bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lentivirus‐mediated bifunctional cell labeling for in vivo melanoma study
Authors: Day Chi‐Ping , Carter John , Bonomi Carrie , Esposito Dominic , Crise Bruce , Ortiz‐Conde Betty , Hollingshead Melinda , Merlino Glenn 
Published: January 2009

SummaryLentiviral vectors (LVs) are capable of labeling a broad spectrum of cell types, achieving stable expression of transgenes. However, for in vivo studies, the duration of marker gene expression has been highly variable. We have developed a series of LVs harboring different promoters for expressing reporter gene in mouse cells. Long‐term culture and colony formation of several LV‐labeled mouse melanoma cells showed that promoters derived from mammalian house‐keeping genes, especially those encoding RNA polymerase II (Pol2) and ferritin (FerH), provided the highest consistency for reporter expression. For in vivo studies, primary B16BL6 mouse melanoma were infected with LVs whose luciferase–green fluorescence protein fusion gene (Luc/GFP) was driven by either Pol2 or FerH promoters. When transplanted into syngeneic C57BL/6 mice, Luc/GFP‐labeled B16BL6 mouse melanoma cells can be monitored by bioluminescence imaging in vivo, and GFP‐positive cells can be isolated from the tumors by fluorescence‐activated cell sorter. Pol2‐Luc/GFP labeling, while lower in activity, was more sustainable than FerH‐Luc/GFP labeling in B16BL6 over consecutive passages into mice. We conclude that Pol‐2‐Luc/GFP labeling allows long‐term in vivo monitoring and tumor cell isolation in immunocompetent mouse melanoma models.
Physiological role and regulation of glutamate dehydrogenase inProchlorococcussp. strain MIT9313
Authors: Rangel Oriol Alberto , Gómez‐Baena Guadalupe , López‐Lozano Antonio , Diez Jesús , García‐Fernández Jose Manuel 
Published: January 2009

SummaryGlutamate dehydrogenase is an enzyme catalysing a reaction for ammonium assimilation, alternative to those performed by glutamine synthetase and glutamate synthase. In the genusProchlorococcus, genomic studies have shown the presence of thegdhAgene (encoding glutamate dehydrogenase) in only four of the sequenced strains, including MIT9313. We studied the physiological regulation of glutamate dehydrogenase in this strain, by measuring the expression ofgdhA, the intracellular concentration of the enzyme and its activity. Our goal was to clarify the physiological role of glutamate dehydrogenase, in order to understand why it has been selectively conserved in certain strains. Studies performed in cultures under nitrogen starvation, or with inhibitors of the nitrogen assimilation, suggest that the main role of glutamate dehydrogenase is not the assimilation of ammonium. Glutamate dehydrogenase activity andgdhAexpression increased along the growth of cultures. Besides, we found a significant upregulation in gene expression when cultures were grown on glutamate as nitrogen source. We suggest that the main physiological role of glutamate dehydrogenase inProchlorococcusMIT9313 is the utilization of glutamate to produce ammonium and 2‐oxoglutarate, and amino acid recycling, thus enabling to use amino acids as nitrogen source. Therefore we propose that glutamate dehydrogenase is present in the genome of strains for whom the utilization of amino acids is most important.
A Multi‐Level Approach for Investigating Socio‐Economic and Agricultural Risk Factors Associated with Rates of Reported Cases of Escherichia coli O157 in Humans in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Pearl D. L. , Louie M. , Chui L. , Doré K. , Grimsrud K. M. , Martin S. W. , Michel P. , Svenson L. W. , McEwen S. A. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryUsing negative binomial and multi‐level Poisson models, the authors determined the statistical significance of agricultural and socio‐economic risk factors for rates of reported disease associated with Escherichia coli O157 in census subdivisions (CSDs) in Alberta, Canada, 2000–2002. Variables relating to population stability, aboriginal composition of the CSDs, and the economic relationship between CSDs and urban centres were significant risk factors. The percentage of individuals living in low‐income households was not a statistically significant risk factor for rates of disease. The statistical significance of cattle density, recorded at a higher geographical level, depended on the method used to correct for overdispersion, the number of levels included in the multi‐level models, and the choice of using all reported cases or only sporadic cases. Our results highlight the importance of local socio‐economic risk factors in determining rates of disease associated with E. coli O157, but their relationship with individual risk factors requires further evaluation.
The Methodological Soundness of Literature Reviews Addressing Three Potential Zoonotic Public Health Issues
Authors: Waddell L. , Rajić A. , Sargeant J. , Parker S. , Deckert A. , McEwen S. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryLiterature reviews are important information sources for multiple stakeholders in zoonotic public health with limited time to keep up with the rapid increase in primary research in this field. However, their validity depends on their methodological soundness. The study purpose was to evaluate the methodological soundness of literature reviews in zoonotic public health. Relevant reviews (n = 132) published between January 2000 and August 2006 were identified on three issues:Mycobacterium aviumsspparatuberculosisas a potential cause of Crohn’s disease in humans (30 reviews); antimicrobial use in animals as a risk factor for antimicrobial resistance in human pathogens (36); and the zoonotic potential of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (66). The zoonotic aspect of the issue was the focus of 59 reviews and a subsection of 73 reviews. Two independent reviewers evaluated reviews using 13 criteria: 10 previously validated in the medical field, and three applicable to aetiology research. No review met more than eight of 13 criteria for methodological soundness; two articles met only one criterion. Two reviews described methods for identifying relevant primary research. In only two and four reviews respectively, authors conducted quantitative syntheses of research evidence or reported summarized measures of effect for the zoonotic risk to humans. Recommendations for future research and economic impact were provided in 64 and 10 reviews respectively. In 14 reviews, conclusions exceeded evidence presented. The various review authors’ position on the evidence for the zoonotic association and the zoonotic risk to public health were inconsistent for all three issues. Reviews addressing potential zoonotic public health issues lack structured and transparent methodology preventing the end user from assessing the review’s validity. These reviews should adhere to structured scientific principles similar to what is used for primary research articles.
Serovars ofSalmonellafrom captive reptiles
Authors: Pedersen K. , Lassen‐Nielsen A.‐M. , Nordentoft S. , Hammer A. S. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThe distribution on serovars of 60Salmonellaisolates from reptiles kept in captivity in Denmark during the period 1995–2006 was investigated. The isolates were all recovered from clinical specimens submitted to the National Veterinary Institute. A majority of the samples were from reptiles in zoological gardens or similar, while a minor number was from reptiles kept in private homes. A total of 43 serovars were detected, most of them being what is usually called exotic serotypes, and many not having a trivial name, while a few isolates belonged to well‐known human pathogenic serovars, such asS. Enteritidis,S. Typhimurium,S. Bovismorbificans. One isolate was rough and two were non‐typeable. Isolates from turtles belonged to the subspeciesenterica, while many isolates from both sauria and snakes belonged to other subspecies. The findings underline the potential zoonotic risk by handling reptiles in zoological garden or other public settings, or keeping pet reptiles in private homes.
Vaccination with Mycobacterium bovis BCG Strains Danish and Pasteur in White‐tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Experimentally Challenged with Mycobacterium bovis
Authors: Palmer M. V. , Thacker T. C. , Waters W. R. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryWildlife reservoirs of Mycobacterium bovis represent serious obstacles to the eradication of tuberculosis in domestic livestock and the cause for many faltering bovine tuberculosis eradication programmes. One approach in dealing with wildlife reservoirs of disease is to interrupt inter‐species and intraspecies transmission through vaccination of deer or cattle. To evaluate the efficacy of BCG vaccination in white‐tailed deer, 35 deer were assigned to one of three groups; one s.c. dose of 107 CFU of M. bovis BCG Pasteur (n = 12); 1 s.c. dose of 107 CFU of M. bovis BCG Danish (n = 11); or unvaccinated deer (n = 12). After vaccination, deer were inoculated intratonsilarly with virulent M. bovis. Lesion severity scores of the medial retropharyngeal lymph node, as well as all lymph nodes combined, were reduced in vaccinated deer compared to unvaccinated deer. BCG Danish vaccinated deer had no late stage granulomas characterized by coalescent caseonecrotic granulomas containing numerous acid‐fast bacilli compared to BCG Pasteur vaccinated or unvaccinated deer where such lesions were present. Both BCG strains were isolated as late as 250 days after vaccination from deer that were vaccinated but not challenged. In white‐tailed deer, BCG provides protection against challenge with virulent M. bovis. Issues related to vaccine persistence, safety and shedding remain to be further investigated.
Direct Detection of Mycobacterium bovis in Bovine Lymph Nodes by PCR
Authors: Cardoso M. A. , Cardoso R. F. , Hirata R. D. C. , Hirata M. H. , Leite C. Q. F. , Santos A. C. B. , Siqueira V. L. D. , Okano W. , Rocha N. S. , Lonardoni M. V. C. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThirty‐five lymph node samples were taken from animals with macroscopic lesions consistent with Mycobacterium bovis infection. The animals were identified by postmortem examination in an abattoir in the northwestern region of state of Paraná, Brazil. Twenty‐two of the animals had previously been found to be tuberculin skin test positive. Tissue samples were decontaminated by Petroff’s method and processed for acid‐fast bacilli staining, culture in Stonebrink and Lowenstein‐Jensen media and DNA extraction. Lymph node DNA samples were amplified by PCR in the absence and presence (inhibitor controls) of DNA extracted from M. bovis culture. Mycobacterium bovis was identified in 14 (42.4%) lymph node samples by both PCR and by culture. The frequency of PCR‐positive results (54.5%) was similar to that of culture‐positive results (51.5%, P > 0.05). The percentage of PCR‐positive lymph nodes increased from 39.4% (13/33) to 54.5% (18/33) when samples that were initially PCR‐negative were reanalysed using 2.5 μl DNA (two samples) and 1 : 2 diluted DNA (three samples). PCR sensitivity was affected by inhibitors and by the amount of DNA in the clinical samples. Our results indicate that direct detection of M. bovis in lymph nodes by PCR may be a fast and useful tool for bovine tuberculosis epidemic management in the region.
The phenology and impact of Caliciopsis arceuthobii on lodgepole pine dwarf mistletoe, Arceuthobium americanumThis article is one of a collection of papers based on a presentation from the Stem and Shoot Fungal Pathogens and Parasitic Plants: the Values of Biological Diversity session of the XXII International Union of Forestry Research Organization World Congress meeting held in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, in 2005.
Authors: Ramsfield Tod D. , Shamoun Simon F. , van der Kamp Bart J. 
Published: January 2009

Arceuthobium americanum Nuttal ex Engelmann in Gray (lodgepole pine dwarf mistletoe) causes significant losses to the timber industry. The fungus Caliciopsis arceuthobii (Peck) Barr shows high specificity to Arceuthobium spp., and therefore infection of A. americanum was monitored for 4 years to determine the effect of this fungus on fruit production. The contribution of stand-level and locally produced inoculum in the infection process was also studied to better understand the epidemiology of the pathogen. Over the period of the study, C. arceuthobii caused an average annual fruit reduction of 58%. When the contribution of local and stand-level inoculum was modelled, the results suggested that on A. americanum infections with ≥ 4 ascospore-producing immature fruit, more than half of the new C. arceuthobii infections on the same plant are derived from locally produced ascospores. The effect of the fungus on the host suggests that it has potential as a biological control agent for A. americanum, and further studies are needed to attempt to induce inoculum production in culture.
Host responses in the xylem of trees after inoculation with six wood-decay fungi differing in invasivenessThis article is one of a collection of papers based on a presentation from the Stem and Shoot Fungal Pathogens and Parasitic Plants: the Values of Biological Diversity session of the XXII International Union of Forestry Research Organization World Congress meeting held in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, in 2005.
Authors: Deflorio Giuliana , Franz Erwin , Fink Siegfried , Schwarze Francis Willis Mathew Robert 
Published: January 2009

Host responses, i.e., formation of reaction and barrier zones, were studied in the xylem of Douglas-fir, beech, oak, and sycamore trees, after wounding and artificial inoculation with brown-, soft-, and white-rot fungi. The objective of this study was to determine whether strongly invasive wood-decay fungi trigger a higher magnitude of host response than weakly invasive fungi. Differences in active host response, observed microscopically, depended on wood anatomy. Restriction of discoloration and decay by reaction zones was primarily influenced by the content and distribution of parenchyma cells within the sapwood of each host. By contrast, barrier-zone anatomy showed similarities to the basic xylem structure of each host, except for some cell types that were either reduced in number or absent. Regardless of the decay fungus inoculated, individual trees of each host responded differently. With the exception of beech trees inoculated with the soft-rot fungus Kretzschmaria deusta (Hoffm.: Fr.) P. Martin and the white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor (L.: Fries) Pilát, host response appeared to be nonspecific, as the degree of fungal invasiveness did not influence the magnitude of host response within the xylem of investigated trees.
Interactive effects of carbon dioxide concentration and light on the morphological and biomass characteristics of black spruce and white spruce seedlings
Authors: Marfo Jacob , Dang Qing-Lai 
Published: January 2009

CO2–light interactions can influence the competition among boreal plants, but are poorly understood. We investigated the effect of such interactions on the growth and biomass of 1-year-old black spruce (Sb) ( Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) and white spruce (Sw) ( Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) grown with CO2 concentrations ([CO2]) of 360 and 720 µmol·mol–1 under 30%, 50%, and 100% light, in greenhouses. There were significant two-way and three-way interactions. Root collar diameter (RCD) of Sw decreased with decreasing light, while in Sb, there was no significant difference in RCD for plants grown under 50% or 30% light. Height was greater for plants grown under 100% light than if the plants were shaded. Elevated [CO2] increased RCD by 33% and enhanced stem volume by 67%, 98%, and 84% under 100%, 50%, and 30% light, respectively. The CO2 enhancement of total biomass was relatively higher under lower light, and greater for Sb than Sw. Elevated [CO2] decreased specific leaf area under 50% light only. Root mass was generally higher under 100% light than when shaded. Elevated [CO2] increased the root mass of Sb under 100% light, but decreased it under 30% light. Elevated [CO2] decreased the shoot/root ratio under 100% light, but increased it under 30% light. Our data suggest that raising [CO2] will likely increase species competitiveness under low light conditions, and that the increase will be greater in species that are relatively shade tolerant.
Viability of Neotyphodium endophytic fungus and endophyte-infected and noninfected Lolium multiflorum seeds
Authors: Gundel Pedro E. , Martínez-Ghersa M. Alejandra , Garibaldi Lucas A. , Ghersa Claudio M. 
Published: January 2009

Neotyphodium endophyte fungi are vertically transmitted symbionts of cool-season grasses. The seed phase of the grass’ life cycle appears to be critical for the persistence of the fungus. Endophyte viability decreases faster than seed viability, but little is known of the effects of this endophyte on seed viability. The endophyte could affect seed viability through changes in water content. Here, we assessed the effects of the endophyte on seed viability, the differential survival of endophyte and seed, and the effects of infection on seed water content. Viability of endophyte-infected and noninfected seeds and endophyte were evaluated over a period of 729 d under 12 controlled environmental conditions. Seed viability was reduced by the infection at high temperature and high relative humidity, but not under other conditions. Moreover, endophyte viability decreased faster than seed viability only under high humidity or high temperature. Seed water content was not affected by endophyte presence. The proportion of viable infected seeds was mainly affected by the loss in endophyte viability and secondly by the differential survival of infected and noninfected seeds. Knowledge on the relative importance of these processes is critical to understand the factors affecting the efficiency of endophyte vertical transmission and the frequency of endophyte-infected plants.
Pregnancy-associated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Gerth Jens , Schleussner Ekkehard , Kentouche Karim , Busch Martin , Seifert Mandy , Wolf Gunter 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThrombocytopenia during pregnancy is a common diagnostic and management problem. Several differential diagnosis must be considered including manifestations of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). We report here on a case of a 21-year-old pregnant woman who presented initially severe thrombocytopenia (8 Gpt/l) in the 20th+1 week of gestation. The patient had an antibody against ADAMTS13, and enzyme activity was <5%. Immediate plasmapheresis treatment was initiated, followed by plasma infusions, and again plasmapheresis. A male neonate was delivered by caesarean section in the 32nd week of gestation. The child had an uncomplicated postnatal development. After delivery, the mother’s platelet count and ADAMTS13 activity increased to normal values. This case shows interesting aspects of TTP in pregnancy and a close cooperation between obstetricians, nephrologists and pediatricians is necessary for a successful outcome of the pregnancy.
Rituximab as pre-emptive treatment in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and evidence of anti-ADAMTS13 autoantibodies
Authors: Gastoldi Sara , Daina Erica , Belotti Daniela , Pogliani Enrico , Perseghin Paolo , Scalzulli Potito , Paolini Rossella , Marcenò Raimondo , Remuzzi Giuseppe , Galbusera Miriam , Bresin Elena 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare and severe disease characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic haemolytic anemia, neurological and renal involvement associated with deficiency of the von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, ADAMTS13. Persistence of high titers of anti-ADAMTS13 autoantibodies predisposes to relapsing TTP. Since relapses are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, the optimal therapeutic option should be a pre-emptive treatment able to deplete anti-ADAMTS13 autoantibodies and avoid relapses. Five patients who presented with persistence of undetectable ADAMTS13 activity and high titers of autoantibodies, were treated with rituximab as pre-emptive therapy during remission. Four of them were affected by relapsing TTP and one was treated after the first episode. ADAMTS13 activity ranging from 15% to 75% with disappearance of inhibitors was achieved after three months in all patients, and persisted >20% without inhibitors at six months. In three patients disease-free status is still ongoing after 29, 24 and six months, respectively. Relapses were documented in two patients during follow-up: in one patient remission lasted 51 months; while in the other patient relapse occurred after 13 months. Results demonstrated that rituximab used as pre-emptive treatment may be effective in maintaining a sustained remission in patients with anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies in whom other treatments failed to limit the production of inhibitors, and suggests that re-treatment with rituximab should be considered when ADAMTS13 activity decreases and inhibitors reappear into the circulation, to avoid a new relapse.
Pathological aspects of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) and haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) / thrombocytic thrombopenic purpura (TTP)
Authors: Benz Kerstin , Amann Kerstin 
Published: January 2009

SummaryIn this paper, epidemiology, pathogenesis and typical morphological aspects of all three types of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN), of the haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) as well as of thrombotic thrombopenic purpura (TTP) will be reviewed on the light microscopical, immunohistological or immunofluorescence and electron microscopical level. In particular, differences in the pathogenesis of these diseases are discussed. Important recent molecular and genetic insights into the pathogenesis of the three types of MPGN, of typical and atypical HUS and of TTP, i.e. dysregulation of the complement system, distinct molecular defects in C3 and factor H, the major regulatory protein of the alternative pathway of complement activation, and deficiency of a von Willebrand factor (VWF) -cleaving protease, i.e. ADAMTS13, are highlighted. Finally, particular emphasis will be put on differences in glomerular and vascular morphology in the three types of MPGN and in thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), which is the characteristic morphological alteration of the kidney in HUS and TTP, respectively.
Treatment of PC3 prostate cancer cells with mitoxantrone, etoposide, doxorubicin and carboplatin induces distinct alterations in the expression of kallikreins 5 and 11
Authors: Thomadaki Hellinida , Mavridis Konstantinos , Talieri Maroulio , Scorilas Andreas 
Published: January 2009

SummarySeveral of the novel kallikrein-related peptidases (tissue kallikreins; KLKs) are emerging new serum and/or tissue biomarkers for prostate cancer (CaP) diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring. In the present research approach, our objective was to investigate the possible alterations in the mRNA expression levels of KLK5 and KLK11 genes in prostate cancer cells PC3 as a response to treatment with Mitoxantrone, Etoposide, Doxorubicin and Carboplatin. Viability was assessed with the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay after cell treatment with either mitoxantrone (2 μM), etoposide (20 μM), doxorubicin (1 μM), or carboplatin (15 μM), for 24, 48 and 72 hours. Additionally, trypan blue staining revealed that in PC3 cells all drugs displayed almost the same limited necrotic effects which appeared mainly at 72 hours of treatment. PC3 prostate cancer cells showed a concentration- and time-dependent increased cytotoxicity to the drugs under study which was mainly due to reduction of cell proliferation efficiency. Distinct modulations of KLK5 and KLK11 genes, at the mRNA level, were observed, supporting a drug-dependent cell response. Our experimental data demonstrate that the molecular profile mainly of KLK5 gene may serve as a new potential molecular biomarker predicting treatment response in CaP cells.