bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Secretory expression of recombinant proteins in an attenuated Vibrio anguillarum strain for potential use in vaccines
Authors: Shao M , Ma Y , Liu Q , Zhang Y 
Published: December 2005

Abstract Vibrio anguillarum is an important bacterial fish pathogen responsible for epizootics in both marine and freshwater fish worldwide. Studies on pathogenic V. anguillarum has shown that its virulence is mediated by a 65 kb endogenous pJM1‐like plasmid, which encodes an efficient iron uptake system. The plasmid‐free derivative of wild V. anguillarum was found to be greatly attenuated and elicited a good protection against wild V. anguillarum in fish. In this study, a plasmid‐free derivative MVAV6201, an effective live vaccine candidate, was used as a carrier strain to achieve the secretory delivery of recombinant proteins in V. anguillarum. The secretion mechanism was based on the Escherichia coliα‐haemolysin (HlyA) transport system. The recombinant proteins were fused with the α‐haemolysin secretion signal (HlyAs) and expressed from the commonly used HlyA secretion vector pMOhly1. Two HlyAs‐tagged recombinant proteins, GFP‐HlyAs and AngE‐HlyAs, were constructed and their secretion characters in V. anguillarum investigated. In the case of GFP‐HlyAs, nearly 70% of the total fusion protein was efficiently secreted into culture supernatant, and in the case of AngE‐HlyAs, the secretion efficiency was determined to be about 300 μg L−1 by Western blotting.
Agrypnia excitata in a patient with progeroid short stature and pigmented Nevi (Mulvihill‐Smith syndrome)
Authors: FERRI RAFFAELE , LANUZZA BARTOLO , COSENTINO FILOMENA I. I. , IERO IVAN , RUSSO NOEMI , TRIPODI MARIANGELA , BOSCO PAOLO 
Published: December 2005

SummaryWe report the video‐polysomnographic sleep characteristics of a 25‐year‐old woman with the Mulvihill‐Smith syndrome, a rare clinical condition characterized by progeria‐like aspect, peculiar multiple pigmented nevi, low stature, and cognitive impairment. Among the various exams, two overnight video‐polysomnographic recordings were carried out; moreover, cerebral MRI and molecular analysis of the prion protein gene (PRNP) were also performed. The video‐polysomnographic recordings showed the absence of clear sleep episodes but the presence of periods during which the patient had poor contact with the environment, stereotyped afinalistic movements of the upper limbs and hands, irregular or periodic breathing (with central apnea episodes), heart rate arrhythmia, and rapid eye movements. Cerebral MRI showed only diffuse mild enlargement of the cortical sulci and the molecular genetics analysis of the PRNP was normal. Our clinical and neurophysiological study seems to indicate that a particular condition of severe sleep disruption, similar to some extent to that reported in the fatal familial insomnia and in the Morvan fibrillary chorea, which has been indicated as Agrypnia Excitata in recent literature, might be associated with the Mulvihill‐Smith syndrome. The inclusion of a detailed study on the sleep characteristics of eventual additional patients will certainly help our understanding of this rare condition.
CAP and arousals are involved in the homeostatic and ultradian sleep processes
Authors: TERZANO MARIO GIOVANNI , PARRINO LIBORIO , SMERIERI ARIANNA , DE CARLI FABRIZIO , NOBILI LINO , DONADIO STEFANIA , FERRILLO FRANCO 
Published: December 2005

SummaryThere is growing evidence that cyclic alternating pattern (CAP) and arousals are woven into the basic mechanisms of sleep regulation. In the present study, the overnight sleep cycles (SC) of 20 normal subjects were analyzed according to their stage composition, CAP rate, phase A subtypes and arousals. Individual SC were then divided into 10 normalized temporal epochs. CAP parameters and arousals were measured in each epoch and averaged in relation to the SC order. Subtypes A2 and A3 of CAP in non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, and arousals, both in REM and NREM sleep when not coincident with a A2 or A3 phases, were lumped together as fast electroencephalographic (EEG) activities (FA). Subtypes A1 of CAP, characterized by slow EEG activities (SA), were analyzed separately. The time distribution of SA and FA was compared to the mathematical model of normal sleep structure including functions representing the homeostatic process S, the circadian process C, the ultradian process generating NREM/REM cycles and the slow wave activity (SWA) resulting from the interaction between homeostatic and ultradian processes. The relationship between SA and FA and the sleep‐model components was evaluated by multiple regression analysis in which SA and FA were considered as dependent variables while the covariates were the process S, process C, SWA, REM‐on and REM‐off activities and their squared values. Regression was highly significant (P < 0.0001) for both SA and FA. SA were prevalent in the first three SC, and exhibited single or multiple peaks immediately before and in the final part of deep sleep (stages 3 + 4). The peaks of FA were delayed and prevailed during the pre‐REM periods of light sleep (stages 1 + 2) and during REM sleep. SA showed an exponential decline across the successive SC, according to the homeostatic process. In contrast, the distribution of FA was not influenced by the order of SC, with periodic peaks of FA occurring before the onset of REM sleep, in accordance with the REM‐on switch. The dynamics of CAP and arousals during sleep can be viewed as an intermediate level between cellular activities and macroscale EEG phenomena as they reflect the decay of the homeostatic process and the interaction between REM‐off and REM‐on mechanisms while are slightly influenced by circadian rhythm.
Towards a valid, reliable measure of sleep effort
Authors: BROOMFIELD NIALL M. , ESPIE COLIN A. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryA frequent clinical observation is that patients with insomnia strive to control their sleep. However, sleep is an involuntary physiological process, which cannot be placed under full voluntary control. Therefore, direct, voluntary attempts to control sleep may actually exacerbate and perpetuate insomnia. To date, no reliable scale has been available to test this hypothesis directly. Moreover, while sleep effort is a core International Classification of Sleep Disorders – Revised criterion for psychophysiological insomnia, clinicians lack a reliable measure with which to assess the construct. In this initial scale validation study, we present psychometric data for the Glasgow Sleep Effort Scale based on a relatively small but representative sample of patients with insomnia and good sleepers. The clinical and research value of the new scale is discussed and future research directions are described.
Sleep latency testing as a time course measure of state arousal
Authors: BONNET MICHAEL H. , ARAND DONNA L. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to determine how long the effects of a brief period of physiological arousal persisted using repeated sleep latency testing and measurement of heart rate. Thirteen normal sleeping young adults spent two non‐consecutive nights and the following days in the laboratory. On each day, subjects had five sleep latency measurements – at 09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, and 11:00 hours. The 09:00 test was a premanipulation baseline. Following this nap, subjects either walked for 5 min (on one day) or rested in bed for 10 min (on another day) prior to the 09:30 hours sleep latency test. Significant increases in sleep latency were found at 09:30, 10:00, and 11:00 hours following the single 5‐min walk as compared with resting in bed (mean sleep latency after the walk was 11.7 min compared with 7.1 min for the resting condition). Heart rate was significantly higher throughout all of the postmanipulation naps following the walk. The elevated sleep latency is probably secondary to the changes in underlying physiological arousal as measured in this study by heart rate.
Organization of ETRAMPs and EXP‐1 at the parasite–host cell interface of malaria parasites
Authors: Spielmann Tobias , Gardiner Donald L. , Beck Hans‐Peter , Trenholme Katharine R. , Kemp David J. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryThe parasite–host cell interface is a key compartment of vacuolated intracellular pathogens but little is known about its molecular composition and architecture. We used in vivo cross‐linking to analyse the parasite–host cell interface of asexual stages of the most virulent human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. We show that the integral membrane protein members of the early transcribed membrane protein (ETRAMP) family and exported protein 1 (EXP‐1), which are components of the parasite–host cell interface, form complexes of oligomeric arrays in this compartment. The most notable feature is that each ETRAMP member and EXP‐1 define separate arrays, demonstrating that the protein distribution in this membrane is non‐random. Each of three recombinant ETRAMPs readily oligomerized in bacterial membranes, confirming that these arrays can form independently of other Plasmodium proteins. We propose that the malaria parasite–host cell interface contains patches of integral membrane proteins forming a mosaic of different microdomains in this membrane.
SepF, a novel FtsZ‐interacting protein required for a late step in cell division
Authors: Hamoen Leendert W. , Meile Jean‐Christophe , De Jong Wouter , Noirot Philippe , Errington Jeff 
Published: November 2005

SummaryCell division in nearly all bacteria is initiated by polymerization of the conserved tubulin‐like protein FtsZ into a ring‐like structure at midcell. This Z‐ring functions as a scaffold for a group of conserved proteins that execute the synthesis of the division septum (the divisome). Here we describe the identification of a new cell division protein in Bacillus subtilis. This protein is conserved in Gram positive bacteria, and because it has a role in septum development, we termed it SepF. sepF mutants are viable but have a cell division defect, in which septa are formed slowly and with a severely abnormal morphology. Yeast two‐hybrid analysis showed that SepF can interact with itself and with FtsZ. Accordingly, fluorescence microscopy showed that SepF accumulates at the site of cell division, and this localization depends on the presence of FtsZ. Combination of mutations in sepF and ezrA, encoding another Z‐ring interacting protein, had a synthetic lethal division effect. We conclude that SepF is a new member of the Gram positive divisome, required for proper execution of septum synthesis.
Factors influencing infection of mechanical wounds by Fusarium circinatum on Monterey pines (Pinus radiata)
Authors: Sakamoto J. M. , Gordon T. R. 
Published: November 2005

Pitch canker, caused by the fungus Fusarium circinatum, is a disease affecting many pine tree species. In California, Pinus radiata (Monterey pine) is the principal pine host affected by pitch canker. This investigation into factors affecting infection frequency by F. circinatum of P. radiata examined the influence of: (i) wound size; (ii) relative humidity; (iii) time of inoculation; (iv) inoculum density; and (v) wound age. Wounded branches sustained significantly more infections when large‐diameter (1·6 mm) rather than small‐diameter (0·5 mm) wounds were made. Infection frequencies tended to be higher at 100% RH than at ambient humidity, although these differences were not statistically significant. Infection frequencies were significantly higher on branches inoculated after 17·00 h than on branches inoculated before noon. Infection frequencies were significantly higher for wounded branches spray‐inoculated with 5 × 107 rather than 1 × 107 spores mL−1. Infection frequencies of pruning wounds declined as wounds aged.
On‐farm Conservation Strategy to Ensure Crop Genetic Diversity in Changing Agro‐ecosystems in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Park Y.‐J. , Dixit A. , Ma K.‐H. , Kang J.‐H. , Rao V. R. , Cho E.‐G. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractWith the recognition of certain limitations of ex situ methods for conservation of plant genetic resources the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) at the ‘Earth Summit’ in 1992 highlighted the importance of traditional knowledge of indigenous and local communities that are relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and gave considerable attention to on‐farm and other forms of in situ conservation. Unlike semi‐static nature of ex situ conservation the in situ or on‐farm conservation (OFC) is a dynamic evolutionary process. In developing countries like Republic of Korea, where there is a continuum between the use of traditional and modern cultivars, integration of OFC with already existing gene‐bank activities in the country will be an effective approach for conservation and sustainable use of the country's crop genetic resources. However, very little efforts have been made so far in developing strategies for OFC, therefore, in this paper we describe the importance of OFC and strategies for its development in Republic of Korea. Surveys over the last 20 years have shown that the landraces of major crops have been almost replaced by newly bred varieties in the country. But some vegetatively propagated or minor crop species are still being maintained in the farmers’ fields. We have identified crop landraces, which can be classified into four different categories from the OFC point of view. These are vegetatively propagated landraces, sexually reproduced landraces, landraces with improved varieties and landraces cultivated for the reasons of personal preference. The related issues on OFC including implementation methods from the point of national cooperative system in designated specific condition are also discussed to ensure the genetic diversity in the fast changing agro‐ecosystem of the country.
An Effect of Various Nitrogen Forms Used as Fertilizer on Lupinus albus L. Yield and Protein, Alkaloid and α‐Galactosides Content
Authors: Ciesiołka D. , Muzquiz M. , Burbano C. , Altares P. , Pedrosa M. M. , Wysocki W. , Folkman W. , Popenda M. , Gulewicz K. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThe influence of various forms of nitrogen supplied to the ground as N2, NH, NO, [NH + NO], –NH2, and Nd (N‐deficiency) on Lupinus albus L. cvs. Butan (sweet) and Bac (bitter) yield and protein, alkaloid and α‐galactoside biosynthesis in their seeds were studied. The experiments were performed in a greenhouse on perlite using, in all cases, the same dose of P, K, Mg and micronutrients (B, Zn, Mn, Cu, Mo, Fe). The Nd treatment contained only macro‐ and micronutrients without any nitrogen support. We found that different nitrogen forms used as a fertilizer had a significant influence on the development and yield structure of both lupin cultivars. It was found that the plants developed most favourably when nitrogen was supplied as N2 and [NH + NO]. For the other forms, the anomalies like necrosis, chlorosis, leaves with small surface of assimilation were noticed. However, these observations were not always reflected by all parameters of yield structure. The forms of nitrogen had a pivotal influence on yield of generative and vegetative parts of lupin. Moreover, significant differences in protein, alkaloid and α‐galactoside content in seeds were observed.
Emergence of Fluoroquinolone Resistance in Campylobacter jejuni in Chickens Exposed to Enrofloxacin Treatment at the Inherent Dosage Licensed in Japan
Authors: Takahashi T. , Ishihara K. , Kojima A. , Asai T. , Harada K. , Tamura Y. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryThe objective of the present study was to determine whether selection of fluoroquinolone resistance could be easily induced in Campylobacter jejuni‐colonized chickens by treatment with enrofloxacin of representative fluoroquinolones at the inherent dosage licensed in Japan (50 ppm in drinking water for 3 days). In the case of isolates from chickens of study 1, an increase in the population of susceptible isolates appeared after the cessation of treatment and maintained throughout the experiments. On the contrary, our results of study 2 demonstrated that administration of enrofloxacin generated a rapid increase of fluoroquinolone resistance in C. jejuni showing the mutation of Asp‐90‐Asn in the gyrA gene. Present results indicate that the enrofloxacin treatment for broilers at the inherent dosage is able to select fluoroquinolone resistance in C. jejuni. We conclude that whatever enrofloxacin dosage is used, an emergence of fluoroquinolone resistant of C. jejuni occurs.
Virus Spread Pattern within Infected Chicken Farms using Regression Model: the 2003–2004 HPAI Epidemic in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Yoon H. , Park C.‐K. , Nam H.‐M. , Wee S.‐H. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryDuring the 2003–2004 epidemic in Korea, the infection time and within‐farm spread pattern of virus were analysed for the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak on chicken farms using regression models based on epidemiological data. Mortality observed on a given day had a positive linear association with time after initial infection. HPAI spread more rapidly on farms managed by employees and on farms with larger numbers of chicken houses in use. The disease spread more rapidly among layer chickens than among broilers. Using statistical model, we found that farmers recognize the abnormally high mortality resulting from HPAI approximately 5 days after infection. Without any intervention, entire flocks would die within 12 days of introduction of the HPAI virus to the infected farm.
Identification of an aadA2 Gene Cassette from Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Derby
Authors: Michael G. B. , Cardoso M. , Schwarz S. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryDuring a study on Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Derby from slaughter‐age pigs in Brazil, two epidemiologically unrelated multi‐resistant S. Derby isolates were found to carry a class 1 integron with a single gene cassette. Sequence analysis confirmed that this gene cassette harboured an aadA2 gene. The aadA2 gene codes for an aminoglycoside adenyltransferase, which mediates resistance to the aminoglycoside streptomycin and the aminocyclitol spectinomycin. Although aadA2 gene cassettes are widely distributed among Salmonella, database searches identified an AadA2 protein indistinguishable from that of S. Derby only in single isolates of S. enterica subsp. enterica Enteritidis from France and S. enterica subsp. enterica Typhimurium from Japan. Structural analysis of the 59‐base element revealed at least one base pair difference between the 59‐base element of the aadA2 cassette from S. Derby and any of the 59‐base elements deposited in the databases.
Pseudomembranous and obstructive Aspergillus tracheobronchitis – optimal diagnostic strategy and outcome
Authors: Tasci Selçuk , Glasmacher Axel , Lentini Silvia , Tschubel Klaus , Ewig Santiago , Molitor Ernst , Sauerbruch Tilman , Lüderitz Berndt , Rabe Christian 
Published: November 2005

SummaryPseudomembranous and obstructive Aspergillus tracheobronchitis (PMATB/OATB) are still considered to be refractory to therapy and to have a fatal outcome. To evaluate the optimal diagnostic strategy and to describe factors affecting the outcome of PMATB and OATB. Retrospective analysis of four new cases of PMATB and OATB combined with 16 previously reported cases over a 10‐year period (1995–2004). Among the four new cases reported and the 16 published cases, four patients survived their infection. The mortality rate was significantly higher in the group of ventilated patients [94% (15 of 16 patients)] than in the group of non‐ventilated patients [25% (1 of 4 patients), P < 0.05, Fisher's exact test]. In all 20 patients, diagnosis was established by bronchoscopy. Culture examination of mucous plugs was positive in 8 of 10, culture of the tracheobronchial aspirate was positive in 8 of 12, and bronchoalveolar lavage was diagnostic in 7 of 13 patients. All bronchoscopic techniques were complementary in improving the yield of bronchoscopy. However, microscopy of mucous plugs and/or necrotic material was the best diagnostic modality [positive in 94% (17 of 18 patients)]. Prognosis of PMATB and OATB remains poor. Microscopy of respiratory specimens is the most sensitive tool to confirm the diagnosis. The characteristic appearance of the disease makes it possible to start antifungal therapy immediately.
Initial Candida dubliniensis isolate in Candida spp. positive haemocultures in Turkey between 2001 and 2004
Authors: Tekeli Alper , Akan Ozay Arıkan , Koyuncu Esra , Dolapci Istar , Uysal Sevil 
Published: November 2005

Summary Candida dubliniensis which was first recognized in 1995 can be easily misidentified because of its phenotypic similarities with Candida albicans. In this study blood samples of patients from various departments of Ankara University Medical Faculty between January 2001–June 2004 were investigated for the distribution of Candida spp. and the presence of C. dubliniensis. Culture positive 67 fungi were included to the study. Phenotypic tests such as chlamydospore formation, colony morphology on Staib agar, growth at 45 °C, carbohydrate assimilation profiles were investigated for identification and differentiation of C. dubliniensis from C. albicans. To confirm the results polymerase chain reaction were used for suspected C. albicans and C. dubliniensis isolates. Among 38 germ tube and chlamydospore forming isolates, 37 of them were found as C. albicans and one as C. dubliniensis. The incidence of C. dubliniensis in our hospital is still low, this is the first C. dubliniensis isolate as an agent of candidaemia reported from Turkey.
Etiology of fungaemia and catheter colonisation in Argentinean paediatric patients
Authors: Giusiano Gustavo , Mangiaterra Magdalena , Saito Viviana García , Rojas Florencia , Gómez Verónica , Díaz María Cristina 
Published: November 2005

SummaryYeast strains obtained from blood cultures and catheters from intensive care units (ICU) and hospitalised oncology paediatrics were studied. Yeast were the first cause of catheter colonisation (51/627), and the third cause of bloodstream infection (44/6065). In catheter, the most frequent species were Candida albicans (34%), C. parapsilosis (27.7%) and C. tropicalis (15%). In blood, C. albicans (40.8%), C. parapsilosis (26.6%), C. tropicalis (15%). Malassezia furfur and Malassezia sympodialis were isolated from catheters from ICU patients. All isolates were susceptible to amphotericin B, 88.8% to itraconazole and 91.9% to fluconazole. Candida albicans and C. tropicalis strains resistant to fluconazole and itraconazol were detected. These results reveal a change in the predominant role of C. albicans as cause of candidemia in hospitalised children and the emergence of antifungal resistant species. These variations emphasise the importance of performing a permanent surveillance to observe and assess them.
Sensitivity of executive pay to accounting performance measures in all‐equity firms
Authors: Iyengar Raghavan (Raj) J. , Williams H. James , Zampelli Ernest M. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractWe investigate the relation between chief executive officer compensation and accounting performance measures as a function of the firm's capital structure. We specifically analyse pay–performance relationships for all‐equity firms relative to high‐levered firms. We find a significant positive association between return on equity and the level of compensation for all‐equity firms. Consistent with optimal contracting theory, we cannot discern any such relationship for high‐levered firms. Because of agency costs of debt, managerial compensation in high‐levered firms plays the role of a precommitment mechanism in addition to its conventional role of aligning management incentives with shareholder interest.