bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Daptomycin Nonsusceptibility in
Staphylococcus aureus
with Reduced Vancomycin Susceptibility Is Independent of Alterations in MprF
Authors: Pillai Satish K. , Gold Howard S. , Sakoulas George , Wennersten Christine , Moellering Robert C. , Eliopoulos George M. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

A previous study documented the presence of mutations in
mprF
that accompanied the loss of daptomycin susceptibility among
Staphylococcus aureus
isolates following exposure to the drug. An association between the development of glycopeptide-intermediate
S. aureus
and daptomycin nonsusceptibility has also been recently described. We report that among three clinical
S. aureus
isolates which developed vancomycin heteroresistance, as well as daptomycin nonsusceptibility despite a lack of exposure to this drug, there were no mutations resulting in amino acid substitutions in MprF.
Reduced Pathology following Infection with TransgenicLeishmania majorExpressing Murine CD40 Ligand
Authors: Field Ann E. , Wagage Sagie , Conrad Sean M. , Mosser David M. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTLeishmanization is the inoculation of liveLeishmaniainto the host to vaccinate against subsequent infections. This approach has been largely discontinued due to safety concerns. We have previously shown that combining CD40 ligand (CD40L) withLeishmaniaantigen preferentially induces a type 1 immune response and provides some protection to vaccinated mice (G. Chen, P. A. Darrah, and D. M. Mosser, Infect. Immun.69:3255-3263, 2001). In the present study, we developed transgenicL. majororganisms which express and secrete the extracellular portion of CD40L (L. majorCD40LE). We hypothesized that these organisms would be less virulent but more immunogenic than wild-type organisms and therefore be more effective at leishmanization. Transgenic parasites expressing CD40L mRNA and protein were developed. BALB/c mice infected with these parasites developed significantly smaller lesions containing fewer parasites than animals infected with wild-type organisms. Infection of resistant C57BL/6 mice with low doses of transgenic parasites induced a significant amount of protection against subsequent high-dose infection with wild-type organisms. These results demonstrate that transgenic organisms expressing CD40L are less virulent than wild-type organisms while retaining full immunogenicity.
Disruption of Interleukin-27 Signaling Results in Impaired Gamma Interferon Production but Does Not Significantly Affect Immunopathology in Murine Schistosome Infection
Authors: Shainheit Mara G. , Saraceno Rosita , Bazzone Lindsey E. , Rutitzky Laura I. , Stadecker Miguel J. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTIn schistosomiasis mansoni, parasite eggs cause hepatointestinal granulomatous inflammation and fibrosis mediated by CD4 T cells specific for egg antigens. The severity of disease varies extensively in humans and among mouse strains. Marked disease exacerbation induced in typically low-pathology C57BL/6 mice by immunization with schistosome egg antigens (SEA) in complete Freund's adjuvant (SEA/CFA) correlates with elevated production of the proinflammatory cytokines gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and interleukin-17 (IL-17), which are regulated by IL-12 and IL-23, respectively. Here we examined the effect on the schistosome infection of a third member of the IL-12 family of heterodimeric cytokines, IL-27, using SEA/CFA-immunized and unimmunized mice deficient in the IL-27 receptor chain WSX-1 (WSX-1−/−). SEA-stimulated bulk mesenteric lymph node cells or CD4 T cells from 7-week-infected WSX-1−/−mice produced significantly less IFN-γ than did those from C57BL/6 mice, even though there was no difference between these mice in exacerbated hepatic egg-induced granulomatous inflammation or in the levels of IL-17 induced by immunization with SEA/CFA. A fraction of the cells in the granulomas stained positive for IL-27, but there were no significant differences between WSX-1−/−and BL/6 mice, nor were there differences in the number of CD4 T cells and eosinophils. A 24-week chronic infection resulted in markedly reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including IFN-γ, in WSX-1−/−mice, but again the magnitude of immunopathology was not significantly different between the two groups. These findings indicate that despite the impaired IFN-γ production, IL-27 signaling has no significant effect on either the magnitude of egg-induced immunopathology or on its closest in vitro correlate, IL-17.
Impact of Zygomycosis on Microbiology Workload: a Survey Study in Spain
Authors: Torres-Narbona Marta , Guinea Jesús , Martínez-Alarcón José , Muñoz Patricia , Gadea Ignacio ,   and Emilio Bouza as a representative of the MYCOMED Zygomycosis Study Group
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT
This multicenter, population-based study evaluated the laboratory workload produced by zygomycetes and the number of cases of zygomycosis in Spain during 2005. Less than 8% of the patients who harbored zygomycete isolates had zygomycosis. The incidence of zygomycosis (6 cases) was 0.43 cases/1,000,000 inhabitants and 0.62 cases/100,000 hospital admissions.
A Distinct Group of Hepacivirus/Pestivirus-Like Internal Ribosomal Entry Sites in Members of DiversePicornavirusGenera: Evidence for Modular Exchange of Functional Noncoding RNA Elements by Recombination
Authors: Hellen Christopher U. T. , de Breyne Sylvain 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTThe 5′ untranslated regions (UTRs) of the RNA genomes ofFlaviviridaeof theHepacivirusandPestivirusgenera contain internal ribosomal entry sites (IRESs) that are unrelated to the two principal classes of IRESs ofPicornaviridae. The mechanism of translation initiation onhepacivirus/pestivirus (HP) IRESs, which involves factor-independent binding to ribosomal 40S subunits, also differs fundamentally from initiation on these picornavirus IRESs. Ribosomal binding to HP IRESs requires conserved sequences that form a pseudoknot and the adjacent IIId and IIIe domains; analogous elements do not occur in the two principal groups of picornavirus IRESs. Here, comparative sequence analysis was used to identify a subset of picornaviruses from multiple genera that contain 5′ UTR sequences with significant similarities to HP IRESs. They are avian encephalomyelitis virus, duck hepatitis virus 1, duck picornavirus, porcine teschovirus, porcine enterovirus 8, Seneca Valley virus, and simian picornavirus. Their 5′ UTRs are predicted to form several structures, in some of which the peripheral elements differ from the corresponding HP IRES elements but in which the core pseudoknot, domain IIId, and domain IIIe elements are all closely related. These findings suggest that HP-like IRESs have been exchanged between unrelated virus families by recombination and support the hypothesis that RNA viruses consist of modular coding and noncoding elements that can exchange and evolve independently.
Diagnostic Accuracy of ELISA and xMAP Technology for Analysis of Amyloid β42 and Tau Proteins
Authors: Reijn Thierry SM , Rikkert Marcel Olde , van Geel Wieneke JA , de Jong Danielle , Verbeek Marcel M 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of amyloid β42 (Aβ42) peptides and tau proteins may serve as biomarkers for Alzheimer disease (AD). Recently, the xMAP technology has been introduced as an alternative to ELISA for measurement of these markers.
Methods: We used xMAP assays and ELISA to analyze CSF concentrations of Aβ42, total tau (t-tau), and tau phosphorylated at threonine 181 (p-tau181) in samples from 69 patients with Alzheimer disease, 26 patients with vascular dementia, and 55 controls without neurological disorders.
Results: High CV values (&gt;28%) for the ratio of xMAP:ELISA were observed for each biomarker, indicating that a constant correction factor cannot be applied to recalculate xMAP results into ELISA results. When a combination of CSF markers was used, the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the ROC curves for xMAP assays and ELISAs were not significantly different in differentiating AD patients from vascular dementia patients and controls.
Conclusions: A constant conversion factor cannot be used successfully to recalculate results obtained with xMAP assays to those from the ELISAs. With the use of analysis of a combination of Aβ42, t-tau, and p-tau in CSF, however, differentiation of clinical groups is equivalent when either xMAP technology or conventional ELISA is used.
Quantifying Spurious Free T4 Results Attributable to Thyroxine-Binding Proteins in Serum Dialysates and Ultrafiltrates
Authors: Fritz Kristofer S , Wilcox R Bruce , Nelson Jerald C 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
Background: Direct equilibrium dialysis and direct ultrafiltration free thyroxine (T4) assays rely on semipermeable membranes to exclude T4-binding serum proteins from dialysates and ultrafiltrates. The presence of these proteins in dialysates or ultrafiltrates will yield spuriously high free T4 values when free T4 is quantified by RIA.
Methods: We used a nonanalog free T4 RIA that detects and quantifies dialyzable and ultrafilterable serum free T4 to detect T4-binding serum proteins. Two equilibrium dialysis devices and 3 ultrafiltration devices were used to illustrate this application. Displacements of [125I]T4 from anti-T4 by various concentrations of T4-depleted thyroxine-binding globulin, albumin, and serum total protein were compared to displacements by various concentrations of free T4.
Results: Both dialysis devices excluded detectable T4-binding serum proteins from dialysates. Two of 3 ultrafiltration devices excluded detectable T4-binding serum proteins from ultrafiltrates. One did not, and its ultrafiltrate yielded spurious free T4 values that correlated directly with serum protein concentrations.
Conclusion: The presence or absence of T4-binding proteins in dialysates and ultrafiltrates and the spurious free T4 values that these proteins cause can be documented using a nonanalog free T4 RIA.
Transverse mechanical behaviour and moisture absorption of waterlogged archaeological wood from the Vasa ship
Authors: Ljungdahl Jonas , Berglund Lars A. 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
Damage on the hull of the 17th century Swedish warship Vasa has been observed recently. Damage in the form of indentations in the wood is caused by high compressive loads from the support structure. In the process of developing an improved support structure, radial mechanical properties and the deformation mechanisms of Vasa oak are particularly important. Causes of differences in PEG content and oak degradation are also of interest. The radial modulus and compressive strength of Vasa oak are 50% lower than for recent oak. Furthermore, a significant change in failure mechanism is observed. More brittle separation fracture of the rays of Vasa oak is observed compared to the continuous folds of rays in recent oak. Tangential stiffness and strength are also 30% and 50% lower, respectively. Comparably small differences in moisture absorption between PEG-extracted Vasa oak and recent oak indicate a low extent of degradation of the Vasa oak.
Notes on home range and habitat use of three small carnivore species in a disturbed vegetation mosaic of southeastern Brazil / Notes sur le territoire et l'utilisation de l'habitat de trois espèces de petits carnivores dans une végétation mosaïque perturbée au Sud Est du Brésil
Authors: Michalski Fernanda , Crawshaw Peter G. , Oliveira Tadeu Gomes de , Fabián Marta Elena 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe home range and habitat use of three carnivore species was investigated in a disturbed forest of southeastern Brazil. Three jaguarundis ( Herpailurus yagouaroundi ), two crab-eating foxes ( Cerdocyon thous ), and two tayras ( Eira barbara ) were radio-tracked to test the hypothesis that home ranges and habitat use would differ between the proportion of habitat types available. The largest home ranges were those of one male jaguarundi (2047 ha) and the male crab-eating fox (1053 ha). The smallest were those of the females of crab-eating fox (48 ha) and jaguarundi (188 ha). The female jaguarundi was the only individual to show a significant difference between observed and expected habitat use. All species used disturbed habitats (secondary forest, grassland savanna, and Eucalyptus plantation) to varying degrees. Thus, these species showed great flexibility in their use of disturbed habitats.
Nouvelles données sur les cétacés des îles Kerguelen / New data on cetaceans of the Kerguelen Islands
Authors: Robineau Daniel , Duhamel Guy 
Published: April 2007

RésuméDes observations nouvelles et quelques échouages complètent le premier bilan faunistique établi en 1989 pour les îles Kerguelen. Aux neuf espèces identifiées précédemment ( Eubalaena glacialis , Balaenoptera acutorostrata , Megaptera novaeangliae , Physeter macrocephalus , Mesoplodon layardii , Cephalorhynchus commersonii , Lagenorhynchus cruciger , Orcinus orca , et Globicephala melas ) s'ajoutent, grâce à des échouages, deux nouvelles espèces: Ziphius cavirostris et Hyperoodon planifrons . En outre, la présence occasionnelle de Phocoena dioptrica est confirmée. L'événement le plus marquant est cependant le grand nombre d'observations (n=1649) de cachalots ( Physeter macrocephalus ) faites depuis 1989 au delà du plateau des îles, dans une zone peu fréquentée autrefois par les bateaux de pêche. Pour le dauphin de Commerson ( Cephalorhynchus commersonii ), espèce la plus commune, des données biologiques et écologiques s'ajoutent aux données faunistiques. Nous faisons également état, pour trois espèces ( Physeter macrocephalus , Orcinus orca , et Globicephala melas ), d'interactions avec la pêcherie à la palangre de la légine australe ( Dissostichus eleginoides ).
Estimation of population density of Eidolon helvum on the island of Príncipe, Gulf of Guinea / Estimation de densité de population de Eidolon helvum sur l'île de Príncipe, Golfe de Guinée
Authors: Dallimer Martin , King Tony , Cope David , Borge Jiana Manuel 
Published: April 2007

AbstractEidolon helvum is a widespread African fruit bat. It is migratory and can form colonies of millions of individuals. On Príncipe, in the Gulf of Guinea, there are seemingly large numbers of E. helvum . Here, they have lost their migratory behaviour and rely on the availability of the year-round food resources on the island, which is small (128 km
Winter reproduction of Eliomys quercinus (Rodentia) in the orange groves of Sagunto (Valencia, Spain) / La reproduction en hiver d' Eliomys quercinus (Rodentia) dans les orangeraies de Sagunto (Valence, Espagne)
Authors: Gil-Delgado José Antonio , Cabaret Pauline , Declercq Sophie , Gómez Jaime , Sánchez Iván 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe colonisation of orange groves in Eastern Spain by the garden dormouse Eliomys quercinus and their reproduction were studied. Litter sizes and times of birth of garden dormice were studied during the winter of 2003/2004 until the month of May 2004. The main study area was a plot covered by orange trees that has been monitored since 1975. Litters in nest boxes placed around the plot for birds, as well as a few litters in nests built in trees, were observed to obtain information on reproduction. The nests found in trees include some built in old bird nests, most of them belonging to the blackbird Turdus merula . We weighed the cubs to determine their month of birth and identified the population trend by counting the number of nests occupied simultaneously. Results show that there are births during the winter, that the number of cubs per nest ranged from 4 to 13, but 6 cubs was the mode. A total of 34 litters were found, with an average size of 5.76 cubs per litter. The litter of 13 cubs was excluded from analysis. Colonisation was suspected after a first specimen was observed in 1997 in the surroundings of the study area. Occupation by garden dormice of both natural nests and nest boxes subsequently increased from 1 to 27 between 1999 and 2004. We suggest that mild winter temperatures allowed the population increase and winter reproduction.
Preliminary Morphometrics of Spleen and Kidney Macrophage Aggregates in Clinically Normal Blue Gourami Trichogaster trichopterus and Freshwater Angelfish Pterophyllum scalare
Authors: Russo Riccardo , Yanong Roy P. E. , Terrell Scott P. 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
Macrophage aggregate (MA) morphometry and pigment composition are believed to be dependent on the species, age, and health status of the fish. The aim of this study was to characterize a “normal” morphometry baseline of spleen and kidney MAs in blue gourami Trichogaster trichopterus and freshwater angelfish Pterophyllum scalare. Three size-classes of clinically normal fish were analyzed. Blue gourami and freshwater angelfish were obtained from three local ornamental fish farms; for each size-class, 10 fish from each farm were analyzed. Hematoxylin- and eosin-stained tissue sections were analyzed by light microscopy at 100× magnification and an image analysis program. The percentage of tissue occupied by MAs, MA size, and MA number were calculated on three arbitrarily selected fields of view from each spleen and kidney. In clinically normal blue gourami, increases in the percentage of tissue occupied by MAs and in MA size were associated with an increase in fish size, but in clinically normal angelfish no correlation was observed. Furthermore, in angelfish, a high variability in MA morphometry was observed, even among fish from the same sample group. In both species, a significant difference in the value of the morphometric parameters was observed among farms. Because iridoviruses inhibit macrophage activity and (possibly) proliferation, MAs in 25 clinical cases of iridovirus-infected blue gourami were analyzed. Preliminary data indicate that in iridovirus-infected blue gourami, there is a decrease in MA size and MA number compared with those of healthy fish.
“Cool” Engagements With YouTube: Part 2
Authors: Trier James 
Published: March 2007

In this second part of a series on the use of the video‐sharing website YouTube (www.youtube.com), the author suggests assignments that can engage students with YouTube and support their classroom readings. The author also explainsCreating a YouTube accountThe options and information that accompany each YouTube videoSearching strategiesCreating My Favorites and Playlists pages
What's a Teacher To Do: Suggestions for Comprehension Strategy Instruction
Authors: Onofrey Karen A. , Theurer Joan Leikam 
Published: March 2007

Reading comprehension clearly involves much more than answering the questions at the end of the chapter. If students are going to become proficient in comprehension, we teachers need to equip them with skills and strategies that are independently transferable.This article provides detailed instructions for two comprehension instructional strategies which the authors have used successfully in elementary and middle school classrooms. The strategies were selected based on authenticity and capacity for use repeatedly throughout the year with learners of different ages. Both strategies support a reader's ability to create mental images and associations using background knowledge. One advantage to these approaches is the limited amount of preparation time needed once students have the received the explicit instruction in crafting a literature response.
Clinical and Biochemical Assessment of Hypogonadism in Men With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Kapoor Dheeraj , Aldred Hazel , Clark Stephanie , Channer Kevin S. , Jones T. Hugh 
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVE—The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of clinical hypogonadism, based on both symptoms and biochemical available measures of testosterone deficiency, in men with type 2 diabetes.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—In a cross-sectional study of 355 type 2 diabetic men aged &gt;30 years, total and bioavailable testosterone, sex hormone–binding globulin, BMI, and waist circumference were measured and free testosterone was calculated. Overt hypogonadism was defined as the presence of clinical symptoms of hypogonadism and low testosterone level (total testosterone &lt;8 nmol/l and/or bioavailable testosterone &lt;2.5 nmol/l). Borderline hypogonadism was defined as the presence of symptoms and total testosterone of 8–12 nmol/l or bioavailable testosterone of 2.5–4 nmol/l.
RESULTS—A low blood testosterone level was common in diabetic men, and a significant proportion of these men had symptoms of hypogonadism. Overt hypogonadism was seen in 17% of men with total testosterone &lt;8 nmol/l and 14% with bioavailable testosterone &lt;2.5 nmol/l. Borderline hypogonadism was found in 25% of men with total testosterone 8–12 nmol/l and bioavailable testosterone between 2.5 and 4 nmol/l; 42% of the men had free testosterone &lt;0.255 nmol/l. BMI and waist circumference were both significantly negatively correlated with testosterone levels in men, with the association being stronger for waist circumference.
CONCLUSIONS—Testosterone levels are frequently low in men with type 2 diabetes, and the majority of these men have symptoms of hypogonadism. Obesity is associated with low testosterone levels in diabetic men.
A 6-Month, Randomized, Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Effects of the Protein Kinase C-β Inhibitor Ruboxistaurin on Skin Microvascular Blood Flow and Other Measures of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Casellini Carolina M. , Barlow Patricia M. , Rice Amanda L. , Casey Melissa , Simmons Kathryn , Pittenger Gary , Bastyr Edward J. , Wolka Anne M. , Vinik Aaron I. 
Published: March 2007

OBJECTIVE—Diabetes leads to protein kinase C (PKC)-β overactivation and microvascular dysfunction, possibly resulting in disordered skin microvascular blood flow (SkBF) and other changes observed in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) patients. We investigate the effects of the isoform-selective PKC-β inhibitor ruboxistaurin mesylate on neurovascular function and other measures of DPN.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Endothelium-dependent and C fiber–mediated SkBF, sensory symptoms, neurological deficits, nerve fiber morphometry, quantitative sensory and autonomic function testing, nerve conduction studies, quality of life (using the Norfolk Quality-of-Life Questionnaire for Diabetic Neuropathy [QOL-DN]), and adverse events were evaluated for 20 placebo- and 20 ruboxistaurin-treated (32 mg/day) DPN patients (aged ≥18 years; with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and A1C ≤11%) during a randomized, double-masked, single-site, 6-month study.
RESULTS—Endothelium-dependent (+78.2%, P &lt; 0.03) and C fiber–mediated (+56.4%, P &lt; 0.03) SkBF at the distal calf increased from baseline to end point. Significant improvements from baseline within the ruboxistaurin group were also observed for the Neuropathy Total Symptom Score-6 (NTSS-6) (3 months −48.3%, P = 0.01; end point −66.0%, P &lt; 0.0006) and the Norfolk QOL-DN symptom subscore and total score (end point −41.2%, P = 0.01, and −41.0, P = 0.04, respectively). Between-group differences in baseline–to–end point change were observed for NTSS-6 total score (placebo −13.1%; ruboxistaurin −66.0%, P &lt; 0.03) and the Norfolk QOL-DN symptom subscore (placebo −4.0%; ruboxistaurin −41.2%, P = 0.041). No significant ruboxistaurin effects were demonstrated for the remaining efficacy measures. Adverse events were consistent with those observed in previous ruboxistaurin studies.
CONCLUSIONS—In this cohort of DPN patients, ruboxistaurin enhanced SkBF at the distal calf, reduced sensory symptoms (NTSS-6), improved measures of Norfolk QOL-DN, and was well tolerated.