bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Behavioural examination of the infrared sensitivity of ball pythons
Authors: Ebert J. , Müller S. , Westhoff G. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe ability to detect infrared (IR) radiation is a characteristic trait in boids and pitvipers. These snakes possess highly sensitive IR receptors, which enable them to perceive IR sources and assess their direction and distance independently of visual cues. Electrophysiological studies have been conducted to determine IR detection thresholds in boids and pitvipers. This, however, is the first behavioural study that focuses on the detection threshold of a boid snake to IR stimuli. Blindfolded ball pythons Python regius were exposed to a moving IR stimulus of constant size and temperature at various distances (10–100 cm). Distinct behavioural changes during stimulus presentation (S‐form posture, freeze and fix, follow and fix) allowed quantification of the behavioural responses. The threshold to elicit behavioural responses was used to assess the IR detection threshold. The results revealed that P. regius can detect a moving IR stimulus resembling a mouse in temperature and size up to a distance of 30 cm, which corresponds to an irradiance contrast of 38.83 × 10−6 W cm−2. This irradiance contrast detection threshold value is about one‐third lower (reveals a 1.5 times higher sensitivity) than the results from earlier electrophysiological studies.
Specificity of regional brain activity in anxiety types during emotion processing
Authors: Engels Anna S. , Heller Wendy , Mohanty Aprajita , Herrington John D. , Banich Marie T. , Webb Andrew G. , Miller Gregory A. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe present study tested the hypothesis that anxious apprehension involves more left‐ than right‐hemisphere activity and that anxious arousal is associated with the opposite pattern. Behavioral and fMRI responses to threat stimuli in an emotional Stroop task were examined in nonpatient groups reporting anxious apprehension, anxious arousal, or neither. Reaction times were longer for negative than for neutral words. As predicted, brain activation distinguished anxious groups in a left inferior frontal region associated with speech production and in a right‐hemisphere inferior temporal area. Addressing a second hypothesis about left‐frontal involvement in emotion, distinct left frontal regions were associated with anxious apprehension versus processing of positive information. Results support the proposed distinction between the two types of anxiety and resolve an inconsistency about the role of left‐frontal activation in emotion and psychopathology.
Prostanoids induce egr1 gene expression in cementoblastic OCCM cells
Authors: Pham L. , Bezouglaia O. , Camargo P. M. , Nervina J. M. , Tetradis S. 
Published: April 2007

Background and Objective:  Prostanoids that activate protein kinase C signaling are potent anabolic stimulators of cementoblastic OCCM cells. Using cDNA subtractive hybridization, we identified early growth response gene‐1 (egr1) as a prostanoid‐induced gene. Egr1, a zinc‐finger transcription factor expressed during tooth development, regulates cell growth and differentiation. We hypothesize that Egr1 may mediate part of the prostanoid‐induced anabolic effect in cementoblasts. Our objective was to characterize prostanoid‐induced egr1 gene expression in OCCM cells.Material and Methods:  Total RNA and proteins were assayed by northern blot and western immunoblot assays.Results:  Prostaglandin E2‐, prostaglandin F2α‐ and fluprostenol‐induced egr1 mRNA levels peaked at 0.5 h and returned to baseline by 4 h. Prostaglandin F2α and fluprostenol more potently induced egr1 compared with prostaglandin E2. The phorbol ester, phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate, which activates protein kinase C signaling, induced egr1 mRNA levels 66‐fold over the control, whereas forskolin (a cAMP‐protein kinase A activator) and ionomycin (a calcium activator) had no effect. Protein kinase C inhibition significantly inhibited prostaglandin E2‐, prostaglandin F2α‐ and fluprostenol‐induced egr1 mRNA levels. Finally, prostanoids maximally induced Egr1 protein at 1 h.Conclusion:  egr1 is a primary response gene induced by prostaglandin E2, prostaglandin F2α and fluprostenol in OCCM cells through protein kinase C signaling, suggesting that Egr1 may be a key mediator of anabolic responses in cementoblasts. Cementum is vital for periodontal organ maintenance and regeneration. Periodontal ligament fibers (Sharpey's fibers) insert into bone and cementum, thereby supporting the tooth in the alveolus (1). If the periodontal organ is lost, its regeneration requires cementoblast differentiation in order to form new cementum for periodontal ligament fiber insertion. Early attempts to regenerate cementum have proven difficult and rarely generate sufficient tissue (2). A better understanding of the molecular and cellular regulators that promote cementoblast differentiation is critical for developing targeted periodontal regeneration.
Improved Quality of Nursing Documentation: Results of a Nursing Diagnoses, Interventions, and Outcomes Implementation Study
Authors: Müller‐Staub Maria , Needham Ian , Odenbreit Matthias , Ann Lavin Mary , Van Achterberg Theo 
Published: April 2007

PURPOSE.  To evaluate the impact of the quality of nursing diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes in an acute care hospital following the implementation of an educational program. METHOD.  In a pretest–posttest experimental design study, nurses from 12 wards of a Swiss hospital received an educational intervention—an introductory class and consecutive classes, using a case discussion method—to implement nursing diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes. Two sets of 36 randomly selected nursing records were evaluated before and after implementation. The quality of documented nursing diagnoses, interventions, and nursing‐sensitive patient outcomes was assessed by 29 Likert‐type items with a 0–4 scale instrument, called Quality of Nursing Diagnoses, Interventions, and Outcomes (Q‐DIO) and tested using t‐tests.FINDINGS.  Significant enhancements in the quality of documented nursing diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes were found following the implementation of a planned educational program. CONCLUSIONS.  The implementation of NANDA, NIC, and NOC (NNN) nursing diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes led to higher quality of nursing diagnosis documentation, etiology‐specific nursing interventions, and nursing‐sensitive patient outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE.  Educational measures support nurses to improve documentation of diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes. The Q‐DIO is a useful audit tool.
Patterns of Nursing Intervention Use Across 6 Days of Acute Care Hospitalization for Three Older Patient Populations
Authors: Shever Leah L. , Titler Marita , Dochterman Joanne , Fei Qiang , Picone Debra M. 
Published: April 2007

PURPOSE.  The purpose was to (a) identify frequently used nursing interventions, and (b) describe patterns of interventions used for each of the three patient groups. METHODS.  This secondary data analysis used data from an academic medical center where the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) was used to electronically document nursing care. Descriptive statistics describe the types, frequencies, and patterns of NIC interventions delivered to three older acute care populations. FINDINGS.  Four NIC treatments were frequently used in all patient groups. There were also NIC treatments and patterns of treatments that were unique to each group. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS.  Using standardized nursing language in electronic medical records (EMRs) enables data extraction and analysis. Data extracted from EMRs provides nurse administrators with a tool to guide decisions regarding nurse staffing, education, evaluation, and resource allocation.
A Novel Fluorescence Intensity Screening Assay Identifies New Low-Molecular-Weight Inhibitors of the gp41 Coiled-Coil Domain of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1
Authors: Cai Lifeng , Gochin Miriam 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

A metallopeptide-based fluorescence assay has been designed for the detection of small-molecule inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp41, the viral protein involved in membrane fusion. The assay involves two peptides representing the inner N-terminal-heptad-repeat (HR1) coiled coil and the outer C-terminal-heptad-repeat (HR2) helical domains of the gp41 six-helix bundle which forms prior to fusion. The two peptides span a hydrophobic pocket previously defined in the literature. The HR1 peptide is modified with a metal-ligated dye complex, which maintains structural integrity and permits association with a fluorophore-labeled HR2 peptide to be followed by fluorescence quenching. Compounds able to disrupt six-helix bundle formation can act as fusion inhibitors, and we show that they can be detected in the assay from an increase in the fluorescence that is correlated with the potency of the compound. Assay optimization and validation have resulted in a simple quantitative competitive inhibition assay for fusion inhibitors that bind in the hydrophobic pocket. The assay has an assay quality factor (
Z
′) of 0.88 and can rank order inhibitors at 10 μM concentration with

K
i

s in the range of 0.2 μM to 30 μM, an ideal range for drug discovery. Screening of a small peptidomimetic library has yielded three new low-molecular-weight gp41 inhibitors. In vitro syncytium inhibition assays confirmed that the compounds inhibited cell-cell fusion in the low micromolar range. These lead compounds provide a new molecular scaffold for the development of fusion inhibitors.
Combined Therapies in a Murine Model of Blastoschizomycosis
Authors: Serena Carolina , Rodríguez M. Mar , Mariné Marçal , Pastor F. Javier , Guarro Josep 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT
In a murine model of blastoschizomycosis, amphotericin B combined with micafungin, flucytosine or voriconazole did not improve the efficacy of fluconazole. However, such combinations can constitute therapeutic options for those cases where fluconazole fails.
In Vitro Susceptibilities of 217 Clinical Isolates of Zygomycetes to Conventional and New Antifungal Agents
Authors: Almyroudis Nikolaos G. , Sutton Deanna A. , Fothergill Annette W. , Rinaldi Michael G. , Kusne Shimon 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

We evaluated the in vitro susceptibilities of 217 zygomycetes to amphotericin B, ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, caspofungin, and flucytosine. The significant in vitro activity of posaconazole against several species appears to support its reported clinical efficacy. Decreased susceptibility to amphotericin B was noted with
Cunninghamella bertholletiae
.
Vancomycin In Vitro Bactericidal Activity and Its Relationship to Efficacy in Clearance of Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Bacteremia
Authors: Moise Pamela A. , Sakoulas George , Forrest Alan , Schentag Jerome J. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

We examined the relationship between the time to clearance of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) bacteremia while patients were receiving vancomycin therapy and the in vitro bactericidal activity of vancomycin. Vancomycin killing assays were performed with 34 MRSA bloodstream isolates (17 accessory gene regulator group II [
agr
-II] and 17 non-
agr
-II isolates) from 34 different patients with MRSA bacteremia for whom clinical and microbiological outcomes data were available. Vancomycin doses were prospectively adjusted to achieve peak plasma concentrations of 28 to 32 μg/ml and trough concentrations of 8 to 12 μg/ml. Bactericidal assays were performed over 24 h with ∼10
7
to 10
8
CFU/ml in broth containing 16 μg/ml vancomycin. The median time to clearance of bacteremia was 6.5 days for patients with MRSA isolates demonstrating ≥2.5 reductions in log
10
CFU/ml at 24 h and >10.5 days for patients with MRSA isolates demonstrating <2.5 log
10
CFU/ml by 24 h (
P
= 0.025). The median time to clearance was significantly longer with MRSA isolates with vancomycin MICs of 2.0 μg/ml compared to that with MRSA isolates with MICs of ≤1.0 μg/ml (
P
= 0.019). The bacteremia caused by MRSA isolates with absent or severely reduced delta-hemolysin expression was of a longer duration of bacteremia (10 days and 6.5 days, respectively;
P
= 0.27) and had a decreased probability of eradication (44% and 78%, respectively;
P
= 0.086). We conclude that strain-specific microbiological features of MRSA, such as increased vancomycin MICs and decreased killing by vancomycin, appear to be predictive of prolonged MRSA bacteremia while patients are receiving vancomycin therapy. Prolonged bacteremia and decreased delta-hemolysin expression may also be related. Evaluation of these properties may be useful in the consideration of antimicrobial therapies that can be used as alternatives to vancomycin for the treatment of MRSA bacteremia.
Heparin-Mimicking Sulfonic Acid Polymers as Multitarget Inhibitors of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Tat and gp120 Proteins
Authors: Bugatti Antonella , Urbinati Chiara , Ravelli Cosetta , De Clercq Erik , Liekens Sandra , Rusnati Marco 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Tat and gp120 intriguingly share the feature of being basic peptides that, once released by HIV+cells, bind to polyanionic heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) on target uninfected cells, contributing to the onset of AIDS-associated pathologies. To identify multitarget anti-HIV prodrugs, we investigated the gp120 and Tat antagonist potentials of a series of polyanionic synthetic sulfonic acid polymers (SSAPs). Surface plasmon resonance revealed that SSAPs inhibit with a competitive mechanism of action the binding of Tat and gp120 to surface-immobilized heparin, an experimental condition that resembles binding to cellular HSPGs. Accordingly, SSAPs inhibited HSPG-dependent cell internalization and the transactivating activity of Tat. Little is known about the binding of free gp120 to target cells. Here, we identified two classes of gp120 receptors expressed on endothelial cells, one of which was consistent with an HSPG-binding, low-affinity/high-capacity receptor that is inhibited by free heparin. SSAPs inhibited the binding of free gp120 to endothelial cells, as well as its capacity to induce apoptosis in the same cells. In all the assays, poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid) (PSS) proved to be the most potent antagonist of Tat and gp120. Accordingly, PSS bound both proteins with high affinity. In conclusion, SSAPs represent an interesting class of compounds that bind both gp120 and Tat and inhibit their HSPG-dependent cell surface binding and pathological effects. As these activities contribute to both AIDS progression and associated pathologies, SSAPs can be considered prototypic molecules for the development of multitarget drugs for the treatment of HIV infection and AIDS-associated pathologies.
Pharmacokinetics and Tolerability of a Higher Rifampin Dose versus the Standard Dose in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients
Authors: Ruslami Rovina , Nijland Hanneke M. J. , Alisjahbana Bachti , Parwati Ida , van Crevel Reinout , Aarnoutse Rob E. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

Rifampin is a key drug for tuberculosis (TB) treatment. The available data suggest that the currently applied 10-mg/kg of body weight dose of rifampin may be too low and that increasing the dose may shorten the treatment duration. A double-blind randomized phase II clinical trial was performed to investigate the effect of a higher dose of rifampin in terms of pharmacokinetics and tolerability. Fifty newly diagnosed adult Indonesian TB patients were randomized to receive a standard (450-mg, i.e., 10-mg/kg in Indonesian patients) or higher (600-mg) dose of rifampin in addition to other TB drugs. A full pharmacokinetic curve for rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol was recorded after 6 weeks of daily TB treatment. Tolerability was assessed during the 6-month treatment period. The geometric means of exposure to rifampin (area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h [AUC
0-24
]) were increased by 65% (
P
< 0.001) in the higher-dose group (79.7 mg·h/liter) compared to the standard-dose group (48.5 mg·h/liter). Maximum rifampin concentrations (
C
max
) were 15.6 mg/liter versus 10.5 mg/liter (49% increase;
P
< 0.001). The percentage of patients for whom the rifampin
C
max
was ≥8 mg/liter was 96% versus 79% (
P
= 0.094). The pharmacokinetics of pyrazinamide and ethambutol were similar in both groups. Mild (grade 1 or 2) hepatotoxicity was more common in the higher-dose group (46 versus 20%;
P
= 0.054), but no patient developed severe hepatotoxicity. Increasing the rifampin dose was associated with a more than dose-proportional increase in the mean AUC
0-24
and
C
max
of rifampin without affecting the incidence of serious adverse effects. Follow-up studies are warranted to assess whether high-dose rifampin may enable shortening of TB treatment.
Adapter Protein SH2-Bβ Stimulates Actin-Based Motility of
Listeria monocytogenes
in a Vasodilator-Stimulated Phosphoprotein (VASP)-Dependent Fashion
Authors: Diakonova Maria , Helfer Emmanuele , Seveau Stephanie , Swanson Joel A. , Kocks Christine , Rui Liangyou , Carlier Marie-France , Carter-Su Christin 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

SH2-Bβ (Src homology 2 Bβ) is an adapter protein that is required for maximal growth hormone-dependent actin reorganization in membrane ruffling and cell motility. Here we show that SH2-Bβ is also required for maximal actin-based motility of
Listeria monocytogenes
. SH2-Bβ localizes to
Listeria
-induced actin tails and increases the rate of bacterial propulsion in infected cells and in cell extracts. Furthermore,
Listeria
motility is decreased in mouse embryo fibroblasts from SH2-B
−/−
mice. Both recruitment of SH2-Bβ to
Listeria
and SH2-Bβ stimulation of actin-based propulsion require the vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP), which binds ActA at the surfaces of
Listeria
cells and enhances bacterial actin-based motility. SH2-Bβ enhances actin-based movement of ActA-coated beads in a biomimetic actin-based motility assay, provided that VASP is present. In vitro binding assays show that SH2-Bβ binds ActA but not VASP; however, binding to ActA is greater in the presence of VASP. Because VASP also plays an essential regulatory role in actin-based processes in eukaryotic cells, the present results provide mechanistic insight into the functions of both SH2-Bβ and VASP in motility and also increase our understanding of the fundamental mechanism by which
Listeria
spreads.
Identification of an Orphan Response Regulator Required for the Virulence ofFrancisellaspp. and Transcription of Pathogenicity Island Genes
Authors: Mohapatra Nrusingh P. , Soni Shilpa , Bell Brian L. , Warren Richard , Ernst Robert K. , Muszynski Artur , Carlson Russell W. , Gunn John S. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTFrancisella tularensisis a category A agent of biowarfare/biodefense. Little is known about the regulation of virulence gene expression inFrancisellaspp. Comparatively few regulatory factors exist inFrancisella, including those belonging to two-component systems (TCS). However, orphan members of typical TCS can be identified. To determine if orphan TCS members affectFrancisellagene expression, a gene encoding a product with high similarity to theSalmonellaPmrA response regulator (FTT1557c/FNU0663.2) was deleted inFrancisella novicida(a model organism forF. tularensis). TheF. novicida pmrAmutant was defective in survival/growth within human and murine macrophage cell lines and was 100% defective in virulence in mice at a dose of up to 108CFU. In addition, the mutant strain demonstrated increased susceptibility to antimicrobial peptide killing, but no differences were observed between the lipid A of the mutant and the parental strain, as has been observed withpmrAmutants of other microbes. TheF. novicida pmrAmutant was 100% protective as a single-dose vaccine when challenge was with 106CFU ofF. novicidabut did not protect against type A Schu S4 wild-type challenge. DNA microarray analysis identified 65 genes regulated by PmrA. The majority of these genes were located in the region surroundingpmrAor within theFrancisellapathogenicity island (FPI). These FPI genes are also regulated by MglA, but MglA does not regulatepmrA, nor does PmrA regulate MglA. Thus, the orphan response regulator PmrA is an important factor in controlling virulence inF. novicida, and apmrAmutant strain is an effective vaccine against homologous challenge.
Use of a Genetically Defined Double Mutant Strain of
Bordetella bronchiseptica
Lacking Adenylate Cyclase and Type III Secretion as a Live Vaccine
Authors: Mann Paul , Goebel Elizabeth , Barbarich James , Pilione Mylisa , Kennett Mary , Harvill Eric 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

While most vaccines consisting of killed bacteria induce high serum antibody titers, they do not always confer protection as effective as that induced by infection, particularly against mucosal pathogens.
Bordetella bronchiseptica
is a gram-negative respiratory pathogen that is endemic in many nonhuman mammalian populations and causes substantial disease in a variety of animals. At least 14 different live attenuated vaccines against this pathogen are available for use in a variety of livestock and companion animals. However, there are few published data on the makeup or efficacy of these vaccines. Here we report the use of a genetically engineered double mutant of
B. bronchiseptica
, which lacks adenylate cyclase and type III secretion, as a vaccine candidate. This strain is safe at high doses, even for highly immunocompromised animals, and induces immune responses that are protective against highly divergent
B. bronchiseptica
strains, preventing colonization in the lower respiratory tract and decreasing the bacterial burden in the upper respiratory tract. This novel
B. bronchiseptica
vaccine candidate induces strong local immunity while eliminating damage caused by the two predominant cytotoxic mechanisms.
Fungicidal Monoclonal Antibody C7 Binds to
Candida albicans
Als3
Authors: Brena Sonia , Omaetxebarría Miren J. , Elguezabal Natalia , Cabezas Jonathan , Moragues María D. , Pontón José 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

Monoclonal antibody (MAb) C7 reacted with a >200-kDa component from the
Candida albicans
cell wall identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry as Als3. It also bound the recombinant N terminus of Als3. Binding of MAb C7 to Als3 may explain the biological activities exerted by the MAb on
C. albicans
.