bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biosynthesis of the Escherichia coli K1 group 2 polysialic acid capsule occurs within a protected cytoplasmic compartment
Authors: Steenbergen Susan M. , Vimr Eric R. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryCapsular polysaccharides are important virulence determinants in a wide range of invasive infectious diseases. Although capsule synthesis has been extensively investigated, understanding polysaccharide export from the cytoplasm to the external environment has been more difficult. Here we present the results of a novel protection assay indicating that synthesis and export of the Escherichia coli K1 group 2 capsular polysialic acid (K1 antigen) occur within a protected subcellular compartment designated the sialisome. In addition to the polymerase encoded by neuS, localization and complementation analyses indicated that the sialisome includes the accessory membrane protein NeuE. The requirement for NeuE was suppressed by overproducing NeuS, suggesting that NeuE functions by stabilizing the polymerase or facilitating its assembly in the sialisome. Although an interaction between NeuE and NeuS could not be demonstrated with a bacterial two‐hybrid system that reconstitutes an intracellular cell‐signalling pathway, interactions between NeuS and KpsC as well as other sialisome components were detected. The combined results provide direct evidence for specific protein–protein interactions in the synthesis and export of group 2 capsular polysaccharides under in vivo conditions. The approaches developed here will facilitate further dissection of the sialisome, suggesting similar methodology for understanding the biosynthesis of other group 2 capsules.
Expression of CD68 in Non‐Myeloid Cell Types
Authors: Gottfried E. , Kunz‐Schughart L. A. , Weber A. , Rehli M. , Peuker A. , Müller A. , Kastenberger M. , Brockhoff G. , Andreesen R. , Kreutz M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractCD68, the human homologue of macrosialin, is commonly regarded as a selective marker for human monocytes and macrophages. Its expression is thought to be regulated by a macrophage‐specific promoter. However, several immunohistochemical studies have indicated that CD68 antibodies also react with other haematopoietic and non‐haematopoietic cell types. We investigated the expression of CD68 in various primary cells and carcinoma cell lines using immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, Western blot analysis and qRT‐PCR. Weak but significant immunoreactivity was detected in lymphocytes and several tumour cell lines whereas staining of primary fibroblasts and endothelial cells was comparable to macrophages. The intensity of CD68 staining in individual cell types depended on the antibody clone and the fixation technique. Anti‐CD68 mAb KP1 should be used with great caution for frozen tissue sections due to its reactivity with a wide variety of cell types. Also, care should be taken when distinguishing macrophages from fibroblasts/stromal cells in paraffin sections after formalin fixation since both cell types are stained highly positive for CD68. In accordance, mRNA expression of CD68 was not only detected in macrophages and monocytes but also in fibroblasts as well as endothelial cells and tumour cells, although with a varying intensity. Cloning of full length 5′‐sequences and determination of transcription start sites shows that macrophages and fibroblasts initiate transcription within the known promoter region; however, from different start sites, indicating alternative promoter architecture in myeloid versus non‐myeloid cells. We suggest that CD68 is not a selective macrophage marker but rather a lysosomal protein that is enriched in macrophages.
Salivary gel‐forming mucin MUC5B – a nutrient for dental plaque bacteria
Authors: Wickström C. , Svensäter G. 
Published: April 2008

Introduction:  Model systems with oral bacteria from dental plaque have demonstrated that the utilization of complex glycoproteins as a food source cannot be undertaken by single species but requires concerted degradation by a multi‐species consortium, with each member contributing one or a few hydrolytic enzymes. Unlike previous studies, the aim of the present investigation was to explore the ability of fresh dental plaque to degrade salivary mucin, MUC5B, isolated by methods designed to retain intact the natural polymeric structure and physiological conformation, in an attempt to mimic the naturally occurring interaction between the oral microbiota and salivary mucins.Methods:  Human salivary MUC5B was isolated from whole saliva by density‐gradient centrifugation and incubated with freshly isolated supragingival dental plaque with samples subjected to fluorescent staining for viability and metabolic activity. In addition, the degradation of MUC5B oligosaccharide side chains was studied using a lectin assay, recognizing three different carbohydrate epitopes commonly found on mucin oligosaccharide side chains.Results:  The addition of purified salivary MUC5B elicited a strong metabolic response from the biofilm cells, whereas individual strains of Streptococcus oralis and Streptococcus gordonii isolated from the same plaque were not able to utilize the MUC5B. The degradation of terminal saccharide moieties on the MUC5B was demonstrated by a marked decrease in both sialic acid and fucose reactivity.Conclusion:  These results have shown that dental plaque is capable of utilizing human salivary MUC5B as a nutrient source, a process possibly requiring the synergistic degradation of the molecule by a consortium of oral bacteria in the plaque community.
Comparison of nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real‐time PCR and viral culture for the detection of cytomegalovirus in subgingival samples
Authors: Botero J. E. , Vidal C. , Contreras A. , Parra B. 
Published: April 2008

Introduction:  The purpose of this study was to compare nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real‐time PCR, and shell vial for the detection of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in subgingival samples in periodontitis patients.Methods:  A group of 44 patients and 24 individuals without periodontitis were included in the study. A full periodontal examination was conducted in each subject. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected by pocket lavage and used for viral culture (shell vial). Additional subgingival samples were obtained with paper points and used for molecular analysis. Nested PCR and real‐time PCR were used to detect and quantify HCMV. Student’s t‐test and chi‐squared test were used to compare groups. The sensitivity and specificity for the tests were calculated on 2 × 2 tables considering the nested PCR as the gold standard.Results:  The detection of HCMV was greater using nested PCR than with either real‐time PCR or shell vial (P < 0.0001). However, the frequency detection of both molecular techniques was higher than in viral culture (P < 0.0001). Only one case of chronic periodontitis was positive by viral culture. Agreement between nested PCR and real‐time PCR was observed 47.7% and 4.1% of the time in the periodontitis and control groups, respectively. The sensitivity of real‐time PCR was 60%, compared with 2.8% for the shell vial technique.Conclusions:  In conclusion, this study confirmed that active HCMV infection occurs in human periodontitis; however, its frequency seems to be low. In contrast, latent periodontal HCMV infection seems to be a more frequent event.
Neurocognitive endophenotypes for bipolar disorder
Authors: Frantom Linda V , Allen Daniel N , Cross Chad L 
Published: April 2008

Objectives:  Neurocognitive deficits have been proposed as vulnerability markers or endophenotypes for the development of bipolar I disorder (BD I). However, few research studies have examined whether neurocognitive deficits also exist in first‐degree relatives of individuals with BD I.Methods:  This prospective study examined neurocognitive function in individuals with BD I, their first‐degree relatives and a normal control group using a comprehensive battery of neurocognitive tests.Results:  Results indicated that individuals with bipolar disorder and their unaffected relatives demonstrated neuropsychological deficits in comparison to the normal control group in the domains of visuospatial/constructional abilities, executive function, visual learning and memory, and motor speed. In general, the unaffected relatives demonstrated an intermediate level of performance in comparison to the normal control and bipolar group. After adjustment for mood symptoms, significant differences were present for the visuospatial/constructional, executive function, and motor domains. Individuals with bipolar disorder also demonstrated a differential right versus left hemisphere deficit with respect to neurocognitive tasks.Conclusions:  Results suggest that deficits on specific neuropsychological tests, most notably Digit Symbol, Block Design and Judgment of Line Orientation, may be indicative of cognitive endophenotypes for bipolar disorder. Replication studies are needed to further identify these deficits as endophenotypes for BD I.
A new accurate method for predicting lithium clearance and daily dosage requirements in adult psychiatric patients
Authors: Abou‐Auda Hisham S , Al‐Yamani Mohammad J , Abou‐Shaaban Rafiq R , Khoshhal Sahal I 
Published: April 2008

Objective:  The present study aimed to derive new equations for estimating lithium clearance and daily dosage requirements needed to achieve an intended lithium serum level for adult psychiatric inpatients and outpatients.Methods:  Data were retrospectively collected from 60 adult psychiatric patients (34 males and 26 females, aged between 18–80 years) in both inpatient and outpatient settings. All variables that might affect lithium clearance and/or lithium serum concentration were included and analyzed by stepwise multiple linear regression to produce equations describing lithium clearance and daily dosage requirements for these patients. The validation of the developed equations was performed by application to another 60 psychiatric subjects in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. The bias and accuracy of the new methods were also compared to those set forth by the empirical method and the a priori methods developed by Zetin, Pepin, Jermain and Terao and colleagues.Results:  The following prediction equations for lithium clearance (CLLi) were obtained: CLLi (inpatients) = 0.932 + 0.185CLCr and CLLi (outpatients) = 1.021 + 0.141CLCr. The equations derived for daily dosage requirements were: daily dose (inpatients, mg) = 350.15 + 289.92 (desired lithium level, mmol/L) + 0.84 (weight, kg) − 1.76 (age, years) + 34.43 [tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), yes = 1, no = 0] + 62.1(CLCr, L/h) + 13.1 [blood urea nitrogen (BUN), mmol/L] + 40.9 (sex, male = 1, female = 0) and daily dose (outpatients, mg) = 784.92 + 530.22 (desired lithium level, mmol/L) + 8.61 (weight, kg) − 12.09 (age, years) − 11.14 (TCA, yes = 1, no = 0) − 7.63 (CLCr, L/h) − 42.62 (BUN, mmol/L) − 23.43 (sex, male = 1, female = 0). In the present method, the prediction error for clearance was 10.31% and 6.62% for inpatients and outpatients, respectively, and the prediction error for daily dosage requirements was 3.96% and 2.95% for inpatients and outpatients, respectively.Conclusions:  Compared to previously reported methods, the present method proved to be accurate and can be safely used for the prediction of lithium clearance and daily dosage requirements in psychiatric inpatients and outpatients.
Biocontrol of Postharvest Grey Mould on Tomato by Yeasts
Authors: Dal Bello G. , Mónaco C. , Rollan M. C. , Lampugnani G. , Arteta N. , Abramoff C. , Ronco L. , Stocco M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea causes severe rots on tomato fruit during storage and shelf life. Biological control of postharvest diseases of fruit may be an effective alternative to chemical control. Yeasts are particularly suitable for postharvest use, proving to be highly effective in reducing the incidence of fungal pathogens. Yeast fungi isolated from the surface of solanaceous plants were evaluated for their activity in reducing the postharvest decay of tomato caused by B. cinerea. Of 300 isolates, 14 strains of Rhodotorula rubra and Candida pelliculosa were found to be strongly antagonistic to the pathogen in vitro and were selected for further storage experiment. The antagonists were evaluated for their effect on the biological control of postharvest grey mould. Artificially wounded fruits were treated by means of a novel technique: small sterile discs of filter paper imbibed separately in suspensions of each yeast and the pathogen were superposed onto each wound. After 1‐week, 11 isolates were significantly effective in reducing the diameter of lesions by more than 60% compared to the control treated with B. cinerea alone. Total protection was obtained with the strain 231 of R. rubra on fruits challenged with pathogen spores. To our knowledge, R. rubra and C. pelliculosa have not been described as biocontrol agents against grey mould caused by B. cinerea. Our data demonstrate that the application of antagonistic yeasts represents a promising and environmentally friendly alternative to fungicide treatments to control postharvest grey mould of tomato.
Detection and Identification of Brenneria nigrifluens, the Causal Agent of the Shallow Bark Canker of Walnut by, PCR Amplification
Authors: Loreti S. , De Simone D. , Gallelli A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA 1 kb DNA band from strains of Brenneria nigrifluens, as shown by amplification of their genomic DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using minisatellite primer designed on the minisatellite sequence of the M13 phage, was isolated, cloned and sequenced. Specific oligonucleotides (F1–C3) were selected into this 1 kb DNA sequence and used in a PCR assay to detect and identify strains of B. nigrifluens. Several strains of B. nigrifluens were assessed with F1–C3 primers producing a specific band of approximately 250 bp pairs in length. This target was successfully amplified from purified genomic DNA, from bacterial culture and directly from infected walnut bark tissue. No amplification was obtained when the PCR assay was performed on other plant‐pathogenic species from the following genera Brenneria, Erwinia, Agrobacterium, Pseudomonas, Ralstonia, Pectobacterium, Xanthomonas and from walnut‐associated bacteria, indicating the specificity of these primers. The PCR assay with the primers described here provides a rapid, specific and sensitive diagnostic method for B. nigrifluens and a useful tool for epidemiological studies.
Potential sources of Pythium inoculum into Greenhouse Soils with no Previous History of Cultivation
Authors: Al‐Sa’di A. M. , Drenth A. , Deadman M. L. , Al‐Said F. A. , Khan I. , Aitken E. A. B. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA study was undertaken to investigate the potential sources of Pythium inoculum in greenhouse soils. About 7% of fallow soils were found to harbour Pythium before being introduced into greenhouses. When replacing the top layer (30–60 cm) of cultivated soil in greenhouses with fallow soil, Pythium inoculum was still recovered from the bottom layer of soil left in the greenhouse. Other potential sources of Pythium were found to be potting mixtures and contaminated soil adhering to cultivation equipment, growers’ shoes and reused irrigation pipes. Pythium isolates from different sources were from two species: Pythium aphanidermatum (88%) and P. spinosum (12%). This appears to be the first report of transmission of Pythium via contaminated soil adhering to reused irrigation pipes. It also represents the first report in Oman of transmission of Pythium into greenhouses via potting mixtures and fallow soils.
The hyperthermophilic anaerobe Thermotoga Maritima is able to cope with limited amount of oxygen: insights into its defence strategies
Authors: Le Fourn Céline , Fardeau Marie‐Laure , Ollivier Bernard , Lojou Elisabeth , Dolla Alain 
Published: April 2008

Summary Thermotoga maritima, an anaerobic hyperthermophilic bacterium, was found able to grow in the presence of low concentrations of oxygen of up to 0.5% (v/v). Differential proteomics and transcripts analysis by qRT‐PCR were used to identify the defence strategies used by T. maritima to protect itself against oxygen. A flavoprotein, homologous to rubredoxin oxygen oxidoreductase was found to be overproduced when cells were cultured in oxidative conditions. The recombinant protein, produced in Escherichia coli, exhibited an oxygen reductase activity, which could account for the observed decrease in oxygen concentration during growth. The gene encoding this oxygen reductase belongs to a multicistronic unit that includes genes encoding proteins involved in exopolysaccharide biosynthesis, which may be related to a biofilm formation induced by the presence of oxygen. Enzymes involved in reactive oxygen species detoxification, iron–sulfur centre synthesis/repair and the cysteine biosynthesis pathway were also overproduced. All these enzymatic systems together contribute to the defence strategy of T. maritima against oxygen. Because of the position of T. maritima in deep branches of the phylogenetic tree, we suggest that these strategies can be considered as ancestral mechanisms first developed by anaerobic microorganisms on the early Earth to protect themselves against primary abiotic or biotic oxygen production.
The many moods of inter‐organizational imitation: A critical review
Authors: Ordanini Andrea , Rubera Gaia , DeFillippi Robert 
Published: April 2008

The management literature is paying increasing attention to the phenomenon of imitation. However, there are several gaps in understanding what drives firms’ imitative behaviors. Furthermore, a fragmented array of disciplinary perspectives has investigated imitation phenomena in the past. This paper reviews the literature on imitation and offers a unifying framework to understand what theory has said about the predictors of imitative behaviors, in terms of purposes, driving forces and target. At the end of the review, two over‐arching rationales for imitation seem to emerge: risk reduction and search for effectiveness. Next, the review distinguishes between what drives the general propensity for imitation of a firm and what makes a specific decision more likely to be imitated by the same firm. Implications and indications for future research are offered in the final section.
No single company, regardless of its determination, energy, imagination, or resources, is big enough or solvent enough to do all the productive first things that will ever occur in its industry and to always beat its competitors to all the innovations emanating from the industry. More important, no single company can afford even to try to be first in everything in its field.
T. Levitt (1966)
Scalar Properties, Binary Judgments
Authors: ALEXANDER LARRY 
Published: April 2008

abstract In the moral realm, our deontic judgments are usually (always?) binary. An act (or omission) is either morally forbidden or morally permissible.

1

Yet the determination of an act's deontic status frequently turns on the existence of properties that are matters of degree. In what follows I shall give several examples of binary moral judgments that turn on scalar properties, and I shall claim that these examples should puzzle us. How can the existence of a property to a specific degree demarcate a boundary between an act's being morally forbidden and its not being morally forbidden? Why aren't our moral judgments of acts scalar in the way that the properties on which those judgments are based are scalar, so that acts, like states of affairs, can be morally better or worse rather than right or wrong? I conceive of this inquiry as operating primarily within the realm of normative theory. Presumably it will give aid and comfort to consequentialists, who have no trouble mapping their binary categories onto scalar properties. For example, a straightforward act utilitarian, for whom one act out of all possible acts is morally required (and hence permissible) and all others morally forbidden, can, in theory at least, provide an answer to every one of the puzzles I raise. And, in theory, so can all other types of act and rule consequentialists. They will find nothing of interest here beyond embarrassment for their deontological adversaries. The deontologists, however, must meet the challenges of these puzzles. And for them, the puzzles may raise not just normative questions, but questions of moral epistemology and moral ontology. Just how do we know that the act consequentialist's way of, say, trading off lives against lives is wrong? For example, do we merely intuit that taking one innocent, uninvolved person's life to save two others is wrong? Can our method of reflective equilibrium work if we have no theory by which to rationalize our intuitions? And what things in the world make it true, if it is true, that one may not make the act consequentialist's tradeoff? I do not provide any answers to these questions any more than I provide answers to the normative ones. But they surely lurk in the background.
Etazolate, a neuroprotective drug linking GABAA receptor pharmacology to amyloid precursor protein processing
Authors: Marcade Maryline , Bourdin Jérôme , Loiseau Nadia , Peillon Hélène , Rayer Aurélie , Drouin Dominique , Schweighoffer Fabien , Désiré Laurent 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPharmacological modulation of the GABAA receptor has gained increasing attention as a potential treatment for central processes affected in Alzheimer disease (AD), including neuronal survival and cognition. The proteolytic cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) through the α‐secretase pathway decreases in AD, concurrent with cognitive impairment. This APP cleavage occurs within the β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ) sequence, precluding formation of amyloidogenic peptides and leading to the release of the soluble N‐terminal APP fragment (sAPPα) which is neurotrophic and procognitive. In this study, we show that at nanomolar‐low micromolar concentrations, etazolate, a selective GABAA receptor modulator, stimulates sAPPα production in rat cortical neurons and in guinea pig brains. Etazolate (20 nM–2 μM) dose‐dependently protected rat cortical neurons against Aβ‐induced toxicity. The neuroprotective effects of etazolate were fully blocked by GABAA receptor antagonists indicating that this neuroprotection was due to GABAA receptor signalling. Baclofen, a GABAB receptor agonist failed to inhibit the Aβ‐induced neuronal death. Furthermore, both pharmacological α‐secretase pathway inhibition and sAPPα immunoneutralization approaches prevented etazolate neuroprotection against Aβ, indicating that etazolate exerts its neuroprotective effect via sAPPα induction. Our findings therefore indicate a relationship between GABAA receptor signalling, the α‐secretase pathway and neuroprotection, documenting a new therapeutic approach for AD treatment.