bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE REQUIREMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL AID
Authors: TOLCHIN BENJAMIN 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACTEvery year approximately 18 million people die prematurely from treatable medical conditions including infectious diseases and nutritional deficiencies. The deaths occur primarily amongst the poorest citizens of poor developing nations. Various groups and individuals have advanced plans for major international medical aid to avert many of these unnecessary deaths. For example, the World Health Organization's Commission on Macroeconomics and Health estimated that eight million premature deaths could be prevented annually by interventions costing roughly US$57 bn per year.This essay advances an argument that human rights require high‐income nations to provide such aid. The essay briefly examines John Rawls’ obligations of justice and the reasons that their applicability to cases of international medical aid remains controversial. Regardless, the essay argues that purely humanitarian obligations bind the governments and citizens of high‐income liberal democracies at a minimum to provide major medical aid to avert premature deaths in poor nations. In refusing to undertake such medical relief efforts, developed nations fail to adequately protect a fundamental human right to life.
Periderm‐ and cortex‐based resistance to tuber‐feeding Phthorimaea operculella in two wild potato species
Authors: Horgan Finbarr G. , Quiring Dan T. , Lagnaoui Aziz , Salas Alberto R. , Pelletier Yvan 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe trichome‐bearing wild potatoes Solanum berthaultii (Hawkes) and Solanum tarijense (Hawkes) (Solanaceae) have noted resistance to leaf‐feeding insect herbivores; however, little is known about their resistance to tuber‐feeding herbivores. This study evaluates resistance in tubers of these two species to attack by the potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). Tubers from a range of accessions were presented to recently emerged neonate tuber moth larvae. Resistance to neonates varied between accessions and was generally higher in accessions of S. tarijense. The contribution to observed resistance of periderm vs. cortex factors was assessed by perforating tuber periderm in paired‐tuber experiments. Across species and accessions, an average of 62% of resistance was attributed to periderm‐related factors. All larvae entered tubers through the eyes. Unidentified cortex‐related factors affected larval development time and pupal weight. Sprouting compromised resistance by reducing the protective value of the periderm. The degree of sprouting also decreased larval development times and increased pupal weights in one of two accessions examined. These results demonstrate the potential of S. berthaultii and S. tarijense as sources of tuber‐resistance and identify accessions of both species with notably high periderm‐based protection. Levels of periderm resistance were not correlated to levels of cortex resistance and represent an independent resistance source compatible with the food value of crop potato.
Polymorphisms in the Interleukin‐12/18 Genes and Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion
Authors: Ostojić Saša , Volk Marija , Medica Igor , Kapović Miljenko , Meden‐Vrtovec Helena , Peterlin Borut 
Published: October 2007

ProblemInterleukin (IL) IL‐12/IL‐18 are involved in uterine NK cells control of uterine vascular development. Polymorphisms in the IL‐12/IL‐18 genes could modify the cytokine balance, which might result in an increased susceptibility to recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA).Method of StudyA case–control study was conducted to determine the association between the IL12 (I/D) and IL18 (−607C>A, −137G>C) gene polymorphisms and the risk of RSA in 125 women with RSA and in 136 controls.ResultsThe frequencies of DD, ID, II for IL‐12 were, 25.6%, 52.8% and 21.6% respectively, in patients versus 21.3%, 51.5% and 27.2% respectively in controls; the frequencies of CC, CA, AA genotypes for IL‐18 (−607) were, 34.4%, 54.4% and 11.2% respectively in patients versus 30.1%, 58.1% and 11.8% respectively in controls; the frequencies of GG, GC, CC genotypes for IL‐18(−137) were 47.2%, 43.2% and 9.6% respectively in patients and 45.6%, 46.3% and 8.1% respectively in controls.ConclusionIL‐12B and IL‐18 promoter gene polymorphisms were not associated with RSA in our women.
Female Sex Steroid Hormones Modify Some Regulatory Properties of Monocyte‐Derived Dendritic Cells
Authors: Kyurkchiev Dobroslav , Ivanova‐Todorova Ekaterina , Hayrabedyan Soren , Altankova Iskra , Kyurkchiev Stanimir 
Published: October 2007

ProblemMonocyte‐derived dendritic cells (mDCs) are present in human decidua during the first month of pregnancy where they experience the effect of the increased concentration of progesterone (Pg) and estradiol (Estr). The aim of our study was to assess the effect of these reproductive hormones on the immunomodulatory role of mDCs.Methods of studyThe mDCs cultured in vitro in the presence of sex steroid hormones and characterized for their apoptosis and secretion of cytokines by flow cytometry, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and proteome profiler kit.ResultsFemale sex steroid hormones enhance the life cycle of mDCs, thus increasing the maturation and apoptosis, they also increase the production of interleukin (IL)‐10 and IL‐27 but only Pg increases the production of IL‐13 and down regulates the secretion of IL‐23.ConclusionThe Pg and Estr participate in the regulation of the immune response during pregnancy by influencing apoptosis and the cytokine profile of the mDCs.
Chronic ulcers, calcification and calcified fibrous tumours: phenotypic manifestations of a congenital disorder of heterotopic ossification
Authors: Kupitz Susanne , Enoch Stuart , Harding Keith G 
Published: October 2007

AbstractCalcification is a rarely reported cause for chronic, cutaneous ulceration. Although dystrophic calcification occurs in chronic ulcers, idiopathic calcification and ossification leading to recurrent ulcerations is seldom reported. This report illustrates a challenging case with various non healing wounds, calcification/ossification and calcified fibrous tumours. A 56‐year‐old woman presented with chronic, painful wounds and calcified deposits in her feet, hands and abdomen, some dating back to childhood. The surgeries she had had for various unrelated conditions healed with hard, calcified deposits, which later ulcerated. Skeletal radiological imaging revealed multiple soft‐tissue deposits, with calcification and areas of ossification, along with gross distortion of the bony architecture of her feet. All biochemical investigations were normal apart from raised serum alkaline phosphatase. The management has encompassed a combination of conservative and surgical measures (culminating in a left below‐knee amputation) with varying degrees of success. Having ruled out other causes of subcutaneous calcification, three congenital disorders of heterotopic ossification fit this patient’s presentation: Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO), fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) and progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH). Although AHO and FOP are possibilities, POH is most likely. In addition to describing the diverse phenotypic manifestations of this disorder, this report discusses the diagnostic dilemmas, difficulties in optimising the management plan and issues relating to health‐related quality of life in this patient.
Effects of pH‐neutral, super‐oxidised solution on human dermal fibroblasts in vitro
Authors: González‐Espinosa Diana , Pérez‐Romano Leafar , Guzmán‐Soriano Beatriz , Arias Edmundo , Bongiovanni Cheryl M , Gutiérrez Andrés A 
Published: October 2007

AbstractFor the past 20 years, super‐oxidised solutions (SOSs) have been shown to be potent antimicrobials and disinfectants via oxidative damage. However, the potential toxicity of SOSs on eukaryotic cells has not been documented in vitro. This is relevant because oxygen and chlorine reactive species may possibly induce ageing and irreversible cellular dysfunctions that eventually produce cell death. The present study investigates the cytotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by a novel, pH‐neutral SOS (i.e. Microcyn™, MCN) on young, primary diploid – human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cultures. For this purpose, hydrogen peroxide (HP) was used as a positive control of oxidative damage. When these solutions were used at concentrations indicated for wound care (i.e. undiluted MCN or 880 mM HP), HP was significantly more toxic than MCN. After 5 and 30 minutes of exposure, cell viability was 38% and 5%, respectively, in 880 mM HP‐treated cells versus 75% and 70% in MCN‐treated populations, respectively. HP induced both apoptosis and necrosis, whereas MCN induced only necrosis. Genotoxic and ageing studies were then conducted at sublethal HP concentrations as previously reported in the literature. Cellular DNA and RNA were partially degraded only in HDFs exposed to 500 μM HP for 30 minutes but not in those exposed to undiluted MCN. At this same concentration, HP induced the formation of 8‐hydroxy‐2′deoxyguanosine adducts in HDFs but this effect was neither observed in control‐ nor observed in MCN‐treated cells. HDFs were further exposed to 5 μM HP or 10% MCN for 1 month. The expression of senescence‐associated‐β‐galactosidase was only significantly elevated in cells chronically exposed to 5 μM HP. Altogether, these results show that MCN is significantly less cytotoxic than antiseptic HP concentrations (i.e. 880 mM) and that, in vitro, it does not induce genotoxicity or accelerated ageing.
Changes in plant–soil hydraulic pressure gradients of soybean in response to soil drying
Authors: Sinclair T.R. , Zwieniecki M.A. , Holbrook N.M. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractPlant gas‐exchange response to drying soil in many instances tracks a common pattern when expressed as a function of fraction of transpirable soil water (FTSW). There is little decrease in gas exchange until FTSW decreases to a value in the range of about 0.3–0.45, then with further drying gas exchange declines approximately linearly. This unique pattern is hypothesised to reflect mainly changes in the water potential gradient between bulk soil and plant. The primary objective was to directly document the basis of this response by measuring the hydrostatic pressure gradient required in the soil to maintain leaf xylem at zero potential with decreasing FTSW. Pots in which soybean (Glycine max) plants were grown were placed in a pressure chamber and the pressure adjusted to maintain zero water potential in a leaf petiolule. These results showed a small, relatively constant hydrostatic pressure had to be applied to the soil to maintain zero leaf xylem water potential until FTSW decreased to approximately 0.3–0.45. Thereafter, the required hydrostatic pressure gradient increased as FTSW continued to decrease. Hydraulic conductance was calculated to be relatively stable early in the drying cycle, and then decrease as the soil dried to comparatively high FTSW of 0.5–0.7.
Prognostic implications of a biphasic waveform for APTT analysis in a district general hospital
Authors: MAIR G. , DUNHILL S. , TIPLADY C. 
Published: October 2007

SummaryActivated partial thromboplastin time analysis creates waveforms of light transmittance against time. An abnormal biphasic waveform has been linked to morbidity and mortality. This study aims to quantify this link for patients in a district general hospital and determine the prognostic implications of the biphasic waveform. Data were collected over a 5‐month period and analysed retrospectively to ascertain rates of infection, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and death. This was followed by a one month prospective study to assess prognostic implications. Rates of infection, DIC and death were high in this study population. The biphasic waveform often pre‐empts these outcomes and is shown to be useful in predicting a poor prognosis.
Quantitative Distributions of
Epsilonproteobacteria
and a
Sulfurimonas
Subgroup in Pelagic Redoxclines of the Central Baltic Sea
Authors: Grote Jana , Labrenz Matthias , Pfeiffer Birgit , Jost Günter , Jürgens Klaus 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT

Members of the class
Epsilonproteobacteria
are known to be of major importance in biogeochemical processes at oxic-anoxic interfaces. In pelagic redoxclines of the central Baltic Sea, an uncultured epsilonproteobacterium related to
Sulfurimonas denitrificans
was proposed to play a key role in chemolithotrophic denitrification (I. Brettar, M. Labrenz, S. Flavier, J. Bötel, H. Kuosa, R. Christen, and M. G. Höfle, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 72:1364-1372, 2006). In order to determine the abundance, activity, and vertical distribution of this bacterium in high-resolution profiles, 16S rRNA cloning and catalyzed reporter deposition and fluorescence in situ hybridization (CARD-FISH) and quantitative PCR measurements were carried out. The results showed that 21% of the derived clone sequences, which in the present study were grouped together under the name GD17, had >99% similarity to the uncultured epsilonproteobacterium. A specific gene probe against GD17 (S-*-Sul-0090-a-A-18) was developed and used for enumeration by CARD-FISH. In different pelagic redoxclines sampled during August 2003, May 2005, and February 2006, GD17 cells were always detected from the lower oxic area to the sulfidic area. Maximal abundance was detected around the chemocline, where sulfide and nitrate concentrations were close to the detection limit. The highest GD17 numbers (2 × 10
5
cells ml
−1
), representing up to 15% of the total bacteria, were comparable to those reported for
Epsilonproteobacteria
in pelagic redoxclines of the Black Sea and the Cariaco Trench (X. Lin, S. G. Wakeham, I. F. Putnam, Y. M. Astor, M. I. Scranton, A. Y. Chistoserdov, and G. T. Taylor, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 72:2679-2690, 2006). However, in the Baltic Sea redoxclines,
Epsilonproteobacteria
consisted nearly entirely of cells belonging to the distinct GD17 group. This suggested that GD17 was the best-adapted epsilonproteobacterium within this ecological niche.
Biosurfactant Production and Surface Translocation Are Regulated by PlcR in
Bacillus cereus
ATCC 14579 under Low-Nutrient Conditions
Authors: Hsueh Yi-Huang , Somers Eileen B. , Lereclus Didier , Ghelardi Emilia , Wong Amy C. Lee 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT

Bacillus cereus
ATCC 14579 can respond to nutrient changes by adopting different forms of surface translocation. The
B. cereus
ATCC 14579 Δ
plcR
mutant, but not the wild type, formed dendritic (branched) patterns on EPS [a low-nutrient medium that contains 7.0 g K
2
HPO
4
, 3.0 g KH
2
PO
4
, 0.1 g MgSO
4
·7H
2
O, 0.1 g (NH
4
)
2
SO
4
, 0.01 g CaCl
2
, 0.001 g FeSO
4
, 0.1 g NaCl, 1.0 g glucose, and 125 mg yeast extract per liter] containing 0.7% agar. The dendritic patterns formed by sliding translocation of nonflagellated cells are enhanced under low-nutrient conditions and require sufficient production of a biosurfactant, which appears to be repressed by PlcR. The wild-type and complemented strains failed to slide on the surface of EPS agar because of the production of low levels of biosurfactant. Precoating EPS agar surfaces with surfactin (a biosurfactant produced by
Bacillus subtilis
) or biosurfactant purified from the Δ
plcR
mutant rescued the ability of the wild-type and complemented strains to slide. When grown on a nutrient-rich medium like Luria-Bertani agar, both the wild-type and Δ
plcR
mutant strains produced flagella. The wild type was hyperflagellated and elongated and exhibited swarming behavior, while the Δ
plcR
mutant was multiflagellated and the cells often formed long chains but did not swarm. Thin-layer chromatography and mass spectrometry analyses suggested that the biosurfactant purified from the Δ
plcR
mutant was a lipopeptide and had a mass of 1,278.1722 (
m
/
z
). This biosurfactant has hemolytic activity and inhibited the growth of several gram-positive bacteria.
Analysis of Nitrogen-Fixing Members of the ε Subclass of
Proteobacteria
in Salt Marsh Sediments
Authors: Welsh Allana , Burke David J. , Hahn Dittmar 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT

Based on phylogenetic analysis of clones retrieved from two
nifH
gene clone libraries that were created using cDNA from suboxic sediment samples obtained from areas densely vegetated with the high-salt marsh plant
Spartina patens
, a primer set was designed to target nitrogen-fixing bacteria with sequence similarities to members of the ε subclass of
Proteobacteria
. Nested PCR, denaturing gel electrophoresis, and subsequent sequence analysis of reamplified fragments confirmed the specificity of the primer set by retrieving
nifH
sequences of only putative members of the ε subclass of
Proteobacteria
, all of which were characterized by a highly divergent 27- or 36-bp insertion in both DNA and cDNA.
Novel
Cryptosporidium
Genotype in Wild Australian Mice (
Mus domesticus
)
Authors: Foo Colin , Farrell Julianne , Boxell Annika , Robertson Ian , Ryan Una M. 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT

A total of 250 mouse fecal specimens collected from crop farms in Queensland, Australia, were screened for the presence of
Cryptosporidium
spp. using PCR. Of these, 19 positives were detected and characterized at a number of loci, including the 18S rRNA gene, the acetyl coenzyme A gene, and the actin gene. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses identified two genotypes: mouse genotype I and a novel genotype (mouse genotype II), which is likely to be a valid species.
Cryptosporidium parvum
, which is zoonotic, was not detected. The results of the study indicate that wild Australian mice that are not in close contact with livestock are probably not an important reservoir of
Cryptosporidium
infection for humans and other animals.
Metagenomic Characterization of Chesapeake Bay Virioplankton
Authors: Bench Shellie R. , Hanson Thomas E. , Williamson Kurt E. , Ghosh Dhritiman , Radosovich Mark , Wang Kui , Wommack K. Eric 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT

Viruses are ubiquitous and abundant throughout the biosphere. In marine systems, virus-mediated processes can have significant impacts on microbial diversity and on global biogeocehmical cycling. However, viral genetic diversity remains poorly characterized. To address this shortcoming, a metagenomic library was constructed from Chesapeake Bay virioplankton. The resulting sequences constitute the largest collection of long-read double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) viral metagenome data reported to date. BLAST homology comparisons showed that Chesapeake Bay virioplankton contained a high proportion of unknown (homologous only to environmental sequences) and novel (no significant homolog) sequences. This analysis suggests that dsDNA viruses are likely one of the largest reservoirs of unknown genetic diversity in the biosphere. The taxonomic origin of BLAST homologs to viral library sequences agreed well with reported abundances of cooccurring bacterial subphyla within the estuary and indicated that cyanophages were abundant. However, the low proportion of
Siphophage
homologs contradicts a previous assertion that this family comprises most bacteriophage diversity. Identification and analyses of cyanobacterial homologs of the
psbA
gene illustrated the value of metagenomic studies of virioplankton. The phylogeny of inferred PsbA protein sequences suggested that Chesapeake Bay cyanophage strains are endemic in that environment. The ratio of
psbA
homologous sequences to total cyanophage sequences in the metagenome indicated that the
psbA
gene may be nearly universal in Chesapeake Bay cyanophage genomes. Furthermore, the low frequency of
psbD
homologs in the library supports the prediction that Chesapeake Bay cyanophage populations are dominated by
Podoviridae
.
Chromosomal and Symbiotic Relationships of Rhizobia Nodulating
Medicago truncatula
and
M. laciniata
Authors: van Berkum Peter , Badri Yazid , Elia Patrick , Aouani Mohammed Elarbi , Eardly Bertrand D. 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT

Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) is a sequence-based method used to characterize bacterial genomes. This method was used to examine the genetic structure of
Medicago
-nodulating rhizobia at the Amra site, which is located in an arid region of Tunisia. Here the annual medics
Medicago laciniata
and
M. truncatula
are part of the natural flora. The goal of this study was to identify whether distinct chromosomal groups of rhizobia nodulate
M. laciniata
because of its restricted requirement for specific rhizobia. The MLST analysis involved determination of sequence variation in 10 chromosomal loci of 74 isolates each of
M. laciniata
and
M. truncatula. M. truncatula
was used as a control trap host, because unlike
M. laciniata
, it has relatively unrestricted rhizobial requirements. Allelic diversity among the plasmid
nodC
alleles in the isolates was also determined. The 148 isolates were placed into 26 chromosomal sequence types (STs), only 3 of which had been identified previously. The rhizobia of
M. laciniata
were shown to be part of the general
Medicago
-nodulating population in the soil because 99.95% of the isolates had chromosomal genotypes similar to those recovered from
M. truncatula
. However, the isolates recovered from
M. laciniata
were less diverse than those recovered from
M. truncatula
, and they also harbored an unusual
nodC
allele. This could perhaps be best explained by horizontal transfer of the different
nodC
alleles among members of the
Medicago
-nodulating rhizobial population at the field site. Evidence indicating a history of lateral transfer of rhizobial symbiotic genes across distinct chromosomal backgrounds is provided.
Expanding the
Helicobacter pylori
Genetic Toolbox: Modification of an Endogenous Plasmid for Use as a Transcriptional Reporter and Complementation Vector
Authors: Carpenter Beth M. , McDaniel Timothy K. , Whitmire Jeannette M. , Gancz Hanan , Guidotti Silvia , Censini Stefano , Merrell D. Scott 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT

Helicobacter pylori
is an important human pathogen. However, the study of this organism is often limited by a relative shortage of genetic tools. In an effort to expand the methods available for genetic study, an endogenous
H. pylori
plasmid was modified for use as a transcriptional reporter and as a complementation vector. This was accomplished by addition of an
Escherichia coli
origin of replication, a kanamycin resistance cassette, a promoterless
gfpmut3
gene, and a functional multiple cloning site to form pTM117. The promoters of
amiE
and
pfr
, two well-characterized Fur-regulated promoters, were fused to the promoterless
gfpmut3
, and green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression of the fusions in wild-type and Δ
fur
strains was analyzed by flow cytometry under iron-replete and iron-depleted conditions. GFP expression was altered as expected based on current knowledge of Fur regulation of these promoters. RNase protection assays were used to determine the ability of this plasmid to serve as a complementation vector by analyzing
amiE
,
pfr
, and
fur
expression in wild-type and Δ
fur
strains carrying a wild-type copy of
fur
on the plasmid. Proper regulation of these genes was restored in the Δ
fur
background under high- and low-iron conditions, signifying complementation of both iron-bound and
apo
Fur regulation. These studies show the potential of pTM117 as a molecular tool for genetic analysis of
H. pylori
.