bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Switch from planktonic to sessile life: a major event in pneumococcal pathogenesis
Authors: Oggioni Marco R. , Trappetti Claudia , Kadioglu Aras , Cassone Marco , Iannelli Francesco , Ricci Susanna , Andrew Peter W. , Pozzi Gianni 
Published: August 2006

SummaryTwo main patterns of gene expression of Streptococcus pneumoniae were observed during infection in the host by quantitative real time RT‐PCR; one was characteristic of bacteria in blood and one of bacteria in tissue, such as brain and lung. Gene expression in blood was characterized by increased expression of pneumolysin, pspA and hrcA, while pneumococci in tissue infection showed increased expression of neuraminidases, metalloproteinases, oxidative stress and competence genes. In vitro situations with similar expression patterns were detected in liquid culture and in a newly developed pneumococcal model of biofilm respectively. The biofilm model was dependent on addition of synthetic competence stimulating peptide (CSP) and no biofilm was formed by CSP receptor mutants. As one of the differentially expressed gene sets in vivo were the competence genes, we exploited competence‐specific tools to intervene on pneumococcal virulence during infection. Induction of the competence system by the quorum‐sensing peptide, CSP, not only induced biofilm formation in vitro, but also increased virulence in pneumonia in vivo. In contrast, a mutant for the ComD receptor, which did not form biofilm, also showed reduced virulence in pneumonia. These results were opposite to those found in a bacteraemic sepsis model of infection, where the competence system was downregulated. When pneumococci in the different physiological states were used directly for challenge, sessile cells grown in a biofilm were more effective in inducing meningitis and pneumonia, while planktonic cells from liquid culture were more effective in inducing sepsis. Our data enable us, using in vivo gene expression and in vivo modulation of virulence, to postulate the distinction – from the pneumococcal point of view – between two main types of disease. During bacteraemic sepsis pneumococci resemble planktonic growth, while during tissue infection, such as pneumonia or meningitis, pneumococci are in a biofilm‐like state.
Functional characterization of BbCRASP‐2, a distinct outer membrane protein of Borrelia burgdorferi that binds host complement regulators factor H and FHL‐1
Authors: Hartmann Kristina , Corvey Carsten , Skerka Christine , Kirschfink Michael , Karas Michael , Brade Volker , Miller Jennifer C. , Stevenson Brian , Wallich Reinhard , Zipfel Peter F. , Kraiczy Peter 
Published: August 2006

Summary Borrelia burgdorferi, the aetiological agent of Lyme disease, employs sophisticated means to survive in diverse mammalian hosts. Recent studies demonstrated that acquisition of complement regulators factor H and factor H‐like protein‐1 (FHL‐1) allows spirochetes to resist complement‐mediated killing. Serum‐resistant B. burgdorferi express up to five distinct complement regulator‐acquiring surface proteins (CRASPs) that bind factor H and/or FHL‐1. In this study we have identified and characterized one of those B. burgdorferi proteins, named BbCRASP‐2. BbCRASP‐2 is distinct from the four previously identified factor H/FHL‐1‐binding CRASPs of B. burgdorferi strains. The single copy of the gene encoding BbCRASP‐2, cspZ, is located on the linear plasmid lp28‐3. BbCRASP‐2 is highly divergent from the factor H/FHL‐1‐binding protein BbCRASP‐1 and from members of the factor H‐binding Erp (OspE/F‐related) protein family. Peptide mapping analysis revealed that the factor H/FHL‐1 binding site is discontinuous and it was found that C‐terminal truncations abrogate factor H and FHL‐1 binding. The predominant BbCRASP‐2 binding site of both host complement regulators was mapped to the short consensus repeat 7 (SCR 7). Factor H and FHL‐1 bound to BbCRASP‐2 maintain cofactor activity for factor I‐mediated C3b inactivation and accelerate the decay of the C3 convertase. Expression of BbCRASP‐2 in serum‐sensitive B. burgdorferi mutant B313 increased resistance to complement‐mediated lysis. The characterization of BbCRASP‐2 now provides a complete picture of the three diverse complement regulator‐binding protein families of B. burgdorferi yielding new insights into the pathogenesis of Lyme disease.
Molecular detection of Phytophthora capsici in infected plant tissues, soil and water
Authors: Zhang Z. G. , Li Y. Q. , Fan H. , Wang Y. C. , Zheng X. B. 
Published: August 2006

A species‐specific PCR assay was developed for rapid and accurate detection of the pathogenic oomycete Phytophthora capsici in diseased plant tissues, soil and artificially infested irrigation water. Based on differences in internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of Phytophthora spp. and other oomycetes, one pair of species‐specific primers, PC‐1/PC‐2, was synthesized. After screening 15 isolates of P. capsici and 77 isolates from the Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Deuteromycota and Oomycota, the PC‐1/PC‐2 primers amplified only a single PCR band of c. 560 bp from P. capsici. The detection sensitivity with primers PC‐1/PC‐2 was 1 pg genomic DNA (equivalent to half the genomic DNA of a single zoospore) per 25‐µL PCR reaction volume; traditional PCR could detect P. capsici in naturally infected plant tissues, diseased field soil and artificially inoculated irrigation water. Using ITS1/ITS4 as the first‐round primers and PC‐1/PC‐2 in the second round, nested PCR procedures were developed, increasing detection sensitivity to 1 fg per 25‐µL reaction volume. The results suggested that the assay detected the pathogen more rapidly and accurately than standard isolation methods. The PCR‐based methods developed here could simplify both plant disease diagnosis and pathogen monitoring, as well as guiding plant disease management.
Potential changes in weed floras associated with reduced‐cultivation Systems for cereal production in temperate regions
Authors: FROUD‐WILLIAMS R. J. , CHANCELLOR R. J. , DRENNAN D. S. H. 
Published: August 2006

Summary:The effects of reduced‐cultivation Systems on weeds in cereals are reviewed. Increasing dependence of these Systems upon Chemical weed control together with changes in the soil physical environment are expected to modify existing weed floras. Annual‐grass weeds are likely to remain a problem with the use of minimal cultivations, particularly when early drilling is practised, while hitherto unimportant species may become more prevalent, e.g. Bromus spp. Furthermore, reduced cultivations may encourage the establishment of wind‐disseminated species. However, annual dicotyledonous species characteristic of arable land are expected to continue to decline.
Migration, trapping and local dynamics of whiteflies (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: Riis L. , Nachman G. 
Published: August 2006

Abstract1 The ability to quantify whitefly migration provides a tool that can contribute to an improved understanding of the epidemic development of whitefly‐transmitted viruses.2 In an attempt to develop a protocol for estimating whitefly immigration and emigration rates in an annual crop, new traps and sampling devices were tested in the field and models for population dynamics were developed.3 An estimate of immigration rate was derived from the growth of a natural population of Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) in the beginning of a crop cycle before offspring of immigrants contributed to population growth.4 A model for changes in whitefly density during an entire bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) crop cycle, including an immigration parameter, was also developed.5 Non‐attractant window traps surrounding an annual field crop were assumed to intercept whiteflies immigrating into and emigrating away from the crop. Captures on these traps could not categorically be identified as immigrants or emigrants, but the cumulated captures nevertheless explained 66% of the variation in population density found within the field. Hence, window traps may be used as an efficient and reliable alternative to yellow sticky traps, aspirator methods and leaf‐turn methods, etc., for estimating whitefly densities in field crops.
Effects of a vitamin D3 analogue in a rat model of bladder outlet obstruction
Authors: SCHRÖDER ANNETTE , COLLI ENRICO , MAGGI MARIO , ANDERSSON KARL‐ERIK 
Published: August 2006

OBJECTIVESTo explore the effect of the vitamin D3 analogue, BXL‐628, on some of the consequences of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), e.g. hypertrophy and loss of contractile function, as vitamin D3 and BXL‐628 inhibit prostate and bladder cell growth in vitro, and there are receptors for vitamin D in rat and human bladder.MATERIAL AND METHODSIn female rats, BOO was produced by a standardized method; one group received daily BXL‐628 (150 µg/kg per day) and the remaining rats received vehicle. Sham‐operated rats received BXL‐628 or vehicle. After 2 weeks, the conscious rats were assessed by cystometry. Plasma calcium levels were determined and in vitro contractility assessed at the end of the experiments.RESULTSThere was a significant increase in bladder weight, micturition interval and volume, and in bladder capacity in both the obstructed groups compared to sham controls, but no difference between the obstructed groups. On plotting the micturition pressure against bladder weight within the obstructed groups, there was a clear correlation in the vehicle‐treated group, indicating a decrease in contractile function with increasing bladder weight. There was no such correlation in the treatment group. In vitro, there was a strong correlation of increasing bladder weights vs decrease in response to KCl and electrical‐field stimulation in strips from obstructed vehicle‐treated rats, but no correlation in those from drug‐treated rats. Treatment increased the plasma calcium level by 12%.CONCLUSIONSThe vitamin D3 analogue used did not prevent bladder hypertrophy, but appeared to reduce some of the negative functional changes of the bladder smooth muscle, which occurs with BOO‐induced increases in bladder weight.
Total glans resurfacing for premalignant lesions of the penis: initial outcome data
Authors: HADWAY PAUL , CORBISHLEY CATHY M. , WATKIN NICHOLAS A. 
Published: August 2006

OBJECTIVETo report our initial experience of total glans resurfacing (TGR), as premalignant lesions of the glans penis have conventionally been treated by local excision, topical chemotherapy, laser or cryotherapy, but these techniques are frequently associated with high local failure rates and unsightly scarring that can make monitoring by gross inspection difficult.PATIENTS AND METHODSTGR involves removing the glans and subcoronal epithelial and subepithelial tissues down to the corpus spongiosum of the glans and Buck’s fascia at the coronal sulcus. The denuded glans penis is then covered with an extra‐genital skin graft. Ten patients underwent TGR: six had recurrent erythroplasia of Queyrat after 5% 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) therapy; one had no clinical response to 5‐FU or imiquimod; one had a severe allergic reaction and therefore could not tolerate 5‐FU; and two had extensive glans hyperkeratosis and severe dysplasia.RESULTSThere were no postoperative complications. All skin grafts took successfully, and the cosmetic results were excellent. In all cases, pathological resection margins were clear. To date, there has been no evidence of disease recurrence on follow‐up (median 30 months, range 7–45).CONCLUSIONSTGR is a successful surgical alternative for managing intractable premalignant penile lesions. It has the potential to restore normal anatomy and minimize the risk of local recurrence by replacing diseased epithelium and subepithelial tissues with healthy extra‐genital skin.
Spontaneous reduction of bladder base prolapse with gradual filling: a video‐urodynamic observation
Authors: GOLOMB JACOB , MOR YORAM , NADU ANDREI , RAMON JACOB 
Published: August 2006

OBJECTIVETo report video‐urodynamic observations on the effect of gradual bladder filling on the degree of bladder base prolapse while erect, as the effect of bladder fullness on the degree of bladder base descent in patients with a cystocele has rarely been addressed.PATIENTS AND METHODSThirty‐six consecutive patients with complaints of a protruding vaginal mass due to bladder prolapse underwent video‐urodynamic studies, comprised of filling and voiding cystometry with contrast material, while standing.RESULTSDuring filling cystometry, in 16 of 36 patients (44%) the prolapse gradually and spontaneously reduced with increasing bladder volumes, so that at cystometric capacity the bladder base was completely reduced. Straining at cystometric capacity did not affect the bladder base position and, during voiding cystometry, the bladder base remained completely reduced. In the remaining 20 patients there was only partial reduction of the cystocele during bladder filling, i.e. the cystocele was reduced by half or less. Seven of the 16 patients with a full reduction of cystocele had concurrent uterine prolapse, compared with 15 of 20 (80%) who had only partial or no spontaneous reduction; the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.02).CONCLUSIONThese video‐urodynamic results suggest that when erect the degree of bladder base descent is volume‐dependent, and that concomitant uterine prolapse might hinder spontaneous reduction of the cystocele.
Young children's use of a delayed video representation to solve a retrieval problem pertaining to self
Authors: Skouteris Helen , Spataro Josie , Lazaridis Mary 
Published: August 2006

Abstract The experiments reported here were concerned with the development of delayed self‐recognition. Children were videotaped playing a game and were marked covertly with a sticker on their forehead while doing so. The findings, of both a cross‐sectional sample and a prospective longitudinal one, revealed that 3‐ but not 2.5‐year‐old children reached to remove this sticker reliably during video playback only after they had been trained to use the video to guide their search for an object that was not directly visible to the unaided eye. It appears that by 3 years of age children understand that their briefly delayed self video‐representation is related to their present self. In contrast, while 2.5‐year‐olds can use delayed video information to locate objects in space that cannot be seen by the unaided eye, they cannot use this type of information to locate an object that pertains to a part of self that is not directly visible, such as a sticker on one's hair. The findings are discussed in terms of the emergence of an extended sense of self.
Disentangling Age, Cohort and Time Effects in the Additive Model*
Authors: McKenzie David J. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThis paper presents a new approach to the old problem of linear dependency of age, cohort and time effects. It is shown that second differences of the effects can be estimated without any normalization restrictions, providing information on the shape of the age‐, cohort‐ and time‐effect profiles, and enabling identification of structural breaks. A Wald test is provided to test the popular linear and quadratic specifications against a very general alternative. The method is illustrated through examples which show its ability to detect structural breaks in time effects as a result of the Mexican peso crisis, and to determine whether the age‐effect profile in the variance of Taiwanese log consumption is concave or convex.
Papillon‐Lefevre syndrome associated with albinism. Clinical and immunological study
Authors: Amer Mohammed , Mostafa Fawzia Farag , Tosson Zenab , Hegazi Ahmmed 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackground We report the first association of Papillon‐Lefevre syndrome (PLS) with tyrosinase‐negative albinism in two brothers. Also, we studied T‐lymphocytes and mononuclear cell activity in them and in two other cases of PLS not associated with albinism.Objective To recognize clinical and immunological correlation.Methods Four PLS patients from 3 different families were studied clinically and immunologically. Two brothers (albino) in one family had recurrent infections. The other two patients from two other families had no infection. The patients’ healthy parents were also included in the study.Results A decreased lymphocyte proliferative response to phytohaemaglutinin and in mononuclear cell activities were detected not only in the PLS patients with recurrent pyogenic infection, but also in their healthy parents. Further investigations of these patients showed impaired humoral and cellular immune response. PLS patients with no infection and their parents showed normal immunologic parameters.Conclusion We suggest dividing PLS on clinical and immunological bases into two variants: PLS with pyogenic infections and the other variety without such infection. PLS with pyogenic infections is associated with immunologic dysfunction. Periodontosis could not be explained on an immunological basis.
Female sexual receptivity after partial copulations in the wolf spider (Schizocosa malitiosa)
Authors: Estramil N. , Costa F. G. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractMated females of the wolf spider Schizocosa malitiosa are frequently refractory to further copulations. Copulation consists of two successive behavioural patterns: pattern I (PI) and pattern II (PII). During PI males make multiple consecutive insertions with each palp, and in PII males alternate the use of palps after each insertion until dismounting. As both patterns are inseminatory, another function – such as generating female reluctance – is suggested for this complex behaviour. Here we test experimentally whether female spiders mated only with PI, or only with PII, are reluctant to re‐mate. Each copulating male was interrupted immediately after the end of PI (phase A), and the same male was instantly exposed to a second virgin female. After re‐mounting, the male initially performed a brief recapitulation of PI followed by PII (both together considered as phase B). For testing female sexual reluctance, females were exposed to a second male 3 days after the partial mating, but whenever the mounting occurred it was interrupted. Females were raised and progeny was counted. Phase‐A‐mated females were more reluctant to re‐mating than phase‐B‐mated females, but their respective progeny was similar. We suggest that female reluctance is caused by sperm‐associated substances transferred during PI.
Brain capillary endothelial cells mediate iron transport into the brain by segregating iron from transferrin without the involvement of divalent metal transporter 1
Authors: Moos Torben , Skjoerringe Tina , Gosk Sara , Morgan Evan H. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractRats were studied for [59Fe‐125I]transferrin uptake in total brain, and fractions containing brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) or neurons and glia. 59Fe was transported through BCECs, whereas evidence of similar transport of transferrin was questionable. Intravenously injected transferrin localized to BCECs and failed to accumulate within neurons, except near the ventricles. No significant difference in [125I]transferrin distribution was observed between Belgrade b/b rats with a mutation in divalent metal transporter I (DMT1), and Belgrade +/b rats with regard to accumulation in vascular and postvascular compartments. 59Fe occurred in significantly lower amounts in the postvascular compartment in Belgrade b/b rats, indicating impaired iron uptake by transferrin receptor and DMT1‐expressing neurons. Immunoprecipitation with transferrin antibodies on brains from Belgrade rats revealed lower uptake of transferrin‐bound 59Fe. In postnatal (P)0 rats, less 59Fe was transported into the postvascular compartment than at later ages, suggesting that BCECs accumulate iron at P0. Supporting this notion, an in situ perfusion technique revealed that BCECs accumulated ferrous and ferric iron only at P0. However, BCECs at P0 together with those of older age lacked DMT1. In conclusion, BCECs probably mediate iron transport into the brain by segregating iron from transferrin without involvement of DMT1.
P25α/Tubulin polymerization promoting protein expression by myelinating oligodendrocytes of the developing rat brain
Authors: Skjoerringe Tina , Lundvig Ditte M. S. , Jensen Poul H. , Moos Torben 
Published: August 2006

AbstractP25α/tubulin polymerization promoting protein (TPPP) is a brain specific phosphoprotein that displays microtubule bundling activity. In the mature brain, p25α/TPPP distributes to oligodendrocytes and choroid plexus epithelium. We mapped the spatial and temporal distribution of p25α/TPPP in the developing rat brain. Having localized its expression to neuronal tissue by Western blot analyses, the distribution of p25α/TPPP to developing oligodendrocytes was confirmed using a specific antibody. In the pre‐natal and post‐natal brain, p25α/TPPP was localized to the perinuclear cytoplasm of myelinating oligodendrocytes from embryonic (E) day E20 as verified from cellular co‐localization with 2′,3′‐cyclic nucleotide 3′‐phosphodiesterase (CNP). Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and pre‐myelinating oligodendrocytes identified by the expression of NG2 proteoglycan and CD9, respectively, both failed to contain p25α/TPPP. In contrast, P25α/TPPP co‐localized with βIV‐tubulin from post‐natal (p) day P10 suggesting that p25α/TPPP plays an important role for tubulin‐related transport in developing, myelinating oligodendrocytes.
Alcohol Septal Ablation for Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy: A Systematic Review of Published Studies
Authors: ALAM MAHBOOB , DOKAINISH HISHAM , LAKKIS NASSER 
Published: August 2006

Objective: Alcohol septal ablation (ASA) for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) has emerged as a lesser invasive alternative to surgical myectomy over the past decade. The purpose of this study is to analyze all the published literature on outcomes and complications after ASA.
Methods: MEDLINE and PubMed were searched for all available published literature on ASA (June 1996–June 2005) using the terms hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM), alcohol septal ablation for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, alcohol septal ablation for HOCM, alcohol septal ablation (ASA), transcoronary alcohol septal ablation for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (TASH), transcoronary alcohol septal ablation for HOCM, nonsurgical septal reduction therapy (NSRT), and percutaneous transcoronary septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA).
Results: A total of 42 published studies (2,959 patients) were analyzed. Mean age was 53.5 (35.4–72) years with a mean male to female ratio of 1.17. Mean follow‐up was 12.7 ± 0.3 months (1.5–43.2). Absolute ethanol (3 mL) was injected in 1.2 septal perforator arteries. On average, serum CK peaked at 964 units. At 12 months, there was a sustained decrease in resting and provoked LVOT gradient (65.3–15.8 and 125.4–31.5 mmHg, respectively) accompanied by reduction in basal septal diameter (20.9–13.9 mm), improvement in NYHA Class (2.9–1.2), and increase in exercise capacity (325.3–437.5 seconds). Early mortality (within 30 days) was 1.5% (0.0–5.0%) and late mortality (beyond 30 days) was 0.5% (0.0–9.3%). Other complications include ventricular fibrillation (2.2%), LAD dissection (1.8%), complete heart block requiring permanent pacemaker (10.5%), and pericardial effusion (0.6%). A repeat ASA was performed on 6.6% of patients and 1.9% of patients underwent surgical myomectomy with resolution of symptoms.
Conclusions: Literature to date suggests that ASA results in acute and intermediate‐term favorable clinical and echocardiographic outcomes. A randomized controlled trial is needed to compare ASA and myomectomy in order to determine which technique provides maximal benefit.