bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a porcine incisional wound model and novel scarring scales
Authors: Singer Adam J. , McClain Steve A. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTA major goal of wound management is to reduce scarring. Prior to evaluating novel anti‐scarring therapies, we developed a porcine incisional wound model and scarring outcome measures. Forty‐eight full‐thickness incisions (3 cm in length) and excisional wounds (3 × 0.5 cm) were created on two animals and closed with sutures (n=24) or tissue adhesive (n=24). Scars were evaluated using two validated clinical scar scales and a novel scale developed for animals. Full‐thickness biopsies were obtained at 5 and 8 weeks for determination of scar morphology using H&E and Congo red staining with and without polarized light. Scar tissue was classified based on the collagen fiber morphology and “redness” ratio, which is a measure of the relative distribution of collagen fiber in all three spatial dimensions. The clinical cosmetic scales were highly reliable, yet nondiscriminatory. The novel gross cosmetic and histomorphological scores were both highly reliable (0.75 and 0.70, respectively), yet poorly correlated with each other (0.17). The “redness” ratio and cross‐sectional surface area measurements were also highly reliable (r=0.96 and 0.99, respectively) but unrelated to cosmetic outcomes. However, the “redness ratio” did correlate with the histomorphologic appearance of the scars, with poorer appearing clinical scars receiving lower ratios (ANOVA p=0.001). Significant differences in cosmetic scores were noted between excisional and incisional wounds favoring incisions (p=0.0019). We describe a novel porcine model for incisional and excisional wounds. The new clinical and histomorphologic outcomes were highly reliable yet poorly correlated. In general, incisional wounds healed with less apparent scarring than excisional wounds.
A role for decorin in cutaneous wound healing and angiogenesis
Authors: Järveläinen Hannu , Puolakkainen Pauli , Pakkanen Sari , Brown Eric L. , Höök Magnus , Iozzo Renato V. , Sage E.Helene , Wight Thomas N. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTDecorin is known to influence tissue tensile strength and cellular phenotype. Therefore, decorin is likely to have an impact on tissue repair, including cutaneous wound healing. In this study, cutaneous healing of both excisional and incisional full‐thickness dermal wounds was studied in decorin‐deficient (Dcn−/−) animals. A statistically significant delay in excisional wound healing in the Dcn−/− mice occurred at 4 and 10 days postwounding and, in incisional wounds at 4, 10, and 18 days when compared with wild‐type (Dcn−/−) controls. Fibrovascular invasion into polyvinylalcohol sponges was significantly increased by day 18 in Dcn−/− mice relative to Dcn+/+ mice. The 18‐day sponge implants in the Dcn−/− mice showed a marked accumulation of biglycan when compared with the corresponding implants in Dcn+/+ mice. Thus, regulated production of decorin may serve as an excellent therapeutic approach for modifying impaired wound healing and harmful foreign body reactions.
Biological fate and clinical implications of arginine metabolism in tissue healing
Authors: Curran John N. , Winter Des C. , Bouchier‐Hayes David 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTSince its discovery in 1987, many biological roles (including wound healing) have been identified for nitric oxide (NO). The gas is produced by NO synthase using the dibasic amino acid l‐arginine as a substrate. It has been established that a lack of dietary l‐arginine delays experimental wound healing. Arginine can also be metabolized to urea and ornithine by arginase‐1, a pathway that generates l‐proline, a substrate for collagen synthesis, and polyamines, which stimulate cellular proliferation. Herein, we review subjects of interest in arginine metabolism, with emphasis on the biochemistry of wound NO production, relative NO synthase isoform activity in healing wounds, cellular contributions to NO production, and NO effects and mechanisms of action in wound healing.
Bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells accelerate wound healing in the rat
Authors: McFarlin Kellie , Gao Xiaohua , Liu Yong Bo , Dulchavsky Deborah S. , Kwon David , Arbab Ali S. , Bansal Mona , Li Yi , Chopp Michael , Dulchavsky Scott A. , Gautam Subhash C. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTBone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) are multipotential stem cells capable of differentiation into numerous cell types, including fibroblasts, cartilage, bone, muscle, and brain cells. BMSCs also secrete a large number of growth factors and cytokines that are critical to the repair of injured tissues. Because of the extraordinary plasticity and the ability of syngeneic or allogeneic BMSCs to secrete tissue‐repair factors, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of BMSCs for healing of fascial and cutaneous incisional wounds in Sprague–Dawley rats. Systemic administration of syngeneic BMSCs (2 × 106) once daily for 4 days or a single treatment with 5 × 106 BMSCs 24 hours after wounding significantly increased the wound bursting strength of fascial and cutaneous wounds on days 7 and 14 postwounding. Wound healing was also significantly improved following injection of BMSCs locally at the wound site. Furthermore, allogeneic BMSCs were as efficient as syngeneic BMSCs in promoting wound healing. Administration of BMSCs labeled with iron oxides/1,1′‐dioctadecyl‐3,3,3′,3′‐tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate fluorescent dye revealed that systemically administered BMSCs engraft to the wound. The increase in the tensile strength of wounds treated with BMSCs was associated with increased production of collagen in the wound. In addition, BMSC treatment caused more rapid histologic maturation of wounds compared with untreated wounds. These data suggest that cell therapy with BMSCs has the potential to augment healing of surgical and cutaneous wounds.
Timing the commitment to a wound‐healing response of denervated limb stumps in the adult newt, Notophthalmus viridescens
Authors: Salley‐Guydon Judith D. , Tassava Roy A. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTAdult newt limbs that are denervated 1 day after amputation undergo a wound‐healing response and, although they become reinnervated, will not regenerate unless reinjured. Experiments were designed to determine when denervated limb stumps of adult newts become committed to a wound‐healing response. In Experiment I, limbs were amputated and denervated 1 day after amputation. On days 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days after the initial amputation and denervation, stumps were reamputated to remove the distal tip. This design varied the time the distal stump was devoid of nerves before reamputation. None of the limbs reamputated at 7 days regenerated. About half of the limbs reamputated at 14 days regenerated and almost all of those reamputated at days 21, 28, and 35 regenerated. In Experiment II, limbs were denervated and then amputated on day 7 or 14, at two different levels. Limbs with a short stump became innervated earlier and regeneration occurred more frequently at both levels of amputation. The results of these experiments show that denervated limb stumps become committed to a wound‐healing response between days 7 and 14 after amputation/denervation. If sufficient nerves arrive before day 7, a regeneration response is initiated. If the stump is denervated for 14 days or longer, commitment to wound healing occurs and ingrowing nerves cannot initiate a regeneration response.
Effect of Hypothyroidism on the NO/cGMP Pathway of Corpus Cavernosum in Rabbits
Authors: Kilicarslan Hakan , Bagcivan Ihsan , Yildirim M. Kemal , Sarac Bulent , Kaya Tijen 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The incidence of hormonal dysfunction as a cause of impotence remains controversial. However, several recent studies have reported evidence of hormonal abnormalities in 25–35% of impotent men. Hypothyroidism has been reported to occur in 6% of impotent men. There is some evidence suggesting that hypothyroidism may be a cause of impotence.

Aim
We aimed to investigate the nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway in hypothyroidism in an experimental rabbit model and compared hypothyroid rabbits with controls to evaluate the possible involvement of the NO/cGMP pathway.

Methods
The study comprised 20 male New Zealand white rabbits. The rabbits were divided into two equal groups. The first group had hypothyroidism induced surgically by thyroidectomy for 6 weeks. The second group underwent a sham operation.

Results
There was no significant change in the mean body weight of hypothyroid rabbits and controls. Triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels were significantly lower in hypothyroid rabbits. Plasma thyroid-stimulating hormone and prolactin levels were significantly higher in hypothyroid rabbits. Plasma total calcium and parathormone levels remained in the normal range in both groups.

Main Outcome Measures
Papaverine-induced concentration-dependent relaxations were similar in both groups. Carbachol-induced relaxation responses decreased in hypothyroid rabbits. There were significant differences between control and hypothyroid rabbits in frequency-dependent relaxations induced by electrical-field stimulation (EFS). YC-1-induced relaxation responses did not change significantly in hypothyroid rabbits. Concentration-dependent relaxations induced by diethylamine (DEA)/NO were similar in both groups. Amrinone-induced relaxation responses did not change significantly in hypothyroid rabbits.

Conclusion
Reductions of relaxant responses to EFS and carbachol in hypothyroid rabbits can depend on the decrease of released or synthesized NO from nitrergic nerves and endothelium.
Comparison of Androgens in Women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: Those on Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs) vs. Those Not on COCs
Authors: Warnock Julia K. , Clayton Anita , Croft Harry , Segraves Robert , Biggs Faye C. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Approximately one out of four sexually active women in the United States uses some form of hormonal contraceptive method because they provide the most effective reversible method of birth control available. However, little attention has been paid to possible adverse effects of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) on sexual functioning.

Aims
The aim of this study was to examine the potential effects of COCs on women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). It was hypothesized that female patients with generalized, acquired HSDD on COCs have lower androgen levels than those not on COCs.

Methods
The patients were healthy premenopausal women with HSDD, aged 22–50 years. Subjects had a history of adequate sexual desire, interest, and functioning. Participants were required to be in a stable, monogamous, heterosexual relationship and were screened for any medication or medical or psychiatric disorders that impact desire. The patients met operational criteria for global, acquired HSDD. The 106 patients were divided into two groups: those on COCs (N = 43) and those not on COCs (N = 63). A two-tailed t-test comparison was made between the two groups comparing free and total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG).

Main Outcome Measures
The main outcome measures are the differences between the two groups comparing free testosterone, total testosterone, and SHBG.

Results
These patients with HSDD on COCs had significantly lower free and total testosterone levels compared with those who were not on COCs. The SHBG was significantly higher in the group on COCs compared with those who were not on COCs.

Conclusion
The result of this study suggests that COCs in premenopausal women with HSDD are associated with lower androgen levels than those not on COCs. Further research is required to determine if low androgen levels secondary to COCs impact female sexual desire.
A rigorous yet simple quantitative risk assessment method for quarantine pests and non‐native organisms
Authors: Holt J. , Black R. , Abdallah Roshan 
Published: August 2006

AbstractInternationally recognised guidelines for the assessment of risk posed by non‐native organisms generally suggest that the assessment is disaggregated into a series of components each being scored and then the scores added or averaged to give the final result. Assigning odds instead of scores allows a more rigorous probabilistic treatment of the data, which can offer more effective discrimination between organisms. For each component of the assessment, the odds express how likely is the evidence if the organism poses a risk as a quarantine pest. According to Bayesian theory, the odds for all components are multiplied together and the product divided by itself plus one to give the probability that the organism poses a risk as a quarantine pest given the evidence available (assuming that the prior probability is neutral). A general illustration of the different distributions of outcomes obtained from score averaging and probability is provided. The approach is then applied to a set of risk assessments for 256 potential quarantine pests compiled for Tanzania in 1997. The greater discrimination between cases may help improve communication between risk assessment scientists and regulatory decision makers.
FLIPPER RUBBING BEHAVIORS IN WILD BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS (TURSIOPS ADUNCUS)
Authors: Sakai Mai , Hishii Toru , Takeda Shohei , Kohshima Shiro 
Published: August 2006

Abstract“Flipper rubbing” behavior was quantitatively analyzed in wild Indo‐Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) around Mikura Island, Tokyo, Japan. We observed two types of flipper rubbing: (1) F‐B rubbing; one dolphin (Rubber) rubbed its flipper over various parts of a partner's (Rubbee) body, and (2) F‐F rubbing; both dolphins rubbed each other's anterior flipper edge in alternating shifts. F‐B rubbings tended to be initiated by the Rubbee and were terminated by the Rubber. The Rubbee often moved actively its body part that was in contact with the Rubber's flipper, and assumed side‐up, upside‐down, or other postures while the Rubber remained horizontal in most cases. These facts suggest that the Rubbee engaged in F‐B rubbing more actively than the Rubber, and might receive some benefit from the frictional contact during F‐B rubbing. Dolphins often switched their roles as Rubber and Rubbee between episodes of flipper rubbing bout. Adults and sub‐adults exchanged F‐B rubbing and F‐F rubbing most often with individuals of the same sex in the same age class. F‐B rubbing was frequent in mother‐and‐calf dyads. Our results suggest that flipper rubbing is an affiliative behavior which could be a quantitative measure of social relationships among individuals of this species in future studies.
REDUCED POPULATION GROWTH OF GRAY SEALS AT SABLE ISLAND: EVIDENCE FROM PUP PRODUCTION AND AGE OF PRIMIPARITY
Authors: Bowen W. D. , McMillan J. I. , Blanchard Wade 
Published: August 2006

AbstractPup production on Sable Island, Nova Scotia, has been increasing exponentially since the early 1960s and by 1997 Sable Island was the largest gray seal colony worldwide. Using an aerial photographic survey, as in previous years, we estimated pup production in January 2004 to determine if this exponential rate of increase had continued. A total of 33,268 pups was counted on the color positives. When corrected for the proportion pups missed on the imagery (1.106 for the 12th; 1.527 on the 13th), the proportion of pups that died prior to the survey (0.031), and the proportion of pups born before the survey (east colony 0.966, west colony 0.962), estimated total pup production was 41,500 with SE = 4,381. The 2004 estimate indicates that pup production on Sable Island has continued to increase, but suggests that the rate of increase (r) may have declined (0.070 compared to previous 0.128). Females from the 1998–2000 cohorts were about 16 times less likely to give birth for the first time at age 4 yr and more than twice as likely at age 6 yr compared to those in the mid‐late 1980s. The new estimate of pup production and observed changes in age of primiparity provide the first indication of changes in vital rates of this population. However, additional estimates of pup production and vital rates are needed to confirm this conclusion and to investigate the underlying mechanisms.
Evolution of Vitamin B2Biosynthesis: 6,7-Dimethyl-8-Ribityllumazine Synthases ofBrucella
Authors: Zylberman Vanesa , Klinke Sebastián , Haase Ilka , Bacher Adelbert , Fischer Markus , Goldbaum Fernando Alberto 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTThe penultimate step in the biosynthesis of riboflavin (vitamin B2) involves the condensation of 3,4-dihydroxy-2-butanone 4-phosphate with 5-amino-6-ribitylamino-2,4(1H,3H)-pyrimidinedione, which is catalyzed by 6,7-dimethyl-8-ribityllumazine synthase (lumazine synthase). PathogenicBrucellaspecies adapted to an intracellular lifestyle have two genes involved in riboflavin synthesis,ribH1andribH2, which are located on different chromosomes. TheribH2gene was shown previously to specify a lumazine synthase (type II lumazine synthase) with an unusual decameric structure and a very highKmfor 3,4-dihydroxy-2-butanone 4-phosphate. Moreover, the protein was found to be an immunodominantBrucellaantigen and was able to generate strong humoral as well as cellular immunity againstBrucella abortusin mice. We have now cloned and expressed theribH1gene, which is located inside a small riboflavin operon, together with two other putative riboflavin biosynthesis genes and thenusBgene, specifying an antitermination factor. The RibH1 protein (type I lumazine synthase) is a homopentamer catalyzing the formation of 6,7-dimethyl-8-ribityllumazine at a rate of 18 nmol mg−1min−1. Sequence comparison of lumazine synthases from archaea, bacteria, plants, and fungi suggests a family of proteins comprising archaeal lumazine and riboflavin synthases, type I lumazine synthases, and the eubacterial type II lumazine synthases.
Expression of Yeast Mitochondrial Aconitase in
Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Serio Alisa W. , Sonenshein Abraham L. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT

Expression of yeast mitochondrial aconitase (Aco1) in a
Bacillus subtilis
aconitase null mutant restored aconitase activity and glutamate prototrophy but only partially restored sporulation. Late sporulation gene expression in the Aco1-expressing strain was delayed.
Bacillus subtilis
Aconitase Is Required for Efficient Late-Sporulation Gene Expression
Authors: Serio Alisa W. , Pechter Kieran B. , Sonenshein Abraham L. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT

Bacillus subtilis
aconitase, encoded by the
citB
gene, is homologous to the bifunctional eukaryotic protein IRP-1 (iron regulatory protein 1). Like IRP-1,
B. subtilis
aconitase is both an enzyme and an RNA binding protein. In an attempt to separate the two activities of aconitase, the C-terminal region of the
B. subtilis citB
gene product was mutagenized. The resulting strain had high catalytic activity but was defective in sporulation. The defect was at a late stage of sporulation, specifically affecting expression of σ
K
-dependent genes, many of which are important for spore coat assembly and require transcriptional activation by GerE. Accumulation of
gerE
mRNA and GerE protein was delayed in the aconitase mutant strain. Pure
B. subtilis
aconitase bound to the 3′ untranslated region of
gerE
mRNA in in vitro gel mobility shift assays, strongly suggesting that aconitase RNA binding activity may stabilize
gerE
mRNA in order to allow efficient GerE synthesis and proper timing of spore coat assembly.
ScoC and SinR Negatively Regulateeprby Corepression inBacillus subtilis
Authors: Kodgire Prashant , Dixit Madhulika , Rao K. Krishnamurthy 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTNegative regulation ofeprinBacillus subtilis168 is mediated jointly by both ScoC and SinR, which bind to their respective target sites 62 bp apart. Increasing the distance between the two sites abolishes repression, indicating that the two proteins interact, thereby suggesting a mechanism of corepression.
Antimutator Role of the DNA Glycosylase
mutY
Gene in
Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Huang Shuyan , Kang Josephine , Blaser Martin J. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT

Helicobacter pylori
has a highly variable genome with ongoing diversification via inter- and intragenomic recombination and spontaneous mutation. DNA repair genes modulating mutation and recombination rates that influence diversification have not been well characterized for
H. pylori
. To examine the role of putative base excision repair
ung
and
mutY
glycosylase and
xthA
apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease genes in
H. pylori
, mutants of each were constructed in strain JP26 by allelic exchange. Spontaneous mutation frequencies of JP26
mutY
mutants, assessed by rifampin resistance, were consistently higher (26-fold) than that of the wild type, whereas the
ung
and
xthA
mutants showed smaller increases. In
trans
complementation of the JP26
mutY
mutant restored spontaneous mutation frequencies to wild-type levels. In cross-species studies,
H. pylori mutY
complemented an
Escherichia coli mutY
mutant and vice versa. In contrast, the
ung
and
mutY
mutants did not show higher frequencies of intergenomic recombination or greater sensitivity to UV-induced DNA damage than the wild type. The
H. pylori mutY
open reading frame contains an eight-adenine homonucleotide tract; we provide evidence that this is subject to slipped-strand mispairing, leading to frameshifts that eliminate gene function. Our findings indicate that
H. pylori
possesses phase-variable base excision repair, consistent with a tension between repair and mutation.
Investigations into σ
B
-Modulated Regulatory Pathways Governing Extracellular Virulence Determinant Production in
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Shaw Lindsey N. , Aish Joanne , Davenport Jessica E. , Brown Melanie C. , Lithgow James K. , Simmonite Kay , Crossley Howard , Travis James , Potempa Jan , Foster Simon J. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT

The commonly used
Staphylococcus aureus
laboratory strain 8325-4 bears a naturally occurring 11-bp deletion in the σ
B
-regulating phosphatase
rsbU
. We have previously published a report (M. J. Horsburgh, J. L. Aish, I. J. White, L. Shaw, J. K. Lithgow, and S. J. Foster, J. Bacteriol. 184:5457-5467, 2002) on restoring the
rsbU
deletion, producing a σ
B
-functional 8325-4 derivative, SH1000. SH1000 is pleiotropically altered in phenotype from 8325-4, displaying enhanced pigmentation, increased growth yields, and a marked decrease in secreted exoproteins. This reduction in exoprotein secretion appears to result from a sixfold reduction in
agr
expression. In this study we have undertaken transposon mutagenesis of SH1000 to identify components involved in the modulation of extracellular proteases and α-hemolysin compared to 8325-4. In total, 13 genes were identified displaying increased α-hemolysin transcription and extracellular proteolysis. Phenotypic analysis revealed that each mutant also had decreased pigmentation and a general increase in protein secretion. Interestingly this phenotype was not identical in each case but was variable from mutant to mutant. None of the genes identified encoded classic regulatory proteins but were predominantly metabolic enzymes involved in amino acid biosynthesis and transport. Further analysis revealed that all of these mutations were clustered in a 35-kb region of the chromosome. By complementation and genetic manipulation we were able to demonstrate the validity of these mutations. Interestingly transcriptional analysis revealed that rather than being regulated by σ
B
, these genes appeared to have a role in the regulation of σ
B
activity. Thus, we propose that the loss of individual genes in this chromosomal hot spot region results in a destabilization of cellular harmony and disruption of the σ
B
regulatory cascade.