bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synergistic role of curli and cellulose in cell adherence and biofilm formation of attaching and effacing Escherichia coli and identification of Fis as a negative regulator of curli
Authors: Saldaña Zeus , Xicohtencatl‐Cortes Juan , Avelino Fabiola , Phillips Alan D. , Kaper James B. , Puente José L. , Girón Jorge A. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryCurli are adhesive fimbriae of Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica. Expression of curli (csgA) and cellulose (bcsA) is co‐activated by the transcriptional activator CsgD. In this study, we investigated the contribution of curli and cellulose to the adhesive properties of enterohaemorragic (EHEC) O157:H7 and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) O127:H6. While single mutations in csgA, csgD or bcsA in EPEC and EHEC had no dramatic effect on cell adherence, double csgAbcsA mutants were significantly less adherent than the single mutants or wild‐type strains to human colonic HT‐29 epithelial cells or to cow colon tissue in vitro. Overexpression of csgD (carried on plasmid pCP994) in a csgD mutant, but not in the single csgA or bscA mutants, led to significant increase in adherence and biofilm formation in EPEC and EHEC, suggesting that synchronized over‐production of curli and cellulose enhances bacterial adherence. In line with this finding, csgD transcription was activated significantly in the presence of cultured epithelial cells as compared with growth in tissue culture medium. Analysis of the influence of virulence and global regulators in the production of curli in EPEC identified Fis (factor for inversion stimulation) as a, heretofore unrecognized, negative transcriptional regulator of csgA expression. An EPEC E2348/69Δfis produced abundant amounts of curli whereas a double fis/csgD mutant yielded no detectable curli production. Our data suggest that curli and cellulose act in concert to favour host colonization, biofilm formation and survival in different environments.
A low frequency of lymph node metastasis in clear‐cell renal cell carcinoma is related to low lymphangiogenic activity
Authors: Baldewijns Marcella M. , Roskams Tania , Ballet Vera , Van den Eynden Gert G. , Van Laere Steven J. , Van der Auwera Ilse , Lerut Evelyne , De Bruïne Adriaan P. , Thijssen Victor L. , Vermeulen Peter B. , Van Poppel Hein 
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVETo assess ongoing lymphangiogenesis in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by histomorphometry and by quantifying mRNA expression levels of lymphangiogenesis‐related factors.MATERIALS AND METHODSUsing D2‐40 antibody as a lymphatic marker, lymph vessels were counted in tissue sections of 150 clear‐cell RCCs (ccRCC) and 61 non‐neoplastic controls, using the Chalkley method, which measures the relative lymph vessel area (LVA). Double‐staining with Ki67 and D2‐40 was used to assess active lymphangiogenesis. In a subset of 25 ccRCCs and nine non‐neoplastic controls mRNA expression levels of lymphangiogenic factors were determined by real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction.RESULTSLVA was higher in normal renal tissue than in both intra‐ and peri‐tumoral LVA (P < 0.001). LVA in the tumour periphery was higher than in the tumour parenchyma (P < 0.001). Lymphatic endothelial cell proliferation (LECP) was identified in 8.2% of the control sections and was higher than the intratumoral LECP fraction (LECP%, 2.6%; P = 0.02) and the peritumoral LECP% (6.5%; P > 0.05). Compared with controls, ccRCC specimens had higher mRNA expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐A and VEGF‐C, but lower expression levels of VEGF‐D and Prox‐1 (all P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONOur results show that there is only limited ongoing lymphangiogenesis in ccRCC. Given that several growth factors stimulate both angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, our observation indirectly indicates that haemangiogenesis predominates in ccRCC. This finding might provide better understanding of why ccRCCs prefer haematogenous dissemination to lymphatic spread.
Effects of ageing and streptozotocin‐induced diabetes on connexin43 and P2 purinoceptor expression in the rat corpora cavernosa and urinary bladder
Authors: Suadicani Sylvia O. , Urban‐Maldonado Marcia , Tar Moses T. , Melman Arnold , Spray David C. 
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether ageing and diabetes alter the expression of the gap junction protein connexin43 (Cx43) and of particular purinoceptor (P2R) subtypes in the corpus cavernosum and urinary bladder, and determine whether changes in expression of these proteins correlate with development of erectile and bladder dysfunction in diabetic and ageing rats.MATERIALS AND METHODSErectile and bladder function of streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic, insulin‐treated and age‐matched control Fischer‐344 rats were evaluated 2, 4 and 8 months after diabetes induction by in vivo cystometry and cavernosometry. Corporal and bladder tissue were then isolated at each of these sample times and protein expression levels of Cx43 and of various P2R subtypes were determined by Western blotting.RESULTSIn the corpora of control rats ageing was accompanied by a significant decrease in Cx43 and P2X1R, and increase in P2X7R expression. There was decreased Cx43 and increased P2Y4R expression in the ageing control rat bladder. There was a significant negative correlation between erectile capacity and P2X1R expression levels, and a positive correlation between bladder spontaneous activity and P2Y4R expression levels. There was already development of erectile dysfunction and bladder overactivity at 2 months after inducing diabetes, the earliest sample measured in the study. The development of these urogenital complications was accompanied by significant decreases in Cx43, P2Y2R, P2X4R and increase in P2X1R expression in the corpora, and by a doubling in Cx43 and P2Y2R, and significant increase in P2Y4R expression in the bladder. Changes in Cx43 and P2R expression were largely prevented by insulin therapy.CONCLUSIONAgeing and diabetes mellitus markedly altered the expression of the gap junction protein Cx43 and of particular P2R subtypes in the rat penile corpora and urinary bladder. These changes in Cx43 and P2R expression provide the molecular substrate for altered gap junction and purinergic signalling in these tissues, and thus probably contribute to the early development of erectile dysfunction and higher detrusor activity in ageing and in diabetic rats.
Children and adolescents on intensive insulin therapy maintain postprandial glycaemic control without precise carbohydrate counting
Authors: Smart C. E. , Ross K. , Edge J. A. , Collins C. E. , Colyvas K. , King B. R. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAims  Carbohydrate (CHO) quantification is used to adjust pre‐meal insulin in intensive insulin regimens. However, the precision in CHO quantification required to maintain postprandial glycaemic control is unknown. We determined the effect of a ±10‐g variation in CHO amount, with an individually calculated insulin dose for 60 g CHO, on postprandial glycaemic control.Methods  Thirty‐one children and adolescents (age range 9.5–16.8 years), 17 using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and 14 using multiple daily injections (MDI), participated. Each subject consumed test lunches of equal macronutrient content, differing only in carbohydrate quantity (50, 60, 70 g CHO), in random order on three consecutive days. For each participant, the insulin dose was the same for each meal, based on their usual insulin : CHO ratio for 60 g CHO. Activity was standardized. Continuous glucose monitoring was used.Results  The CSII and MDI subjects demonstrated no difference in postprandial blood glucose levels (BGLs) for comparable carbohydrate loads (P > 0.05). The 10‐g variations in CHO quantity resulted in no differences in BGLs or area under the glucose curves for 2.5 h (P > 0.05). Hypoglycaemic episodes were not significantly different (P = 0.32). The 70‐g meal produced higher glucose excursions after 2.5 h, with a maximum difference of 1.9 mmol/l at 3 h (P = 0.01), but the BGLs remained within international postprandial targets.Conclusions  In patients using intensive insulin therapy, an individually calculated insulin dose for 60 g of carbohydrate maintains postprandial BGLs for meals containing between 50 and 70 g of carbohydrate. A single mealtime insulin dose will cover a range in carbohydrate amounts without deterioration in postprandial control.
Fat and protein contents, acidity and somatic cell counts in bulk milk of Holstein cows in the Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran
Authors: NAJAFI MASOUD NAJAF , MORTAZAVI SEYED ALI , KOOCHEKI ARASH , KHORAMI JAFAR , REKIK BOULBABA 
Published: January 2009

Relationships between total bulk milk somatic cell score (SCS) and milk fat and protein contents and acidity were investigated in the Khorasan Razavi Province, a region that contributes 6.83% of total milk production in Iran. A total of 1476 samples were analysed. Data were obtained by randomly collecting 123 samples of bulk tank milk from 41 dairy farms during April 2006 to March 2007, every month. Milk was analysed for titratable acidity, protein and fat contents and somatic cell counts (direct microscopic cell count and with Somatos, Russia). Microscopic and Somatos somatic cell counts were comparable. Results showed that the season of raw milk production did not have a significant effect on acidity. Milk fat content increased gradually from spring to winter and there were significant differences (P < 0.05) between spring and other seasons. Higher levels of milk protein fractions were observed during the autumn and winter than in other seasons. The highest total bulk milk somatic cell counts were observed in July. Total bulk milk SCS had significant effects (P < 0.05) on acidity and fat and protein contents. Moreover, the level of acidity and fat in milk decreased with increasing SCS. A significant positive relationship was observed between total bulk milk SCS and the protein content of milk. Elevated SCS were associated with lowered milk quality in Holsteins in the Khorasan Razavi Province.
Characterization of four new Lactococcus lactis bacteriophages isolated from dahi whey
Authors: MASUD TARIQ , LATIF ASIA , HAMEED ABDUL 
Published: January 2009

Four lytic phages of Lactococcus lactis ssp. diacetylactis isolated from indigenous dahi whey were examined for their stability, growth characteristics and morphology. All these phages were partially inactivated by CHCl3, remained stable at 40°C and were partially inactivated at pH 3. There was a marked difference among these phages with respect to latent period, rise period and burst size. All phages belonged to Bradley's group B.
Changes in microbial populations, kinds of lactic acid bacteria and biochemical characteristics of Greek traditional feta cheese during ripening
Authors: VASSILIADIS A , PSONI L , NIKOLAOU S , ARVANITIS L , TZANETAKIS N , LITOPOULOU–TZANETAKI E 
Published: January 2009

Three batches of feta cheese manufactured from raw (R) and thermized (TS) milk with yogurt as a starter were studied. Enterobacteriaceae and coliforms underwent a more accelerated decrease in TS cheese. Nonstarter lactic acid bacteria (NSLAB) were counted at higher levels in R than in TS cheese throughout ripening and predominated over the other microbial groups. The composition of NSLAB in the fresh cheese was similar for both cheese types. Proteolysis products (noncasein nitrogen soluble in 12% trichloroacetic acid, nitrogen soluble in 5% phosphotungstic acid /100 total nitrogen) were higher in R than TS cheese. Degradation of αs‐casein was in R > TS, while a small reduction of β‐casein during storage was recorded only for TS cheese.
Socialization of student nurses – the role of the mentor
Authors: Ousey Karen 
Published: January 2009

AbstractIn this paper, the role of the mentor in supporting student learning and development in clinical practice areas and promoting their socialization into their occupational roles is discussed and explored. Examining the literature relating to the mentor, the essential nature of this role is investigated and related to the socialization process of student nurses; with the importance of maintaining and developing an effective learning environment for the students being examined and considered. The paper concludes that the mentor role is essential in preparing students for their professional role and in ensuring that they reach the competencies required of a registered practitioner.
Automatic Extraction of ECG Strips from Continuous 12‐lead Holter Recordings for QT Analysis at Prescheduled versus Optimized Time Points
Authors: Badilini Fabio , Vaglio Martino , Sarapa Nenad 
Published: January 2009

Background: Continuous 12‐lead ECG monitoring (Holter) in early‐phase pharmaceutical studies is today widely used as an ideal platform to extract discrete ECGs for analysis. The extraction process is typically performed manually by trained readers using commercial Holter processing systems. Methods: Antares, a novel method for automatic 12‐lead extraction from continuous Holter recordings applying minimal noise criteria and heart‐rate stability conditions is presented. A set of 12‐lead Holter recordings from healthy subjects administered with sotalol is used to compare ECG extractions at fixed time points with ECG extractions generated by Antares optimizing noise and heart rate inside 5 minute windows centered around each expected time point of interest. Results: Global, low‐ and high‐frequency noise content of extracted ECGs was significantly reduced via optimized approach by Antares. Heart rate was also slightly reduced (from 69 ± 13 to 64 ± 13 bpm, P < 0.05). Similarly, the corrected QT interval from optimized extractions was significantly reduced (QTcB from 414 ± 32 to 402 ± 30 ms, P < 0.05). Using only baseline data, and after adjusting for intersubject variability, the standard deviation (SD) of QT intervals was highly reduced with optimized extraction (SD of QTcF from 11 ± 8 to 7 ± 2 ms, P < 0.05). Conclusions: Extraction of discrete 12‐lead ECG strips from continuous Holter generates less noisy and more stable ECGs leading to more robust QTc data, thereby potentially facilitating the assessment of ECG effects on clinical trials.
TNF‐α induces TGF‐β1 expression in lung fibroblasts at the transcriptional level via AP‐1 activation
Authors: Sullivan Deborah E. , Ferris MaryBeth , Nguyen Hong , Abboud Elizabeth , Brody Arnold R. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractTumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) are peptides with multiple biological activities that influence neoplastic, immunologic and fibroproliferative diseases. There are clear interrelationships and overlap between the actions of TNF‐α and TGF‐β1 in lung fibrosis; therefore, we postulated that TNF‐α may play a significant role in regulating TGF‐β1 expression in lungs. We recently reported that TNF‐α activates the extracellular regulated kinase (ERK)‐specific pathway in fibroblasts resulting in stabilization of TGF‐β1 mRNA and increased expression of TGF‐β1. In the current study, we further investigated the molecular mechanisms involved in TNF‐α regulation of TGF‐β1 expression. Nuclear run‐on assays showed that treatment of Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts with TNF‐α increased transcription of the TGF‐β1 gene in an ERK independent manner. Pre‐treatment with the activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) inhibitor curcumin attenuated TNF‐α induced transcription of the TGF‐β1 gene. TNF‐α induced increased levels of c‐Jun and C‐Fos in the nucleus accompanied by phosphorylation of c‐Jun. In electrophoretic mobility shift assays, AP‐1 binding to an AP‐1 binding site found within the TGF‐β1 promoter was increased in nuclear extracts from Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts treated with TNF‐α. Together, these results suggest that TNF‐α induces expression and DNA binding of AP‐1 resulting in increased transcription of the TGF‐β1 gene. It is essential to know which transcription pathways are activated because of the wide distribution of TNF‐α and TGF‐β1, the general lack of effective treatments for fibroproliferative disease and the possibility that targeting the correct transcription factors could be palliative.
Endogenous n‐3 fatty acids protect ovariectomy induced bone loss by attenuating osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Rahman Md Mizanur , Bhattacharya Arunabh , Banu Jameela , Kang Jing X. , Fernandes Gabriel 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBeneficial effects of n‐3 fatty acids (FA) on bone mineral density (BMD) have been reported in mice, rats and human beings, but the precise mechanisms involved have not been described. This study used the Fat‐1 mouse, a transgenic model that synthesizes n‐3 FA from n‐6 FA to directly determine if outcome of bone health were correlated with n‐3 FA. Ovariectomized (Ovx) and sham operated wild‐type (WT) and Fat‐1 mice were fed an AIN‐93M diet containing 10% corn oil for 24 weeks. BMD was analysed by dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry. Fat‐1 Ovx mice exhibited significantly lower level of osteotropic factors like receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)5b in serum and higher BMD in distal femoral metaphysis, proximal tibial metaphysis, femoral diaphysis and lumbar vertebra as compared to WT Ovx mice. LPS‐stimulated bone marrow (BM) cells from Fat‐1 Ovx mice produced significantly lower level of pro‐inflammatory cytokines like tumour necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1‐β, IL‐6 and higher level of anti‐inflammatory cytokines like IL‐10, IFN‐γ and higher level of nitric oxide as compared to BM cells from WT Ovx mice. LPS‐stimulated COX‐II activity as well as NF‐κB activation in BM cells from Fat‐1 Ovx mice was significantly less as compared to BM cells from WT Ovx mice. Furthermore, Fat‐1 BM cells generated significantly less number of TRAP osteoclast‐like cells as compared to WT BM cells. In conclusion, we offer further insight into the mechanisms involved in preventing the BMD loss in Ovx mice by n‐3 FA using a Fat‐1 transgenic mouse model.
Detection of the cemento‐enamel junction with three different probes: an “in vitro” model
Authors: Barendregt Dick S. , Van Der Velden Ubele , Timmerman Mark F. , Bulthuis Hankie M. , Van Der Weijden Fridus 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAim: The purpose of the present study was to test the accuracy and precision with which the cemento‐enamel junction (CEJ) can be assessed using three commercially available periodontal probes with different tip endings in both deciduous and permanent teeth.Material and Methods: An “in vitro” model was developed, consisting of 70 extracted permanent and 30 deciduous human teeth mounted in plaster with an artificial gingiva made of silicone rubber. The probes tested were the Merritt‐B probe, the ball‐ended CPITN probe and the Vivacare TPS beveled‐ball probe. With each probe, duplicate CEJ assessments were carried out at six sites per tooth by four examiners. Upon completion, the distance between the CEJ and the artificial gingival margin was determined using a stereomicroscope.Results: The mean difference between the microscopic assessment and the mean clinical probe measurements in permanent teeth was −0.05 mm with the Merritt‐B, 0.11 mm for the CPITN and 0.19 mm with the TPS probe. In deciduous teeth, the differences were −0.02, 0.35 and 0.63 mm, respectively. In both permanent and deciduous teeth, only the Merritt‐B did not differ from the microscopic assessment.Conclusions: Results showed that the use of the Meritt‐B probe offered the most accurate location of the CEJ in both permanent and deciduous teeth.
A cell preparation of Enterococcus faecalis strain EC‐12 stimulates the luminal immunoglobulin A secretion in juvenile calves
Authors: TSURUTA Takeshi , INOUE Ryo , TSUKAHARA Takamitsu , MATSUBARA Noritaka , HAMASAKI Masayuki , USHIDA Kazunari 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTThe immune system in juvenile calves is immature, so calves are susceptible to several diarrheal and respiratory diseases. Oral administration of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is known to improve the growth performance and prevent diarrheal and respiratory diseases by stimulating the immune system in juvenile calves. Most of the immunostimulation by LAB is achieved by their cell wall components, and therefore we evaluated the immunostimulation of the cell preparation of Enterococcus faecalis strain EC‐12 (EC‐12) in juvenile calves in a clinical field. Twenty‐nine 1‐week old calves were used. Fourteen calves were administered 0.2% (w/w) of an EC‐12 preparation that supplemented a milk replacer, and other calves were not supplemented. Feces and serum was collected at day 0, 7 and 49 after the administration to measure the IgA and IgG concentration. The fecal IgA concentration was increased by EC‐12 administration at day 49, and the serum IgA concentration was also increased at day 7. These results suggested that oral administration of EC‐12 in juvenile calves might have an immunostimulatory effect and provide earlier recovery of IgA levels in mucosal immunity.
The effect of gas physics on the halo mass function
Authors: Stanek R. , Rudd D. , Evrard A. E. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Cosmological tests based on cluster counts require accurate calibration of the space density of massive haloes, but most calibrations to date have ignored complex gas physics associated with halo baryons. We explore the sensitivity of the halo mass function to baryon physics using two pairs of gas-dynamic simulations that are likely to bracket the true behaviour. Each pair consists of a baseline model involving only gravity and shock heating, and a refined physics model aimed at reproducing the observed scaling of the hot, intracluster gas phase. One pair consists of billion-particle resimulations of the original 500 h-1 Mpc Millennium Simulation of Springel et al., run with the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) code gadget-2 and using a refined physics treatment approximated by pre-heating (PH) at high redshift. The other pair are high-resolution simulations from the adaptive-mesh refinement code art, for which the refined treatment includes cooling, star formation and supernova feedback (CSF). We find that, although the mass functions of the gravity-only (GO) treatments are consistent with the recent calibration of Tinker et al. (2008), both pairs of simulations with refined baryon physics show significant deviations. Relative to the GO case, the masses of ∼1014h-1 M⊙ haloes in the PH and CSF treatments are shifted by the averages of -15 ± 1 and +16 ± 2 per cent, respectively. These mass shifts cause ∼30 per cent deviations in number density relative to the Tinker function, significantly larger than the 5 per cent statistical uncertainty of that calibration.
A model of the TeV flare of Cygnus X-1: electron acceleration and extended pair cascades
Authors: Zdziarski Andrzej A. , Malzac Julien , Bednarek W. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
We consider theoretical models of emission of TeV photons by Cyg X-1 during a flare discovered by the Major Atmospheric Gamma Imaging Cherenkov Telescope (MAGIC) detector. We study acceleration of electrons to energies sufficient for TeV emission, and find the emission site is allowed to be close to the black hole. We then consider pair absorption in the photon field of the central X-ray source and a surrounding accretion disc, and find its optical depth is ≲1, allowing emission close to the black hole. On the other hand, the optical depth in the stellar field is ∼10 at ∼1 TeV. However, the optical depth drops with increasing energy, allowing a model with the initial energy of ≳3 TeV, in which photons travel far away from the star, initiating a spatially extended pair cascade. This qualitatively explains the observed TeV spectrum, though still not its exact shape.