bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mg2+ signalling defines the group A streptococcal CsrRS (CovRS) regulon
Authors: Gryllos Ioannis , Grifantini Renata , Colaprico Annalisa , Jiang Shengmei , DeForce Emelia , Hakansson Anders , Telford John L. , Grandi Guido , Wessels Michael R. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryCsrRS (or CovRS) is a two‐component system implicated in the control of multiple virulence determinants in the important human pathogen, group A Streptococcus (GAS). Earlier studies suggested that extracellular Mg2+ signalled through the presumed sensor histidine kinase, CsrS. We now confirm those findings, as complementation of a csrS mutant restored Mg2+‐dependent gene regulation. Moreover, we present strong evidence that Mg2+ signals through CsrS to regulate an extensive and previously undefined repertoire of GAS genes. The effect of Mg2+ on regulation of global gene expression was evaluated using genomic microarrays in an M‐type 3 strain of GAS and in an isogenic csrS mutant. Unexpectedly, of the 72 genes identified in the Mg2+‐stimulated CsrRS regulon, 42 were absent from the CsrR regulon (the latter being defined by comparison of wild‐type and CsrR mutant transcriptomes at low Mg2+). We observed CsrS‐dependent regulation of 72 of the 73 genes whose expression changed in response to elevated extracellular Mg2+ in wild‐type bacteria, a result that identifies CsrS as the principal, if not exclusive, sensor for extracellular Mg2+ in GAS. To our knowledge, this study is the first to characterize global gene regulation by a GAS two‐component system in response to a specific environmental stimulus.
An Exploratory study to evaluate the efficacy of pimecrolimus cream 1% for the treatment of pityriasis alba
Authors: Fujita Wayne H. , McCormick Calogera L. , Parneix‐Spake Anne 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground  Use of topical corticosteroids for the treatment of pityriasis alba is limited by their potential side‐effects, such as skin atrophy especially with long‐term use on the face. Pimecrolimus cream 1% is a topical calcineurin inhibitor that has anti‐inflammatory properties, lacks the cutaneous side‐effects associated with steroids, and provide a potential benefit for the treatment of pityriasis alba.Methods  This 10‐patient, prospective, single‐arm, open‐label, single‐center, 12‐week, investigator‐initiated proof of concept study assessed the efficacy, safety, and patient acceptance of pimecrolimus cream 1% twice daily. In addition to pimecrolimus cream, patients used facial emollient containing SPF 15 sunscreen and mild soap‐free cleanser. Efficacy assessments were Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) of disease severity and evaluation of uneven skin color, scaling, eczema, follicular keratosis, and pruritus. All efficacy assessments were reported on a 4‐point scale (0 = none to 3 = severe).Results  Of the 10 patients enrolled (aged: 12–35 years), all had intensive sun‐exposure, 90% had skin type IV–V, and 80% completed the 12‐week treatment. At baseline, mean IGA was 1.20 (mild–moderate), uneven skin color was 2.3 (moderate–severe) and scaling was 1.2 (mild). IGA decreased to 0.25 by week 12, uneven skin color improved by week 3 with near complete resolution by week 12 (mean = 0.38) and scaling resolved at week 3. Pruritus, eczema, and follicular keratosis remained at low levels from baseline throughout the course of the study. Patients consistently reported satisfaction with the treatment (“satisfied” or “very satisfied”). No adverse events were reported.Conclusions  Pimecrolimus cream 1% may represent an alternative for the treatment of pityriasis alba.
Staphylococcus aureus induces the expression of tumor necrosis factor‐α in primary human keratinocytes
Authors: Aufiero Barbara , Guo Meng , Young Chen , Duanmu Zhengbo , Talwar Harvinder , Lee Hae Kyung , Murakawa George J. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground  Staphylococcus aureus induces inflammatory cytokines and causes skin inflammatory diseases, but infection parameters leading to cytokine induction are poorly understood in keratinocytes, the primary skin cells to interface with S. aureus.Methods  Human primary keratinocytes were infected with S. aureus under various conditions to identify properties of infection that cause the induction of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), a proinflammatory cytokine that initiates host inflammatory responses.Results  Staphylococcus aureus induced TNF‐α mRNA and protein in a dose‐dependent manner. Cytochalasin D, an inhibitor of actin polymerization and S. aureus invasion, failed to prevent the induction of TNF‐α, indicating that invasion was not a requirement. Furthermore, ultraviolet‐, heat‐, and gentamicin‐treated bacteria did not induce TNF‐α, suggesting that de novo bacterial protein synthesis of viable bacteria was required. Finally, S. aureus infection of primary human keratinocytes also led to an induction of the TNF‐α receptor, TNFR1 (p55).Conclusion  Early (preinvasion) S. aureus–keratinocyte surface interactions that require protein synthesis induce TNF‐α. Bacterial surface components embedded within the cell wall do not suffice as TNF‐α mediators, but require active protein synthesis and/or the accompaniment of secreted bacterial products. Furthermore, S. aureus infection leads to the specific induction of the TNF‐α receptor TNFR1, but not TNFR2.
Spectrum of skin disorders in human immunodeficiency virus‐infected patients in Singapore and the relationship to CD4 lymphocyte counts
Authors: Goh Boon‐Kee , Chan Roy K. W. , Sen Priya , Theng Colin T. S. , Tan Hiok‐Hee , Wu Yuan‐Jing , Paton Nicholas I. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground  Skin disorders are extremely common and cause significant morbidity in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected individuals. There are few data on their prevalence and association with CD4 counts in Asians.Aim  To evaluate the prevalence of skin disorders in ambulatory HIV‐infected individuals attending a specialized skin clinic in Singapore and the association with the degree of immunosuppression.Methods  A cross‐sectional study on skin disorders in HIV‐positive outpatients in the Communicable Disease Centre of Singapore was performed. The association between skin disease prevalence and CD4 count was evaluated using logistic regression.Results  Ninety‐six patients (male : female, 8 : 1) were enrolled. The most common mode of HIV transmission was heterosexual (75%), followed by homosexual/bisexual contacts (22%), and intravenous drug abuse (3%). The distribution of patients in terms of current CD4 cell counts was as follows: 38.5% with less than 50 × 106/L, 25% with between 50 and 199/µL, and 36.5% with at least 200 × 106/L. The most common skin disorder was pruritic papular eruption (PPE) of HIV infection (31 cases), followed by psoriasis (24), seborrheic dermatitis (18), xerosis (17), herpes simplex (17), and adverse drug eruptions (17). A CD4 cell count of less than 200 × 106/L was significantly associated with a higher number of skin disorders (P = 0.002) and the development of psoriasis [odds ratio (OR), 8.97; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.70–47.16; P = 0.010], PPE (OR, 3.40; 95% CI, 1.21–9.53; P = 0.020), and adverse drug eruption (OR, 5.83; 95% CI, 1.21–28.00; P = 0.028).Conclusions  A preponderance of inflammatory dermatoses and an absence of skin tumors characterized this study. A low CD4 cell count was associated with a higher number of skin disorders and an increased incidence of PPE, psoriasis, and adverse drug eruptions.
Constraints on microbial metabolism drive evolutionary diversification in homogeneous environments
Authors: GUDELJ I. , BEARDMORE R. E. , ARKIN S. S. , MACLEAN R. C. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractUnderstanding the evolution of microbial diversity is an important and current problem in evolutionary ecology. In this paper, we investigated the role of two established biochemical trade‐offs in microbial diversification using a model that connects ecological and evolutionary processes with fundamental aspects of biochemistry. The trade‐offs that we investigated are as follows:(1) a trade‐off between the rate and affinity of substrate transport; and (2) a trade‐off between the rate and yield of ATP production. Our model shows that these biochemical trade‐offs can drive evolutionary diversification under the simplest possible ecological conditions: a homogeneous environment containing a single limiting resource. We argue that the results of a number of microbial selection experiments are consistent with the predictions of our model.
No direct selection to increase offspring number of bet‐hedging strategies in large populations: Simons’ model revisited
Authors: KISDI É. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn mixed or ‘bet‐hedging’ strategies, offspring phenotypes are taken randomly from a distribution determined by the genotype and shaped by evolution. Offspring of a single parent represent a finite sample from this distribution, and therefore are subject to variability because of sampling. Contrary to a recent article by A.M. Simons (2007; J. Evol. Biol.20: 813–817), I show that selection does not favour the production of many offspring just to reduce sampling variability when such mixed strategies are used in large populations.
Expression patterns of promoters for NPY Y1 and Y5 receptors in Y5RitTA and Y1RVenus BAC‐transgenic mice
Authors: Oberto Alessandra , Acquadro Elena , Bus Thorsten , Sprengel Rolf , Eva Carola 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn the rat brain, neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y1 and Y5 receptors are coexpressed in various forebrain regions where they mediate several NPY‐activated functions, including feeding behaviour, anxiety, neuronal excitability and hormone secretion. We studied the distribution pattern and cellular colocalization of the Y1 and the Y5 receptor gene expression in the mouse brain by using transgenic mice with genomically integrated BAC clones, where the coding regions of the Y1 and Y5 receptor genes were replaced by Venus and the synthetic transcription factor itTA reporter genes, respectively (TgY5RitTA/Y1RVenus mice). Analysis of Venus fluorescence and itTA‐mediated activation of Cre recombinase revealed copy number‐dependent expression levels, between the lines, but similar expression patterns. In three transgenic lines the BAC encoded Y5 receptor promoter induced strong Cre expression in the olfactory system, cerebral cortex, hippocampus and basal ganglia. Weaker expression was found in most of the hypothalamic nuclei of line 25, the highest‐expressing transgenic line. Activation of Cre was itTA‐dependent and could be regulated by doxycycline. The Y1 receptor promoter‐induced Venus fluorescence was intense, widely present through the brain and colocalized with Cre immunostaining in neurons of distinct brain regions, including the cerebral cortex, basolateral amygdala, dentate gyrus and paraventricular nucleus. These data provide a detailed and comparative mapping of Y1 and Y5 receptor promoter activity within cells of the mouse brain. The TgY5RitTA/Y1RVenus‐transgenic mice generated here also represent a genetic tool for conditional mutagenesis via the Cre lox system, particularly of genes involved in feeding behaviour, neuronal excitability and hormone secretion.
Acute and chronic changes in glycogen phosphorylase in hippocampus and entorhinal cortex after status epilepticus in the adult male rat
Authors: Walling Susan G. , Rigoulot Marie‐Aude , Scharfman Helen E. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractGlial cells provide energy substrates to neurons, in part from glycogen metabolism, which is influenced by glycogen phosphorylase (GP). To gain insight into the potential subfield and laminar‐specific expression of GP, histochemistry can be used to evaluate active GP (GPa) or totalGP (GPa + GPb). Using this approach, we tested the hypothesis that changes in GP would occur under pathological conditions that are associated with increased energy demand, i.e. severe seizures (status epilepticus or ‘status’). We also hypothesized that GP histochemistry would provide insight into changes in the days and weeks after status, particularly in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, where there are robust changes in structure and function. One hour after the onset of pilocarpine‐induced status, GPa staining was reduced in most regions of the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex relative to saline‐injected controls. One week after status, there was increased GPa and totalGP, especially in the inner molecular layer, where synaptic reorganization of granule cell mossy fibre axons occurs (mossy fibre sprouting). In addition, patches of dense GP reactivity were evident in many areas. One month after status, levels of GPa and totalGP remained elevated in some areas, suggesting an ongoing role of GP or other aspects of glycogen metabolism, possibly due to the evolution of intermittent, recurrent seizures at approximately 3–4 weeks after status. Taken together, the results suggest that GP is dynamically regulated during and after status in the adult rat, and may have an important role in the pilocarpine model of epilepsy.
Proposed mechanisms of lower urinary tract injury in fractures of the pelvic ring
Authors: Andrich Daniela E. , Day Adrian C. , Mundy Anthony R. 
Published: July 2007

Authors from the UK review their experience of lower urinary tract injuries in association with fractures of the pelvic ring. They found that the pattern of pelvic fracture did not help with the prediction of the presence of lower urinary injury, but that the type of injury was related to the fracture mechanism. This study represents a large review of such injuries in both men and women, and the authors present their own theories on mechanisms of injury.OBJECTIVETo investigate whether the observation of particular pelvic fracture patterns enables the clinician to predict the presence and type of injuries to the lower urinary tract, as the mechanisms of injury to the lower urinary tract in association with fractures of the pelvic ring are unclear.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe case‐notes and radiographs of 168 patients with either pelvic ring or acetabular fractures were reviewed; 108 pelvic ring fractures (81 men, 27 women) and 60 acetabular fractures (46 men, 14 women). The pelvic fractures were classified according to the system described by Tile and were correlated with the incidence and type of lower urinary tract injury (LUTI).RESULTSOverall, of the 108 men and women with pelvic ring fractures, 27 (25%) had a LUTI documented either radiologically or as an intraoperative finding. Of the 81 men with pelvic ring fractures, 24 (30%) had a LUTI, of whom six (7%) had an isolated bladder laceration, 14 (17%) a partial urethral injury (PUI) and four (5%) a complete urethral disruption (CUD). Five of the 18 men with urethral injuries also had bladder injuries and in three of these, the bladder neck was also injured. Three of 27 women (11%) had a LUTI, all of whom had isolated bladder lacerations. Of the 46 men with an acetabular fracture, one (2%) had a CUD, and three (7%) had a PUI. One of 14 of women with an acetabular fracture sustained a bladder laceration. None of the three men with a Tile Type‐A pelvic ring fracture sustained a LUTI. Of the 28 men with ‘open‐book’ (Tile Type‐B1) fractures, 21 (75%) had no associated LUTI and seven (25%) had a LUTI (five partial urethral injuries and two bladder lacerations). Of the 10 men with ‘lateral compression’ (Tile Type‐B2) fractures, six had no LUTI and four had a LUTI (two partial urethral injuries and two bladder lacerations). Of the 40 men with ‘vertical shear’ (Tile Type‐C) fractures, 27 (68%) had no LUTI and 13 (32%) a LUTI (four complete urethral disruptions, seven partial urethral injuries, and two bladder lacerations) including all of the combined bladder and urethral injuries and all of the bladder neck injuries.CONCLUSIONThe pelvic fracture pattern alone does not predict the presence of a LUTI. When it occurs, the type of LUTI appears to be related to the fracture mechanism. The pattern of injury to the soft tissue envelope and specifically to the ligaments supporting the lower urinary tract offers the best correlation with the observed LUTI. We propose a mechanism for this.
US Market Integration and Corporate Governance Practices: evidence from Canadian companies
Authors: Bozec Richard 
Published: July 2007

The objective of this study is to investigate further the interplay between market globalisation and corporate governance practices. The study is conducted in Canada using a sample of 230 firms listed on the TSX in 2002 and ranked by Report on Business (ROB) on a set of corporate governance best practices. The ROB corporate governance index is built around four categories, namely board composition, compensation, shareholder rights and disclosure. The interaction of the sample companies with the US markets is analysed on the three following dimensions: financial market, product market and multi‐markets (combining financial, product and labour markets). Overall, our results show that greater US market interaction is associated with higher corporate governance ratings.This study adds evidence on the positive relation between market integration and corporate governance practices and, as such, provides some credence to the claim that globalisation will lead to a certain degree of market‐driven convergence in corporate governance.
Collective relationship banking and private information monitoring in Korea1
Authors: Chang Yoonhee Tina 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper introduces the notion of collective relationship banking (CRB) as a mechanism for monitoring private information and characterizes the probability of such a banking relationship existing when the borrowing firms have heterogeneous vertical ownership structures. Using a Korean firm‐level panel dataset, the empirical results of the paper suggest that firms with smaller holding companies’ ownership stakes are more likely to choose CRB. This can be explained in terms of CRB as a means to overcome informational asymmetries as holding companies can provide indirect monitoring. The paper then addresses policy concerns associated with corporate restructuring which may create a more concentrated banking relationship with a few dominant banks.
Generalization of Anger‐Coping Skills from Day‐Service to Residential Settings
Authors: Willner Paul , Tomlinson Sarah 
Published: July 2007

Objective  To evaluate the extent to which anger management training provided within a learning disabilities day service generalizes to residential settings.Method  Eleven day‐service users participated in one of two anger management groups. Treatment was delivered by day‐service staff and an assistant psychologist, using a standard cognitive‐behavioural therapy (CBT) package shown to be effective in earlier studies. Evaluation was by the Provocation Index and the Profile of Anger‐Coping Skills, which measure, respectively, the potential to react in an angry manner, and the utilization of eight different anger‐coping skills.Results  Participants showed a decrease in anger and an increase in anger‐coping skills, which was maintained at 6‐month follow‐up. Similar changes were reported by day‐service key‐workers and by residential carers (and by the participants themselves). At the level of the group, key‐workers and home carers did not differ significantly, at any time, in their ratings of anger, aggregate coping skills or individual coping skills. Within each setting, profiles of coping skills differed between individuals but were relatively stable across the 6‐month follow‐up period. However, there was no significant correlation between the profiles of coping skills reported for individual service users in the two settings.Conclusions  The results confirm that group‐based CBT is an effective treatment for people with learning disabilities and anger management problems. Therapeutic gains are maintained for at least 6 months and generalize across settings. Different anger‐coping skills may be used by different people, or by the same person in different environments.A Manual for the group is available on request.
Characterization of 20 microsatellite loci in the long‐tailed tit Aegithalos caudatus (Aegithalidae, AVES)
Authors: SIMEONI MICHELLE , DAWSON DEBORAH A. , ROSS DOUGLAS J. , CHÂLINE NICOLAS , BURKE TERRY , HATCHWELL BEN J. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe characterized 20 microsatellite loci in the long‐tailed tit, Aegithalos caudatus. Polymorphic loci were identified by testing 114 loci that had been originally isolated in other avian species. The loci were characterized in 23–163 unrelated long‐tailed tits from a British population and displayed between two and 42 alleles, with observed heterozygosity ranging between 0.09 and 0.97.
Characterization of 30 new microsatellite markers, developed from enriched genomic DNA library of zoysiagrass Zoysia japonica Steud.
Authors: MA KYUNG‐HO , JANG DUK‐HWAN , DIXIT ANUPAM , CHUNG JONG‐WOOK , LEE SOK‐YOUNG , LEE JUNG‐RO , KANG HEE‐KYOUG , KIM SEONG‐MIN , PARK YONG‐JIN 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe present study reports the development of 30 polymorphic microsatellite markers for zoysiagrass Zoysia japonica Steud. The 30 markers produced a total of 125 alleles with an average of 4.2 alleles per locus. Values for observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.10 to 0.95 and from 0.15 to 0.81, respectively. At significance threshold (P < 0.05), 11 loci deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, whereas significant linkage disequilibrium values were observed between 16 pairs of loci. These markers may provide information needed to select genetically diverse parents for developing breeding and mapping populations of zoysiagrass.
Therapeutic Potential of VIVIT, a Selective Peptide Inhibitor of Nuclear Factor of Activated T cells, in Cardiovascular Disorders
Authors: Yu Haixiang , Van Berkel Theo J.C. , Biessen Erik A.L. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTCardiovascular disease is the major cause of death in industrialized nations. Targeted intervention in calcineurin, a calmodulin‐dependent, calcium‐activated phosphatase and its substrate, nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), was demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Although effective in the disruption of calcineurin phosphatase activity, cyclosporin A (CsA) and FK506 also resulted in undesired side effects and toxicity, prompting the discovery of VIVIT, a novel peptide inhibitor. VIVIT selectively and potently inhibits calcineurin/NFAT interaction, but does not compromise calcineurin phosphatase activity and non‐NFAT‐mediated signaling. VIVIT displays a favorable therapeutic profile as a potential drug candidate and constitutes a useful tool in exploring calcineurin‐NFAT functionality. This review describes the development of VIVIT peptide as a selective NFAT inhibitor and its application as a therapeutic agent in cardiovascular disorders including cardiac hypertrophy, restenosis, atherosclerosis, and angiogenesis.