bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distribution and phylogeny of hexachlorocyclohexane‐degrading bacteria in soils from Spain
Authors: Mohn William W. , Mertens Birgit , Neufeld Josh D. , Verstraete Willy , De Lorenzo Victor 
Published: December 2005

SummaryHexachlorocyclohexane (HCH)‐degrading bacteria are believed to mediate natural attenuation of HCH contamination and have potential for active bioremediation processes. This study addressed the very limited understanding of the distribution, diversity and substrate specificity of such bacteria from 13 soil samples, varying in levels of HCH contamination, from four sites in Spain. Hexachlorocyclohexane removal occurred in 16 of 36 enrichment cultures. Hexachlorocyclohexane‐degrading populations were clearly associated with HCH‐contaminated soils, and populations growing on the δ‐HCH isomer were only found in soil contaminated with δ‐HCH. β‐Hexachlorocyclohexane was persistent in enrichment cultures, and there was no evidence for populations growing on β‐HCH. From α‐ and γ‐HCH enrichment cultures, nine HCH‐degrading isolates were obtained, which were all Sphingomonas spp. Attempts to isolate organisms from δ‐HCH enrichment cultures failed. None of the isolates grew on HCH as a sole organic substrate in pure culture. All isolates degraded α‐ and γ‐HCH, and most degraded β‐HCH. δ‐Hexachlorocyclohexane inhibited growth of most isolates, but could be degraded by cell suspensions of at least four strains. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis indicated that the isolates represented predominant populations in the enrichment cultures, but additional predominant populations, including some Pseudomonas spp., could not be isolated.
Isolation and characterization of Pseudoalteromonas strains with divergent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon catabolic properties
Authors: Hedlund Brian P. , Staley James T. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryFifteen strains of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)‐catabolizing bacteria, identified as Pseudoalteromonas spp. were isolated from Eagle Harbor, Puget Sound, USA, using a most probable number procedure in which naphthalene or phenanthrene was the sole carbon and energy source. Despite having identical 16S rDNA sequences, some catabolized many PAHs, whereas others oxidized only naphthalenes. A putative naphthalene 1,2‐dioxygenase gene fragment was polymerase chain reaction‐amplified from the naphthalene‐degrading strains and shown to be almost identical to a gene present in Neptunomonas naphthovorans, suggesting horizontal transfer.
Colonization of nascent, deep‐sea hydrothermal vents by a novel Archaeal and Nanoarchaeal assemblage
Authors: McCliment Elizabeth A. , Voglesonger Kenneth M. , O'Day Peggy A. , Dunn Eileen E. , Holloway John R. , Cary S. Craig 
Published: December 2005

SummaryActive deep‐sea hydrothermal vents are areas of intense mixing and severe thermal and chemical gradients, fostering a biotope rich in novel hyperthermophilic microorganisms and metabolic pathways. The goal of this study was to identify the earliest archaeal colonizers of nascent hydrothermal chimneys, organisms that may be previously uncharacterized as they are quickly replaced by a more stable climax community. During expeditions in 2001 and 2002 to the hydrothermal vents of the East Pacific Rise (EPR) (9°50′N, 104°17′W), we removed actively venting chimneys and in their place deployed mineral chambers and sampling units that promoted the growth of new, natural hydrothermal chimneys and allowed their collection within hours of formation. These samples were compared with those collected from established hydrothermal chimneys from EPR and Guaymas Basin vent sites. Using molecular and phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rDNA, we show here that at high temperatures, early colonization of a natural chimney is dominated by members of the archaeal genus Ignicoccus and its symbiont, Nanoarchaeum. We have identified 19 unique sequences closely related to the nanoarchaeal group, and five archaeal sequences that group closely with Ignicoccus. These organisms were found to colonize a natural, high temperature protochimney and vent‐like mineral assemblages deployed over high temperature outflows within 92 h. When compared phylogenetically, several of these colonizing organisms form a unique clade independent of those found in mature chimneys and low‐temperature mineral chamber samples. As a model ecosystem, the identification of pioneering consortia in deep‐sea hydrothermal vents may help advance the understanding of how early microbial life forms gained a foothold in hydrothermal systems on early Earth and potentially on other planetary bodies.
Correlation between quality of life and voiding variables in patients treated with percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation
Authors: VAN DER PAL FLOOR , VAN BALKEN MICHAEL R. , HEESAKKERS JOHN P.F.A. , DEBRUYNE FRANS M.J. , KIEMENEY LAMBERTUS A.L.M. , BEMELMANS BART L.H. 
Published: December 2005

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between quality of life (QoL) and voiding variables in patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction treated with percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS), as it is assumed that improvements in voiding will lead to a better QoL in such patients.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe study included 30 patients with urge urinary incontinence who were treated with PTNS; 24‐h bladder diaries and QoL questionnaires (Short Form, SF‐36, and incontinence‐specific QoL) were completed at baseline and after PTNS.RESULTSThere was a significant correlation (P < 0.05) between the number of pads used and the SF‐36 domains of physical and vitality, between the number of incontinence episodes and the SF‐36 domains of physical and role physical, between nocturia and the SF‐36 domains of general and mental health, between the mean voided volume and the SF‐36 domains of role physical and final, and between the mean voided volume and the incontinence‐specific QoL score.CONCLUSIONSPTNS is useful for treating refractory urge incontinence and should at least be considered as a therapeutic alternative before resorting to aggressive surgery, as voiding and QoL variables significantly and quantifiably correlate in patients with refractory urge urinary incontinence who are treated with PTNS. Patients must have a reduction of ≥ two pads/day before their QoL improves, and this might be the best definition of successful therapy for patients with urge urinary incontinence.
A population study of nocturia in Singapore
Authors: LIEW LEWIS C.H. , TIONG HO YEE , WONG MEE LIAN , PNG DAMIEN C.J. , TAN JAMES K.N. 
Published: December 2005

OBJECTIVETo estimate the prevalence of nocturia in the multiracial Asian population of Singapore, using the new International Continence Society standardized definition of one or more voids per night, and to assess its associations, bothersomeness and impact on sleep.SUBJECTS AND METHODSA door‐to‐door interview questionnaire survey was conducted amongst a randomly selected sample of 3000 individuals (response rate 78.2%). Nocturia and its associated problems were evaluated using questions from the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and concurrently, sociodemographic and health variables were recorded.RESULTSData from 1134 women (aged 20–95 years) and 1139 men (aged 20–92 years) were analysed; the overall prevalence of nocturia (one or more voids/night) was 55.5%, with an increasing proportion in older groups (P < 0.01). Women had nocturia significantly (P = 0.015) more often than men (58% vs 53%), and it was positively associated with poor health, with the highest odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for diabetes mellitus of 2.0 (1.3–3.1), for renal disease of 6.4 (2.3–18.2), and for strokes of 3.1 (1.1–9.2). In both men and women, the median IPSS in patients with nocturia was significantly higher than that in patients without nocturia (P < 0.001). For individuals waking once a night, only 9.5% considered nocturia a problem and 13.5% complained of sleep disturbances; these values increased to 36% and 40% for individuals waking up twice or more /night.CONCLUSIONNocturia is a common condition amongst Singaporean adults, especially in the elderly; it has strong associations with poor health and other lower urinary tract symptoms. The degree of nocturia determines whether patients are likely to be bothered by it or have sleep disturbance, which will influence their help‐seeking behaviour.
Prospective study of individuals with long‐term urinary catheters colonized with Proteus species
Authors: MATHUR SUNIL , SULLER MARC T.E. , STICKLER DAVID J. , FENELEY ROGER C.L. 
Published: December 2005

OBJECTIVESTo characterize the variability in the times catheters take to block with encrustation in patients who have Proteus in their urinary flora, and to identify factors responsible for modulating the rate of catheter encrustation and blockage.PATIENTS AND METHODSTwenty patients were followed prospectively for ≥ 12 weeks, with a bacteriological analysis on weekly urine samples. The pH of the voided urine samples and the pH at which crystals formed in them (the nucleation pH) were determined. Catheters were collected and examined for bacterial biofilm and crystal deposition.RESULTSThe time that catheters took to block was 2–98 days. The mean pH of the urine voided by patients designated as slow encrusters (6.9) was not significantly different (P = 0.237) from that of rapid encrusters (7.2). However, patients whose catheters took longer to block had a significantly higher mean nucleation pH (8.1 vs 7.3, P = 0.002) and significantly higher mean safety margin between their nucleation pH and voided pH (1.17 pH units vs 0.13, P = 0.003).CONCLUSIONThe variation in the rate of catheter encrustation between individuals infected with Proteus is a function of the difference between the voided pH and the nucleation pH of their urine. The value of nucleation pH of an individual's urine varies widely, suggesting it should be possible to devise strategies to increase this value and thus reduce the rate of encrustation in those with urinary tract colonization by urease‐positive bacteria.
Calibration and dilatation with topical corticosteroid in the treatment of stenosis of neourethral meatus after hypospadias repair
Authors: RADOJICIC ZOAN I. , PEROVIC SAVA V. , STOJANOSKI KRSTE D.J. 
Published: December 2005

OBJECTIVETo assess the early disclosure and treatment of meatal stenosis after hypospadias repair, using calibration of the neourethral meatus at regular intervals to detect stenosis, and to assess the curative effects of dilatation with topical corticosteroids.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween 2001 and 2003, 83 boys (median age 19 months, range 12–28) had a proximal hypospadias repair using a tubularized skin island‐flap urethroplasty. The neourethra was calibrated every 7–15 days with newly designed small and fine metal sounds (5–12 F) for 3 months starting 7–10 days after surgery. The patients with meatal stenosis were treated by dilatation using topical 0.05% betamethasone cream daily (twice per day) for 3 months.RESULTSThe mean (range) follow‐up was 29 (12–37)  months; 19 patients who developed early stenosis were treated by dilatation with topical steroids. After treatment, 14 neourethras were passable with a minimum sound of 10 F at regular 6–12 months assessments. Stenosis persisted in five patients who did not respond to the treatment; of these, a diverticulum developed in one and a fistula in two. All patients with permanent complications were re‐operated. There were no adverse effects in any of the patients treated with topical 0.05% betamethasone cream.CONCLUSIONEarly calibration and dilatation of the neourethra after hypospadias repair is a useful method for the early disclosure and treatment of meatal stenosis. The newly designed sounds made calibration/dilatation less unpleasant and more acceptable for the patient. Topical corticosteroids improved scar elasticity, which facilitated dilatation and prevented the formation of meatal stenosis.
The dorsal lamina of the rectus sheath: a suitable grafting material for the penile tunica albuginea in Peyronie's disease?
Authors: CRAATZ STEFFEN , SPANEL‐BOROWSKI KATHARINA , BEGEMANN JAN‐FRIEDRICH , OLIANAS ROBERTO , FISCH MARGIT , HOHENFELLNER RUDOLF 
Published: December 2005

OBJECTIVETo estimate the morphological suitability of human connective tissue structures from different regions as graft material in Peyronie's disease, and to present preliminary results from 12 patients with grafting of corporal bodies using autologous rectus sheath.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn five male cadavers the penile tunica albuginea was compared with the dorsal lamina of the rectus sheath, the palmar aponeurosis, the iliotibial tract and the Achilles tendon by using histological sections stained with haematoxylin and eosin, Crossmon's trichrome stain and resorcin‐fuchsin. Surgical results and complication rates were investigated in 12 patients with Peyronie's disease after grafting the corporal bodies with autologous rectus sheath to correct their penile curvature.RESULTSOn histology, the penile tunica albuginea showed a three‐dimensional meshwork of collagenous and elastic fibres. The dorsal lamina of the rectus sheath had a remarkably similar fibre structure. The other tissues had a different histology, with long collagenous fibres in parallel orientation and elastic fibres restricted to the loose connective tissue around blood vessels and nerves. Clinically, the penile deviation was successfully corrected in 10 patients; there were two residual deviations (15° and 35°). There were minor complications after surgery in six patients, not requiring surgery.CONCLUSIONSThe dorsal lamina of the rectus sheath has similar morphological characteristics to the tunica albuginea, and therefore represents an ideal autologous graft; the first clinical results are promising.
Evaluating a Model by Forecast Performance*
Authors: Clements Michael P. , Hendry David F. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractAlthough out‐of‐sample forecast performance is often deemed to be the ‘gold standard’ of evaluation, it is not in fact a good yardstick for evaluating models in general. The arguments are illustrated with reference to a recent paper byCarruth, Hooker and Oswald [Review of Economics and Statistics(1998), Vol. 80, pp. 621–628], who suggest that the good dynamic forecasts of their model support the efficiency‐wage theory on which it is based.
Nonlinear Correlograms and Partial Autocorrelograms*
Authors: Anderson Heather M. , Vahid Farshid 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThis paper proposes neural network‐based measures of predictability in conditional mean, and then uses them to construct nonlinear analogues to autocorrelograms and partial autocorrelograms. In contrast to other measures of nonlinear dependence that rely on nonparametric estimation of densities or multivariate integration, our autocorrelograms are simple to calculate and appear to work well in relatively small samples.
Evaluating, Comparing and Combining Density Forecasts Using the KLIC with an Application to the Bank of England and NIESR ‘Fan’ Charts of Inflation*
Authors: Mitchell James , Hall Stephen G. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThis paper proposes and analyses the Kullback–Leibler information criterion (KLIC) as a unified statistical tool to evaluate, compare and combine density forecasts. Use of the KLIC is particularly attractive, as well as operationally convenient, given its equivalence with the widely used Berkowitz likelihood ratio test for the evaluation of individual density forecasts that exploits the probability integral transforms. Parallels with the comparison and combination of point forecasts are made. This and related Monte Carlo experiments help draw out properties of combined density forecasts. We illustrate the uses of the KLIC in an application to two widely used published density forecasts for UK inflation, namely the Bank of England and NIESR ‘fan’ charts.
NG2‐expressing cells as oligodendrocyte progenitors in the normal and demyelinated adult central nervous system
Authors: Polito Annabella , Reynolds Richard 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe mammalian adult central nervous system (CNS) is known to respond rapidly to demyelinating insults by regenerating oligodendrocytes for remyelination from a dividing precursor population. A widespread population of cells exists within the adult CNS that is thought to belong to the oligodendrocyte lineage, but which do not express proteins characteristic of mature myelinating oligodendrocytes, such as myelin basic protein (MBP) and 2,3‐cyclic nucleotide 3‐phosphodiesterase (CNP). Instead, these cells have phenotypic characteristics of a more immature stage of the oligodendrocyte lineage. They express the NG2 chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan, in addition to O4 and the platelet‐derived growth factor α‐receptor, all widely accepted as markers for oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) throughout development. However, NG2+ cells residing in the adult CNS do not resemble embryonic or neonatal NG2+ cells in terms of their morphology or proliferation characteristics, but instead represent a unique type of glial cell that has the ability to react rapidly to CNS damage. In this review, we present the evidence that adult NG2+ cells are part of the oligodendrocyte lineage and are capable of giving rise to new oligodendrocytes under both normal and demyelinating conditions. We also review the literature that these cells may have multiple functional roles within the adult CNS, notwithstanding their primary role as OPCs.
Synantocytes: the fifth element
Authors: Butt Arthur M. , Hamilton Niki , Hubbard Paul , Pugh Mari , Ibrahim Merdol 
Published: December 2005

AbstractClassic studies have recognized neurons and three glial elements in the central nervous system (CNS) – astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia. The identification of novel glia that specifically express the NG2 chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan (CSPG) raises the possibility of a fifth element. Until recently, all NG2‐expressing glia were considered to be oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) that persist in the adult CNS to generate oligodendrocytes throughout life. However, this narrow view of the function of ‘NG2‐glia’ is being challenged. The majority of NG2‐expressing glia in the adult CNS are a distinct class of cells that we have called ‘synantocytes’ (from the Greek synanto for contact). Synantocytes are stellate cells, with large process arborizations, and are exquisitely related to neurons. Individual cells traverse white and grey matter and form multiple contacts with neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and myelin. Synantocytes are an integral component of the ‘tetrapartite’ synapse, and provide a potential integrative neuron‐glial communications pathway. Neuronal activity, glutamate and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) act on synantocyte receptors and evoke raised intracellular calcium. It remains to be seen whether this serves a physiological function, but synantocytes may be specialized to monitor signals from neurons and glia, and to respond to changes in the integrity of the CNS via their specific contacts and ion channel and receptor profiles. The general consequences of synantocyte activation are proliferation and phenotypic changes, resulting in glial scar formation, or regeneration of oligodendrocytes, and possibly neurons.
Ultrastructural changes in the interhaemal membrane and junctional zone of the murine chorioallantoic placenta across gestation
Authors: Coan P. M. , Ferguson‐Smith A. C. , Burton G. J. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe mouse is an extremely useful experimental model for the study of human disease owing to the ease of genetic and physiological manipulation. A more detailed knowledge of murine placental development will, we hope, increase our understanding of the pathogenesis of placentally related complications of human pregnancy. The murine placenta consists of two main fetally derived compartments: the labyrinthine zone and the junctional zone. Exchange in the labyrinthine zone takes place across an interhaemal membrane comprising an outer layer of cytotrophoblast cells and two inner layers of syncytial trophoblast. The cytotrophoblast layer thins as gestation advances, and in addition becomes highly perforated after embryonic day (E)12.5. Furthermore, as gestation advances cytotrophoblast nuclear volume and DNA content increase, suggesting the formation of labyrinthine trophoblast giant cells. The syncytial layers become increasingly microvillous, enlarging the surface area for exchange. Separate basement membranes support the syncytium and the fetal capillary endothelium throughout gestation, although these appear to fuse where the capillaries are closely approximated to the trophoblast. The junctional zone consists of two principal trophoblast cell types, spongiotrophoblasts and invasive glycogen cells, yet the functions of each remain elusive. Spongiotrophoblasts vary in their appearance even when not fully differentiated, but a striking feature is the extensive endoplasmic reticulum of the more mature cells. Early glycogen cells are distinguished by the presence of electron‐dense glycogen granules, and large amounts of surrounding extracellular matrix. Later the accumulations of glycogen granules occupy almost all the cytoplasm and there are few organelles. This is the first study to use both scanning and transmission electron microscopy in an ultrastructural description of murine placental development and is complementary to contemporary genetic investigations.
Astrocytes and NG2‐glia: what's in a name?
Authors: Nishiyama Akiko , Yang Zhongshu , Butt Arthur 
Published: December 2005

AbstractClassic studies recognize two functionally segregated macroglial cell types in the central nervous system (CNS), namely astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. A third macroglial cell type has now been identified by its specific expression of the NG2 chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan (NG2‐glia). These NG2‐glia exist abundantly in both grey and white matter of the mature CNS and are almost as numerous as astrocytes. It is well established that NG2‐glia give rise to oligodendrocytes. However, the majority of NG2‐glia in the adult CNS proliferate very slowly and are non‐motile. Both astrocytes and NG2‐glia display a stellate morphology and express ion channels and receptors to neurotransmitters used by neurons. Both types of glia make intimate contacts with neurons in grey and white matter, and their functional differences and similarities are only beginning to be unravelled. Recent observations emphasize the need to examine the relationship between astrocytes and NG2‐glia, and address the question of whether they represent overlapping or two distinct glial cell populations. To be of any relevance, this classification must relate to specific functions in the neural network. At present, the balance of evidence is that NG2‐glia and astrocytes are functionally segregated populations.