaccharide Production, Biofilm Formation, and Rugose Colony Development by
Vibrio vulnificus
Authors: Nakhamchik Alina , Wilde Caroline , Rowe-Magnus Dean A. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT

Vibrio vulnificus
is a human and animal pathogen that carries the highest death rate of any food-borne disease agent. It colonizes shellfish and forms biofilms on the surfaces of plankton, algae, fish, and eels. Greater understanding of biofilm formation by the organism could provide insight into approaches to decrease its load in filter feeders and on biotic surfaces and control the occurrence of invasive disease. The capsular polysaccharide (CPS), although essential for virulence, is not required for biofilm formation under the conditions used here. In other bacteria, increased biofilm formation often correlates with increased exopolysaccharide (EPS) production. We exploited the translucent phenotype of acapsular mutants to screen a
V. vulnificus
genomic library and identify genes that imparted an opaque phenotype to both CPS biosynthesis and transport mutants. One of these encoded a diguanylate cyclase (DGC), an enzyme that synthesizes bis-(3′-5′)-cyclic-di-GMP (c-di-GMP). This prompted us to use this DGC, DcpA, to examine the effect of elevated c-di-GMP levels on several developmental pathways in
V. vulnificus
. Increased c-di-GMP levels induced the production of an EPS that was distinct from the CPS and dramatically enhanced biofilm formation and rugosity in a CPS-independent manner. However, the EPS could not compensate for the loss of CPS production that is required for virulence. In contrast to
V. cholerae
, motility and virulence appeared unaffected by elevated levels of c-di-GMP.
Virulence of
Leucobacter chromiireducens
subsp.
solipictus
to
Caenorhabditis elegans
: Characterization of a Novel Host-Pathogen Interaction
Authors: Muir Rachel E. , Tan Man-Wah 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT

We describe the pathogenic interaction between a newly described gram-positive bacterium,
Leucobacter chromiireducens
subsp.
solipictus
strain TAN 31504, and the nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans
. TAN 31504 pathogenesis on
C. elegans
is exerted primarily through infection of the adult nematode uterus. TAN 31504 enters the uterus through the external vulval opening, and the ensuing uterine infection is strongly correlated with a significant reduction in host life span. Young worms can feed and develop on TAN 31504, but not preferably over the standard food source.
C. elegans
worms reared on TAN 31504 as the sole food source develop into thin adults with little intestinal fat stores, produce few progeny, and subsequently cannot persist on the pathogenic food source. Within 12 h of exposure, adult worms challenged with TAN 31504 alter the expression of a number of
C. elegans
innate immunity-related genes, including
nlp-29
, which encodes a neuropeptide-like protein.
C. elegans
worms exposed briefly to TAN 31504 develop lethal uterine infections analogous to worms exposed continuously to pathogen, suggesting that mere contact with the pathogen is sufficient for the host to become infected. TAN 31504 produces a robust biofilm, and this behavior is speculated to play a role in the virulence exerted on the nematode host. The interaction between TAN 31504 and
C. elegans
provides a convenient opportunity to study bacterial virulence on nematode tissues other than the intestine and may allow for the discovery of host innate immunity elicited specifically in response to vulva-uterus infection.
The Explosive-Degrading Cytochrome P450 System Is Highly Conserved among Strains of
Rhodococcus
spp
Authors: Seth-Smith Helena M. B. , Edwards James , Rosser Susan J. , Rathbone Deborah A. , Bruce Neil C. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT

Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) is a widely used explosive and a serious environmental pollutant. Nineteen strains of
Rhodococcus
spp. capable of utilizing RDX as the sole nitrogen source have been isolated. The cytochrome P450 system XplA-XplB, which is responsible for RDX breakdown, is present in 18 of these strains.
Highly Efficient Method for Introducing Successive Multiple Scarless Gene Deletions and Markerless Gene Insertions into the
Yersinia pestis
Chromosome
Authors: Sun Wei , Wang Shifeng , Curtiss Roy 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT

An efficient two-step recombination method for markerless gene deletion and insertion that can be used for repetitive genetic modification in
Yersinia pestis
was developed. The method combines λ Red recombination and counterselective screening (
sacB
gene) and can be used for genetic modification of
Y. pestis
to construct live attenuated vaccines.
Genotypic Diversity, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Virulence Factors of Human Isolates and Probiotic Cultures Constituting Two Intraspecific Groups of
Enterococcus faecium
Isolates
Authors: Vankerckhoven Vanessa , Huys Geert , Vancanneyt Marc , Snauwaert Cindy , Swings Jean , Klare Ingo , Witte Wolfgang , Van Autgaerden Tim , Chapelle Sabine , Lammens Christine , Goossens Herman 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT

The intraspecific relationships among a collection of
Enterococcus faecium
isolates comprising probiotic cultures and human clinical isolates were investigated through the combined use of two high-resolution DNA-fingerprinting techniques. In addition, the incidences of antimicrobial resistance and virulence traits were investigated. A total of 128
E. faecium
isolates from human clinical or nonclinical sources or used as probiotic cultures were subjected to fluorescent amplified fragment length polymorphism (FAFLP) fingerprinting and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis of SmaI macrorestriction patterns. Susceptibilities to 16 antimicrobial agents were tested using broth microdilution, and the presence of the corresponding resistance genes was investigated using PCR. Multiplex PCR was used to detect the presence of the enterococcal virulence genes
asa1
,
gelE
,
cylA
,
esp
, and
hyl
. The results of the study showed that two intraspecific genomic groups (I and II) were obtained in FAFLP analysis. PFGE analysis demonstrated high variability within these two groups but also indicated that some probiotic cultures were indistinguishable and that a number of clinical isolates may be reisolations of commercial probiotic cultures. Compared to group II, which contained the majority of the probiotic isolates and fewer human clinical isolates, higher phenotypic and genotypic resistance frequencies were observed in group I. Two probiotic isolates were phenotypically resistant to erythromycin, one of which contained an
erm
(B) gene that was not transferable to enterococcal recipients. None of the probiotic
E. faecium
isolates demonstrated the presence of the tested virulence genes. The previously reported observation that
E. faecium
consists of two intraspecific genomic groups was further substantiated by FAFLP fingerprinting of 128 isolates. In combination with antimicrobial resistance and virulence testing, this grouping might represent an additional criterion in assessing the safety of new potential probiotic
E. faecium
isolates.
Novel Bacterial Surface Display Systems Based on Outer Membrane Anchoring Elements from the Marine Bacterium
Vibrio anguillarum
Authors: Yang Zhao , Liu Qin , Wang Qiyao , Zhang Yuanxing 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT

Surface display of heterologous peptides and proteins such as receptors, antigens, and enzymes on live bacterial cells is of considerable value for various biotechnological and industrial applications. In this study, a series of novel cell surface display systems were examined by using
Vibrio anguillarum
outer membrane protein and outer membrane lipoprotein as anchoring motifs. These display systems consist of (i) the signal sequence and first 11 N-terminal amino acids of
V. anguillarum
outer membrane lipoprotein Wza, or the signal sequence and first 9 N-terminal amino acids of the mature major
Escherichia coli
lipoprotein Lpp, and (ii) transmembrane domains of
V. anguillarum
outer membrane proteins Omporf1, OmpU, or Omp26La. In order to assay the translocation efficiency of constructed display systems in bacteria, green fluorescent protein (GFP) was inserted to the systems and the results of GFP surface localization confirmed that four of the six surface display systems could successfully display GFP on the
E. coli
surface. For assaying its potential application in live bacteria carrier vaccines, an excellent display system Wza-Omporf1 was fused with the major capsid protein (MCP) of large yellow croaker iridovirus and introduced into attenuated
V. anguillarum
strain MVAV6203, and subsequent analysis of MCP surface localization proved that the novel display system Wza-Omporf1 could function as a strong tool in
V. anguillarum
carrier vaccine development.
Characterization of Nitrifying, Denitrifying, and Overall Bacterial Communities in Permeable Marine Sediments of the Northeastern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Mills Heath J. , Hunter Evan , Humphrys Mike , Kerkhof Lee , McGuinness Lora , Huettel Markus , Kostka Joel E. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT

Sandy or permeable sediment deposits cover the majority of the shallow ocean seafloor, and yet the associated bacterial communities remain poorly described. The objective of this study was to expand the characterization of bacterial community diversity in permeable sediment impacted by advective pore water exchange and to assess effects of spatial, temporal, hydrodynamic, and geochemical gradients. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (TRFLP) was used to analyze nearly 100 sediment samples collected from two northeastern Gulf of Mexico subtidal sites that primarily differed in their hydrodynamic conditions. Communities were described across multiple taxonomic levels using universal bacterial small subunit (SSU) rRNA targets (RNA- and DNA-based) and functional markers for nitrification (
amoA
) and denitrification (
nosZ
). Clonal analysis of SSU rRNA targets identified several taxa not previously detected in sandy sediments (i.e.,
Acidobacteria
,
Actinobacteria
,
Chloroflexi
,
Cyanobacteria
, and
Firmicutes
). Sequence diversity was high among the overall bacterial and denitrifying communities, with members of the
Alphaproteobacteria
predominant in both. Diversity of bacterial nitrifiers (
amoA
) remained comparatively low and did not covary with the other gene targets. TRFLP fingerprinting revealed changes in sequence diversity from the family to species level across sediment depth and study site. The high diversity of facultative denitrifiers was consistent with the high permeability, deeper oxygen penetration, and high rates of aerobic respiration determined in these sediments. The high relative abundance of
Gammaproteobacteria
in RNA clone libraries suggests that this group may be poised to respond to short-term periodic pulses of growth substrates, and this observation warrants further investigation.
Partially Functional Outer-Arm Dynein in a Novel
Chlamydomonas
Mutant Expressing a Truncated γ Heavy Chain
Authors: Liu Zhongmei , Takazaki Hiroko , Nakazawa Yuki , Sakato Miho , Yagi Toshiki , Yasunaga Takuo , King Stephen M. , Kamiya Ritsu 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT

The outer dynein arm of
Chlamydomonas
flagella contains three heavy chains (α, β, and γ), each of which exhibits motor activity. How they assemble and cooperate is of considerable interest. Here we report the isolation of a novel mutant,
oda2
-
t
, whose γ heavy chain is truncated at about 30% of the sequence. While the previously isolated γ chain mutant
oda2
lacks the entire outer arm,
oda2
-
t
retains outer arms that contain α and β heavy chains, suggesting that the N-terminal sequence (corresponding to the tail region) is necessary and sufficient for stable outer-arm assembly. Thin-section electron microscopy and image analysis localize the γ heavy chain to a basal region of the outer-arm image in the axonemal cross section. The motility of
oda2
-
t
is lower than that of the wild type and
oda11
(lacking the α heavy chain) but higher than that of
oda2
and
oda4
-
s7
(lacking the motor domain of the β heavy chain). Thus, the outer-arm dynein lacking the γ heavy-chain motor domain is partially functional. The availability of mutants lacking individual heavy chains should greatly facilitate studies on the structure and function of the outer-arm dynein.